bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of 2 Distinct Levels of Mean Arterial Pressure on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Cardiac Surgery: Secondary Outcome From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Holmgaard Frederik , Vedel Anne G. , Lange Theis , Nilsson Jens C. , Ravn Hanne B.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used worldwide to monitor regional cerebral oxygenation (rScO2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Intervention protocols meant to mitigate cerebral desaturation advocate to increase mean arterial pressure (MAP) when cerebral desaturation occurs. However, the isolated effect of MAP on rScO2 is uncertain. The aim of the present study was in a randomized, blinded design to elucidate the effect of 2 distinct levels of MAP on rScO2 values during CPB.

We hypothesized that a higher MAP would be reflected in higher rScO2 values, lower frequency of patients with desaturation, and a less pronounced cerebral desaturation load.

METHODS:

This is a substudy of the Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarct trial, in which we investigated the impact of MAP levels during CPB on ischemic brain injury after cardiac surgery. Deviation in rScO2 was a predefined outcome in the Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarct trial. Patients were randomized to low MAP (LMAP; 40–50 mm Hg) or high MAP (HMAP; 70–80 mm Hg) during CPB. CPB pump flow was fixed at 2.4 L/min/m2, and MAP levels were targeted using norepinephrine. Intraoperatively, NIRS monitoring was performed in a blinded fashion, with sensors placed on the left and right side of the patient’s forehead. NIRS recordings were extracted for offline analysis as the mean value of left and right signal during prespecified periods. Mean rScO2 during CPB was defined as the primary outcome in the present study.

RESULTS:

The average MAP level during CPB was 67 mm Hg ± SD 5.0 in the HMAP group (n = 88) and 45 mm Hg ± SD 4.4 in the LMAP group (n = 88). Mean rScO2 was significantly lower in the HMAP group during CPB (mean difference, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.9–6.1; P = .010). There was no difference in rScO2 values at specified time points during the intraoperative period between the 2 groups. Significantly more patients experienced desaturation below 10% and 20% relative to rScO2 baseline in the HMAP group (P = .013 and P = .009, respectively), and the cerebral desaturation load below 10% relative to rScO2 baseline was more pronounced in the HMAP group (P = .042).

CONCLUSIONS:

In a randomized blinded study, we observed that a higher MAP induced by vasopressors, with a fixed CPB pump flow, leads to lower mean rScO2 and more frequent and pronounced cerebral desaturation during CPB. The mechanism behind these observations is not clear. We cannot exclude extracranial contamination of the NIRS signal as a possible explanation. However, we cannot recommend increasing MAP by vasoconstrictors during cerebral desaturation because this is not supported by the findings of the present study.
Rates of Perioperative Respiratory Adverse Events Among Caucasian and African American Children Undergoing General Anesthesia
Authors: Tariq Sarah , Syed Madiha , Martin Timothy , Zhang Xu , Schmitz Michael
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) account for the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing general anesthesia. In our institutional clinical practice, we suspected that African American children experienced untoward respiratory events more frequently than other racial groups. Identification of high-risk groups can guide decision making in the perioperative period, and aggressive optimization of specific care can enhance safety and improve outcomes.

METHODS:

Data came from a retrospective chart review for records from August 2013 to December 2013. The primary aim was to compare the incidence of PRAEs among racial groups of young children at a single institution. We also analyzed factors that are potentially associated with a higher risk of PRAEs. There were 1148 records that met the inclusion criteria. Racial identities, PRAEs, and risk factors were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate differences in PRAEs among racial groups controlling for confounding variables.

RESULTS:

Of all 1148 patients, 62 (5.4%) had a PRAE. African American children had significantly higher incidences of PRAE (26/231, 11.4%) compared to Caucasian (27/777, 3.5%; P < .001). Although the most common PRAE was laryngospasm, bronchospasm was the most common PRAE for African American children. Otolaryngology procedures were most commonly associated with PRAEs, followed by orthodontic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a multivariable logistic analysis, African American pediatric patients were shown to have significantly higher odds of PRAEs when compared with the Caucasian group.
Increased FGF8 signaling promotes chondrogenic rather than osteogenic development in the embryonic skull
Authors: Schmidt Linnea , Taiyab Aftab , Melvin Vida Senkus , Jones Kenneth L. , Williams Trevor
Published: May 2018

The bones of the cranial vault are formed directly from mesenchymal cells through intramembranous ossification rather than via a cartilage intermediate. Formation and growth of the skull bones involves the interaction of multiple cell:cell signaling pathways, with Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and their receptors exerting prominent influence. Mutations within this pathway are the most frequent cause of craniosynostosis, which is a common human craniofacial developmental abnormality characterized by the premature fusion of the cranial sutures. Here, we have developed new mouse models to investigate how different levels of increased Fgf signaling can impact the formation of the calvarial bones and associated sutures. While moderate Fgf8 overexpression resulted in delayed ossification followed by craniosynostosis of the coronal suture, higher Fgf8 levels promoted a loss of ossification and favored cartilage over bone formation across the skull. In contrast, endochondral bones were still able to form and ossify in the presence of increased Fgf8, though the growth and mineralization of these bones were impacted to varying extents. Expression analysis demonstrated that abnormal skull chondrogenesis was accompanied by changes in genes required for Wnt signaling. Moreover, further analysis indicated that the pathology was associated with decreased Wnt signaling since the reduction in ossification could be partially rescued by halving Axin2 gene dosage. Taken together, these findings indicate that mesenchymal cells of the skull are not fated to form bone but can be forced into a chondrogenic fate via manipulation of FGF8 signaling. These results have implications for evolution of the different methods of ossification as well as for therapeutic intervention in craniosynostosis.
RNaseT2 knockout rats exhibit hippocampal neuropathology and deficits in memory
Authors: Sinkevicius Kerstin W. , Morrison Thomas R. , Kulkarni Praveen , Cagliostro Martha K. Caffrey , Iriah Sade , Malmberg Samantha , Sabrick Julia , Honeycutt Jennifer A. , Askew Kim L. , Trivedi Malav , Ferris Craig F.
Published: May 2018

RNASET2 deficiency in humans is associated with infant cystic leukoencephalopathy, which causes psychomotor impairment, spasticity, and epilepsy. A zebrafish mutant model suggests that loss of RNASET2 function leads to neurodegeneration due to the accumulation of non-degraded RNA in the lysosomes. The goal of this study was to characterize the first rodent model of RNASET2 deficiency. The brains of 3- and 12-month-old RNaseT2 knockout rats were studied using multiple magnetic resonance imaging modalities and behavioral tests. While T1 and T2 weighted images of RNaseT2 knockout rats exhibited no evidence of cystic lesions, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal complex were enlarged in knockout animals. Diffusion weighted imaging showed altered anisotropy and putative gray matter changes in the hippocampal complex of the RNaseT2 knockout rats. Immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) showed the presence of hippocampal neuroinflammation. Decreased levels of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) and elevated acid phosphatase and β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activities indicated that the RNASET2 knockout rats likely had altered lysosomal function and potential defects in autophagy. Object recognition tests confirmed the RNaseT2 knockout rats exhibited memory deficits. However, the Barnes maze, and balance beam and rotarod tests, indicated there were no differences in spatial memory or motor impairments, respectively. Overall, patients with RNASET2 deficiency exhibited a more severe neurodegeneration phenotype than was observed in the RNaseT2 knockout rats. However, the vulnerability of the knockout rat hippocampus as evidenced by neuroinflammation, altered lysosomal function, and cognitive defects indicates this is still a useful in vivo model to study RNASET2 function.
Drosophila Insulin receptor regulates the persistence of injury-induced nociceptive sensitization
Authors: Im Seol Hee , Patel Atit A. , Cox Daniel N. , Galko Michael J.
Published: May 2018

Diabetes-associated nociceptive hypersensitivity affects diabetic patients with hard-to-treat chronic pain. Because multiple tissues are affected by systemic alterations in insulin signaling, the functional locus of insulin signaling in diabetes-associated hypersensitivity remains obscure. Here, we used Drosophila nociception/nociceptive sensitization assays to investigate the role of Insulin receptor (Insulin-like receptor, InR) in nociceptive hypersensitivity. InR mutant larvae exhibited mostly normal baseline thermal nociception (absence of injury) and normal acute thermal hypersensitivity following UV-induced injury. However, their acute thermal hypersensitivity persists and fails to return to baseline, unlike in controls. Remarkably, injury-induced persistent hypersensitivity is also observed in larvae that exhibit either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Cell type-specific genetic analysis indicates that InR function is required in multidendritic sensory neurons including nociceptive class IV neurons. In these same nociceptive sensory neurons, only modest changes in dendritic morphology were observed in the InRRNAi-expressing and diabetic larvae. At the cellular level, InR-deficient nociceptive sensory neurons show elevated calcium responses after injury. Sensory neuron-specific expression of InR rescues the persistent thermal hypersensitivity of InR mutants and constitutive activation of InR in sensory neurons ameliorates the hypersensitivity observed with a type 2-like diabetic state. Our results suggest that a sensory neuron-specific function of InR regulates the persistence of injury-associated hypersensitivity. It is likely that this new system will be an informative genetically tractable model of diabetes-associated hypersensitivity.
SOD1A4V aggregation alters ubiquitin homeostasis in a cell model of ALS
Authors: Farrawell Natalie E. , Lambert-Smith Isabella , Mitchell Kristen , McKenna Jessie , McAlary Luke , Ciryam Prajwal , Vine Kara L. , Saunders Darren N. , Yerbury Justin J.
Published: May 2018

A hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology is the accumulation of ubiquitylated protein inclusions within motor neurons. Recent studies suggest the sequestration of ubiquitin (Ub) into inclusions reduces the availability of free Ub, which is essential for cellular function and survival. However, the dynamics of the Ub landscape in ALS have not yet been described. Here, we show that Ub homeostasis is altered in a cell model of ALS induced by expressing mutant SOD1 (SOD1A4V). By monitoring the distribution of Ub in cells expressing SOD1A4V, we show that Ub is present at the earliest stages of SOD1A4V aggregation, and that cells containing SOD1A4V aggregates have greater ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dysfunction. Furthermore, SOD1A4V aggregation is associated with the redistribution of Ub and depletion of the free Ub pool. Ubiquitomics analysis indicates that expression of SOD1A4V is associated with a shift of Ub to a pool of supersaturated proteins, including those associated with oxidative phosphorylation and metabolism, corresponding with altered mitochondrial morphology and function. Taken together, these results suggest that misfolded SOD1 contributes to UPS dysfunction and that Ub homeostasis is an important target for monitoring pathological changes in ALS.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Environmental history impacts gene expression during diapause development in the alfalfa leafcutting bee,Megachile rotundata
Authors: Yocum George D. , Childers Anna K. , Rinehart Joseph P. , Rajamohan Arun , Pitts-Singer Theresa L. , Greenlee Kendra J. , Bowsher Julia H.
Published: May 2018

Our understanding of the mechanisms controlling insect diapause has increased dramatically with the introduction of global gene expression techniques, such as RNA-seq. However, little attention has been given to how ecologically relevant field conditions may affect gene expression during diapause development because previous studies have focused on laboratory reared and maintained insects. To determine whether gene expression differs between laboratory and field conditions, prepupae of the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, entering diapause early or late in the growing season were collected. These two groups were further subdivided in early autumn into laboratory and field maintained groups, resulting in four experimental treatments of diapausing prepupae: early and late field, and early and late laboratory. RNA-seq and differential expression analyses were performed on bees from the four treatment groups in November, January, March and May. The number of treatment-specific differentially expressed genes (97 to 1249) outnumbered the number of differentially regulated genes common to all four treatments (14 to 229), indicating that exposure to laboratory or field conditions had a major impact on gene expression during diapause development. Principle component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis yielded similar grouping of treatments, confirming that the treatments form distinct clusters. Our results support the conclusion that gene expression during the course of diapause development is not a simple ordered sequence, but rather a highly plastic response determined primarily by the environmental history of the individual insect.
Human angiogenin is a potent cytotoxin in the absence of ribonuclease inhibitor
Authors: Thomas Sydney P. , Hoang Trish T. , Ressler Valerie T. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: May 2018

Angiogenin (ANG) is a secretory ribonuclease that promotes the proliferation of endothelial cells, leading to angiogenesis. This function relies on its ribonucleolytic activity, which is low for simple RNA substrates. Upon entry into the cytosol, ANG is sequestered by the ribonuclease inhibitor protein (RNH1). We find that ANG is a potent cytotoxin forRNH1-knockout HeLa cells, belying its inefficiency as a nonspecific catalyst. The toxicity does, however, rely on the ribonucleolytic activity of ANG and a cytosolic localization, which lead to the accumulation of particular tRNA fragments (tRFs), such as tRF-5 Gly-GCC. These up-regulated tRFs are highly cytotoxic at physiological concentrations. Although ANG is well-known for its promotion of cell growth, our results reveal that ANG can also cause cell death.
The RANI Project: A socio-normative intervention to reduce anemia in Odisha, India: A formative research protocol
Authors: Sedlander Erica , Rimal Rajiv N , Talegawkar Sameera A. , Yilma Hagere , Munar Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Background: More than half of women of reproductive age in India are anemic. Anemia is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery, higher maternal mortality and contributes to fatigue, which affects women’s work productivity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily oral iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements during pregnancy and weekly supplements for women of reproductive age. Government programs and global donors have distributed and promoted IFA supplements in India for over four decades. However, initial intake and compliance remain inadequate.

Objectives: This protocol describes the formative research phase of a larger study, called the Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project, which will test, through a randomized controlled trial, the hypothesis that a social norms-based behavioral intervention in Odisha, India will improve uptake of IFA supplements and reduce anemia among reproductive age women as compared to usual care. The focus of this paper is on the formative research required to develop a sound intervention. We will examine socio-normative barriers to and facilitators of IFA supplement uptake.

Methods and analysis: Based on the Theory of Normative Social Behavior, we will adopt a mixed-method, multilevel approach. We will collect data using focus groups, in-depth interviews, observations, Rapid Participatory Ethnographic Evaluation and Research (PEER) techniques, and perceptual mapping methods. Our sample includes reproductive age women (pregnant and not pregnant), their husbands, their mothers/in law and key stakeholders. Before collecting the data, and after analyzing the results, we will hold convenings in India to engage key stakeholders in collaborative design. Following the intervention design, we will test components of the intervention, gather user feedback and fine-tune as necessary.

Impact: This study will contribute to the social norms and behavioral intervention research and inform policymakers about the value of adopting a socio-normative approach.
An Integrated Web-based Interactive Data Platform for Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Astsatryan Hrachya , Narsisian Wahi , Gyulgyulyan Eliza , Baghdasaryan Vardan , Poghosyan Armen , Mamasakhlisov Yevgeni , Wittenburg Peter
Published: May 2018

The article aims to introduce an integrated web-based interactive data platform for molecular dynamic simulations using the datasets generated by different life science communities from Armenia. The suggested platform, consisting of data repository and workflow management services, is vital for current and future scientific discoveries in the life science domain. We focus on interactive data visualization workflow service as a key to perform more in-depth analyzes of research data outputs, helping to understand the problems efficiently and to consolidate the data into one collective illustration platform. The functionalities of the integrated data platform is presented as an advanced integrated environment to capture, analyze, process and visualize the scientific data.
Climate Applications in a Virtual Research Environment Platform
Authors: Gadzhev Georgi , Georgieva Ivelina , Ganev Kostadin , Ivanov Vladimir , Miloshev Nikolay , Chervenkov Hristo , Syrakov Dimiter
Published: May 2018

Previous atmospheric composition studies were based on extensive computer simulations carried out with good resolution using up-to-date modelling tools and detailed and reliable input data.

The oncoming climate changes will exert influence on the ecosystems, on the all branches of the international economy, and on the quality of life. Regional climate models (RCMs) are important instruments used for downscaling climate simulations from Global circulation models (GCMs).

The air quality (AQ) impact on human health and quality of life is an issue of great social significance. Evaluating this impact will give scientifically robust basis for elaborating efficient short term measures and long term strategies for mitigation of the harmful effects of air pollution. The AQ impact is evaluated in the terms of Air Quality Indices (AQI). Some extensive numerical simulations of the atmospheric composition fields in Bulgaria and Sofia have been recently performed. A quite extensive data base was created from simulations which were used for different studies of the atmospheric composition, including the AQ climate.

Main aims of the numerical experiment presented in this paper are: (1) Adaptation and tuning of the RegCM model for the Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria and thus development of a methodology able to predict possible changes of the regional climate for different global climate change scenarios and their impact on spatial/temporal distribution of precipitation, hence the global water budgets, to changes of the characteristics and spatial/temporal distribution of extreme, unfavorable and catastrophic events (drought, storms, hail, floods, fires, sea waves, soil erosion, etc.); (2) Development of a methodology and performing reliable, comprehensive and detailed studies of the impact of lower atmosphere parameters and characteristics on the quality of life (QL) and health risks (HR) for the population.
VI-SEEM DREAMCLIMATE Service
Authors: Vudragovic Dusan , Ilic Luka , Jovanovic Petar , Nickovic Slobodan , Bogojevic Aleksandar , Balaz Antun
Published: May 2018

Premature human mortality due to cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer is found in epidemiological studies to be correlated to increased levels of atmospheric particulate matter. Such negative dust effects on the human mortality in the North Africa - Europe - Middle East region can be successfully studied by the DREAM dust model. However, to assess health effects of dust and its other impacts on the environment, a detailed modelling of the climate for a period of one year in a high-resolution mode is required. We describe here a parallel implementation of the DREAM dust model, the DREAMCLIMATE service, which is optimised for use on the high-performance regional infrastructure provided by the VI-SEEM project. In addition to development and integration of this service, we also present a use-case study of premature mortality due to desert dust in the North Africa - Europe - Middle East region for the year 2005, to demonstrate how the newly deployed service can be used.
Dynamic Balancing of Exploration and Exploitation: The Contingent Benefits of Ambidexterity
Authors: Luger Johannes , Raisch Sebastian , Schimmer Markus
Published: May 2018

We study the evolution of firms’ exploration–exploitation allocations and their long-term performance outcomes. Extending current ambidexterity theory, we suggest that not only firms pursuing one-sided exploration or exploitation orientations show self-reinforcing tendencies but also ambidextrous firms adopting balanced exploration–exploitation orientations. Integrating formal modeling arguments, we further propose that reinforcing ambidexterity can be good or bad for firms’ long-term performance, depending on the environment they face: In contexts characterized by incremental change, firms benefit more from the learning effects of maintaining ambidexterity, which lead to superior performance. Firms in discontinuous change contexts, however, suffer more from the misalignment that reinforcement creates, which affects their performance negatively. A longitudinal data set of global insurance firms (1999–2014) supports our arguments. Building on these findings, we reconceptualize ambidexterity as the ability to dynamically balance exploration and exploitation, which emerges from combining capability-building processes (to balance exploration and exploitation) with capability-shifting processes (to adapt the exploration–exploitation balance). We contribute to the organizational literature by developing a dynamic perspective on balancing exploration and exploitation, by clarifying the contingent nature of the ambidexterity–firm performance relationship, and by integrating and extending the ambidexterity and formal modeling perspectives on exploration and exploitation.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1189 .
6q21q22.2 Deletion Syndrome with Ataxia and Congenital Ocular Motor Apraxia (Cogan´s Syndrome)
Authors: Carrascosa-Romero MC , Baquero Cano M , Lozano-Setién E , Correas-Sánchez A , Delgado García AB , Méndez-Carrascosa ER
Published: May 2018

Congenital oculomotor apraxia, also known as Cogan´s syndrome [Cogan-type congenital ocular motor apraxia (COMA, OMIM 257550)], is a rare hereditary disease that affects the eye insofar as it cannot make horizontal movements voluntary. Of unknown etiology, it was described by Cogan in 1952 and, classically considered as a sporadic disease with autosomal dominant inheritance in some cases, and as an indicator of partial metabolic alterations or defects of neurological development in others. We present a newborn with 6q21q22.1 microdeletion, result of gestation after in vitro fertilization, which clinically manifests movement disorders including ataxia and characteristic clinical picture of Cogan´s syndrome (oculomotor apraxia); highlighting microcephaly and peculiar phenotype characterized by small eyes, sparse hair, broad nasal root with epicanthus and hypoplasia of nasal wings. Cerebral ultrasound showed Cysts of the Subependymal. Germinal Matrix.
The 6q deletions are infrequent, with around 100 cases described, associated with variable phenotypes, including dysmorphic features, growth retardation, upper limb malformations, and Prader-Willi (PW)-like features; and few of them studied with high resolution cytogenetic techniques. Recently, in the study of three patients (one with ataxia and two with movement disorders), the 6q22.1 region has been proposed as critical (including the MARCKS, HDAC2, and HS3ST5 genes), a region that is also affected in our patient, and correlated with the ataxia phenotype, as the most outstanding data. So, from these results, the genetic heterogeneity of Cogan syndrome is inferred. In this article we also review the bibliography related to oculomotor apraxia associated with other movement disorders such as ataxia.
Eskuz idaztearen hil-kanpaiak?
Authors: Ibarra Irune , Etxague Xabier
Published: May 2018

Letrak eskuz idaztearen hil-kanpaiak jo zituzten Estatu Batuetan 2010. urteaz geroztik eta Finlandian 2016. urteaz geroztik. Izan ere, letrak eskuz egiten irakastea curriculumean soilik Lehen Hezkuntzako lehenengo mailara arte aurreikusten dute, ondorengo ikasturteetan teklatua sustatuz egingo dute (HW21 Community, 2014; Tubia, 2014). Erabaki horrek eraginak izan ditzake beste herrialde batzuetan, gurean kasu. Eta agian eskuz idaztearen hil-kanpaiak azkarregi jotzea baino interesgarriagoa da nazioartean modu sistematikoan aztertu den haurren idazketa azaleratzea, eskuidaz ke ta ren onuren inguruan egin diren aurkikuntzak plazaratzea eta curriculumarekiko proposatu diren zenbait zertzelada ematea. Gainera, euskaraz eskuz idazten jarri ditugu Lehen Hezkuntzako haurrak eta nazioartean ingelesez, txineraz eta portugesez aurkitu dutena frogatzen saiatu gara. Literaturaren errepasoa eginda eta gure ikerketa azalduta, esku-idaz ke taren inguruan hausnartzea eta hura berrenfokatzea bilatzen da.
Ahozkotasunaren balio pragmatikoa ipuin kontaketan. Koldo Amestoy kontalariaren zenbait ipuinen azterketa
Authors: García Arriola Eneritz A.
Published: May 2018

Haurrei ipuinak kontatzea oso garrantzitsutzat jo izan da, baita hezkuntza formalean ere. Lan honetan ipuinak kontatzean edota irakurtzean erabiltzen diren ahozko teknikak ikertu dira, hurbilpen teoriko-praktikoa eginez eta grabatutako ipuinen corpusa aztertuz. Corpus hori osatu da Koldo Amestoy ipuin kontalari ezagunaren hiru ipuinekin, eta bertan erabiltzen dituen abiada, eten kopurua, bolumena eta intonazioa aztertu dira. Horiek irizpide teoriko batzuen arabera corpusean aurresan dira. Ondoren, entzunaldien bitartez, azaldu da irizpide horiekin bat etorri den edo ez; bat etorri ez diren kasuetan komunikazio estrategien bidez deskribatuz. Horrela, irakasleak estrategiak ipuin kontaketan erabil ditzake, ipuin kontaketa askoz esanguratsuago bihurtuz.
Erranaldiko elementuen ordena euskaraz: Lehen Hezkuntzako irakasle-gaiek zer hobetsi duten eta zergatik
Authors: Maia Julian
Published: May 2018

1. SARRERA: IKERKETAREN MARKOAEuskarak azken mende erdian (1965-2015) aukera izan du esparru formal batzuetan erabilia izaten hasteko eta horrenbertzez eremu horietan garatzeko, lehenago ez baitu inoiz ere izan hartarako egokiera erosorik batere. Azken urte hauetan, horrela, eskarmentu polita izan dugu hiztunok lehenago landu gabeko alorretan euskara baliatzeko eta lan horietan euskarazko prosa idatzia eraikitzeko. Hala ere, inguruan ditugun hizkuntza indartsuen aldean, erran daiteke euskarak orainik pauso batzuk bertzerik ez dituela egin, eta ongi bizkortzeko eta zaulitzeko baduela bidea egin beharra...
There is an after-life (for jokes, anyway): The potential for, and appeal of, ‘immortality’ in humor
Authors: Hale Adrian
Published: May 2018

While the appeal of humor lies, typically, in its very spontaneity and original contextual incongruity, there is also the chance of an ‘afterlife’ for the humorous text. In most cases, the humorist seeks an immediate response for what is an ephemeral, fleeting, linguistic transaction. A permanent place in humor culture is probably the least of the humorist’s goals- after all, the immediate, positive response is prioritized as an evidence of skill. Thus, most humor studies focus on the first instantiation of humor, as being generative of the act of humor. This prioritization of the immediate surprise, over the ‘echoes’ of an instance of humor, does not address the fact that many people enjoy revisiting a familiar joke, or comic film, or an entire TV comedy series, and that these revisited texts become incorporated into group and cultural artefacts. These recontextualizations in themselves are potentially funny, but they are also important in sustaining the original instance of humor as a type of ongoing conversation: a very distinctive feature of humor’s social importance. This paper will present a theorization of an interdependency between author, text, and interlocutors for the ‘afterlife’ of texts, and will furnish high-profile examples to support this concept.
Big Data Analytics in Medicine and Healthcare
Authors: Ristevski Blagoj , Chen Ming
Published: May 2018

This paper surveys big data with highlighting the big data analytics in medicine and healthcare. Big data characteristics: value, volume, velocity, variety, veracity and variability are described. Big data analytics in medicine and healthcare covers integration and analysis of large amount of complex heterogeneous data such as various – omics data (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, interactomics, pharmacogenomics, diseasomics), biomedical data and electronic health records data. We underline the challenging issues about big data privacy and security. Regarding big data characteristics, some directions of using suitable and promising open-source distributed data processing software platform are given.
Performance Evaluation of Optical Amplifiers for High-Speed Optical Networks
Authors: Malik Deepak , Kaushik Geeta , Wason Amit
Published: May 2018

Optical networks were invented by the developing and developed nations in order to extend the capacity required for communication systems in a worthwhile way. In this paper, the attempt is done to improve the capacity and performance of semiconductor optical amplifier, Raman and erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) amplifiers used in optical networks. The potential of different optical amplifiers operating at 8×10 Gbps has been examined and their performance was compared on behalf of different parameters, viz. eye opening, eye closure, jitter, quality factor and transmission distances. It was observed that EDFA provided the consistent good quality of communication for long-distance transmission up to 150 km along with better eye opening and eye closure with acceptable jitter performance. Further, it is observed on the basis of quality factor and bit error rate that EDFA gives comparably better performance than Raman amplifier. Moreover, it is seen that as the data rate of the system increases, the quality of communication signals starts decreasing.
Angle-Specific Isokinetic Metrics Highlight Strength Training Needs of Elite Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Eustace Steven J. , Page Richard M. , Greig Matt
Published: May 2018

Eustace, SJ, Page, RM, and Greig, M. angle specific isokinetic metrics highlight strength training needs of elite youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3258–3265, 2020—The purpose of this study was to assess traditional and angle-specific isokinetic strength of eccentric knee flexors (eccKFs) and concentric knee extensors (conKEs) between senior professional and youth soccer players. Thirty-four male soccer players (17 senior and 17 youth) were recruited for bilateral assessments at 180, 270, and 60°·s−1. Peak torque (PT), dynamic control ratio (DCR), angle of peak torque (APT), functional range (FR), angle-specific torque (AST), and angle-specific DCR (DCRAST) were compared. The eccentric knee flexor (eccKF) and conKE PT (p = 0.782) and DCR (p = 0.508) were not different between groups across all angular velocities. Significant differences were identified for eccKF APT (p = 0.018) and FR (p = 0.006), DCRAST at 270°·s−1 (p = 0.031), and in AST data recorded across angular velocities for eccKF and conKE (p = 0.003). Traditional strength measures were not sensitive to playing age, with implications for misinterpretation in training prescription. By contrast, AST data did differentiate between ages. Strength deficits that highlight the muscle contraction type, angular velocity, and joint angle can be manipulated within an individualized training intervention. Given the relevance to injury etiology, this study highlights potential implications for improved assessment strategies to inform training prescription for performance and injury prevention. Given the high number of injuries in adolescent soccer players, and in line with previous recommendations, practitioners should consider using more informed and specific strength and conditioning practices at younger ages.
Effect of a Poly-olefin Based Additive on Bitumen and Asphalt Mix Performance
Authors: Benešová Lucie , Valentin Jan , Valentová Tereza , Hamzah Meor Othman
Published: May 2018

Based on the comparison of the selected characteristics of laboratory prepared modified binders, different blends of bituminous binders with added poly-olefin based additive (PAO) were evaluated alone or in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymers. The basic type of bitumen used for the modification was a paving grade 50/70. The second reference binder was an industrially produced polymer-modified bitumen PMB 40/80-85. The properties of bituminous binders were evaluated using selected empirical tests and functional tests on Dynamic Shear Rheometer and viscosity test. Additionally, assessed binder variants were used in a stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixture, and bitumen properties were compared with performance behavior of the mixture, mainly, stiffness, water susceptibility, resistance to permanent deformations, and behavior in the low temperature range. The results show that the effect of the PAO additive depends mainly on the base binder used. It is a more affordable variant than conventional PMBs from an economic point of view, although the resulting properties with PAO additive are not comparable to those of traditional PMBs. The PAO may be used as a certain intermediate performance product between paving grades and PMB binders.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function after Pulmonary Valve Replacement Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zaidi Ali N. , Kay W. Aaron
Published: May 2018

Following reparative surgery for tetralogy of Fallot or critical pulmonary stenosis (PS), patients frequently present with severe right ventricular (RV) volume overload due to pulmonary regurgitation, resulting in decreased RV function. Surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is known to improve RV function, but changes in left ventricular (LV) function after PVR have rarely been described. We sought to determine the midterm results regarding LV systolic function after PVR using cardiac MRI in 40 consecutive patients with repaired TOF (31 patients) or PS (9 patients) with an age of 29±9 years who underwent PVR from 2006 to 2011 at a single center. Cardiac MRI RV and LV volumes before and after PVR were analyzed. Demographics, clinical variables, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and medications were reviewed. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from (54±8) to (57±6)% (P=0.02). Before PVR, 26 patients had depressed LVEF of (49±5)% (range 36–54%). In this group, LVEF increased by (7±7)% (P<0.0001) after PVR. Low LVEF before PVR was correlated with increased LVEF after PVR (regression coefficient −0.7, R
2=0.59, P<0.0001). Demographics, medications, prior pregnancies, and cardiopulmonary bypass duration had no effect on LVEF after PVR. The increase in LVEF was most significant in patients with low pre-PVR LVEF.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Differential diagnosis, investigation and therapy of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas
Authors: Bourdeau Isabelle , El Ghorayeb Nada , Gagnon Nadia , Lacroix André
Published: May 2018

The investigation and management of unilateral adrenal incidentalomas have been extensively considered in the last decades. While bilateral adrenal incidentalomas represent about 15% of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), they have been less frequently discussed. The differential diagnosis of bilateral incidentalomas includes metastasis, primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and bilateral cortical adenomas. Less frequent etiologies are bilateral pheochromocytomas, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Cushing’s disease or ectopic ACTH secretion with secondary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, primary malignancies, myelolipomas, infections or hemorrhage. The investigation of bilateral incidentalomas includes the same hormonal evaluation to exclude excess hormone secretion as recommended in unilateral AI, but diagnosis of CAH and adrenal insufficiency should also be excluded. This review is focused on the differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of bilateral AIs.
Bromodomain protein BRD4 is increased in human placentas from women with early-onset preeclampsia
Authors: Liong Stella , Barker Gillian , Lappas Martha
Published: May 2018

Preeclampsia affects 5% of all pregnancies and is a serious disorder of pregnancy, characterised by high maternal blood pressure, placental hypoxia, fluid retention (oedema) and proteinuria. Women with preeclampsia are associated with exaggerated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and anti-angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1). Studies in non-gestational tissues have described the bromodomain (BRD) and extraterminal family of proteins, in particular BRD4 to play a critical role in propagating inflammation and is currently a therapeutic target for treating cancer, lung inflammation and asthma. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the effect of severe early-onset preeclampsia on placental BRD4 expression; (ii) the effect of loss of BRD4 function by siRNA-targeted knockdown or with the BRD inhibitor JQ1 in human primary trophoblast cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on TNF-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory mediators, cell adhesion molecules and anti-angiogenic markers and (iii) the effect of BRD4 suppression on placental sFLT1 secretion under hypoxia conditions and in preeclampic placenta. BRD4 mRNA expression was significantly increased (sevenfold) in severe early-onset preeclampsia placenta. BRD4 silencing resulted in a significant reduction in TNF-induced IL6, CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL1 and sFLT1-e15a mRNA expression and IL6, CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL1 and sFLT1 secretion in primary trophoblast and HUVECs. Additionally, JQ1 treatment significantly reduced placental sFLT1 secretion under hypoxic conditions and in preterm preeclamptic placenta. In conclusion, these findings suggest BRD4 may play a central role in propagating inflammation and endothelial dysfunction associated with the pathophysiology of early-onset preeclampsia.
Dynamic Changes in Yeast Phosphatase Families Allow for Specialization in Phosphate and Thiamine Starvation
Authors: Nahas John V , Iosue Christine L , Shaik Noor F , Selhorst Kathleen , He Bin Z , Wykoff Dennis D
Published: May 2018

Convergent evolution is often due to selective pressures generating a similar phenotype. We observe relatively recent duplications in a spectrum of Saccharomycetaceae yeast species resulting in multiple phosphatases that are regulated by different nutrient conditions – thiamine and phosphate starvation. This specialization is both transcriptional and at the level of phosphatase substrate specificity. In Candida glabrata, loss of the ancestral phosphatase family was compensated by the co-option of a different histidine phosphatase family with three paralogs. Using RNA-seq and functional assays, we identify one of these paralogs, CgPMU3, as a thiamine phosphatase. We further determine that the 81% identical paralog CgPMU2 does not encode thiamine phosphatase activity; however, both are capable of cleaving the phosphatase substrate, 1-napthyl-phosphate. We functionally demonstrate that members of this family evolved novel enzymatic functions for phosphate and thiamine starvation, and are regulated transcriptionally by either nutrient condition, and observe similar trends in other yeast species. This independent, parallel evolution involving two different families of histidine phosphatases suggests that there were likely similar selective pressures on multiple yeast species to recycle thiamine and phosphate. In this work, we focused on duplication and specialization, but there is also repeated loss of phosphatases, indicating that the expansion and contraction of the phosphatase family is dynamic in many Ascomycetes. The dynamic evolution of the phosphatase gene families is perhaps just one example of how gene duplication, co-option, and transcriptional and functional specialization together allow species to adapt to their environment with existing genetic resources.
La Cátedra de Rolando García de humanismo, interdisciplina y complejidad del CEG-UNA
Authors: Baraona Cockerall Miguel , Barquero Alfaro Julio , Chaves Alfaro Iris , Chuprine Valladares Alekcey , Esquivel Solís Edgar , Gómez Navarro Juan Diego , Gutiérrez Miranda Marcela , Mora Arias Jaime , Muñoz Morales David , Pérez Acuña Luis , Rincón Soto Lucía , Rojas Herrera Silvia , Sancho Ugalde María
Published: May 2018

Se presenta el proyecto de la Cátedra Rolando García de Humanismo, Interdisciplina y Complejidad (CRG) del Centro de Estudios Generales (CEG) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), para el período 2015-2020. El objetivo de esta publicación es avanzar en la elaboración de un marco conceptual y metodológico para la implementación práctica del trabajo interdisciplinario en el CEG. Se presentan los antecedentes (marco conceptual preliminar) en los que se fundamenta el objetivo, los alcances y el plan de trabajo de la cátedra, así como las etapas y la metodología de trabajo en equipo conducente a la materialización de una serie de productos que servirán de plataforma de lanzamiento del trabajo interdisciplinario en el CEG. La Cátedra Rolando García de humanismo, interdisciplina y complejidad busca gestar un espacio de investigación, reflexión, debate, producción y extensión, que durante tres años desarrolle las bases conceptuales y metodológicas y una hoja de ruta, para la profundización del Nuevo Humanismo en tanto paradigma transdisciplinario, así como del desarrollo práctico de la interdisciplina en las cuatro áreas de la acción sustantiva principales del quehacer académico de la UNA: docencia, investigación, extensión y producción. Para ello la Cátedra está concebida como un foro abierto, plural y participativo.
Análisis de la imagen urbana como factor de reposicionamiento de destinos turísticos tradicionales de playa en México: Cozumel – Acapulco
Authors: López Gutiérrez Emiliano , Arauz Beita Ileana , Salgado Molina Lirio Cristell
Published: May 2018

Se presenta un análisis comparativo de la imagen urbana de dos destinos turísticos con larga tradición en México (desde la década de los sesentas): la zona tradicional del Puerto de Acapulco  y la zona central de la isla de Cozumel.  Ambas zonas son destinos turísticos tradicionales, que han enfrentado dificultades semejantes sobre cómo atender la problemática de baja ocupación y falta de atractivo visual, durante su desarrollo y crecimiento en la oferta turística hotelera. El presente estudio recaba y analiza la percepción del sector hotelero, para inferir si el fortalecimiento de la imagen urbana podría responder a las expectativas que plantean los empresarios para fomentar una imagen amable con identidad del destino, que permita reposicionar ambas zonas. La investigación pretende beneficiar a la comunidad receptora y su relación con los turistas y el medio ambiente. El estudio parte del campo de las ciencias sociales de tipo cualitativo. Se analiza el valor de los espacios públicos, así como, el desarrollo urbano sostenible, para el bienestar social y económico de la comunidad.  Se plantea que la  imagen urbana de un destino es importante para el sector turístico y, como actividad económica, redinamiza la economía local.Se presenta un análisis comparativo de la imagen urbana de dos destinos turísticos con larga tradición en México (desde la década de los sesentas): la zona tradicional del Puerto de Acapulco  y la zona central de la isla de Cozumel.  Ambas zonas son destinos turísticos tradicionales, que han enfrentado dificultades semejantes sobre cómo como atender la problemática de baja ocupación y falta de atractivo visual, durante su desarrollo y crecimiento en la oferta turística hotelera. El presente estudio recaba y analiza la percepción del sector hotelero, para inferir si el fortalecimiento de la imagen urbana podría responder a las expectativas que plantean los empresarios para fomentar una imagen amable con identidad del destino, que permita reposicionar ambas zonas. La investigación pretende beneficiar a la comunidad receptora y su relación con los turistas y el medio ambiente. El estudio parte del campo de las ciencias sociales de tipo cualitativo. Se analiza el valor de los espacios públicos, así como, el desarrollo urbano sostenible, para el bienestar social y económico de la comunidad.  Se plantea que la  imagen urbana de un destino es importante para el sector turístico y, como actividad económica, redinamiza la economía local.
Proyecto Movie – Una experiencia con el tiempo
Authors: Wesley de Souza Joao
Published: May 2018

En este artículo se busca explicitar algunas distintas relaciones conceptuales en la percepción del tiempo centrada en el trabajo de rehacer una forestación de un lugar, durante ocho años consecutivos. El proyecto MOVIE, más allá de ser una contracción de estos ocho años de recuperación paisajístico, concentrados en ocho minutos de videos, es también, la motivación experimental donde si imparte toda una posibilidad de análisis textual que ilusiona presentar el concepto de tiempo centrado en la capacidad de recepción y entendimiento de cada sujeto. Las consecuencias imaginativas de intercambio entre el hombre y la naturaleza, sometidos a la acción del tiempo, es el objeto de proyecto.  La actividad fotográfica se desarrolla en la finca Taruman ubicada en el Estado Espírito Santo (provincia autónoma), Brasil, desde el 2008, la cual participa como soporte cartográfico, temporal y material de este acto de recuperación ambiental. Se señala que la distinción entre las nociones de tiempo que cambian en los entrelazamientos entre los referentes humanos, paisajísticos, geológicos y de la flora tropical, aparecen también, como resultado de este reto hermenéutico sobre la experiencia entre arte y naturaleza.