bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Culture and the Democratization of Communications in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Lopes Ivonete 
Published: August 2014

Examining the democratization of communications in Brazil through the lens of broadcast television reveals a conflicted process involving actors with opposing interests, all the more so because it is a sector characterized by oligopoly. An analysis of three of the five presidencies following the end of Brazil’s military dictatorship suggests on the whole that communications policy has yet to embrace the process of democratization that has occurred in other sectors of Brazilian society. One of the few advances made during this period was the federal government’s implementation of public television in 2007. No other action has been taken to alter the mechanisms that keep the mass media in the hands of the few. Examinar o processo da democratização das comunicações no Brasil pela lente da radiodifusão revela que o processo é conflituoso e envolve atores cujos interesses se opõem, sobretudo por tratar-se de um setor caraterizado por constituir um oligopólio. A análise de três dos cinco governos que sucederam o fim da ditadura militar, sugere, em geral, que a política de comunicações ainda não incorporou o processo democratizante que aconteceu em outros setores da sociedade brasileira. Um dos poucos avanços registrados no período foi introdução em 2007 do serviço público de televisão. No entanto, não houve ações para mudar os mecanismos que permitem a concentração midiática.
High-density mapping of quantitative trait loci for grain-weight and spikelet number in rice
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Lee Hyun-Sook , Kwon Soo-Jin , Fabreag Mark Edward , Kang Ju-Won , Yun Yeo-Tae , Chung Chong-Tae , Ahn Sang-Nag 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
High grain yield is one of the most important traits requiring improvement in rice breeding programs. Consequently, the genetic basis of spikelets per panicle (SPP) and grain weight (TGW) have received much research focus because of their importance in rice yield.

Results
In this study, IL28, which is a near isogenic line (NIL) developed by introgressing chromosomal segments of the cultivar ‘Moroberekan’ into the cultivar ‘Ilpumbyeo’, showed a significant increase in the number of spikelets per panicle (SPP) and 1,000-grain weight (TGW) compared to the recurrent parent, Ilpumbyeo. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in 243 F2 plants derived from a cross between IL28 and Ilpumbyeo indicated that both qSPP6 and qTGW6 are located in the interval RM3430–RM20580. Following substitution mapping with 50 F3:4:5 lines, qSPP6 was mapped to a 429-kb interval between RM20521 and InDel-1, while qTGW6 was mapped to a 37.85-kb interval between InDel-1 and SNP--3 based on the japonica genome sequence. This result indicates that qSPP6 and qTGW6 are different genes. Yield trials with substitution lines indicated that lines harboring the homozygous Moroberekan segment at both the qSPP6 and qTGW6 region showed significantly higher grain yield than Ilpumbyeo.

Conclusion
Because the Moroberekan alleles for SPP and TGW have been shown to be beneficial in the genetic background of Ilpumbyeo, both the qSPP6 and qTGW6 alleles might prove valuable in improving rice yields. Closely linked SSR markers are expected to facilitate the cloning of genes that underlie these QTLs, as well as with marker-assisted selection for variation in SPP and TGW in rice breeding programs.
Methylome analysis identifies a Wilms tumor epigenetic biomarker detectable in blood
Authors: Charlton Jocelyn , Williams Richard D , Weeks Mark , Sebire Neil J , Popov Sergey , Vujanic Gordan , Mifsud William , Alcaide-German Marisa , Butcher Lee M , Beck Stephan , Pritchard-Jones Kathy 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background
Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal malignancy and there is a clinical need for a molecular biomarker to assess treatment response and predict relapse. The known mutated genes in this tumor type show low mutation frequencies, whereas aberrant methylation at 11p15 is by far the most common aberration. We therefore analyzed the epigenome, rather than the genome, to identify ubiquitous tumor-specific biomarkers.

Results
Methylome analysis of matched normal kidney and Wilms tumor identifies 309 preliminary methylation variable positions which we translate into three differentially methylated regions (DMR) for use as tumor-specific biomarkers. Using two novel algorithms we show that these three DMRs are not confounded by cell type composition. We further show that these DMRs are not methylated in embryonic blastema but are intermediately methylated in Wilms tumor precursor lesions. We validate the biomarker DMRs using two independent sample sets of normal kidney and Wilms tumor and seven Wilms tumor histological subtypes, achieving 100% and 98% correct classification, respectively. As proof-of-principle for clinical utility, we successfully use biomarker DMR-2 in a pilot analysis of cell-free circulating DNA to monitor tumor response during treatment in ten patients.

Conclusions
These findings define the most common methylated regions in Wilms tumor known to date which are not associated with their embryonic origin or precursor stage. We show that this tumor-specific methylated DNA is released into the blood circulation where it can be detected non-invasively showing potential for clinical utility.
QTug.sau-3B Is a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for Wheat Hexaploidization
Authors: Hao Ming , Luo Jiangtao , Zeng Deying , Zhang Li , Ning Shunzong , Yuan Zhongwei , Yan Zehong , Zhang Huaigang , Zheng Youliang , Feuillet Catherine , Choulet Frédéric , Yen Yang , Zhang Lianquan , Liu Dengcai 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Meiotic nonreduction resulting in unreduced gametes is thought to be the predominant mechanism underlying allopolyploid formation in plants. Until now, however, its genetic base was largely unknown. The allohexaploid crop common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which originated from hybrids of T. turgidum L. with Aegilops tauschii Cosson, provides a model to address this issue. Our observations of meiosis in pollen mother cells from T. turgidum×Ae. tauschii hybrids indicated that first division restitution, which exhibited prolonged cell division during meiosis I, was responsible for unreduced gamete formation. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for this trait, named QTug.sau-3B, was detected on chromosome 3B in two T. turgidum×Ae. tauschii haploid populations. This QTL is situated between markers Xgwm285 and Xcfp1012 and covered a genetic distance of 1 cM in one population. QTug.sau-3B is a haploid-dependent QTL because it was not detected in doubled haploid populations. Comparative genome analysis indicated that this QTL was close to Ttam-3B, a collinear homolog of tam in wheat. Although the relationship between QTug.sau-3B and Ttam requires further study, high frequencies of unreduced gametes may be related to reduced expression of Ttam in wheat.
Widespread Genomic Incompatibilities inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Snoek L Basten , Orbidans Helen E , Stastna Jana J , Aartse Aafke , Rodriguez Miriam , Riksen Joost A G , Kammenga Jan E , Harvey Simon C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn the Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller (BDM) model of speciation, incompatibilities emerge from the deleterious interactions between alleles that are neutral or advantageous in the original genetic backgrounds, i.e., negative epistatic effects. Within species such interactions are responsible for outbreeding depression and F2 (hybrid) breakdown. We sought to identify BDM incompatibilities in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by looking for genomic regions that disrupt egg laying; a complex, highly regulated, and coordinated phenotype. Investigation of introgression lines and recombinant inbred lines derived from the isolates CB4856 and N2 uncovered multiple incompatibility quantitative trait loci (QTL). These QTL produce a synthetic egg-laying defective phenotype not seen in CB4856 and N2 nor in other wild isolates. For two of the QTL regions, results are inconsistent with a model of pairwise interaction between two loci, suggesting that the incompatibilities are a consequence of complex interactions between multiple loci. Analysis of additional life history traits indicates that the QTL regions identified in these screens are associated with effects on other traits such as lifespan and reproduction, suggesting that the incompatibilities are likely to be deleterious. Taken together, these results indicate that numerous BDM incompatibilities that could contribute to reproductive isolation can be detected and mapped within C. elegans.
Implementation of the waste discharge charge system
Authors: Pegram G. C. , Weston D. , Reddy S. T. 
Published: August 2014

The waste discharge charge system (WDCS) is being developed by the Department of Water Affairs to promote waste reduction and water conservation. It forms part of the Pricing Strategy, which is being established under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). The WDCS is based on the polluter-pays principle and aims to:promote the sustainable development and efficient use of water resourcespromote the internalisation of environmental costs by impactorscreate financial incentives for dischargers to reduce waste and use water resources in a more optimal way.
The WDCS is premised on resource quality objectives (RQOs) as the measure of acceptable risk, and seeks to achieve RQOs at lowest total cost to the catchment. Where RQOs are exceeded or are threatened, impact on the resource is unacceptable and the WDCS may be deployed to achieve RQOs. The system will be applied at a catchment scale where the catchment is defined as those areas that have a significant impact on water quality, or are impacted by the specific water quality problem such as salinity, nutrients, heavy metals and organics. This paper aims to provide a summary of the WDCS Strategy.
Commissioning and operation experience of the largest flat sheet membrane bio-reactors in the world
Authors: Alhakawati M. S. , Cooper N. B. , Al Asmi S. , Abu El Soud M. , Abdulhussain H. 
Published: August 2014

The Al Ansab sewage treatment plant (STP) serves the central area of Muscat, the capital of Oman. When commissioned in 2010, the plant was the largest flat-plate membrane bioreactor facility in the world, with an initial capacity of 55,000 m3/day. Expansion to 125,000 m3/day is under design and when operational in 2016 the plant will once again be one of the largest MBRs of its kind in the world. With limited space available, and a desire for consistent high quality effluent for full public access applications, the membrane bio-reactor (MBR) process was selected as the treatment technology for the plant. The plant equipment and tankage installed under the first phase was sized to serve a maximum month average flow rate of 55,000 m3/day, while buildings, hydraulics, interconnecting piping and electrical power supply were sized to serve the second phase total capacity of 84,000 m3/day.
Kubota EK400 flat sheet membranes of 0.4 μm pore size were selected for the MBR. Eight membrane tanks were provided in the first phase, each having 40 double stacked membrane units. Each double stacked unit has 400 membrane panels making the total membranes sheets installed in the first phase over 120,000 panels. Al Ansab MBR plant expansion to the second phase is currently under detailed design and the new Kubota membranes module RW400 will be used in this phase.
The plant was designed to accept sewage delivered by sewer networks. Due to delay in completing the sewer network the new plant was commissioned using trucked sewage diverted from the old plant. This is a non-standard condition for the MBR plant, and Haya implemented several modifications in anticipation of this situation. The high volume of trucked wastewater was addressed with flow and load equalization systems to dampen the impact of shock loading. The Al Ansab STP is performing very well and complying with all the required effluent standards. Many lessons have been learned in both the design and operation of such a large MBR plant.
Variation of system performance, quality control standards and adherence to international FDG-PET/CT imaging guidelines
Authors: Bergmann H. , Geist B. , Schaffarich M. , Hirtl A. , Hacker M. , Beyer T. , Rausch I. 
Published: August 2014

Summary
Aim: To gather information on clinical operations, quality control (QC) standards and adoption of guidelines for FDG-PET/CT imaging in Austrian PET/CT centres. Methods: A written survey composed of 68 questions related to A) PET/CT centre and installation, B) standard protocol parameters for FDG-PET/CT imaging of oncology patients, and C) standard QC procedures was conducted between November and December 2013 among all Austrian PET/CT centres. In addition, a NEMA-NU2 2012 image quality phantom test was performed using standard whole-body imaging settings on all PET/CT systems with a lesion-to- background ratio of 4. Recovery coefficients (RC) were calculated for each lesion and PET/ CT system. Resu lts: A) 13 PET/CT systems were installed in 12 nuclear medicine departments at public hospitals. B) Average fasting prior to FDG-PET/CT was 7.6 (4-12) h. All sites measured blood glucose levels while using different cut-off levels (64%: 150 mg/dl). Weight- based activity injection was performed at 83% sites with a mean FDG activity of 4.1 MBq/kg. Average FDG uptake time was 55 (45-75) min. All sites employed CT contrast agents (variation from 1 %-95% of the patients). All sites reported SUV-max. C) Frequency of QC tests varied significantly and QC phantom measurements revealed significant differences in RCs. Conclusion: Significant variations in FDG-PET/CT protocol parameters among all Austrian PET/CT users were observed. subsequently, efforts need to be put in place to further standardize imaging protocols. At a minimum clinical PET/CT operations should ensure compliance with existing guidelines. Further, standardized QC procedures must be followed to improve quantitative accuracy across PET/CT centres.
Anaesthesia for awake craniotomy
Authors: Rath Girija , Mahajan Charu , Bithal Parmod 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAwake craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure during which the patient remains awake as a whole or during some part of the surgery. Although not a new procedure, it has regained its importance since last two decades following the advent of newer drugs along with improvised techniques. The role of anesthesiologist during this procedure is of paramount importance. In this review, we discussed the anesthetic management during awake craniotomy and re-emphasized on the avoidance of intraoperative untoward events with appropriate patient selection.
To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure and haemodynamic changes in response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation
Authors: Purohit Shobha , Kulshreshtha Amit ,   Tanuja
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background: The most important prerequisites for neurosurgeries are brain relaxation, need of stable haemodynamics with less fluctuation in intracranial pressure and speedy recovery from anaesthesia. Endotracheal intubation is the major stressful stimuli that can elicit a marked pressor response. Various drugs have been used to attenuate these reflexes. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, have neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and sedative effects so it is potentially useful during neuroanaesthesia. This is a prospective randomised control trial carried out to see whether administration of Dexmedetomidine prior to intubation can attenuate the various haemodynamic responses, intraocular pressure (IOP) and the requirement of induction dose of propofol in control and study group. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients (ASA grade 1, 2) scheduled for intracranial tumour surgeries were divided into two groups (25 each). Group D received Dexmedetomidine 0.8 μg/kg i.v. over 10 mins and group C received 20 ml saline. Anaesthesia induced with Propofol, dose adjusted using bispectral index monitor. The groups were compared with IOP, Heart rate (HR), Mean arterial pressure (MAP), and dose of Propofol required for induction. Results: Groups were well matched for their demographic data and pre-operative. IOP in both the eyes decreases significantly after premedication and remained below baseline even after 10th min of intubation in group D while in Group C; it increased significantly after intubation and remained above baseline. The difference between groups was also statistically significant. HR and MAP decreased significantly in patients of group D compared to group C ( P< 0.05). Patients were more haemodynamicaly stable at all time points after premedication in group D ( P< 0.05). Propofol requirements for induction was lesser in group D (P < 0.05). Bradycardia and hypotension incidences were higher in group D. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine premedication decreases the sympathoadrenal effect on IOP and haemodynamic parameters during laryngoscopy/intubation and decreases the requirement of propofol for induction of general anaesthesia.
Intensive care management of Guillain-Barre syndrome: A retrospective outcome study and review of literature
Authors: Bhagat Hemant , Dash Hari , Chauhan Rajendra , Khanna Puneet , Bithal Parmod 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Introduction: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune mediated disorder which is associated with demyelination of peripheral nervous system and progressive muscle weakness. Severely affected patients have respiratory dysfunction and may need ventilatory support which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited Indian data with regards to the outcome of severely affected GBS patients. The present study reflects the intensive care management of severely affected GBS patients at neurological centre of a tertiary care institute of India. Materials and Methods: The study was designed to retrospectively review the patient records who were admitted to neurological intensive care unit (ICU) of AIIMS, New Delhi. The epidemiology, clinical features, course of management and outcome of GBS patients admitted between April 2000 to December 2005 were recorded and analysed. Results: The data of 59 patients were available for inclusion in the study. The mean age of patients admitted to neurological ICU was 35 years with male preponderance. Ventilatory failure was the most common indication for ICU admission. 95% patients required ventilatory support for a mean duration of 30 days. The mortality data included 60 patients and 13 patients died during the course of management. Conclusions: The present study indicates that severely affected GBS patients may need prolonged mechanical ventilation. Despite management in a specialized neurological ICU the mortality can be as high as 21%.
Early Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) in middle aged hypertensive patients: A pilot study
Authors: Panda Nidhi , Mathew Preethy , Narayana Y. , Kohli Aadarsh , Gandhi Komal , Kumar Pawan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground: Nowadays, hypertension is prevalent in middle aged persons. Patients with hypertension are known to have cognitive dysfunction and, therefore, may be vulnerable for post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) also. Intra-operative hypotension is documented to be associated with cognitive decline in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted in 30 hypertensive (Group H) and 30 non-hypertensive (Group N) patients, aged 40-59 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia to estimate the incidence of early POCD in known hypertensive patients and compared with non-hypertensive patients. All patients underwent a “Neuro-psychological Test Battery” to assess cognitive function on preoperative day and on 7th postoperative day. A standard anaesthesia protocol was followed. Vasopressor boluses were used to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 20% of the baseline value in both groups. Results: The incidence of POCD was 23.3% in hypertensive patients and 20% in non-hypertensive patients. The vasopressor boluses used to maintain blood pressure was more in hypertensive patients (P = 0.041). Consequently, hypertensive patients had a significantly higher minimal MAP (P = 0.001) and a lower fractional minimal MAP (P = 0.011) compared to non-hypertensive patients. No significant correlation was observed between fractional minimal MAP and occurrence of POCD. Conclusion: This pilot trial shows that the incidence of early POCD in middle aged hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients are similar after general anaesthesia.
On Homotopy Invariants of Combings of Three-manifolds
Authors: Lescop Christine 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCombings of compact, oriented, 3-dimensional manifoldsMare homotopy classes of nowhere vanishing vector fields. The Euler class of the normal bundle is an invariant of the combing, and it only depends on the underlying Spinc-structure. A combing is called torsion if this Euler class is a torsion element of H2(M; Z). Gompf introduced a Q-valued invariant θGof torsion combings on closed 3-manifolds, and he showed that θGdistinguishes all torsion combings with the same Spinc-structure. We give an alternative definition for θGand we express its variation as a linking number. We define a similar invariantp1of combings for manifolds bounded by S2. We relate p1 to the Θ-invariant, which is the simplest configuration space integral invariant of rational homology 3-balls, by the formula Θ = ¼P1+ 6λ, where λ is the Casson-Walker invariant. The article also includes a self-contained presentation of combings for 3-manifolds.