bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of a single genetic factor, two stress factors, and one psychosocial coping factor as predictors of depression in an Australian community sample.
Authors: Sharpley Christopher , Palanisamy Suresh , Metcalf Kate , Jones Kim , Kelly Brian , McFarlane James 
Published: January 2015

Aim of the studyAlthough both have shown significant effects upon depression in clinical samples, no direct comparison has been reported of the relative power of psychological resilience and the short form of the serotonin transporter gene 5-HTTLPR as predictors of depression in a community sample.Subject or material and methodsIn a sample set by a priori power analysis, 67 adult females and 59 adult males provided buccal cell samples nand responses to psychological questionaires to enable a comparison between a single genetic factor, childhood stressors, recent stressors, psychological resilience and depression.ResultsNone of genotype, childhood or recent stressors was significantly associated with depression scores, but resilience was a significant inverse predictor of depression scores and also of the presence of clinically significant depression.DiscussionAlthough power was not a limiting factor, these data are congruent with some previously reported in a major meta-analysis of the association between the 5-HTTLPR and depression.ConclusionsThese data suggest that measures of an individual’s ability to resist or recover from stress may be useful in assessing vulnerability to depression when used with ‘at risk’ individuals in everyday practice.
Signaling New Product Reliability with After-Sales Service Contracts
Authors: Bakshi Nitin , Kim Sang-Hyun , Savva Nicos 
Published: January 2015

Prior studies on performance-based contracting (PBC) for after-sales services have highlighted its advantages over traditional resource-based contracting (RBC), when products are established and their reliability is known to all parties. We develop a game theoretic model to investigate how these insights are affected when the vendor is privately informed about the reliability of a newly developed product. A novel feature of our model is the interaction between reliability signaling (private information) and the vendor’s discretionary investment in spares inventory (private action), which arises naturally in the setting we consider. We find that this interaction leads to contrasting equilibrium outcomes under the two contracts: RBC induces the vendor to focus on inventory savings, leading to underinvestment in spares, whereas PBC induces the vendor to focus on reliability signaling, achieved through overinvestment in inventory. As a result, neither contract is efficient. We investigate two means to mitigate this inefficiency, but either approach has caveats: (a) making inventory verifiable removes the trade-off between reliability signaling and inventory investment, but results in diverging contract preferences between the vendor and the buyer; (b) pooling inventories across multiple buyers saves inventory costs but it also hinders reliability signaling, potentially exacerbating inefficiency. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
On the (Surprising) Sufficiency of Linear Models for Dynamic Pricing with Demand Learning
Authors: Besbes Omar , Zeevi Assaf 
Published: January 2015

We consider a multiperiod single product pricing problem with an unknown demand curve. The seller’s objective is to adjust prices in each period so as to maximize cumulative expected revenues over a given finite time horizon; in doing so, the seller needs to resolve the tension between learning the unknown demand curve and maximizing earned revenues. The main question that we investigate is the following: How large of a revenue loss is incurred if the seller uses a simple parametric model that differs significantly (i.e., is misspecified) relative to the underlying demand curve? We measure performance by analyzing the price trajectory induced by this misspecified model and quantifying the magnitude of revenue losses (as a function of the time horizon) relative to an oracle that knows the true underlying demand curve. The “price of misspecification” is expected to be significant if the parametric model is overly restrictive. Somewhat surprisingly, we show (under reasonably general conditions) that this need not be the case. This paper was accepted by Gérard Cachon, stochastic models and simulation.
Development of the first urinary reproductive hormone ranges referenced to independently determined ovulation day
Authors: Johnson Sarah , Weddell Sarah , Godbert Sonya , Freundl Guenter , Roos Judith , Gnoth Christian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUrinary hormone level analysis provides valuable fertility status information; however, previous studies have not referenced levels to the ovulation day, or have used outdated methods. This study aimed to produce reproductive hormone ranges referenced to ovulation day determined by ultrasound.Women aged 18–40 years (no reported infertility) collected daily urine samples for one complete menstrual cycle. Urinary luteinising hormone (LH), estrone-3-glucuronide (E3G, an estradiol metabolite), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (P3G, a progesterone metabolite) were measured using previously validated assays. Volunteers underwent trans-vaginal ultrasound every 2 days until the dominant ovarian follicle size reached 16 mm, when daily scans were performed until ovulation was observed. Data were analysed to create hormone ranges referenced to the day of objective ovulation as determined by ultrasound.In 40 volunteers, mean age 28.9 years, urinary LH surge always preceded ovulation with a mean of 0.81 days; thus LH is an excellent assay-independent predictor of ovulation. The timing of peak LH was assay-dependent and could be post-ovulatory; therefore should no longer be used to predict/determine ovulation. Urinary P3G rose from baseline after ovulation in all volunteers, peaking a median of 7.5 days following ovulation. Median urinary peak E3G and FSH levels occurred 0.5 days prior to ovulation. A persistent rise in urinary E3G was observed from approximately 3 days pre- until 5 days post-ovulation.This study provides reproductive hormone ranges referenced to the actual day of ovulation as determined by ultrasound, to facilitate examination of menstrual cycle endocrinology.
Urban Planning for Change: Data and Projections in City of Flint Master Plans (1920, 1960 & 2013)
Authors: Walling Dayne 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The City of Flint, Michigan, USA has experienced extreme population and economic variability in the past one hundred and fifty years. The City of Flint developed three comprehensive or master plans in order to assess available data, make projections and propose recommendations. The ways in which each plan proved to contain accuracies and failures is instructive for the practices of historical statistical methods and urban planning, particularly as it relates to spatial data. The three plans will be considered in three main sections: planning for population growth (1920), planning for regional rationalization (1960), and planning for a flexible future (2013). Population projections, residential density patterns, and economic and employment data will be reviewed and compared against the planning recommendations and realities. The relationship between statistics and spatial analysis is examined. Discussion is included on ways data and statistical analysis can be utilized for public decision-making and assist with governing.
How We Can Evaluate the Inequality in Flint
Authors: Porro Francesco 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The inequality analysis plays an important role since the beginning of the last century, in the economic, social and political debate. From the first pioneering paper of Gini, this subject has become more and more fascinating. The several tools proposed in the literature for evaluating the inequality belong basically to two families: on the one hand there are inequality curves which represent (also graphically) the local pattern of inequality in all segments of the considered population; on the other hand, inequality indexes (that often can be derived from a particular inequality curve) which summarize its measure in one number. Different indexes are needed to reveal different viewpoints toward inequality.
In this paper, the features of the relatively new inequality I(p) curve are described. Beyond many theoretical results, also an empirical analysis based on real income data of Flint is performed.
Purification of a Bacteriocin from Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ217 Active Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Shen Lei , Liu Jiao , Zhang Chen , Gu Qing 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Plantaricin ZJ217 was continually purified by XAD 1180, cation exchange chromatography, gel chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. The peptide functioned as bactericidal, but did not lead to lysis of cells. Considering the potassium efflux experiment, pores may be formed in the surface of cell membrane. Fifteen of twenty amino acids identified by Edman degradation indicated that it may be a novel bacteriocin as no bacteriocin shared similar sequences. This bacteriocin exhibited strong heat stability (121°C, 30 min) and pH stability (pH 2.0–6.0). It was sensitive to proteinase K, trypsin, papain, and pepsin. This bacteriocin inhibited growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other bacteria.
Fluorescence-optical handheld non-contact sensor for rapid cleaning validation of surfaces
Authors: Cappius Hans-Joachim , Börner Joachim , Südmeyer Heinrich , Schmitt Franz-Josef 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and objective:Thin films of bacteria, proteins and other biochemical substances are always found on surfaces exposed to the environment. Optical methods enable innovative tools for the detection of such films, as residua of proteins and other substances that exhibit fluorescence when excited with UV light.Sensor design:This paper presents and evaluates a specially designed handheld measuring device for this purpose.Results:The sensor is able to detect low concentrations of organic contamination with measurement times shorter than a second. The results presented in this paper show that detection of contamination levels of bovine serum albumin down to 200 ng/cmConclusion:Future development of handheld optical devices suitable for the detection or analysis of various compounds could be based on these results.
Suspension of basal insulin to avoid hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes treated with insulin pump
Authors: Boronat Mauro , Sánchez-Hernández Rosa M , Rodríguez-Cordero Julia , Jiménez-Ortega Angelines , Nóvoa Francisco J 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Treatment with continuous s.c. insulin infusion (CSII) provides better glycemic control and lower risk of hypoglycemia than conventional therapy with multiple daily insulin injections. These benefits have been related to a more reliable absorption and an improved pharmacokinetic profile of insulin delivered through CSII therapy. However, even for patients treated with CSII, exaggerated postmeal hyperglycemic excursions and late postabsorptive hypoglycemia can still constitute a therapeutic challenge. Two female patients with type 1 diabetes who began treatment with CSII required to increase their previous breakfast insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio in order to achieve postprandial glycemic goals. However, they simultaneously presented recurrent episodes of late hypoglycemia several hours after breakfast bolus. Advancing the timing of the bolus was ineffective and bothersome for patients. In both cases, the best therapeutic option was to set a basal insulin rate of zero units per hour during 6 h after breakfast. Even so, they need to routinely take a midmorning snack with 10–20 g of carbohydrates to avoid late postabsorptive hypoglycemia. They have been using this insulin schedule for about 3 years without complications. The action of prandial insulin delivered through insulin pumps can be inappropriately delayed for the requirements of some patients. Although suspension of basal rate can be an acceptable therapeutic alternative for them, these cases demonstrate that new strategies to improve the bioavailability of prandial insulin infused through CSII are still needed.

Learning points

CSII remains the most physiologically suitable system of insulin delivery available today.

Additionally, the duration of action of prandial insulin delivered through insulin pumps can be excessively prolonged in some patients with type 1 diabetes.

These patients can present recurrent late episodes of hypoglycemia several hours after the administration of insulin boluses.

The routine suspension of basal insulin for several hours, leaving meal bolus to cover both prandial and basal insulin requirements, can be a therapeutic option for these subjects.
Long-term low-dose ketoconazole treatment in bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Comte-Perret Sophie , Zanchi Anne , Gomez Fulgencio 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Medical therapy for Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH) is generally administered for a limited time before surgery. Aberrant receptors antagonists show inconsistent efficacy in the long run to prevent adrenalectomy. We present a patient with BMAH, treated for 10 years with low doses of ketoconazole to control cortisol secretion. A 48-year-old woman presented with headaches and hypertension. Investigations showed the following: no clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome; enlarged lobulated adrenals; normal creatinine, potassium, and aldosterone; normal urinary aldosterone and metanephrines; elevated urinary free cortisol and steroid metabolites; and suppressed plasma renin activity and ACTH. A screening protocol for aberrant adrenal receptors failed to show any illegitimate hormone dependence. Ketoconazole caused rapid normalisation of cortisol and ACTH that persists over 10 years on treatment, while adrenals show no change in shape or size. Ketoconazole decreases cortisol in patients with Cushing's syndrome, and may prevent adrenal overgrowth. Steroid secretion in BMAH is inefficient as compared with normal adrenals or secreting tumours and can be controlled with low, well-tolerated doses of ketoconazole, as an alternative to surgery.

Learning points

Enlarged, macronodular adrenals are often incidentally found during the investigation of hypertension in patients harboring BMAH. Although laboratory findings include low ACTH and elevated cortisol, the majority of patients do not display cushingoid features.

Bilateral adrenalectomy, followed by life-long steroid replacement, is the usual treatment of this benign condition, and alternative medical therapy is sought. Therapy based on aberrant adrenal receptors gives disappointing results, and inhibitors of steroidogenesis are not always well tolerated.

However, ketoconazole at low, well-tolerated doses appeared appropriate to control adrenal steroid secretion indefinitely, while preventing adrenal overgrowth. This treatment probably constitutes the most convenient long-term alternative to surgery.
Tuberculosis in the pituitary fossa: a common pathology in an uncommon site
Authors: Majumdar K , Barnard M , Ramachandra S , Berovic M , Powell M 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. In 2–5% of all cases of systemic TB, the C is affected, with lesions reported in the meninges, cortex and ventricles. Intrasellar tuberculomas, however, are extremely rare. We report the interesting case of a young female patient who presented with secondary hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinaemia. She was treated successfully for pituitary TB. We also highlight and discuss some interesting (and hitherto unreported) endocrine issues. Radiological and histological features and treatment of pituitary TB are discussed using this case as an example.

Learning points

Intrasellar TB continues to be a rare presentation, but incidence and prevalence are expected to grow with increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant TB and shrinking geographical boundaries across the world.

Pituitary TB can present with features of a typical adenoma, but has certain radiological and histological features that help to differentiate from an adenoma.

Patients can present with a variety of endocrine abnormalities at different times.

The presence of an intrasellar mass in individuals at a high risk of developing TB, or with a previous history of systemic TB, should prompt the diagnosis of pituitary TB. In such individuals, it may be worth considering a trial of anti-tuberculous therapy, before considering surgery.
Ipilimumab-induced autoimmune hypophysitis: a differential for sellar mass lesions
Authors: Rodrigues Beverly T , Otty Zulfiquer , Sangla Kunwarjit , Shenoy Vasant V 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) has been previously described in a typical demographic population, primarily women in the reproductive age group and perinatal period. The era of immune modulation using anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 biological therapy (ipilimumab) against advanced cancers like metastatic melanomas has now resulted in a new form of hypophysitis being increasingly recognised under a spectrum of immune-related adverse events. Drug-related AH often presents with subtle symptoms and a pituitary mass, with the potential for fatality necessitating wide awareness and a high index of clinical suspicion given that it is usually treatable. We describe below two cases of AH within the last three months at our centre, which were treated with different regimens and produced good endocrine outcomes.

Learning points

AH is a new and defined clinical entity occurring as a side effect of ipilimumab, which enhances immune-mediated destruction of metastatic melanoma.

It can present insidiously and have life-threatening complications related to hypocortisolism, hence a high index of clinical suspicion must be exerted by treating physicians, and seems to result in resolution of pituitary masses and variable improvements of pituitary function.

Clinical improvement, radiological resolution of pituitary masses and variable normalisation of pituitary function are possible with early treatment with high-dose oral or i.v. steroids and hormone replacement therapy, although duration and dosing protocols are unclear at this stage.

Ipilimumab should continue to be prescribed as treatment for metastatic melanoma; however, close clinical observation of patient's progress must be maintained while they are on this drug.

Predictive factors for onset of AH remain unclear and it is imperative that AH is distinguished from pituitary metastases.

Further studies are required to determine the safety of continuing therapy with ipilimumab in patients who have developed AH while on treatment.
Editorial
Authors: Forero Diana 
Published: January 2015

En Colombia actualmente se discute sobre los temas de transferencia de tecnología, de innovación y de su relación con la actividad investigativa. Dentro de la agenda de entidades como el Ministerio de Educación, Colciencias, el Departamento Nacional de Planeación y otras entidades del gobierno, se plantea la necesidad de vincular la universidad y sus procesos de investigación aplicada con las necesidades reales del medio empresarial. Estos organismos demuestran la imperativa necesidad de este tipo de alianzas para generar un mayor desarrollo económico y social del país y para empezar a construir esquemas de cooperación que nos permitan aprovechar nuestros recursos de conocimiento.
Comunicación y Semiosis para la prevención de minas antipersonal, Colombia un caso
Authors: Barón Pulido Mireya 
Published: January 2015

El artículo muestra los resultados de investigación1 de los elementos que desde la narrativa audiovisual caracterizan el grado de presencia/ausencia de actores y niveles de información que relatan el ﬂ agelo de las Minas Antipersonal. Es una investigación de índole cualitativa que compila el Análisis de Contenido ‒AC̶de 28 piezas audiovisuales locales e internacionales y que sugieren la construcción de sentido desde varios niveles de la información ante la población vulnerable del país. Se compila la tendencia de comportamiento tanto de códigos icónicos, lingüísticos, como de los componentes morfológico, semántico y sintáctico; análisis que permite evidenciar 2 tipos de narraciones: La narrada desde país víctima para población internacional y la narrada desde país no víctima para población internacional. De dicha pesquisa surge la creación del Documental “ Si no lo botó, no lo recoja” , propuesta comunicativa narrada desde y para la población campesina e infantil del país. La investigación contó con respaldo del Departamento I +D + I y con el concurso del semillero de estudiantes Isabella Montalvo (Programa de Comunicación Social-Periodismo), Nathalia Vargas y Juan D. Villabona (Medios Audiovisuales)
Editorial
Authors: Escobar Pérez Billy 
Published: January 2015

Las ciencias sociales en las últimas décadas han tomado un lugar importante en el devenir del conocimiento científico. Este actuar ha permitido algunas rupturas de antinomias entre lo objetivo y lo subjetivo, entre lo local y lo global, que han cambiado las formas de hacer ciencia. Ramas del conocimiento, un poco inadvertidas, han adquirido nuevas voces. La psicología, por ejemplo, empezó a dictaminar las reglamentaciones en la escritura científica internacional. Mientras que en lo educativo se resalta el papel de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en los procesos de aprendizaje e investigación.
Effectiveness of Lifestyle Change Plus Dental Care Program in Improving Glycemic and Periodontal Status in Aging Patients with Diabetes: A Cluster, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Saengtipbovorn Saruta , Taneepanichskul Surasak 
Published: January 2015

Background: Currently, there is an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the aging adult population. To minimize adverse effects on glycemic control, prevention and management of general and oral complications in patients with diabetes are essential. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the lifestyle change plus dental care (LCDC) program to improve glycemic and periodontal status in aging patients with diabetes.Methods: A cluster, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Health Centers 54 (intervention) and 59 (control) from October 2013 to April 2014. Sixty‐six patients with diabetes per health center were included. At baseline, the intervention group attended 20‐minute lifestyle and oral health education, individual lifestyle counseling, application of a self‐regulation manual, and individual oral hygiene instruction. At month 3, the intervention group received individual lifestyle counseling and oral hygiene instruction. The intervention group received booster education every visit by viewing a 15‐minute educational video. The control group received a routine program. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up for glycemic and periodontal status. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic, χ2 test, Fisher exact test, t test, and repeated‐measures analysis of variance.Results: After the 6‐month follow‐up, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and attachment loss when compared with the control group.Conclusion: The combination of lifestyle change and dental care in one program improved both glycemic and periodontal status in older patients with diabetes.