bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Os limites políticos de uma reforma incompleta: a implementação da lei dos recursos hídricos na Bacia do Paraíba do Sul
Authors: Ioris Antônio A. R. 
Published: January 2017

Na última década, o uso e a conservação dos recursos hídricos no Brasil têm sido objeto de um amplo processo de reformas e reorganização institucional. A experiência da BaciaHidrográfica do Rio Paraíba do Sul foi selecionada como um exemplo paradigmático das reformas institucionais em andamento no país. Fazendo uso de métodos qualitativos de pesquisa, foram analisados os objetivos e as deficiências da nova decisória. O estudo identificou, como limitante fundamental, a afirmação de uma racionalidade tecnoburocrática, empregada tanto na avaliação de problemas, quanto na formulação de respostas. A expressão mais evidente é a importância estratégica atribuída à cobrança pelo uso da água, uma ferramenta de gestão altamente controvertida e que tem levado a uma polarização de posições políticas. Em larga medida, as reformas institucionais no Paraíba do Sul têm sido limitadas em si mesmas, uma vez que a nova estrutura ainda impede a incorporação das demandas da maioria da população local e a resolução efetiva de questões ambientais historicamente estabelecidas.Palavras-chave: hidropolítica; Ecologia Política; gestão integrada de recursos hídricos; cobrança pelo uso da água; instrumentos econômicos; Paraíba do Sul. Abstract: In the last decade, the use and conservation of water resources in Brazil have been the object of an ample process of reforms and institutional reorganization. The experience of the Paraíba do Sul River Basin was selected as a paradigmatic example of the institutional reforms ongoing in the country. Through qualitative research methods, the aims and the deficiencies of the new decision-making structure were analyzed. The study identified, as the crucial shortcoming, the affirmation of a technobureaucratic rationality, which is applied both to the assessment of problems and the formulation of responses. The most evident expression is the strategic relevance attributed to water use charges, a highly controversial management instrument that is leading to a polarization of political positions. The reforms in the Paraíba do Sul have been largely limited in themselves, given that the new institutional structure still prevents the incorporation of the demands of the majority of the local population and the proper solution to environmental questions historically established.Keywords: hydropolitics; Political Ecology; integrated water resources management; water charges; economic instruments; Paraíba do Sul.
Political Connections, Audit Opinions, and Auditor Choice: Evidence from the Ouster of Government Officers
Authors: He Ku , Pan Xiaofei , Tian Gary Gang 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARY
In this study, we examine changes in audit opinions and auditor choice decisions in politically connected firms before and after the exogenous termination of their political connections. We use 84 anti-corruption cases involving high-level Chinese bureaucrats between 2004 and 2014 to construct a nature experiment, and identify a set of listed firms whose executives bribe or have connections through family affiliation with these corrupt bureaucrats. We find that within the event years of the ouster of corrupt bureaucrats, connected state-owned enterprises (SOEs) receive more favorable audit opinions than their non-connected counterparts, whereas connected non-SOEs obtain less favorable opinions. Moreover, after the termination of political connections, connected SOEs are more likely, while connected non-SOEs are less likely, to hire local small auditors. Additional analyses show that termination of political ties has more pronounced effects after the recent anti-corruption campaign. Furthermore, the levels of earnings management and audit fees in SOEs decrease when political connections are terminated, but they increase in non-SOEs. In summary, our study suggests that the termination of corporate political connections has a significant influence on auditors' assessments of audit risk and firms' auditor choice patterns, and this influence is subject to corporate ownership structures.
Effects of Low-dose Clarithromycin Added to Fluticasone on Inflammatory Markers and Pulmonary Function among Children with Asthma: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wan Kong-Sang , Liu Yu-Cheng , Huang Che-Sheng , Su Yu-Mao 
Published: January 2017

Background Macrolides exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects beyond their purely antibacterial action, as demonstrated by several bronchial inflammatory disorders, including asthma. Methods Fifty-eight children with newly diagnosed mild persistent asthma were selected by using the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines and were randomly divided into the study (group I) (n = 36) and control (group II) (n = 22) groups. Mycoplasma pneumonia-specific immunoglobulin G and -specific immunoglobulin M antibody levels of each participant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clarithromycin 5 mg/kg daily and placebo were given to groups I and II, respectively, for 4 weeks. All of the children had maintenance inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate, one puff twice [50 fig/puff] daily). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of the pulmonary volume, exhaled nitric oxide value, total IgE level, absolute eosinophil count, and eosinophilic cation protein value were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results There are significantly increased forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of the pulmonary volume levels and decreased exhaled nitric oxide values after the 4-week clarithromycin treatment. The study group also had a decreased peripheral blood absolute eosinophil count and eosinophilic cation protein level, but not for the total IgE level, after the treatment. Conclusion Four weeks of sub-antimicrobial doses of clarithromycin may improve pulmonary function and decrease eosinophilic inflammation in children with asthma.
Nasal Mucosal Melanosis may act as a Harbinger of Melanoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yao William C. , Emerick Kevin S. , Kraft Stefan , Holbrook Eric H. 
Published: January 2017

Background The progression from a benign pigmented lesion on the skin to cutaneous melanoma is better understood, and it could be presumed that a similar progression occurs with mucosal lesions. However, to our knowledge, there has never been documentation of melanosis transforming into melanoma over time. Objective To describe a transformation of a mucosal melanosis into melanoma. Methods A 53-year-old man with diffuse melanosis of the nasal cavity underwent surgical resection. Results Pathology revealed melanocytic hyperplasia without evidence of melanoma. The patient was serially examined, with excisions for new areas of melanosis. The pathology progressed to severely atypical melanocytic proliferation and melanoma in situ over a 4-year period. Conclusion Nasal melanosis may be a precancerous lesion and may transform into melanoma. All melanosis should be biopsied with close endoscopic observation. Lesions with dysplasia or atypia should be excised due to potential transformation to melanoma.
Reliability Assessment of the Endoscopic Examination in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ziade Georges K. , Karami Reem A. , Fakhri Ghina B. , Alam Elie S. , Hamdan Abdul Latif , Mourad Marc M. , Hadi Usama M. 
Published: January 2017

Objective To study if nasal endoscope can be a reliable tool in assessing patients with allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods A prospective study. Patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis underwent a nasal endoscopic examination performed by two physicians blinded to the scoring of each other. A correlation was made among symptom severity, endoscopic findings, and interrater variability. Results Ninety patients were included in the study: 34 patients had mild disease and 56 had moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. Increases in mucosal edema and bluish discoloration were predictive of the severity of allergic rhinitis disease (p < 0.05). The presence of nasal secretions was not predictive of allergic rhinitis. Interrater reliability was fair for mucosal edema, moderate-to-almost perfect for the rest of the endoscopic findings. Conclusion Nasal endoscopy may reveal signs that are predictive of the severity of allergic rhinitis. A detailed checklist is needed for the nasal endoscopic examination to decrease interrater variability.
Long-term follow-up of superior gluteal artery perforator flap closure of large myelomeningoceles
Authors: Whittemore Brett A. , Swift Dale M. , Weprin Bradley E. , Duffy Frederick J. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE
Large myelomeningocele defects and poor surrounding tissue quality make some defects particularly difficult to close primarily. This paper describes the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap technique for defect closure and long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS
The technique for closing a myelomeningocele with an SGAP flap is described. A retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of 11 patients who underwent closure in this manner.

RESULTS
Between 1999 and 2015, 271 myelomeningoceles were closed, 11 of which were SGAP flap closures. The mean defect size was 5.5 × 7.2 cm. All patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. There were no cases of CSF infection. Five patients had minor wound issues (small dehiscence or eschar formation) that healed satisfactorily. Two patients had soft-tissue wound infections and required multiple revisions; one patient had multiple severe developmental abnormalities, and the other patient's flap had healed with a thick underlying fat pad 4 months postoperatively. No patients had significant surgical site pain on long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
The SGAP flap technique achieves tension-free closure with vascularized, fat-bearing full-thickness skin. It is useful for closure of large, complex defects, is not associated with chronic pain, and carries a morbidity risk that is comparable to other complex myelomeningocele closure techniques.
Endonasal management of pediatric congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles: nuances of a modified reconstruction technique. Technical note and report of 3 cases
Authors: Zeinalizadeh Mehdi , Sadrehosseini Seyed Mousa , Habibi Zohreh , Nejat Farideh , Silva Harley Brito da , Singh Harminder 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE
Congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles are rare malformations, and their surgical treatment remains challenging. This paper reports 3 cases of transsphenoidal encephalocele in 8- to 24-month-old infants, who presented mainly with airway obstruction, respiratory distress, and failure to thrive.

METHODS
The authors discuss the surgical management of these lesions via a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach, as compared with the traditional transcranial and transpalatal approaches. A unique endonasal management algorithm for these lesions is outlined. The lesions were repaired with no resection of the encephalocele sac, and the cranial base defects were reconstructed with titanium mesh plates and vascular nasoseptal flaps.

RESULTS
Reduction of the encephalocele and reconstruction of the skull base was successfully accomplished in all 3 cases, with favorable results.

CONCLUSIONS
The described endonasal management algorithm for congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles is a safe, viable alternative to traditional transcranial and transpalatal approaches, and avoids much of the morbidity associated with these open techniques.
Cerebral Amyloid Burden and Hoehn and Yahr Stage 3 Scoring in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Kotagal Vikas , Bohnen Nicolaas I. , Müller Martijn L.T.M. , Frey Kirk A. , Albin Roger L. 
Published: January 2017

Background: Progression to Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage 3 marks the transition to advanced disease staging and disability in Parkinson disease (PD). Objective/Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 36 PD subjects at HY stage 2.5 or 3, with groups matched for gender, age, and disease duration. Positron Emission tomography (PET) imaging included dihydrotetrabenazine [11C]DTBZ and Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]PiB. Results: Subjects with HY 2.5 differed from HY 3.0 in mean cortical PiB distribution volume ratio (1.14 vs. 1.23; Wilcoxon two-sample Z = 2.36, p = 0.024) but not striatal DTBZ PET. Conclusion: Cortical amyloid burden differentiates subjects below and at HY stage 3. These results suggest that cortical amyloid accumulation influences the transition from HY2.5 to HY3 and that cortical amyloidopathy may be a therapeutic target in PD.
Fractional Anisotropy and Mean Diffusion as Measures of Dopaminergic Function in Parkinson’s Disease: Challenging Results
Authors: Lenfeldt Niklas , Eriksson Johan , Åström Björn , Forsgren Lars , Mo Susanna Jakobson 
Published: January 2017

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been purported as an imaging technique to assess dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Objective: To test if fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusion (MD) in the basal ganglia as measured by DTI correlates with dopaminergic function as measured by dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2-receptor (D2R) SPECT. Methods: One-hundred and eleven patients with Parkinson’s disease (71±10 years) and thirty-one controls (68±7 years) performed DTI, DAT and D2R SPECT at baseline and four follow-ups (1-year: 89 patients/zero controls; 3-year: 72/11; 5-year: 48/17; and 8-year: 13/13). Four equipment combinations of MRI scanners/SPECT gamma cameras were used during the study. Data from each combination were analyzed separately. Regions-of-interest were outlined in the substantia nigra (three subareas, DTI only) and in the striatum (putamen and caudate). Side differences and bilateral averages were correlated using linear regression. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.001 and 0.001 < P< 0.05 was defined as a trend towards significance. Results: For side differences, no significant correlations were observed, but in patients, there was a trend towards a negative correlation between MD in the middle nigra and putaminal DAT uptake in two combinations ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). For averages, in patients, striatal MD correlated negatively with striatal DAT uptake in one combination ( P = 0.0005) and trended towards negative correlations with striatal D2R uptake (one combination, P = 0.03) and with the sum of striatal DAT and D2R uptake (two combinations P = 0.002 and P = 0.03). FA showed no correlations in patients, and no correlations were found in controls. Conclusions: The poor correlations between MD and dopamine activity –and absent correlations for FA – imply that additional diffusion measures must be developed to reliably assess the dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin monotherapy for treating type 2 diabetes: systematic review and economic evaluation
Authors: Johnston Rhona , Uthman Olalekan , Cummins Ewen , Clar Christine , Royle Pamela , Colquitt Jill , Tan Bee Kang , Clegg Andrew , Shantikumar Saran , Court Rachel , O’Hare J Paul , McGrane David , Holt Tim , Waugh Norman 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundMost people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so initial treatment is aimed at reducing weight and increasing physical activity. Even modest weight loss can improve control of blood glucose. If drug treatment is necessary, the drug of first choice is metformin. However, some people cannot tolerate metformin, which causes diarrhoea in about 10%, and it cannot be used in people with renal impairment. This review appraises three of the newest class of drugs for monotherapy when metformin cannot be used, the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.ObjectiveTo review the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Luton, UK), canagliflozin (Invokana, Janssen, High Wycombe, UK) and empagliflozin (Jardiance, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany/Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA), in monotherapy in people who cannot take metformin.SourcesMEDLINE (1946 to February 2015) and EMBASE (1974 to February 2015) for randomised controlled trials lasting 24 weeks or more. For adverse events, a wider range of studies was used. Three manufacturers provided submissions.MethodsSystematic review and economic evaluation. A network meta-analysis was carried out involving the three SGLT2 inhibitors and key comparators. Critical appraisal of submissions from three manufacturers.ResultsWe included three trials of dapagliflozin and two each for canagliflozin and empagliflozin. The trials were of good quality. The canagliflozin and dapagliflozin trials compared them with placebo, but the two empagliflozin trials included active comparators. All three drugs were shown to be effective in improving glycaemic control, promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure (BP).LimitationsThere were no head-to-head trials of the different flozins, and no long-term data on cardiovascular outcomes in this group of patients. Most trials were against placebo. The trials were done in patient groups that were not always comparable, for example in baseline glycated haemoglobin or body mass index. Data on elderly patients were lacking.ConclusionsDapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin are effective in improving glycaemic control, with added benefits of some reductions in BP and weight. Adverse effects are urinary and genital tract infections in a small proportion of users. In monotherapy, the three drugs do not appear cost-effective compared with gliclazide or pioglitazone, but may be competitive against sitagliptin (Januvia, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Kenilworth, NJ, USA).FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Germination responses to current and future temperatures of four seeder shrubs across a latitudinal gradient in western Iberia
Authors: Chamorro Daniel , Luna Belén , Moreno José M. 
Published: January 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:Species differ in their temperature germination niche. Populations of a species may similarly differ across the distribution range of the species. Anticipating the impacts of climate variability and change requires understanding the differential sensitivity to germination temperature among and within species. Here we studied the germination responses of four hard‐seeded Cistaceae seeders to a range of current and future temperatures.METHODS:Seeds were collected at sites across the Iberian Peninsula and exposed or not exposed to a heat shock to break dormancy, then set to germinate under four temperature regimes. Temperatures were varied daily and seasonally, simulating the temperature range across the gradient, plus an increased temperature simulating future climate. Time to germination onset and cumulative germination at the end of each season were analyzed for the effects of temperature treatments, seasons, and local climate (temperature of the germination period, Tgp) at each site.KEY RESULTS:Tgp was a significant covariate of germination in all species but Cistus populifolius. Temperature treatments significantly affected Cistus ladanifer, C. salviifolius, and Halimium ocymoides. Germination occurred in simulated autumn conditions, with little germination occurring at later seasons, except in unheated seeds of H. ocymoides. Exposure to a heat shock changed the sensitivity to temperature treatments and the relationships with Tgp.CONCLUSIONS:Germination responses to temperature differ not only among species but also within species across their latitudinal range. The responses were idiosyncratic and related to the local climate of the population. This germination variability complicates generalizing the impacts of climate variability and climate change.
MID-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE DUST-FORMING CLASSICAL NOVA V2676 OPH*
Authors: Kawakita Hideyo , Ootsubo Takafumi , Arai Akira , Shinnaka Yoshiharu , Nagashima Masayoshi 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
The dust-forming nova V2676 Oph is unique in that it was the first nova to provide evidence of C2 and CN molecules during its near-maximum phase and evidence of CO molecules during its early decline phase. Observations of this nova have revealed the slow evolution of its lightcurves and have also shown low isotopic ratios of carbon (12C/13C) and nitrogen (14N/15N) in its envelope. These behaviors indicate that the white dwarf (WD) star hosting V2676 Oph is a CO-rich WD rather than an ONe-rich WD (typically larger in mass than the former). We performed mid-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of V2676 Oph in 2013 and 2014 (respectively 452 and 782 days after its discovery). No significant [Ne ii] emission at 12.8 μm was detected at either epoch. These provided evidence for a CO-rich WD star hosting V2676 Oph. Both carbon-rich and oxygen-rich grains were detected in addition to an unidentified infrared feature at 11.4 μm originating from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules or hydrogenated amorphous carbon grains in the envelope of V2676 Oph.
LOG-NORMAL DISTRIBUTION OF COSMIC VOIDS IN SIMULATIONS AND MOCKS
Authors: Russell E. , Pycke J.-R. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Following up on previous studies, we complete here a full analysis of the void size distributions of the Cosmic Void Catalog based on three different simulation and mock catalogs: dark matter (DM), haloes, and galaxies. Based on this analysis, we attempt to answer two questions: Is a three-parameter log-normal distribution a good candidate to satisfy the void size distributions obtained from different types of environments? Is there a direct relation between the shape parameters of the void size distribution and the environmental effects? In an attempt to answer these questions, we find here that all void size distributions of these data samples satisfy the three-parameter log-normal distribution whether the environment is dominated by DM, haloes, or galaxies. In addition, the shape parameters of the three-parameter log-normal void size distribution seem highly affected by environment, particularly existing substructures. Therefore, we show two quantitative relations given by linear equations between the skewness and the maximum tree depth, and between the variance of the void size distribution and the maximum tree depth, directly from the simulated data. In addition to this, we find that the percentage of voids with nonzero central density in the data sets has a critical importance. If the number of voids with nonzero central density reaches ≥3.84% in a simulation/mock sample, then a second population is observed in the void size distributions. This second population emerges as a second peak in the log-normal void size distribution at larger radius.