bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Primitivity of Ideals in Skew Polynomial Rings of Automorphism Type
Authors: Soares Miranda Edilson
Published: May 2016

We extend results about primitive ideals in polynomial rings over nil rings originally proved by Smoktunowicz (2005) forσ-primitive ideals in skew polynomial rings of automorphism type.
Isolated Retropancreatic Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Mimicking Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Kuriry H. , Alenezi R. , Alghamdi A. , Swied A. M.
Published: May 2016

Tuberculosis as a cause of obstructive jaundice is a rare entity with only a few cases reported in the literature. Patients with this condition usually present with a protracted illness, jaundice, and weight loss, which may be confused with malignancies. We are reporting unusual case of isolated enlarged tuberculous lymph node compressing the common bile duct in the retropancreatic region and causing obstructive jaundice in an immunocompetent patient which to the best of our knowledge is the first case of isolated retropancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis in Saudi Arabia.
Compensatory Analysis and Optimization for MADM for Heterogeneous Wireless Network Selection
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhu Can-yan
Published: May 2016

In the next-generation heterogeneous wireless networks, a mobile terminal with a multi-interface may have network access from different service providers using various technologies. In spite of this heterogeneity, seamless intersystem mobility is a mandatory requirement. One of the major challenges for seamless mobility is the creation of a network selection scheme, which is for users that select an optimal network with best comprehensive performance between different types of networks. However, the optimal network may be not the most reasonable one due to compensation of MADM (Multiple Attribute Decision Making), and the network is called pseudo-optimal network. This paper conducts a performance evaluation of a number of widely used MADM-based methods for network selection that aim to keep the mobile users always best connected anywhere and anytime, where subjective weight and objective weight are all considered. The performance analysis shows that the selection scheme based on MEW (weighted multiplicative method) and combination weight can better avoid accessing pseudo-optimal network for balancing network load and reducing ping-pong effect in comparison with three other MADM solutions.
The Mechanical Analysis of the Biofilm Streamer Nucleation and Geometry Characterization in Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Hao Mudong , Du Xin , Wang Guoqing , Matsushita Jun-ichi
Published: May 2016

Bacteria can form biofilm streamers in microfluidic channels with various geometries. Experiments show that the streamer geometry, such as its shape or thickness, depends on the fluid velocity and the geometry and curvature of the microfluidic channel. In the paper, a mechanical analysis of the flow field is made in different channels, which shows that the secondary flow in the channel is the reason for streamer nucleation and that the shear stress distribution decides the streamer geometry including shape and thickness. Through a finite elements simulation, we obtain the secondary flow forming positions in both static and rotating channels: positions that are the location of nucleation of the streamer. Thick or wide biofilm streamers occur at the points of minimum shear stress in static channels. Furthermore, in rotating channels, spiral-like streamers form, due to the helical shape of the minimum shear stress distribution. The findings may allow the prevention of biofilm formation and also the removal of bacteria adhered onto certain surfaces in channels with small cross sections. The analysis also indicates how one can obtain desirable biofilm streamers by control of the channel geometry and the loading conditions.
Integral Sliding Mode Control for Trajectory Tracking of Wheeled Mobile Robot in Presence of Uncertainties
Authors: Bessas Aicha , Benalia Atallah , Boudjema Farès
Published: May 2016

Wheeled mobile robots present a typical case of complex systems with nonholonomic constraints. In the past few years, the dominance of these systems has been a very active research field. In this paper, a new method based on an integral sliding mode control for the trajectory tracking of wheeled mobile robots is proposed. The controller is designed to solve the reaching phase problem with the elimination of matched disturbances and minimize the unmatched one. We distinguish two parts in the suggested controller: a high-level controller to stabilize the nominal system and a discontinuous controller to assess the trajectory tracking in the presence of disturbances. This controller is robust during the entire motion. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is demonstrated through simulation studies for the unicycle with matched and unmatched disturbances.
Icariin Inhibits Pulmonary Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline through Enhancement of NO/cGMP Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Li Li-sheng , Luo Yun-mei , Liu Juan , Zhang Yu , Fu Xiao-xia , Yang Dan-li
Published: May 2016

It has been reported that icariin (ICA) increased contents of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by improving expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). In addition, dysfunction of the NO/cGMP pathway may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this study, the potential protective effects of ICA on PH induced by monocrotaline (MCT, 50 mg/kg) singly subcutaneous injection were investigated and the possible mechanisms involved in NO/cGMP pathway were explored in male Sprague Dawley rats. The results showed that ICA (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/d) treatment by intragastric administration could significantly ameliorate PH and upregulate the expression of eNOS gene and downregulate the expression of PDE5 gene in MCT‐treated rats. Both ICA (40 mg/kg/d) and L‐arginine (200 mg/kg/d), a precursor of NO as positive control, notably increased the contents of NO and cGMP in lung tissue homogenate, which were inversed by treatment with  NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine‐methyl ester (L‐NAME), a NOS inhibitor, and L‐NAME‐treatment could also inhibit the protective effects of ICA (40 mg/kg/d) on mean pulmonary artery pressure and artery remodeling and tends to inhibit right ventricle hypertrophy index. In summary, ICA is effective in protecting against MCT‐induced PH in rats through enhancement of NO/cGMP signaling pathway in rats.
A Self-Adjusting Method to Resist Bus Bunching Based on Boarding Limits
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Lu Chunxiu , Liang Shidong , Liu Huasheng
Published: May 2016

Bus bunching is one of the most serious problems of urban bus systems. Bus bunching increases waiting and travel time of passengers. Many bus systems use schedules to reach equal headways. Compared to the idea of schedules and the target headway introduced later, we propose a new method to improve the efficiency of a bus system and avoid bus bunching by boarding limits. Our solution can be effectively implemented when buses cannot travel as planned because of bad road conditions and dynamic demands at bus stops. Besides, using our method, bus headways reach the state with equal headways dynamically and spontaneously without drivers’ explicit intervention. Moreover, the method can improve the level of the bus service and reduce total travel time of passengers. We verify our method using an ideal bus route and a real bus route, both showing the success of the proposed method.
Comparison between Limbal and Pars Plana Approaches Using Microincision Vitrectomy for Removal of Congenital Cataracts with Primary Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Liu Xin , Zheng Tianyu , Zhou Xingtao , Lu Yi , Zhou Peng , Fan Fan , Luo Yi
Published: May 2016

Purpose. To compare the surgical outcomes of limbal versus pars plana vitrectomy using the 23-gauge microincision system for removal of congenital cataracts with primary intraocular lens implantation.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all eyes that underwent cataract removal through limbal or pars plana incision. Main outcome measures included visual outcomes and complications.Results. We included 40 eyes (26 patients) in the limbal group and 41 eyes (30 patients) in the pars plana group. The mean age was 46 months. There was no significant difference in best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups (P=0.64). Significantly, more eyes had at least one intraoperative complication in the limbal group than in the pars plana group (P=0.03) that were mainly distributed at 1.5–3 years of age (P=0.01). The most common intraoperative complications were iris aspiration, iris prolapse, and iris injury. More eyes in the limbal group had postoperative complications and required additional intraocular surgery, but the difference was not significant (P=0.19).Conclusions. The visual results were encouraging in both approaches. We recommend the pars plana approach for lower incidence of complications. The limbal approach should be reserved for children older than 3 years of age and caution should be exercised to minimize iris disturbance.
Innovative Correlation Coefficient Measurement with Fuzzy Data
Authors: Wu Berlin , Hung Chin Feng
Published: May 2016

Correlation coefficients are commonly found with crisp data. In this paper, we use Pearson’s correlation coefficient and propose a method for evaluating correlation coefficients for fuzzy interval data. Our empirical studies involve the relationship between mathematics achievement and other projects.
Change in Practice over Four Decades in the Management of Graves’ Disease in Scotland
Authors: Smith D. M. , Dutta S. , Ahmed F. , Thaha M. A.
Published: May 2016

There is continuing debate on the optimal treatment for Grave’s thyrotoxicosis with a resultant variation in clinical practice. The present study aimed to ascertain changes in practice in the treatment of Grave’s thyrotoxicosis in Tayside, Scotland, over the past four decades.Methods. The “Scottish automated follow-up register” (SAFUR) was queried to identify all patients treated for Grave’s thyrotoxicosis from 1968 to 2007 inclusive. Patients were divided into 4 groups (Groups A to D) according to the decades. Demographic profile, treatment modalities, radioactive iodine (RAI) dose, and recurrence rates were studied and outcomes were compared byχ2test and ANOVA using SPSS v15.0. Apvalue of < 0.05 was considered significant.Results. Altogether, 3737 patients were diagnosed with Grave’s thyrotoxicosis over the 4 decades. Use of RAI has increased from 43.1% in Group A to 68% in Group D (p<0.001). The dose of RAI has increased (p<0.001) and there has been a reduction in recurrence rate with higher dose of RAI. Surgical intervention rates decreased from 55.3% to 12.3% (p<0.001) over time.Conclusions. Analysis of a large dataset of patients with Grave’s thyrotoxicosis suggests increasing use of RAI as the preferred first line of treatment. Furthermore, using a single higher dose of RAI and adoption of total thyroidectomy have decreased recurrence rates.
On a Fixed Point Theorem with Application to Integral Equations
Authors: Nazam Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad
Published: May 2016

We introduce the notion of dualistic Geraghty’s type contractions. We prove some fixed point theorems for ordered mappings satisfying the abovementioned contractions. We discuss an application of our fixed point results to show the existence of solution of integral equations.
Combination of Eribulin and Aurora A Inhibitor MLN8237 Prevents Metastatic Colonization and Induces Cytotoxic Autophagy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kozyreva Varvara K. , Kiseleva Anna A. , Ice Ryan J. , Jones Brandon C. , Loskutov Yuriy V. , Matalkah Fatimah , Smolkin Matthew B. , Marinak Kristina , Livengood Ryan H. , Salkeni Mohamad A. , Wen Sijin , Hazard Hannah W. , Layne Ginger P. , Walsh Callee M. , Cantrell Pamela S. , Kilby Greg W. , Mahavadi Sricharan , Shah Neal , Pugacheva Elena N.
Published: May 2016

Recent findings suggest that the inhibition of Aurora A (AURKA) kinase may offer a novel treatment strategy against metastatic cancers. In the current study, we determined the effects of AURKA inhibition by the small molecule inhibitor MLN8237 both as a monotherapy and in combination with the microtubule-targeting drug eribulin on different stages of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and defined the potential mechanism of its action. MLN8237 as a single agent and in combination with eribulin affected multiple steps in the metastatic process, including migration, attachment, and proliferation in distant organs, resulting in suppression of metastatic colonization and recurrence of cancer. Eribulin application induces accumulation of active AURKA in TNBC cells, providing foundation for the combination therapy. Mechanistically, AURKA inhibition induces cytotoxic autophagy via activation of the LC3B/p62 axis and inhibition of pAKT, leading to eradication of metastases, but has no effect on growth of mammary tumor. Combination of MLN8237 with eribulin leads to a synergistic increase in apoptosis in mammary tumors, as well as cytotoxic autophagy in metastases. These preclinical data provide a new understanding of the mechanisms by which MLN8237 mediates its antimetastatic effects and advocates for its combination with eribulin in future clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer and early-stage solid tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1809–22. ©2016 AACR.
In situ Effect of Chewing Gum with and without CPP-ACP on Enamel Surface Hardness Subsequent to ex vivo Acid Challenge
Authors: Jordão M.C. , Alencar C.R.B. , Mesquita I.M. , Buzalaf M.A.R. , Magalhães A.C. , Machado M.A.A.M. , Honório H.M. , Rios D.
Published: May 2016

The erosion-protective effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the ability of CPP-ACP chewing gum to prevent a single event of erosive demineralization in situ. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 120) were randomly assigned to 3 phases according to the baseline surface hardness: phase I (PI) - chewing gum with CPP-ACP, phase II (PII) - chewing gum without CPP-ACP, and control phase (PIII) - salivary effect without stimulation (no gum). Nineteen volunteers participated in this study during 3 crossover phases of 2 h. In PI and PII, the volunteers wore intraoral palatal appliances for 120 min and chewed a unit of the corresponding chewing gum for the final 30 min. In the control phase the volunteers wore the appliance for 2 h, without chewing gum. Immediately after intraoral use, the appliances were extraorally immersed in a cola drink for 5 min to promote erosive demineralization. The percentage of surface hardness loss was calculated. The data were analyzed by ANOVA models and Tukey's test. Lower enamel hardness loss was found after the use of chewing gum with CPP-ACP (PI: 32.7%) and without CPP-ACP (PII: 33.5%) compared to the salivary effect without stimulation (PIII: 39.8%) (p < 0.05). There was no difference between PI and PII (p > 0.05). The results suggest that the use of chewing gum immediately before an erosive demineralization can diminish enamel hardness loss. However, the presence of CPP-ACP in the chewing gum cannot enhance this protective effect.
Genetic Variants of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Urticaria/Angioedema
Authors: Plaza-Serón María del Carmen , Blanca-López Natalia , Pérez-Sánchez Natalia , Doña Inmaculada , Acosta-Herrera Marialbert , Pino-Yanes María , Flores Carlos , Cornejo-García José Antonio , Perkins James R. , Molina Ana , Torres Maria José , Blanca Miguel , Canto María Gabriela , Ayuso Pedro
Published: May 2016

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequent agents involved in hypersensitivity drug reactions, with NSAID-induced urticaria and/or angioedema (NIUA) being the most common entity. Mast cells are key players in NIUA and are activated by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). This cytokine functions through recognition by its receptor, composed of IL7Rα (interleukin-7 receptor alpha) and TSLPR (TSLP receptor). These genes have been previously associated with other inflammatory diseases. Methods: We assessed the genetic association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TSLP, IL7R and TSLPR and NIUA in Spanish individuals, using genotyped and imputed data. A total of 369 unrelated NIUA patients and 580 NSAID-tolerant control subjects were included, and 6 SNPs in TSLP, 6 in IL7R and 3 in TSLPR were genotyped. Further variants were imputed using Mach and the 1,000 Genomes Project (Phase 3) data. Association testing and statistical analyses were performed with Mach2dat and R. Results: A total of 139 SNPs were tested for association following quality control. Two SNPs in TSLP (rs1816678 and rs764917) showed a nominal association (p = 0.033 and 0.024, respectively) with NIUA, although these results were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Although TSLP, IL7R and TSLPR are important genes involved in the development of the inflammatory response, we found no significant genetic association with NIUA in our population for common SNPs in these genes.
C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Analysis in Cases with Pathologically Confirmed Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Geiger Joshua T. , Arthur Karissa C. , Dawson Ted M. , Rosenthal Liana S. , Pantelyat Alexander , Albert Marilyn , Hillis Argye E. , Crain Barbara , Pletnikova Olga , Troncoso Juan C. , Scholz Sonja W.
Published: May 2016

Background: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia affecting the elderly. The GGGGCC hexanucleotide expansion mutation at the C9orf72 locus has been identified as a major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, raising the question of whether this mutation is a factor in DLB. Furthermore, a small number of clinically diagnosed DLB patients have previously been reported to carry the pathologic C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. Objective: To explore whether the C9orf72 mutation is present in pathologically confirmed DLB patients. Methods: We screened a cohort of 111 definite DLB cases with extensive Lewy body pathology for the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion using the repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: No pathogenic expansions of the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat were found, suggesting that there is no causal relationship between C9orf72 and DLB. Conclusion: Our data illustrate that C9orf72 screening of clinically diagnosed DLB patients should only be considered in cases with a family history of motor neuron disease or frontotemporal dementia to distinguish between mimic diseases.
Development of a Database of the Fluoride Content of Selected Drinks and Foods in the UK
Authors: Zohoori F. Vida , Maguire Anne
Published: May 2016

It is important to monitor systemic fluoride (F) intake from foods, drinks and inadvertent toothpaste ingestion in order to minimise the risk of dental fluorosis while maximising caries prevention. In the UK, an F database containing the F content of commercially available foods and drinks was compiled from 518 products analysed using an acid-diffusion method and F-ion-selective electrode. The individual products analysed ranged from <0.01 µg F/100 g for butter/margarine (miscellaneous foods group) to 1,054.20 µg F/100 g for canned sardines (fish group). These findings, along with the wide range of F contents found within the food groups, highlight the need for comprehensive F content labelling of food and drink products.
Lack of Association between NYD-SP18 Variant and Obesity. The Health Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe Study
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Pikhart Hynek , Kubinova Ruzena , Peasey Anne , Malyutina Sofia , Pajak Andrzej , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Bobak Martin
Published: May 2016

Aim: To replicate the finding that the polymorphism rs6971091 within the NYD-SP18 gene is associated with body mass index (BMI). Method: We analysed data of 29,284 adults (46.2% of males, mean age 58.9 (SD 7.3), mean BMI 28.6 (5.0 kg/m2)) examined within the Health Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe study in the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania and Russia. Results: BMI did not differ by rs6971091 genotype. In men, the mean BMI (SEs) in GG, GA and AA carriers were 27.8 (0.05), 27.9 (0.06) and 27.9 (0.14) kg/m2, respectively, (p = 0.26); in women, the corresponding values were 29.2 (0.06), 29.1 (0.07) and 29.1 (0.16), p = 0.57. In Czech subjects (n = 6,752), for whom the FTO rs17817449 genotype was available, there was no interaction between the NYD-SP18 and FTO polymorphisms in determination of BMI. Adjustment for age, energy and fat intake and physical activity did not materially change the results. There was no association of the NYD-SP18 genotype with waist-hip ratio. Conclusion: This study in a large Slavonic population sample suggests that the rs6971091 variant within the NYD-SP18 gene is not an important determinant of obesity in middle-aged persons.
Tubular Transport in Acute Kidney Injury: Relevance for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Intervention
Authors: Vallon Volker
Published: May 2016

The clinical diagnosis and recovery of acute kidney injury (AKI) are mainly based on the rapid decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and its subsequent recovery. The factors that determine kidney recovery and reduce the risk of subsequent progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), however, are poorly understood. Thus, there is a need to better define the magnitude and time pattern of changes in kidney function during AKI and its recovery that go beyond GFR. Tubular transport regulates body homeostasis and the associated transport work is a primary determinant of the kidneys' energy needs. The tubular system is at the center of the pathophysiology of AKI and its recovery. In particular, proximal tubules and thick ascending limbs have been proposed to act as sensors, effectors and injury recipients of AKI stimuli. Surprisingly little attention has been given to aspects of tubular transport function in AKI and the relevance for kidney recovery. This review aims to outline changes in tubular transport function in AKI, discusses their potential consequences and relevance for the diagnosis and prognosis of AKI and its recovery, including changes in GFR, and poses the question whether tubular transport provides an opportunity for intervention to rest the tubular system, which may have consequences for the progression to CKD.
Shooting for the Moon or Flying Too Near the Sun? Crossing the Value Rubicon in Precision Cancer Care
Authors: Lawler Mark , French Declan , Henderson Raymond , Aggarwal Ajay , Sullivan Richard
Published: May 2016

In his last two State of the Union addresses, President Barack Obama has focused on the need to deliver innovative solutions to improve human health, through the Precision Medicine Initiative in 2015 and the recently announced Cancer Moonshot in 2016. Precision cancer care has delivered clear patient benefit, but even for high-impact medicines such as imatinib mesylate (Glivec) in chronic myeloid leukaemia, the excitement at the success of this practice-changing clinical intervention has been somewhat tempered by the escalating price of this ‘poster child' for precision cancer medicine (PCM). Recent studies on the costs of cancer drugs have revealed significant price differentials, which are a major causative factor behind disparities in the access to new generations of immunological and molecularly targeted agents. In this perspective, we will discuss the benefits of PCM to modern cancer control, but also emphasise how increasing costs are rendering the current approaches to integrating the paradigm of PCM unsustainable. Despite the ever increasing pressure on cancer and health care budgets, innovation will and must continue. Value-based frameworks offer one of the most rational approaches for policymakers committed to improving cancer outcomes through a public health approach.
A Conceptual Framework of Mapping Access to Health Care across EU Countries: The Patient Access Initiative
Authors: Souliotis Kyriakos , Hasardzhiev Stanimir , Agapidaki Eirini
Published: May 2016

Research evidence suggests that access to health care is the key influential factor for improved population health outcomes and health care system sustainability. Although the importance of addressing barriers in access to health care across European countries is well documented, little has been done to improve the situation. This is due to different definitions, approaches and policies, and partly due to persisting disparities in access within and between European countries. To bridge this gap, the Patient Access Partnership (PACT) developed (a) the ‘5As' definition of access, which details the five critical elements (adequacy, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness, and availability) of access to health care, (b) a multi-stakeholders' approach for mapping access, and (c) a 13-item questionnaire based on the 5As definition in an effort to address these obstacles and to identify best practices. These tools are expected to contribute effectively to addressing access barriers in practice, by suggesting a common framework and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, in order to improve access to health care between and within European countries.
Early Patient Access to Medicines: Health Technology Assessment Bodies Need to Catch Up with New Marketing Authorization Methods
Authors: Leyens Lada , Brand Angela
Published: May 2016

National and international medicines agencies have developed innovative methods to expedite promising new medicines to the market and facilitate early patient access. Some of these approval pathways are the conditional approval and the adaptive pathways by the European Medicines Agency (EMA); the Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM) designation and the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as the Fast Track, Breakthrough or Accelerated Approval methods by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, at least in Europe, these methods cannot achieve the goal of improving timely access for patients to new medicines on their own; the reimbursement process also has to become adaptive and flexible. In the past 2 years, the effective access (national patient access) to newly approved oncology drugs ranged from 1 to 30 months, with an extremely high variability between European countries. The goal of early patient access in Europe can only be achieved if the national health technology assessment bodies, such as NICE (ENG), HAS (FR), G-BA (DE) or AIFA (IT), provide harmonized, transparent, flexible, conditional and adaptive methods that adopt the level of evidence accepted by the medicines agencies. The efforts from medicines agencies are welcome but will be in vain if health technology assessments do not follow with similar initiatives, and the European ‘postcode' lottery will continue.
NOTA FISCAL DE SERVIÇOS ELETRÔNICA: UMA ANÁLISE DOS IMPACTOS NA ARRECADAÇÃO EM MUNICÍPIOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: De Angeli Neto Humberto , Martinez Antonio Lopo
Published: May 2016

Este artigo analisou a evolução dos sistemas informacionais desenvolvidos pelos governos (em especial as notas fiscais eletrônicas) como uma forma de possibilitar uma maior arrecadação para as administrações tributárias. Nesta pesquisa procurou-se investigar a relação entre os aumentos de arrecadação no imposto de serviços sobre qualquer natureza (ISSQN) per capita e os efeitos da implantação do sistema de notas fiscais de serviços eletrônicas (NFS-e) nos municípios brasileiros mais populosos. Verificou-se que não há evidência de um aumento da arrecadação de impostos sobre qualquer natureza (ISSQN) per capita após a implantação das notas fiscais de serviços eletrônicas. Esses resultados foram semelhantes aos apresentados nos estudos de Mattos et al (2013) que analisou o impacto do Programa Nota Fiscal Paulista sobre a arrecadação do Estado de São Paulo.
RACIOCÍNIO CRÍTICO EM AMBIENTES VIRTUAIS
Authors: Passos Ivan Carlin , Cornacchione Junior Edgard Bruno , Gaio Luiz Eduardo , Brito Eduardo De
Published: May 2016

Nos últimos anos o Brasil vem ocupando uma posição de destaque econômico no mundo, porém não se observa o mesmo quando se trata de qualidade do ensino, tanto em nível básico quanto superior. As novas gerações nascidas na Era Digital, como a denominada “Geração Y” ou mesmo  a “Z” apresentam diversas qualidades, porém dentre suas deficiências, preocupa o fato de adorarem tecnologias que competem com outras atividades que desenvolvem raciocínio critico, como a leitura e solução de problemas. A habilidade de Raciocínio Crítico (Critical Thinking) é enfatizada como importante para diversos tipos de profissionais e pesquisada há muitos anos. O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar empiricamente a aplicação do modelo de desenvolvimento de Raciocínio Crítico de Richard Paul no ambiente virtual Moodle em alunos de disciplinas contábeis. Aplicou-se um quase experimento, no primeiro semestre de 2013, em alunos do curso de graduação presencial em Administração na disciplina Orçamento Empresarial e Controladoria de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior do interior do Estado de São Paulo. O instrumento de avaliação de raciocínio crítico foi o Ennis Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test (EWCTET). O principal resultado foi que o modelo de Richard Paul não teve efeito significativo no desenvolvimento de habilidades de raciocínio crítico quando aplicado em uma abordagem mista e via ambiente virtual de aprendizagem Moodle, contrariando pesquisas anteriores. Para futuras pesquisas, sugerem-se amostras maiores que possibilitem melhorar o poder estatístico dos resultados e a investigação de formas de controle que intensifiquem o tempo de dedicação dos alunos nas atividades assíncronas.
The Asia Minor Greek Adpositional Cycle
Authors: Karatsareas Petros
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the interplay of language-internal continuity and external influence in the cyclical development of the Asia Minor Greek adpositional system. The Modern Greek dialects of Asia Minor inherited an adpositional system of the Late Medieval Greek type whereby secondary adpositions regularly combined with primary adpositions to encode spatial region. Secondary adpositions could originally precede simple adpositions ([preposition + preposition + NP
ACC
]) or follow the adpositional complement ([preposition + NP
ACC
+ postposition]). Asia Minor Greek replicated the structure of Ottoman Turkish postpositional phrases to resolve this variability, fixing the position of secondary adpositions after the complement and thus developing circumpositions of the type [preposition + NP
ACC
+ postposition]. Later, some varieties dropped the primary preposition se from circumpositional phrases, leaving (secondary) postpositions as the only overt relator ([NP
ACC
+ postposition]) in some environments. In addition, a number of Turkish postpositions were borrowed wholesale, thus enriching the Greek adpositional inventory.
Mean Length of Utterance in Cypriot Greek-speaking Children
Authors: Voniati Louiza
Published: May 2016

While research undertaken worldwide indicates that mean length of utterance (MLU) is a valuable index in investigations of child language development, to date there have been no studies exploring MLU in pre-primary Cypriot Greek (CYG)-speaking children. The participants in this study were 36 monolingual CYG-speaking children at ages 36, 40, 44 and 48 months, with a typical course of language development. The findings demonstrated that MLU counted in words (MLU-w) of typically developing CYG-speaking children had a positive correlation with age (from 36 to 48 months) and a non-significant difference in MLU-w by gender at each age point, and that typically developing CYG-speaking children, for the age range studied, tended to produce more multiword utterance types. An outcome of this study is an MLU-w database which could be used, with some caution, in the language assessment of a similar population or as the basis for future studies. Areas for further research are identified.
Building the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the asean through Multi-Focal Norm Entrepreneurship
Authors: Veneracion-Rallonza Ma. Lourdes
Published: May 2016

Women, Peace and Security (wps) as a global agenda has gained traction since it was institutionalized in the United Nations Security Council fifteen years ago. By December 2014, 46 out of 193 Member States of the United Nations have adopted their National Action Plans to systematically implement their respective country commitments to wps. To date, 24 of the countries with National Action Plans are in Europe while 13 are in Africa; the Asia Pacific Region has 6 and the Americas have 3. In Southeast Asia, only the Philippines has developed a National Action Plan within the framework of the wps while other countries integrated it in the existing broad policy and programmatic frames such as addressing violence against women. At the level of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (asean), taking on the agenda of women, peace and security has yet to move beyond communicative rhetoric. This paper is an attempt to explore how wps can be made part of the regional agenda on human protection and mass atrocities prevention, by mapping out discursive and institutional entry points within several asean Member States and within asean itself through the idea of multi-focal norm entrepreneurship.
The African Union as a Norm Entrepreneur: The Limits of Human Protection and Mass Atrocities Prevention
Authors: Murithi Tim
Published: May 2016

This article will argue that despite its role as a norm entrepreneur the African Union (au), when analysed through the un Secretary-General’s 3-Pillar framework of responsibility, has only had limited success and faced significant constraints in promoting Pan-African norms relating to sovereignty and non-interference, governance and development in order to achieve human protection and the prevention of mass atrocities. Human protection refers to protection of civilians from human rights abuses with a particular focus on mass atrocity crimes. This article will also assess the evolving au-un partnership and conclude by assessing the limits of norm building and propose strategies for enhancing human protection in Africa.
Contribution to the knowledge of Stenochironomus Kieffer (Diptera, Chironomidae) from Brazil: seven new species and description of females and immatures of some previously known species
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P. S. , HAMADA NEUSA , MENDES HUMBERTO F.
Published: May 2016

Twenty two species of Stenochironomus Kieffer are known from Brazil, 19 of which occur in the Amazon region. In order to increase knowledge of the taxonomy of this genus in the Amazon region, collections were carried out in streams located in Presidente Figueiredo, Manaus and Itacoatiara municipalities, Amazonas State. Leaves and wood mined by Stenochironomus larvae were collected and transported to the laboratory where they were kept until adult emergence. Seven new species were found, one of which is described in the immature stages and as adults of both sexes (S. amazonicus sp. n.), one as immatures and adult male (S. liviae sp. n.), four as male and pupa (S. bare sp. n., S. figueiredoensis sp. n., S. gracilis sp. nov. and S. manauara sp. n.) and one only as male (S. suzanae sp. n.). Additionally, the female, pupa and larva of S. impendens Borkent, pupa and larva of S. jubatus Borkent, female and pupa of S. zonarius Borkent and female of S. palliaculeatus Borkent were described.
Review of the genus Stenothemus Bourgeois from Taiwan, with description of three new species (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) and additional distributional records of previously known species
Authors: HSIAO YUN , OKUSHIMA YÛICHI , YANG PING-SHIH
Published: May 2016

The genus Stenothemus Bourgeois from Taiwan is reviewed, with description of three new species: S. lupus sp. nov., S. gemini sp. nov. and S. vulpecula sp. nov. Each species is described with photos of habitus, and the new species also include illustrations of aedeagi, female genitalia and abdominal ventrite VII (= sternite VIII) of female if available. In addition, the female of S. mamorui Okushima & M. Satô, 1999 is described for the first time, and female genitalia and the abdominal ventrite VII are illustrated. A distribution map of Stenothemus from Taiwan is presented, and an updated key for the identification of Stenothemus species from Taiwan is given.
Revision of the genus Pollux (Acari: Erythraeidae) and redescription of P. kovalamicus
Authors: SABOORI ALIREZA , TAEMOORI GHOLAM HUSEIN , HAKIMITABAR MASOUD
Published: May 2016

Pollux kovalamicus Haitlinger, 2002 is redescribed based on the holotype and three additional specimens (larvae) collected from Iran (Sistan and Baluchistan Province) and Pakistan. It is the first report of the genus from Iran. The following character states from the original description are corrected: scutum and scutalae AL and PL present, ML absent, 4n setae on BFe I (3 in original description), microseta on Ge I and II and Ti I present (absent in original description); companion seta (z) and famulus on Ta I and II present (absent in original description). Pollux walii Kamran et al., 2010 is herein considered to be a junior synonym of P. kovalamicus. A key to the world species of Pollux is given.
Lysippe nikiti sp. nov. (Polychaeta, Terebellomorpha) from the deep Pacific and Indian Oceans with an amendment to the generic diagnosis of Lysippe
Authors: JIRKOV IGOR A.
Published: May 2016

Lysippe nikiti n. sp. is described from abyssal depths in the North Pacific and Indian Oceans. It differs from other species of the genus in that it has 14 thoracic uncinigers, ten abdominal uncinigers and three pairs of branchiae. The generic diagnosis is emended to include the newly described fully retractable nuchal organs of the type species L. labiata and details of the position of the nephridiopores. The validity of Samytha is discussed and it is proposed that this genus be treated as junior synonym of Lysippe. Of the 22 species described as Lysippe or its junior synonyms, eight: L. agulhasensis, L. capensis, L. vanelli—type species of Eclysippe, Samytha bioculata—type species of Mooresamytha, S. (?) heterobranchia, S. oculata, S. pallescens—type species of Glyphanostomum and S. (?) speculatrix—have been or should, for reasons discussed here, be transferred to other genera. Neither the original description nor later redescriptions allow differentiation of Samytha californiensis from L. gurjanovae. Thus Lysippe currently includes 13 valid species: L. annectens—type species of Paralysippe, L. annenkovae, L. caeca, L. fragilis—type species of Lysippides, L. gurjanovae, L. hesslei, L. labiata, L. mexicana—type species of Pseudampharete, L. nikiti, L. nipponica, L. sexcirrata, L. storchi and L. trichobranchia.
A new Agraecina spider species from the Balkan Peninsula (FYR Macedonia) (Araneae: Liocranidae)
Authors: DELTSHEV CHRISTO , WANG CHUNXIA
Published: May 2016

Specimens were collected using pitfall traps. Coloration is described from alcohol-preserved specimens. Specimens were examined and measured using a Wild M5A stereomicroscope. Further details were studied and measured under an Olympus BX41 compound microscope. All drawings were made using a drawing apparatus attached to a Leica stereomicroscope. Male palps and female genitalia were examined and illustrated after they were dissected from the spiders’ bodies. Photos were taken with an Olympus C7070 wide zoom digital camera mounted on an Olympus SZX12 stereomicroscope. The images were montaged using Helicon Focus image stacking software. Measurements of the legs are taken from the dorsal side. Total length of the body includes the chelicerae. All measurements were taken in mm. Abbreviations used in text include: AME, anterior median eyes; ALE, anterior lateral eyes; EM, embolus; MA, median apophysis; CD, copulatory duct; ST, spermatheca; fe, femur; pa, patella; ti, tibia; mt, metatarsus; p, prolateral; d, dorsal; r, retrolateral; v, ventral. Type specimens are deposited in the National Museum of Natural History (NMNHS), Sofia, Bulgaria.
Transfer of the assassin bug Nitornus fuliginosus to the genus Apronius
(Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae)
Authors: Gil-Santana Hélcio R. , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2016

Based on examination of its lectotype (here designated), the assassin bug Nitornus fuliginosus Distant, 1902 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) is transferred to the genus Apronius Stål, 1865, with the resulting new combination: Apronius fuliginosus (Distant, 1902), comb. nov.
Understanding the gap between reality and expectation: Local social engagement and ethnic concentration
Authors: Tselios Vassilis , McCann Philip , van Dijk Jouke
Published: May 2016

It is widely known that there is a strong relationship between local ethnic concentration and local social engagement. This article attempts to take a step forward by analysing the gap between the real and the expected local social engagement and its association with local ethnic concentration. Understanding this gap may assist policy makers with better urban planning aiming for high social cohesion, particularly in those cities with high ethnic concentrations. Using the case of the Netherlands, this article finds a positive association between the real and the expected local social engagement, but this is higher for native Dutch people than for immigrants (i.e. Turks, Moroccans, Surinamese and Antilleans). This article also finds that as local ethnic concentration increases, Moroccans and Turks seem to meet their own expectations, but this effect is stronger for Moroccans. This is likely to indicate that an increase in local ethnic concentration assists Moroccans and Turks to maintain their cultural traditions, as they are able to derive benefits from each other and offer support to one another within a locality.
Experimental and numerical analysis on load-sharing behavior of gear set with simultaneously actuated pinions
Authors: Yu Haidong , Zhao Chunzhang , Wang Hao , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2016

The load-sharing behavior is important for the gear set actuated by multiple parallel pinions to avoid the excessive wear and fatigue failure. A lumped parameter dynamic model of gear set driven by three pinions simultaneously is established, in which their support stiffness and mounted positions of gear pairs are considered. A load-sharing index is defined as the ratio of the maximal and the minimal transmission loads of three gear pairs. The load-sharing behavior of gear set is numerically investigated with four distributions of three pinions. A corresponding testing device was presented. The load-sharing behavior of gear set with various mounted positions of three pinions was studied experimentally and compared with numerical results. The similar behavior denotes that the load transmission of various gear pairs has close relation with the mounted positions of pinions. Then, the load-sharing behavior of the gear set driven by three pinions is discussed in which the contact ratios and the support stiffness of pinions are considered. The results show that the increase of the contact ratios and the decrease of the support stiffness may worsen the load-sharing behavior of gear set actuated by multiple pinions. Suitable mechanical parameters of gear systems are important for the load transmission and dynamic behavior of multiple gear pairs.
How I treat acute myeloid leukemia presenting with preexisting comorbidities
Authors: Ofran Yishai , Tallman Martin S. , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: May 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating disease with an incidence that progressively increases with advancing age. Currently, only ∼40% of younger and 10% of older adults are long-term survivors. If untreated, the overall prognosis of AML remains dismal. Initiation of therapy at diagnosis is usually urgent. Barriers to successful therapy for AML are the attendant toxicities directly related to chemotherapy or those associated with inevitable aplasia. Organ dysfunction often further complicates such toxicities and may even be prohibitive. There are few guidelines to manage such patients and the fear of crossing the medico-legal abyss may dominate. Such clinical scenarios provide particular challenges and require experience for optimal management. Herein, we discuss select examples of common pretreatment comorbidities, including cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease; chronic renal failure, with and without dialysis; hepatitis and cirrhosis; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; and cerebral vascular disease. These comorbidities usually render patients ineligible for clinical trials and enormous uncertainty regarding management reigns, often to the point of withholding definitive therapy. The scenarios described herein emphasize that with appropriate subspecialty support, many AML patients with comorbidities can undergo therapy with curative intent and achieve successful long-term outcome.
The French Roots of Russian Law: Historical Analysis
Authors: Захарова Мария , Zakharova Mariya
Published: May 2016

In the article, the author carries out a historical analysis of the French law influence on the development of the Russian legal system. In this article, the author refers to the assessment of such influence at the level of the “spirit” and the “letter” of the law. In particular, “the spirit” of the French law penetrated into the Russian terrain due to close relationship maintained between France and Russia for a long period. One can observe direct dispersive influence of the French law on the evolution of the domestic system of justice at the level of the “letter” of the law in the process of drafting and implementation of the private and public law reforms. Summing up the results of the conducted research, the author, in general, positively evaluates the results of the open model of development of the Russian legal system, involving the use of foreign (particularly French) experience in the reconstruction of the national legal order, and concludes that in the context of the reforms, the Russian legislator should not maintain aloofness to global legal trends, but be part of the whole, without ceasing to be individual.
Supporting of Nomination of Candidates: Historical Context, Problems and Seeking Their Solution
Authors: Черепанов Виктор , Cherepanov Viktor
Published: May 2016

Three forms of supporting of nomination of candidates have developed in the process of establishment of the Russian electoral legislation (collection of electors’ signatures, results of previous elections, municipal filter) which in the author’s opinion do not always display such support and whose practical application gives rise to certain problems. In this regard, in the author’s opinion, such forms of support of nomination of candidates as results of previous elections and municipal filter should be eliminated from the Russian legislation. However, a threshold during registration of candidates is necessary, but only to prevent the candidates from abusing their ballot access and exclude those candidates who stand for the elections not to be elected, but for other personal purposes. Electoral pledge while preserving the signatures collection for those who can’t afford the electoral pledge might be an effective threshold for candidates who abuse their ballot access.