bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bank Interest Rate Risk Management
Authors: Vuillemey Guillaume
Published: April 2019

Empirically, bank equity value is decreasing in the interest rate. Yet (i) many banks do not hedge interest rate risk, and (ii) more than 50% of hedging banks use derivatives to increase exposure. I model a bank’s capital structure and show that these facts are consistent with optimal hedging under financial frictions. Novel predictions on the characteristics of banks taking long or short interest rate derivative positions are tested and supported by the data. Therefore, banks’ derivatives exposures are not necessarily evidence of excessive risk taking. More broadly, the results challenge the view that “hedging” and “speculative” positions can be identified from a positive comovement between derivatives payoffs and equity value.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Samba, cachaça e viola: patrimônio cultural e memória linguística em forma de canção
Authors: CORDEIRO DAISY , PARCERO LÚCIA MARIA
Published: April 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a canção Samba, cachaça e viola, de autoria do sambador João do Boi e gravada pelo grupo Samba Chula de São Braz, buscando refletir sobre como a poética oral do grupo trabalha com a memória para o fortalecimento da identidade e da valorização étnico-racial por meio do samba de roda, Patrimônio Histórico Cultural Imaterial da Humanidade, e das influências das línguas africanas nos falares das sambadeiras e sambadores de roda na letra da cantiga. A metodologia empregada sustenta-se em uma abordagem qualitativa para a pesquisa, através de descrição linguística dos dados, revisão da literatura pertinente para tratar do tema da pesquisa e análise dos recursos linguísticos. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as influências das línguas africanas estão presentes no léxico e em aspectos morfo-sintáticos, comprovando a manutenção da memória linguística e a afirmação da identidade étnico-racial dos falantes do Recôncavo.
EFEITOS DA IMIGRAÇÃO ITALIANA NA CONSTITUIÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE NA MOOCA
Authors: Lupia Márcia De Oliveira
Published: April 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo estudar os efeitos da imigração italiana na memória e na  constituição identitária do sujeito italiano e do descendente de italianos do bairro da Mooca, São Paulo, por meio da análise de recortes discursivos extraídos de entrevistas feitas com residentes do local. A escolha desse grupo deve-se ao fato de que mesmo após cem anos do grande fluxo migratório do início do século XX na capital paulista, ainda hoje, vemos fortes marcas do italiano na língua e nos costumes do bairro. A fim de alcançarmos nossos objetivos, utilizamos nas análises os estudos da Análise de Discurso de linha francesa de Pêcheux (1995) e estudos relacionados à constituição do sujeito no entre-línguas de Coracini (2003, 2013). Depreendemos das análises que tanto o brasileiro, descendente, quanto o italiano podem ser considerados ítalo-brasileiros que (re) inventaram e (re) significaram língua e costumes na tentativa de preservação de suas raízes.
Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care
Authors: Gundry Stephen
Published: April 2019

Stephen Gundry explains how nurses can ensure that patients with this life-long condition are well managed
Method Verification Shows a Negative Bias between 2 Procalcitonin Methods at Medical Decision Concentrations
Authors: Gruzdys Valentinas , Cahoon Kenneth , Pearson Lauren , Lehman Christopher M
Published: April 2019

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) concentration increases as a result of systemic inflammation owing to bacterial infection. Many PCT algorithms and medical decision concentrations (MDCs) have been clinically validated using the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT™ sensitive Kryptor™ assay. Alternative PCT assays have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical use in the US and require method verification before clinical implementation.

Methods

Precision, sensitivity, linearity, reportable range, and reference intervals were verified for the Architect B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay. Accuracy of the Architect B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay was evaluated by comparison with the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT sensitive Kryptor assay.

Results

The Architect B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay was found to be precise (CV, ≤4.6%), sensitive (limit of blank, 0.001 ng/mL; limit of quantitation, ≤0.01 ng/mL), and linear according to the manufacturer's claims. The analytical measurement range (0.20–100.00 ng/mL) and the reference interval (≤0.07 ng/mL) were also verified. Patient result comparisons indicated high agreement at 0.10 ng/mL and 0.25 ng/mL and reduced positive agreement at 0.50 ng/mL and 2.00 ng/mL MDCs owing to negative bias compared with the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT sensitive Kryptor assay.

Conclusions

The Architect B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay meets most performance specifications claimed by the manufacturer; however, negative bias at 0.50 ng/mL and 2.00 ng/mL PCT concentrations is evident.
P4 Medicine or O4 Medicine? Hippocrates Provides the Answer
Authors: Fiala Clare , Taher Jennifer , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: April 2019

Background

The term P4 medicine (predictive, preventative, personalized, participatory) was coined by Dr. Leroy Hood of the Institute for Systems Biology to demonstrate his framework to detect and prevent disease through extensive biomarker testing, close monitoring, deep statistical analysis, and patient health coaching.

Methods

In 2017, this group published the results of their “100 Person Wellness Project.” They performed whole genome sequencing and 218 clinical laboratory tests, measured 643 metabolites and 262 proteins, quantified 4616 operational taxonomic units in the microbiome, and monitored exercise in 108 participants for 9 months. The study was also interventional, as members were paired with a coach who gave lifestyle and supplement counseling to improve biomarker levels between each sampling period.

Results

Using this study as a basis, we here analyze the Hippocratic roots and the advantages and disadvantages of P4 medicine. We introduce O4 medicine (overtesting, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, overcharging) as a counterpoint to P4 medicine to highlight the drawbacks, including possible harms and cost.

Conclusions

We hope this analysis will contribute to the discussion about the best use of limited health-care resources to produce maximum benefit for all patients.
Laboratory Test Utilization and Repeat Testing for Inpatients of Age 80 and Over in Australia: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sezgin Gorkem , Li Ling , Wilson Roger , Westbrook Johanna I , Lindeman Robert , Vecellio Elia , Georgiou Andrew
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Repeat laboratory testing is often necessary in hospitals. However, frequent blood draws can be harmful to older patients. The objective of this study was to identify the most frequently ordered laboratory tests and repeat testing rates for these tests among older inpatients.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of inpatients of age 80 years and over in 4 public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, was conducted between 2008 and 2013. Proportions of laboratory tests and proportions of repeated tests among the most frequently used tests were reported.

Results

There were 42739 patients with 108003 admissions (56.2% women; 43.2% of ages 80–84). Of these admissions, 95.9% had a laboratory test, with 3012577 tests recorded. Five tests accounted for 62% of all tests and were present in 98.5% of admissions: electrolytes urea and creatinine (EUC; 18% of all tests ordered), complete blood count (CBC; 16.7%), calcium magnesium phosphate (CaMgPhos; 10.2%), liver function test (LFT; 9.0%), and C-reactive protein (CRP; 8.0%). Proportions of repeat tests for this group performed outside recommended minimum repeat intervals were 10.3% EUC, 8.9% CBC, 41.5% CRP, 68.2% CaMgPhos, and 65.2% LFT tests. An exponential increase in repeat testing for all 5 tests was observed around 24 h after a previous test.

Conclusion

Compliance with guidelines on repeat testing intervals among older patients is variable. A better understanding of the underlying reasons for repeat testing would allow targeting of interventions, including decision support, to improve laboratory use for older inpatients.
Giant: A study of costume design in transition
Authors: Coco Anne
Published: April 2019

The 1956 movie Giant (George Stevens) provides an opportunity to examine costume design in the mid-twentieth century when both the film industry and the fan magazines that supported it were experiencing significant changes. Giant’s lead actress, Elizabeth Taylor, was increasingly a fixture in fan magazines, and her growing popularity and role in this movie provided a guise for writing about her extravagant lifestyle. This case study focuses on the contributions of the film’s two costume designers, Marjorie Best and Moss Mabry, fashion as a tool of promotion and the effect of Taylor’s lifestyle on a film’s publicity. It draws on the papers of director George Stevens, Best and Mabry as well as fan publications, and it follows the film from its inception and production to exhibition and promotion.
Reframing history: Federico Fellini’s Rome, fashion and costume
Authors: Paulicelli Eugenia
Published: April 2019

Costume and fashion have been an integral component of Fellini’s artistic arsenal and have contributed greatly towards the layering and historical montage of his films. In this article, I will explore the historical implications of Fellini’s use of fashion and costume and the profound impact that they have had on the aesthetics and texture of his films. Through a close examination of fashion and costume, the chapter highlights Fellini’s contribution towards a new historiography and archaeology of both Rome/Italy and cinematic form. In the article, Fellini’s cinema, especially La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) in 1960 and Roma (Fellini’s Roma) in 1971, is approached from both the standpoint of fashion and from that of the cyclical temporality contained in Benjamin’s theory of fashion, so as to understand not only Fellini but also the contemporaneity of his approach.
Four Hairsprays, one Baltimore: The city in trans-medial adaptation
Authors: Russell Curtis
Published: April 2019

By comparing John Waters’ 1988 film Hairspray with its adaptations narratologically, previous studies of the film have treated the process of adaptation as a zero-sum game that diminishes the political stakes with each iteration. With this article, I suggest that generic tools such as mise-en-scène and choreography have the capacity to transform discourses instead of merely supplanting them. To better understand the discursive spaces opened up by the trans-medial adaptation process, I read the opening scene of Waters’ film and its three subsequent adaptations as a discourse of the city, following Annette Insdorf’s assertion that a narrative’s first moments reflect significant thematic and aesthetic moves on the part of its creators.
Effect of exogenous progesterone treatment on ovarian steroid hormones and oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers during peak and low breeding seasons in dromedary she-camel
Authors: El-Maaty Amal M. Abo , Mohamed Ragab H. , Hozyen Heba F. , El-Kattan Adel M. , Mahmoud Mona A. , Ali Amal H.
Published: April 2019

Background: Research about the effects of progesterone (P4) and the relationship of P4 to oxidative stress has been achieved in ruminants but not enough in camels Aim: This study evaluated the effect of exogenous P4 hormone using CIDR for 7 days on blood concentrations of steroid hormones and oxidative status of dromedary she-camels during peak and low breeding seasons. Materials and Methods: The present work was conducted on ten dark dromedary she-camels which were synchronized using a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) for 7 days as a reproductive management tool during peak breeding (November-April) and low breeding season (May-October). The blood samples were collected each other day from CIDR insertion until the end of experiment 5 days after the removal of CIDR. Camels were examined for P4, estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) as indicator of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase as antioxidant markers. Results: Results revealed that P4 was higher during peak breeding season than low breeding season. While the levels of P4 increased during CIDR insertion and declined at CIDR removal and thereafter during breeding season, its concentrations declined after CIDR application during the non-breeding season. On the other hand, blood E2 and testosterone levels decreased after CIDR insertion in both high and low breeding seasons with higher serum E2 concentrations during the peak than the low breeding season. MDA concentrations and SOD activities were significantly (p<0.05) high on day 3 after CIDR insertion during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. During both the seasons, GSH levels decreased after CIDR removal in camels. However, MDA was lower during non-breeding season than high breeding season with no seasonal effect on SOD activity. Conclusion: Exogenous P4 treatment through CIDR in dromedary camels could be more efficient during breeding season than non-breeding season, and effects on circulating oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and their return to normal levels might refer to the adaptation of camels to CIDR by modulating their oxidant and antioxidant levels.
La llegada de Maximiliano a la tierra de los pueblos bárbaros
Authors: Jancsó Katalin
Published: April 2019

The author examines a specific aspect of the brief period of Maximilian's reign as the Emperor of Mexico. The spring of 1864 opened an interesting and controversial era of Mexican history. After arriving at Mexico and being proclaimed Emperor with the help of the Mexican Conservatives, Maximilian I., Archduke of Austria and Prince Royal of Hungary and Bohemia reigned in a surprisingly liberal spirit, with the principal aim of modernizing Mexico. The Mexican liberals, led by Benito Juárez, did all they could to get rid of the foreign emperor, and finally executed him the 19th of July, 1867. During his brief reign of three years, both Maximilian and his wife, the empress Charlotte of Belgium manifested profound interest in the situation of the native Indians who made up the vast majority of Mexico's population and had great expectations towards the emperor. A dedicated liberal, Maximilian considered all Mexican citizens should be granted the same rights, and adopted various measures to improve the condition of the natives, and help their integration in the Mexican nation through the process of mestizaje. The author presents the circumstances of Maximilian's arrival at Mexico, his reception, the measures introduced by the Emperor in the protection of the Indian population and the circumstances that led to the creation of the „Junta Protectora de las Clases Menesterosas”, organization representing the interests of the poor, as described in the press of the era.
Las traducciones húngaras del romancero gitano de Federico García Lorca
Authors: Katona Eszter
Published: April 2019

Federico García Lorca’s first volume of poems translated to Hungarian was The Gipsy Ballads, which was published in 1947 in two independent editions (Cserépfalvi and Lux Publishing Companies) at the same time. Readers got acquainted with Lorcas’s lovely romances through the translations of Ervin Gyertyán and László András. In 1963 a new edition enriched Lorca’s image in Hungarian, this time Európa Publishing Company issued the The Gipsy Ballads cycle within a volume along with other poets’ works, but this time the poems were translated to Hungarian by László Nagy. The aim of this paper was to compare the three different Hungarian translations. Obviously, within the limits of this article it was impossible to compare all the ballads, therefore I have selected three poems (Romance de la luna, luna; La monja gitana; Precios y el aire) of the volume, in order to present through differences/similarities of syntactic, semantic and poetical aspects the importance of the translators’ valuable work in presenting Lorca’s duende in Hungarian language.
Sobre verbos eponímicos
Authors: Martínez Linares Antonia
Published: April 2019

This paper analyses the basic meaning underlying eponymic verbs which are derived from a current
politician surname by the sujfixation of -igar, and the way of capturing their diverse lectures. I argue
that these verbs share with other denominál verbs an underspecified causative meaning and that their
interpretation, like the lectures of denominál verbs in general, is modulated by sublexical or encyclopedic
information of the predicate arguments and of the base nouns.
Nexos entre México y Europa Centro-Oriental
Authors: Szente-Varga Mónika
Published: April 2019

The first diplomatic and consular relations were established between Mexico and the
Habsburg Empire in the 1800 s, motivated basically by commerdal reasons and dynastic
interests. These got to an abrupt end with the execution of Emperor Maximilian in Querétaro in
1867, and diplomatic relations were resumed only decades later, in 1901, which is, in fact, our
starting point. This essay examines the development of diplomatic relations between Mexico and
Central-Eastern Europe from the beginning of the 20'' centuiy until nowadays. It is divided into
chronological chapters, where we study bilateral relations in the coordinates of the following
periods: beginning of the century, the period between the two world wars, the Second World War,
Cold War and recent years. The investigation in based on documents of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Mexico (SRE-AHD) and of the Hungarian National Archive (MOL).
Bodas de sangre de Federico García Lorca en las tablas húngaras. Algunas representaciones memorables entre 1957-2014
Authors: Katona Eszter
Published: April 2019

The House of Bernarda Alba was the first play of Federico Garcia Lorca that was staged by a Hungarian company in 1955. Hungarian directors followed with close attention the dramas of the Andalusian playwright and two years later, in 1957, the Hungarian National Theater included on its program another play of Lorca, Blood Wedding, written in 1933. Since then, the popularity of this drama on Hungarian stages has not diminished at all, it also inspired dance and opera adaptations. Recently, in the 2013-2014 season, Magyar Színház theater has also staged this play. The aim of this paper, which has been inspired by the aforementioned premiere, is to offer an overview of the Hungarian reception of Blood Wedding, highlighting some important productions of the past six decades.
Zinc enhances the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference through dopaminergic and serotonergic systems
Authors: Mesbahzadeh Behzad , Moradi-kor Nasroallah , Abbasi-Maleki Saeid
Published: April 2019

The antidepressant-like effects of zinc (Zn) have been documented in some animal models of depression. In addition, antidepressants may reduce the abuse potential of opioids by affecting their rewarding effect. Hence, this study was performed to investigate the effect of Zn on the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in male rats. We used an unbiased CPP paradigm for investigating the effect of Zn. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administrations of Zn (5-20 mg/kg, i.p., and 10 nmol/rat, respectively) with or without morphine did not induce conditioned place aversion (CPA) or CPP during acquisition phase. However, the same i.p. and i.c.v. administrations of Zn induced morphine-like CPP in the expression phase. Pre-treatment with dopamine receptor antagonists (SCH23390, sulpiride, and haloperidol) and serotonin receptor antagonists (WAY100135, ketanserin, and ondansetron) reversed the enhancement effect of Zn on the expression of morphine-induced CPP (especially 20mg/kg, i.p. and 10 nmol/rat, i.c.v.). These findings suggest that acute i.p. and i.c.v administration of Zn might enhance the rewarding properties of morphine through involvement with dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal systems.
Expression of OX40 Gene and its Serum Levels in Neuromyelitis Optica Patients
Authors: Alidadiani Parya , Eskandari Nahid , Shaygannejad Vahid , Dabiri Arezou , Manian Mostafa , Jahanbani-Ardakani Hamidreza , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: April 2019

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which immune system cells and antibodies primarily attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord. OX40 (CD134) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor family member expressed primarily on activated CD4+and CD8+T-cells. In an autoimmune disease, OX40 is typically up-regulated at sites of inflammation, and increases in the number of peripheral CD4+T-cells expressing OX40. OX40 and its ligand OX40L are key TNF members that augment T-cell expansion, cytokine production, and promote T-cell survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare ofOX40gene expression and its serum levels in patients with NMO and healthy controls. Twenty sex-/age-matched healthy controls (HC) (median age = 32 years, 15 females/5 males) were engaged for the present study. Expression ofOX40at the transcript level and serum protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The results indicatedOX40expression in patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (p = 0.001). However, the serum level of OX40 was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.37). In addition, the results indicated that CD134 expression was not age-related (p = 0.041). Overall, this study suggests to us that OX40 levels are not a suitable marker for diagnosis or treatment of NMO.
Calculating topological indices of certain OTIS interconnection networks
Authors: Aslam Adnan , Ahmad Safyan , Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Gao Wei
Published: April 2019

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to The Optical Transpose Interconnection System (OTIS) network because of its prospective applications in architectures for parallel as well as distributed systems [27, 28]. Different interconnection networks in the context of topological indices are researched recently in [25, 26]. This article includes the computions of the general Randi´c, first and second Zagreb, general sum connectivity, first and second multiple zagreb, hyper zagreb, ABC and GA indices for OTIS (swapped and biswapped) networks by taking path and k-regular graph on n vertices as a base graphs. In addition, some delicated formulas are also obtained for the ABC4 and GA5 indices for the OTIS biswapped networks by considering basis graph as a path and k-regular graph of order n.
Some applications of arithmetic groups in cryptography
Authors: Kahrobaei Delaram , Mallahi-Karai Keivan
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we will offer a new symmetric-key cryptographic scheme which is based on the existence of exponentially distorted subgroups in arithmetic groups.
Aside from this, we will also provide new examples of distorted subgroups in {\mathrm{SL}_{n}(\mathbb{Z}[x])} which can be utilized for the same purpose.
A 333-year record of the mean minimum temperature reconstruction in the Western Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Jiao Liang , Wang Shengjie , Jiang Yuan , Liu Xuerui
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a fragile ecological area in the Western Tianshan National Nature Reserve of China was selected as the research region, and Picea schrenkiana, which is sensitive to climate change, was selected as the research object. The mean minimum temperature in the growing season of the previous year (May to September) was the main limiting factor for tree radial growth based on an analysis of the relationship between chronological series and climatic factors during 1959–2012 (r = –0.792, p < 0.05). Moreover, the relationship was stable, which showed that tree rings can be used as alternative materials for climate reconstruction. Therefore, the mean minimum temperature of the previous year in 1680–2012 was reconstructed, and the explained variance of the reconstruction equation was 62.7% (R2adj = 62.0%, F = 85.8). The 31 dramatically altered years were found via characteristic year analyses, and extreme changes occurred most often under relatively warm conditions. The mean minimum temperature in the reconstruction shows a clear warming trend by the 11-year moving average of the reconstructive series since the 1950s (the temperature increase: 0.341°C/decade). The driving factors of the mean minimum temperature were influenced mainly by the interaction of solar activity and large-scale atmospheric–oceanic variability, especially the westerly circulations.
Spiritual health: is it a determinant factor for preventing risky behaviors among university students?
Authors: Ghonchepour Asma , Sohrabi Mostafa , Golestani Zakiyeh , Biabanaki Fereshteh , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: April 2019

Background

The most common high-risk behaviors that have profound and adverse effects on the health of the community take place in the university environment. Nowadays, the necessity of exploring ways to correct and reduce the high-risk behaviors requires identification of its determinant factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the correlation between spiritual health and high-risk behaviors among university students in the southeast of Iran in 2017–2018.

Method

This survey was a cross-sectional study. The population was all students studying at three central Universities in Kerman. Eight hundred and four students participated in the survey using a quota sampling method. The research instrument was a demographic questionnaire and the 20-item spiritual well-being Palutzian and Ellison scale and the Iranian Adolescent Riskiness Scale (IARS), which includes 39 items for high-risk behaviors.

Results

The mean total score of high-risk behaviors was 79.16 ± 24.6 which was lower than the median (117). The spiritual health of the majority of subjects (66.7%) was moderate with an average of 90.65 ± 16.64. There was a significant negative correlation between the students’ spiritual health and their high-risk behaviors.

Conclusion

It is necessary and essential to plan and implement spiritual-based interventions to reduce the incidence of high-risk behaviors.
Peak Experiences with Electronic Dance Music
Authors: Solberg Ragnhild Torvanger , Dibben Nicola
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the role of musical features in shaping peak-pleasurable experiences of electronic dance music (EDM). Typically, large structural and dynamic changes occur in an EDM track, which can be referred to as the break routine, consisting of breakdown, build-up, and drop. Twenty-four participants listened to four EDM excerpts featuring break routines, and one excerpt without a break routine. Measures were taken of skin conductance, self-reported affect, and embodied aspects of subjective experience, and incidence of pleasant bodily sensations. Participants reported intense affective experience with EDM despite being removed from the club context, and attributed this experience to the drop in particular. They described these experiences as energizing and uplifting, and pointed to an embodied, kinaesthetic experience of the music. Drop sections of the music were associated with significantly higher skin conductance response than other sections of the break routine. Analysis confirms correlation between specific acoustic and musical features and peak-response as observed with other music genres, and also identifies novel musical characteristics particular to EDM associated with peak experience. This shows that pleasurable peak experience with EDM is related to specific musical features, and has embodied spatial and kinaesthetic experiential qualities even when listened to without dancing and away from the club context.
Genomic Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Bayesian Network To Characterize a Wide Spectrum of Rice Phenotypes
Authors: Yu Haipeng , Campbell Malachy T , Zhang Qi , Walia Harkamal , Morota Gota
Published: April 2019

With the advent of high-throughput phenotyping platforms, plant breeders have a means to assess many traits for large breeding populations. However, understanding the genetic interdependencies among high-dimensional traits in a statistically robust manner remains a major challenge. Since multiple phenotypes likely share mutual relationships, elucidating the interdependencies among economically important traits can better inform breeding decisions and accelerate the genetic improvement of plants. The objective of this study was to leverage confirmatory factor analysis and graphical modeling to elucidate the genetic interdependencies among a diverse agronomic traits in rice. We used a Bayesian network to depict conditional dependencies among phenotypes, which can not be obtained by standard multi-trait analysis. We utilized Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis which hypothesized that 48 observed phenotypes resulted from six latent variables including grain morphology, morphology, flowering time, physiology, yield, and morphological salt response. This was followed by studying the genetics of each latent variable, which is also known as factor, using single nucleotide polymorphisms. Bayesian network structures involving the genomic component of six latent variables were established by fitting four algorithms (i.e., Hill Climbing, Tabu, Max-Min Hill Climbing, and General 2-Phase Restricted Maximization algorithms). Physiological components influenced the flowering time and grain morphology, and morphology and grain morphology influenced yield. In summary, we show the Bayesian network coupled with factor analysis can provide an effective approach to understand the interdependence patterns among phenotypes and to predict the potential influence of external interventions or selection related to target traits in the interrelated complex traits systems.
Tissue-Specific Split sfGFP System for Streamlined Expression of GFP Tagged Proteins in theCaenorhabditis elegansGermline
Authors: Hefel Adam , Smolikove Sarit
Published: April 2019

Identifying protein localization is a useful tool in analyzing protein function. Using GFP-fusion tags, researchers can study the function of endogenous proteins in living tissue. However, these tags are considerably large, making them difficult to insert, and they can potentially affect the normal function of these proteins. To improve on these drawbacks, we have adopted the split sfGFP system for studying the localization of proteins in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. This system divides the “super folder” GFP into 2 fragments, allowing researchers to use CRISPR/Cas9 to tag proteins more easily with the smaller subunit, while constitutively expressing the larger subunit from another locus. These two parts are able to stably interact, producing a functional GFP when both fragments are in the same cellular compartment. Our data demonstrate that the split sfGFP system can be adapted for use in C. elegans to tag endogenous proteins with relative ease. Strains containing the tags are homozygous viable and fertile. These small subunit tags produce fluorescent signals that matched the localization patterns of the wild-type protein in the gonad. Thus, our study shows that this approach could be used for tissue-specific GFP expression from an endogenous locus.
The Role of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Organ Development and Regulation of ADAMTS Family Metalloproteinases in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kubota Yukihiko , Nishiwaki Kiyoji , Ito Masahiro , Sugimoto Asako
Published: April 2019

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix supports tissue and organ development, by regulating cellular morphology and tissue integrity. However, proper extracellular matrix remodeling requires spatiotemporal regulation of extracellular metalloproteinase activity. Members of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family, including MIG-17 and GON-1, are evolutionarily conserved, secreted, zinc-requiring metalloproteinases. Although these proteases are required for extracellular matrix remodeling during gonadogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, their in vivo regulatory mechanisms remain to be delineated. Therefore, we focused on the C. elegans tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), TIMP-1 and CRI-2. Analysis of the transcription and translation products for GFP/Venus fusions, with TIMP-1 or CRI-2, indicated that these inhibitors were secreted and localized to the basement membrane of gonads and the plasma membrane of germ cells. A timp-1 deletion mutant exhibited gonadal growth defects and sterility, and the phenotypes of this mutant were fully rescued by a TIMP-1::Venus construct, but not by a TIMP-1(C21S)::Venus mutant construct, in which the inhibitor coding sequence had been mutated. Moreover, genetic data suggested that TIMP-1 negatively regulates proteolysis of the α1 chain of type IV collagen. We also found that the loss-of-function observed for the mutants timp-1 and cri-2 involves a partial suppression of gonadal defects found for the mutants mig-17/ADAMTS and gon-1/ADAMTS, and that this suppression was canceled upon overexpression of gon-1 or mig-17, respectively. Based on these results, we propose that both TIMP-1 and CRI-2 act as inhibitors of MIG-17 and GON-1 ADAMTSs to regulate gonad development in a noncell-autonomous manner.
Constancy tests and quality assurance of the activimeters used in a Radiopharmaceutical Production Unit
Authors: Gontijo Rodrigo Modesto Gadelha , Ferreira Andréa Vidal , Nascimento Leonardo Tafas Constantino , Costa Flávia Mesquita , Silva Juliana Batista , Mamede Marcelo
Published: April 2019

Activimeters (or dose calibrators) are essential instruments to verify activity of radiopharmaceutical after production and also before the dose administration in humans or animals for molecular imaging. The efficiency and safety measurements depend on, beside other factors, constancy tests and quality assurance. Thereby, the aim of this work was to perform constancy tests and quality assurance in the activimeters of the UPPR/CDTN, based on the CNEN-NN 3.05 Brazilian standard and the manufacturer's manual. Physical inspection, auto zero, background check, camera voltage, data check and constancy test were done. In addition, accuracy and precision tests were performed using a set of standard certified radioactive sources (57Co, 133Ba and 137Cs), according to the CNEN NN 3.05 Brazilian standard. Linearity test was also performed to evaluate the response of the equipment in over the entire range of activities used in routine. The equipments are periodically submitted to the quality control tests and the results were compared. After performing the proposed tests it is possible to conclude that activimeters are in accordance with the requirements of the CNEN standard and manufacturer´s manual. A quality control checklist was prepared to guide users and to record the results of quality assurance testing to monitor the equipment performance. This initiative is part of the quality assurance program implemented at UPPR.
Effect of the Interface in Plasmon-enhanced Second Harmonic
Generation from Nonlinear Optical Thin Films
Authors: Robinson Hans D. , Chen Kai , Durak Cemil , Garg Akhilesh , Davis Richey M. , Heflin James R.
Published: April 2019

The second order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of two different ionic
selfassembled multilayer (ISAM) films combined with Ag nanoparticles have
been investigated. The plasmon resonances in the Ag particles concentrate
the incident light, markedly increasing in the NLO efficiencies of the
films. We find that the efficiency enhancement is significantly larger in
conventional ISAM films compared to films made using a hybrid covalent ISAM
technique (HCISAM), even though the intrinsic bulk second order non-linear
susceptibility (χ(2)) is much larger for HCISAM films. We attribute this to the
interfaces in HCISAM films being much easier to disrupt by external
perturbations such as the metal deposition by which the nanoparticles are
fabricated. We conclude that because the plasmon decay length is very short,
the plasmonic enhancement of NLO effects primarily occurs at and near the
film-particle interface. To discern the importance of the interfaces, we
surrounded thin ISAM and HCISAM films with NLOinactive buffer layers, which
confirmed this hypothesis, particularly in the case of HCISAM films.
Professional practices of education/training of nurses in an intensive care unit
Authors: Macedo Ana Paula Morais de Carvalho , Padilha Katia Grillo , Püschel Vilanice Alves de Araújo
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the education/training of nurses working in an intensive care unit. Method: Case study with qualitative approach, with an intentional sample. Data collection and analysis used different research techniques, mainly document analysis, interview and field observation. Results: The data highlights feelings of well-being, satisfaction and motivation as important for education and training in a work context. Some organizational practices seem to promote interpersonal relationships and, consequently, increase the willingness of these professionals to adopt a reward perspective regarding continuing education and training, establishing a close relationship between the formal, the non-formal and the informal. Final Consideration: The attractiveness of this organization is related to the valorization and recognition that it can offer to the professionals. There is a reciprocity between a hospital that endorses up-to-date care and professionals who seek scientific evidence.
Operation of a hospital palliative care service: a fourth-generation evaluation
Authors: Almeida Carla Simone Leite de , Marcon Sonia Silva , Matsuda Laura Misue , Kantorski Luciane Prado , Paiva Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro , Sales Catarina Aparecida
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: Qualitatively evaluate the operation of a palliative care service in oncology. Methodology: Qualitative study conducted in a service in southern Brazil based on a fourth generation evaluation. Between September 2014 and June 2015, 460 hours of operation were observed, and 45 semi-structured interviews and five negotiation meetings were conducted; data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: Potential services are: provision of outpatient palliative care, home and inpatient care provided by a multidisciplinary and support team, meeting the patient’s biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Study limitations: ineffective communication between clinical and surgical oncology and palliative care sectors, lack of specialized training for professionals and in interpersonal relationship issues among team members. Final Consideration: For palliative care progress in the service, some arrangements are required to enhance integrality of care.
Construction and validation of an instrument for nursing consultation in outpatient chemotherapy
Authors: Tolentino Giselia Santos , Bettencourt Ana Rita de Cássia , Fonseca Selma Montosa da
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: Construct and validate instrument content for nursing consultation in an adult chemotherapy outpatient clinic. Method: Methodological study composed of two stages: elaboration of the instrument and validation of content. A literary review of the dimensions of customer care was carried out in the light of Theory of Basic Human Needs Theory, culminating in two instruments: one for admission consultation and other for follow-up. The content was validated by the evaluation of listed experts based on the adapted Fehring’s Validation Model. Results: In the first round, two items of the admission instrument and three items of follow-up required reformulation. In the second round, there was an increase in agreement rate: 11% in the instrument of admission and 10% in follow-up. Final Consideration: The instrument represents a guideline for the Nursing Process and future research, but it cannot be seen as a substitute for nurses’ knowledge and clinical reasoning.
Pedagogical strategy for teaching and learning Epidemiology in Nursing undergraduate school
Authors: Kolchraiber Flávia Cristiane , Freitas Maria Aparecida de Oliveira , Santana Carmen Lúcia Albuquerque de , Hino Paula , Souza Káren Mendes Jorge de , Gamba Mônica Antar
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: to implement a pedagogical strategy in the epidemiology course of a nursing school in a public university. Method: This is an interventional prospective study, with a critical epidemiological approach, based on the learner’s worldview for a theoretical conception about science. The development of the study started from a field recognition for the systematization of the teaching-learning strategy and ended with the evaluation of the course. Results: 67 students participated in the study, 91% were female and 54% were between 20 and 29 years old. Prior knowledge was mostly clinical/biological, and the strategy used enhanced the knowledge of science in a critical, creative and reflective way, stimulating intersectionality and teamwork through the use of Information and Communication Technologies. Final Consideration: The pedagogical strategy provided a meaningful learning about the principles of epidemiology.
Nursing interventions in palliative care in Pediatric Oncology: an integrative review
Authors: Sousa Amanda Danielle Resende Silva e , Silva Liliane Faria da , Paiva Eny Dórea
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify, in scientific productions, nursing interventions in palliative care in children and adolescents with cancer. Method: integrative review of the literature through the databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, IBECS, LILACS and SCIELO, carried out in October and November 2017. Results: we analyzed 18 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that, among the articles selected, Brazil is the country with the largest number of publications and that interventions such as music therapy, massage, ludic application, early consultation of palliative care, social interventions and physical exercises aimed at the resolution of a specific symptom obtained better results when compared to interventions that aimed at the comprehensiveness of palliative care. Final Consideration: we conclude that greater emphasis should be given to palliative care in academic and professional training and that further studies in search of the best evidence should be conducted to support nursing Evidence-Based Practices.
Effect of chewing gum on thirst: an integrative review
Authors: Garcia Aline Korki Arrabal , Fonseca Lígia Fahl , Furuya Rejane Kiyomi , Rabelo Patrícia Dias , Rossetto Edilaine Giovanini
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and analyze the evidence on the effect of chewing gum on thirst in adults. Method: Integrative review, guided by the question: “What is the scientific evidence about the effects of chewing gum on adult’s thirst?” LILACS, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were the databases consulted. Results: Of a total of 2,414 articles found, 12 papers were selected whose publications varied between 1991 and 2016. The use of chewing gum resulted in increased salivary volume (five studies), xerostomia relief (seven studies), and thirst reduction (four studies). It was not possible to establish the number of chewing gums per day, being frequent the recommendation to use as desired. There was a predominance of studies with patients under dialysis and with cancer. Conclusion: Chewing gum is an effective strategy to reduce thirst discomfort in adults.
Construction and validation of a tool to assess nursing interpersonal relations
Authors: Dias Jennifer Specht , Rocha Laurelize Pereira , Carvalho Deciane Pintanela de , Tomaschewski-Barlem Jamila Geri , Barlem Edison Luiz Devos , Dalmolin Graziele de Lima
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: construct and validate a tool to identify the factors that influence interpersonal relations and the health of nursing workers in a University Hospital in the South of Brazil. Method: methodological study, in nine steps. The face validation was carried out, with the participation of five experts, professor nurses doctors in Nursing, content with 26 nurses, stricto sensu Nursing Postgraduate students, and the validation of the construct was performed through a quantitative approach with 213 nursing workers. We used the exploratory factorial analysis and the Cronbach’s Alpha in the validation of the construct. Results: the tool consisted of 29 questions and six constructs were identified. The Cronbach’s Alpha value.879 showed satisfactory internal consistency. Conclusion: the tool was valid and reliable for use in the assessment of interpersonal relations among nursing workers in Brazilian University Hospitals.
Nursing Care in Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ferreira Larissa de Lima , Azevedo Lorena Mara Nóbrega de , Salvador Pétala Tuani Candido de Oliveira , Morais Soraya Helena Medeiros de , Paiva Renilly de Melo , Santos Viviane Euzébia Pereira
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and map nursing care to the adult patient with Healthcare-Associated Infections admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Method: Scoping Review, conducted in January 2018, through the search of studies in national and international databases, journals, catalogs of theses and dissertations, and websites of Brazilian health institutions. We included full surveys published in the Portuguese, Spanish or English language; which had as object of study the researched subject, besides manuals and protocols. We analyzed the type of material, year, country, population, method, Level of Evidence, and nursing care. The final sample consisted of 33 publications. Results: Among the nursing care to the patient, hand hygiene was identified, general care in nursing procedures, use of protocols, effective communication and periodic training. Conclusion: Identifying patient care with infection was important in order to list methods and reorient nursing activities.
Quality indicators: tools for the management of best practices in Health
Authors: Báo Ana Cristina Pretto , Amestoy Simone Coelho , Moura Gisela Maria Schebella Souto de , Trindade Letícia de Lima
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze how nurses recognize and use quality indicators, aimed at contributing to the management of best practices in Health. Method: Case study with a qualitative approach, conducted with twelve nurses from a hospital in southern Brazil from March to May 2016. For data collection, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used. Data were subjected to content analysis, in the thematic modality. Results: The data showed that quality indicators are regarded as a tool for measuring health care outcomes, promoting the improvement of continuous care, assisting in the clinical decision-making and being present in discussions with the nursing team, in addition to contributing to the management of best practices in Health. Final Consideration: Quality indicator may support improvements in health services and in the nursing work, strengthening health policies.