bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Construction of Difference in Milton Hatoum’s Dois Irmãos
Authors: Scaff Rocha Ribeiro Marília
Published: June 2018

This essay offers a reading of Milton Hatoum’s novel Dois irmãos (2000) through the focus on the description of space. Central to the book is the discussion of the ways in which differences may or may not be reconciled. I argue that the dispute between the twin brothers reflects a concern for other kinds of oppositions that are made visible through the juxtaposition of spaces such as the Amazon/ the Orient, the city/ the forest, the house/ the maid quarters, among others.
Liquid Gold: The Representations of Money and Slavery in Alencar’s Senhora
Authors: Cardoso André
Published: June 2018

The plot of José de Alencar’s Senhora has often been accused by critics of being artificial and little relevant to the actual conditions of nineteenth-century Brazilian society. A close analysis of this novel, however, reveals that it does address issues that were pertinent to Brazilian social life in that period, such as slavery and the circulation of money. The representation of these issues is far from stable in this novel, as its imitation of the realist plot from Balzac might suggest, and the examination of sentimental elements in Senhora may point to alternative readings of the appropriation of this model and the way money and slavery are presented in this narrative.
Road to green future - Decision making model for the environmental and energy sector
Authors: Bârsan Alexandra Teodora , Pop Mihai
Published: June 2018

The mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions has become one of the most important topics on the agenda of EU- and national policy-makers. The importance of the climate change issue is exponentially growing from year to year, gathering specialist from the academic, economic and energy fields in the hope of finding the best solutions in fighting the negative effects of the phenomenon. This challenge has issued an intense debate around the doctrines on which policymakers ground the process of law making. Two of the most debated theories are the neoclassic economic doctrines, on which the major part of the climate change regulation is based, and the innovation economic doctrines, which gained a lot of popularity and supporters in the academic field for the last couple of years. The paper presents the advantages and opportunities of current climate change legislation, as well as their disadvantages and limits. Furthermore it focuses on emphasizing common issues that lead to the failure of climate change legislation and implicitly cause economic loss, lowering the attractiveness of future investments. Based on our research we have developed a decision making model for legislation and regulations of the environmental and energy sectors. The developed model offers guidelines to policy-makers of the energy field and aims both environmental and economic sustainability.
Defining the IoT
Authors: Berte Dan-Radu
Published: June 2018

IoT, or the Internet of Things, has been in use since circa 1999. It defines a next chapter in the evolution of the Internet where computing devices embedded in everyday objects are able to send and receive data themselves. In recent years miniaturization and economies of scale brought a boon of new devices to the consumer and enterprise market, prompting Gartner to predict over 20bln live IoT devices by 2020. However, the definition of IoT is loose and, for the purpose of predicting trends or discussing security, formulating a clear understanding of the term is crucial. In fact, Internet of Things is a term only mostly used by the media, academia and the industry. Customers in the consumer space refer to the technologies by their benefit describing term of “Smart Home”. A quick analysis of this gap shows how it’s entirely possible no knowledge permeates the business and market worlds because of the incompatible terms used. As more devices, OSes and heterogeneous platforms entrench the concept of a new digital lifestyle, the new “Digital Kingdom” opens its doors to radical disruption, such as the latest massive Mirai and Reaper attacks. Our ability to correctly define the IoT, it’s platforms and components, should lead to better market dynamics and better preparedness, as one can’t secure something that can’t be defined. This paper proposes to further understand the IoT by exploring available definitions, reiterating misuse and equivocal perception, concluding with a more suiting, contemporary definition.
Senior entrepreneurship – key facts at regional level in Romania
Authors: Blid Laura
Published: June 2018

Senior population is still a valuable resource for the labour market and for entrepreneurship. While ageing population is a global phenomenon and solution are needed to milder the economic impact, there are also to consider the positive outcomes related to the optimal use of potential in the senior population and the benefits of an active life upon the elderly. This paper focuses on the entrepreneurial activity of senior population at regional level in Romania (Bucharest-Ilfov and South-Muntenia), considering a panel of 200 limited liability companies established in the last 5 years, by a single shareholder aged 60+ years. The empirical descriptive study is mainly based on the information about these companies searched for on the Ministry of Finance website. The paper aims to answer questions related to entrepreneurial activity of grey population like e.g. fields of activity raising interest of senior entrepreneurs at regional level in Romania and size of companies in terms of employees’ number and yearly turnover. The paper presents few considerations in view of assessing some dimensions of this phenomenon of senior entrepreneurship at regional level in Romania, based on the data obtained for the last 5 years. The results of this analysis will be enhanced by a further study on the same panel addressing mainly motivational drivers to start-up a business.
A portfolio optimization model for a large number of hydrocarbon exploration projects
Authors: Bulai Vlad-Cosmin , Horobeț Alexandra
Published: June 2018

Over the past few years the global oil and gas industry has been going through a severe market downturn. Despite recent signs of stabilization, oil prices have a long history marked by volatility. In this context, it is imperative for oil companies to optimize their capital allocation, as this might support risk mitigation. The purpose of this paper is to offer a tool that might support the strategic decision-making process for companies operating in the oil industry. Our model uses Markowitz’ portfolio selection theory to construct the efficient frontier for currently producing fields and a set of investment projects. These relate to oil and gas exploration projects and projects aimed at enhancing current production. The net present value is obtained for each project under a set of usersupplied scenarios. For the base-case scenario we also model oil prices through Monte Carlo simulation. We run the model for a combination of portfolio items which include both currently producing assets and new exploration projects, using data characteristics of a mature region with a high number of low-production fields. Our objective is to find the vector of weights (equity stake in each project) which minimizes portfolio risk, given a set of expected portfolio returns. The model is of particular interest for companies operating in Eastern Europe, or in any other mature region. It can also support divestment and acquisition decisions since these may place the company’s portfolio closer or farther away from the efficient frontier. The model is highly versatile and can be implemented on any software with an optimization package such as Microsoft Excel.
The impact of the logistics management in customer satisfaction
Authors: Ghoumrassi Amine , Tigu Gabriela
Published: June 2018

Logistics management is one of nowadays tools to face economic challenges; it’s a mix of business and core activities of the organization. The supply and distribution activities integrated together form what’s known as logistics activities. The logistics activities within a business organization attempt to satisfy customers through achieving the time and location related market challenges and also through the cost of the service provided as well as the quality, taking into consideration customers needs and purchase power. Customer satisfaction is important because it provides marketers and business owners with a metric that they can use to manage and improve their businesses. Customer satisfaction is also a way to determinate the continuity of the business or of a product life by measuring the loyalty of the customers. If the customers are happy and satisfied, it will ensure the continuity of sales which means the continuity of the business. In the past customer satisfaction was more focused on requirements such as quality and reliability reducing costs of poor quality. In mid 50’s the production costs were continuously increasing, The way to maintain the company’s position within a changing market and increase profit starts by focusing on the service provided to the customer and on decreasing the cost, logistics activities became the backbone of these organizations that target the customer satisfaction while achieving competitive advantage. This study aims to show the impact of the logistics management on customer satisfaction in small and mid-sized Algerian industrial companies, by interviewing the companies managers and everybody in charge of the logistic process, the interview questions will be based on some literature review issues.
Enhancing quality of information through risk reporting in financial statements
Authors: Nichita Mirela
Published: June 2018

When we bring in discussion risk, we think about danger, loss or other unfavorable consequences. In accounting and in finance area, the concept of risk is related to a wide range of terms, such as: cost - volume analysis, decision trees, discounted cash flows, capital assets pricing models, and the newly hedging concept. Effective risk management relates to risk assessment; risk evaluation; risk treatment; and risk reporting. Risk management highlights the actions that the entity takes in order to be prepared for any negative event. The objective of risk management is not to prevent or eliminate taking risk, but is to ensure that the risks is taken with complete knowledge and clear understanding so that it can be measured to help in mitigation. The paper will emphasizes a short evolution about accounting qualitative characteristics and how these features may conduct to a more transparent reporting and a balanced risk management processes. A key principle of comprehensive risk management is risk transparency, both in terms of internal risk reporting as well as external disclosure for users of information in making decision process.
Entrepreneurship perception among vulnerable population groups in Romania
Authors: Păunescu Carmen , Pascu Alexandra Ioana , Filculescu Adina , Badea Raluca
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to explore the entrepreneurship perception among diverse populations in Romania typically seen as vulnerable. It also aims to provide support regarding how the concept might be useful in considering and designing alternative policy interventions. The vulnerable population groups studied in the paper differ by age (seniors), gender (females), income (low income population) and residence (rural community). The paper attempts to answer three research questions: (1) how attitudes towards entrepreneurship differ among vulnerable population groups; (2) how intention of starting a business varies among studied population; and (3) what is the likelihood and desirability of studied population to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice. The data analysed in the paper are extracted from the Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report (AGER) developed for Romania, for the period 2014-2016. Analysis is conducted by taken into consideration the following dimensions of the “entrepreneurship perception”: attitude towards entrepreneurship, intention of starting a business, entrepreneurship as a career choice, and likelihood of self-employment. The paper aims to contribute to advancing research on the less addressed and less understood entrepreneurship perception among vulnerable populations. In the paper we make recommendations for governmental institutions that are meant to contribute to designing policy interventions that will nurture entrepreneurship spirit in Romania.
The influence of personality types on the impulsive buying behavior of a consumer
Authors: Pelau Corina , Serban Daniela , Chinie Alexandra Catalina
Published: June 2018

The relation between the personality of consumers and their buying behavior has been a very much debated topic in the field of marketing researches. Several studies have shown that personality has a significant influence on the way consumer behave in their social and economic environment, in the way they approach and accept innovations and new developed products or even in their shopping behavior. This paper presents the influence of the Myers-Briggs personality dichotomies on the impulsive consumer behavior and the openness to buy newly launched products. Discriminant analysis was used to evaluate primary collected data and the core results show that extroverted, feeling-based decision-makers and perception oriented persons have more frequently an impulsive buying behavior at shopping sessions. Extroverts and intuition based consumers are more open to new products. The temptation to buy attractive unplanned products is higher for extroverts, feeling based decision makers and perceiving persons. Despite of this, none of the personality dichotomies influences the amount and care for spending in stores, this being influenced by other independent factors, mainly economic ones.
Eliminating transportation waste using the transportation value stream map
Authors: Popescu Mihaela Cornelia
Published: June 2018

The paper reveals how lean instruments and metrics applied in transportation translates the importance of logistic visibility and shared information between shippers, brokers, carriers and customers along the supply chain management. Recreating a new transportation network emphasizes the idea of discovering practical strategies and actions of reducing muda in terms of efficiency and costs. Transportation cost has to be focused on frequency of trips, shipping size, distance travelled, guide routes and deficient rates. One of the objectives of the research was the analysis of the transport efficiency using the Value Stream Mapping as an important lean tool used by many practitioners to identify sources of waste and to propose alternatives of improvement. As a first conclusion of the study, transportation cannot be analyzed like a distinct part of the supply chain, therefore, VSM had to be considered, structured and visualized as linked processes of wasteful activities that need to be measured and improved. The transportation network design reflects the geographic distribution conditions, the frequency and size of the orders, the gaps between the in-transit activities and non-intransit activities. Waste identification research was focused on elaboration of Transportation Visual Map starting with main activities such as: shipment loading, transporting goods to destination, unloading processes, and transportation back to the base and handling the paperwork. MOVE Measure was the new metrics that determined the transportation efficiency in terms of availability, performance and quality, all the factors being expressed in percentage. The results of the research showed the importance of using the VSM tool in transforming the transportation segment of the supply chain from a non-value- adding activity into an optimized value- adding process.
IFRS 15 – the seventh wave of Norwalk Agreement’s convergence Roadmap
Authors: Usurelu Valentin Ioan , Dutescu Adriana
Published: June 2018

Successful accounting convergence Program was outlined in September 2002 when Norwalk Agreement was issued. US FASB and UK IASB agreed to develop high-quality financial reporting standards and pledged to use their best efforts for achieving fully compatible standards. Once achieved, this compatibility is maintained through future work programme’s coordination. The seventh Roadmap’s 2006-2008 objective was establishing Revenue recognition as one of the most complex convergence process’s topics. In this context, in May 2014 appeared IFRS 15 Revenues for contracts with customers. The implementation was set on or after 1 January 2018. Based upon the IFRS Foundation desideratum to advance an exclusive high-class, comprehensible, globally applicable and acknowledged set of financial script guidelines for the public benefit, based on clearly articulated principles, the present study attempts to analyse the role and the place of IFRS 15 related not only to convergence programme’s objectives. Consistent with this approach, we find some opportunities and challenges, also research perspectives in the scope of accomplishing a better understanding of this processes.
Innovation Audit for business excellence
Authors: Vlăduţ Gabriel , Tănase Narcisa Melania , Caramihai Mihaela , Purcărea Anca Alexandra
Published: June 2018

Innovation means creativity and added value recognise by the market. The first step in creating a sustainable commercialization of research results, Technological Transfer - TT mechanism, on one hand is to define the “technology” which will be transferred and on other hand to define the context in which the TT mechanism work, the ecosystem. The Innovation Audit is a component of the analysis of innovation capability potential of SMEs and R&D Institutions together with TO - Technology Offer, TR - Technology Request in the field of economy, technology transfer. We created a methodology and a tool that will support the entities that work in the field of technology transfer and innovation to analyze the company’s capacity to be innovative, to create competitiveness. The Innovation Audit tool developed will be available online for all the users interested, in the conditions described above, which makes them accessible beyond the members of the consortium and their home regions and countries. Also, since the development process will be part of the financing project, all the consultations, reports, analyses, inputs and feedbacks will be available to any interested party which can replicate the process in other fields or in other regions. Actually, this would be highly desirable, as it would lead to building a stronger network of support for innovation and technology transfer that can lead to an increased competitiveness of European enterprises (especially SMEs) in domains important for the future life and welfare of European citizens. The Innovation Audit tool developed is readily transferable to the organisations from all the countries along Danube, involved in the “Made in Danube” project that are active in the domain of bio-economy. This is due to the fact that they will be conceived starting from the real needs of these organisations and in line with European level guidelines and international best practices and come to fill a know-how niche that is under populated at the moment.
Recycling of Previously Transplanted Hair: A Novel Indication for Follicular Unit Extraction
Authors: Mohebipour Alireza , Gianfaldoni Serena , Lotti Torello , Ramirez-Fort Marigdalia K. , Lange Christopher S. , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Wollina Uwe , Tchernev Georgi , Feily Amir
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: Hair transplantation has enhanced the realm of procedural dermatology. Before the advent of follicular transplantation, androgenetic alopecia was a difficult disease to manage, as there is a limited armamentarium of topical and systemic pharmaceuticals. However, as with other novel surgical procedures, there is a steep learning curve, that may result in poor transplantation or cosmesis.CASE REPORT: We present a case of androgenetic alopecia, where previously, poorly implanted hairs were recycled by follicular unit extraction to increase hair density at the vertex of the scalp, which resulted in improved cosmesis and patient satisfaction.CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that re-transplantation is not only feasible but is effective; therefore redesigning of previous transplantations should be considered as a possible indication follicle unit extraction, particularly in the setting of scarce follicular reserves. The utility of our recycling method may also inspire hope in patients that have undergone failed or unsatisfactory hair transplantations.
Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Arising in Adenomyoma in a Woman with a Genital Prolapse - Case Report
Authors: Antovska Vesna S. , Krstevska Iskra , Trajanova Milka , Chelebieva Jasmina , Gosheva Irena , Zdravkovski Panche , Kostadinova-Kunovska Slavica , Janevska Vesna
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer is the third-ranked genital malignancy in women and includes 3% of cancer deaths. There is a 2.8% chance of a woman developing endometrial cancer during her lifetime. Low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas are often seen along with endometrial hyperplasia, but high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas have more solid sheets of less-differentiated tumour cells, which are no longer organised into glands, often associated with surrounded atrophic endometrium.CASE REPORT: We present an unusual case of endometrial adenocarcinoma arising in adenomyoma in 74-year old woman presented with genital prolapse, without other clinical symptoms. Ultrasound evaluation revealed endometrium with 4 mm-thickness and atrophic ovaries. The cervical smear was normal. The patient underwent a total vaginal hysterectomy. The histopathology of the anterior uterine wall revealed an intramural adenomyoma of 4 mm in which some endometrial glands with malignant transformation of well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma without infiltration in surrounding myometrium and lymphovascular invasion were present. The endometrium lining the uterine cavity was predominantly atrophic, and only one focus of simplex and complex hyperplasia was found, with cell-atypia. According to AJCC/FIGO 2010, the tumour was classified: pTNM = pT1B pNX pMX G1 R0 L0 V0 NG1, Stage I. On dismiss, the near-future oncological consultation was recommended.CONCLUSION: We would like to point out the rare occurrence of such type of malignancy and the importance of meticulous histopathology evaluation, even after reconstructive surgery for genital prolapse.
Surgery Resection of a Massive Thymic Carcinoma during Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Dumani Selman , Likaj Ermal , Veseli Aferdita , Llazo Stavri , Berdica Leart , Refatllari Ali
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: Thymic carcinoma is a very rare tumour. It is classified as thymoma type C according to World Health Organization classification. There are not many publications of simultaneous surgical treatment of thymoma during cardiac surgery interventions.CASE REPORT: We present a case of simultaneous surgical treatment of incidentally discovered thymic carcinoma during an urgent coronary artery by-pass operation. A 55-year-old man with diagnosis three coronary vessel diseases indicated urgent by-pass surgery. The patient underwent triple coronary bypass surgery. During the intervention, it was discovered incidentally a strong mass 15 x 12 cm located in the right pleural space. A tumour was excised totally, and biopsy referred thymoma type C or thymic carcinoma. The patient did very well early postoperatively. He was referred to oncologist clinicians for further treatment. The patient was clinically very good for at least 1.5 years after surgery.CONCLUSION: We think that simultaneous surgical treatment of thymoma, whenever it is encountered during cardiac surgery procedures, is the recommended solution.
A Saudi Infant with Vici Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alzahrani Alhussain , Alghamdi Abdulrahman Abdullah , Waggass Rahaf
Published: June 2018

INTRODUCTION: Vici syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, was first described in 1988 by Vici et al. Only 78 cases have been reported to date. The syndrome is characterised by agenesis of the corpus callosum, hypopigmentation, cardiomyopathy, progressive failure to thrive, dysmorphic features, immunodeficiency and cataracts. Mutations in the gene epg5 have been identified as the cause of Vici syndrome.CASE DESCRIPTION: The parents are a consanguineous Saudi couple with two other children diagnosed with Gaucher disease. The patient was born at term and in the first 5 months had many hospital admissions for a recurrent chest infection. Physical examination, investigations and imaging studies revealed that the patient had agenesis of the corpus callosum, cataracts, psychomotor delay, immunodeficiency and hypopigmentation. The initial echocardiogram was normal. At 7 months, genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of Vici syndrome with a c.3693G>Ap (Gln1231Gln) mutation in the gene EPG5. The patient developed a chest infection and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. An echocardiogram was repeated and showed significant left ventricular dilation with a Z-score of 3.1, moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and depressed ventricular function with a fractional shortening of 17% and ejection fraction 37%. The patient’s condition deteriorated, and he died aged 8 months.CONCLUSION: The symptoms of extensive system involvement in Vici syndrome have been present in the majority of reported cases and should prompt careful evaluation of this syndrome when such symptoms are present in an infant. In confirmed cases, close monitoring of the immune status and cardiac function, the two main causes of death among Vici syndrome patients, is vital to prevent rapid deterioration and improve life expectancy.
Green M&A Deals and Bidders’ Value Creation: The Role of Sustainability in Post-Acquisition Performance
Authors: Salvi Antonio , Petruzzella Felice , Giakoumelou Anastasia
Published: June 2018

A transition to natural and renewable resources is deemed necessary to preserve the environment and satisfy future energy needs globally. In this context, green economy can be considered a viable alternative paradigm that preserves growth expectations while protecting the earth’s ecosystems.The objective of this study is to investigate whether “green” acquisitions represent a suitable way to support the green economy’s growth, given that public subsidies alone do not suffice. To this end, we analyse bidders’ post-acquisition performance (return on assets), based on data from the most recent deals, and try to decode whether bidders that “green” themselves find the potential to improve their financial performance and simultaneously enhance their corporate image.Results confirm that bidders opting for “green” deals can obtain better financial outcomes compared to firms that perform deals in other sectors. This implies that firms may favor such transactions both to foster their external growth and obtain better operating and financial results, while attributing a green identity to their corporate image and protecting the environment. These findings bestow and elevate confidence in the potential of relevant research, raising focus on unexplored Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) aspects of growing interest among investors worldwide.
A Novel On‐Chip Method for Differential Extraction of Sperm in Forensic Cases
Authors: Inci Fatih , Ozen Mehmet O. , Saylan Yeseren , Miansari Morteza , Cimen Duygu , Dhara Raghu , Chinnasamy Thiruppathiraja , Yuksekkaya Mehmet , Filippini Chiara , Kumar Deepan Kishore , Calamak Semih , Yesil Yusuf , Durmus Naside Gozde , Duncan George , Klevan Leonard , Demirci Utkan
Published: June 2018

One out of every six American women has been the victim of a sexual assault in their lifetime. However, the DNA casework backlog continues to increase outpacing the nation's capacity since DNA evidence processing in sexual assault casework remains a bottleneck due to laborious and time‐consuming differential extraction of victim's and perpetrator's cells. Additionally, a significant amount (60–90%) of male DNA evidence may be lost with existing procedures. Here, a microfluidic method is developed that selectively captures sperm using a unique oligosaccharide sequence (Sialyl‐LewisX), a major carbohydrate ligand for sperm‐egg binding. This method is validated with forensic mock samples dating back to 2003, resulting in 70–92% sperm capture efficiency and a 60–92% reduction in epithelial fraction. Captured sperm are then lysed on‐chip and sperm DNA is isolated. This method reduces assay‐time from 8 h to 80 min, providing an inexpensive alternative to current differential extraction techniques, accelerating identification of suspects and advancing public safety.
Prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias using a targeted skeletal gene panel
Authors: Zhou Xinyao , Chandler Natalie , Deng Linbei , Zhou Jia , Yuan Meizhen , Sun Luming
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study aimed to perform an accurate and precise diagnosis for fetuses with suspected skeletal anomalies based on an incomplete and limited ultrasound phenotype.

Methods

Proband‐only targeted skeletal gene panel sequencing was performed on 12 families who had fetuses with suspected skeletal anomalies based on ultrasound evaluations at a mean gestational age of 24 weeks and 3 days. The fetuses all had normal standard genetic testing yield (karyotyping and microarray).

Results

In 10 of 12 fetuses, panel sequencing provided a diagnosis or possible diagnosis with identification of variants in the following genes: FGFR3, COL1A2, IHH, COL2A1, and DYNC2H1. Two cases revealed novel variants in COL2A1 and DYNC2H1.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that targeted skeletal gene panel sequencing is highly sensitive for prenatal diagnosis of fetuses presenting with unexpected ultrasound findings suggestive of a skeletal dysplasia.
Effects of Heating Temperatures and Acid Concentrations on Physicochemical Properties and Starch Digestibility of Citric Acid Esterified Tapioca Starches
Authors: Srikaeo Khongsak , Hao Phạm Thị , Lerdluksamee Chutima
Published: June 2018

Physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of modified tapioca starch using various citric acid concentrations (10, 30, and 50 g/100 g dry starch) and heating temperatures (100, 120, and 140 °C for 5 h) are investigated. It is found that the degree of esterification increases with increasing dose of citric acid and heating temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that citrate starch samples exposed to high acid dose (30 g/100 g citric acid) and temperature (120 °C) are resistant to gelatinization. In addition, transitional enthalpy also decreases with increasing concentration and temperature. The microstructure of esterified starch is observed to have agglomerated granules, with corrosions/fissures and small overlapping layers on the surfaces, which are observed in all modified samples. Citric acid esterification of tapioca starch provided advantages in terms of the increase resistant starch content and slow digestion rate when compared to native starch.
Role of NS1 antibodies in the pathogenesis of acute dengue infection
Authors: Jayathilaka Deshni , Gomes Laksiri , Jeewandara Chandima , Jayarathna Geethal S.Bandara , Herath Dhanushka , Perera Pathum Asela , Fernando Samitha , Wijewickrama Ananda , Hardman Clare S. , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: June 2018

The role of NS1-specific antibodies in the pathogenesis of dengue virus infection is of particular interest to the dengue field, yet remains poorly understood. We therefore investigated the immunoglobulin responses of patients with dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) to NS1. Antibody responses to recombinant-NS1 were assessed in serum samples obtained throughout illness of patients with acute secondary DENV1 and DENV2 infection by ELISA. NS1 antibody titres were significantly higher in patients with DHF compared to those with DF for both serotypes, during the critical phase of illness. Antibody responses were further assessed to NS1 peptides and showed that in both acute secondary DENV1 and DENV2 infection, the antibody repertoire of DF and DHF patients is directed towards distinct regions of the NS1 protein. Further experiments in healthy individuals, with either past severe dengue or past asymptomatic dengue infection revealed that individuals with past inapparent disease mounted antibody responses directed to the same NS1 epitope regions as those with mild acute infection (DF). Our results suggest that the specific epitope target of NS1-antibodies generated by patients could predict disease severity and be of potential therapeutic benefit in aiding vaccine and treatment design.
The Goldilocks Effect: Female geladas in mid-sized groups have higher fitness
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth Tinsley , Feder Jacob A. , Bergman Thore J. , Lu Amy , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Beehner Jacinta C.
Published: June 2018

The cost-benefit ratio of group-living is thought to vary with group size: individuals in “optimally-sized” groups should have higher fitness than individuals in groups that are either too large or too small. However, the relationship between group size and individual fitness has been difficult to establish for long-lived species where the number of groups studied is typically quite low. Here we present evidence for optimal group size that maximizes female fitness in a population of geladas (Theropithecus gelada). Drawing on 14 years of demographic data, we found that females in small groups experienced the highest death rates, while females in mid-sized units exhibited the highest reproductive performance. This group-size effect on female reproductive performance was largely explained by variation in infant mortality (and, in particular, by infanticide from immigrant males) but not by variation in reproductive rates. Taken together, females in mid-sized units are projected to attain optimal fitness due to conspecific infanticide and, potentially, predation. Our findings provide insight into how and why group size shapes fitness in long-lived species.
High affinity interactions of Pb2+with Synaptotagmin I
Authors: Katti Sachin , Her Bin , Srivastava Atul K. , Taylor Alexander B. , Lockless Steve W. , Igumenova Tatyana I.
Published: June 2018

Lead (Pb) is a potent neurotoxin that disrupts synaptic neurotransmission. We report that Synaptotagmin I (SytI), a key regulator of Ca2+-evoked neurotransmitter release, has two high-affinity Pb2+binding sites that belong to its cytosolic C2A and C2B domains. The crystal structures of Pb2+-complexed C2 domains revealed that protein-bound Pb2+ions have holodirected coordination geometries and all-oxygen coordination spheres. The on-rate constants of Pb2+binding to the C2 domains of SytI are comparable to those of Ca2+and are diffusion-limited. In contrast, the off-rate constants are at least two orders of magnitude smaller, indicating that Pb2+can serve as both thermodynamic and kinetic trap for the C2 domains. We demonstrate, using NMR spectroscopy, that population of these sites by Pb2+ions inhibits further Ca2+binding despite the existing coordination vacancies. Our work offers a unique insight into the bioinorganic chemistry of Pb(II) and suggests a mechanism by which low concentrations of Pb2+ions can interfere with the Ca2+-dependent function of SytI in the cell.
Androgen Receptor-Induced Integrin α6β1 and Adhesion to Laminin Promotes Survival and Drug Resistance in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer through BNIP3
Authors: Nollet Eric A. , Ganguly Sourik S. , Schulz Veronique V. , Cress Anne , Miranti Cindy K.
Published: June 2018

Although castration-resistant prostate cancers no longer respond to anti-androgen therapies, the androgen receptor (AR) is still required to promote tumor survival. However, the signaling pathways downstream of AR that promote this survival are not well known. We recently identified an AR-dependent survival pathway whereby AR induction of integrin α6β1 and adhesion to laminin activates NF-kB/RelA signaling and Bcl-xL. This pathway acts in parallel with the PI3K/Akt pathway in Pten-null tumor cells such that combined inhibition of both PI3K and integrin α6β1 is required to kill tumor cells adherent to laminin. However, PTEN-null castration-resistant tumors were not effectively inhibited by this combination. We discovered that BNIP3, a hypoxia-induced BH3-only, pro-mitophagic Bcl2 family member, is induced by androgen in castration-resistant cells through integrin α6β1 signaling to HIF1α. Furthermore, castration-resistant cells adherent to laminin were much more efficient at inducing autophagy in response to androgen. Androgen blocked the ability of the PI3K inhibitor PX-866 to kill castration-resistant tumors, but this was reversed by loss of BNIP3. Although BNIP3 was dispensable for androgen-induced autophagy, its mitophagy function was required for BNIP3 to promote resistance to PI3K inhibition. Thus, adhesion to laminin triggers signaling through AR/α6β1/HIF1α in castration-resistant cells to drive the expression of BNIP3 and cooperates with AR/α6β1-mediated autophagy, both of which contribute to PI3K resistance through induction of mitophagy.
Genotypes, phenotypes and treatment with immunomodulators in the rheumatic diseases
Authors: van Vollenhoven R. F.
Published: June 2018

The autoimmune rheumatological diseases rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are treated with conventional immunosuppressive agents and with modern biological immunomodulators. The latter group of medications have brought about a major change in our ability to control RA and SpA, with more modest results for SLE. The biologicals are very specific in their mechanisms of action, targeting one specific cytokine or one particular cellular marker. Because of this, their efficacy can readily be linked to a single immunomodulatory mechanism. This observation has fuelled hopes that the efficacy of these agents can be predicted at the individual level based on the patient's genetic predisposition, immunological profile or disease phenotype. Whilst the biologic therapies have improved the prospects for patients with these diseases very significantly, the hope that they could be targeted to the patient in an individualized manner has not completely born fruit. In this review, I will argue that we are witnessing important progress in this field, and that justified hope exists for true advances in precision medicine in the autoimmune diseases in the coming years.
Report of the inaugural Interferon Research Summit: interferon in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Crow Mary K , Rönnblom Lars
Published: June 2018

An international summit on interferon (IFN) in inflammatory diseases, held in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA (4–5 May 2017), united 22 internationally renowned clinicians and scientists with backgrounds in basic science, translational science and clinical medicine. The objectives of the summit were to assess the current knowledge of the role of type I IFN in inflammatory diseases and other conditions, discuss the available clinical trial data of anti-IFN therapeutic agents and identify key clinical and therapeutic knowledge gaps and future directions to advance the treatment landscape of diseases involving the type I IFN pathway. A discussion-based consensus process was used to assess three main clinical areas: the role of type I IFN in innate immunity, the role of type I IFN in autoimmune diseases and rational therapeutic targets in the IFN pathway. These are described here, along with current knowledge gaps and resulting recommendations. The advisors unanimously agreed that, despite significant obstacles, the field should transition from an organ-based model to a pathophysiology-based model. A better understanding of the molecular pathways could help inform potential therapeutic targets, thus progressing towards personalised medicine by tailoring the therapy to each patient.
Was es bedeutet, gegen Journalisten zu hetzen
Authors: Schöning Matthias
Published: June 2018

The problematization of journalistic work is a recurring theme in literature. This paper traces the reservations journalists see themselves confronted with according to literary representations, how criticism is solidified, and how the suspicion that journalists are making up facts is becoming more universal. This will be done by looking at a historical line of texts, ranging from Die Journalisten by Gustav Freytag to Josef Haslinger’s Opernball. There are two main criteria underlying the choice of texts: first, the figures of journalists play a central role in each of the texts; second, these texts make visible the stages of a presumed development process from the middle of the 19th century through to today in the most succinct way possible.
Bactericidal and disinfective properties of disinfectant «GK-10»
Authors: Tishyn O.L. , Khomiak R.V. , Kopijchuk G.T. , Danko M.M. , Ponomariova S.A.
Published: June 2018

The article presents the results of research on bactericidal properties of the new domestic disinfectant «GK-10», which is a transparent solution of light yellow color, without mechanical inclusions with a specific odor. It is well mixed with water. It is based on alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (QAC) and dodecylbispropylentriamine (1,3-prodadiene) (tertiary amines). Was found bactericidal dilution (BD), bactericidal concentration (BC), phenolic coefficient (FC) and protein index (PI). Thus, the most susceptible to the action of the disinfectant were were gram-negative bacteria E. coli, where cell death occurred at 10 and 30 minute exposures at concentrations of 0.19 and 0.14%, respectively. Due to the action of the disinfectant on the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, cell death came at these exposures at concentrations 0.27 and 0.19%, respectively. The least susceptible to the action of the disinfectant were vegetative forms of B. subtilis, the death of these bacteria came at concentrations 0.37 and 0.27% at 10 and 30 minutes of exposure, respectively. Effects of disinfectant was over 5.38 and 2.74 times higher on microorganisms of E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, of the decontamination effect of phenol, and in the presence of protein, the activity of the disinfectant is reduced by 6.45 times. The efficiency of the disinfectant for the strains of microorganisms at the disinfestation of the test-object surfaces is determined. It has been established that for test cultures of E. coli and S. aureus 0.05–0.3% of disinfectant concentration is ineffective, and 0.5% its disinfectant concentration for disinfection of hard surfaces in preventive disinfection of premises for animals is insufficient for exposure in 120 minutes. For spore form B. subtilis 1.0% disinfectant concentration was ineffective. 1.0% concentration is effective for aseptic cleaning: slaughterhouses, processing shops, laboratory facilities, means of transporting products of animal origin, soaking clothes before washing, and also for treating surfaces of wood, metal and glazed tile at exposures of 60 minutes and more, and when spore forms of microorganisms, the working concentration of insoluble in disinfection of objects subject to veterinary control should be 3% and above. It has been proved that the disinfectant «GK-10» is effective at a concentration of 0.5% at exposure for 180 minutes and at a concentration of 1.0% at an exposure of 120 minutes for the sanation and preventive disinfection of premises for animals.
Das angst-motiv in der Octavia des pseudo-Seneca
Authors: Takács László
Published: June 2018

All the actors in Octavia, a pseudo-Senecan drama, are afraid of something. Only the Roman people are capable of overcoming their fears and of supporting the emperor's rejected wife and this eventually leads to their fall. Octavia, who enjoys the people's sympathy, nonetheless remains passive. Her passivity can be interpreted as a form of resistance through inactivity - she considers this the only means of preventing the impending marriage between Nero and Poppea.
Ironie in Menanders Dyskolos
Authors: Domány Judit
Published: June 2018

A structural analysis of Menander's Dyskolos reveals that the various scenes are linked by a series of recurring literary motifs (phrases, objects and actions) that also contribute to the characterization of the various actors, and especially to that of Rnemon. The final scene of this drama appears to be ironically ambiguous: the 'happy end' includes Dyskolos' punishment who must attend a meeting of the very crowd that he hates.
User Experience of an App-Based Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Asklund Ina , Samuelsson Eva , Hamberg Katarina , Umefjord Göran , Sjöström Malin
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects 10%-39% of women. Its first-line treatment consists of lifestyle interventions and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), which can be performed supervised or unsupervised. Health apps are increasing in number and can be used to improve adherence to treatments. We developed the Tät app, which provides a 3-month treatment program with a focus on PFMT for women with SUI. The app treatment was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, which demonstrated efficacy for improving incontinence symptoms and quality of life. In this qualitative interview study, we investigated participant experiences of the app-based treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore women’s experiences of using an app-based treatment program for SUI.

METHODS

This qualitative study is based on telephone interviews with 15 selected women, with a mean age of 47 years, who had used the app in the previous randomized controlled trial. A semistructured interview guide with open-ended questions was used, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed according to the grounded theory.

RESULTS

The results were grouped into three categories: “Something new!” “Keeping motivation up!” and “Good enough?” A core category, “Enabling my independence,” was identified. The participants appreciated having a new and modern way to access a treatment program for SUI. The use of new technology seemed to make incontinence treatment feel more prioritized and less embarrassing for the subjects. The closeness to their mobile phone and app features like reminders and visual graphs helped support and motivate the women to carry through the PFMT. The participants felt confident that they could perform the treatment program on their own, even though they expressed some uncertainty about whether they were doing the pelvic floor muscle contractions correctly. They felt that the app-based treatment increased their self-confidence and enabled them to take responsibility for their treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the app-based treatment program for SUI empowered the women in this study and helped them self-manage their incontinence treatment. They appreciated the app as a new tool for supporting their motivation to carry through a slightly challenging PFMT program.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01848938; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01848938 (Archived by WebCite at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01848938)
Stonehenge, druidit ja kulttuurinen muisti
Authors: Bergholm Alexandra
Published: June 2018

UNESCO:n maailmanperintökohteisiin kuuluvan Stonehengen megaliittisen kivikehän alkuperää ja käyttötarkoitusta on historian kuluessa yritetty selittää mitä moninaisimmin tavoin. Tämän artikkelin tarkastelun kohteena ovat 1600-luvun alkupuolelta lähtien suosioon nousseet teoriat, joissa monumentti on pyritty yhdistämään kelttien uskonnollisiin asiantuntijoihin, druideihin. Artikkelissa jäljitetään näiden tulkintojen lähtökohtia ja kehitystä historiallisen lähdeaineiston avulla hyödyntämällä analyysin teoreettisena työkaluna kulttuurisen muistin käsitettä. Analyysi havainnollistaa miten Stonehengeen ja druideihin liitetyt käsitykset ovat vuosisatojen aikana muotoutuneet osaksi kollektiivista käsitystä Britannian kansallisesta menneisyydestä ja identiteetistä. Tästä näkökulmasta artikkeli osallistuu myös laajempiin ajankohtaisiin keskusteluihin kulttuuriperinnön omistajuudesta sekä Stonehengen kaltaisten esihistoriallisten muinaisjäänteiden moniajallisuudesta.