bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La (est)ética del hambre en el Período Especial
Authors: De Maeseneer Rita
Published: December 2015

En las dos últimas décadas muchos autores y cineastas residentes dentro o fuera de Cuba se han referido al contexto del Período Especial en sus creaciones artísticas. En este ensayo quisiera reflexionar sobre las modalidades de la representación del hambre, su exploración e incluso explotación. El análisis de un corpus de películas y novelas que se relacionan con el Período Especial me ha llevado a proponer cuatro «estrategias» que se alejan cada vez más del mundo referencial marcado por la penuria: estereotipo, contraste, relegación al segundo plano, metonimia (en el sentido de desplazamiento). Ilustraré cada una de estas «estrategias» comentando brevemente películas como Alicia en el Pueblo de Maravillas (Díaz Torres), Suite Habana Madagascar (Fernando Pérez) y novelas como El hombre, la hembra, el hambre (Daína Chaviano), Te di la vida entera;(Zoé Valdés), Las Bestias (Ronaldo Menéndez), El Rey de La Habana (Pedro Juan Gutiérrez), Silencios (Karla Suárez), La sombra del caminante (Ena Lucía Portela). Terminaré con el estudio de Las comidas profundas de Antonio José Ponte que reúne y rebasa las estrategias propuestas. Mis análisis revelan que estas diferentes « estrategias » sirven objetivos específicos en el campo de la ética, la estética y la poética de estas expresiones artísticas.
El “pensamiento viril”: diálogos entre la ciencia y el género en "El Álbum de la Mujer"
Authors: Garrigan Shelley
Published: December 2015

El Álbum de la Mujer (1883-1890), una de las revistas literarias destinadas al público-lector femenino en México durante el siglo XIX tardío, ofrece una visión particular en cuanto al rol de la mujer de clase media en la sociedad. Entre las varias características que distinguen esta publicación de otras de la época –la dueña y directora extranjera, la inclusión de las perspectivas hispana e hispanoamericana y de grandes obras y autores literarios– la que sirve como enfoque de la presente investigación es el mercadeo del discurso científico a las mujeres decimonónicas. Una investigación detenida de la revista revela que la ciencia, lejos de sostener una única visión coherente en cuanto al lugar de la mujer en la sociedad, funcionaba como un espacio de negociación en el que coincidieron varias perspectivas inesperadas, tanto tradicionales como más resistentes y nuevas.
La primera guerra mundial como evento latinoamericano: modernismo, visualidad y distancia cosmopolita
Authors: Siskind Mariano
Published: December 2015

¿Se puede considerar a la Primera Guerra Mundial como un evento latinoamericano? ¿En qué sentido podría pensarse que el predicado ‘mundial’ de la Gran Guerra incluye a América Latina? Estas preguntas —cuya eficacia depende de su potencial polémico— cuestionan el sentido común académico desde el que suele abordarse un conflicto militar sin precedentes. La participación meramente simbólica de Brasil y las colonias formales e informales de Estados Unidos en la región no es suficiente para inscribir a la Primera Guerra Mundial en el espacio discursivo latinoamericano, y sin embargo, este artículo propone que desde el punto de vista de la historia cultural y literaria, es posible considerar la inscripción de América Latina en la Gran Guerra: América Latina como parte integral de un evento cuya globalidad incluiría a la cultura latinoamericana dentro del campo discursivo desigual que lo define.
Comparación de métodos de ubicación de PMU en sistemas de potencia para monitoreo de estabilidad de tensión
Authors: Ramirez Perdomo Sindy Lorena , Lozano Moncada Carlos Arturo
Published: December 2015

A power system is subject to disturbances that may lead to voltage stability problems, which eventually may lead to black-outs. On-line phasor measurements may allow anticipating situations leading to voltage instabilities; these on-line measurements can be accomplished by using Phasor Measurement Units – PMU. However, for a power system is not economical or necessary to install PMU at each bus; in order to avoid this situation, it is required to develop a strategy for PMU placement that is useful and convenient, with a limited number of available PMU. This paper presents a review and comparison of some methods for PMU placement in power systems; also, a classification according to the type of observability is done and the application of the method is considered. Finally, a method for monitoring voltage stability in power systems is chosen and it is tested on the IEEE39-bus system using Matlab-Power System Analysis Toolbox PSAT.
Self-supply as an alternative approach to water access in rural scattered regions: evidence from a rural microcatchment in Colombia
Authors: Torres-López Wilmar , Restrepo-Tarquino Inés , Patterson Charlotte , Gowing John , Dominguez Rivera Isabel
Published: December 2015

Globally, access to improved water sources is lower in rural areas compared to urban areas. Furthermore, in rural areas many people use water from individual systems they have developed with their investments, often without external support. This phenomenon has been called Self-supply. Self-supply ranges from simple to complex systems and different water sources. Water quality varies, from achieving World Health Organization (WHO) standards (0 CFU/100 ml) to systems that provide water posing high risks to human health. While most studies in Self-supply have been developed in Africa, little is known in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This research explores Self-supply in a rural microcatchment in Colombia (LAC). Data was collected through household and drinking water surveys and analysed. Results showed that 40% of households used Self-supply systems taking water from springs and brooks. Thermotolerant Coliforms were below 50 CFU/100 ml, both in dry and rainy season, and between 5 to 7% of samples achieved the WHO standard. These results suggest that Self-supply has potential to offer safe drinking water, provided improvements on source protection and institutional support. Therefore, Self-supply could contribute to address “unfinished business”, including ensuring access for the hardest-to-reach people, as stated in the post-2015 development agenda.
Trees in urban ecosystem: connection between ¿new? urbanism, society and rational risk management
Authors: Calaza Martínez Pedro
Published: December 2015

The relentless and massive population migration process to the cities is a phenomenon of great concern due to the large urban overcrowding and the consequent problems involved, such as environmental, public health, social, etc. In fact, in this century, Pickett (Forman, 2010) already talks of "urban species", where more than 50% of the world's population already lives in cities. Within the different theories, approaches and strategies to carry out a more rational territorial development that generates healthy cities, naturation processes and green infrastructure highlight to try to mitigate these terrible consequences. This strategy, endorsed by EU recently, has numerous benefits and components as green roofs, vertical gardening, greenways, etc.., although perhaps one of the most important is the urban forest. Its governance is extremely important and should include apart from the plans which maximize the benefits, those that minimize problems, and above everything the most important: its inherent potential danger. Sometimes trees collapsed causing serious consequences, but often they are identifiable and preventable i.e. external biomechanics symptoms are indicators of internal problems. Therefore the incorporation of scientific and technical approaches (including specific tools such as tomograph, SLT,…) about risk assessment should be an integral component of the management of GI.
Antiestética y la función social del caos en los años sesenta: Luis Felipe Noé como escritor y pintor.
Authors: Lee Penagos Juan Camilo
Published: December 2015

En este artículo se analizará el libro publicado por Noé en los años sesenta: Antiestética, en relación con sus pinturas producidas en este mismo periodo. Libro publicado en 1965, Antiestética resume las búsquedas estéticas del joven pintor en su vertiginosa carrera, y anticipa las contradicciones que encontrará Noé en su búsqueda creativa durante el siguiente año, cuando deja los pinceles. Tanto en sus textos como en sus obras se podrán encontrar reflexiones sobre las posibilidades que la pintura como género artístico tiene para expresar preocupaciones de índole social. A través de la contextualización de sus obras en el campo artístico argentino del momento, y un análisis de las ideas de Antiestética, se presentarán las profundas contradicciones que Noé encontró al buscar una función social para la pintura, al tiempo que una libertad absoluta para el artista.
El cuerpo como medio de expresión y como instrumento de trabajo: dualismos persistentes en el mundo de la danza
Authors: Mora Ana Sabrina
Published: December 2015

En este artículo se ponen en discusión parte de los resultados de una investigación etnográfica acerca de la construcción de cuerpo y de subjetividades durante la formación en danza clásica, danza contemporánea y expresión corporal. En primer lugar se presentan los fundamentos de algunas de las decisiones tomadas durante el proceso de investigación. En segundo lugar, se sintetizan las diferencias más salientes en los modos de transmisión de las tres danzas estudiadas, para luego analizar algunos elementos en común entre ellos. En tercer lugar, se destaca un punto que aparece en común a pesar de las diferencias: la vigencia de nociones sobre el cuerpo que hablan de la persistencia de concepciones dualistas sobre el cuerpo y el sujeto.

 
Apuntes para una historia del Museo de arte Moderno de Bogotá: la autonomización del campo cultural y la construcción de la hegemonía del arte modernista (1949 - 1970)
Authors: Lopez Rosas William Alfonso
Published: December 2015

Este texto propone una ruta posible para la configuración de una primera historia de los museos de arte en Colombia, y más específicamente, de los museos de arte moderno. Así, además de explorar algunos de los conceptos centrales de la teoría de los campos, y más puntualmente de la autonomización del campo cultura, del sociólogo francés Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002), también expone algunas de las preguntas que surgen en este contexto conceptual a propósito de las organizaciones museológicas que han administrado los procesos de consagración artística en nuestro medio, en el marco de la instauración y consolidación de la plástica modernista como corriente hegemónica. Todo ello articulado a partir de una aproximación específica a la trayectoria institucional del Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (1955/1958/1962), pero proyectada a una historia general que abarque el análisis de la trayectoria institucional, entre otros, del Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia (1956), de la Colección de Arte del Banco de la República de Colombia (1957), del Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena (1959), del Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Bogotá (1966) y del Museo de Arte de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1970), e incluso del desaparecido Museo de Bellas Artes de la Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Visuales de la Universidad Nacional (1873-1946), y Museo Nacional de Colombia (1823), del Museo de Antioquia (1871) y del Museo Colonial (1942).
Historizar el lugar para resistir el desplazamiento por minería de carbón: una aproximación teórica al caso de la comunidad de Boquerón en el Cesar
Authors: González Ximena , Melo Diego
Published: December 2015

La minería de carbón a gran escala en la zona centro del Cesar ha desembocado en la degradación ambiental de los recursos que sostienen la vida y el desmantelamiento de algunas de las más emblemáticas prácticas culturales de la comunidad de Boquerón, una población en proceso de desplazamiento forzado desde 2010 debido a la contaminación atmosférica de la zona. Este artículo es una reconstrucción teórica del caso que 1) presenta a Boquerón como un lugar mediante la historización de la relación mutuamente constitutiva entre los ecosistemas naturales y las prácticas productivas, las festividades y las creencias de la comunidad; 2) establece cómo los regímenes de tenencia y uso de la tierra durante la segunda mitad del siglo xx permitieron la desterritorialización de Boquerón mediante el deterioro progresivo de los ecosistemas que daban sustento a la comunidad; 3) desarrolla algunos lineamientos para motivar a los sectores académicos nacionales para que contribuyan al establecimiento de una metodología crítica y multidimensional sobre los impactos producidos por la minería a gran escala. Al realizar una aproximación teórica al caso de Boquerón argumentamos que la historización de los lugares construidos por las comunidades locales es una estrategia fundamental para resistir los fenómenos de despojo y desplazamiento forzado intrínsecos al extractivismo en Colombia.
Expresión de tres perspectivas de la justicia social en la organización de los sistemas de salud
Authors: Giraldo Piedrahita Fernando
Published: December 2015

Este artículo se aproxima al asunto de las perspectivas filosóficas de la justicia social y su

relación con algunas de las implicaciones en los sistemas de salud en Latinoamérica y en el

mundo. Se revisan tres perspectivas filosóficas de justicia social, desde el enfoque liberal radical,

el liberal igualitarista o redistributivo y el marxista o igualitarismo. A partir de estos enfoques

se identifican los soportes teóricos, la relación Estado-sociedad, sus concepciones de salud y

el enfoque de salud pública. Con base en estos conceptos se identifican algunas implicaciones

para los sistemas de salud en cada una de sus vertientes representativas. El ensayo termina con

unas reflexiones alrededor de la necesidad de debatir el derecho fundamental a la salud, como un

elemento fundante de los sistemas universales de salud y se asume que aporta una perspectiva

para el diseño y análisis de sistemas de salud desde el derecho a la salud.
La actividad publicitaria: entre el simulacro y la utopía
Authors: Vidal Auladell Felip
Published: December 2015

La actividad publicitaria viene centrando su atención, desde ya hace algún tiempo, en la experiencia emocional del consumo como fuente de vivencias para dotar de contenido imaginario a las marcas, lo que conforma la denominada publicidad de la significación. Sin embargo, estamos asistiendo en la actualidad a la aparición de todo un elenco de técnicas y estrategias que constituyen una nueva forma de concebir y practicar la publicidad. Así, la construcción del imaginario de marca se viene produciendo por una multiplicidad de medios que han ocasionado cambios de gran calado en las estrategias y formatos publicitarios que, puede interpretarse, basculan entre el simulacro y la utopía.
El Tsombiach: tejiendo la vida entre memoria y tradición
Authors: Leyva Mosquera Silvia Daniela
Published: December 2015

El tsombiach, o faja de lana tradicional de las mujeres indígenas kamëntsá del alto Putumayo, presenta simbólica y sintéticamente la historia tradicional de la comunidad y la experiencia personal de sus artífices y portadoras, quienes narran con una estética particular la manera cómo el tejido anima la vida comunitaria. En el artículo se da cuenta de la interrelación e integración de este tipo de expresión textual y oral con  la literatura. Las claves metodológicas parten de la experiencia etnográfica de la autora y de un abordaje teórico desde nociones de la antropología simbólica, tanto como  de la perspectiva alternativa de las literaturas heterogéneas.
Mapa de Objetos y Perspectivas en Comunicación, Desarrollo y Cambio Social
Authors: Angel Adriana , Barranquero Alejandro
Published: December 2015

Este artículo analiza los objetos y perspectivas dominantes en el campo de la comunicación para el desarrollo y el cambio social en América Latina de acuerdo a los resultados preliminares de un estudio bibliométrico de los artículos publicados sobre la materia en 10 revistas latinoamericanas de comunicación con posición destacada en el Índice H de Google Scholar. A partir de estos resultados y de la revisión documental de bibliografía de referencia en el ámbito (antologías, special issues y textos fundacionales) se presenta un mapa de las principales problemáticas y enfoques en el estudio de la comunicación, el desarrollo y el cambio social, con el que se pretende vislumbrar las fronteras epistemológicas del campo, así como diálogos con otras disciplinas de las ciencias sociales.
TRADUÇÕES E BRICOLAGENS: MEDIAÇÕES EM OCUPAÇÕES DE TERRA NO NORDESTE DE MINAS GERAIS (BRASIL)
Authors: Zangelmi Arnaldo José
Published: December 2015

El objetivo del trabajo aquí presentado es el de comprender las acciones de mediación –desarrolladas entre militantes de movimientos sociales, trabajadores rurales y sus adversarios– en las ocupaciones de tierra en la región Nordeste de Minas Gerais (Brasil) durante las décadas de 1980 y 1990. Se realizaron entrevistas a algunos de los principales actores de este proceso, así como análisis de material escrito producido por varias organizaciones, tales como periódicos, cartillas, panfletos, documentos oficiales, etc. La atención se centró en las articulaciones entre algunas significaciones producidas por los diversos grupos en relación, en las dinámicas de construcción, deconstrucción y reconstrucción de las relaciones de representación de los trabajadores rurales y en las relaciones entre movilizaciones locales y la política institucional. Se destacan las relaciones de alianza y disputa entre los principales grupos que estuvieron frente a las ocupaciones - así como las fuertes reacciones de sus adversarios-, interacciones que influyeron decisivamente en el desenvolvimiento del proceso estudiado.
Prácticas populares, ficciones narrativas y reflexión filosófica en América Latina
Authors: Rubio Angulo Jaime
Published: December 2015

Este artículo plantea la necesidad de interpretar la filosofía latinoamericana a partir de su experiencia narrativa. Para ello, hay que aprehender el estilo reflexivo de América Latina como una manera de configuración cultural y como un trabajo del símbolo propios. Asimismo, se impone el identificar la reflexión filosófica latinoamericana como una táctica de pensamiento que responde y resiste a la estrategia del poder hegemónico europeo. Finalmente, se sostiene que no es posible pensar la identidad latinoamericana sin practicar una ética política que transponga por analogía las figuras narradas con las figuras de la historia a la situación de demanda de justicia en la que nos encontramos. 
BIOPROSPECCIÓN ANTÁRTICA: ¿HACIA UNA INSTITUCIONALIDAD JURÍDICA SUI GÉNERIS?
Authors: Villamizar Lamus Fernando
Published: December 2015

La bioprospección en la Antártida es una actividad que día a día toma mayor importancia, por sus implicaciones geopolíticas y porque, de ser exitosa, puede generar sumas millonarias en utilidades para quienes la realicen. En ese contexto, el objetivo del presente artículo es hacer una revisión de cómo se ha abordado la regulación jurídica de la bioprospección antártica y de cómo se ha empezado a generar de manera incipiente cierta institucionalidad para su regulación. La metodología empleada se basa en una revisión documental de las principales propuestas académicas y documentos del Sistema del Tratado Antártico, STA, y de las bases de datos que registran las actividades de bioprospección antártica. De la revisión realizada, se puede concluir que ciertas propuestas para regular la bioprospección antártica han sido acogidas en alguna medida e implementadas por entes relacionados con el STA pero no propios de este, lo cual genera una institucionalidad reguladora sui géneris. Esto implica entonces que el STA como tal está en mora de abordar integralmente toda la problemática alrededor de este tema.
ORIGEN Y SUSTENTO DEL AGOTAMIENTO DE LOS DERECHOS DE PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL
Authors: Contreras Jaramillo Juan Camilo
Published: December 2015

Las tensiones que actualmente sufre la figura del agotamiento de los derechos de propiedad intelectual se han caracterizado como una pugna entre viejas y nuevas concepciones del sistema de regulación de la propiedad intelectual; sin embargo, estas no son nada distinto a las expresiones actuales de la antigua convivencia entre las explicaciones de propiedad y de mercado. Este artículo de revisión busca identificar el origen de las teorías que explican la figura del agotamiento en Estados Unidos, la Unión Europea y Colombia, con el objetivo de analizar su incidencia en las actuales tensiones de este concepto.
Synthesis of Fibrous Complex Structures: Designing Microstructure to Deliver Targeted Macroscale Response
Authors: dell'Isola Francesco , Steigmann David , Corte Alessandro Della
Published: December 2015

In Mechanics, material properties are most often regarded as being given, and based on this, many technical solutions are usually conceived and constructed. However, nowadays manufacturing processes have advanced to the point that metamaterials having selected properties can be designed and fabricated. Three-dimensional printing, electrospinning, self-assembly, and many other advanced manufacturing techniques are raising a number of scientific questions which must be addressed if the potential of these new technologies is to be fully realized. In this work, we report on the status of modeling and analysis of metamaterials exhibiting a rich and varied macroscopic response conferred by complex microstructures and particularly focus on strongly interacting inextensible or nearly inextensible fibers. The principal aim is to furnish a framework in which the mechanics of 3D rapid prototyping of microstructured lattices and fabrics can be clearly understood and exploited. Moreover, several-related open questions will be identified and discussed, and some methodological considerations of general interest are provided.
Self-Folding of Thick Polymer Sheets Using Gradients of Heat
Authors: Davis Duncan , Chen Bin , Dickey Michael D. , Genzer Jan
Published: December 2015

Self-folding converts two-dimensional (2D) sheets into three-dimensional (3D) objects in a hands-free manner. This paper demonstrates a simple approach to self-fold commercially available, millimeter-thick thermoplastic polymer sheets. The process begins by first stretching poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), or polycarbonate (PC) sheets using an extensometer at elevated temperatures close to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of each sheet. Localizing the strain to a small strip creates a “hinge,” which folds in response to asymmetric heating of the sheet. Although there are a number of ways to supply heat, here a heat gun delivers heat to one side of the hinge to create the necessary temperature gradient through the polymer sheet. When the local temperature exceeds the Tg of the polymer, the strain in the hinged region relaxes. Because strain relaxation occurs gradually across the sheet thickness, the polymer sheet folds in the direction toward the heating source. A simple geometric model predicts the dihedral angle of the sheet based on the thickness of the sheet and width of the hinge. This paper reports for the first time that this approach to folding works for a variety of thermoplastics using sheets that are significantly thicker (∼10 times) than those reported previously.
Pseudorigid-Body Models of Compliant DNA Origami Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Lifeng , Marras Alexander E. , Castro Carlos E. , Su Hai-Jun
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we introduce a strategy for the design and computational analysis of compliant DNA origami mechanisms (CDOMs), which are compliant nanomechanisms fabricated via DNA origami self-assembly. The rigid, compliant, and flexible parts are constructed by bundles of many double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) helices, bundles of a few dsDNA helices or a single dsDNA helix, and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) strands, respectively. Similar to its macroscopic counterparts, a CDOM generates its motion via deformation of at least one structural member. During the motion, strain energy is stored and released in the compliant components. Therefore, these CDOMs have the advantage of suppressing thermal fluctuations due to the internal mechanical energy barrier for motion. Here, we show that classic pseudorigid-body (PRB) models for compliant mechanism are successfully employed to the analysis of these DNA origami nanomechanisms and can serve to guide the design and analysis method. An example of compliant joint and a bistable four-bar CDOM fabricated with DNA origami are presented.
Dynamic Response of Coupled Tanks and Piping Systems Under Seismic Loading
Authors: Bursi Oreste S. , Abbiati Giuseppe , Caracoglia Luca , Salandra Vincenzo La , Filippo Rocco Di , Reza Md. Shahin
Published: December 2015

Dynamic analysis is an integral part of seismic risk assessment of industrial plants. Such analysis often neglects actual boundary conditions or proper coupling between structures of coupled systems, which introduces uncertainty into the system and may lead to erroneous results, e.g., an incorrect fragility curve, in comparison with the actual behaviour of the analyzed structure. Hence, it is important to study the effect of uncertainties on the dynamic characteristics of a system, when coupling effects are neglected.

Along this line, this paper investigates the effects of uncertain boundary conditions on the dynamic response of coupled tank-piping systems subjected to seismic loading. In particular, to take into account the presence of the tank as boundary condition for the piping system, two sources of uncertainty were considered: the tank aspect ratio and the piping-to-tank attachment height ratio. Moreover, to model the seismic input, a Filtered White Noise (FWN) characterized by a Kanai-Tajimi spectrum was used. Finally, to study the dynamic interaction of a set of coupled tank-piping systems, the non-intrusive stochastic collocation (SC) technique was applied. It allowed for calculating surface responses of stresses and axial loads of a pair of components of the coupled system with a reduced number of deterministic numerical simulations.
Probabilistic Assessment of Innovative Mitigating Measures for Buried Steel Pipeline–Fault Crossing
Authors: Melissianos Vasileios E. , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Gantes Charis J.
Published: December 2015

A methodology is presented on assessing the effectiveness of flexible joints in mitigating the consequences of faulting on buried steel pipelines through a comprehensive analysis that incorporates the uncertainty of fault displacement magnitude and the response of the pipeline itself. The proposed methodology is a two-step process. In the first step the probabilistic nature of the fault displacement magnitude is evaluated by applying the Probabilistic Fault Displacement Hazard Analysis, considering also all pertinent uncertainties. The second step is the “transition” from seismological data to the pipeline structural response through the fault displacement components as the adopted vector intensity measure. To mitigate the consequences of faulting on pipelines, flexible joints between pipeline parts are proposed as innovative measure for reducing the deformation of pipeline walls. Thus, the mechanical behavior of continuous pipelines and pipelines with flexible joints is numerically assessed and strains are extracted in order to develop the corresponding strain hazard curves. The latter are a useful engineering tool for pipeline – fault crossing risk assessment and for the effectiveness evaluation of flexible joints as innovative mitigating measures against the consequences of faulting on pipelines.
The Pipeline Design Method Against Large Fault Displacement
Authors: Oda Keita , Kishi Shozo , Miyajima Masakatsu
Published: December 2015

This study proposes “water pipeline system and design method with Earthquake Resistant Ductile Iron Pipe (ERDIP) against fault displacement”. ERDIP pipeline can absorb the large ground displacement at the event of big earthquakes by the joint movement (expansion, contraction and deflection) and the joint locking system. Though the ERDIP pipeline has many experiences of big earthquakes such as the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, no documented failure has been reported for 40 years.

In case of fault crossing pipeline, there is a possibility for relative displacement of several meters between the pipeline and ground, locally, to occur. This study examined the ERDIP pipeline design to withstand strike-slip fault by FEM analysis with shell element of 1500 mm ERDIP and spring elements which are modeling soil and ERDIP joint.

ERDIP pipeline can accommodate about 2m fault displacement by the joint expansion/contraction and deflection, and keep the stress in the pipeline within elastic limit. The additional countermeasure should be required when the fault displacement is over 2m because the pipeline could be stressed beyond the elastic limit.

As a countermeasure of over 2m displacement, it is effective to use “Large displacement absorption unit”, which can expand/contract 10 times compare to ERDIP joint and absorb the locally-concentrated axial displacement of pipeline. We confirmed that ERDIP pipeline with “Large displacement absorption unit”, which is named “Large displacement absorption system”, can accommodate more than 3m fault displacement within elastic range stress of the pipeline. We established the optimized layout of “Large displacement absorption unit”. We also established the design method using several “Large displacement absorption unit” when we can’t identify exact fault location, but the fault lies within the range of pipeline location.
Portable ultrahigh-vacuum sample storage system for polarization-dependent total-reflection fluorescence x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Authors: Watanabe Yoshihide , Nishimura Yusaku F. , Suzuki Ryo , Uehara Hiromitsu , Nimura Tomoyuki , Beniya Atsushi , Isomura Noritake , Asakura Kiyotaka , Takakusagi Satoru
Published: December 2015

A portable ultrahigh-vacuum sample storage system was designed and built to investigate the detailed geometric structures of mass-selected metal clusters on oxide substrates by polarization-dependent total-reflection fluorescence x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (PTRF-XAFS). This ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) sample storage system provides the handover of samples between two different sample manipulating systems. The sample storage system is adaptable for public transportation, facilitating experiments using air-sensitive samples in synchrotron radiation or other quantum beam facilities. The samples were transferred by the developed portable UHV transfer system via a public transportation at a distance over 400 km. The performance of the transfer system was demonstrated by a successful PTRF-XAFS study of Pt4 clusters deposited on a TiO2(110) surface.
Level dependence of the nonlinear-distortion component of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in humans
Authors: Zelle Dennis , Thiericke John P. , Dalhoff Ernst , Gummer Anthony W.
Published: December 2015

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) emerge when presenting two primary tones with different frequencies f1 and f2 to the cochlea and are commonly used in diagnosis and research to evaluate the functional state of the cochlea. Optimal primary-tone stimulus levels accounting for the different level dependencies of the traveling-wave amplitudes of the two primary tones near the f2-tonotopic place on the basilar membrane are often used to maximize DPOAE amplitudes. However, parameters defining the optimal levels can be affected by wave interference between the nonlinear-distortion and coherent-reflection components of the DPOAE. Here, the components were separated in the time domain using a pulsed stimulus paradigm and optimal levels determined. Based on the amplitude dependence of the nonlinear-distortion components on primary-tone stimulus levels, level parameters yielding maximum DPOAE amplitudes were derived for six normal-hearing adults and compared to data recorded with continuous two-tone stimulation. The level parameters resulting from analysis of the nonlinear-distortion components show dependence on stimulus frequency and small standard deviations. DPOAE input/output functions derived for optimal levels exhibit larger slopes, wider dynamic range and less variability across subjects than those derived for conventional stimulus and analysis conditions, potentially increasing their reliability and sensitivity for assessing cochlea function.
Pleiotrophin promotes vascular abnormalization in gliomas and correlates with poor survival in patients with astrocytomas
Authors: Zhang Lei , Kundu Soumi , Feenstra Tjerk , Li Xiujuan , Jin Chuan , Laaniste Liisi , El Hassan Tamador Elsir Abu , Ohlin K. Elisabet , Yu Di , Olofsson Tommie , Olsson Anna-Karin , Pontén Fredrik , Magnusson Peetra U. , Nilsson Karin Forsberg , Essand Magnus , Smits Anja , Dieterich Lothar C. , Dimberg Anna
Published: December 2015

Secretion of pleiotrophin by aggressive gliomas triggers the formation of abnormal blood vessels by endothelial cells.
The transcription factor ATF2 promotes melanoma metastasis by suppressing protein fucosylation
Authors: Lau Eric , Feng Yongmei , Claps Giuseppina , Fukuda Michiko N. , Perlina Ally , Donn Dylan , Jilaveanu Lucia , Kluger Harriet , Freeze Hudson H. , Ronai Ze’ev A.
Published: December 2015

Suppressing ATF2 or supplementing the diet with fucose impairs growth and metastasis of melanoma in mice.
A change of heart (mitochondria)
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: December 2015

Mitochondrial dynamics play key roles in heart development and cardiomyocyte health.
Promoting proteasomal degradation of the viral RNA sensor RIG-I
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2015

The p97 complex attenuates antiviral signaling by recruiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF125 to RIG-I.
Helicobacter pylori Resists the Antimicrobial Activity of Calprotectin via Lipid A Modification and Associated Biofilm Formation
Authors: Gaddy Jennifer A. , Radin Jana N. , Cullen Thomas W. , Chazin Walter J. , Skaar Eric P. , Trent M. Stephen , Algood Holly M. S.
Published: December 2015

Helicobacter pylori
is one of several pathogens that persist within the host despite a robust immune response.
H. pylori
elicits a proinflammatory response from host epithelia, resulting in the recruitment of immune cells which manifests as gastritis. Relatively little is known about how
H. pylori
survives antimicrobials, including calprotectin (CP), which is present during the inflammatory response. The data presented here suggest that one way
H. pylori
survives the nutrient sequestration by CP is through alteration of its outer membrane. CP-treated
H. pylori
demonstrates increased bacterial fitness in response to further coculture with CP. Moreover, CP-treated
H. pylori
cultures form biofilms and demonstrate decreased cell surface hydrophobicity. In response to CP, the
H. pylori
Lpx lipid A biosynthetic enzymes are not fully functional. The lipid A molecules observed in
H. pylori
cultures treated with CP indicate that the LpxF, LpxL, and LpxR enzyme functions are perturbed. Transcriptional analysis of
lpxF
,
lpxL
, and
lpxR
indicates that metal restriction by CP does not control this pathway through transcriptional regulation. Analyses of
H. pylori
lpx mutants reveal that loss of LpxF and LpxL results in increased fitness, similar to what is observed in the presence of CP; moreover, these mutants have significantly increased biofilm formation and reduced cell surface hydrophobicity. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel mechanism of
H. pylori
resistance to the antimicrobial activity of CP via lipid A modification strategies and resulting biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE
Helicobacter pylori
evades recognition of the host's immune system by modifying the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide. These results demonstrate for the first time that the lipid A modification pathway is influenced by the host's nutritional immune response.
H. pylori
's exposure to the host Mn- and Zn-binding protein calprotectin perturbs the function of 3 enzymes involved in the lipid A modification pathway. Moreover, CP treatment of
H. pylori
, or mutants with an altered lipid A, exhibit increased bacterial fitness and increased biofilm formation. This suggests that
H. pylori
modifies its cell surface structure to survive under the stress imposed by the host immune response. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that influence the biofilm lifestyle and how endotoxin modification, which renders
H. pylori
resistant to cationic antimicrobial peptides, can be inactivated in response to sequestration of nutrient metals.
Making the Leap from Research Laboratory to Clinic: Challenges and Opportunities for Next-Generation Sequencing in Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Authors: Goldberg Brittany , Sichtig Heike , Geyer Chelsie , Ledeboer Nathan , Weinstock George M.
Published: December 2015

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) has progressed enormously over the past decade, transforming genomic analysis and opening up many new opportunities for applications in clinical microbiology laboratories. The impact of NGS on microbiology has been revolutionary, with new microbial genomic sequences being generated daily, leading to the development of large databases of genomes and gene sequences. The ability to analyze microbial communities without culturing organisms has created the ever-growing field of metagenomics and microbiome analysis and has generated significant new insights into the relation between host and microbe. The medical literature contains many examples of how this new technology can be used for infectious disease diagnostics and pathogen analysis. The implementation of NGS in medical practice has been a slow process due to various challenges such as clinical trials, lack of applicable regulatory guidelines, and the adaptation of the technology to the clinical environment. In April 2015, the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) convened a colloquium to begin to define these issues, and in this document, we present some of the concepts that were generated from these discussions.
Bisphosphonates and evidence for association with esophageal and gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wright Ellen , Schofield Peter T , Molokhia Mariam
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Concerns have been raised about a possible link between bisphosphonate use, and in particular alendronate, and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer. A number of epidemiological studies have been published with conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, to determine the risk of esophageal and gastric cancer in users of bisphosphonates compared with non-users.

Design

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for studies investigating bisphosphonates and esophageal or gastric cancer. We calculated pooled ORs and 95% CIs for the risk of esophageal or gastric cancer in bisphosphonate users compared with non-users. We performed a sensitivity analysis of alendronate as this was the most common single drug studied and is also the most widely used in clinical practice.

Results

11 studies (from 10 papers) examining bisphosphonate exposure and UGI cancer (gastric and esophageal), met our inclusion criteria. All studies were retrospective, 6/11 (55%) case–control and 5/11(45%) cohort, and carried out using data from 5 longitudinal clinical databases. Combining 5 studies (1 from each database), we found no increased risk, OR 1.11 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.27) of esophageal cancer in bisphosphonate users compared with non-users and no increased risk of gastric cancer in bisphosphonate users, OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.12).

Conclusion

This is the fourth and most detailed meta-analysis on this topic. We have not identified any compelling evidence for a significantly raised risk of esophageal cancer or gastric cancer in male and female patients prescribed bisphosphonates.
Whole body counter assessment of internal radiocontamination in patients with end-stage renal disease living in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Shimmura Hiroaki , Tsubokura Masaharu , Kato Shigeaki , Akiyama Junichi , Nomura Shuhei , Mori Jinichi , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Abe Koichiro , Sakai Shuji , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Tokiwa Michio
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess internal radiocontamination of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who were regularly taking haemodialysis (HD) and living in areas affected by the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after the Great East Japan earthquake on 11 March 2011.

Methods

Internal radiocontamination in 111 patients with ESRD regularly taking HD at Jyoban Hospital in Iwaki city, Fukushima from July 2012 to November 2012 was assessed with a whole body counter (WBC). The maximum annual effective dose was calculated from the detected Cs-137 levels. Interviews concerning patient dietary preferences and outdoor activities were also conducted.

Results

Among the 111 patients tested, internal radiocontamination with Cs-137 was detected in two participants, but the levels were marginal and just exceeded the detection limit (250 Bq/body). The tentatively calculated maximum annual effective dose ranged from 0.008 to 0.009 mSv/year, which is far below the 1 mSv/year limit set by the government of Japan. Relative to 238 non-ESRD participants, patients with ERSD had significantly more opportunities to consume locally grown produce that was not distributed to the market (p<0.01). However, the percentage of patients with ESRD with detectable Cs (1.8%) was lower than that for non-ESRD participants (3.8%), although this difference was not significant (p=0.51).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that internal radiocontamination levels and the calculated annual additional effective doses were negligible for patients with ESRD taking HD in areas affected by the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. Although HD is suggested to promote Cs-137 excretion, continuous inspection of locally grown produce together with WBC screening for radiocontamination should be continued for patients with ESRD regularly taking HD.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a peer-led education intervention to improve the patient safety attitudes of junior pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study using a latent growth curve modelling approach
Authors: Walpola Ramesh L , Fois Romano A , McLachlan Andrew J , Chen Timothy F
Published: December 2015

Objective

Despite the recognition that educating healthcare students in patient safety is essential, changing already full curricula can be challenging. Furthermore, institutions may lack the capacity and capability to deliver patient safety education, particularly from the start of professional practice studies. Using senior students as peer educators to deliver practice-based education can potentially overcome some of the contextual barriers in training junior students. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led patient safety education programme for junior pharmacy students.

Design

A repeat cross-sectional design utilising a previously validated patient safety attitudinal survey was used to evaluate attitudes prior to, immediately after and 1 month after the delivery of a patient safety education programme. Latent growth curve (LGC) modelling was used to evaluate the change in attitudes of first-year students using second-year students as a comparator group.

Setting

Undergraduate university students in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

175 first-year and 140 second-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney.

Intervention

An introductory patient safety programme was implemented into the first-year Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum at the University of Sydney. The programme covered introductory patient safety topics including teamwork, communication skills, systems thinking and open disclosure. The programme consisted of 2 lectures, delivered by a senior academic, and a workshop delivered by trained final-year pharmacy students.

Results

A full LGC model was constructed including the intervention as a non-time-dependent predictor of change (χ2(51)=164.070, root mean square error of approximation=0.084, comparative fit index=0.913, standardised root mean square=0.056). First-year students’ attitudes significantly improved as a result of the intervention, particularly in relation to internalising errors (p=0.010), questioning behaviours (p<0.001) and open disclosure (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Peer-led education is an effective method that can be adopted to improve junior pharmacy students’ attitudes towards patient safety.
Postpartum contraception: a missed opportunity to prevent unintended pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals
Authors: Heller Rebecca , Cameron Sharon , Briggs Rosie , Forson Norma , Glasier Anna
Published: December 2015

Background

Women in the postpartum period need effective contraception. Unintended pregnancies soon after childbirth may lead to abortion or short inter-pregnancy intervals associated with adverse outcomes. Using databases for a 6-month period (September 2013–February 2014) we examined the proportion of women attending for abortion in Edinburgh, Scotland who had given birth in the preceding 12 months, and the proportion of women giving birth in this region after an inter-pregnancy interval of 12 months or less. We also surveyed 250 women prior to discharge from the same maternity service about their contraceptive intentions.

Results

Some 75/1175 (6.4%) attending for abortion had given birth within the preceding 12 months and 332/4713 (7.0%) postpartum women gave birth following an inter-pregnancy interval of 12 months or less. When considering parous women, percentages were 13.3% and 13.9%, respectively. The majority (n=237, 96.7%) of postpartum women were not planning another pregnancy within the year but only a minority (n=32, 12.8%) were planning on using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), namely the implant or intrauterine device. However, 42.8% (n=107) indicated that if the implant or intrauterine contraception could be inserted before they left hospital then they would choose these methods (p<0.0001).

Discussion

Almost one in thirteen women in our population presenting for abortion or giving birth has conceived within 1 year of giving birth. Provision of LARC immediately postpartum appears to be an attractive option to mothers, and could be an important strategy to prevent unintended pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals.