bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarray-based characterization of differential gene expression during vocal fold wound healing in rats
Authors: Welham Nathan V. , Ling Changying , Dawson John A. , Kendziorski Christina , Thibeault Susan L. , Yamashita Masaru
Published: January 2015

The vocal fold (VF) mucosa confers elegant biomechanical function for voice production but is susceptible to scar formation following injury. Current understanding of VF wound healing is hindered by a paucity of data and is therefore often generalized from research conducted in skin and other mucosal systems. Here, using a previously validated rat injury model, expression microarray technology and an empirical Bayes analysis approach, we generated a VF-specific transcriptome dataset to better capture the system-level complexity of wound healing in this specialized tissue. We measured differential gene expression at 3, 14 and 60 days post-injury compared to experimentally naïve controls, pursued functional enrichment analyses to refine and add greater biological definition to the previously proposed temporal phases of VF wound healing, and validated the expression and localization of a subset of previously unidentified repair- and regeneration-related genes at the protein level. Our microarray dataset is a resource for the wider research community and has the potential to stimulate new hypotheses and avenues of investigation, improve biological and mechanistic insight, and accelerate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Fabrication of Mesostructured Silica Materials through Co-Structure-Directing Route
Authors: Huang Zhehao , Che Shunai
Published: January 2015

This account describes our recent advances on the fabrication of mesoporous/mesostructured silica materials through the co-structure-directing route. This route establishes critical interactions between the head groups of templates and co-structure-directing agent (CSDA) to form highly ordered mesostructures and well-defined morphologies. Three particular approaches are described based on the different kinds of templates: anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and biomolecules (DNA and peptides). Notably, because of the pairing effect between templates and CSDA, the functional groups can be arranged regularly in the surface of the mesopores. Moreover, the applications and future perspective of mesoporous materials synthesized through co-structure-directing route are briefly described.
Reflexive and automatic violence: a function of aberrant perceptual inhibition.
Authors: Golembiewski Jan
Published: January 2015

It’s commonly assumed that psychiatric violence is motivated by delusions, but here the concept of a reversed impetus is explored, to understand whether delusions are formed as ad-hoc or post-hoc rationalizations of behaviour or in advance of the actus reus.

The reflexive violence model proposes that perceptual stimuli has motivational power and this may trigger unwanted actions and hallucinations. The model is based on the theory of ecological perception, where opportunities enabled by an object are cues to act. As an apple triggers a desire to eat, a gun triggers a desire to shoot. These affordances (as they are called) are part of the perceptual apparatus, they allow the direct recognition of objects – and in emergencies they enable the fastest possible reactions.

Even under normal circumstances, the presence of a weapon will trigger inhibited violent impulses. The presence of a victim will also, but under normal circumstances, these affordances don’t become violent because negative action impulses are totally inhibited, whereas in psychotic illness, negative action impulses are treated as emergencies and bypass frontal inhibitory circuits. What would have been object recognition becomes a blind automatic action.

A range of mental illnesses can cause inhibition to be bypassed. At its most innocuous, this causes both simple hallucinations (where the motivational power of an object is misattributed). But ecological perception may have the power to trigger serious violence also –a kind that’s devoid of motives or planning and is often shrouded in amnesia or post-rational delusions.
Paradoxes and the Nature of Ambidexterity in IT Transformation Programs
Authors: Gregory Robert Wayne , Keil Mark , Muntermann Jan , Mähring Magnus
Published: January 2015

Though information technology (IT) transformation programs are gaining in importance, we know little about the nature of the challenges involved in such programs and how to manage them. Using grounded theory methodology, we conducted a multiyear case study of a large IT transformation program in a major commercial bank, during which we encountered the interrelated themes of paradoxes and ambidexterity. Grounded in our case, we construct a substantive theory of ambidexterity in IT transformation programs that identifies and explains the paradoxes that managers need to resolve in IT transformation programs. The ambidexterity areas we identified are (1) IT portfolio decisions (i.e., IT efficiency versus IT innovation), (2) IT platform design (i.e., IT standardization versus IT differentiation), (3) IT architecture change (i.e., IT integration versus IT replacement), (4) IT program planning (i.e., IT program agility versus IT project stability), (5) IT program governance (i.e., IT program control versus IT project autonomy), and (6) IT program delivery (i.e., IT program coordination versus IT project isolation). What weaves these six areas together is the combined need for IT managers to employ ambidextrous resolution strategies to ensure short-term IT contributions and continuous progress of IT projects while simultaneously working toward IT transformation program success as a foundation for IT-enabled business transformation. However, in addition to this commonality, we find that the nature of paradoxical tensions differs across the six areas and requires slightly different management strategies for paradox resolution. Ambidexterity areas (1), (2), and (3) are associated with IT transformation strategizing and, in addition to balancing short- and long-term goals, require the mutual accommodation and blending of business and IT interests in the spirit of IT-business partnering to achieve IT-enabled business change and IT-based competitiveness. Ambidexterity areas (4), (5), and (6) are associated with IT program and project execution and, in addition to balancing short- and long-term requirements, require a recurrent and dynamic act of balancing “local” needs at the IT project level and “global” needs at the IT program level.
Social Contagion in New Product Trial and Repeat
Authors: Iyengar Raghuram , Van den Bulte Christophe , Lee Jae Young
Published: January 2015

The notion of peer influence in new product adoption or trial is well accepted. We propose that peer influence may affect repeat behavior as well, though the process and source of influence are likely to differ between trial and repeat. Our analysis of the acceptance of a risky prescription drug by physicians provides three novel findings. First, there is evidence of contagion not only in trial but also in repeat. Second, who is most influential varies across stages. Physicians with high centrality in the discussion and referral network and with high prescription volume are influential in trial but not repeat. In contrast, immediate colleagues, few of whom are nominated as a discussion or referral partner, are influential in both trial and repeat. Third, who is most influenceable also varies across stages. For trial, it is physicians who do not consider themselves to be opinion leaders, whereas for repeat, it is those located towards the middle of the status distribution as measured by network centrality. The pattern of results is consistent with informational social influence reducing risk in trial and normative social influence increasing conformity in repeat.
Efeitos do Programa Bolsa Família sobre os gastos das famílias beneficiárias em Mauriti, Ceará
Authors: Sampaio Maria Aumeliana Pereira , Sousa Eliane Pinheiro de
Published: January 2015

O Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) representa a unificação dos doze programas já existentes e tem como objetivo principal combater a miséria e a fome no Brasil, propiciando o atendimento a famílias em situação de pobreza e extrema pobreza e, por consequência, possibilitando melhor bem-estar social a essas famílias. Assim, este estudo avalia os efeitos do PBF sobre os gastos das famílias beneficiárias no município cearense de Mauriti. Para atender este objetivo, foram empregados os métodos de análise tabular e descritiva e o teste t de Student para dados pareados. Os resultados indicam que há diferenças significativas entre os tipos de gastos realizados pelos beneficiários antes e depois que receberam o benefício do PBF. Verifi­ca-se também que as famílias beneficiárias gastam a renda principalmente com gêneros alimentícios, passando a diversificar a cesta básica e melhorando a alimentação.
Governança Corporativa e Risco: uma análise durante crises ocorridas na primeira década do século XXI
Authors: Peixoto Fernanda Maciel , Amaral Hudson Fernandes , Correia Laíse Ferraz
Published: January 2015

Neste estudo, analisou-se a relação entre governança corporativa e risco em empresas brasileiras de capital aberto em períodos de crise e de não crise, no período de 2000 a 2009. Tal período foi segmentado em três subperíodos: crises locais (2000-2002); não crise (2003-2007); e crise global (2008-2009). Inicialmente, desenvolveu-se um índice de qualidade da governança através da abordagem análise de componentes principais. Em seguida, foi utilizado o modelo de regressão em painel, para investigar a relação entre o índice de governança construído e os aspectos de risco no contexto brasileiro. Trabalhou-se com os seguintes indicadores para risco: beta e custo médio ponderado de capital. Como resultados principais, constatou-se que as medidas de risco não apresentaram relação significativa com o índice de governança. Exceção se faz para o beta em algumas especificações. Ressalta-se que as variáveis dummies para crise absorveram de forma coerente o movimento das medidas de risco no período.
Governança Corporativa, Responsabilidades dos Órgãos de Controle e Ouvidorias: Estudo em Bancos no Brasil
Authors: Alves Carlos André de Melo , Machado Filho Claudio Antonio Pinheiro
Published: January 2015

O objetivo principal deste artigo é identificar as responsabilidades dos órgãos de controle relativas às ouvidorias de 26 bancos no Brasil. Subsidiariamente, verificam-se diferenças entre as responsabilidades identificadas de janeiro de 2008 a junho de 2011. Realiza-se estudo descritivo e qualitativo, contendo pesquisa documental. A amostra baseia-se no Relatório ‘50 Maiores Bancos’ do Banco Central. Para tratar os dados emprega-se análise de conteúdo, segmentando-se as responsabilidades em três categorias relativas aos seguintes órgãos de controle: 1. conselho de administração, 2. auditoria interna e comitê de auditoria, 3. auditoria independente. Empregam-se testes não paramétricos nas análises. Verificou-se 30,77% das categorias presentes, apurando-se diferenças entre percentuais de duas categorias. Para 50% dos bancos não houve categorias presentes e para 11,54% deles todas as categorias estiveram presentes. Evidências sugerem aprimorar a transparência das responsabilidades dos órgãos de controle, buscando reduzir assimetrias informacionais referentes aos processos decisórios de controle de bancos no Brasil.
Além de estereótipos profissionais: o cotidiano de trabalhadores de sex shops
Authors: Coimbra Kary Emanuelle Reis , Pacheco Webert Meireles , Saraiva Luiz Alex Silva
Published: January 2015

Os objetivos nesse artigo são: a) caracterizarocotidiano profissional de trabalhadores de sex shops; b) descrever seusrelacionamentos familiares, trabalhistas e sociais; e c) identificar se essestrabalhadores sofrem preconceito por parte da sociedade por conta doseu trabalho.Utilizando uma abordagem qualitativa, foram feitas entrevistasindividuais em profundidade com 10 trabalhadores de sex shops de Belo Horizonte, associadas a anotações de campo. Osdados coletados foram trabalhados de acordo com a técnica da análise deconteúdo. Entre os principais resultados, destaca-se a boa convivência dos entrevistadoscom seunúcleo familiar e social. Quanto à sociedade em geral, tais trabalhadores são preconceituosamenteassociados àprostituição ou à homossexualidade. Há duas implicações principais noestudo. A primeira se refere à questão da alteridade pelo distanciamento, poisse há aceitação dos que “perto” dos entrevistados estão, isso não ocorre com osque não se colocam em seu lugar por não conhecê-los. A segunda implicaçãodestaca a ambiguidade da temática. Sexo é assunto de todos; mas não deve ser explicitado, o quefaz da aproximação e da prática, e do distanciamento e do silêncio, variáveis de uma dinâmica socialcontraditória e a que os que trabalham profissionalmente em segmentos ligadosao sexo estão sujeitos.
Atitudes de torcedores de futebol frente a marcas patrocinadoras de times rivais ao seu. Um estudo exploratório.
Authors: Toledo Ana Carolina Alves de , Andrade Josmar
Published: January 2015

À medida que aumentam os investimentos no patrocínio esportivo, notadamente no futebol, torna-se importante para o marketing entender os diversos aspectos deste tipo de estratégia. O presente trabalho busca aprofundar o entendimento sobre a atitude de consumidores-torcedores em relação a marcas patrocinadoras de times rivais aos seus. A análise de amostra de 280 respondentes fornece subsídios para explorar com maior profundidade as proposições de que torcedores mais envolvidos com seu time apresentam atitudes menos positivas em relação aos patrocinadores de times adversários e também de que o envolvimento afeta a intenção de compra de produtos destas marcas, mesmo quando há reconhecimento da excelência da oferta.
A vocação econômica local como antecedente à orientação para o mercado: um estudo comparativo entre localidades do litoral sul do Brasil
Authors: Ardigó Carlos Marcelo , Zucco Fabricia Durieux , Petrelli Marco Aurélio
Published: January 2015

A filosofia de marketing, retratada na orientação para o mercado (OPM), ao longo das duas últimas décadas se consolidou como um importante tema de pesquisa na área de gestão. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre a OPM e a vocação econômica local. Inicialmente a pesquisa indicou que o construto global da OPM atingiu validade interna significante. Evidências positivas, porém fracas indicam que um maior nível de OPM influencia positivamente nos resultados financeiros. Porém, os resultados sugerem que a vocação turística superior, presente nas cidades componentes de uma das amostras não refletiu em maior nível de OPM.
Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma With Bone Marrow Involvement
Authors: Brown Noah A. , Ross Charles W. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Wale Daniel , Pawarode Attaphol , Maillard Ivan , Hristov Alexandra C.
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

To describe a rare case of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) with morphologic and immunophenotypic evidence of bone marrow involvement.

Methods:

Biopsy specimens of skin and subcutis and bone marrow were examined using H&E-stained sections. Immunohistochemical studies for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD20, CD30, CD56, and granzyme B were reviewed. In addition, T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangement studies were performed.

Results:

A bone marrow core biopsy demonstrated several lymphohistiocytic aggregates containing atypical, cytotoxic T cells that rimmed adipocytes and were associated with karyorrhexis. These T cells were morphologically and immunophenotypically identical to a concurrent SPTCL, expressing CD2, CD3, CD7, CD8, and granzyme B but with diminished CD5 expression.

Conclusions:

SPTCL may rarely involve the bone marrow. Bone marrow infiltrates show a similar morphologic and immunophenotypic appearance to those in the subcutaneous fibroadipose tissue, including rimming of adipocytes by neoplastic lymphocytes.
Non-thermal plasma treatment induces MAPK signaling in human monocytes
Authors: Bundscherer Lena , Nagel Stefanie , Hasse Sybille , Tresp Helena , Wende Kristian , Walther Reinhard , Reuter Stephan , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Masur Kai , Lindequist Ulrike
Published: January 2015

The application of non-thermal atmospheric
pressure plasma raises a hope for the new wound healing
strategies. Next to its antibacterial effect it is known
to stimulate skin cells. However, monocytes are also
needed for the complex process of a wound healing.
This study investigates the impact of plasma on the
intracellular signaling events in the primary human
monocytes. The proliferative MEK-ERK (MAPK/ERK
kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway was
activated by short plasma treatment times. In contrast, an
induction of the apoptotic JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)
cascade as well as activation of caspase 3 were observed
after long plasma exposure. These findings indicate that
monocytes can be differentially stimulated by plasma
treatment and may contribute to the proper wound recovery.
Interlaboratory comparison material
homogeneity testing
Authors: Pantelić Gordana K. , Todorović Dragana J. , Nikolić Jelena D. , Rajačić Milica M.
Published: January 2015

The homogeneity of fertilizer samples for
interlaboratory γ-ray spectrometry comparison was tested
by determination of the total γ count rate and the count
rates for two 238U γ lines, one 40K line and one common
235U and 226Ra line. Homogeneity testing was accomplished
by determination of the minimum, maximum, mean and
standard deviation for each parameter and comparison
of their standard deviations with predefined tolerances,
by Cochran’s test, and by a one-way ANOVA. The standard
deviations were all less than these tolerances. All samples
passed Cochran’s test and the one-way ANOVA test
for homogeneity.
Activated carbons for the removal of heavy metal
ions: A systematic review of recent literature
focused on lead and arsenic ions
Authors: Deliyanni Eleni A. , Kyzas George Z. , Triantafyllidis Kostas S. , Matis Kostas A.
Published: January 2015

This work is a systematic review of the literature
over the past decade of the application of activated
carbon (microporous or mesoporous) as adsorbents
for the removal of heavy metals, focusing especially
on lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) ions from the aqueous phase.
Classical examples from our lab are also given. Activated
carbon is known to provide a high surface area for adsorption.
Generally, surface modification is typically required, such as
oxidation, treatment with ammonia or even impregnation
with ferric ion, etc. and the adsorbent material may originate
from various sources. The pristine materials, after modification
and those after batch-wise adsorption, were characterized
by available techniques (BET analysis, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy,
thermal analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy).
Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics and kinetics of
the process are also discussed. Selected studies from the
literature are examined in comparison with other adsorbents.
The role of chemistry in the metals adsorption/removal was
investigated.
An Underfrequency Load Shedding Scheme with Minimal Knowledge of System Parameters
Authors: Joe Athbel , Krishna S.
Published: January 2015

Underfrequency load shedding (UFLS) is a common practice to protect a power system during large generation deficit. The adaptive UFLS schemes proposed in the literature have the drawbacks such as requirement of transmission of local frequency measurements to a central location and knowledge of system parameters, such as inertia constant H and load damping constant D. In this paper, a UFLS scheme that uses only the local frequency measurements is proposed. The proposed method does not require prior knowledge of H and D. The scheme is developed for power systems with and without spinning reserve. The proposed scheme requires frequency measurements free from the oscillations at the swing mode frequencies. Use of an elliptic low pass filter to remove these oscillations is proposed. The scheme is tested on a 2 generator system and the 10 generator New England system. Performance of the scheme with power system stabilizer is also studied.
Evaluation of the adequacy of reference charts for the accurate identification of fetuses with bone length below the 5th percentile
Authors: de Carvalho Ana Alice Vidal , Carvalho José Antônio , Figueiredo Israel , Velarde Luis Guillermo , Marchiori Edson
Published: January 2015

To identify reference charts for femoral and humeral lengths enabling appropriate identification of fetuses <5

Two samples of fetuses aged 14–40 weeks were selected from our institution’s ultrasonographic database. Regression analysis was used to construct reference charts of femoral and humeral lengths based on the local population (n=901). Femur and humerus length measurements from a second sample (n=1240) were transformed into

For femoral length, one equation other than the local equation yielded

Most reference charts assessed underestimated the number of fetuses with long bone lengths <5
Cervical sonoelastography for improving prediction of preterm birth compared with cervical length measurement and fetal fibronectin test
Authors: von Schöning Dinah , Fischer Thomas , von Tucher Elisabeth , Slowinski Torsten , Weichert Alexander , Henrich Wolfgang , Thomas Anke
Published: January 2015

Accurate prediction of the risk of spontaneous preterm birth is crucial for the clinical management of patients with preterm labor. The aim of the study was to investigate whether cervical sonoelastography improves prediction of spontaneous preterm birth compared with cervical length measurement and a fetal fibronectin (fFN) test.

A prospective cohort study was conducted including 64 patients with preterm labor at 23–34 weeks of gestation. Patients had an fFN test and transvaginal cervical length measurement, followed by real-time cervical sonoelastography. The ratio of nondeformable tissue to the total area of a designed region of interest was analyzed and related to the gestational week of delivery.

Cervical sonoelastography and fFN test show a significant correlation with spontaneous preterm delivery (P=0.007, P=0.001), resulting in 72.7%/36% sensitivity and 73%/95% specificity. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 61.5%/81.8% and the negative predictive value was 81.8%/70%. The cervical length was not different in cases with and without term delivery (P=0.165).

Cervical sonoelastography is a promising technique that can complement routine diagnostic procedures to improve prediction of preterm birth. The PPV is improved by an fFN test.
Almanac W22340a From Uruk: The Latest Datable Cuneiform Tablet
Authors: Hunger Hermann , de Jong Teije
Published: January 2015

In this article we present a transliteration and translation of Tablet W22340a, an astronomical Almanac from Uruk. Based on the astronomical predictions in the text we suggest that it must be dated to the year 326 in the Arsacid Era, equivalent to 79/80 AD. This makes W22340a the latest datable cuneiform text uncovered so far. This dating confirms that cuneiform writing and astronomical scholarship persisted in Mesopotamia during the Arsacid period far into the first century AD, not only in Babylon but in Uruk as well.
An aberrant sugar modification of BACE1 blocks its lysosomal targeting in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kizuka Yasuhiko , Kitazume Shinobu , Fujinawa Reiko , Saito Takashi , Iwata Nobuhisa , Saido Takaomi C , Nakano Miyako , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Staufenbiel Matthias , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Murayama Shigeo , Manya Hiroshi , Endo Tamao , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: January 2015

The β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1), an essential protease for the generation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide, is a major drug target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is a concern that inhibiting BACE1 could also affect several physiological functions. Here, we show that BACE1 is modified with bisecting N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a sugar modification highly expressed in brain, and demonstrate that AD patients have higher levels of bisecting GlcNAc on BACE1. Analysis of knockout mice lacking the biosynthetic enzyme for bisecting GlcNAc, GnT‐III (Mgat3), revealed that cleavage of Aβ‐precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 is reduced in these mice, resulting in a decrease in Aβ plaques and improved cognitive function. The lack of this modification directs BACE1 to late endosomes/lysosomes where it is less colocalized with APP, leading to accelerated lysosomal degradation. Notably, other BACE1 substrates, CHL1 and contactin‐2, are normally cleaved in GnT‐III‐deficient mice, suggesting that the effect of bisecting GlcNAc on BACE1 is selective to APP. Considering that GnT‐III‐deficient mice remain healthy, GnT‐III may be a novel and promising drug target for AD therapeutics.
An unusual case of an ACTH-secreting macroadenoma with a germline variant in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene
Authors: Dinesen Pia T , Dal Jakob , Gabrovska Plamena , Gaustadnes Mette , Gravholt Claus H , Stals Karen , Denes Judit , Asa Sylvia L , Korbonits Márta , Jørgensen Jens O L
Published: January 2015

A patient of Cushing's disease (CD) characterized by a large tumor and only subtle symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion was examined. The patient had a germline variant in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene. A 50-year-old male presenting with headache was diagnosed with a large pituitary tumor by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). His visual fields were intact and he exhibited no features of CD. Owing to an exuberant response to synacthen, an overnight dexamethasone suppression test was performed revealing inadequate suppression of plasma cortisol (419 nmol/l). Owing to tumor growth and visual field impairment, he underwent transsphenoidal surgery and developed hypocortisolemia. The pathology specimen revealed a sparsely granulated corticotrope adenoma. Postoperative MRI showed a large tumor remnant. The patient developed skin hyperpigmentation and a synacthen test demonstrated high basal and stimulated cortisol levels; an overnight dexamethasone suppression test showed no suppression (791 nmol/l) and elevated plasma ACTH levels (135 ng/l). A transcranial operation was performed followed by radiotherapy. Two months after radiotherapy, he developed secondary adrenocortical failure. Genetic testing revealed an AIP variant of unknown significance (p.R16H) without loss of the normal AIP allele in the tumor. A literature review showed ten CD patients with AIP gene variants, of whom five (including our case) were p.R16H. CD is occasionally dominated by pituitary tumor growth rather than symptoms of hypersecretion. The particular AIP gene variant identified in our patient is shared by four other reported cases of CD. Future studies are needed to assess whether the reported AIP gene variant is more than just coincidental.

Learning points

CD is occasionally dominated by pituitary tumor growth rather than symptoms of hypersecretion.

Resolution of both tumor remnant and hormonal hypersecretion may occur within 2 months after postoperative radiotherapy.

The particular AIP gene variant identified in our patient is shared by four other reported cases of CD.
Energy and other Key Performance Indicators for Buildings– Examples for Hellenic Buildings
Authors: C.A. Balaras  , E.G. Dascalaki  , K.G. Droutsa  , S. Kontoyiannidis  , R. Guruz  , G. Gudnason
Published: January 2015

Buildings are the leading energy consuming sector, representing about 40% of the final energy consumption in Europe. Different key performance indicators are available that can support the diverse needs and priorities of stakeholders in their efforts to improve the overall energy performance of buildings. The work first reviews the energy use and characteristics of European buildings, the main European legislation and technical developments that drive the efforts for lowering energy consumption. The main indicators that are used during the design, construction and operation of buildings are elaborated and when possible quantified, along with pertinent standards and regulations for guidance. Using common energy related indicators, a case study then focuses on Hellenic buildings and provides an insight on their performance, exploiting data from energy performance certificates. The contents document relevant work in information and communications technology for delivering simulation, modelling, analysis, monitoring and visualization tools, along with ongoing efforts to exploit building typologies for realistic assessment of energy use, during the design and operation of buildings. Future priorities are also outlined that support the ongoing European efforts to refurbish the existing building stock and the decision making process for setting effective policies towards nearly zero energy buildings.
Development of Transient Differential Model of Bell-Delaware Method with A Case Study of Water/TiO2 Nanofluid
Authors: A.S. Pereira  , M.L. Magalhães  , S.J.M. Cartaxo
Published: January 2015

Heat exchangers are equipments designed for efficient and economic thermal energy transfer between chemical process flows, being widely applied in chemical plants, petrochemical, refinery and power plants. This work aims the development of a rigorous transient model for a 1-2 shell-and-tube of heat exchangers with fractionated baffles, implementing Bell-Delaware method to determine the thermal and fluid dynamics parameters like heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop. For this, Bell-Delaware method has been utilized to the shell-side, considering several types of baffle leaks and its configuration, bypass effect in tube bundles, different input and output distances of baffles, laminar flow, temperature gradient and viscosity variation near the tubes walls. Nanofluid physical properties were locally evaluated by adapted prediction equations available in databases and literature. The case study simulations were performed using the Python computer program and its modules, to determine temperature and physical properties and profiles of TiO2 nanofluid through the tube, considering a one-dimensional variation, and showing the model applicability for dimensioning and analysis of shell-and-tube 1-2 exchangers.
Design and Optimization of a 6-DOF Singularity-Free Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Guotao Li  , Hailin Huang  , Bing Li 
Published: January 2015

A novel six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) singularity-free parallel manipulator (PM) is presented. The PM consists of five peripheral limbs and a centre limb, which makes the mechanism have high stiffness and large tilting capability . Due to the special architecture, the doubly actuated centre limb of the manipulator could have infinite inverse solutions. In every configuration of the end-effector, the manipulator can adapt its centre limb to the position and orientation with best dexterities. Targeting for further analysis of the manipulator, its detailed kinematic analysis is developed, including the solutions of the inverse position problems, the singularity, the dexterity and the workspace. The analysis results show that the proposed manipulator has good performance and thus may be suitable candidate for complicated surface machining.
Perspectivas de medición orientadas al mercado: revisión metodológica.
Authors: Rojas Berrio Sandra Patricia
Published: January 2015

El propósito principal de éste artículo es mostrar las diferentes perspectivas metodológicas de medición orientadas al mercado y proponer un modelo para ello después de revisar la metodología utilizada en distintas aplicaciones empíricas por autores que han investigado el tema.
La zona de integración fronteriza colombo – venezolana. La integración sostenible y el funcionalismo actual, un análisis descriptivo
Authors: Mora Ramírez Ángela Julieta
Published: January 2015

El objetivo de esta investigación es realizar un estudio, sobre el concepto de  integración sostenible, y desarrollar un análisis descriptivo de la Comunidad Andina, y  la negociación comercial fronteriza de Colombia y Venezuela, zona Táchira( Venezuela) Norte de Santander (Colombia), desde la teoría funcionalista actual, y la integración sostenible. Hoy es necesario establecer criterios conjuntos de cooperación, y analizar, a partir de los conceptos, la integración total y sostenida, su importancia en el comercio y sus implicaciones actuales, ya sea por acuerdos binacionales, o, por acuerdos alternativos de cooperación que se fundan en estrategias supranacionales, que solidifican el proceso sin permearlo con situaciones coyunturales, y  afectan el proceso mismo de negociación. También es necesario ver lo global desde lo local o  regional; desde las fronteras, las cuales desarrollan un flujo de transacciones de altos volúmenes de productos y servicios; por tanto, se propone incrementar los estudios de lo local para lograr adaptarse a lo interdependiente.
Aproximaciones a la estructura institucional de algunos procesos de integración
Authors: Gómez Jutinico Ángela
Published: January 2015

A través de los años se han creado y consolidado diversos organismos internacionales de unión económica, como son la Comunidad Andina de Naciones (can), el Mercosur y la Unión Económica Europea. Dichas uniones fueron creadas con el propósito principal de llevar a cabo la integración económica y comercial de los diversos países que las componen, estableciendo mercados comunes.Para alcanzar su objetivo, cada una de esas organizaciones ha venido creando internamente una serie de órganos e instituciones, bajo una óptica de división clara del trabajo jerárquica y funcionalmente establecida. Así, se encuentra que en la can, el Mercosur y la Unión Europea existen diversos órganos que cumplen cada uno unas funciones determinadas, de orden Legislativo, Judicial y Ejecutivo. De igual forma, se crean órganos de carácter netamente consultivo, y, en algunas de ellas, otros instaurados como entidades de apoyo financiero y monetario a los países miembros. Sin embargo, a pesar de estas similitudes, existen diferencias en las estructuras internas, principalmente en lo tocante con la distribución de los poderes y de las funciones de cada una de las instituciones.En todo caso, el presente artículo se propone establecer, como un avance en la investigación, las similitudes y diferencias existentes entre las uniones económicas, para establecer si comparten la misma estructura, la comparten parcialmente o definitivamente no tiene nada en común.
Bioética y deontología en los laboratorios de Psicología
Authors: Páez Juan Pablo
Published: January 2015

En el presente artículo se revisan las principales consideraciones éticas para el desarrollo de la investigación experimental de diversa índole en organismos animales y humanos. Se ofrece, inicialmente, una justificación para el uso de sujetos animales en el laboratorio como parte de la experimentación y como herramienta educativa, y se señala la importancia de esta práctica para el desarrollo de la Psicología y otras disciplinas científicas. Se muestra también la importancia de procedimientos alternativos en la experimentación con animales y se hace énfasis en los lineamientos éticos relevantes en la formación investigativa del psicólogo. Por último, se justifica el desarrollo de la investigación experimental con participantes humanos y se señalan las consideraciones más relevantes en ese sentido, haciendo especial énfasis en los derechos como investigador que se le deben garantizar al personal incluido en la investigación y la importancia del protocolo de investigación y del consentimiento informado.
La ﬁlosofía liberal y el imperativo kantiano, una aproximación reflexiva desde el derecho al libre desarrollo de la personalidad
Authors: Ochoa Omar Alfonso
Published: January 2015

El modelo de Estado adoptado por el constituyen- te de 1991, se sustenta en el ideario de la ﬁ loso- fía liberal clásica que concibe al individuo como centro del devenir histórico y en tanto tal, el Es- tado que encarna el interés general, tiene claros límites en su accionar frente a la esfera privada de cada asociado, ámbito en la cual este goza de una serie de derechos inalienables que no pueden ser desconocidos, vulnerados o restringidos por el Estado. En ese orden, aspectos que solo le atañen al individuo no pueden ser objeto de imposiciones heterónomas que le niegan su calidad de ser moral y lo limitan a la condición de medio y no de ﬁ n en sí mismo, según el postulado kantiano.
¿El poder para qué?
Authors: Cadena Hernán Darío
Published: January 2015

En este documento que reﬂ exiona sobre la evaluación en los nuevos escenarios de aprendizaje virtual, el autor se cuestiona sobre las relaciones de poder generadas por el ejercicio evaluativo y trata de indagar －en un ejercicio exploratorio inicial－ la manera en que estas se han transformado o no, a partir de las modiﬁcaciones sustanciales, otras veces sutiles, del ámbito educativo y de sus principales actores: profesores y estudiantes, tutores y aprendices. De igual modo, el texto se ocupa de establecer fronteras y diferencias entre evaluar y caliﬁcar, especialmente desde la perspectiva de la educación en los ambientes virtuales de aprendi- zaje. Asimismo, se interroga sobre la existencia de horizontalidad en los nuevos papeles educativos, a partir de la evaluación, y ﬁnalmente, sugiere cómo esta debería ser una herramienta efectiva de gestión del aprendizaje.
Traductores multimediales. Sugerencias, perspectivas y nuevas reflexiones de la oralidad urbana en Colombia
Authors: Díaz Gómez Alexander
Published: January 2015

La oralidad permanece en un estado latente en las dinámicas simbólicas de una sociedad mediática. Es evidente que esta tendencia se ha convertido en una verdadera resistencia cultural e, incluso, en una forma que busca afianzar algunos puntos importantes de la identidad de los pueblos que aún utilizan la oralidad. Los chats y las redes sociales, conservan la dinámica de la oralidad. Este escrito es una aproximación a un fenómeno que atraviesa otras atmósferas semióticas: las une, las convierte en formas que realzan la vieja tradición de contar cuentos, pero con un lenguaje completamente nuevo. La visión de esta investigación es una mirada al fenómeno que en apariencia es superficial, pero que lleva en sí mismo, la esencia de una cultura post-mediática e hipervincular.
Las pruebas ecaes en Colombia: una evaluación a la evaluación
Authors: Guzmán Tovar César , Serna César , Hoyos David Felipe
Published: January 2015

Este artículo establece una mirada analítica sobre los discursos que fundamentan las pruebas ecaes (hoy Saber-Pro) y las políticas públicas en torno a la evaluación de la educación superior en Colombia. Con este panorama conceptual, se busca precisar las correspondencias existentes entre la evaluación que ejerce el Estado (evaluación externa) y aquella que realiza la Universidad (evaluación interna). El análisis conceptual de las políticas y de la funda- mentación de las pruebas ecaes es alimentado con un análisis estadístico en donde se establecen las correlaciones entre la evaluación interna y externa de tres programas de la Universidad Central, a partir de los resultados obtenidos por los estudiantes en sus procesos académicos y en las pruebas ecaes. Las preguntas de fondo son: ¿cuáles son los inte- reses del Estado y de la Universidad en términos de formación académica?, ¿existe una tensiónentre lo que el Estado y la Universidad esperan de los futuros profesionales en términos de formación de competencias?, ¿cuál es el tipo de profesional que se espera para el país desde los ideales de lo estatal y de lo universitario?
COMMON MECHANISMS OF SPECIFIC HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE’ SHAPING AND SUSTAINING BY THE EXAMPLE OF IMMUNE RESPONSE TO MEASLES AND RUBELLA VIRUSES
Authors: Toptygina A. P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are a CD4+ Th cell subset promoted the cognate control of antigen-specific B cell immunity. Upon first contact with antigen-primed B cells, Tfh can support either extrafollicularly differentiation into short-lived plasma cells (PC) or enter follicles to form germinal centers (GC). Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) interaction between Tfh and activated B-cells is essential for GC development. Within GC, Tfh regulates the fate of antigen-specific GC B cells expressing high-affinity B cell receptors to develop memory B cell (Bm) or long-lived PC. Short-lived PC produce low-affinity IgM and IgG3 early antibodies. Both Bm and long-lived PC have high-affinity class-switched IgA and IgG, predominantly IgG1 antibodies. Measles virus uses human SLAM-molecule as a cellular receptor. SLAM is expressed on dendritic cells and activated B and T-cells. This is an important regulator of the isotype switching and antibody affinity maturation, especially IgG3-IgG1 switching. Development of long-term humoral immunity, charac terized by the formation of high-affinity predominantly IgG1 antibodies, is a critical component of protective immunity to pathogens and the major goal of vaccination. However, the mechanisms involved in the shaping and sustaining of long-term humoral immunity remain poorly understood.
The effect of drying on timber frame connections post flooding
Authors: Bradley Alistair , Chang Wen-Shao , Harris Richard
Published: January 2015

Timber structures face a unique risk from flooding. Elevations in moisture content due to prolonged wetting will lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of the building. Despite recent growth of timber construction in the UK and a known increased risk from flooding, little research has been conducted into its effects on light frame timber construction and the most efficacious drying method. This paper presents the results of experiments to determine the optimum drying conditions for light timber frame construction with oriented strand board sheathing after simulated flooding. A series of specimens were wetted for 5 d to simulate flooding before exposure to different environments. The specimens were load tested and values of ultimate strength, yield strength and stiffness were compared to those of un-wetted control specimens. It was found that the optimum drying condition for recovery of the maximum pre-wetting mechanical properties was an environment of 38°C and 40% relative humidity. Although this is an optimal setting there is still a permanent reduction in the mechanical properties of approximately 40% for strengths and 20% for stiffness. Stiffness is dependent on grain orientation; however, strength was found to be independent of grain orientation, as it is governed by the oriented strand board failure.
Building the «Opium Evil» Consensus – The International Opium Commissionof Shanghai
Authors: Barop Helena
Published: January 2015

Building the «Opium Evil» Consensus. The International Opium Commission of Shanghai

Global narcotics control in the twentieth century developed based on the consensus that the use of drugs for non-medical purposes was morally despicable and therefore needed to be prohibited. This premise was first agreed upon by the International Opium Commission of Shanghai in 1909 and resulted from negotiations between delegations from China, the U.S. and the British Empire. Their differing perspectives on opium and on the opium trade shaped their positions of negotiation: all had to some extent experienced domestic opium problems but their economic interest in the opium trade did not align. Open negotiation and institutionalized international cooperation boosted moral arguments against what was conceived as the «opium evil». Under these conditions the U.S. and China managed to build the foundation for a prohibitive global narcotics regime that fit their purposes.
Revolution and Eternity. Introductory Remarks on Fascist Temporalities
Authors: Esposito Fernando , Reichardt Sven
Published: January 2015

Revolution and Eternity. Introductory Remarks on Fascist Temporalities

The special issue compares the central temporal concepts and chronopolitics of Italian Fascism, National Socialism and the Romanian Legion of the Archangel Michael. In our introduction we begin this venture by scrutinizing the fascist alternative to the narrative of progress, its obsession with dynamism and revolution and the cult of speed. These elements are juxtaposed with fascism's anti-historicism and its mythic longing for an eternal order. We show the close nexus between fascism's momentum and its quest to unearth an eternal entity – the nation or the Volk. We illustrate how the fascists united revolution and eternity, i.e. the destruction of the past with the restoration of origins, the beginning of a new era with the thousand-year standstill of time.
The Excavatory Intervention: Archaeology and the Chronopoliticsof Roman Antiquity in Fascist Italy
Authors: Arthurs Joshua
Published: January 2015

The Excavatory Intervention: Archaeology and the Chronopolitics of Roman Antiquity in Fascist Italy

Romanità – the invocation of the «eternal Roman spirit» – has long been recognised as a core component of Italian Fascist ideology and political culture. However, the «cult of Rome» is typically seen as an expression of the regime's theatricality, its retrograde tendencies and its hostility to modernity. This contribution argues that, on the contrary, romanità was part of Fascism's revolutionary vision of modernity. In particular, the article highlights the regime's use of archaeological excavation, both in Rome and in North Africa, as an instrument of spatial and temporal rupture, used to forge an unmediated relationship between Roman antiquity and Mussolini's New Italy.
Breaking the Teeth of Time: Mythical Time and the «Terror of History» in the Rhetoric of the Legionary Movement in Interwar Romania
Authors: Carstocea Raul
Published: January 2015

Breaking the Teeth of Time: Mythical Time and the «Terror of History» in the Rhetoric of the Legionary Movement in Interwar Romania

This article analyses the alternative temporality visible in the rhetoric of the «Legion of the Archangel Michael», Romania's interwar fascist movement. It argues that, in line with its palingenetic ideology, the legionary movement adopted a temporal vision in which a timeless Romanian nation spanning both an immemorial past and an infinite future was made salient in an urgent present, interpreted as a «threshold» between the old and the new world. Thus oscillating between the seemingly opposing poles of revolution and eternity, this alternative temporality was responsible both for the attraction of a significant number of intellectuals to the movement, and for the Legion's typically fascist radicalism that justified and valorised violence as a form of «creative destruction» that would bring about the eschatological abolition of history and the establishment of a new order. These aspects are illustrated by focusing on the case of Mircea Eliade, one of the most prominent interwar Romanian intellectuals who became a legionary sympathiser. Making use of Eliade's notions of «sacred time» and its opposition to the «terror of history» as a conceptual framework, the paper analyses the correspondences between the legionary temporal vision and Eliade's visible preference for a transcendental, religious understanding of history, endowing it with meaning and allowing modern man to escape the meaninglessness of clock time.