bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considering space weather forces interaction on human health: the equilibrium paradigm in clinical cosmobiology – is it equal?
Authors: Stoupel Eliyahu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background: We are constantly affected by changes in space weather. The principal “players” are solar activity (SA), geomagnetic activity (GMA) and antagonistic to them, cosmic ray activity (CRA) and high energy proton flux. CRA is measured by neutron activity on the earth’s surface in imp/min. SA and GMA are linked and serve as a shield for the earth from CRA. For a long time SA and GMA were the main areas of studies. The aim of this study was to compare some effects of the mentioned forces and discuss the temporal distribution of both groups of space weather, in relation to their effects on humans.

Methods: The time distribution of GMA storms (daily) was compared with quiet (low) GMA, with higher CRA (neutron activity). Space weather data were obtained from the USA, Russia and Finland.

Results: A total of 4383 days were analyzed in the years 2000–2012. A total of 71 days (1.62%) of geomagnetic storms (GS) and 2753 days (63.8%) of quiet (I0) GMA were registered. A second study was provided including the years 1983–2007 (9131 days); here 3800 days (41.62%) were quiet GMA days and 400 storm days (4.38%). According to publications in the medical literature, many phenomena are connected with the extremes of space weather.

Conclusions: Despite a great number of publications and the significant role of GS, it is a relatively rare event and most medical emergencies and deaths occur on days of low GMA, accompanied by higher CRA (neutron activity). High neutron activity deserves more attention when analyzing space effects on human health and their mechanism of action.
Stock Exchanges as Lighthouses
Authors: Booth Philip 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Over the years, it has frequently been argued by economists that lighthouses need to be provided by the state. Ronald Coase demonstrated, in fact, that they could be provided privately. The same is true of financial regulation. Though many economists, using blackboard economics, argue that financial markets need to be regulated by the state, it is found that regulatory mechanisms evolve in the market which are effective and stable. It is feasible that a central bank could also evolve as a private institution to regulate the banking sector. Nevertheless, there could be legitimate concern that such institutions will become concentrations of market power or will require legal privileges to operate. In fact, this was one of the concerns that was expressed in relation to the private provision of lighthouses. The analogy between private regulatory institutions such as stock exchanges and lighthouses is therefore remarkably close.
Diagnostic Preliminaries to Applying a Theory of Decision
Authors: Thalos Mariam 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDecision theory cannot be a purely formal theory, free of all metaphysical assumptions and ascertainments. It must instead rely upon the end user for the wisdom it takes to prime the decision formalism – with principles and assumptions about the metaphysics of the application context – so that the formalism in its turn can generate good advice. Appreciating this idea is fundamental to understanding the true rivalry between evidential decision theory (EDT) and causal decision theory (CDT) in specific cases. I shall argue that no decision theory can deliver a verdict unless assumptions are made about the
In vitro degradation and bioactivity of poly(propylene fumarate)/bioactive glass sintered microsphere scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Shahabi Sima , Rezaei Yashar , Moztarzadeh Fathollah , Najafi Farhood 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
We developed degradable poly(propylene fumarate)/bioactive glass (PPF/BG) composite scaffolds based on a sintered microsphere technique and investigated the effects of BG content on the characteristics of these composite scaffolds. Immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF) was used to evaluate the surface reactivity of composite scaffolds. The surface of composite scaffolds was covered with hydroxycarbonate apatite layer after 7 days of immersion. Ion concentration analyses revealed a decrease in P concentration and an increase in Si, Ca, and Sr concentrations in SBF immersed with composite scaffolds during the 3-week period. The Ca and P uptake rates decreased after 4 days of incubation. This coincided with the decrease of the Si release rate. These data lend support to the suggestion that the Si released from the BG content of scaffolds present in the polymer matrix was involved in the formation of the Ca-P layer. The evaluation of the in vitro degradation of composite microspheres revealed that the weight of scaffolds remained relatively constant during the first 3 weeks and then started to decrease slowly, losing 10.5% of their initial mass by week 12. Our results support the concept that these new bioactive, degradable composite scaffolds may be used for bone tissue engineering applications.
What, When and How? Spanish Native and Nonnative Uses of Politeness
Authors: Barros García María J. , Terkourafi Marina 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The current study reports on three role-plays investigating the understanding and uses of politeness by native speakers of Spanish from Spain, native speakers of English from the United States, and nonnative speakers of Spanish from the United States. Motivated by the different characterization of Peninsular Spanish and U.S. American cultures as solidarity and distancing cultures, respectively (Hickey, 2005; Pinto, 2011), we expected that American English speakers would be more inclined towards the use of politeness strategies linked to the protection of face, while Spaniards would make more use of maneuvers to enhance face. The pertinent research question is whether learners transfer into L2 their L1 preference for face-saving, or, conversely, are able to adapt their behavior depending on the language of the interaction. Our results show that, overall, nonnative speakers still abide by the norms of their L1 to some extent, attaching more importance to the avoidance of face-threats when speaking in Spanish than native speakers do, although this preference tends to become less marked as their proficiency in the L2 increases.
Tertullian and Ancient Embryology in De carne Christi 4,1 and 19,3−4
Authors: Kitzler Petr 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to illuminate two passages from Tertullian’s De carne Christi (4,1 and 19,3−4) that are connected to the physical nativity of Christ, by examining their medical context, since they both allude to ancient embryology. First, the obscure phrase genitalia in utero elementa (4,1) is placed within the context of Galen’s theory of conception; second, Tertullian’s comments on the nature of male semen and its qualities (19,3−4) are correlated to similar concepts advocated by Aristotle and Galen.
The Pseudo-Iliberritan Canon Texts
Authors: Vilella Josep 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Both lexico-syntactic analysis and comparative study of the content of the texts attributed to the supposed Council of Elvira reveal that this canonical series is the result of the compilation and modification, before the mid-6th century, of precepts from various times and places. After an introduction dedicated to the textual transmission of these canons and the methodologies applied to their study, the paper then explains the characteristics of the parts from which the extensive pseudo-Iliberritan list we have today was put together, mentioning which parts were later additions. Next, the paper focuses on disciplinary practices, demonstrating the non-unitary nature of the catalogue and providing important indications regarding the time parameters. The paper also looks at some of the conspicuous themes dealt with in the series of decrees. When these decrees are compared against the extant pool of documents, they continue to provide important details on the dates and provide a deeper understanding of various statements.
Neue griechische Fragmente des Cyrill von Alexandrien, (Pseudo-)Athanasius, Philoxenos, Severus von Antiochien und Ammonios: patristische Auslegungen zum 1. Korintherbrief (ediert aus dem Codex Pantokratoros 28)
Authors: Zawadzki Konrad F. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper provides the first edition of five previously unknown Greek fragments of Cyril of Alexandria, (Pseudo-)Athanasius, Philoxenos, Severus of Antioch, and Ammonios. Since all these fragments have survived only in the Codex Pantokratoros 28, in the first part of this paper the reader will find some important basic information about the age of this manuscript, its text-critical value and content. The special focus of this introductory part is on the catena commentary on 1 Corinthians which has survived in the Codex Pantokratoros 28 and from which the edited texts are. The main part of this paper presents an edition, translation, and commentary of the five fragments mentioned above. The commentary concentrates on questions concerning the authorship of the texts, their theological content and-insofar it is necessary for the proper understanding of the fragments-text-critical problems.
Why care for the poor? The role of almsgiving in Jerome’s asceticism
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey D. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The question of Christian almsgiving in late antiquity is one that has received fresh treatment recently in Richard D. Finn’s monograph, and the issue of wealth and poverty in this period is the subject of a number of current international scholarly projects. This paper considers the place of almsgiving in Jerome’s vision of asceticism found in his advice to wealthy Christians. When one reads Jerome’s letters to Furia (Epistula 54), Lucinius (Epistula 71), Oceanus (Epistula 77), Salvina (Epistula 79), Eustochium (Epistula 108), Julian (Epistula 118), Ageruchia (Epistula 123), and Demetrias (Epistula 130), where the parable of the wily manager (Luke 16:9 in particular) is employed, as well as in other letters containing ascetical advice that do not employ the parable, it would be easy to conclude that the purpose of almsgiving for Jerome was soteriological self-interest. It will be argued here that to reach such a conclusion would be to fail to appreciate his rhetorical strategies employed in these letters addressed to wealthy Christians. Jerome’s vitriolic treatise Contra Vigilantium, written for a different kind of audience and with a different purpose in mind, as recently investigated by David G. Hunter, also contains references to almsgiving. In it the poor are not simply the objects enabling the wealthy to be saved but are considered in terms of social justice and equity as subjects whose needs must be addressed.
Mechanisms of Degradation in Rheological Properties Due to Pumping and Mixing
Authors: Takahashi Keisuke , Bier Thomas A. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Excessive mixing and/or pumping can result in a degradation of rheological properties specifically for self-compacting concrete (SCC) or grouts. Consequently, adverse effects on the concrete performance and structural defects are experienced. In order to identify the dominant factors that influence the rheological properties in the process chain, our study focused on rheological behavior of cement-based grouts after mixing and pumping by examining the results from field and laboratory trials that measured the effects of several pumping parameters on grout characteristics, by describing the effects of compressive stress, shear stress, and sedimentation on grout properties at a laboratory scale, and by analyzing the results using rheographs. The underlying physico-chemical mechanisms were studied using amount of plasticizer adsorbed and specific surface area development during initial hydration. Our observations revealed that mixing and shear stress during pumping, respectively, do exhibit the most pronounced influence on the rheological properties of grouts. Pressurization and sedimentation (while grouts settle) induce only little changes. The degradation of rheological properties is explained by an increase of the specific surface area available for adsorption of plasticizer. This increase seems to be due not only to dispersion of the particles but also to an accelerated creation of pre-hydrates.
A Direct Shear Apparatus With Vibrational Loading
Authors: Taslagyan Karén A. , Chan Dave H. , Morgenstern Norbert R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
For some geotechnical design projects where soils are exposed to dynamic loads (vibrations), it becomes necessary to evaluate the strength and deformation characteristics of the soil under existing and/or anticipated vibrations. In order to investigate the effect of the vibrations on the strength and deformation properties of soils, representative samples should be collected and tested in laboratories and subjected to vibration of expected magnitudes. In this case, it is important that the laboratory equipment used is able to simulate field conditions as close as possible to provide the necessary parameters that can successfully be used in the design. A vibrational direct shear apparatus has been developed based on the conventional direct shear apparatus to evaluate the strength and deformation characteristics of soils (granular and cohesive) under a wide range of vibrational accelerations and frequencies. The apparatus makes it possible to test soils in both stress and displacement controlled modes. The design of the apparatus is such that it allows modification of the most commonly used direct shear apparatuses into the vibrational ones. The new apparatus was built and tested to prove its performance and reliability.
Developmental Analysis of Spliceosomal snRNA Isoform Expression
Authors: Lu Zhipeng , Matera A Gregory 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPre-mRNA splicing is a critical step in eukaryotic gene expression that contributes to proteomic, cellular, and developmental complexity. Small nuclear (sn)RNAs are core spliceosomal components; however, the extent to which differential expression of snRNA isoforms regulates splicing is completely unknown. This is partly due to difficulties in the accurate analysis of the spatial and temporal expression patterns of snRNAs. Here, we use high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data to profile expression of four major snRNAs throughout Drosophila development. This analysis shows that individual isoforms of each snRNA have distinct expression patterns in the embryo, larva, and pharate adult stages. Expression of these isoforms is more heterogeneous during embryogenesis; as development progresses, a single isoform from each snRNA subtype gradually dominates expression. Despite the lack of stable snRNA orthologous groups during evolution, this developmental switching of snRNA isoforms also occurs in distantly related vertebrate species, such as Xenopus, mouse, and human. Our results indicate that expression of snRNA isoforms is regulated and lays the foundation for functional studies of individual snRNA isoforms.
Diferencias individuales en modelos animales: un enfoque para el estudio de factores neurobiológicos relacionados con depresión
Authors: Sequeira Cordero Andrey , Fornaguera Trías Jaime 
Published: November 2014

El estudio de las diferencias individuales en la prueba de nado forzado (PNF) en ratas permite la identificación de factores de susceptibilidad o de resistencia en el desarrollo conductas relacionadas con la depresión. Para estudiar estas diferencias, varios grupos de ratas fueron sometidos a la PNF; posteriormente, los animales con baja y alta inmovilidad fueron comparados, lo que permitió identificar una serie de características que podrían estar actuando como factores de riesgo o de protección. Así, factores neurobiológicos como la expresión diferencial en el núcleo accumbens del receptor 1 para el factor liberador de corticotropina (CRFR1), una tasa diferencial de recambio de dopamina en esa misma región y la cinética de expresión diferencial del factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) en la corteza prefrontal, podrían jugar un papel importante en la modulación de conductas depresivas. La presente revisión resume nuestros resultados más importantes en esta línea de investigación.
Abuso de Drogas: Generalidades Neurobiológicas y Terapéuticas
Authors: Velásquez-Martínez María Carolina , Ortiz Jose 
Published: November 2014

El abuso de drogas es una enfermedad caracterizada por la urgencia de obtener y consumir una sustancia determinada independientemente de sus consecuencias negativas. Existen factores biológicos, sociales y psicológicos que predisponen a un individuo al abuso de drogas los adolescentes son los más vulnerables porque su cerebro no ha madurado completamente y están bajo presiones tanto sociales como psicológicas. Es por esto último que la prevención es aún más efectiva a esta edad. Las drogas de abuso alteran principalmente el sistema mesocorticolimbico; la dopamina y el glutamato desempeñan un papel importante en este circuito que normalmente median comportamientos de motivación. Se cree que las sustancias de abuso modifican este circuito usando mecanismos similares al aprendizaje normal resultando en aprendizaje disfuncional. Dichos cambios son a largo plazo y pueden ser evocados por eventos que recuerden la droga, en la ausencia de la misma. Un manejo multidisciplinario es necesario ya que el abuso de drogas tiene componentes biológicos, sociales y psicológicos. Las terapias cognitivas y comportamentales son comúnmente complementadas con agentes farmacológicos con los que se manejan los síntomas específicos de retirada y abstinencia.
Modelos animales de miedo y ansiedad: descripciones neuro-conductuales
Authors: Mora Gallegos Andrea , Salas Castillo Sofia 
Published: November 2014

Los modelos animales de miedo y ansiedad se han utilizado para la comprensión de trastornos de ansiedad en humanos, sin embargo no ha sido fácil diferenciar ambos conceptos a nivel fisiológico y conductual. Una forma de modelar estos trastornos es mediante pruebas conductuales de ansiedad (como el laberinto en cruz elevado o la prueba de campo abierto) y de miedo (como el condicionamiento al miedo y la evitación activa). Además, estos modelos permiten estudiar diferentes áreas cerebrales involucradas como la amígdala, el hipocampo y la corteza prefrontal. En general, el miedo y la ansiedad se pueden considerar respuestas adaptativas normales, sin embargo niveles elevados de ambos pueden generar consecuencias perjudiciales para el individuo.
Endoscopic assisted orchiectomy in Herman’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni sp.)
Authors: Funcke S. , Ziegler L. , Lierz M. , Wüst E. , Paries S. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjective: Male tortoises in captivity are often aggressive against other males or females, in particular during mating season related to hormonal influences (testosterone). Castration in males is the treatment of choice in many vertebrate species. A novel technique of minimal invasive castration is presented for Herman’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni).Material and methods: The procedure was performed in ten mature males. An endoscope (2.7 mm/30° angled) was inserted into a prefemoral incision on each side. The testicle was resected after ligation of the gubernaculum testis and the spermatic cord using hemoclips.Results: Each testicle could be removed in approximately 20 minutes. Complications like hemorrhage or damage of adjacent tissue did not occur and all animals recovered uneventfully.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Using the bilateral prefemoral entrance offers an alternative option for orchiectomy in Herman’s tortoises without dissection of the shell. Thus complications like hemorrhage or impaired wound healing followed by sequestration of the bone flap are prevented. Because of the anatomical settings and the risk of tissue damage and time consumption, a unilateral approach is not recommended. Fasting the animals is necessary due to the voluminous gastrointestinal tract of this herbivorous tortoise and emptying the urinary bladder provides more space for manipulations in the coelomic cavity and prevents clipping and cutting of adjacent organs. The magnification via the endoscope is beneficial for orientation in the coelomic cavity, which is formed by the extremely convex carapace. Without this equipment it is challenging to visualize the dorsocaudally located gonads through the relatively small incision and the inserted instruments might block the view at the surgical field. Administration of hemoclips achieved a good hemostasis and the testicles could be resected without major blood loss. The described technique is a gentle method for resection of the testicles in this species and can be adapted to other European tortoise species of equal size.
Healthcare Reform Proposal and the Behavior of Pharmaceutical Companies: The Role of Political Costs
Authors: Hao Maggie , Nwaeze Emeka T. 
Published: November 2014

SYNOPSIS
This study examines whether drug makers took political and earnings management actions in response to the 2008 presidential campaign, which proposed major healthcare reforms. Specifically, we draw from the political cost theory and examine whether the level of political spending and the behavior of abnormal accruals and discretionary expense items in 2008 are consistent with a strategy by the drug makers to avert or reduce the adverse effect of any such reforms. A supplementary analysis considers whether the firms differ in their responses to the proposed reforms as a function of their exposure to the expected wave of patent expirations and preexisting market conditions. In particular, we examine a subset of pharmaceutical firms with elevated exposure to patent expirations or with severe market valuation problems and test the proposition that such firms will be less inclined to manage earnings downward for fear of a greater stock market penalty. We document above average increases in political spending and abnormal decreases in discretionary accruals for the drug firms in 2008; however, the subset of firms with elevated exposure to the patent expirations or with underperforming stocks had significantly smaller income-decreasing accruals during the same period. These latter results demonstrate the increased sensitivity of the subsets of firms to the capital market costs associated with managing earnings downward.
Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
The Current State and Future of the Audit Profession
Authors: Lombardi Danielle R. , Bloch Rebecca , Vasarhelyi Miklos A. 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARY
Audited financial statements are intended to be timely and useful in decision making. To remain a valuable and relevant service, auditing must find a way to evolve. This paper summarizes a recent study (“The Future of Audit,” Lombardi, Bloch, and Vasarhelyi [2014]), which conducts an interactive forecasting method to gain expert consensus on the current state of the auditing profession and on how the profession will evolve over the next decade. Expert consensus emerging from the study includes increasing automation of audit procedures, more predictive financial statements, continuous auditing, and maintaining a global outlook on audit transactions.
Data Availability: Please contact the corresponding author for data.