bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minnesota Integrated Health Partnership Demonstration: Implementation of a Medicaid ACO Model
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Spencer Donna , Huckfeldt Peter
Published: August 2017

In recent years, accountable care organizations (ACOs) have become more prevalent in the United States. This study describes the origins, implementation, and early results of Minnesota's Medicaid ACO payment model, the Integrated Health Partnership (IHP) demonstration project. We describe the structure of the program and present preliminary evaluation results to document the state's important work and to provide lessons for other states interested in implementing Medicaid ACOs. The IHP program has expanded in size over time, the state has reported significant savings, and evidence exists of capacity building among participating providers. We identify factors that may have contributed to the program's early success, but more work is needed to investigate the specific drivers of quality improvement and savings within Minnesota's ACO program and to compare the design and effects of the IHP with other Medicaid and Medicare ACO programs. We conclude with comments about the future of the state's Medicaid ACO program and situate Minnesota's findings within the context of the broader ACO movement.
Activation of Nkx2.5–Calr–p53 signaling pathway by hyperglycemia induces cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in adult zebrafish
Authors: Yanyi Sun , Qiuyun Wang , Yuehua Fang , Chunfang Wu , Guoping Lu , Zhenyue Chen
Published: August 2017

Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for diabetic cardiomyopathy in humans; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used in this study as a novel vertebrate model to explore the signaling pathways of human adult cardiomyopathy. Hyperglycemia was induced by alternately immersing adult zebrafish in a glucose solution or water. The hyperglycemic fish gradually exhibited some hallmarks of cardiomyopathy such as myocardial hypertrophy and apoptosis, myofibril loss, fetal gene reactivation, and severe arrhythmia. Echocardiography of the glucose-treated fish demonstrated diastolic dysfunction at an early stage and systolic dysfunction at a later stage, consistent with what is observed in diabetic patients. Enlarged hearts with decreased myocardial density, accompanied by decompensated cardiac function, indicated that apoptosis was critical in the pathological process. Significant upregulation of the expression of Nkx2.5 and its downstream targets calreticulin (Calr) and p53 was noted in the glucose-treated fish. High-glucose stimulation in vitro evoked marked apoptosis of primary cardiomyocytes, which was rescued by the p53 inhibitor, Pifithrin-μ. In vitro experiments were performed using compound treatment and genetically via cell infection. Genetically, knockout of Nkx2.5 induced decreased expression of Nkx2.5, Calr, and p53. Upregulation of Calr resulted in increased p53 expression, while Nkx2.5 level remained unchanged. An adult zebrafish model of hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyopathy was successfully established. Hyperglycemia-induced myocardial apoptosis was mediated, at least in part, by activation of the Nkx2.5–Calr–p53 pathway in vivo, resulting in cardiac dysfunction and hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyopathy.
The essential functions of KREPB4 are developmentally distinct and required for endonuclease association with editosomes
Authors: McDermott Suzanne M. , Stuart Kenneth
Published: August 2017

Uridine insertion and deletion RNA editing generates functional mitochondrial mRNAs in Trypanosoma brucei, and several transcripts are differentially edited in bloodstream (BF) and procyclic form (PF) cells correlating with changes in mitochondrial function. Editing is catalyzed by three ∼20S editosomes that have a common set of 12 proteins, but are typified by mutually exclusive RNase III KREN1, N2, and N3 endonucleases with distinct cleavage specificities. KREPB4 is a common editosome protein that has a degenerate RNase III domain lacking conserved catalytic residues, in addition to zinc-finger and Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA binding factor (PUF) motifs. Here we show that KREPB4 is essential for BF and PF growth, in vivo RNA editing, and editosome integrity, but that loss of KREPB4 has differential effects on editosome components and complexes between BF and PF cells. We used targeted mutagenesis to investigate the functions of the conserved PUF and RNase III domains in both life-cycle stages and show that the PUF motif is not essential for function in BF or PF. In contrast, specific mutations in the RNase III domain severely inhibit BF and PF growth and editing, and disrupt ∼20S editosomes, while others indicate that the RNase III domain is noncatalytic. We further show that KREPB4, specifically the noncatalytic RNase III domain, is required for the association of KREN1, N2, and N3 with PF editosomes. These results, combined with previous studies, support a model in which KREPB4 acts as a pseudoenzyme to form the noncatalytic half of an RNase III heterodimer with the editing endonucleases.
Responsibly engaged
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: August 2017

In the third part of her series exploring ‘listening to the child’, Penny Webb examines how we encourage and respond to the views of school-aged children in a childminding setting.
Evaluating observations
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: August 2017

We are constantly observing young children and assessing their development, whether informally or more formally, but how can we best reflect on those notes and thoughts?
Science: Investigating variables
Authors: Sargent Marianne
Published: August 2017

This is the fifth in a series of extracts from the book, Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors, which explores ideas for providing children with opportunities to learn outside.
Managing burns wounds in the care home population
Authors: Edwards Jacky
Published: August 2017

Older people living in care are more likely to suffer a burn than younger people, and their burns heal more slowly as a result of the ageing process. In this article, Jacky Edwards explains how burns can be prevented, treated and managed in the care home setting
Enabling positive risk-taking for older people in the care home
Authors: Croft Jo
Published: August 2017

Positive risk-taking is an important part of enabling older people to do the activities they want to do. In this article, Jo Croft explore the barriers to this behaviour in the care home and discusses the tool she uses to minimise hazards and maximise quality-of-life
Socially acceptable digital marketing for the care home
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: August 2017

Social media marketing can be a difficult to understand—particularly for those who only use it infrequently. In this article, Adam Bernstein explains some of the biggest pitfalls the home should watch out for online, and how they can be avoided
Working in a care home that practises effectively
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: August 2017

All registered nurses must ensure that the care they deliver is up-to-date and effective. In this article, Adrian Ashurst outlines how staff, with help from their managers, can develop and promote a culture of effective care and support for their residents
How to … keep your workplace computer systems safe
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: August 2017

A single piece of malicious software can wreck havoc on an organisation's IT infrastructure, potentially putting many lives at risk. In this article, Adrian Ashurst offers his advice on making sure that the care home's computers are kept safe and secure at all times
Projeto didático de gênero e produção de documentário: uma experiência no Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Araújo Maria do Livramento Pereira , Moreira Tânia Maria , De Maria João Leno Pereira
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma experiência de ensino que envolveu o gênero documentário e foi desenvolvida em uma escola pública de Marabá (PA) com o apoio do MediaLab (Unifesspa) e do Programa Arte na Escola (na Unifesspa). De modo mais específico, procuramos: 1) apresentar conceitos sobre letramento e levantar alguns princípios sobre ensino de gêneros discursivos/textuais, seguindo uma perspectiva social, histórica e cultural; 2) apresentar uma proposta pedagógica que possa contribuir com o letramento de alunos do Ensino Fundamental; e 3) descrever o documentário produzido pelos alunos. Com esta proposta, promovemos a mobilização de diferentes letramentos: linguístico (envolvendo atividades de leitura, produção textual e análise linguística), tecnológico (incluindo a exploração de tecnologias de áudio e vídeo na produção de documentários) e científico (possibilitando a construção de conhecimentos de mundo no desenvolvimento de pesquisas de temáticas de interesse dos alunos). Além disso, contribuímos para que os alunos desenvolvessem capacidades que os instrumentalizam a entender, narrar, transcrever e sistematizar informações.
O PROFLETRAS (Mestrado Profissional) na UEM: panorama dos trabalhos de conclusão
Authors: Hila Cláudia Valéria Doná , Ritter Lilian Cristina Buzato
Published: August 2017

O programa de Mestrado Profissional (MP) em Letras, da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), foi criado nacionalmente em 2013 e tem como público-alvo docentes que lecionam Língua Portuguesa no Ensino Fundamental. Desde sua criação, o programa tem enfrentado várias dificuldades que vão desde uma suposta classificação de um curso de menor prestígio, em relação aos programas acadêmicos, até o fato de supostamente não se desenvolver uma pesquisa. No entanto, o grande diferencial do MP deve-se à sua natureza interventiva, na medida em que o aluno deve apresentar, a partir de uma problematização, uma proposta de intervenção a ser utilizada na escola. Essa proposta pode ser de natureza variada: unidade didática, oficinas, jogos, audiolivros, dentre outras. Este artigo apresenta um panorama dos trabalhos desenvolvidos da primeira turma do MP da UEM. De forma específica, ressaltamos as práticas linguageiras escolhidas, os eixos teóricos, as categorias analíticas utilizadas e a natureza das propostas interventivas construídas. Os resultados evidenciam que os trabalhos, em sua maioria, adotam a transdisciplinaridade própria da Linguística Aplicada; utilizam de forma predominante da Análise Dialógica do Discurso como teoria norteadora dos trabalhos; apresentam propostas de intervenção de natureza variada, priorizando o gênero discursivo como articulador do ensino e da aprendizagem; e se voltam, especialmente, aos problemas enfrentados pelo professor nas salas de aula do Ensino Fundamental.
Multiple Periodic Orbits Connecting a Collinear Configuration and a Double Isosceles Configuration in the Planar Equal-Mass Four-Body Problem
Authors: Shi Bixiao , Liu Rongchang , Yan Duokui , Ouyang Tiancheng
Published: August 2017

By applying our variational method, we show that there exist 24 local action minimizers connecting two prescribed configurations: a collinear configuration and a double isosceles configuration in

H
1

⁢

(

[
0
,
1
]

,
χ
)

{H^{1}([0,1],\chi)}

in the planar equal-mass four-body problem. Among the 24 local action minimizers, we prove that the one with the smallest action has no collision singularity and it can be extended to a periodic or quasi-periodic orbit. Furthermore, if all the 24 local action minimizers are free of collision, we show that they can generate sixteen different periodic orbits.
Structuring Subsidies in a Long-Term Credit Relationship
Authors: Van Tassel Eric
Published: August 2017

We study a credit market using an infinite horizon model where an altruistic lender offers loans to agents for production projects that may grow over time. The lender funds the loans using a combination of external debt and subsidies. The optimal way for the lender to subsidize the credit relationships depends on the probability of project growth. When growth is less likely, it is best to commit to ongoing subsidies. However, for a range of growth probabilities, ongoing subsidization may not be credible and this can have negative efficiency implications.
Real100G.RF: A Fully Packaged 240 GHz Transmitter with In-Antenna Power Combining in 0.13 μm SiGe Technology
Authors: Malz Stefan , Goettel Benjamin , Eisenbeis Joerg , Boes Florian , Grzyb Janusz , Vazquez Pedro Rodriguez , Zwick Thomas , Pfeiffer Ullrich R.
Published: August 2017

This paper reports on the research activities during the first phase of the project Real100G.RF, which is part of the German Research Foundation (DFG) priority programm SPP1655. The project’s main objective is to research silicon-based wireless communication above 200 GHz to enable data rates in excess of 100 gigabit per second (Gbps). To that end, this paper presents a fully packaged 240 GHz RF transmitter front-end with power combining antenna in 0.13μ$\mu$m SiGe technology. The design of circuit building blocks, passives, antenna and high-speed packaging is discussed. Communication measurements show data rates of 8 Gbps with an EVM of 12.4% using 16-QAM, 24 Gbps with 26.5% EVM using QPSK and 30 Gbps with 27.9% EVM using 8-PSK.
Heat shock protein 47 effects on hepatic stellate cell-associated receptors in hepatic fibrosis of Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice
Authors: Zhao Yumin , Dang Zhisheng , Xu Shuo , Chong Shigui
Published: August 2017

The study aimed to explore the regulation of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) on expressions of receptors associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) in liver fibrosis mouse models induced bySchistosoma japonicum(S. japonicum). Mouse fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) were transfected with HSP47 shRNA plasmid by lipofectamine transfection, and experimental fibrosis in HSCs was studied inS. japonicummouse models treated with HSP47 shRNAin vivo. HSP47 expression was assessed using Western blot and real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was adopted to determine the expression of cell membrane receptors. HSP47-shRNA could markedly down-regulate the expression of collagen (Col1a1 and Col3a1). The expressions of HSP47, endothelin receptor A (ETAR) and endothelin receptor B (ETBR) significantly increased in the liver tissue of infected mice. However, the expressions of ETAR and HSP47 and ETBR remarkably decreased after the administration of HSP47 shRNAin vitroandin vivo. ETAR and ETBR levels were found to be positively correlated with HSP47 expression. HSP47 might exert influence on liver fibrosis via the regulation of ETAR and ETBR.
Stokes Flow Inside Topographically Patterned Microchannel Using Boundary Element Method
Authors: Nishad Chandra Shekhar , Chandra Anirban , Sekhar G.P. Raja
Published: August 2017

Abstarct

This study focuses on the investigation of two-dimensional steady Stokes flow inside topographically patterned microchannel. Boundary element method (BEM) is used to solve the Stokes equation and obtain the streamline profiles. The velocity field and pressure gradients are obtained by taking the appropriate spatial derivatives of the stream function and vorticity variables. We restrict ourselves to rectangular stepped geometries and study the effect of variation of step width, step height and step frequency. Interestingly, ‘crown-shaped’ patterns in the horizontal velocity profiles are formed when a sudden contraction is met in the flow region. Pressure gradients, together with the velocity and streamline profiles are analyzed to gain a wholesome understanding of the flow physics.
Application of Natural Frequencies for Prediction of Apple Texture Based on Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Hou Jumin , Sun Yonghai , Chen Fangyuan , Wang Lu , Bai Xue , Wang Minghui , Mao Qian
Published: August 2017

Experimental modal analysis was performed to identify natural frequencies to predict the texture of inhomogeneous tissues of apple (Malus domestina cv. ‘Golden Delicious’). Partial least squares calibration models based on natural frequencies with or without weight and density were created for predicting apple texture representing by yield gradient and initial modulus. The prediction models shown good prediction ability for texture of skin but impossible for flesh (all determination coefficients for skin models were more than 0.5 while for flesh models less than 0.5). A nondestructive and rapid method was provided to evaluate the fruit texture.
Modeling Thin Layer Drying Kinetics, Moisture Diffusivity and Activation Energy of Hazelnuts during Microwave-Convective Drying
Authors: Malekjani Narjes , Emam-Djomeh Zahra , Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan , Askari Gholam Reza
Published: August 2017

The effects of microwave-convective drying as an efficient drying method, on drying kinetics of hazelnuts were studied. Drying experiments were conducted at three temperature (40, 50 and 60°C) and microwave power (0, 450 and 900 W) levels. The moisture ratio and the temperature of the hazelnuts were recorded during the drying. The results showed that microwave power had a more dominant effect than drying air temperature. Mathematical modeling was performed in order to predict the moisture changes during drying process. It was concluded that two term and Midilli et al. models were the best models to predict the drying kinetics of hazelnut in different conditions. The effective moisture diffusivities varied from 3.80327×10‒8 to 1.71233×10‒6 m2/s and had an increasing polynomial relationship with temperature and microwave power. The activation energy was also between 15.61675 and 41.0053 kJ/mol with a second-order relationship with microwave power.
DEA Cross-Efficiency Evaluation Method Based on Good Relationship
Authors: Guo Ruijuan , Dong Yanling , Meiqiang Wang , Yongjun Li
Published: August 2017

Benevolent and aggressive cross-efficiency evaluation methods are the improvement of the cross-efficiency evaluation method. They merely maximize or minimize the efficiency of the composite unit constructed by evaluated decision-making units while maintaining the optimal efficiency of the decision-making unit under evaluation. The two methods completely ignore the self-evaluation efficiency of evaluated unit and the good relationship among decision-making units. To solve the above drawbacks, the authors consider the efficiency score of the decision-making unit as an interval number and propose a more reasonable interval number. On the basis of the interval efficiency, the authors provide the benevolent and aggressive DEA cross-efficiency evaluation models based on the good relationship among all decision-making units. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed method.
A Dynamic Clustering Method to Large-Scale Distribution Problems
Authors: Tang Zhizhong , Li Bo , Qiu Hongyan
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the dynamic fuzzy clustering method to solve the multi-producers to multi-customers large-scale distribution problem. The proposed method includes three phases: Static clustering, order processing, and dynamic clustering. Based on the distances among customers,k-means method is used to generate the static clusters. The service priorities of each producer serving the static customer groups are ranked according to the distance performance. In the case of fluctuant customer orders, order processing can divide customer orders into several consecutive periods. After the above two phases, the fuzzy clustering technique is applied to further conduct dynamic clustering based on the customer order attributes. Similarly, the service priorities of generated dynamic customer groups will be ranked according to the time attributes of orders. Finally, by the real case, the authors obtain the conclusion that using the proposed method, the total cost of the producer is reduced by about 35%, and the vehicle loading rates are almost above 95%.
Preemptive Scheduling with Controllable Processing Times on Parallel Machines
Authors: Liu Guiqing , Li Kai , Cheng Bayi
Published: August 2017

This paper considers several parallel machine scheduling problems with controllable processing times, in which the goal is to minimize the makespan. Preemption is allowed. The processing times of the jobs can be compressed by some extra resources. Three resource use models are considered. If the jobs are released at the same time, the problems under all the three models can be solved in a polynomial time. The authors give the polynomial algorithm. When the jobs are not released at the same time, if all the resources are given at time zero, or the remaining resources in the front stages can be used to the next stages, the offline problems can be solved in a polynomial time, but the online problems have no optimal algorithm. If the jobs have different release dates, and the remaining resources in the front stages can not be used in the next stages, both the offline and online problems can be solved in a polynomial time.
Heavy OWA Operator of Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers and its Application to Multi-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Luo Chunlin , Tian Xin , Wan Shuping
Published: August 2017

Heavy ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator is important for characterizing the decision maker’s attitudinal character in multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problem with part or total ignorance. This paper develops a new method based on heavy OWA operator to solve the MADM problem in which the attributes are characterized by some trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TrIFNs). TrIFN, as a special kind of intuitionistic fuzzy set defined on the real numbers, is useful for characterizing the ill-known quantity in reality. Firstly, the operation laws and the cut sets concept for TrIFNs are introduced. Then the authors define the membership and non-membership average indexes. A new ranking method is developed on the basis of the two indexes. In the proposed decision model, the multi-attribute TrIFN values of the candidates are aggregated by the Heavy OWA operator, and ranked by their membership and non-membership average indexes. Lastly, the authors illustrate the proposed method by a numerical example which implies the practicality and effectiveness of the method.
Investigation effect of wettability and heterogeneity in water flooding and on microscopic residual oil distribution in tight sandstone cores with NMR technique
Authors: Xiao Pufu , Leng Xiaoyong , Xiao Hanmin , Sun Linghui , Zhang Haiqin , Mei Shisheng , Zhang Hanyu
Published: August 2017

In order to explore the effect of wettability and pore throat heterogeneity on oil recovery efficiency in porous media, physical simulation experiment and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements were conducted to investigate how crude oil residing in different sized pores are recovered by water flooding. Experimental results indicate that the recovery factor of water flooding is governed by spontaneous imbibition and also pore throat heterogeneity. It is found that intermediate wetting cores lead to the highest final recovery factor in comparison with water wet cores and weak oil wet cores, and the recovery oil difference in clay micro pore is mainly because of the wettability, the difference in medium pore and large pore is affected by pore throat heterogeneity. Water wet core has a lower recovery factor in medium and large pore due to its poor heterogeneity, in spite of the spontaneous imbibition effect is very satisfying. Intermediate wetting cores has significant result in different sized pore and throat, the difference in medium pore and large pore is affected by pore throat heterogeneity.
Quantum mechanics with geometric constraints of Friedmann type
Authors: Lasukova Tatiana , Lasukov Vladimir , Abdrashitova Maria
Published: August 2017

The paper presents the study of quantum mechanics of a free particle with the constraints in the phase space, the canonical equations, which are the geometrical constraints of Friedmann type. It has been proved that the constraints can imitate force. As well as in quantum geometrodynamics with Logunov constraints, in quantum mechanics with constraints time does not vanish
Estimation for coefficient of variation of an extension of the exponential distribution under type-II censoring scheme
Authors: Bakoban Rana A.
Published: August 2017

The coefficient of variation [CV] has several applications in applied statistics. So in this paper, we adopt Bayesian and non-Bayesian approaches for the estimation of CV under type-II censored data from extension exponential distribution [EED]. The point and interval estimate of the CV are obtained for each of the maximum likelihood and parametric bootstrap techniques. Also the Bayesian approach with the help of MCMC method is presented. A real data set is presented and analyzed, hence the obtained results are used to assess the obtained theoretical results.
Evaluation of polypropylene hybrid composites containing glass fiber and basalt powder
Authors: Barczewski Mateusz , Matykiewicz Danuta , Mysiukiewicz Olga , Maciejewski Paweł
Published: August 2017

Polypropylene composites filled with inorganic fillers are widely used due to their good mechanical and thermal properties. The modification efficiency of filler incorporated into thermoplastic polymer strongly depends on its shape and dimension. Therefore, the development of novel hybrid composites modified with particle and fibrous shaped fillers expands the range of thermoplastic composite applications. This work investigates the influence of glass fiber and basalt powder and their shape on the mechanical properties of polypropylene-based composites. Mechanical properties of hybrid composites were evaluated using static tensile test, impact resistance, and hardness measurements. The thermomechanical stability of the materials was evaluated via dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Results indicated that the incorporation of inorganic fillers significantly improved the composite sample stiffness at a wide range of temperatures. The research was complemented with structure investigations realized using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the incorporation of basalt powder, which is well known for its low friction coefficient, improved the processing properties, as proven by the melt flow index test.
An Empirical Investigation of Oil-Macro-financial Linkages in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Miyajima Ken
Published: August 2017

Against the backdrop of low oil prices, oil-macro-financial linkages in Saudi Arabia are analyzed by applying panel econometric frameworks (multivariate and vector autoregression) to macro- and micro-level data for 9 banks spanning 1999–2014. Lower growth of oil prices and nonoil private sector output leads dampen credit and deposit growth and lift nonperforming loan ratios. Positive feedback loops within bank balance sheets in turn dampen economic activity. U.S. interest rates are not found to be a key determinant. The banking system remains strong at present, but policy makers should monitor its health with the important macro-financial feedback loops in mind.
Iconoclasms of Emmett Till and his killers in Lewis Nordan’s Wolf Whistle: A new generation of historiographic metafiction
Authors: Vayo Brendon
Published: August 2017

In this essay, I argue that the apparent historical inaccuracies contained within Lewis Nordan’s Wolf Whistle (Nordan, Lewis. 2003 [1993]. Wolf Whistle. Chapel Hill: Algonquin) represent a systematic repeal of the controversial history surrounding the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Nordan reconstitutes the principle characters to function as iconoclasms of the historical record. As iconoclasms, these representations undermine our culture’s accepted model of history, what Hayden White terms the “historical account” (White, Hayden. 1975. Metahistory: The historical imagination in nineteenth-century Europe. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press: 30).
A semiosic translation of the term “Bild” in both the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and The Philosophical Investigations
Authors: Torres-Martínez Sergio
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces and defends a way to translate Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and the Philosophical Investigations from a semiotic standpoint. This turn builds on Semiosic Translation (Torres-Martínez 2015, Semiosic translation: A new theoretical framework for the implementation of pedagogically-oriented subtitling. Sign Systems Studies 43(1). 102–130), a framework that advances the interaction of sign systems as a necessary point of departure in the translation process. From this vantage, the key term “Bild,” is analyzed, explained and retranslated into English. This term evinces high levels of complexity and variability that cannot be captured by traditional linguistic translations. In applying a semiotic approach, any iteration of Bild is characterized as reflecting the author’s intentions at a given moment (PI: 108). This semiotic reading seeks to provide semioticians, translators, and philosophers with new conceptual tools leading to an understanding of translation as a systemic operation not confined to the realm of subjective interpretation.
The study of the future, social forecasting, mutations: Semiotic challenges and contributions
Authors: Ceriani Giulia
Published: August 2017

The research fieldwork dedicated to trend analysis and foresight/forecast scenarios building, represents an unusual raid in an area where economic and social sciences have invested many efforts. Nevertheless, the semiotic dimension of this subject is not sufficiently thorough; many issues are at stake:

–

the definition criteria of the corpus;

–

the selection of trend signals, the selection criteria;

–

the narrative framework of scenarios;

–

the deep logic permitting to describe the relationships between the trends and to trace their evolution;

–

the prevision as mutation logic, anticipation exercise, simulation activity;

–

the different application contexts of the anticipation science.

We are going to investigate this area of analysis, for its relevance in post-Greimassian studies, for its interface with social sciences, as well as for its relevance for the legitimacy of semiotics in contemporary discussions of innovation and evolution.
Greimas and gender: Mere recipe or real meal?
Authors: Bostic Heidi
Published: August 2017

How may Greimassian narrative semiotics join forces with feminist inquiry? This essay begins with an analysis of a cake recipe from Alasdair MacIntyre’sAfter Virtueand A. J. Greimas’s “Basil Soup, or the Construction of an Object of Value.” MacIntyre and Greimas raise the issue of gender in distinct ways. MacIntyre’s dismissive attitude toward traditionally feminine household duties contrasts with Greimas’s careful analysis and his unexpected invocation of a law that had a major impact on French women’s lives. The essay discusses what recipes can tell us about gender identity, and what we can learn about being a woman when narrative theorists invoke recipes. Extending the analysis, the essay points out that there is very little extant research on gender in Greimassian semiotics. Readers often assume that this type of semiotics is concerned only with “paper subjects,” that it offers a “mere recipe,” not a “real meal.” However, many of the latest innovations in Greimassian semiotics harmonize with dominant trends in the study of gender. Although Greimas did not foresee feminist analysis, his theoretical contributions certainly prepared rich ground for such work. The future is bright for additional research at the intersection of Greimas and gender.
Less Supervision, More Satisficing? Comparing Completely Self-Administered Web-Surveys and Interviews Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Mühlböck Monika , Steiber Nadia , Kittel Bernhard
Published: August 2017

Although online surveys are becoming more and more prominent, the quality of the resulting data is still contested. One potential caveat of web surveys is the absence of an interviewer who controls the interview situation, can motivate respondents and prevent them from satisficing, i.e. answering questions with minimal cognitive effort. While there is evidence for differences between data gathered in interviewer-administered surveys and data from self-administered questionnaires, it has not yet been studied whether the sheer presence of an interviewer affects data quality. The present article addresses this research gap. Based on a recent panel study of young unemployed adults, we compare the results from a completely self-administered web survey with those from interviews which were self-administered but conducted in the presence of an interviewer. In particular, we look for differences concerning drop-out, speed, item-non-response, and item-non-differentiation. While we do find significant differences in drop-out rates, we do not find any evidence for interviewer-absence leading to less diligence in filling in the questionnaire. We thus conclude that the presence of an interviewer does not enhance data quality for self-administered questionnaires, but positively affects completion rates.
Ecological and phytochemical attributes of endemic Ferula gummosa Boiss. at vegetative and generative stages
Authors: Karamzadeh Leila , Jafarian Vahab , Vatankhah Elahe
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study was accomplished to find out the ecological as well as some biochemical and physiological properties of Ferula gummosa Boiss.

Methods

Soil samples were analysed. Different plant parts collected during different stages were analysed biochemically (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and total protein) and physiologically (proline, sugars, phenolic components and photosynthetic pigments).

Results

Soil analysis showed that pH, EC and phosphatase activity were approximately 6.5–6.8, 200 μS/cm and 890 μmol/min, respectively. Among measured elements in soil, only P and Na had significantly higher concentrations at generative and vegetative stages, respectively. The biochemical and physiological analyses of F. gummosa Boiss. leaves and roots showed that the content of proline, sugar and phenolic components were significantly higher at generative stage than vegetative stage, while the content of photosynthetic pigments and activities of catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly lower. Our qualitative analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the total protein bands of generative stage were more intensive than vegetative stage.

Conclusion

The phytochemical results strongly supported the idea that the metabolic changes were developmental-dependent.
A new cubic Ia3̅d crystal structure observed in a model single component system by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Lokshin Konstantin A. , Levashov Valentin A. , Lobanov Maxim V.
Published: August 2017

In our molecular dynamics simulations of the system of identical particles interacting through the harmonic-repulsive pair potential, we observed the formation of a cubic crystal structure that belongs to the Ia3̅d (#230) crystallographic space group. This crystal structure has not been previously seen either in experiments or in computer simulations, though its framework topology has been known from theoretical crystallographic considerations. Its unit cell contains 16 atoms, occupying only (16b) Wyckoff site, and arranged as two mutually intertwined unconnected networks with packing fraction of 0.37. The appearance of this structure is explained by the soft repulsive nature of the interaction potential. The observed Ia3̅d structure extends the small number of cubic structures formed in single component systems with spherically symmetric pair potentials in MD simulations. We speculate that materials with such structure could be found in soft matter systems or in selected crystals under high pressure.
Stress Increases Peripheral Axon Growth and Regeneration through Glucocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Transcriptional Programs
Authors: Lerch Jessica K. , Alexander Jessica K. , Madalena Kathryn M. , Motti Dario , Quach Tam , Dhamija Akhil , Zha Alicia , Gensel John C. , Webster Marketon Jeanette , Lemmon Vance P. , Bixby John L. , Popovich Phillip G.
Published: August 2017

Stress and glucocorticoid (GC) release are common behavioral and hormonal responses to injury or disease. In the brain, stress/GCs can alter neuron structure and function leading to cognitive impairment. Stress and GCs also exacerbate pain, but whether a corresponding change occurs in structural plasticity of sensory neurons is unknown. Here, we show that in female mice (Mus musculus) basal GC receptor (Nr3c1, also known as GR) expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons is 15-fold higher than in neurons in canonical stress-responsive brain regions (M. musculus). In response to stress or GCs, adult DRG neurite growth increases through mechanisms involving GR-dependent gene transcription.In vivo, prior exposure to an acute systemic stress increases peripheral nerve regeneration. These data have broad clinical implications and highlight the importance of stress and GCs as novel behavioral and circulating modifiers of neuronal plasticity.
Attenuated Activity across Multiple Cell Types and Reduced Monosynaptic Connectivity in the Aged Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Maurer Andrew P. , Burke Sara N. , Diba Kamran , Barnes Carol A.
Published: August 2017

The perirhinal cortex (PER), which is critical for associative memory and stimulus discrimination, has been described as a wall of inhibition between the neocortex and hippocampus. With advanced age, rats show deficits on PER-dependent behavioral tasks and fewer PER principal neurons are activated by stimuli, but the role of PER interneurons in these altered circuit properties in old age has not been characterized. In the present study, PER neurons were recorded while rats traversed a circular track bidirectionally in which the track was either empty or contained eight novel objects evenly spaced around the track. Putative interneurons were discriminated from principal cells based on the autocorrelogram, waveform parameters, and firing rate. While object modulation of interneuron firing was observed in both young and aged rats, PER interneurons recorded from old animals had lower firing rates compared with those from young animals. This difference could not be accounted for by differences in running speed, as the firing rates of PER interneurons did not show significant velocity modulation. Finally, in the aged rats, relative to young rats, there was a significant reduction in detected excitatory and inhibitory monosynaptic connections. Together these data suggest that with advanced age there may be reduced afferent drive from excitatory cells onto interneurons that may compromise the wall of inhibition between the hippocampus and cortex. This circuit dysfunction could erode the function of temporal lobe networks and ultimately contribute to cognitive aging.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe report that lower firing rates observed in aged perirhinal cortical principal cells are associated with weaker interneuron activity and reduced monosynaptic coupling between excitatory and inhibitory cells. This is likely to affect feedforward inhibition from the perirhinal to the entorhinal cortex that gates the flow of information to the hippocampus. This is significant because cognitive dysfunction in normative and pathological aging has been linked to hyperexcitability in the aged CA3 subregion of the hippocampus in rats, monkeys, and humans. The reduced inhibition in the perirhinal cortex reported here could contribute to this circuit imbalance, and may be a key point to consider for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring network function to optimize cognition.
Exosome cofactor hMTR4 competes with export adaptor ALYREF to ensure balanced nuclear RNA pools for degradation and export
Authors: Fan Jing , Kuai Bin , Wu Guifen , Wu Xudong , Chi Binkai , Wang Lantian , Wang Ke , Shi Zhubing , Zhang Heng , Chen She , He Zhisong , Wang Siyuan , Zhou Zhaocai , Li Guohui , Cheng Hong
Published: August 2017

The exosome is a key RNA machine that functions in the degradation of unwanted RNAs. Here, we found that significant fractions of precursors and mature forms of mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs are degraded by the nuclear exosome in normal human cells. Exosome‐mediated degradation of these RNAs requires its cofactor hMTR4. Significantly, hMTR4 plays a key role in specifically recruiting the exosome to its targets. Furthermore, we provide several lines of evidence indicating that hMTR4 executes this role by directly competing with the mRNA export adaptor ALYREF for associating with ARS2, a component of the cap‐binding complex (CBC), and this competition is critical for determining whether an RNA is degraded or exported to the cytoplasm. Together, our results indicate that the competition between hMTR4 and ALYREF determines exosome recruitment and functions in creating balanced nuclear RNA pools for degradation and export.
Silencing of Repetitive DNA Is Controlled by a Member of an UnusualCaenorhabditis elegansGene Family
Authors: Leyva-Díaz Eduardo , Stefanakis Nikolaos , Carrera Inés , Glenwinkel Lori , Wang Guoqiang , Driscoll Monica , Hobert Oliver
Published: August 2017

Levya-Díaz et al. identify a Caenorhabditis elegans gene involved in transgene silencing and RNA interference.

Repetitive DNA sequences are subject to gene silencing in various animal species. Under specific circumstances repetitive DNA sequences can escape such silencing. For example, exogenously added, extrachromosomal DNA sequences that are stably inherited in multicopy repetitive arrays in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are frequently silenced in the germline, whereas such silencing often does not occur in the soma. This indicates that somatic cells might utilize factors that prevent repetitive DNA silencing. Indeed, such “antisilencing” factors have been revealed through genetic screens that identified mutant loci in which repetitive transgenic arrays are aberrantly silenced in the soma. We describe here a novel locus, pals-22 (for protein containing ALS2CR12 signature), required to prevent silencing of repetitive transgenes in neurons and other somatic tissue types. pals-22 deficiency also severely impacts animal vigor and confers phenotypes reminiscent of accelerated aging. We find that pals-22 is a member of a large family of divergent genes (39 members), defined by homology to the ALS2CR12 protein family. While gene family members are highly divergent, they show striking patterns of chromosomal clustering. The family expansion appears C. elegans-specific and has not occurred to the same extent in other nematode species for which genome sequences are available. The transgene-silencing phenotype observed upon loss of PALS-22 protein depends on the biogenesis of small RNAs. We speculate that the pals gene family may be part of a species-specific cellular defense mechanism.
Ökonomische Fundierung von Asset Backed Securities – Mehrwert und Risiken aus institutionenökonomischer Sicht
Authors: Sidki Marcus
Published: August 2017

Asset Backed Securities (ABS) bestehen auch nach der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise 2007/2008 fort und werden von Akteuren aus Wirtschaft und Politik als grundsätzlich nützliches Finanzinstrument betrachtet. Nachfolgende Abhandlung liefert innerhalb des Analyserahmens der institutionenökonomischen Agency-Theorie einen Überblick über den wissenschaftlichen Diskussionstand in Theorie und Empirie. Es werden die der Struktur von ABS innewohnenden Probleme (endogene Agency-Problematik), die insbesondere durch die Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise 2007/2008 offensichtlich wurden, diskutiert. Ferner wird der ökonomische Mehrwert von ABS im Sinne einer Verminderung von am Kapitalmarkt regelmäßig auftretenden Agency-Problemen (exogene Agency-Problematik) durch eine Darstellung der wesentlichen theoretischen Überlegungen zur effizienten vertragstheoretischen Ausgestaltung (Security Design) von ABS-Transaktionen und der zugehörigen empirischen Evidenz aufgezeigt. Es zeigt sich, dass ABS-Strukturen unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen positiv auf dem unvollkommenen Kapitalmarkt wirken können. Dazu gehört vor allem die Notwendigkeit eines adäquaten Risikoselbstbehalts an einer ABS-Struktur durch den Transaktionsinitiator, was aus wissenschaftlicher Sicht bereits lange vor Ausbruch der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise erkannt und hinreichend diskutiert wurde.
Die Europäisierung des Bankaufsichtsrechts im Praxistest: die L-Bank-Entscheidung des Gerichts der Europäischen Union
Authors: Hanten Mathias , Bracht Hannes
Published: August 2017

Das zur Besprechung anstehende Urteil des Gerichts der Europäischen Union (EuG v. 16. 5. 2017 – Rs T-122/15) hat in Wissenschaft und Politik große Resonanz erfahren. Vordergründig geht es „nur“ um die Qualifizierung von Kreditinstituten als „bedeutend“ und damit um die direkte Aufsichtszuständigkeit der Europäischen Zentralbank (EZB) im bankaufsichtsrechtlichen Zuständigkeitssystem des einheitlichen Aufsichtsmechanismus (Single Supervisory Mechanism – SSM). Das Urteil nimmt aber auch Anlass, das Verhältnis von EZB und national zuständigen Aufsichtsbehörden (NCA) genauer zu beleuchten. Die klare Positionierung des EuG zum klägerischen Vortrag und die eindeutigen Aussagen zur Hierarchie des europäischen Aufsichtsrechts mögen dabei nicht nur auf Klägerseite, sondern auch bei den NCA und den Aufsichtsadressaten zu Stirnrunzeln führen. Zudem treten anlässlich der Entscheidung des EuG einige verwaltungsprozessuale Besonderheiten des europäischen Rechts deutlich zutage. Insgesamt gewinnen Spielfeld und Spielregeln des europäischen Aufsichtsrechts, an denen sich die Institute in den Mitgliedstaaten künftig orientieren müssen, deutlich an Kontur. Die Klägerin hat Rechtsmittel gegen die Entscheidung des EuG eingelegt. Sollte das Urteil durch den EuGH bestätigt werden, dürfte es sicherlich als Leitentscheidung zur Europäisierung des Bankaufsichtsrechts einzuordnen sein.
Polyspecific antibodies without persisting antigen in multiple sclerosis, neurolupus and Guillain-Barré syndrome: immune network connectivity in chronic diseases
Authors: Reiber Hansotto
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT The polyspecific antibody synthesis in multiple sclerosis (MS) gained diagnostic relevance with the frequent combination of measles-, rubella- and varicella zoster antibodies (MRZ-antibody reaction) but their pathophysiological role remains unknown. This review connects the data for intrathecal polyspecific antibody synthesis in MS and neurolupus with observations in the blood of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Simultaneously increased antibody and autoantibody titers in GBS blood samples indicate that the polyspecific antibodies are based on a general property of an immune network, supported by the deterministic day-to-day concentration variation of antibodies in normal blood. Strongly correlated measles- and rubella- antibody variations point to a particular connectivity between the MRZ antibodies. The immune network, which provides serological memory in the absence of an antigen, implements the continuous change of the MRZ pattern in blood, not followed by the earlier immigrated B cells without corresponding connectivity in the brain. This may explain the different antibody patterns in cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous humor and blood of the individual MS patient. A complexity approach must implement a different view on causation in chronic diseases and causal therapies.