bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traceability and Risk Analysis Strategies for Addressing Counterfeit Electronics in Supply Chains for Complex Systems
Authors: DiMase Daniel , Collier Zachary A. , Carlson Jinae , Gray Robin B. , Linkov Igor
Published: January 2016

Within the microelectronics industry, there is a growing concern regarding the introduction of counterfeit electronic parts into the supply chain. Even though this problem is widespread, there have been limited attempts to implement risk‐based approaches for testing and supply chain management. Supply chain risk management tends to focus on the highly visible disruptions of the supply chain instead of the covert entrance of counterfeits; thus counterfeit risk is difficult to mitigate. This article provides an overview of the complexities of the electronics supply chain, and highlights some gaps in risk assessment practices. In particular, this article calls for enhanced traceability capabilities to track and trace parts at risk through various stages of the supply chain. Placing the focus on risk‐informed decision making through the following strategies is needed, including prioritization of high‐risk parts, moving beyond certificates of conformance, incentivizing best supply chain management practices, adoption of industry standards, and design and management for supply chain resilience.
Can Carbon Nanomaterials Improve CZTS Photovoltaic Devices? Evaluation of Performance and Impacts Using Integrated Life‐Cycle Assessment and Decision Analysis
Authors: Scott Ryan P. , Cullen Alison C. , Fox‐Lent Cate , Linkov Igor
Published: January 2016

In emergent photovoltaics, nanoscale materials hold promise for optimizing device characteristics; however, the related impacts remain uncertain, resulting in challenges to decisions on strategic investment in technology innovation. We integrate multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and life‐cycle assessment (LCA) results (LCA‐MCDA) as a method of incorporating values of a hypothetical federal acquisition manager into the assessment of risks and benefits of emerging photovoltaic materials. Specifically, we compare adoption of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) devices with molybdenum back contacts to alternative devices employing graphite or graphene instead of molybdenum. LCA impact results are interpreted alongside benefits of substitution including cost reductions and performance improvements through application of multi‐attribute utility theory. To assess the role of uncertainty we apply Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis. We find that graphene or graphite back contacts outperform molybdenum under most scenarios and assumptions. The use of decision analysis clarifies potential advantages of adopting graphite as a back contact while emphasizing the importance of mitigating conventional impacts of graphene production processes if graphene is used in emerging CZTS devices. Our research further demonstrates that a combination of LCA and MCDA increases the usability of LCA in assessing product sustainability. In particular, this approach identifies the most influential assumptions and data gaps in the analysis and the areas in which either engineering controls or further data collection may be necessary.
Reconsidering the Effect of Family Size on Labour Supply: the Twin Problems of The Twin Birth Instrument
Authors: Braakmann Nils , Wildman John
Published: January 2016

We consider two econometric problems when investigating the effect of family size on labour market outcomes using the popular twin birth instrument. The first is the potential for omitted variable bias caused by the fact that fertility treatments are linked to twin births and are typically unobserved. We present estimates that are corrected for this bias and find that it is comparatively small. Second, we show that the effects of twin-birth-induced variation in family size, as well as characteristics of the compliers, varies substantially with time passed since birth, which has consequences for the interpretation of estimates across samples and time.
Psychosocial Factors and HIV Prevention for Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Pantalone David W. , Puckett Jae A. , Gunn Hamish A.
Published: January 2016

We are more than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, and, although we have made many important scientific advances, there remains much to understand and implement to prevent new infections. The science of HIV prevention, although interdisciplinary, has relied heavily on psychological theories and research methods to address many key questions. In this paper, we briefly review some historical and epidemiologic considerations about the U.S. HIV epidemic and then present some key psychological concepts from HIV prevention. We make the case for continuing to focus efforts on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, who represent the sociocultural group with the highest incidence and prevalence of HIV in the domestic epidemic. We present a summary of the research support for, and limitations of, the three major psychosocial models that predict HIV risk behaviors – the information–motivation–behavioral skills model, the minority stress model, and the syndemics framework. We discuss the use of these models in the development and testing of HIV prevention interventions and end by highlighting a few novel research areas, including bio‐behavioral approaches.
Motivational Factors in the Perception of Psychological Situation Characteristics
Authors: Rauthmann John F.
Published: January 2016

This article seeks to formulate how motivational factors underlie and contribute to situation perceptions. Specifically, it is proposed that situation perceptions, to a large extent, capture subjectively perceived “motivational presses”, consisting of motivational processes (What happens to one's needs and goals in the situation?) and motivational content (Which needs or goals does the situation concern?). Additionally, such a motivational perspective can be fruitfully equipped with evolutionary psychological theories on human (social) motives. Thus, it is argued that situation perception contains evolutionarily important information on motivational processes and content. An evolutionarily informed motivational perspective on situation perception is applied to the recently proposed Situational Eight DIAMONDS situation characteristics to provide them with a theoretical underpinning. Ultimately, such a framework can be used to better understand situations and person–situation transactions (i.e., how people experience and shape situations in daily life) that can impact well‐being, health, and personality development.
Human rabies in India: an audit from a rabies diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Mani Reeta Subramaniam , Anand Ashwini Manoor , Madhusudana Shampur Narayan
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Rabies, an acute progressive encephalomyelitis, continues to be a serious public health problem in India and many other countries in Asia and Africa. The low level of commitment to rabies control is partly attributable to challenges in laboratory diagnosis and lack of adequate surveillance to indicate the disease burden. A laboratory audit of human rabies cases was undertaken to disseminate information on the clinical, demographic, prophylactic and most importantly the laboratory diagnostic aspects of rabies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all clinically suspected human rabies cases, whose samples were received at a rabies diagnostic laboratory in South India in the last 3 years, was performed. Clinical and demographic details of patients were obtained. The clinical samples included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, saliva and nuchal skin biopsy collected antemortem, and brain tissue obtained post‐mortem. Various laboratory tests were performed for diagnosis.

Results

Clinical samples from 128 patients with suspected rabies, from 11 states in India, were received for diagnostic confirmation. About 94% of the victims reported dog‐bites, more than a third of them were children and most of the victims did not receive adequate post‐exposure prophylaxis. Antemortem confirmation of rabies by a combination of laboratory diagnostic assays (detection of viral RNA in CSF, skin and saliva, and neutralising antibodies in CSF) could be achieved in 40.6%cases.

Conclusions

Increasing awareness about adequate post‐exposure prophylaxis, additional rabies diagnostic facilities, and enhanced human and animal rabies surveillance to indicate the true disease burden are essential to control this fatal disease.
Self‐annihilation, nuclear play and West Germany's compulsion to repeat
Authors: Klinke Ian
Published: January 2016

This article investigates Fallex 66, the first of a string of NATO war games that the West German government played in its command bunker between 1966 and 1989. During this exercise, the Bonn Republic simulated nuclear strikes on its ‘own’ targets and the resupply of NATO forces after a nuclear war on German territory. While in line with West German deterrence at the time, Fallex was read in East Berlin as an excessive game of playful self‐annihilation in ways that invite a psychoanalytic interpretation. This article explores Fallex 66 not simply as an enactment of Cold War deterrence, but a Freudian ‘fort–da’ game, a traumatic re‐enactment that was tellingly set in the subterranean space of a German bunker. West Germany's compulsion to self‐abandon, I suggest, has important implications for how we understand the nature of geopolitical games.
Cutaneous adverse drug reaction in a dog associated with imepitoin
Authors: Royaux Emilie , Bhatti Sofie , De Cock Hilde , Van Ham Luc , Kitshoff Adriaan , Vandenabeele Sophie
Published: January 2016

Background

The macroscopic appearance of cutaneous adverse drug reactions can be similar to a plethora of skin diseases and in particular may resemble autoimmune and immune‐mediated disorders. The reaction can occur after single or multiple administrations, with the latter varying in durations of up to years of treatment. These reactions are mostly self‐limiting with cessation of the offending drug.

Objectives

To report a cutaneous adverse drug reaction associated with chronic administration of imepitoin.

Case report

A 4‐year‐old, Jack Russell terrier dog was presented with progressive skin lesions of 1‐week duration. The dog had a 6 month history of idiopathic epilepsy treated with imepitoin for the previous 5 months. Imepitoin is an anti‐epileptic drug that acts as a low‐affinity partial agonist of the benzodiazepine site at theGABAAreceptor. The dosage of imepitoin was increased from 20 mg/kg twice daily to 30 mg/kg twice daily, 3 days before the onset of skin lesions, due to uncontrolled seizures. [Correction added on 15 February 2016 after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the dosage of imepitoin was previously incorrect and has been amended in this current version.] Dermatological examination revealed erythema and exfoliation at the mucocutaneous junctions of the lips, lip folds, philtrum, ears, axillae and the ventral abdomen. Small erosions and depigmentation were visible on the oral mucosa, lip folds and philtrum. Histopathology was supportive of a lupoid drug reaction. Complete resolution of skin lesions was seen after discontinuation of imepitoin and low dose of prednisolone during a period of 4 weeks. No recrudescence of skin lesions was observed during a 6 month follow‐up period.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Imepitoin may result in cutaneous adverse drug reactions in dogs.
Sports Participation in Youth as a Predictor of Physical Activity: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Murphy Michelle Hardie , Rowe David Anthony , Woods Catherine B.
Published: January 2016

Background:

The contribution of sports related factors to predicting long-term physical activity (PA) are unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine tracking of PA during key transition periods in youth and to determine the longitudinal associations between sports club participation and PA.

Methods:

Participants (n = 873, baseline age 10 to 18 years) completed self-report surveys in 2009 and 2014 that included the PACE+ PA tool and sports club participation questions. Spearman correlations assessed PA tracking. ANCOVA analyses examined predictors (sports participation at baseline) of PA (follow-up), adjusting for (a) age and sex; and (b) age, sex, and baseline PA.

Results:

Tracking of PA was weak-to-moderate (ρ = .16 to .47). Greater sports participation frequency at baseline significantly predicted PA at follow-up (P < .01). Involvement in club sports at an elite level had a medium-to-large effect on PA levels 5 years later [d = .75 adjusting for (a); d = .60 adjusting for (b)].

Conclusion:

PA should be promoted in youth as tracking coefficients suggest it can, to an extent, continue into later life. The standard achieved in sport has a role in predicting later PA. PA promotion strategies should include frequent, high quality opportunities for sports participation.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Galápagos Endemic Land Snail
Naesiotus nux
Authors: Hunter Samuel S. , Settles Matthew L. , New Daniel D. , Parent Christine E. , Gerritsen Alida T.
Published: January 2016

We report herein the draft mitochondrial genome sequence of
Naesiotus nux
, a Galápagos endemic land snail species of the genus
Naesiotus
. The circular genome is 15 kb and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 21 tRNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Chimpanzee Polyomavirus from a Western Common Chimpanzee
Authors: van Persie Jolanda , Buitendijk Hester , Fagrouch Zahra , Bogers Willy , Haaksma Tom , Kondova Ivanela , Verschoor Ernst J.
Published: January 2016

We report here the full-length genome sequence of a novel chimpanzee polyomavirus. Viral sequences were recovered from colon, bladder, and ureter tissue from a western common chimpanzee. The virus is genetically closely related to the human BK polyomavirus.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Causing Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Carasso Eran , Salmon-Divon Mali , Carmeli Yehuda , Banin Ehud , Navon-Venezia Shiri
Published: January 2016

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has become a major contributor to nosocomial bloodstream infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two MDR extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing strains causing bloodstream infections. These sequenced genomes display a wide-spectrum virulence arsenal and will help us understand the genomic basis of
K. pneumoniae
virulence.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Salmonella enterica Serotype Infantis Strains Isolated from a Captive Western Lowland Gorilla (
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
) and a Cohabitant Black and White Tegu (
Tupinambis merianae
) in Brazil
Authors: Paixão Tatiane A. , Coura Fernanda M. , Malta Marcelo C. C. , Tinoco Herlandes P. , Pessanha Angela T. , Pereira Felipe L. , Leal Carlos A. G. , Heinemann Marcos B. , Figueiredo Henrique C. P. , Santos Renato L.
Published: January 2016

The draft genome sequences of two
Salmonella enterica
serotype Infantis isolates are reported here. One of the strains was isolated from a western lowland gorilla (
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
) with colitis. The second strain was isolated from a reptile that inhabited the same premises. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that these isolates were not clonal.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Serotype A Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus from an Outbreak in Saudi Arabia during 2015
Authors: Bachanek-Bankowska K. , Wadsworth J. , Thapa B. , King D. P. , Knowles N. J.
Published: January 2016

The complete genome of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) type A virus isolated from cattle in Saudi Arabia in 2015 is described here. This virus belongs to an FMD virus lineage named genotype VII, which is normally endemic on the Indian subcontinent.
Complete Genome and Methylome Sequences of Two Salmonella enterica spp
Authors: Yao Kuan , Muruvanda Tim , Roberts Richard J. , Payne Justin , Allard Marc W. , Hoffmann Maria
Published: January 2016

Salmonella enterica
is responsible for major foodborne outbreaks worldwide. It can cause gastroenteritis characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Salmonella
infections raise public health concerns along with consequential economic impacts. In this report, we announce the first complete genome sequences of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Choleraeuis (
S.
Choleraeuis) ATCC 10708 and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Pullorum (
S
. Pullorum) ATCC 9120, isolated from patients with diarrhea.
Additional Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Septic Patients
Authors: Coil David A. , Jospin Guillaume , Eisen Jonathan A. , Adams Jason Y.
Published: January 2016

We present the draft genome sequences of eight uropathogenic strains of
Escherichia coli
isolated from blood cultures collected from patients with sepsis, an extension of previous sequencing work from the same cohort.
Complete Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica Serovars Anatum and Anatum var. 15+, Isolated from Retail Ground Turkey
Authors: Marasini Daya , Abo-Shama Usama H. , Fakhr Mohamed K.
Published: January 2016

The complete genome sequences of two isolates of
Salmonella enterica
serovars Anatum and Anatum var. 15+ revealed the presence of two plasmids of 112 kb and 3 kb in size in each. The chromosome of
Salmonella
Anatum (4.83 Mb) was slightly smaller than that of
Salmonella
Anatum var. 15+ (4.88 Mb).
Full Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Sugar Beet Wireworm
Limonius californicus
(Coleoptera: Elateridae), a Common Agricultural Pest
Authors: Gerritsen Alida T. , New Daniel D. , Robison Barrie D. , Rashed Arash , Hohenlohe Paul , Forney Larry , Rashidi Mahnaz , Wilson Cathy M. , Settles Matthew L.
Published: January 2016

We report here the full mitochondrial genome sequence of
Limonius californicus
, a species of click beetle that is an agricultural pest in its larval form. The circular genome is 16.5 kb and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Gammaproteobacterial Methanotrophs Isolated from Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Flynn James D. , Hirayama Hisako , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Dunfield Peter F. , Klotz Martin G. , Knief Claudia , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Khmelenina Valentina N. , Trotsenko Yuri A. , Murrell J. Colin , Semrau Jeremy D. , Svenning Mette M. , Stein Lisa Y. , Kyrpides Nikos , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , Bringel Françoise , Vuilleumier Stéphane , DiSpirito Alan A. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G.
Published: January 2016

The genome sequences of
Methylobacter marinus
A45,
Methylobacter
sp. strain BBA5.1, and
Methylomarinum vadi
IT-4 were obtained. These aerobic methanotrophs are typical members of coastal and hydrothermal vent marine ecosystems.
A longitudinal study of well-being, confidence and competence in junior doctors and the impact of emergency medicine placements
Authors: Mason Suzanne , O'Keeffe Colin , Carter Angela , Stride Chris
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To measure levels of, and change in junior doctor well-being, confidence and self-reported competence over their second postgraduate training year and the impact of emergency department (ED) placements on these outcomes.

Design

A longitudinal study using an online survey administered at four time points (2010–2011).

Setting

28 Acute Hospital Trusts, drawn from nine participating Postgraduate Deaneries in England.

Participants

Junior doctors who had a placement in an ED as part of their second postgraduate training year.

Main outcome measures

Levels of anxiety, depression, motivation, job satisfaction, confidence and self-reported competence, collected at four time points spread over the period of the doctor's second training year (F2).

Results

217 junior doctors were recruited to the study. Over the year there was a significant increase in their overall job satisfaction, confidence and self-reported competence. Junior doctors also reported significantly increased levels of motivation and anxiety, and significantly decreased levels of extrinsic job satisfaction when working in ED compared with other specialties. There were also significant increases in both junior doctor confidence and self-reported competence after their placement in ED relative to other specialties.

Conclusions

While elements of junior doctor well-being worsened in their ED placement compared with their time spent in other specialties, the increased levels of anxiety and reduced extrinsic job satisfaction were within the normal range for other healthcare workers. These deficits were also balanced by greater improvements in motivation, confidence in managing common acute clinical conditions and perceived competence in performing acute procedures compared with benefits offered by placements in other specialties.
BET 2: Core stability versus conventional exercise for treating non-specific low back pain
Authors: Davin John , Callaghan Michael
Published: January 2016

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether core stability exercises are better than conventional exercise for treating non-specific low back pain. 6 papers were found of which 4 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is the perception that a core stability rehabilitation programme will improve low back pain has not been proven.
BET 3: Advantages of ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture
Authors: Brousseau Audrey-Anne , Parent Dr Marc-Charles
Published: January 2016

A short cut review was carried out to establish ultrasound can assist. 9 papers were found of which 4 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that using ultrasound assisted landmarks prior to LP improves success rate and reduces the number of attempts and traumatic taps.
Predicting turnaround time reductions of the diagnostic track in the histopathology laboratory using mathematical modelling
Authors: Leeftink A G , Boucherie R J , Hans E W , Verdaasdonk M A M , Vliegen I M H , van Diest P J
Published: January 2016

Background

Pathology departments face a growing volume of more and more complex testing in an era where healthcare costs tend to explode and short turnaround times (TATs) are expected. In contrast, the histopathology workforce tends to shrink, so histopathology employees experience high workload during their shifts. This points to the need for efficient planning of activities in the histopathology laboratory, to ensure an equal division of workload and low TATs, at minimum costs.

Methods

The histopathology laboratory of a large academic hospital in The Netherlands was analysed using mathematical modelling. Data were collected from the Laboratory Management System to determine laboratory TATs and workload performance during regular working hours. A mixed integer linear programme (MILP) was developed to model the histopathology processes and to measure the expected performance of possible interventions in terms of TATs and spread of workload.

Results

The MILP model predicted that tissue processing at specific moments during the day, combined with earlier starting shifts, can result in up to 25% decrease of TATs, and a more equally spread workload over the day.

Conclusions

Mathematical modelling can help to optimally organise the workload in the histopathology laboratory by predicting the performance of possible interventions before actual implementation. The interventions that were predicted by the model to have the highest performance have been implemented in the histopathology laboratory of University Medical Center Utrecht. Further research should be executed to collect empirical evidence and evaluate the actual impact on TAT, quality of work and employee stress levels.
Balancing on the edge: implications of a UK national audit of the use of BSR-BHPR guidelines for the diagnosis and management of polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Das Parthajit , Samanta Ash , Dasgupta Bhaskar
Published: January 2016

Introduction

The British Society for Rheumatology and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BSR-BHPR) guidelines for management of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) were published in 2010, aiming to provide guidance for diagnosis, management and disease monitoring. A national study was conducted across multiple rheumatology units throughout the UK in order to study the level of adoption of guidelines in clinical practice.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of patient records with a diagnosis of PMR from multiple centres across the UK. The primary objective was to explore the national compliance of PMR management according to BSR guidelines.

Results

We included 81 responses across 10 rheumatology units in the UK. The guideline core inclusion criteria were followed in more than 90% in making the diagnosis of PMR, but limited concordance was observed with respect to excluding PMR-mimics, the initial recommended glucocorticoid dosage (74%), steroid taper (41%), treatment of relapse (76%), bone protection (84%) and patient follow-up (43%).

Conclusions

We observed a wide variation in clinical practice and limited adherence to BSR-BHPR guidelines in the UK. This study highlights the need for robust multilayered and multifaceted implementation strategies involving the providers and the consumers for apposite dissemination of guideline-based practice and consistency of care. We believe that the findings of this study have significant relevance for formulation and dissemination of PMR guidelines in the future.
Transition from the mechanics of material points to the mechanics of structured particles
Authors: Somsikov V. M.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, necessity of creation of mechanics of structured particles is discussed. The way to create this mechanics within the laws of classical mechanics with the use of energy equation is shown. The occurrence of breaking of time symmetry within the mechanics of structured particles is shown, as well as the introduction of concept of entropy in the framework of classical mechanics. The way to create the mechanics of non-equilibrium systems in the thermodynamic approach is shown. It is also shown that the use of hypothesis of holonomic constraints while deriving the canonical Lagrange equation made it impossible to describe irreversible dynamics. The difference between the mechanics of structured particles and the mechanics of material points is discussed. It is also shown that the matter is infinitely divisible according to the laws of classical mechanics.
Unipolar memristive switching in bulk positive temperature coefficient ceramic thermistor
Authors: Wu Hongya , Wang Caihui , Fu Hua , Zhou Ji , Zheng Shuzhi
Published: January 2016

A memristive switching phenomena was investigated in macroscale bulk positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermosensitive ceramics. (Ba[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text])TiO3, which is a well-known PTC thermistor, was taken as an example to analyze the memristive behavior of those macroscale bulk ceramics. Hysteretic current–voltage (I–V) characteristics, which are the features of memristor were obtained. The origin of the effect is attributed to the PTC thermosensitive characteristic of the bulk ceramics, and a switching mechanism driven by competing field-driven heat generation and heat dissipation was proposed.
Comb Filter for Elimination of Unwanted Power Line Interference in Biomedical Signal
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev Kr. , Choubey Chandan Kr. , Nagar Bal Chand , Paul Sajal Kr.
Published: January 2016

A new approach to the design of a comb filter using current conveyor is proposed to eliminate the undesired harmonic interference from biomedical signal. In this approach, a number of inverted band pass filters are used to construct a comb filter. The components used are second generation current conveyor (CCII), capacitor and resistor. To verify the performance of the proposed circuit, the comb filter is designed to eliminate the unwanted power line frequency of 60[Formula: see text]Hz and its odd harmonics such as 180, 300 and 420[Formula: see text]Hz. The proposed circuit is simulated by implementing CCII[Formula: see text] using a macro model of commercially available CFOA IC AD844 as well as 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS technology. The circuit is also verified experimentally by using commercially available IC AD844. The effectiveness of harmonic removal has also been tested.
26 Years of Strategic Technology Partnering: Investigating Trends, Patterns and Future Prospects in Research Through Frequency Analysis
Authors: Kilubi Irène , Haasis Hans-Dietrich
Published: January 2016

Many firms are increasingly cooperating in their technological undertakings. They engage in strategic technology partnerships (STP) for technological, commercial, industrial, and financial reasons. STP is deemed imperative for easing access to strands of technologies that are unknown to a company. This frequency analysis on STP is based on systematic literature review (SLR) approach and provides a thorough review of 57 articles published in highly-ranked peer-reviewed journals spanning a 26-year period from 1988 to the beginning of 2014. Research on STP is somewhat fragmented which, renders some of the research studies irreconcilable and impedes a greater understanding and consistency of the discipline. There is still a growing body of literature on the subject matter from various disciplinary perspectives which adopt various theoretical and methodological lenses at diverse levels of analysis. In the current paper, we analyze among other things the various methodological, research and theoretical issues underpinning STP and propose a research agenda. Hence, we contribute to the existing body of knowledge on STP literature by offering a state-of-the-art overview of current research and elaborating on promising areas for further investigation.
HOST LOCATION KNOWLEDGE SOURCING AND SUBSIDIARY INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE — EXAMINING THE MODERATING ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE AND IPR DISTANCE
Authors: BATSAKIS GEORGIOS
Published: January 2016

This study investigates the relationship between the subsidiary’s external knowledge sourcing in the host network of operation and innovative performance, and the moderating role of (i) alternative sources of knowledge (those related to the internal and external home knowledge network) and (ii) Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) distance between the host and the home location of the Multinational Enterprise (MNE). Based on a dataset comprising 170 R&D subsidiaries (classified by 57 parent companies and 23 host countries) it is shown that a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship exists between external host knowledge sourcing and innovative performance. In terms of the moderating effects, the findings reveal that the influence of alternative sources of knowledge affects the aforementioned relationship in a negative way. Finally, a stronger IPR protection regime in the host location weakens, rather than strengthens the relationship between the external host knowledge sourcing and innovative performance.
The fossil Ram sandstone aquifer of Jordan: hydrogeology, depletion and sustainability
Authors: Charalambous A. N.
Published: January 2016

The Ram Sandstone is a large transboundary aquifer of Cambro-Ordovician age, shared between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It is 500 to more than 4000 m thick and stores fossil groundwater 10 000–35 000 years old. Modern recharge is probably insignificant and the aquifer has been in a state of depletion since at least the last humid interludes of 5000–10 000 years ago. Despite its long residence, the groundwater is generally fresh. Recently concentrations of radium exceeding accepted maximum limits have been identified. Exploitation in Jordan has been mainly in the Southern Desert, where groundwater levels and well depths are relatively modest. In the past, irrigation was the predominant use with smaller amounts supplying the coastal city of Aqaba. A scheme to supply the capital Amman with 100 million cubic metres per year for 50 years was completed in 2013. Being a fossil aquifer, its utilization will reduce the stock available for future generations, but with prudent planning, extractions should be sustainable and depletion may not reach a critical level. However, the Dead Sea thermal springs that have been enjoyed since historical times and the baseflow of deeply incised valleys could be affected.
Early cardiac changes induced by a hypercaloric Western-type diet in “subclinical” obesity
Authors: Gonçalves Nádia , Silva Ana Filipa , Rodrigues Patrícia Gonçalves , Correia Eugénia , Moura Cláudia , Eloy Catarina , Roncon-Albuquerque Roberto , Falcão-Pires Inês , Leite-Moreira Adelino F.
Published: January 2016

“Obesity cardiomyopathy” effects have been widely described; however, the specific contribution of metabolic changes and altered adipokine secretion are still uncharacterized. Moreover, a diagnosis based on body mass index might not be the most accurate to identify increased adiposity and its outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of a Western-type diet [hypercaloric diet (HCD)] ingestion on biventricular structure and function, as well as the metabolic and endocrine changes that occur before the establishment of overt obesity. Wistar rats were fed for 6 wk with a regular diet or HCD. At the end of the protocol, metabolic tests, cardiac structure, and functional evaluation were performed, and blood and tissue samples collected to perform histological, molecular biology, and functional studies. The animals that ingested the HCD presented increased adiposity and larger adipocyte cross-sectional area, but similar body weight compared with the regular diet group. At the cardiac level, HCD induced biventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, increased stiffness, and impaired relaxation. Galectin-3 plasma expression was likewise elevated in the same animals. The nutritional modulation also altered the secretory pattern of the adipose tissue, originating a proinflammatory systemic environment. In this study, we observed that before “clinical” overweight or frank obesity is established, the ingestion of a HCD-induced cardiac remodeling manifests by increased biventricular stiffness and diastolic dysfunction. The mechanism triggering the cardiac alterations appears to be the proinflammatory environment promoted by the adipose tissue dysfunction. Furthermore, galectin-3, a profibrotic molecule, might be a potential biomarker for the myocardial alterations promoted by the HCD before overweight or obesity.
Cardiac structure and function in adolescent Sherpa; effect of habitual altitude and developmental stage
Authors: Stembridge Mike , Ainslie Philip N. , Donnelly Joseph , MacLeod Nicholas T. , Joshi Suchita , Hughes Michael G. , Sherpa Kami , Shave Rob
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine ventricular structure and function in Sherpa adolescents to determine whether age-specific differences in oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) influence cardiac adaptation to chronic hypoxia early in life. Two-dimensional, Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed on adolescent (9–16 yr) highland Sherpa (HLS; 3,840 m; n = 26) and compared with age-matched lowland Sherpa (LLS; 1,400 m; n = 10) and lowland Caucasian controls (LLC; sea level; n = 30). The HLS were subdivided into pre- and postadolescence; SpO2 was also recorded. Only HLS exhibited a smaller relative left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume; however, both HLS and LLS demonstrated a lower peak LV untwisting velocity compared with LLC (92 ± 26 and 100 ± 45 vs. 130 ± 43°/s, P < 0.05). Although SpO2 was similar between groups, PASP was higher in post- vs. preadolescent HLS (30 ± 5 vs. 25 ± 5 mmHg, P < 0.05), which negatively correlated with right ventricular strain rate ( r = 0.50, P < 0.01). Much like their adult counterparts, HLS and LLS adolescents exhibit slower LV diastolic relaxation, despite residing at different altitudes. These findings suggest fundamental differences exist in the diastolic function of Sherpa that are present at an early age and may be retained after migration to lower altitudes. The higher PASP in postadolescent Sherpa is in contrast to previous reports of lowland children at high altitude and, unlike that in lowlanders, was not explained by differences in SpO2; thus different regulatory mechanisms seem to exist between these two distinct populations.
Liver kinase B1 inhibits the expression of inflammation-related genes postcontraction in skeletal muscle
Authors: Chen Ting , Moore Timothy M. , Ebbert Mark T. W. , McVey Natalie L. , Madsen Steven R. , Hallowell David M. , Harris Alexander M. , Char Robin E. , Mackay Ryan P. , Hancock Chad R. , Hansen Jason M. , Kauwe John S. , Thomson David M.
Published: January 2016

Skeletal muscle-specific liver kinase B1 (LKB1) knockout mice (skmLKB1-KO) exhibit elevated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling after treadmill running. MAPK activation is also associated with inflammation-related signaling in skeletal muscle. Since exercise can induce muscle damage, and inflammation is a response triggered by damaged tissue, we therefore hypothesized that LKB1 plays an important role in dampening the inflammatory response to muscle contraction, and that this may be due in part to increased susceptibility to muscle damage with contractions in LKB1-deficient muscle. Here we studied the inflammatory response and muscle damage with in situ muscle contraction or downhill running. After in situ muscle contractions, the phosphorylation of both NF-κB and STAT3 was increased more in skmLKB1-KO vs. wild-type (WT) muscles. Analysis of gene expression via microarray and RT-PCR shows that expression of many inflammation-related genes increased after contraction only in skmLKB1-KO muscles. This was associated with mild skeletal muscle fiber membrane damage in skmLKB1-KO muscles. Gene markers of oxidative stress were also elevated in skmLKB1-KO muscles after contraction. Using the downhill running model, we observed significantly more muscle damage after running in skmLKB1-KO mice, and this was associated with greater phosphorylation of both Jnk and STAT3 and increased expression of SOCS3 and Fos. In conclusion, we have shown that the lack of LKB1 in skeletal muscle leads to an increased inflammatory state in skeletal muscle that is exacerbated by muscle contraction. Increased susceptibility of the muscle to damage may underlie part of this response.
cVEMP morphology changes with recording electrode position, but single motor unit activity remains constant
Authors: Rosengren Sally M. , Colebatch James G. , Borire Adeniyi , Straumann Dominik , Weber Konrad P.
Published: January 2016

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) recorded over the lower quarter of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in normal subjects may have opposite polarity to those recorded over the midpoint. It has thus been suggested that vestibular projections to the lower part of SCM might be excitatory rather than inhibitory. We tested the hypothesis that the SCM muscle receives both inhibitory and excitatory vestibular inputs. We recorded cVEMPs in 10 normal subjects with surface electrodes placed at multiple sites along the anterior (sternal) component of the SCM muscle. We compared several reference sites: sternum, ipsilateral and contralateral earlobes, and contralateral wrist. In five subjects, single motor unit responses were recorded at the upper, middle, and lower parts of the SCM muscle using concentric needle electrodes. The surface cVEMP had the typical positive-negative polarity at the midpoint of the SCM muscle. In all subjects, as the recording electrode was moved toward each insertion point, p13 amplitude became smaller and p13 latency increased, then the polarity inverted to a negative-positive waveform (n1-p1). Changing the reference site did not affect reflex polarity. There was a significant short-latency change in activity in 61/63 single motor units, and in each case this was a decrease or gap in firing, indicating an inhibitory reflex. Single motor unit recordings showed that the reflex was inhibitory along the entire SCM muscle. The cVEMP surface waveform inversion near the mastoid and sternal insertion points likely reflects volume conduction of the potential occurring with increasing distance from the motor point.
Discordant Haplotype Sequencing Identifies Functional Variants at the 2q33 Breast Cancer Risk Locus
Authors: Camp Nicola J. , Lin Wei-Yu , Bigelow Alex , Burghel George J. , Mosbruger Timothy L. , Parry Marina A. , Waller Rosalie G. , Rigas Sushilaben H. , Tai Pei-Yi , Berrett Kristofer , Rajamanickam Venkatesh , Cosby Rachel , Brock Ian W. , Jones Brandt , Connley Dan , Sargent Robert , Wang Guoying , Factor Rachel E. , Bernard Philip S. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Knight Stacey , Abo Ryan , Werner Theresa L. , Reed Malcolm W.R. , Gertz Jason , Cox Angela
Published: January 2016

The findings from genome-wide association studies hold enormous potential for novel insight into disease mechanisms. A major challenge in the field is to map these low-risk association signals to their underlying functional sequence variants (FSV). Simple sequence study designs are insufficient, as the vast numbers of statistically comparable variants and a limited knowledge of noncoding regulatory elements complicate prioritization. Furthermore, large sample sizes are typically required for adequate power to identify the initial association signals. One important question is whether similar sample sizes need to be sequenced to identify the FSVs. Here, we present a proof-of-principle example of an extreme discordant design to map FSVs within the 2q33 low-risk breast cancer locus. Our approach employed DNA sequencing of a small number of discordant haplotypes to efficiently identify candidate FSVs. Our results were consistent with those from a 2,000-fold larger, traditional imputation-based fine-mapping study. To prioritize further, we used expression-quantitative trait locus analysis of RNA sequencing from breast tissues, gene regulation annotations from the ENCODE consortium, and functional assays for differential enhancer activities. Notably, we implicate three regulatory variants at 2q33 that target CASP8 (rs3769823, rs3769821 in CASP8, and rs10197246 in ALS2CR12) as functionally relevant. We conclude that nested discordant haplotype sequencing is a promising approach to aid mapping of low-risk association loci. The ability to include more efficient sequencing designs into mapping efforts presents an opportunity for the field to capitalize on the potential of association loci and accelerate translation of association signals to their underlying FSVs. Cancer Res; 76(7); 1916–25. ©2016 AACR.
Neural Cell Adhesion Protein CNTN1 Promotes the Metastatic Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yan Judy , Ojo Diane , Kapoor Anil , Lin Xiaozeng , Pinthus Jehonathan H. , Aziz Tariq , Bismar Tarek A. , Wei Fengxiang , Wong Nicholas , De Melo Jason , Cutz Jean-Claude , Major Pierre , Wood Geoffrey , Peng Hao , Tang Damu
Published: January 2016

Prostate cancer metastasis is the main cause of disease-related mortality. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer metastasis is critical for effective therapeutic intervention. In this study, we performed gene-expression profiling of prostate cancer stem-like cells (PCSC) derived from DU145 human prostate cancer cells to identify factors involved in metastatic progression. Our studies revealed contactin 1 (CNTN1), a neural cell adhesion protein, to be a prostate cancer–promoting factor. CNTN1 knockdown reduced PCSC-mediated tumor initiation, whereas CNTN1 overexpression enhanced prostate cancer cell invasion in vitro and promoted xenograft tumor formation and lung metastasis in vivo. In addition, CNTN1 overexpression in DU145 cells and corresponding xenograft tumors resulted in elevated AKT activation and reduced E-cadherin (CDH1) expression. CNTN1 expression was not readily detected in normal prostate glands, but was clearly evident on prostate cancer cells in primary tumors and lymph node and bone metastases. Tumors from 637 patients expressing CNTN1 were associated with prostate cancer progression and worse biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy (P < 0.05). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CNTN1 promotes prostate cancer progression and metastasis, prompting further investigation into the mechanisms that enable neural proteins to become aberrantly expressed in non-neural malignancies. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1603–14. ©2016 AACR.
Juan Rulfo y La Literatura Brasileña: Entrevista con Daniel Sada
Authors: Mata Rodolfo
Published: January 2016

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Éros platônico e trágico no Grande sertão: veredas
Authors: Costa Gilmário Guerreiro da
Published: January 2016

Examinam-se neste trabalho os elementos platônicos presentes no romance Grande sertão: veredas, de Guimarães Rosa. São extratos intertextuais tomados especialmente aos diálogosBanquete e Fedro. Concedemos relevo, nessa análise,ao papel do amor e da dialética ascensional em meio à escrita fragmentária do romance, que impõe ao tema mudanças significativas, aproximando-o de uma experiência trágica.

 

 
O envir de espaços”: cartografia e geoestratégia no romance brasileiro do século XX
Authors: Melo Érico
Published: January 2016

Se, como propõe Dominique Maingueneau, o romance pode ser consi-derado um macroato de fala ficcional, o mapeamento das posições das vozes narrativas e pontos de vista no espaço reconstruído pela narrativa adquire importância especial para a análise geocrítica. Este artigo analisa alguns regimes geoestratégicos do romance brasileiro no quadro histórico da conquista territorial do sertão pelas cidades no século XX, com destaque para a participação da cartografia no repertório espacial de
romancistas selecionados.
Apresentação
Authors: Zular Roberto
Published: January 2016

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A voz falível – ensaio sobre as formações ameríndias de mundos
Authors: Cesarino Pedro De Niemeyer
Published: January 2016

Este artigo trata dos regimes narrativos ameríndios referentes à cena inicial do cosmos e suas respectivas modulações da agência criadora. Através da leitura de traduções de narrativas selecionadas, buscar-se-á refletir sobre o problema da voz demiúrgica e do estatuto ontológico dos agentes primeiros, passíveis de serem compreendidos como multi-plicidades intensivas.

 
Cortázar: o estranhamento em Cena
Authors: Passos Cleusa Rios
Published: January 2016

O artigo busca enfocar o diálogo entre alguns contos de Julio Cortázar e “El espectro” de Horacio Quiroga, contemplando o tópos do “theatrum mundi”, em que os homens representam um papel no amplo cenário do universo. De larga tradição na literatura, essa metáfora aflora, nos dois autores, graças à inversão de papéis entre personagens ou entre personagens e narradores, despertando no leitor a perturbadora sensação de estranhamento (o “Unheimliche” freudiano).
Boxing Cravan: cinematógrafo, estranhamento, subitaneidade
Authors: Serra Pedro
Published: January 2016

Proponho, neste ensaio, uma leitura de alguns aspectos da cinematografia do documentário Cravan vs Cravan (2002) do realizador catalão Isaki Lacuesta. O filme centra-se na figura de Arthur Cravan (1887-1918), que nos tempos inflamados das primeiras décadas do século XX, concretamente em 1916, se bateu com Jack Johnson em Barcelona. Destrudo radical, a que animou este poeta-boxeur: negação paroxística, pelo viés de uma espécie de performance agônica, da arte museificada ou póstuma. Neste sentido, trata-se de um gesto emblemático do ato criativo no tempo das vanguardas históricas. Defuntas as obras de arte, o artista enfrenta- se ao mundo com os punhos, apostando o ardor efêmero do corpo vivo na combustão do combate singular. Articulo, para a minha proposta de leitura do filme, um marco especulativo que visa alinhar as noções de “ostranenie” (Shklovsky) e de “subitaneidade” (Bohrer), bem como algumas determinações materiais do cinema.