bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Right Ventricular–Pulmonary Arterial Coupling and Effect of Sildenafil in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hussain Imad , Mohammed Selma F. , Forfia Paul R. , Lewis Gregory D. , Borlaug Barry A. , Gallup Dianne S. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RVD) is a poor prognostic factor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The physiological perturbations associated with RVD or RV function indexed to load (RV–pulmonary arterial [PA] coupling) in HFpEF have not been defined. HFpEF patients with marked impairment in RV–PA coupling may be uniquely sensitive to sildenafil.

Methods and Results—

In a subset of HFpEF patients enrolled in the Phosphodiesteas-5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status And Exercise Capacity in Diastolic Heart Failure (RELAX) trial, physiological variables and therapeutic effect of sildenafil were examined relative to the severity of RVD (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]) and according to impairment in RV–PA coupling (TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure) ratio. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation and diuretic use, n-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide levels, renal dysfunction, neurohumoral activation, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis biomarkers, and the severity of diastolic dysfunction all increased with severity of RVD. Peak oxygen consumption decreased and ventilatory inefficiency (VE/VCO
2
slope) increased with increasing severity of RVD. Many but not all physiological derangements were more closely associated with the TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio. Compared with placebo, at 24 weeks, TAPSE decreased, and peak oxygen consumption and VE/CO
2
slope were unchanged with sildenafil. There was no interaction between RV–PA coupling and treatment effect, and sildenafil did not improve TAPSE, peak oxygen consumption, or VE/VCO
2
in patients with pulmonary hypertension and RVD.

Conclusions—

HFpEF patients with RVD and impaired RV–PA coupling have more advanced heart failure. In RELAX patients with RVD and impaired RV–PA coupling, sildenafil did not improve RV function, exercise capacity, or ventilatory efficiency.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00763867.
Long-Term Prognosis After Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Among Low-Intermediate Risk Women and Men
Authors: Kelkar Anita A. , Schultz William M. , Khosa Faisal , Schulman-Marcus Joshua , O’Hartaigh Briain W.J. , Gransar Heidi , Blaha Michael J. , Knapper Joseph T. , Berman Daniel S. , Quyyumi Arshed , Budoff Matthew J. , Callister Tracy Q. , Min James K. , Shaw Leslee J.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Cardiovascular screening of women using traditional risk factors has been challenging, with results often classifying a majority of women as lower risk than men. The aim of this report was to determine the long-term prognosis of asymptomatic women and men classified at low-intermediate risk undergoing screening with coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring.

Methods and Results—

A total of 2363 asymptomatic women and men with traditional risk factors aggregating into a low-intermediate Framingham risk score (6%–9.9%; 10-year predicted risk) underwent CAC scanning. Individuals were followed up for a median of 14.6 years. We estimated all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards models; hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was calculated. There were 1072 women who were older (55.6 years) when compared with the 1291 men (46.7 years;
P
<0.0001), resulting in a greater prevalence and extent of CAC; 18.8% of women and 15.1% of men had a CAC score ≥100 (
P
=0.029). This older group of women had a 1.44-fold higher 15-year adjusted mortality hazard when compared with men (
P
=0.022). For women, the 15-year mortality ranged from 5.0% for those with a CAC score of 0 to 23.5% for those with a CAC score ≥400 (
P
<0.001). For men, the 15-year mortality ranged from 3.5% for those with a CAC score of 0 to 18.0% for those with a CAC score ≥400 (
P
<0.001). Women with CAC scores >10 had a higher mortality risk when compared with men.

Conclusions—

Our findings extend previous work that CAC effectively identifies high-risk women with a low-intermediate risk factor burden. These data require validation in external cohorts but lend credence to the use of CAC in women to improve risk detection algorithms that are currently based on traditional risk factors.
Handschrift W Gottfrieds von Strassburg und das stabreimende Wortpaar—i
Authors: Jeep John M.
Published: April 2016

A long-term project tracing the history of the alliterating word-pair in the earliest recorded stages of German returns to Gottfried von Straßburg on the occasion of a new edition of manuscript W. For the first time, each and every such pair is documented and analysed within the context of Tristan, including comprehensive findings in recent studies on alliterating word-pairs in Old High and Early Middle High German, and in comparison with Ranke’s edition. Gottfried’s use of the pair consitutes a major factor within his rhetorical arsenal. Related yet different phraseological phenomena are also addressed in the context of philological research on Gottfried’s work.
Morphological and molecular identification of a new species of Truncospora (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in North America
Authors: ZHAO CHANG-LIN , XU FENG , PFISTER DONALD H.
Published: April 2016

Truncospora wisconsinensis sp. nov., a new poroid wood-inhabiting species, is proposed based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. This species demonstrates a unique combination of characters including: annual habit; pileate basidiomata with a white pileus and pore surface; a dimitic hyphal system with non- to slightly dextrinoid, cyanophilous skeletal hyphae; and ellipsoid, truncate, slightly thick-walled, strongly dextrinoid basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS and partial tef1-α support the position of this new species as a sister clade of T. ohiensis.
Structure and Dynamics of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation in MERRA-2
Authors: Coy Lawrence , Wargan Krzysztof , Molod Andrea M. , McCarty William R. , Pawson Steven
Published: April 2016

The structure, dynamics, and ozone signal of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) produced by the 35-yr NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), are examined based on monthly mean output. Along with the analysis of the QBO in assimilation winds and ozone, the QBO forcings created by assimilated observations, dynamics, parameterized gravity wave drag (GWD), and ozone chemistry parameterization are examined and compared with the original MERRA system. Results show that MERRA-2 produces a realistic QBO in the zonal winds, mean meridional circulation, and ozone over the 1980–2015 time period. In particular, the MERRA-2 zonal winds show improved representation of the QBO 50-hPa westerly phase amplitude at Singapore when compared to MERRA. The use of limb ozone observations creates improved vertical structure and realistic downward propagation of the ozone QBO signal during times when the MLS ozone limb observations are available (from October 2004 to present). The increased equatorial GWD in MERRA-2 has reduced the zonal wind data analysis contribution compared to MERRA so that the QBO mean meridional circulation can be expected to be more physically forced and therefore more physically consistent. This can be important for applications in which MERRA-2 winds are used to drive transport experiments.
Dynamic Mapping of Along-Track Ocean Altimetry: Method and Performance from Observing System Simulation Experiments
Authors: Ubelmann Clement , Cornuelle Bruce , Fu Lee-Lueng
Published: April 2016

Simulated along-track ocean altimetry data were used to implement the use of a nonlinear dynamic propagator to perform three-dimensional (time and 2D space) interpolation of mesoscale sea surface height (SSH). The method is an inverse approach to processing altimetry data unevenly sampled in time and space into high-level gridded altimetry maps. The inverse approach, similar to the standard objective mapping, contains some correction terms to the innovation vectors to account for nonlinear dynamics. Another key improvement is to solve for the covariance functions through a Green’s function approach. From the Observing System Simulation Experiments carried out to simulate a three-satellite constellation over the Gulf Stream region, the new method can significantly reduce mapping errors and improve the resolving capabilities compared to the standard linear objective analysis such as that used by the AVISO gridding.
Comparison of Direct and Spectral Methods for Evaluation of the Temperature Structure Parameter in Numerically Simulated Convective Boundary Layer Flows
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy A. , Fedorovich Evgeni , Maronga Björn , Wainwright Charlotte , Dröse Manuel
Published: April 2016

In many engineering and meteorological applications, atmospheric turbulence within the planetary boundary layer is described in terms of its representative parameters. One such parameter is the structure-function (or structure) parameter that is used to characterize the intensity of turbulent fluctuations of atmospheric flow variables. Structure parameters are derivatives of structure functions, but are used more frequently than the latter ones for practical needs as they do not explicitly include dependence on the separation distance. The structure parameter of potential temperature, which is the subject of this study, describes the spatial variability of the temperature fluctuations. It is broadly represented in theories and models of electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation in the atmosphere, and forms the basis for the scintillometer measurement concept. The authors consider three methods to compute the potential temperature structure function and structure parameter: the direct method, the true spectral method, and the conventional spectral method. Each method is tested on high-resolution potential temperature datasets generated from large-eddy simulations of a variety of convective boundary layer flow cases reproduced by two representative numerical codes. Results indicate that the popular conventional spectral method routinely exaggerates the potential temperature structure-function parameter, likely due to the unrealistic assumptions underlying the method. The direct method and true spectral method are recommended as the more suitable approaches.
Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on Health in High-Income Oecd Countries
Authors: Karanikolos Marina , Heino Pia , McKee Martin , Stuckler David , Legido-Quigley Helena
Published: April 2016

A growing body of evidence documents how economic crises impact aspects of health across countries and over time. We performed a systematic narrative review of the health effects of the latest economic crisis based on studies of high-income countries. Papers published between January 2009 and July 2015 were selected based on review of titles and abstracts, followed by a full text review conducted by two independent reviewers. Ultimately, 122 studies were selected and their findings summarized. The review finds that the 2008 financial crisis had negative effects on mental health, including suicide, and to a varying extent on some non-communicable and communicable diseases and access to care. Although unhealthy behaviors such as hazardous drinking and tobacco use appeared to decline during the crisis, there have been increases in some groups, typically those already at greatest risk. The health impact was greatest in countries that suffered the largest economic impact of the crisis or prolonged austerity. The Great Recessions in high-income countries have had mixed impacts on health. They tend to be worse when economic impacts are more severe, prolonged austerity measures are implemented, and there are pre-existing problems of substance use among vulnerable groups.
The Ostroms’ Commons Revisited
Authors: Lohmann Roger A.
Published: April 2016

Elinor and Vincent Ostrom spent their careers working in fields outside third-sector studies, yet a significant body of their work has important implications for nonprofit organizations and the wider third sector. From their academic base at the Workshop on Political Theory and Policy Analysis at Indiana University, they built a large body of research and theory on a broad range of topics that bear on nonprofit and voluntary action theory, including self-governance, collaboration, coproduction, polycentrism, federalism, and numerous others. This article examines and critiques selected aspects of their role in the vast international network of commons studies and projects, including a body of my own work stretching back several decades on the commons theory of voluntary action (CTVA). Recent work on new commons, information commons, and knowledge commons points toward a convergence of the Ostrom’s work on commons with commons research and theory in our field.
Payment by results: Challenges and conflicts for the Therapeutic Community
Authors: Gosling Helena
Published: April 2016

Drawing upon the findings of a 31-month ethnographic study in a residential Therapeutic Community (TC) for substance use, this article sheds light on the challenges and contradictions which surround the introduction of increasingly commercial/business-orientated decisions within the alcohol and drug treatment field. The aim of this article is to critically reflect upon the implementation of an outcome-orientated policy directive, typically referred to as payment by results (PbR), in a residential rehabilitation service, and consider the implications which surround the initiative for those at the coal face of service delivery. The fundamental principles of PbR and the TC are discussed, as are the tensions and dilemmas which surround the implementation of a high-level policy directive that is fundamentally dissimilar to the theoretical ambitions and practice that takes place on the ground in a residential rehabilitation service. To conclude, the article suggests that incentives, with a clear focus on saving money rather than saving lives, provide little more than additional pressures and strains at the coal face of service delivery, transforming individual progression into a financially driven bureaucratic process. The findings not only illustrate the dehumanizing properties of outcome-based payment schemes but bring mainstream representations of effectiveness into sharp focus.
Gene disruption of dematin causes precipitous loss of erythrocyte membrane stability and severe hemolytic anemia
Authors: Lu Yunzhe , Hanada Toshihiko , Fujiwara Yuko , Nwankwo Jennifer O. , Wieschhaus Adam J. , Hartwig John , Huang Sha , Han Jongyoon , Chishti Athar H.
Published: April 2016

Dematin is a relatively low abundance actin binding and bundling protein associated with the spectrin–actin junctions of mature erythrocytes. Primary structure of dematin includes a loosely folded core domain and a compact headpiece domain that was originally identified in villin. Dematin’s actin binding properties are regulated by phosphorylation of its headpiece domain by cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase. Here, we used a novel gene disruption strategy to generate the whole body dematin gene knockout mouse model (FLKO). FLKO mice, while born at a normal Mendelian ratio, developed severe anemia and exhibited profound aberrations of erythrocyte morphology and membrane stability. Having no apparent effect on primitive erythropoiesis, FLKO mice show significant enhancement of erythroblast enucleation during definitive erythropoiesis. Using membrane protein analysis, domain mapping, electron microscopy, and dynamic deformability measurements, we investigated the mechanism of membrane instability in FLKO erythrocytes. Although many membrane and cytoskeletal proteins remained at their normal levels, the major peripheral membrane proteins spectrin, adducin, and actin were greatly reduced in FLKO erythrocytes. Our results demonstrate that dematin plays a critical role in maintaining the fundamental properties of the membrane cytoskeleton complex.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and clarithromycin resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Vietnam
Authors: Quek Camelia , Pham Son T. , Tran Kieu T. , Pham Binh T. , Huynh Loc V. , Luu Ngan B.L. , Le Thao K.T. , Quek Kelly , Pham Van H.
Published: April 2016

Helicobacter pyloriis a gastric pathogen that causes several gastroduodenal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.  Eradication efforts ofH. pyloriare often hampered by antimicrobial resistance in many countries, including Vietnam.  Here, the study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance amongH. pyloriclinical isolates across 13 hospitals in Vietnam.  The study further evaluated the clarithromycin resistance patterns ofH. pyloristrains.  In order to address the study interests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, epsilometer test and PCR-based sequencing were performed on a total of 193 strains isolated from patients, including 136 children (3–15 years of age) and 57 adults (19–69 years of age).  Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the overall resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline was 10.4%, 85.5%, 24.4%, 37.8%, and 23.8% respectively.  The distribution of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of clarithromycin-resistant strains was 85.5% with MIC >0.5 μg/mL.  The majority of the clarithromycin resistant isolates (135 of 165 subjects) have MICs ranging from 2 μg/mL to 16 μg/mL.  Furthermore, sequencing detection of mutations in 23S rRNA gene revealed that strains resistant and susceptible to clarithromycin contained both A2143G and T2182C mutations.  Of all isolates, eight clarithromycin-resistant isolates (MIC >0.5 μg/mL) had no mutations in the 23S rRNA gene.  Collectively, these results demonstrated that a proportion of clarithromycin-resistantH. pyloristrains, which are not related to the 23S rRNA gene mutations, could be potentially related to other mechanisms such as the presence of an efflux pump or polymorphisms in the CYP2C19 gene.  Therefore, the present study suggests that providing susceptibility testing prior to treatment or alternative screening strategies for antimicrobial resistance is important for future clinical practice.  Further studies on clinical guidelines and treatment efficacy are pivotal for successful eradication ofH. pyloriinfection.
Management of anterior cruciate ligament injury: pathophysiology and treatment
Authors: Alazzawi Sulaiman , Sukeik Mohamed , Ibrahim Mazin , Haddad Fares S
Published: April 2016

Anterior cruciate ligament injury, a common soft tissue injury of the knee joint, is increasing in incidence particularly in young active people. It causes instability of the knee that leads to meniscal tears, cartilage defects and early osteoarthritis. This review summarizes aspects of anterior cruciate ligament injury management.
A Note on Symmetry of Solutions for a Class of Singular Semilinear Elliptic Problems
Authors: Trombetta Alessandro
Published: April 2016

We prove symmetry and monotonicity properties for positive solutions of the singular semilinear elliptic equation

-

Δ
⁢
u

=

g
⁢

(
x
)

u
γ

+

h
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
f
⁢

(
u
)

$-\Delta u=\frac{g(x)}{u^{\gamma}}+h(x)f(u)$

in bounded smooth domains with zero Dirichlet boundary conditions. The well-known moving plane method is applied.
Obstacle Problems and Maximal Operators
Authors: Blanc Pablo , Pinasco Juan P. , Rossi Julio D.
Published: April 2016

Fix two differential operators

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and

L
2

${L_{2}}$

, and define a sequence of functions inductively by considering

u
1

${u_{1}}$

as the solution to the Dirichlet problem for an operator

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and then

u
n

${u_{n}}$

as the solution to the obstacle problem for an operator

L
i

${L_{i}}$

(

i
=

1
,
2

${i=1,2}$

alternating them) with obstacle given by the previous term

u

n
-
1

${u_{n-1}}$

in a domain Ω and a fixed boundary datum g on

∂
⁡
Ω

${\partial\Omega}$

. We show that in this way we obtain an increasing sequence that converges uniformly to a viscosity solution to the minimal operator associated with

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and

L
2

${L_{2}}$

, that is, the limit u verifies

min
⁡

{

L
1

⁢
u

,

L
2

⁢
u

}

=
0

${\min\{L_{1}u,L_{2}u\}=0}$

in Ω with

u
=
g

${u=g}$

on

∂
⁡
Ω

${\partial\Omega}$

.
Sensitivity analysis of the optimal exercise boundary of the American put option
Authors: Rehman Nasir , Hussain Sultan , Ul-Haq Wasim
Published: April 2016

We consider the American put problem in a general one-dimensional diffusion model. The risk-free interest rate is constant, and volatility is assumed to be a function of time and stock price.
We use the well-known parabolic obstacle problem and establish the continuity estimate of the optional exercise boundaries of the American put option with respect to the local volatilities, which may be considered as a generalization of the Achdou results [1].
The battleground of metaphors: language debates and symbolic violence in Puerto Rico (1930–1960)
Authors: Valdez Juan R.
Published: April 2016

In Puerto Rico, the defense of Spanish and discussions of bilingualism have been conditioned by the island’s local politics and its relationships with the United States. Previous research has looked at how identity politics and specific political players produced arguments in favor or against various language proposals. Yet, questions regarding the complex ideological nature of the language debate in Puerto Rico remain to be examined with greater focalization and critical scrutiny. To this end and employing an interdisciplinary approach to issues of language and linguistic representation, I explore the ideological complexity of bilingualism in Puerto Rico during several decades from the perspective of the politics of language and by taking into account the phenomenon of symbolic violence. I argue that particular metaphors of language exemplify the link between symbolic and material violence in the context of this society’s struggles for political self-determination.
Pathophysiology and classification of pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Bignell Mark , Carr Norman J. , Mohamed Faheez
Published: April 2016

Background: The term pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was first described in 1884 and there has been much debate since then over the term. A recent consensus of world experts agreed that PMP should be thought of as a clinical entity characterised by the presence of mucinous ascites, omental cake, peritoneal implants and possibly ovarian involvement. It generally originates from mucinous appendiceal tumours.

Content: This review details the clinical presentation of this unusual condition, presents the new classification system and how this relates to outcome. The pathophysiology of this disease is also explored with a special reference to the relationship of the disease to tumour markers.

Summary: A classification system has been agreed upon by the leading experts in PMP which is now divided into low and high grade mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei. This distinction correlates with clinical outcome as does the presence of raised tumour markers preoperatively.

Outlook: Research needs to be focused on understanding the factors associated with poor prognosis through well designed multi-centred prospective studies. This will allow us to identify patients with bad tumour biology so that targeted treatment based on likely prognosis may then become a reality.
Multilevel Cell Storage and Resistance Variability in Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Prakash Amit , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: April 2016

Multilevel per cell (MLC) storage in resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is attractive in achieving high-density and low-cost memory and will be required in future. In this chapter, MLC storage and resistance variability and reliability of multilevel in ReRAM are discussed. Different MLC operation schemes with their physical mechanisms and a comprehensive analysis of resistance variability have been provided. Various factors that can induce variability and their effect on the resistance margin between the multiple resistance levels are assessed. The reliability characteristics and the impact on MLC storage have also been assessed.
On-chip Wide Range Bidirectional Current Sensor for Li-ion Battery Management System
Authors: Lee Tzung-Je , Chen Yen-Ting
Published: April 2016

An on-chip wide range bidirectional current sensor for monitoring Li-ion battery model 18650 is proposed in this paper. In order to detect the bidirectional current, two feedback sensing loops are employed. The feedback sensing loops generate differential sensed current signals. The output summation driver is included to convert the differential current signals to a single-ended output voltage signal and improve the driving ability. The proposed design is implemented using a typical 0.25 μm 1P3M 60V BCD process. The core area is 0.2943 mm × 0.5640 mm. Based on the post layout simulation results, the sensing current is from –1.0 A to +1.0 A. The transimpedance is simulated to be 1.407 V/A. The inaccuracy error is from −0.2010% to 0.1030%. The measurement results reveal that the linear error is −0.390% to 0.215% given a sensing current from −0.8 A to +0.8 A.
Impact-Based Area Allocation for Yield Optimization in Integrated Circuits
Authors: Abraham Billion , Widodo Arif , Chen Poki
Published: April 2016

In analog integrated circuit (IC) layout, area allocation is a very important issue for achieving good mismatch cancellation. However, most IC layout papers focus only on layout strategy to reduce systematic mismatch. In 2006, an outstanding paper presenting area allocation strategy was published to introduce technique for random mismatch reduction. Instead of using general theoretical study to prove the strategy, this research presented close-to-optimum simulations only on case-bycase basis. The impact-based area allocation for yield optimization in integrated circuits is proposed in this chapter. To demonstrate the corresponding strategy, not only a theoretical analysis but also an integral nonlinearity-based yield simulation will be given to derive optimum area allocation for binary weighted current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The result will be concluded to convince IC designers how to allocate area for critical devices in an optimum way.
Tax Return as a Political Statement
Authors: Libman Alexander , Schultz André , Graeber Thomas
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the drivers of tax honesty of high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats in a developing country with a predatory tax system and an autocratic political regime. We argue that in this environment, high-ranking officials may report their income truthfully in order to send a credible signal of their strength to the political leadership, indicating that they are more costly to fire. This is because, in the setting that we study, tax honesty paradoxically increases the risks for taxpayers, making them more transparent and therefore vulnerable to the attacks of their opponents (especially in law enforcement agencies); only powerful officials can survive these attacks. We test our argument using a unique dataset of the tax returns filed by the Russian regional governors and members of their families for the year 2009.
Ideology and Strategy among Politicians: The Case of Judicial Independence
Authors: Brenner Dror , Cohen Alon
Published: April 2016

Politicians act strategically. In the face of competition they modify their decisions in order to restrict the latitude of their potential successors. On the other hand, politicians have ideological preferences that also affect their decisions. The literature, however, has neglected to fully explore the interaction between these two considerations. This work offers such an analysis, using an empirical investigation of judicial independence as an example. We show that when the interaction between ideological considerations and strategic ones is accounted for, the impact of political competition on the level of judicial independence that politicians prefer – may in fact be opposite to the traditional wisdom.
You Can Take Some of It with You!
Authors: Damelang Andreas , Abraham Martin
Published: April 2016

This study investigates to what extent skilled immigrants are granted access to the qualified sectors of the German labor market. Vocational certificates are signals which inform the employer about applicants’ occupational skills. In this national framework, applicants who hold foreign certificates obviously face some serious problems: First, for German employers, foreign certificates will generally provide less information on an applicant’s skills and capabilities. Secondly, employers may use a candidate’s country of origin as an index of individual productivity. Based on a factorial survey, we compare the chances of skilled applicants from different countries of origin (Bulgaria, England, France, Portugal, and Turkey) to be invited to an interview for the position of an office management assistant. The results show, as expected, that applicants with German qualifications have a bonus, but that foreign vocational certificates are commonly accepted by German employers; however, they are less highly rated than German degrees. In addition, our results indicate discrimination against non-Western foreign applicants.
Neurociencia aplicada a la televisión: medición de la atención y la emoción de la serie “FOREVER” / Television-applied neuroscience: measuring attention and emotion in the series “FOREVER”
Authors: Tapia Frade Alejandro , Martín Guerra Elena
Published: April 2016

En este trabajo se muestran los resultados de un experimento de neurociencia sobre el primer capítulo de la serie americana Forever, en el que se midió simultáneamente la actividad electrodérmica de un grupo de 30 personas usando la tecnología Sociograph. Tras la emisión, se realizó una encuesta de tipo auto administrado entre los participantes en el experimento. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto incrementos de EDL van precedidos de un cambio de situación sonora o visual brusca, y ligados a situaciones que imprevisibilidad que generan expectación por lo incierto del desenlace. Los decrementos se producen en situaciones de tranquilidad y calma, de solución previsible, que podrían generar tedio en la audiencia. Los cambios más importantes, de tipo súbito, en la actividad fásica (EDR) se dan en relación a contenidos violentos, en conversaciones entre los protagonistas con alta carga emotiva, y en situaciones con alta expectación. Es destacable la presencia de música en todos estos momento. En la encuesta posterior realizada al final de la emisión, los protagonistas obtienen valoraciones generales altas, lo que unido a que participan en todas las secuencias con EDL y EDR incrementadas, hace sugerir que logran mantener durante la emisión del capítulo una relación atencional y emocional positiva con los espectadores, elemento clave sin duda para el éxito de la serie. Este hecho viene sin duda reforzado por una valoración general de la serie alta, así como de la intención de seguir viéndola en el futuro.
La publicidad institucional en España: análisis de las campañas contra la violencia de género del gobierno (2006-2015) / Institutional advertising in Spain: analysis of the campaigns of the Government about domestic violence (2006-2015)
Authors: Rodríguez López María , Robles Álvarez Daniel
Published: April 2016

La publicidad institucional es una de las herramientas que posee el Gobierno para informar a los ciudadanos, para crear opiniones, para abrir debates. En este artículo hemos analizado las campañas institucionales del Gobierno de España sobre la violencia de género, desde el año 2006 al 2015, para conocer el enfoque y la evolución de las mismas. Para ello hemos utilizado el análisis de contenido, repasando los objetivos de las campañas, los materiales utilizados, así como los distintos eslóganes de las mismas. Hemos descubierto que las campañas han evolucionado, principalmente en dos aspectos. Primero, han pasado de centrarse en la violencia física a reflejar que la violencia de género incluye distintos tipos de maltrato. Segundo, han pasado de pedir la actuación de la víctima y su entorno a solicitar la implicación de toda la sociedad.
¿Cómo analizar las características de los departamentos de comunicación en los hospitales y sus consecuencias en el ciudadano? Ejemplo metodológico / How to analyze the characteristics of communication departments in hospitals and their consequences
Authors: Busto Salinas Lorena
Published: April 2016

El artículo expone la metodología utilizada para averiguar la calidad de las relaciones públicas en los hospitales, así como para determinar si el número de departamentos de comunicación influye en las características de esta práctica y en las informaciones aparecidas en prensa y si existen diferencias entre el ámbito público y el privado y entre un gabinete interno y una empresa externa. Además, se ha estudiado si una mayor actividad comunicativa mantiene una correlación con la participación de los ciudadanos en las noticias y en la valoración y satisfacción hacia el sistema sanitario. Para ello, se han tomado como objeto de estudio dos comunidades de España (Castilla y León y Galicia) con similares características sociales, económicas y sanitarias, pero con una estructura comunicativa diferente. Se han realizado entrevistas personales y una encuesta a los encargados de comunicación de cada hospital. Asimismo, se ha realizado un análisis de prensa, un estudio de la participación de los ciudadanos en las noticias en internet y un análisis de la valoración y satisfacción hacia la sanidad. No se han encontrado evidencias de que la competencia comunicativa provoque unas mejores relaciones públicas, pero se ha detectado que la calidad de las noticias es superior en los lugares que cuentan con un mayor número de gabinetes de comunicación y que los ciudadanos de estas zonas votan y comparten más a menudo las informaciones. Asimismo, consideran la salud y la sanidad temas más importantes, tienen una mayor valoración de la sanidad pública y elegirían antes esta titularidad.
The «forever young» canon. Figurações publicitárias da feminilidade / The "forever young" canon. Figurations of the advertising of femininity
Authors: Marcos Eduardo José
Published: April 2016

No discurso publicitário contemporâneo, a significação da marca prevalece sobre a do produto. Esta é uma das várias consequências da exploração cada vez mais recorrente dos valores intangíveis em detrimento dos que se assumiam como o fundamento das USP. Parafraseando Jean Marie Floch, o registo promocional incide cada vez mais nos paradigmas da publicidade oblíqua e, principalmente, da publicidade mítica, relativamente aos quais referências como Ph Michel ou, principalmente, Leo Bernett e Jacques Séguela foram incontornáveis (Floch, 1990: 201-204; Camilo, 2010: 123-130). Justamente, tendo por referência este contexto discursivo, é nosso propósito descortinar de que modo é figurado o actor de publicidade, principalmente o que protagoniza os papéis de «jovem» e de «mulher».Este trabalho visa proceder a uma classificação dos regimes de representação publicitária da «mulher jovem» e decorre de uma análise semiótica de índole textual. Fundamenta-se num corpus composto 230 por anúncios publicados em revistas femininas editadas em Portugal no período decorrente ente Maio e Julho de 2015. Pretendemos com esta análise qualitativa traçar um ‘perfil semiótico’ do actor feminino e verificar até que ponto este se encontra sobre-determinado por um atributo: o da «juventude».
Uso del avatar en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje sobre las aplicaciones de las derivadas / Avatar use in the process of learning on applications of derivatives
Authors: Salas Rueda Ricardo Adán , Vázquez Estupiñán José De Jesús , Lugo García José Luis
Published: April 2016

Hoy en día, las universidades en México están implementando distintos proyectos educativos orientados a mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Por esta razón, los docentes están viviendo una etapa caracterizada por el perfeccionamiento de sus conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes en las áreas pedagógicas y tecnológicas. De hecho, estas instituciones educativas del nivel superior están promoviendo la construcción y utilización de diversas aplicaciones informáticas con el propósito de desarrollar las competencias en los estudiantes. Bajo este panorama, el docente encargado de la asignatura “Matemáticas básicas para los negocios” ha decidido utilizar la tecnología de vanguardia para mejorar las condiciones que prevalecen en el salón de clases a través de la creación del Sistema para la Enseñanza-Aprendizaje de las Matemáticas (SEAM), el cual propone el uso del avatar y la usabilidad como los medios para facilitar la asimilación y reutilización del conocimiento sobre las derivadas. La arquitectura del SEAM está compuesta por la interfaz web y los módulos de adaptación, cuestionario y contenidos audiovisuales. Asimismo, esta investigación evalúa el impacto de este sistema en una universidad ubicada en el sur del Distrito Federal, México por medio del enfoque cuantitativo.  Este estudio emplea una muestra de 45 alumnos que utilizan el SEAM durante el curso presencial 2015-2, los cuales son analizados  a través de la estadística descriptiva y el método ANOVA. Finalmente, esta investigación propone una alternativa tecnológica para el proceso educativo en el área de las matemáticas.
Intrinsic Cornu Ammonis Area 1 Theta-Nested Gamma Oscillations Induced by Optogenetic Theta Frequency Stimulation
Authors: Butler James L. , Mendonça Philipe R. F. , Robinson Hugh P. C. , Paulsen Ole
Published: April 2016

Gamma oscillations (30–120 Hz) are thought to be important for various cognitive functions, including perception and working memory, and disruption of these oscillations has been implicated in brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) of the hippocampus receives gamma frequency inputs from upstream regions (cornu ammonis area 3 and medial entorhinal cortex) and generates itself a faster gamma oscillation. The exact nature and origin of the intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillation is still under debate. Here, we expressed channelrhodopsin-2 under the CaMKIIα promoter in mice and prepared hippocampal slices to produce a model of intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillations. Sinusoidal optical stimulation of CA1 at theta frequency was found to induce robust theta-nested gamma oscillations with a temporal and spatial profile similar to CA1 gammain vivo. The results suggest the presence of a single gamma rhythm generator with a frequency range of 65–75 Hz at 32°C. Pharmacological analysis found that the oscillations depended on both AMPA and GABAAreceptors. Cell-attached and whole-cell recordings revealed that excitatory neuron firing slightly preceded interneuron firing within each gamma cycle, suggesting that this intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillation is generated with a pyramidal–interneuron circuit mechanism.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study demonstrates that the cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) is capable of generating intrinsic gamma oscillations in response to theta input. This gamma generator is independent of activity in the upstream regions, highlighting that CA1 can produce its own gamma oscillation in addition to inheriting activity from the upstream regions. This supports the theory that gamma oscillations predominantly function to achieve local synchrony, and that a local gamma generated in each area conducts the signal to the downstream region.
Late-Life Environmental Enrichment Induces Acetylation Events and Nuclear Factor κB-Dependent Regulations in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats Showing Improved Plasticity and Learning
Authors: Neidl Romain , Schneider Anne , Bousiges Olivier , Majchrzak Monique , Barbelivien Alexandra , de Vasconcelos Anne Pereira , Dorgans Kevin , Doussau Frédéric , Loeffler Jean-Philippe , Cassel Jean-Christophe , Boutillier Anne-Laurence
Published: April 2016

Aging weakens memory functions. Exposing healthy rodents or pathological rodent models to environmental enrichment (EE) housing improves their cognitive functions by changing neuronal levels of excitation, cellular signaling, and plasticity, notably in the hippocampus. At the molecular level, brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents an important player that supports EE-associated changes. EE facilitation of learning was also shown to correlate with chromatin acetylation in the hippocampus. It is not known, however, whether such mechanisms are still into play during aging. In this study, we exposed a cohort of aged rats (18-month-old) to either a 6 month period of EE or standard housing conditions and investigated chromatin acetylation-associated events [histone acetyltranferase activity, gene expression, and histone 3 (H3) acetylation] and epigenetic modulation of theBdnfgene under rest conditions and during learning. We show that EE leads to upregulation of acetylation-dependent mechanisms in aged rats, whether at rest or following a learning challenge. We found an increased expression ofBdnfthroughExon-I-dependent transcription, associated with an enrichment of acetylated H3 at several sites ofBdnfpromoter I, more particularly on a proximal nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) site under learning conditions. We further evidenced p65/NF-κB binding to chromatin at promoters of genes important for plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning (e.g.,Bdnf,CamK2D). Altogether, our findings demonstrate that aged rats respond to a belated period of EE by increasing hippocampal plasticity, together with activating sustained acetylation-associated mechanisms recruiting NF-κB and promoting related gene transcription. These responses are likely to trigger beneficial effects associated with EE during aging.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAging weakens memory functions. Optimizing the neuronal circuitry required for normal brain function can be achieved by increasing sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli resulting from interactions with the environment (behavioral therapy). This can be experimentally modeled by exposing rodents to environmental enrichment (EE), as with large cages, numerous and varied toys, and interaction with other rodents. However, EE effects in aged rodents has been poorly studied, and it is not known whether beneficial mechanisms evidenced in the young adults can still be recruited during aging. Our study shows that aged rats respond to a belated period of EE by activating specific epigenetic and transcriptional signaling that promotes gene expression likely to facilitate plasticity and learning behaviors.
Assessment of the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disorders: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Ionel Anca , Lucaciu Ondine , Bondor Cosmina , Moga Minodora , Ilea Aranka , Feurdean Claudia , Buhățel Dan , Hurubeanu Lucia , Câmpian Radu Septimiu
Published: April 2016

Background and aims. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, characterized by the loss of connective tissue and alveolar bone. There is an increasing evidence that periodontitis is associated with a number of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases by identifying their risk factors in a population from North-West Romania.Methods. A questionnaire-based study was conducted on participants ≥45 years of age in 4 dentistry or family medicine practices from the Cluj and Bihor counties, Romania, over a time frame spanning two months. The interviewer-administered questionnaire included 42 items assessing risk factors for periodontal and cardiovascular disease, current diagnostic and medical treatment of the participants, their diet and oral hygiene habits.Results. Of 108 participants included in the study, 63 (58.3%) declared a previous diagnosis of periodontitis. A significant difference was observed between the participants with declared diagnosis of periodontitis (PD+) and participants without declared diagnosis of periodontitis (PD-) for fresh fruit consumption (p=0.01) and increased sport activity (p=0.009). A significant difference between groups was observed in the case of smoking duration (p=0.047), participants with >10 years of smoking were more likely to declare a diagnosis of periodontitis. Also, PD+ participants were more likely to have a family history of periodontal disease (p<0.001). Multivariate analyses suggested periodontitis as a predictive variable for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with an OR of 4.85 (95% confidence interval 1.01–23.29, p=0.049).Conclusion. Our study found a statistically significant association between periodontal disease and a known family history of periodontal disorders and smoking duration. Daily intake of fresh fruit and increased sport activities were found to be protective factors against periodontal disease, while periodontitis was found as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Perception of intertexts and identification of the cultural circle in publicistic texts by Rimvydas Valatka
Authors: Valotka Audrius
Published: April 2016

The article analyses the strategies of employing intertexts –primarily, allusions – in contemporary Lithuanian media. The study relies on the idea that recognition of an allusion in text and its appropriate interpretation shows that both the author and the reader belong to the same cultural circle which can be identified on the basis of age, education, field of interests and other factors. In order to reach her/his audience, a publicist has to write in the language that the audience understands best. Therefore, if a reader fails to recognise allusions or s/he interprets them differently than intended, s/he is not part of the cultural circle.

 

The selected method of the study was testing respondents in order to determine how effectively allusions are recognised and interpreted by a small yet significant segment of the readership, namely, students aged 18 to 20. The respondents had to identify and interpret allusions in fifty sentences collected from articles by Rimvydas Valatka, a distinguished Lithuanian publicist, whose writings are characteristic of rich rhetorical expression. The results demonstrate that only about one fourth of respondents interpret publicistic allusions adequately:

Adequate interpretation – 27%, unreasonable interpretation – 25%, no interpretation – 48%.

The statistics of the recognition and interpretation of allusions used in the texts fluctuates considerably in different areas of precedent texts: Biblical allusions – 37%, folklore allusions – 32%, historical allusions – 12%, cinematographic allusions – 49%, cultural allusions – 25%, literary allusions – 25%.

It is possible to conclude that numerous intertexts used by Rimvydas Valatka are not targeted at the student-age audience, except for the obvious shift from the Soviet- and Russian-specific items (only 11% of precedent texts that belong to this category were identified by respondents) and that this segment of the readership remains in the periphery of Rimvydas Valatka’s cultural circle.