bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fathers’ Experiences and Perspectives of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sihota Harvinder , Oliffe John , Kelly Mary T. , McCuaig Fairleth
Published: May 2019

During the transition to parenthood, fathers may experience significant challenges, including finding a place for themselves as important participants in the context of infant breastfeeding by female partners. Although generally viewed as a healthy process and the preferred method of infant feeding, breastfeeding may result in some fathers feeling excluded, inadequate, and helpless. Breastfeeding is known to adversely affect various aspects of a father’s life, including parenting self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), the relationship with the partner, and the perception that breastfeeding limits time available for father–infant bonding. The current scoping review explores the experiences, roles, and needs of fathers of breastfed infants by synthesizing and discussing the findings from relevant published research studies ( n = 18). Recommendations, drawn from the scoping review findings, are offered to guide primary health providers and services.
Socioeconomic position and intergenerational associations of ideal health behaviors
Authors: Komulainen Kaisla , Mittleman Murray A , Jokela Markus , Laitinen Tomi T , Pahkala Katja , Elovainio Marko , Juonala Markus , Tammelin Tuija , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa , Pulkki-Råback Laura
Published: May 2019

Background

Promoting ideal cardiovascular health behaviors is an objective of the American Heart Association 2020 goals. We hypothesized that ideal health behaviors of parents are associated with health behaviors of their adult offspring, and that higher socioeconomic position in either generation enhances intergenerational associations of ideal health behaviors.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

We included 1856 Young Finns Study participants who had repeated measurements of socioeconomic position (education, income, occupation), smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and diet from 2001, 2007 and 2011, and data on parental socioeconomic position and health behaviors from 1980. We calculated the total number of ideal behaviors in both generations using American Heart Association definitions. Intergenerational associations were examined using ordinal and linear multilevel regression with random intercepts, in which each participant contributed one, two or three measurements of adult health behaviors (2001, 2007, 2011). All analyses were adjusted for offspring sex, birth year, age, parental education and single parenthood.

Results

Overall, parental ideal health behaviors were associated with ideal behaviors among offspring (odds ratio (OR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.17, 1.39). Furthermore, ORs for these intergenerational associations were greater among offspring whose parents or who themselves had higher educational attainment (OR 1.56 for high vs. OR 1.19 for low parental education; P = 0.01 for interaction, OR 1.32 for high vs. OR 1.04 for low offspring education; P = 0.02 for interaction). Similar trends were seen with parental income and offspring occupation. Results from linear regression analyses were similar.

Conclusions

These prospective data suggest higher socioeconomic position in parents or in their adult offspring strengthens the intergenerational continuum of ideal cardiovascular health behaviors.
Examining the Effectiveness of a Pilot Physical Literacy–Based Intervention Targeting First-Year University Students: The PLUS Program
Authors: Kwan Matthew Y. W. , Graham Jeffrey D. , Bedard Chloe , Bremer Emily , Healey Cierra , Cairney John
Published: May 2019

The transition into university is often considered the first major life transition and is associated with significant declines in physical activity (PA). It remains, however, unclear how to best prevent or attenuate these declines. The concept of physical literacy (PL) and the enhancement of PL may hold some promise, as it is considered foundational for lifelong PA engagement. Specifically, it targets the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to maintain PA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot PL-based intervention. First-year university students ( N = 65, Mage = 17.85 ± 0.51; n = 46 females) were enrolled in a quasi-experimental study. Participants in the intervention condition ( n = 26) entered a 12-week program intentionally designed to facilitate novel movement skills through aerial, water, and land-based activities, within a fun and engaging group-based environment. Participants in the control condition completed baseline and follow-up assessments only. All participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments of movement competence, motivation, knowledge, and confidence. Results found a significant time by condition interaction, F(1, 58) 4.92, p = .03, [Formula: see text] = 0.08 in PL, suggesting the intervention was effective in enhancing overall PL. There were also significant time by condition interactions for motivation, F(1, 59) 5.19, p = .03, [Formula: see text] = 0.08, and knowledge and understanding, F(1, 59) 6.90, p = .01, [Formula: see text] = 0.11 when examining PL subdomains. Overall, results from our pilot PL-based intervention show promise as a modality to help first-year university students maintain active lifestyles, but future trials with larger samples are required.
Motion and Sound in Animated Storybooks for Preschoolers’ Visual Attention and Mandarin Language Learning: An Eye-Tracking Study With Bilingual Children
Authors: Sun He , Loh Jieying , Charles Roberts Adam
Published: May 2019

This study examined the role of the “animated eBook advantage” in child bilingual’s Mandarin learning, which has tended to be examined in the acquisition of Germanic languages. With this aim, 102 4- to 5-year-old preschoolers in Singapore were assigned to one of four conditions: (a) animated eBooks (+sound+motion), (b) static eBooks with sound, (c) static eBooks only, and (d) a control condition where children played a math game on an iPad. Three stories were displayed to children each for four times over 2 weeks, while visual attention was traced with an eye tracker. Children’s target words and story comprehension were assessed for the effects of the intervention conditions. The results revealed that children in the animated condition outperform their counterparts in total fixation duration, target word production, and storytelling of one of the stories (Cycling With Grandpa). There were no consistent differences between the two static conditions. Our results indicate the importance of motion in animated eBook design, in line with previous findings.
Salience Network Disruption in U.S. Army Soldiers With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Abdallah Chadi G. , Averill Christopher L. , Ramage Amy E. , Averill Lynnette A. , Goktas Selin , Nemati Samaneh , Krystal John H. , Roache John D. , Resick Patricia A. , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L. , Fox Peter ,   the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: May 2019

Background

Better understanding of the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be critical to developing novel, effective therapeutics. Here, we conducted a data-driven investigation using a well-established, graph-based topological measure of nodal strength to determine the extent of functional dysconnectivity in a cohort of active duty U.S. Army soldiers with PTSD compared to controls.

Methods

A total of 102 participants with (n = 50) or without PTSD (n = 52) completed functional magnetic resonance imaging at rest and during symptom provocation using subject-specific script imagery. Vertex/voxel global brain connectivity with global signal regression (GBCr), a measure of nodal strength, was calculated as the average of its functional connectivity with all other vertices/voxels in the brain gray matter.

Results

In contrast to resting state, where there were no group differences, we found a significantly higher GBCr during symptom provocation, in PTSD participants compared to controls, in areas within the right hemisphere, including anterior insula, caudal-ventrolateral prefrontal, and rostral-ventrolateral parietal cortices. Overall, these clusters overlapped with the ventral and dorsal salience networks. Post hoc analysis showed increased GBCr in these salience clusters during symptom provocation compared to resting state. In addition, resting-state GBCr in the salience clusters predicted GBCr during symptom provocation in PTSD participants but not in controls.

Conclusion

In PTSD, increased connectivity within the salience network has been previously hypothesized, based primarily on seed-based connectivity findings. The current results strongly support this hypothesis using whole-brain network measure in a fully data-driven approach. It remains to be seen in future studies whether these identified salience disturbances would normalize following treatment.
Follicular Regulatory T Cells Are Associated With β-Cell Autoimmunity and the Development of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Shen Min , Zhao Ruiling , Cai Yun , Jiang Hemin , Shen Ziyang , Gao Rui , Xu Kuanfeng , Chen Heng , Yang Tao
Published: May 2019

Objective

Impaired follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells enhance T follicular helper cells activity, resulting in the expansion of autoreactive B cells and autoantibody production. However, the role of Tfr cells in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unclear.

Design

We evaluated the expression and changes in function of circulating Tfr cells by studying patients with T1D alongside those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), first-degree relatives of T1D patients, and healthy controls. We also investigated the effects of Tfr cells on disease development in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and in an adoptive transfer model.

Results

Tfr cells were significantly decreased in both patient groups. However, they showed different correlations with fasting C-peptide (C-P) and the area under the curve of blood C-P in patients with T1D and T2D. The frequency of Tfr cells was associated with the number of positive autoantibodies and the titer of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody in T1D patients. Furthermore, Tfr cells decreased significantly after 1 year of follow-up. We also observed Tfr cells in four T1D patients treated with rituximab. After rituximab therapy, the frequency of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)+ programmed death 1+ Tfr cells was decreased and of CXCR5+ inducible costimulator+ Tfr cells was increased in three patients. We also found that Tfr cells were associated with the development of diabetes in NOD mice and an adoptive transfer model.

Conclusions

Tfr cell deficiency could be involved in the pathogenesis of T1D. Therapy with Tfr cells has potential value for T1D. Modulation of these cells may enhance protective immunity to inhibit autoimmune diabetes.
Genome-wide strategies reveal target genes of Npas4l associated with vascular development in zebrafish
Authors: Marass Michele , Beisaw Arica , Gerri Claudia , Luzzani Francesca , Fukuda Nana , Günther Stefan , Kuenne Carsten , Reischauer Sven , Stainier Didier Y. R.
Published: May 2019

The development of a vascular network is essential to nourish tissues and sustain organ function throughout life. Endothelial cells (ECs) are the building blocks of blood vessels, yet our understanding of EC specification remains incomplete. Zebrafish cloche/npas4l mutants have been used broadly as an avascular model, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of action of the Npas4l transcription factor. Here, to identify its direct and indirect target genes, we combined complementary genome-wide approaches including transcriptome analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The cross-analysis of these datasets indicates that Npas4l functions as a master regulator by directly inducing a group of transcription factor genes crucial for hematoendothelial specification such as etv2, tal1 and lmo2. We also identified new targets of Npas4l and investigated the function of a subset of them using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Phenotypic characterization of tspan18b mutants reveals a novel player in developmental angiogenesis, confirming the reliability of the datasets generated. Collectively, these data represent a useful resource for future studies aimed to better understand EC fate determination and vascular development.
Mechanisms of intercellular Wnt transport
Authors: Routledge Daniel , Scholpp Steffen
Published: May 2019

Wnt proteins are secreted glycoproteins that regulate multiple processes crucial to the development and tissue homeostasis of multicellular organisms, including tissue patterning, proliferation, cell fate specification, cell polarity and migration. To elicit these effects, Wnts act as autocrine as well as paracrine signalling molecules between Wnt-producing and Wnt-receiving cells. More than 40 years after the discovery of the Wg/Wnt pathway, it is still unclear how they are transported to fulfil their paracrine signalling functions. Several mechanisms have been proposed to mediate intercellular Wnt transport, including Wnt-binding proteins, lipoproteins, exosomes and cytonemes. In this Review, we describe the evidence for each proposed mechanism, and discuss how they may contribute to Wnt dispersal in tissue-specific and context-dependent manners, to regulate embryonic development precisely and maintain the internal steady state within a defined tissue.
Optimal length, calcium sensitivity, and twitch characteristics of skeletal muscles from mdm mice with a deletion in N2A titin
Authors: Hessel Anthony L. , Joumaa Venus , Eck Sydney , Herzog Walter , Nishikawa Kiisa C.
Published: May 2019

During isometric contractions, the optimal length of skeletal muscles increases with decreasing activation. The underlying mechanism for this phenomenon is thought to be linked to length-dependence of Ca2+-sensitivity. Muscular dystrophy with myositis (mdm), a recessive titin mutation in mice, was used as a tool to study the role of titin in activation-dependence of optimal length and length-dependence of Ca2+ sensitivity. We measured the shift in optimal length between tetanic and twitch stimulation in mdm and wild type muscles, and the length-dependence of Ca2+ sensitivity at short and long sarcomere lengths in mdm and wild type fiber bundles. The results indicate that the mdm mutation leads to a loss of activation-dependence of optimal length without the expected change in length-dependence of Ca2+ sensitivity, demonstrating that these properties are not linked, as previously suggested. Furthermore, mdm muscles produced maximum tetanic stress during sub-optimal filament overlap at lengths similar to twitch contractions in both genotypes, but the difference explains less than half of the observed reduction in active force of mdm muscles. Mdm muscles also exhibited increased electromechanical delay, contraction and relaxation times, and decreased rate of force development in twitch contractions. We conclude that the small deletion in titin associated with mdm in skeletal muscles alters force production, suggesting an important regulatory role for titin in active force production. The molecular mechanisms for titin's role in regulating muscle force production remain to be elucidated.
Association between Bout Duration of Physical Activity and Health: Systematic Review
Authors: JAKICIC JOHN M. , KRAUS WILLIAM E. , POWELL KENNETH E. , CAMPBELL WAYNE W. , JANZ KATHLEEN F. , TROIANO RICHARD P. , SPROW KYLE , TORRES ANDREA , PIERCY KATRINA L.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review to determine whether physical activity episodes of <10 min in duration have health-related benefits or, alternatively, if the benefits are only realized when the duration of physical activity episodes is ≥10 min.

Methods

The primary literature search was conducted for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report and encompassed literature through June 2017, with an additional literature search conducted to include literature published through March 2018 for inclusion in this systematic review.

Results

The literature review identified 29 articles that were pertinent to the research question that used either cross-sectional, prospective cohort, or randomized designs. One prospective cohort study (N = 4840) reported similar associations between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and all-cause mortality when examined as total MVPA, MVPA in bouts ≥5 min in duration, or MVPA in bouts ≥10 min in duration. Additional evidence was identified from cross-sectional and prospective studies to support that bouts of physical activity <10 min in duration are associated with a variety of health outcomes. Randomized studies only examined bouts of physical activity ≥10 min in duration.

Conclusions

The current evidence, from cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies, supports that physical activity of any bout duration is associated with improved health outcomes, which includes all-cause mortality. This may suggest the need for a contemporary paradigm shift in public health recommendations for physical activity, which supports total MVPA as an important lifestyle behavior regardless of the bout duration.
The relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and up to two years after birth and risk of child overweight and obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Cooney Jennifer , Flannery Caragh , Khashan Ali S. , Huizink Anja C. , Matvienko-Sikar Karen
Published: May 2019

Background: Childhood obesity presents a significant public health challenge globally. The period from conception to two years after birth, the first 1000 days, represents a critical period during which the experience of maternal stress may be related to the development of childhood obesity.  Research to date suggests some positive associations between maternal stress during the first 1000 days and childhood obesity, but findings are inconsistent and have not yet been comprehensively synthesised. The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the association between maternal stress during the first 1000 days and the risk of child overweight and obesity.

Methods: The following electronic databases will be searched from inception using a detailed search strategy: the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies examining maternal stress during the first 1000 days and child overweight and obesity up to the age of 10 years will be included. Titles, abstracts and full articles will be screened by two investigators independently to identify eligible studies. A standardised data extraction form will be used to extract data including: study design; maternal stress exposure; child outcome; exclusion criteria; participant characteristics; and assessment methods. The Cochrane Collaboration’s bias classification tool for observational studies will be used to assess study quality. This protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol (PRISMA-P) checklist, and the systematic review will be conducted and reported following the PRISMA checklist. If possible, random effects models will be used to perform meta-analyses.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required for this study as it will not involve conducting experimental research, nor include identifying personal data.  The systematic review will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018100363
Molecular characterization of rotavirus group A strains circulating prior to vaccine introduction in rural coastal Kenya, 2002-2013
Authors: Owor Betty E. , Mwanga Mike J. , Njeru Regina , Mugo Robert , Ngama Mwanajuma , Otieno Grieven P. , Nokes D.J. , Agoti C.N.
Published: May 2019

Background: Kenya introduced the monovalent Rotarix® rotavirus group A (RVA) vaccine nationally in mid-2014.  Long-term surveillance data is important prior to wide-scale vaccine use to assess the impact on disease and to investigate the occurrence of heterotypic strains arising through immune selection. This report presents baseline data on RVA genotype circulation patterns and intra-genotype genetic diversity over a 7-year period in the pre-vaccine era in Kilifi, Kenya, from 2002 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2013.

Methods: A total of 745 RVA strains identified in children admitted with acute gastroenteritis to a referral hospital in Coastal Kenya, were sequenced using the di-deoxy sequencing method in the VP4 and VP7 genomic segments (encoding P and G proteins, respectively). Sequencing successfully generated 569 (76%) and 572 (77%) consensus sequences for the VP4 and VP7 genes respectively. G and P genotypes were determined by use of BLAST and the online RotaC v2 RVA classification tool.

Results: The most common GP combination was G1P[8] (51%), similar to the Rotarix® strain, followed by G9P[8] (15%) , G8P[4] (14%) and G2P[4] (5%).  Unusual GP combinations—G1P[4], G2P[8], G3P[4,6], G8P[8,14], and G12P[4,6,8]—were observed at frequencies of <5%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the infections were caused by both locally persistent strains as evidenced by divergence of local strains occurring over multiple seasons from the global ones, and newly introduced strains, which were closely related to global strains. The circulating RVA diversity showed temporal fluctuations both season by season and over the longer-term. None of the unusual strains increased in frequency over the observation period.  

Conclusions: The circulating RVA diversity showed temporal fluctuations with several unusual strains recorded, which rarely caused major outbreaks.  These data will be useful in interpreting genotype patterns observed in the region during the vaccine era.
O ormiańskich korzeniach rodu Tyszkiewiczów
Authors: Zięba Andrzej A.
Published: May 2019

On the Armenian Origins of the Tyszkiewicz FamilyThe article combines K. Stopka’s source text research (cf. the previous article in this year’s issue of Lehahayer) with sources from the Great Duchy of Lithuania under Duke Svidrigailo. It proves that the Tyszkiewicz family, contrary to what its claims put forwards by some genealogy researchers, comes from Kalenik the Armanian, a land holder from the Ruthenian part of the Kingdom of Poland.
Programa Mais Médicos: análise das competências médicas na assistência à saúde da família
Authors: Nascimento Juliana Goulart Soares do
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo explicitar se há diferenças na mobilização de competências quando do exercício da profissão entre médicos do Programa Mais Médico (PMM) e médicos que não são do PMM. Tomando como referência as perspectivas de competência trazidas, o histórico da implantação do PMM no Sistema Único de Saúde e as construções históricas da profissão médica, realizou-se a definição de treze competências-chave para os médicos que atuam na Atenção Básica. Para tanto, selecionaram-se dezenove variáveis advindas do instrumento de avaliação externa do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica para analisar as competências estabelecidas, sobre as quais foram realizados testes de Qui-quadrado e teste t quando possível, com uma amostra de 27.086 equipes e 78.875 usuários respondentes. Observou-se que para todas as competências analisadas houve pouca diferença entre os resultados de mobilização das equipes que possuem médicos que são do PMM e médicos que não são, com destaque para as regiões Sul e Sudeste nas análises regionais, com leve preponderância positiva dos resultados trazidos pelos médicos das equipes que não são do PMM. Isso em muito pode ser explicado, já que a amostra se refere aos ciclos iniciais do PMM e, mais do que isso, estão sendo analisadas competências pela lente das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais de medicina, o que permite a inferir sobre maneira como os resultados dos médicos das equipes que possuem médicos do PMM são satisfatórios.
Salinización de suelos de textura fina por ascenso capilar a partir del acuífero freático hipersalino somero (Bahía Blanca, Argentina)
Authors: Scherger Leonardo Ezequiel , Lexow Claudio , Zanello Victoria , Castoldi Micaela Carbajo
Published: May 2019

O  setor sudoeste da cidade de Bahia Blanca, Argentina é caracterizado pela presença de solos de textura fina e um aquífero hipersalino raso, condições que causam a acumulação de sais nos níveis superficiais do solo. Este estudo tem por objetivo determinar os principais mecanismos de mobilidade e acumulação de sais em um solo limo-argiloso, aplicando o software HYDRUS 2D/3D. O movimento de sais no perfil do solo está ligado à hidrodinâmica naturais da zona não saturada, onde os processos de capilaridade e evapotranspiração são o principal acumulador de agentes solutos. Os períodos de maior acumulação correspondem aos meses quentes e secos, com alta demanda de umidade na atmosfera. Nestas condições, concentrações salinas são geradas nos níveis superficiais do solo de até 18.000 mg.L-1. A precipitação pluviométrica permite o ingresso de água de baixa salinidade ao perfil do solo, causando os processos de lavagem e diluição. Os sais são transportados para os níveis mais baixos da zona não saturada, efeito visível em anos pluviométricamente húmidos. As concentrações simuladas na franja capilar manteve-se na gama de entre 3000 mg.L-1 e 10 000 mg.L-1. Conhecer o processo de salinização do solo em áreas urbanas é fundamental para mitigar as consequências das áreas afetadas.
Ciência, Educação e Vedação ao Retrocesso Social
Authors: Martins Daniel Vaqueiro Menezes , Jaborandy Clara Cardoso Machado
Published: May 2019

Apesar das conquistas alcançadas em sede de direitos fundamentais nas últimas décadas, em especial no que se refere a direitos sociais fundamentais, tem-se que, quando em situações de crise, em especial de crise econômica, as demandas que visam à proteção daqueles direitos encontram-se pendentes, especialmente quando voltadas à promoção de desenvolvimento humano e social. Diante desse cenário, e levando em consideração os movimentos no sentido de permitir relativização do princípio constitucional da Vedação ao Retrocesso Social, a presente pesquisa objetiva realizar uma análise acerca do investimento nacional em ciência, pesquisa e produção científica, para, assim, verificar as consequências da atual crise econômica no setor. Para tanto, serão utilizados os dados obtidos com as pesquisas realizadas no projeto de iniciação científica "Princípio da Vedação ao Retrocesso Social: análise crítica de decisões do STF (2015-2016) em tempos de crise". Ademais, serão utilizadas as técnicas típicas da metodologia de pesquisa indutiva e descritiva.
Limites da Responsabilidade Administrativa dos Agentes Públicos nos Processos Administrativos dos Tribunais de Contas
Authors: Júnior Arnaldo Silva
Published: May 2019

O desenvolvimento do Estado Democrático de Direito exige, além da valorização, a efetividade dos direitos fundamentais presentes na Carta Constitucional. Nesse contexto, propõe-se um debate acerca da ampla defesa como direito fundamental, sublinhando a inclusão da individualização da conduta como instrumento dessa ampla defesa, e via de consequência inserida no âmbito de garantia dos direitos fundamentais. Diante da realidade brasileira, é possível perceber o desenvolvimento de alguns apontamentos sobre o tratamento dado pela doutrina e pela jurisprudência nacional à responsabilidade administrativa dos agentes públicos, pontuando que essa aplicação tem sido de responsabilidade objetiva, sem levar em consideração a análise quanto à exigência ou não do elemento subjetivo da culpabilidade nas ações administrativas dos agentes públicos. Questiona-se, portanto, se há, à luz das normas constitucionais brasileiras, a possibilidade de aplicação de uma responsabilidade administrativa sem a observância de limites dessa responsabilidade, que deve ser compreendida nos exatos limites de sua conduta. Com enfoque específico nos procedimentos administrativos dos Tribunais de Contas, pontuam-se situações que exigem a individualização de conduta nas decisões administrativas daqueles tribunais, principalmente na aplicação de sanções, como a garantia da ampla defesa e a efetividade de um direito fundamental.
Morris’ Lost Pragmatics
Authors: Gu Yueguo
Published: May 2019

The pragmatics envisaged by its founding father Charles Morris addresses issues of behavioral semiotics, of which multimodality and sign behavior are two building blocks. Decades of development in linguistic pragmatics has witnessed a continuous narrowing in scope. The narrowing reaps the benefit of sharp focus and in-depth research into some narrow topics. At the same time, it has resulted in some crucial areas, such as Umwelt, left barren. The paper first briefly reviews Morris’ envisaged pragmatics, which is argued to be essentially multimodal semiotic pragmatics in nature. Then it argues for embarking on Morris’ original program through reviewing researches, explicitly Morrisian or otherwise, that have already been converging toward this direction.
Emojis: Langue or Parole?
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: May 2019

The phenomenon of emojis has had many implications for the future course of writing, literacy, communications, and the nature of representation itself. This paper looks at the implications of emoji use through the filter of Saussurean semiotics and through the lens of theories of visuality, which claim that visual writing is having radical effects on literacy and cognition. The historical background to the rise of visual writing is used as a backdrop to the semiotic analysis of the emoji phenomenon. The way we read and write messages today with visual elements such as emoji may indicate a radical shift away from a linear mode of processing information, as imprinted in alphabetic forms of writing, toward a more holistic and imaginative mode. However, because emoji usage and creativity depend on specific technologies, it remains to be seen if such writing can survive as technologies change. The main argument in this paper is that emojis are more part of parole than they are a separate langue, but they nonetheless reveal changes that the latter is undergoing in an age of digital multimodal communication.
Integrative biology of native cell extracts: a new era for structural characterization of life processes
Authors: Kyrilis Fotis L. , Meister Annette , Kastritis Panagiotis L.
Published: May 2019

Advances in electron microscopy have provided unprecedented access to the structural characterization of large, flexible and heterogeneous complexes. Until recently, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has been applied to understand molecular organization in either highly purified, isolated biomolecules or in situ. An emerging field is developing, bridging the gap between the two approaches, and focuses on studying molecular organization in native cell extracts. This field has demonstrated its potential by resolving the structure of fungal fatty acid synthase (FAS) at 4.7 Å [Fourier shell correlation (FSC) = 0.143]; FAS was not only less than 50% enriched, but also retained higher-order binders, previously unknown. Although controversial in the sense that the lysis step might introduce artifacts, cell extracts preserve aspects of cellular function. In addition, cell extracts are accessible, besides cryo-EM, to modern proteomic methods, chemical cross-linking, network biology and biophysical modeling. We expect that automation in imaging cell extracts, along with the integration of molecular/cell biology approaches, will provide remarkable achievements in the study of closer-to-life biomolecular states of pronounced biotechnological and medical importance. Such steps will, eventually, bring us a step closer to the biophysical description of cellular processes in an integrative, holistic approach.
Amyloidosis causes downregulation of SorLA, SorCS1 and SorCS3 expression in mice
Authors: Hermey Guido , Hoffmeister-Ullerich Sabine A. , Merz Barbara , Groß Dagmar , Kuhl Dietmar , Kins Stefan
Published: May 2019

Accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is regarded as a primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ is derived by sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Alterations in the subcellular targeting of APP are thought to affect the degree of Aβ production. Sorting receptors, such as SorLA, convey subcellular targeting of APP. Dysfunction of SorLA, and likely of the related receptors SorCS1 and SorCS3, cause AD. Nevertheless, disease progression could also provoke altered expression of the receptors. Here, we assessed if Aβ plaque formation promotes altered expression of SorLA, SorCS1 and SorCS3. We analyzed transcript levels during aging and after amyloidosis in brain areas characterized by early amyloid plaque formation in an AD mouse model (APPPS1) and wild types. We observed stable expression levels during aging (1–12 months). After plaque formation, SorCS1 and SorLA expression were markedly reduced in the frontal cerebral cortex and to a minor extent in the hippocampus, whereas SorCS3 expression was solely reduced in the frontal cerebral cortex. Our results indicate that disease progression, associated with Aβ accumulation, can negatively regulate expression of the receptors.
Evaluating exercise challenge to validate cardiac autonomic dysfunction in lean PCOS phenotype
Authors: Mishra Abha , Sharma Renuka , Mittal Pratima , Kapoor Raj , Srivastav Shival
Published: May 2019

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with infertility, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is well documented in long-term patients of PCOS, with impairment being proportionate to disease duration. However, there is paucity of literature on cardiac autonomic tone in the “lean” phenotype of PCOS. We used exercise challenge to probe for autonomic dysfunction, as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV), an index of cardiac autonomic tone.

Methods

Our study population consisted of 27 newly diagnosed PCOS patients and 25 healthy females matched by age and body mass index. Short-term HRV was assessed using time and frequency domain indices. Moderate, isotonic exercise was used as an interventional tool. Indices of both groups were compared in three bins – at baseline, immediate, and late postexercise stages.

Results

The groups had comparable HRV indices at baseline. However, low-frequency (LF) power was significantly reduced in PCOS patients during immediate and late postexercise phases when compared with controls (p = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). Time domain indices also exhibited a fall postexercise, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Although “lean” phenotype PCOS patients had comparable HRV parameters as controls at baseline, the administration of exercise challenge led to reduced sympathetic drive, evident by reduced LF power in patient group. This may be due to latent autonomic dysfunction in “lean” PCOS, which is unmasked on exposure to exercise challenge. We propose that the evaluation of HRV response to exercise may serve as a sensitive screening tool to detect early cardiovascular dysfunction in newly diagnosed lean PCOS patients.
Design and Analysis of Static Characteristics of VCSEL at 1160 nm for Optical Interconnects
Authors: Goyal Priyanka , Kaur Gurjit
Published: May 2019

VCSEL can be used as the transmitter for optical interconnect applications especially for short reach communication. In this research paper, we proposed a VCSEL structure design which can generate the wavelength of 1160 nm. The VCSEL structure is proposed with the aim of small aperture diameter because for optical interconnects applications the size should reduce. Two distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR), i. e. top DBR and bottom DBR are used to confine the active cavity area and InGaAsP/InP material is used for the formation of active cavity region. Then, the performance of the proposed VCSEL is evaluated at various oxide aperture diameters in the range 2–7 µm for anode voltage, anode current and total power emitted is also calculated to achieve optimized performance.
FPGA Implementation of a Novel Construction of Optical Zero-Correlation Zone Codes for OCDMA Systems
Authors: Driz Samia , Fassi Benattou , Mansour Mohammed Amine , Taleb-Ahmed Abdelmalik
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a novel method for constructing optical zero-correlation zone (OZCZ) codes based on the Mutually Orthogonal Complementary Sets (MOCS) matrix and the concatenation operation. The most important property of the obtained codes is that the periodic correlation function of the proposed codes is zero for the phase shifts within the zero-correlation zone. The procedure of construction is simple, flexible and offers increasing number of users

M
=

2

n
+
1

\left( {M = {2^{n + 1}}} \right)

. In the other hand, we have presented a fully reconfigurable hardware implementation based on very high description language of the proposed OZCZ codes for optical code-division multiple-access encoder system. The implementation is performed on an Altera field-programmable gate arrays device using ROM memory and an up counter. The simulation results have been found satisfactory and are in conformity with the theoretical observations.
Berge, Menschen, Meere
Authors: Peskoller Helga
Published: May 2019

Der Beitrag geht anhand von zwei Beispielen - Achttausender im Himalaya überschreiten und Weltmeere gegen den Wind umsegeln - der Frage nach, was es mit dieser großen Sehnsucht nach dem wilden Leben auf sich hat, die nicht nur wenige Grenzgänger, sondern auch viele Alltagsmenschen zu erfassen scheint, und erinnert im Nachgang des Erlebten Konzepte von Abenteuer, Freiheit, Risiko und Natur.
Uncertainty as a Challenge for Leadership
Authors: Wulf Alexander J.
Published: May 2019

This essay develops an entrepreneur-oriented theory of risk-taking and innovation that is used to examine the different leadership styles of family business owners. This theory is based on the works of Schumpeter, who mainly focussed on the potential of supply in the competition for innovation, and the works of Hayek, who emphasized the importance of demand in this competition. By combining these two theories, a comprehensive understanding of economic innovation processes is presented. In the subsequent empirical section of the essay, these theoretical ideals of supply-oriented and demand-oriented innovators will be examined for what they look like in practice. Data from India and Japan is analysed in this explorative empirical research to examine the influence of cultural, social and legal norms on entrepreneurial risk-taking and innovation behaviour. The perspectives on “foreign cultures” expand our understanding of management in a way that encourages innovation- friendly entrepreneurship.
Theater als Praxis der Verunsicherung
Authors: Warstat Matthias
Published: May 2019

In modernen und zeitgenössischen Ausprägungen partizipatorischen Theaters, insbesondere auch in therapeutischen Theaterformen, wird die Aufführung häufig als eine Art Schutzraum aufgefasst, in dessen Grenzen Experimente, Wagnisse, Wutausbrüche, Beichten, Kämpfe und andere riskante Praktiken mehr als andernorts möglich sind. Heilsame Wirkungen erhofft man sich davon, im Theater Gefühle zuzulassen, die im Alltag nicht ohne Weiteres ihren Platz finden. Die Rede vom Theater als Schutzraum steht allerdings in einem seltsamen Gegensatz zur Denkfigur der Transgression, deren Bedeutung für die programmatischen Diskurse der Avantgarden kaum hoch genug eingeschätzt werden kann. Transgressive Praktiken sind dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie die Grenzen von Räumen mehr oder minder gewaltsam überschreiten - und gerade dadurch ein hohes Maß an Unsicherheit hervorbringen. Wird ein Theater, das sich überschreitenden Handlungen verpflichtet fühlt, jemals Schutzräume bereitstellen können? Übersieht die Rede vom Theater als einem „konsequenzverminderten“ Handeln möglicherweise die Risiken, die mit Theaterformen in der Tradition der Avantgarde verbunden sind? Fragen wie diese verweisen auf ein handlungstheoretisches Problem, nämlich auf Dissonanzen zwischen (künstlerischen) Praktiken und ihren jeweiligen Rahmungen bzw. zwischen Akt und Kontrakt.
Long-term growth hormone (GH) replacement of adult GH deficiency (GHD) benefits the heart
Authors: Ziagaki A , Blaschke D , Haverkamp W , Plöckinger U
Published: May 2019

Objective

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is related to increased cardiovascular mortality. We studied clinical status, concentration of amino-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic-peptide (NT-proBNP) and echocardiographic parameters during long-term GH replacement (GH-R).

Methods

Fifty-one patients (29 females), 45.9 ± 11.3 years (mean ± s.d.), median follow-up 36.2 months, echocardiography and laboratory determinations initially and at 12-months intervals.

Results

At the last follow-up (last observation carried forward) (LFU (LOCF)) insulin-like growth-factor-1 standard deviation score (IGF-1 SDS) was ±1 in 92% of the patients. The median NT-proBNP declined significantly and stabilized (−40.5%) at LFU (LOCF) due to patients with a basal NT-proBNP >125 ng/L (indicative of heart failure). The basal NT-proBNP and the final IGF-1 SDS were significant predictors of the NT-proBNP at LFU (LOCF). Initially left ventricular enddiastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWD) and ejection fraction (EF) were normal, while interventricular septum diameter (IVSD) and left ventricular mass index (LVMi) were slightly increased. LVPWD and IVSD had significantly declined by year three. The LVMi was moderately to severely abnormal in 37.3 and 52.0% of patients initially and at LFU (LOCF). At LFU (LOCF) LVMi and IGF-1 were significantly correlated in the 14 male patients of this subgroup.

Conclusion

Long-term GH-R of GHD positively affected ISVD and LVPWD. In a subgroup of patients with severe GHD, LVMi increased concomitantly to the decline in NT-proBNP and this was positively correlated to the final IGF-1 concentration. Whether this observation indicates a positive development in a structurally altered heart muscle (reversal of adverse remodelling) or poses a future risk for heart failure needs further follow-up.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone disorders associated with acromegaly: mechanisms and treatment
Authors: Mazziotti Gherardo , Lania Andrea G A , Canalis Ernesto
Published: May 2019

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) exert physiological actions on the skeleton throughout life, by stimulating longitudinal bone growth in children, the acquisition of bone mass during adolescence and the maintenance of skeletal architecture in adults. When GH and IGF-I are secreted in excess, bone remodeling is enhanced leading to deterioration of bone microstructure and impairment of bone strength. Indeed, acromegaly causes skeletal fragility, and vertebral fractures are reported in a remarkable number of subjects exposed to GH and IGF-I excess. The management of skeletal fragility in acromegaly is a challenge, since the awareness of this complication is low, the prediction of fracture risk is difficult to ascertain, the risk of fractures remains after the control of acromegaly and the effectiveness of bone-active drugs is unknown. This review is an update on bone disorders associated with acromegaly and provides a perspective of possible therapeutic approaches based on emerging pathophysiological and clinical information.
МАТЕРІАЛИ ОСОБОВОГО ПОХОДЖЕННЯ З ПРИВАТНОЇ КОЛЕКЦІЇ ПРОФЕСОРА ВОЛОДИМИРА ГРАБОВЕЦЬКОГО
Authors: Єгрешій Олег , Сигидин Михайло
Published: May 2019

У статті автори намагаються відтворити громадсько-культурну та наукову діяльність відомого в Україні вченого Володимира Грабовецького на основі матеріалів особового походження. У приватній колекції зосереджено численні програми всеукраїнських та регіональних конференцій різних років, запрошення на різноманітні громадсько-культурні заходи.

Наявні у колекції В. Грабовецького рідкісні фото, маловідомі широкому загалові. Порівняно мало фотографій особистого характеру. Володимир Грабовецький у приватній колекції зберіг досить багату кількість мікроплівок на історичну тематику.

Володимир Грабовецький зберігав вирізки з газет 1970–1980-х рр. (“Закарпатська правда”, “Комсомольський  прапор”, “Прикарпатська правда”, “Нове життя”, “Голос Покуття”) на крає­знавчу, козацьку та опришківську тематику. Приватний архів містить також підбірки журналів “Пе­ревал”, “Український історичний журнал”, “Людина і світ”, “Воля і батьківщина”, “Наука і су­спільст­во”,  “Гуцульщина”,  “Архіви України”, “Київ”, “Прометей” та ін.
ОТЕЦЬ ЛЕВ-МИКОЛА БУРНАДЗ (1896–1947): ШТРИХИ ДО ІСТОРИЧНОГО ПОРТРЕТА
Authors: Пилипів Ігор , Делятинський Руслан , Балій Надія
Published: May 2019

У статті, на основі аналізу архівних документів, статистичних даних і спогадів, із застосу­ванням біографічного методу, здійснено реконструкцію біографії неординарного греко-католицького священика Лева-Миколи Бурнадза в умовах різних державно-політичних систем першої половини ХХ ст. Простежено формування світогляду у священичій родині та під час навчання в Коломийській гімназії, підкреслено кристалізацію національної самосвідомості, що спонукала до військової служби в армії Авст­ро-Угорщини й Українській Галицькій армії. Вказано на еволюцію світогляду у післявоєнний час як один із факторів вибору стану священика-целебса. Проаналізовано душпастирську та суспільну діяль­ність о. Л.-М. Бурнадзав селах Пациків і Сілець, містах Городенка і Станиславів. Припускається, що су­спільно-політичні погляди священика були синтезом центристської національно-демократичної та консервативної християнської суспільної течій. Встановлено, що під час насильної ліквідації УГКЦ він відмовився перейти до РПЦ, за що був репресований і загинув на засланні. Уточнення наступними до­слідниками окремих деталей біографії о. Л.-М. Бурнадза сприятиме підготовці документів для беати­фікаційного процесу.

Ключові слова: чотар австрійської армії, поручник УГА, священик-целебс, сотрудник, адмі­ністратор парохії, ісповідник віри