bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma comparação do baixo crescimento econômico brasileiro em relação aos países do BRICS
Authors: Neduziak Luiz Ribeiro
Published: August 2014

A economia brasileira vem apresentando recentemente um comportamento destoante em relação ao crescimento do PIB dos países componentes do BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul). O presente ensaio busca assinalar algumas das possíveis causas desse baixo crescimento.Palavras-chave: BRICS; Crescimento Econômico; Economia Contemporânea
Chile 2013: as eleições e a falência do modelo chileno
Authors: Silva Marcos Antonio , Johnson Guillermo
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho analisa as recentes eleições no Chile e o questionamento do modelo neoliberal implantado na ditadura de Pinochet e mantido até o momento. Neste sentido, discute os fundamentos, características e resultados de tal modelo, apontando que sua falência é evidenciada pelos pífios indicadores sociais, pela insatisfação popular, pelos protestos sociais (estudantes, indígenas, entre outros) e pela afirmação da Nova Maioria. Em suma, as eleições chilenas de 2013 demonstram a necessidade de construção de um novo modelo que conjugue desenvolvimento com equidade, algo comum a toda a América Latina.   Palavras-Chave: América Latina; Chile; Eleições; Modelos.
Defesa Cibernética – Um Caminho para Securitização?
Authors: Cordeiro Caroline , Prins Ricardo
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo tem como objetivo geral entender se a defesa cibernética brasileira sinaliza um processo de securitização. De maneira mais específica os objetivos são entender o processo de securitização da Escola de Copenhague e analisar a política brasileira cibernética aplicada à teoria. O principal resultado atingido é que a defesa cibernética está politizada. Palavras-chave: Escola de Copenhague; defesa cibernética; politização.
A Democracia no Âmbito do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas
Authors: Canarines Ana Paula
Published: August 2014

Para combater a crise de legitimidade pela qual as OIs têm passado é imprescindível entender a otimização gerada pela adoção dos mecanismos institucionais, como transparência e accountability. No contexto do Conselho de Segurança, a partir de uma breve análise bibliográfica, é possível apontar que, apesar das tentativas de melhoria, se faz necessário adotar medidas mais efetivas para alcançar a democratização e a legitimidade almejadas. Palavras-chave: Democracia; Mecanismos Institucionais; Conselho de Segurança.
Os conceitos de Espaço, Território e Estado numa perspectiva político-geográfica dos Investimentos Estrangeiros Diretos no Estado do Paraná
Authors: Blum Gustavo
Published: August 2014

Através do presente trabalho buscamos realizar uma aproximação teórica que facilite a compreensão dos processos de Investimento Estrangeiro Direto (IEDs) no Estado do Paraná através dos conceitos de Espaço, Território e Estado. Através desta perspectiva político-geográfica, compreendemos a sua utilização e viabilidade na análise no caso apresentado. Palavras-chave: Espaço e Território; Paraná; Investimento Estrangeiro Direto.
Movimentos pendulares nas relações bilaterais entre Rússia e Estados Unidos
Authors: Senhoras Elói Martins
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo discute os movimentos pendulares das relações bilaterais entre a Rússia e os Estados Unidos da América a partir de uma periodização analítica de longa duração por mais de dois séculos, com destaque aos principais episódios existentes desde o período pós Guerra Fria, até o ano de 2014.Palavras-chave: Estados Unidos da América; Rússia; Relações Bilaterais
Teoria da Interdependência: os conceitos de sensibilidade e vulnerabilidade nas Organizações Internacionais
Authors: Rodrigues Noeli
Published: August 2014

O objeto de estudo do boletim é a análise dos conceitos de sensibilidade e vulnerabilidade nas Organizações Internacionais, sob a perspectiva da Teoria da Interdependência.  O problema proposto concentra-se em desvendar como os conceitos de sensibilidade e vulnerabilidade explicam a atuação das Organizações Internacionais. A efetividade das ações das OIs evidencia o grau de eficácia da sua atuação. A Teoria da Interdependência é a teoria utilizada, pois explica a necessidade tanto de ações, quanto de soluções rápidas e eficazes no contexto internacional. Conclui-se que atuação das OIs se adapta a interesses inerentes a política internacional.Palavras-chave: Teoria da Interdependência; Organizações Internacionais; Política Internacional.
A Securitização do Narcotráfico nos Estados Unidos e a influência no Brasil
Authors: Farret Nerissa Krebs
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a questão do combate ao narcotráfico nos Estados Unidos e Brasil através da ótica da Teoria da Securitização. Aplica-se essa teoria ao analisar o processo de politização e securitização do narcotráfico nos Estados Unidos da América e a influência que exerceu sobre a securitização do tema no Brasil, através de ações do Governo que culminaram no Plano Estratégico de Fronteiras.Palavras-chave: Narcotráfico; Plano Estratégico de Fronteiras; Securitização.
Os Antecedentes do Consumo de Produtos Culturais por Consumidores de Baixa Renda
Authors: Neto Alexandre Rabêlo , Mota Márcio De Oliveira , Arruda Gomes Danielle Miranda de Oliveira , Leocádio da Silva Áurio Lúcio
Published: August 2014

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo geral analisar as relaes entre as variveis influenciadoras e o consumo de produtos culturais por consumidores de baixa renda, considerando o modelo adaptado de Leocdio (2008). Nesse contexto, buscou-se identificar as variveis que explicam o consumo de produtos culturais; identificar os perfis de consumidores de acordo com os antecedentes de consumo de produtos culturais; avaliar a relao entre o nvel de vivncias em manifestaes artsticas e o consumo de produtos culturais; avaliar a relao entre o perfil da renda do consumidor e o consumo de produtos culturais; avaliar a relao entre o perfil de capital cultural do consumidor e o consumo de produtos culturais; verificar as relaes entre os antecedentes, conforme o modelo adaptado de Leocdio (2008) que influenciam o consumo de produtos culturais. Apresentou-se um modelo que integra os antecedentes de consumo cultural. Utilizou-se o Survey como mtodo, aplicado a 556 respondentes, em 31 bairros da cidade de Fortaleza, consumidores de produtos culturais de baixa renda. Foram utilizadas tcnicas de anlise de dados multivariadas por meio de anlise fatorial, alm da modelagem de equaes estruturais utilizando-se o software Smartpls 2.0. Os antecedentes que apresentaram relao com o consumo foram: capital cultural, preferncia e a influncia dos grupos de referncia. O modelo estrutural analisado demonstrou que inovatividade, acesso aos instrumentos de consumo e vivncias em manifestaes artsticas influenciam a preferncia e no tem relao com o consumo de produtos culturais.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2320
Transferência de Significados entre Consumidores, Personagens e Marca: Proposição de um Novo Modelo
Authors: Tavares Mauro Calixta , Urdan André Torres , Shigaki Helena Belintani
Published: August 2014

A marca tem sido reconhecida como patrimnio intangvel resultante, em grande parte, dos significados das suas associaes. A recorrncia da marca s associaes com personagens conhecida, mas no os significados que esses transferem para ela. Buscando a compreenso dos significados contidos nessa transferncia, McCracken (2005) desenvolveu um modelo composto por trs estgios: a cultura, onde esto inseridas as celebridades; o endosso que materializa a relao celebridade/ produto; e o consumo, estabelecido pela relao produto/consumidor. Este estudo tem por objetivo desenvolver e propor um modelo do processo de transferncia de significados, com influncias recprocas, baseado no modelo proposto por McCracken (2005). Para tanto, a pesquisa realizada, como teste piloto, do tipo exploratria, com abordagem qualitativa, no qual quinze profissionais de criao de agncias de propaganda participaram do estudo envolvendo a anlise de quatro personagens. Os resultados revelam que o modelo proposto possvel de validao.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2351
Programas de Fidelidade: um Estudo de Múltiplos Casos em Empresas Portuguesas
Authors: Mendes Vanessa Leal , Pedron Cristiane Drebes
Published: August 2014

A cada dia os clientes tm mais cartes de fidelidade nas carteiras e parecem se sentir menos fidelizados s marcas. Tendo isso em vista, este artigo procura analisar caractersticas relevantes para a elaborao e gesto deste tipo de iniciativa. Procura-se responder a questo: Como elaborar um programa de fidelidade de clientes?. Aps a reviso da literatura foram conduzidos oito estudos de casos em empresas de diferentes setores em Portugal. Alm de argumentos encontrados na literatura, os resultados apontam a necessidade de considerar a natureza dinmica deste tipo de programa e a questo da sustentabilidade destas iniciativas. Constatou-se ainda que os programas de fidelidade necessitam estar alinhados com a estratgia de marketing das empresas, ou seja, os programas devem ser dinmicos e permitir mudanas e alteraes constantes, consoante as necessidades das empresas, devendo adaptar-se s estratgias comerciais e s campanhas promocionais que vo sendo utilizadas pelas marcas.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2526
Coaching e Mentoring como Instrumento de Foco no Cliente Interno: um Estudo Regional em São Paulo
Authors: Graziano Graziela Oste , Peixoto Cristiano André , Pizzinatto Andrea Kassouf , Castro Dagmar Silva Pinto de
Published: August 2014

A pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar as dimenses envolvidas na implementao do Coaching, para a atuao do gerente como gestor junto sua equipe, em situao real de trabalho; o estudo inclui a mesma investigao em relao ao Mentoring, tomando como foco de estudo pessoas que trabalham regio de So Paulo. Os dados coletados na pesquisa foram coletados por meio de um questionrio com questes abertas e fechadas. A pesquisa mostrou como resultados das questes pertinentes ao coaching e ao mentoring que a grande maioria, ou quase todos tiveram algum tipo de treinamento, que ocorreu em grupo, com a presena dos gerentes apenas no incio e somando 8 horas, podendo assim concluir com essa questo que nos respondentes pesquisados o trabalho do coaching realizado dentro das organizaes varejistas. No tocante ao mentoring, pode-se concluir que est presente dentro da organizao e representado pelo lder.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2663
Parasitic Hyphomycetes of the Białowieża National Park. III
Authors: Mułeszko Wiesław
Published: August 2014

The paper presents a list of 15 species of parsitic Hyphomycetes (Deuteromycetes) collected in the Białowieża National Park and their distribution in Poland. Some species were collected on new host plants or have bcen reported from a few localities only. For each taxon the binding names were given. Synonyms are also given but only for those fungi which are described on host plants cited in the paper.
Oceurrence of fungi degrading aniline and its derivatives in biocenoses of wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Słomczyński Tomasz , Grabińska-Łoniewska Anna
Published: August 2014

It has been found that numerous yeast-like microorganisms from the genera Geotrichum, Trichmporon, Candida, Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces occurring in wastewater treatment systems biocenoses arę able to utilize aniline, p-nitroaniline and acetanilide as a sole C-source. High active in this respect were strains belonging to the species of Geoirichum candidum, G. sericeum and Candida boidinii.
Mycobionta of birch and birch stump roots and its possible effect on the infection by Armillaria spp. I.
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna
Published: August 2014

Zygorhynchus moelleri was the dominating species on/in roots of 2 year-old stumps of the 49 year-old birches. Trichoderma viride was more frequently found in the fine roots of living birches than in the fine roots of stumps though its population increased in thick roots of stumps. Occasionally the fungus also occurred on the surface of fine roots of stumps. Z. moelleri is known to produce indole 3-ethanol and indole-3 acetic acid which stimulate the growth of A. ostoyae rhizomorphs and phenoloxidizing enzymes which play an important role in the degradation of the wood. It seems that the accumulation of Z. moelleri and absence of bigger populations of T. viride on/in roots of 2-year-old stumps of the 49 year-old birches may result in an increase of their susceptibility to Armillaria infection.
Mycobionta of birch and birch stump roots and its possible effect on the infection by Armillaria spp. II.
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the differences in size and structure of mycobionta communities occurring in soil and on/i n roots of a 30 year-old birch and its stumps 2 years after cutting of the trees. Special attention was paid to the occurrence of Zygorhynchus moelleri and Trichoderma viride. The first species due to the metabolites produced may presumably stimulate the infection by Armlllaria. The second species is a well-known antagonist of Armillaria, Z. moelleri accounted only for 2.6, l.3 and 9.l % of the total number of isolates in rhizoplane as well as in the fine and thick roots of stumps, respectively. Trlchodcrma viride and T. virens were present in roots of Hve birch and its stumps only occasionally. The relatively big population of Mycelium radicis atrovirens- particularly in the fine roots of stumps is attributed to their high vitality and relatively lower level of root decomposition. It seems that the rate of stump root decomposilion does not favour their colonization by Z. moelleri and its supposed contribution in enhancing the infection by Armillaria might not be so distinct as on stumps of 49-year-old birches.
Micromycetes on Pisum sativum var. arvense
Authors: Marcinkowska Joanna
Published: August 2014

Seeds of 11 Austrian winter pea genotypes, harvested at Radzików (CEP) in 1993 and 1994, were evaluated for fungi occurrence on Coon's agar medium in Petri plates. Number of species isolated depended on the genotype and year of collection. Alternaria alternata, Stemphylium botryosum were found on all the tested samples and Phoma pinodella and Fusarium poae were also common while Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Mycosphaerella pinodes appeared to be common only in 1993. Three species occurred only once. The mycoflora was richer in 1993. The common seed inhabitants usually transmitted higher percentage of fungi than species occuring more seldom.
Studies on the decomposition of keratin wastes by saprotrophic microfungi. II. Sulphur and nitrogen balance
Authors: Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa
Published: August 2014

In the present work the products of hydrolysis and mineralization of keratin proteins were determined. In addition nitrogen and sulphur balance in the cultures of saprotrophic keratinolytic fungi decomposing keratin wastes (feathers) was carried out.
Myiophagus characeus Kiran et Dayal, sp. nov.
Authors: Kiran Usha , Dayal Ram
Published: August 2014

An unidentified species of fungi was reported from ponds of Varanasi (India) during the routine examination of the leaf litter decomposing organisms.
Peronospora arthurii — a new species for Poland
Authors: Mułenko Wiesław , Matejko-Gosztyła Ewa
Published: August 2014

Peronospora arthurii Farl. was found on the leaves of Oenothera biennis L. as a new species in Polish flora of fungi. Its description, illustration and distribution are given.
Postfire macromycetes from deciduous wood in the Chrzanów forest inspectorate (S Poland)
Authors: Dyląg Ewa , Gumińska Barbara
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the results of the studies of postfire macromycetes in a burnt forest near Chrzanów. Fifty one species of fungi and three species of Myxomycetes were found in the investigated area. Pholiota carbonaria was the most abundantly fructifying fungus. Its seasonal frequency was observed on 8 sample plots (1m x 1m) over two subsequent years: 1993 and 1994. Gradual overgrowth of the plots by mosses. flowering plants and other fungi was also observed.
Ultrastructure of cleistothecia and the stages of life cycle of Microsphaera palczewskii by scanning electron microscope
Authors: Kadłubowska Joanna Z. , Kalinowska-Kucharska Ewa
Published: August 2014

Several year long investigations of the developmental cycle of Microsphaera palczewskii occurring on the leaves of Caragana arborescens in Central Poland are reported. The material was studied with light and scanning electron microscopes. The scanning microscopy micrographs of the clistothecia and appendages presented in this report are the first micrographs of this species.
Studies on Myxomycetes in the Pieniny National Park I. New species for the PNP
Authors: Drozdowicz Anna
Published: August 2014

The studies provide the data on occurrence of 66 Myxomycetes species, among them 18 new for the Pieniny Mts. Particularly interesting is Diderma alpinum Meylan, a Myxomycetes representing the group of taxa developing in early spring near the melting snow.
Investigating Strategies for Maintaining, Repairing, or Replacing Utility Assets
Authors: Leighton Jeff , Letteney Jessica
Published: August 2014

Asset management planning incorporates financial, engineering, and management processes to analyze asset performance. Such efforts have helped the Portland Water Bureau form capital and operational strategies.
Asset Management Contributes to Optimizing a Distribution System
Authors: Martin Barb
Published: August 2014

The asset management planning process lets a water utility derive maximum value from its physical assets. Regardless of its size, a utility can reap huge benefits from a comprehensive asset management program.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Biomass Energy Technologies in China
Authors: Yang Qing , Han Fei , Wu Xudong , Wang Deyuan , Wang Xianhua , Yang Haiping , Zhang Shihong , Chen Hanping
Published: August 2014

Based on a comprehensive review of the different biomass energy technologies in China, a hybrid evaluation model founding on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed to offer a comprehensive evaluation of a variety of biomass energy technologies in China. In this model, three evaluation criteria, including the applicability of technology, economic viability and environment-friendly, are defined and nine indicators, including resources supply, equipment and technology, energy efficiency, energy grade, production cost, economic benefit, ecological impact, environmental pollution and social benefit, are devised. Priorities are established in this study based on pairwise comparisons of the elements. In addition, the model has been validated by various utilization technologies reported in literatures. Results show that environmental pollution, social benefit, ecological impact and resources supply greatly impact on the application of biomass technologies, followed by economic benefit. Besides, it is demonstrated that integrated technologies of biomass energy, which is closely related with residential daily life and compatible with local ecological environment, possess evident superiority. Furthermore, the outcome can be supportive for guiding future development of biomass energy in China.
Generation Scheduling in Power Systems with Hydro Electric Plants
Authors: Palamarchuk S.
Published: August 2014

Medium-term generation scheduling is an important component of power systems operation and management. The traditional problem statement aimed at reducing the total production cost can hardly correspond to the market environment. The paper considers specific features of the problem statement for a wholesale electricity market environment. An approach is suggested to solve the problem on the basis of bi-level optimization models. Such models take into account possible distortion of economic and technical parameters of generating units. The proposed technique obtains equilibrium of the generation company’s interests to simulate the competitive behavior under the oligopoly electricity market. A mathematical statement of the problem supposes the application of a dynamic programming method. An algorithm for the stochastic dynamic programming application is developed. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the method and algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed approach is shown in comparison with the traditional generation scheduling technique.
Enhancement of Biogas Production in Two-Phase Anaerobic Fermentation System for Lower-Temperature Applications
Authors: Zhang Hongqiong , Li Wenzhe , Sun Yong , Wang Xiangyou
Published: August 2014

For the purpose of enhancing the biogas production and operation stability of system at low temperature, a two-phase anaerobic fermentation facility for rural household energy generation was proposed. In this facility, the quantity of the fermented materials could be balanced by controlling the hydraulic retention time, which based on pH of the acidification tank and the fermentation tank. In addition, a portion of the biogas generated could be used to heat the acidification tank and the fermentation tank. Results shows that the optimal daily production rate of biogas for 1 m3 fermentation liquid was about 1.47 L/L d-1 at a mixing ratio of cow: swine: chicken manure was 3: 1: 0.5. The production rate obtained in this study was more than four times higher than that from traditional single-phase processes (0.35 L/L d-1). About 5.43 m3 biogas can be produced daily per household with an average CH4 content of 76.8%. The two-phase process developed in this work will also reduce environmental pollution and increase energy production efficiencies.
Transmission System Operation Challenges with Large Wind Penetration
Authors: Kincic Slaven , Zhang Hongming
Published: August 2014

The State of California’s renewable energy policies and energy incentives are the main drivers of renewable generation development occurring in the Pacific Northwest. The largest wind integration efforts are happening within the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) Balancing Area (BA). BPA is approaching a 40 percent wind penetration factor. Such a large wind penetration imposes significant challenges on the transmission system operation requiring more system studies in operational time frame. These challenges include needs for additional voltage regulation requiring more switching operations, dealing with higher ramping rates and carrying additional regulation reserve as well as additional difficulty in Columbia River management (river scheduling). This paper discus some of those challenges in more details.
L’intention environnementale des dirigeants de PME
Authors: Tounés Azzedine , Gribbaa Fafani , Messeghem Karim
Published: August 2014

Les recherches sur les processus comportementaux environnementaux représentent des thèmes privilégiés dans le champ de la PME. Toutefois, ils sont difficilement saisissables, car ils entrainent des changements de visions, de valeurs, d’attitudes et d’intentions. Par ailleurs, nous en savons peu sur l’intention des dirigeants de PME à l’égard de l’environnement. L’objectif de cet article est d’explorer la nature et la pertinence des relations entre l’intention environnementale des dirigeants et ses déterminants. Cette recherche s’ancre dans le champ de l’entrepreneuriat durable et mobilise la théorie du comportement planifié d’Ajzen (1991). Elle retient une perspective exploratoire à partir d’une enquête auprès de vingt dirigeants de PME du secteur du textile-habillement en Tunisie et d’une analyse lexicale. Les résultats conduisent à la formulation de huit propositions relatives aux déterminants de l’intention environnementale. Ceux-ci concernent plus précisément les conséquences attendues du comportement recherché, les actions entreprises en vue de le réaliser, les pressions des pouvoirs publics et des donneurs d’ordres étrangers, les perceptions des aptitudes environnementales et de la disponibilité des ressources, la nature de l’activité et le souhait d’imiter des modèles d’entrepreneurs.
Barometric pumping of a fractured porous medium
Authors: Mourzenko V. V. , Varloteaux C. , Guillon S. , Thovert J.‐F. , Pili E. , Adler P. M.
Published: August 2014

Barometric pumping plays a crucial role in the release of trace gases from fractured porous media to the atmosphere, and it requires a rigorous and complete modeling in order to go beyond the approximate schemes available in the literature. Therefore, a coupled set of convection and convection‐diffusion equations for a slightly compressible fluid in unsteady conditions should be solved. The numerical methodology is presented, and it is applied to conditions close to the ones of the Roselend Natural Laboratory (France). The precision of the code is assessed and the mechanism of barometric pumping is explained. The usual schematization by simple vertical fractures is shown to be only qualitative. Finally, barometric pumping is shown to be efficient in a narrow range of parameter values; its efficiency is a decreasing function of the matrix porosity and of the fracture density.
Pore‐scale intermittent velocity structure underpinning anomalous transport through 3‐D porous media
Authors: Kang Peter K. , de Anna Pietro , Nunes Joao P. , Bijeljic Branko , Blunt Martin J. , Juanes Ruben
Published: August 2014

We study the nature of non‐Fickian particle transport in 3‐D porous media by simulating fluid flow in the intricate pore space of real rock. We solve the full Navier‐Stokes equations at the same resolution as the 3‐D micro‐CT (computed tomography) image of the rock sample and simulate particle transport along the streamlines of the velocity field. We find that transport at the pore scale is markedly anomalous: longitudinal spreading is superdiffusive, while transverse spreading is subdiffusive. We demonstrate that this anomalous behavior originates from the intermittent structure of the velocity field at the pore scale, which in turn emanates from the interplay between velocity heterogeneity and velocity correlation. Finally, we propose a continuous time random walk model that honors this intermittent structure at the pore scale and captures the anomalous 3‐D transport behavior at the macroscale.
Stress drop variations among small earthquakes before the 2011 Tohoku‐oki, Japan, earthquake and implications for the main shock
Authors: Uchide Takahiko , Shearer Peter M. , Imanishi Kazutoshi
Published: August 2014

It is important to assess the likely rupture characteristics of future megathrust earthquakes. One approach is to study the spatiotemporal variation of geophysical properties in active subduction zones. We explore this idea by examining stress drops of 1563 small earthquakes (Mw 3.0–4.5) shallower than 80 km in the Tohoku‐oki region before the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake. Although individual stress drop estimates exhibit considerable scatter, we find a strong increase in stress drop with depth between 30 km and 60 km, whereas stress drops for shallower and deeper events, respectively, are nearly constant. We also identify lateral variations in stress drop along strike. Higher‐than‐average stress drops are found in East Aomori‐oki and Miyagi‐oki, whereas Sanriku‐oki is a moderate stress drop area. The high stress drop zone in Miyagi‐oki is located just south of the large slip area of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake, and possibly acted as a barrier to further rupture propagation during the event. In addition, the frequency dependence of the seismic radiation observed during the main shock, with proportionally higher frequencies coming from the deeper parts of the fault, mimics the depth dependence we see in small earthquakes in the same region. These results imply that smaller pre‐main shock earthquakes can provide insight into the fault properties and consequent rupture processes of future megathrust earthquakes.
X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Investigations of the Surface Reaction Layer and its Effects on the Transformation Properties of Nanoscale Ti51Ni38Cu11 Shape Memory Thin Films
Authors: König Dennis , Naujoks Dennis , de los Arcos Teresa , Grosse‐Kreul Simon , Ludwig Alfred
Published: August 2014

The depth‐dependent chemical constitution of Ti51Ni38Cu11 thin films of different total film thickness from 400 to 50 nm was characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was analyzed how reaction layers, which form on the surface of the film significantly change the chemical composition of the transforming phase, which leads in turn to altered phase transformation properties. For thinner films, the deviation from the nominal chemical composition increases. For a film thickness of 50 nm, a Ti loss of ≈9 at% is observed. The Ni content is increased by ≈5 at%, whereas the Cu content stays relatively constant for films of different thickness. The results are summarized in a layer model, which supports designing nanoscale shape memory thin films.
Unusually High Optical Transmission in Ca:Ag Blend Films: High‐Performance Top Electrodes for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Schubert Sylvio , Müller‐Meskamp Lars , Leo Karl
Published: August 2014

Highly transparent electrodes are demonstrated based on thermally evaporated calcium:silver blend thin–films, which show unusually high transmission well above the expectations from bulk material properties and thin film optics. These electrodes exhibit a low sheet resistance of 27.3 Ω/, combined with an extraordinarily high mean transmittance of 93.0% in the visible spectral range (σdc/σopt = 186.7), superior to the commonly used inorganic electrodes made from indium tin oxide (ITO). Additionally, the metal blend electrode is flexible, showing a constant sheet resistance down to a bending radius of 10 mm and can be employed on top of organic devices without causing damage to the organic material. The spontaneously formed unique microstructure of a polycrystalline Ag network with randomly distributed nanoapertures, surrounded by a calcium shell, enables broadband transmittance enhancement due to amplified plasmonic coupling. Consequently, top‐illuminated organic solar cells using such metal blend electrodes achieve a power conversion efficiency of 7.2% (which defines a new record for top illuminated organic solar cells) and even exceed the efficiency of similar bottom‐illuminated reference solar cells (6.9%) employing common ITO electrodes.
Exploring Actinide Materials Through Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Authors: Shi Wei‐Qun , Yuan Li‐Yong , Wang Cong‐Zhi , Wang Lin , Mei Lei , Xiao Cheng‐Liang , Zhang Li , Li Zi‐Jie , Zhao Yu‐Liang , Chai Zhi‐Fang
Published: August 2014

Synchrotron radiation (SR) based techniques have been utilized with increasing frequency in the past decade to explore the brilliant and challenging sciences of actinide‐based materials. This trend is partially driven by the basic needs for multi‐scale actinide speciation and bonding information and also the realistic needs for nuclear energy research. In this review, recent research progresses on actinide related materials by means of various SR techniques were selectively highlighted and summarized, with the emphasis on X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and scattering spectroscopy, which are powerful tools to characterize actinide materials. In addition, advanced SR techniques for exploring future advanced nuclear fuel cycles dealing with actinides are illustrated as well.
Resveratrol increases the bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell capacity
Authors: Rimmelé Pauline , Lofek‐Czubek Sébastien , Ghaffari Saghi
Published: August 2014

Resveratrol is a plant‐derived polyphenol that has shown protective effects against many disorders including, several types of cancers and other age‐associated diseases as well as blood disorders in cultured cells and/or animal models. However, whether resveratrol has any impact specifically on normal blood stem cells remains unknown. Here, we show that a 3‐week treatment of resveratrol increases the frequency and total numbers of normal bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) without any impact on their competitive repopulation capacity. In addition, we show that resveratrol enhances the bone marrow multipotent progenitor capacity in vivo. These results have therapeutic value for disorders of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) as well as for bone marrow transplantation settings. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E235–E238, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of relative body breadth on the diaphyseal morphology of the human lower limb
Authors: Davies Thomas G. , Stock Jay T.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Variation in relative body breadth between individuals is potentially a significant influence on the biomechanical loading placed upon the lower limb. This study investigates the influence of relative body breadth on the periosteal geometry of the diaphyses of the limb bones among individuals from a broad range of human populations.

Methods

This study applies a 3D laser scanning approach to the extraction and analysis of periosteal cross‐sectional properties throughout the diaphyses of the femur and tibia to test for influences of body shape on diaphyseal morphology throughout the lower limb. Analyses are based on data collected from seven populations, encompassing a broad range of modern human variation in body shape.

Results

Hypertrophy of the proximal end of the femur diaphysis in wider bodied individuals is observed and appears to extend at least as far as the femur midshaft, while the mid diaphyseal region of the tibia is the least influenced by body shape. However correlations with relative body breadth were also observed towards the distal end of the femur diaphysis and towards both ends of the tibial diaphysis, especially among females.

Conclusions

Relative body breadth is correlated with the periosteal geometry of the lower limb bones, particularly towards the proximal end of the femur diaphysis, but correlations in other regions also suggest integration of the diaphyseal geometry with epiphyseal dimensions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:822–835, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotype‐phenotype correlation of Coffin‐Siris syndrome caused by mutations in SMARCB1, SMARCA4, SMARCE1, and ARID1A
Authors: Kosho Tomoki , Okamoto Nobuhiko ,   Coffin‐Siris Syndrome International Collaborators
Published: August 2014

Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS) is a rare congenital malformation syndrome, recently found to be caused by mutations in several genes encoding components of the BAF complex. To date, 109 patients have been reported with their mutations: SMARCB1 (12%), SMARCA4 (11%), SMARCE1 (2%), ARID1A (7%), ARID1B (65%), and PHF6 (2%). We review genotype‐phenotype correlation of all previously reported patients with mutations in SMARCB1, SMARCA4, SMARCE1, and ARID1A through reassessment of their clinical and molecular findings. Cardinal features of CSS included variable degrees of intellectual disability (ID) predominantly affecting speech, sucking/feeding difficulty, and craniofacial (thick eyebrows, long eyelashes), digital (hypoplastic 5th fingers or toes, hypoplastic 5th fingernails or toenails), and other characteristics (hypertrichosis). In addition, patients with SMARCB1 mutations had severe neurodevelopmental deficits including severe ID, seizures, CNS structural abnormalities, and no expressive words as well as scoliosis. Especially, those with a recurrent mutation “p.Lys364del” represented strikingly similar phenotypes including characteristic facial coarseness. Patients with SMARCA4 mutations had less coarse craniofacial appearances and behavioral abnormalities. Patients with SMARCE1 mutations had a wide spectrum of manifestations from severe to moderate ID. Patients with ARID1A also had a wide spectrum of manifestations from severe ID and serous internal complications that could result in early death to mild ID. Mutations in SMARCB1, SMARCA4, and SMARCE1 are expected to exert dominant‐negative or gain‐of‐function effects, whereas those in ARID1A are expected to exert loss‐of‐function effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotype and genotype in Nicolaides–Baraitser syndrome
Authors: Sousa Sérgio B. , Hennekam Raoul C. ,   the Nicolaides–Baraitser Syndrome International Consortium
Published: August 2014

Nicolaides–Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is an intellectual disability (ID)/multiple congenital anomalies syndrome caused by non‐truncating mutations in the ATPase region of SMARCA2, which codes for one of the two alternative catalytic subunits of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex. We analyzed 61 molecularly confirmed cases, including all previously reported patients (n = 47) and 14 additional unpublished individuals. NCBRS is clinically and genetically homogeneous. The cardinal features (ID, short stature, microcephaly, typical face, sparse hair, brachydactyly, prominent interphalangeal joints, behavioral problems and seizures), are almost universally present. There is variability however, as ID can range from severe to mild, and sparse hair may be present only in certain age groups. There may be a correlation between the severity of the ID and presence of seizures, absent speech, short stature and microcephaly. SMARCA2 mutations causing NCBRS are likely to act through a dominant‐negative effect. There may be some genotype–phenotype correlations (mutations at domain VI with severe ID and seizures; mutations affecting residues Pro883, Leu946, and Ala1201 with mild phenotypes) but numbers are still too small to draw definitive conclusions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes and cancer
Authors: Biegel Jaclyn A. , Busse Tracy M. , Weissman Bernard E.
Published: August 2014

The identification of mutations and deletions in the SMARCB1 locus in chromosome band 22q11.2 in pediatric rhabdoid tumors provided the first evidence for the involvement of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in cancer. Over the last 15 years, alterations in more than 20 members of the complex have been reported in a variety of human tumors. These include germline mutations and copy number alterations in SMARCB1, SMARCA4, SMARCE1, and PBRM1 that predispose carriers to both benign and malignant neoplasms. Somatic mutations, structural abnormalities, or epigenetic modifications that lead to reduced or aberrant expression of complex members have now been reported in more than 20% of malignancies, including both solid tumors and hematologic disorders in both children and adults. In this review, we will highlight the role of SMARCB1 in cancer as a paradigm for other tumors with alterations in SWI/SNF complex members and demonstrate the broad spectrum of mutations observed in complex members in different tumor types. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The transcriptional regulator ADNP links the BAF (SWI/SNF) complexes with autism
Authors: Vandeweyer Geert , Helsmoortel Céline , Van Dijck Anke , Vulto‐van Silfhout Anneke T. , Coe Bradley P. , Bernier Raphael , Gerdts Jennifer , Rooms Liesbeth , van den Ende Jenneke , Bakshi Madhura , Wilson Meredith , Nordgren Ann , Hendon Laura G. , Abdulrahman Omar A. , Romano Corrado , de Vries Bert B.A. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Eichler Evan E. , Van der Aa Nathalie , Kooy R. Frank
Published: August 2014

Mutations in ADNP were recently identified as a frequent cause of syndromic autism, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns. Based on its functional domains, ADNP is a presumed transcription factor. The gene interacts closely with the SWI/SNF complex by direct and experimentally verified binding of its C‐terminus to three of its core components. A detailed and systematic clinical assessment of the symptoms observed in our patients allows a detailed comparison with the symptoms observed in other SWI/SNF disorders. While the mutational mechanism of the first 10 patients identified suggested a gain of function mechanism, an 11th patient reported here is predicted haploinsufficient. The latter observation may raise hope for therapy, as addition of NAP, a neuroprotective octapeptide named after the first three amino acids of the sequence NAPVSPIQ, has been reported by others to ameliorate some of the cognitive abnormalities observed in a knockout mouse model. It is concluded that detailed clinical and molecular studies on larger cohorts of patients are necessary to establish a better insight in the genotype phenotype correlation and in the mutational mechanism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coffin–Siris syndrome and related disorders involving components of the BAF (mSWI/SNF) complex: Historical review and recent advances using next generation sequencing
Authors: Kosho Tomoki , Miyake Noriko , Carey John C.
Published: August 2014

This issue of Seminars in Medical Genetics, American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C investigates the human diseases caused by mutations in the BAF complex (also known as the mammalian SWI/SNF complex) genes, particularly focusing on Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS). CSS is a rare congenital malformation syndrome characterized by developmental delay or intellectual disability (ID), coarse facial appearance, feeding difficulties, frequent infections, and hypoplasia/aplasia of the fifth fingernails and fifth distal phalanges. In 2012, 42 years after the first description of CSS in 1970, five causative genes (SMARCB1, SMARCE1, SMARCA4, ARID1A, ARID1B), all encoding components of the BAF complex, were identified as being responsible for CSS through whole exome sequencing and pathway‐based genetic screening. The identification of two additional causative genes (PHF6, SOX11) followed. Mutations in another BAF complex gene (SMARCA2) and (TBC1D24) were found to cause clinically similar conditions with ID, Nicolaides–Baraitser syndrome and DOORS syndrome, respectively. Also, ADNP was found to be mutated in an autism/ID syndrome. Furthermore, there is growing evidences for germline or somatic mutations in the BAF complex genes to be causal for cancer/cancer predisposition syndromes. These discoveries have highlighted the role of the BAF complex in the human development and cancer formation. The biology of BAF is very complicated and much remains unknown. Ongoing research is required to reveal the whole picture of the BAF complex in human development, and will lead to the development of new targeted therapies for related disorders in the future. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid‐suppressive medication use in acute stroke and hospital‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Herzig Shoshana J. , Doughty Christopher , Lahoti Sourabh , Marchina Sarah , Sanan Neha , Feng Wuwei , Kumar Sandeep
Published: August 2014

Objective

Pneumonia is a morbid complication of stroke, but evidence‐based strategies for its prevention are lacking. Acid‐suppressive medications have been associated with increased risk for nosocomial pneumonia in hospitalized patients. It is unclear whether these results can be extrapolated to stroke patients, where other factors strongly modulate pneumonia risk. We investigated the association between acid‐suppressive medication and hospital‐acquired pneumonia in patients with acute stroke.

Methods

All patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage in a large, urban academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts from June 2000 to June 2010 who were ≥18 years of age and hospitalized for ≥2 days were eligible for inclusion. Acid‐suppressive medication use was defined as any pharmacy charge for a proton‐pump inhibitor or histamine‐2 receptor antagonist. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders. The main outcome measure was hospital‐acquired pneumonia, defined via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.

Results

The cohort comprised 1,676 admissions. Acid‐suppressive medication was ordered in 1,340 (80%) and hospital‐acquired pneumonia occurred in 289 (17.2%). The unadjusted incidence of hospital‐acquired pneumonia was higher in the group exposed to acid‐suppressive medication compared to those unexposed (20.7% vs 3.6%, odds ratio [OR] = 7.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9–12.7). After adjustment, the OR of hospital‐acquired pneumonia in the exposed group was 2.3 (95% CI = 1.2–4.6). The association was significant for proton‐pump inhibitors (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.4–5.4), but not for histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.8–3.4).

Interpretation

In this large hospital‐based cohort of patients presenting with acute stroke, acid‐suppressive medication use was associated with increased odds of hospital‐acquired pneumonia. Ann Neurol 2014;76:712–718
White matter hyperintensities and hypobaric exposure
Authors: McGuire Stephen A. , Sherman Paul M. , Wijtenburg S. Andrea , Rowland Laura M. , Grogan Patrick M. , Sladky John H. , Robinson Andrew Y. , Kochunov Peter V.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Demonstrate that occupational exposure to nonhypoxic hypobaria is associated with subcortical white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Eighty‐three altitude chamber personnel (PHY), 105 U‐2 pilots (U2P), and 148 age‐ controlled and health‐matched doctorate degree controls (DOC) underwent high‐resolution MRI. Subcortical WMH burden was quantified as count and volume of subcortical WMH lesions after transformation of images to the Talairach atlas–based stereotactic frame.

Results

Subcortical WMHs were more prevalent in PHY (volume p = 0.011/count p = 0.019) and U2P (volume p < 0.001/count p < 0.001) when compared to DOC, whereas PHY were not significantly different than U2P.

Interpretation

This study provides strong evidence that nonhypoxic hypobaric exposure may induce subcortical WMHs in a young, healthy population lacking other risk factors for WMHs and adds this occupational exposure to other environmentally related potential causes of WMHs. Ann Neurol 2014;76:719–726
Sequencing of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease genes in a toxic polyneuropathy
Authors: Beutler Andreas S. , Kulkarni Amit A. , Kanwar Rahul , Klein Christopher J. , Therneau Terry M. , Qin Rui , Banck Michaela S. , Boora Ganesh K. , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Wu Yanhong , Smalley Regenia L. , Cunningham Julie M. , Le‐Lindqwister Nguyet Anh , Beyerlein Peter , Schroth Gary P. , Windebank Anthony J. , Züchner Stephan , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Mutations in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) genes are the cause of rare familial forms of polyneuropathy. Whether allelic variability in CMT genes is also associated with common forms of polyneuropathy—considered “acquired” in medical parlance—is unknown. Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs commonly in cancer patients and is individually unpredictable. We used CIPN as a clinical model to investigate the association of non‐CMT polyneuropathy with CMT genes.

Methods

A total of 269 neurologically asymptomatic cancer patients were enrolled in the clinical trial Alliance N08C1 to receive the neurotoxic drug paclitaxel, while undergoing prospective assessments for polyneuropathy. Forty‐nine CMT genes were analyzed by targeted massively parallel sequencing of genomic DNA from patient blood.

Results

A total of 119 (of 269) patients were identified from the 2 ends of the polyneuropathy phenotype distribution: patients that were most and least susceptible to paclitaxel polyneuropathy. The CMT gene PRX was found to be deleteriously mutated in patients who were susceptible to CIPN but not in controls (p = 8 × 10−3). Genetic variation in another CMT gene, ARHGEF10, was highly significantly associated with CIPN (p = 5 × 10−4). Three nonsynonymous recurrent single nucleotide variants contributed to the ARHGEF10 signal: rs9657362, rs2294039, and rs17683288. Of these, rs9657362 had the strongest effect (odds ratio = 4.8, p = 4 × 10−4).

Interpretation

The results reveal an association of CMT gene allelic variability with susceptibility to CIPN. The findings raise the possibility that other acquired polyneuropathies may also be codetermined by genetic etiological factors, of which some may be related to genes already known to cause the phenotypically related Mendelian disorders of CMT. Ann Neurol 2014;76:727–737