bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making whole blood available in austere medical environments: donor performance and safety
Authors: Eliassen Håkon S. , Aandstad Anders , Bjerkvig Christopher , Fosse Theodor , Audun Hervig Tor , Pidcoke Heather F. , Strandenes Geir
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

To provide whole blood on the battlefield can be a challenge, but a buddy system protocol is both an elegant and the only currently available means to supply blood to a Special Forces team in far‐forward locations. Our aim was to investigate donor‐safety associated with such a protocol.

METHODS

This study was a randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial that aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a 450 cc blood donation on physical performance in fatigued and dehydrated Special Forces soldiers. The primary outcome variables were absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), exercise tolerance time (ETT) and heart rate (HR).

RESULTS

Relative VO2max decreased by 7.1% in the donation group between pre and posttest, compared to no change in the control group. Absolute VO2max decreased by 11.2 and 3.6% between pre and posttest in the donation and control groups, respectively. Mean ETT in the donation group was on average 92 seconds shorter compared to baseline, which represents a decrease of 9.5%.

CONCLUSION

Donating blood after a week of strenuous physical activity is feasible for Special Forces personnel. While the donation results in some diminishment of VO2max, a 3.6%‐11.2% decrease in relative VO2max, and in elevation of submaximal HR levels highly trained personnel continue to perform well both at both sub‐maximal and maximal effort levels.
Coagulation factor concentrate‐based therapy for remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR): a reasonable alternative?
Authors: Maegele Marc
Published: April 2016

The concept of remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR) is still in its infancy and there is significant work to be done to improve outcomes for patients with life‐threatening bleeding secondary to injury. The prehospital phase of resuscitation is critical and if shock and coagulopathy can be rapidly minimized before hospital admission this will very likely reduce morbidity and mortality. The optimum transfusion strategy for these patients is still highly debated and the potential implications of the recently published pragmatic, randomize, optimal platelet, and plasma ratios trial (PROPPR) for RDCR have been reviewed. Identifying the appropriate transfusion strategy is mandatory before adopting prehospital hemostatic resuscitation strategies. An alternative approach is based on the early administration of coagulation factor concentrates combined with the antifibrinolytic tranexamic acid (TXA). The three major components to this approach in the context of RDCR target the following steps to achieve hemostasis: 1) stop (hyper)fibrinolysis; 2) support clot formation; and 3) increase thrombin generation. Strong evidence exists for the use of TXA. The data from the prospective fibrinogen in trauma induced coagulopathy (FIinTIC) study will inform on the prehospital use of fibrinogen in bleeding trauma patients. Deficits in thrombin generation may be addressed by the administration of prothrombin complex concentrates. Handheld point‐of‐care devices may be able to support and guide the prehospital and remote use of intravenous hemostatic agents including coagulation factor concentrates along with clinical presentation, assessment, and the extent of bleeding. Combinations may even be more effective for bleeding control. More studies are urgently needed.
Effective Weight Loss for Children: A Meta‐analysis of Intervention Studies 2002–2015
Authors: Snethen Julia A. , Broome Marion E. , Treisman Pamela , Castro Erica , Kelber Sheryl T.
Published: April 2016

Background

Investigators have implemented a variety of strategies for managing and treating childhood overweight and obesity over the past decade, yet the high prevalence of childhood overweight or obesity remains. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to examine the effectiveness of childhood overweight or obesity interventions addressing weight loss from 2002–September 2015.

Methods

The population focused on in this review were children who were overweight. The treatment group interventions focused on weight loss for overweight children, and included dietary, physical activity, life style changes, or a combination of treatments. Control groups received no treatment other than what they would usually receive in their normal daily lives including standard healthcare assessments. Outcomes for the studies were focused on whether the overweight children in the treatment groups lost weight.

Results

The criteria for the meta‐analysis were met by 16 intervention studies, with a total of 19 outcomes reported within those studies. Two thousand, three hundred and seventeen participants ranged from 6 to 15 years of age with a mean age of 12 years or less. The majority of the 16 studies were conducted outside the United States (n
= 13), with half reporting data on the cost of running the programming (n
= 8) and were overwhelmingly conducted by interdisciplinary teams without nurses as members of the team (n
= 13). The M
effect was g
= .732, p
< .001 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.351 to 1.113, with quality scores ranging from 20 to 29 out of a possible 41. The heterogeneity analyses overall Q score was 378, an I‐squared of 95, with a fail‐safe N
of 415.

Linking Evidence to Action

Diverse interventions included in this meta‐analysis had a significant positive effect on weight loss in overweight children. Future research needs to focus on the role of the nurse in ensuring development and translation of the effective interventions in real world settings, at a scale that would move beyond small segments of the affected populations of overweight children.
Changing communities and increases in the prevalence of depresion: is there a relationship?
Authors: Krause Mariane , Güell Pedro , Zilveti Maya , Jaramillo Andrea , Jiménez Juan Pablo , Luyten Patrick
Published: April 2016

The article analyses the impact of individualization processes on community-level determinants of health in postmodern societies, taking depression as an example. The analysis shows how the evolution of the broader social context towards forms of organization focused on the individual and on competition in a market economy implies the vanishing of traditional communities and therefore of their health-supportive functions, thus endangering their ability to fulfill the needs of belonging, mutual support, and identity. The analysis also relates this evolution to cultural phenomena and to recent studies about culture-gene coevolution, implying that the effects of community decline are expected to be even greater in collectivist societies. Through its multidimensional conceptual analysis, this paper aims to contribute to further uncovering the interactions of psychological, psychosocial, and biological factors in mental health
Generalized Correlations for Predicting Optimal Spacing of Decaying Heat Sources in a Conducting Medium
Authors: Baik Young-Jin , Ngo Ich-Long , Park Jang Min , Byon Chan
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a numerical study for predicting the optimal spacing (OS) of decaying heat sources/sinks in a conducting medium. The optimal configuration that minimizes the overall thermal resistance between the cylinder array and surrounding medium is tracked using interpolation technique. Consequently, the dimensionless OS obtained is of the order of 0.442th power of the Fourier number (Fo) defined as a function of the decaying time constant, which differs from the 0.5th value reported in previous study. In addition, the overall thermal resistance is shown to be highly dependent on the dimensionless spacing and Fo, while the OS also depends on the array type of the cylinders. Based on the extensive numerical study, closed-form correlations are proposed for predicting the OS of decaying heat sources/sinks in both quadratic and hexagonal arrangements. These results can be widely utilized for optimally positioning heat sources/sinks with two dimensional configurations.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas balearica
DSM 6083
T
Authors: Bennasar-Figueras Antoni , Salvà-Serra Francisco , Jaén-Luchoro Daniel , Seguí Carolina , Aliaga Francisco , Busquets Antonio , Gomila Margarita , Moore Edward R. B. , Lalucat Jorge
Published: April 2016

The whole-genome sequence of
Pseudomonas balearica
SP1402 (DSM 6083
T
) has been completed and annotated. It was isolated as a naphthalene degrader from water of a lagooning wastewater treatment plant.
P. balearica
strains tolerate up to 8.5% NaCl and are considered true marine denitrifiers.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus clausii
UBBC07, a Spore-Forming Probiotic Strain
Authors: Upadrasta Aditya , Pitta Swetha , Madempudi Ratna Sudha
Published: April 2016

Bacillus clausii
UBBC07 is a safe endospore-forming strain, characterized for defined therapeutic effects. The finished draft whole-genome sequence is presented here to scan its genetic constitution for its expanded use as a probiotic in various health sectors.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Xylella fastidiosa
subsp.
fastidiosa
Strain Stag's Leap
Authors: Chen J. , Wu F. , Zheng Z. , Deng X. , Burbank L. P. , Stenger D. C.
Published: April 2016

Xylella fastidiosa
subsp.
fastidiosa
causes Pierce's disease of grapevine. Presented here is the draft genome sequence of the Stag's Leap strain, previously used in pathogenicity/virulence assays to evaluate grapevine germplasm bearing Pierce's disease resistance and a phenotypic assessment of knockout mutants to determine gene function.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Atypical Strain of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Serotype 19A Isolated from Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Perez-Maya Antonio Ali , Hinojosa-Robles Rosa Maria , Barcenas-Walls Jose Ramon , Rojas-Martinez Augusto , Barrera-Saldaña Hugo Alberto , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio
Published: April 2016

We present here the draft genome sequence of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strain MTY32702340SN814 isolated in Monterrey, Mexico, from a girl with bacterial meningitis. The strain belongs to the atypical and multidrug-resistant serogroup 19A. This is the first report in the literature of sequence type 3936 (ST3936) in
S. pneumoniae
serotype 19A.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Strain SO3 (Sequence Type 302) Isolated from a Baby with Meningitis in Mexico
Authors: Vinuesa Pablo , Puente José L. , Calva Edmundo , Zaidi Mussaret B. , Silva Claudia
Published: April 2016

The complete genome of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium strain SO3 (sequence type 302), isolated from a fatal meningitis infection in Mexico, was determined using PacBio technology. The chromosome hosts six complete prophages and is predicted to harbor 51 genomic islands, including 13 pathogenicity islands (SPIs). It carries the
Salmonella
virulence plasmid (pSTV).
Complete Genome Sequence of Zika Virus from the First Imported Case in Mainland China
Authors: Liu Lin , Wu Wei , Zhao Xiang , Xiong Ying , Zhang Shuo , Liu Xiaoqing , Qu Jing , Li Jiandong , Nei Kai , Liang Mifang , Shu Yuelong , Hu Guoliang , Ma Xuejun , Li Dexin
Published: April 2016

The first case of Zika virus infection was identified in a Chinese traveler returning from Venezuela in February 2016. This report describes the complete genome sequence of Zika virus from the first imported case in China. The genome sequence analysis showed that the Zika virus isolated in this case belongs to the Asian lineage.
Genome Sequence of
Aeromicrobium erythreum
NRRL B-3381, an Erythromycin-Producing Bacterium of the
Nocardioidaceae
Authors: Harrell Erin A. , Miller Eric S.
Published: April 2016

Aeromicrobium erythreum
NRRL B-3381 has a 3,629,239-bp circular genome that has 72% G+C content. There are at least 3,121 coding sequences (CDSs), two rRNA gene operons, and 47 tRNAs. The genome and erythromycin (
ery
) biosynthetic gene sequences provide resources for metabolic and combinatorial engineering of polyketides.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Marine Bacterium,
Paraglaciecola
sp. Strain S66, with Hydrolytic Activity against Seaweed Polysaccharides
Authors: Schultz-Johansen Mikkel , Glaring Mikkel A. , Bech Pernille K. , Stougaard Peter
Published: April 2016

A novel agarolytic gammaproteobacterium,
Paraglaciecola
sp. S66, was isolated from marine samples of eelgrass (
Zostera
sp.) and sequenced. The draft genome contains a large number of enzyme-encoding genes with predicted function against several complex polysaccharides found in the cell walls of algae.
Genome Sequence of
Bacillus cereus
Phage vB_BceS-MY192
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhan Li , Chen Jiancai , Zhang Yunyi , Sun Yi , Yang Zhangnv , Jiang Liping , Zhu Hanping , Zhang Yanjun , Lu Yiyu , Mei Lingling
Published: April 2016

Bacillus cereus
is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen. The phage vB_BceS-MY192 was isolated from
B. cereus
192 in a cooked rice sample. The temperate phage belongs to the
Siphoviridae
family,
Caudovirales
order. Here we announce the phage genome sequence and its annotation, which may expand the understanding of
B. cereus
siphophages.
U–Pb and Hf isotopic analyses of detrital zircons from the Taku terrane, southeast Alaska
Authors: Giesler Dominique , Gehrels George , Pecha Mark , White Chelsi , Yokelson Intan , McClelland William C.
Published: April 2016

The Taku terrane consists of metamorphosed Carboniferous through Triassic marine clastic strata, volcanic rocks, and limestone that occur along the western margin of the Coast Mountains in southeastern Alaska. These rocks are juxtaposed along mid-Cretaceous thrust faults over Jura-Cretaceous basinal strata of the Gravina belt to the west and beneath Proterozoic through Carboniferous metamorphic rocks of the Yukon–Tanana terrane to the east. This paper presents U–Pb ages and Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons from the Taku terrane, and compares these values with information from the adjacent Wrangellia, Alexander, and northern and southern portions of the Yukon–Tanana terrane (YTTn and YTTs). These comparisons suggest that (i) Carboniferous strata of the Taku terrane were shed mainly from mid-Paleozoic igneous rocks of YTTs, (ii) Permian strata of the Taku terrane were shed from mid-Paleozoic igneous rocks and intraformational Lower Permian volcanic rocks of YTTs as well as Upper Permian volcanic rocks exposed in YTTn, and (iii) Triassic sandstones were shed from mid-Paleozoic igneous rocks of YTTs, whereas conglomerates were shed mainly from mid-Paleozoic arc rocks in YTTn. Hf isotope analyses of Paleozoic zircons record increasing continental input during Silurian–Devonian and Permian phases of magmatism. Similarities in isotopic characteristics, combined with stratigraphic and geochemical information presented by previous workers, suggest that strata of the Taku terrane accumulated on (and partly as lateral equivalents of) rocks of YTTs, and that the combined assemblages formed outboard or along strike of YTTn.
A Mean-Variance Analysis Based Approach for Search Result Diversification in Federated Search
Authors: Ghansah Benjamin , Wu Shengli
Published: April 2016

Resource Selection is an important step in a federated search environment. The goal of this work was to improve the collection selection process by selecting collections in terms of relevance and diversity, to best answer a user's query. Sampled documents from the Central Sample Database are first ranked by Indri retrieval algorithm and later re-ranked by a Mean-Standard deviation method that reduces uncertainty and improves diversity of collection sources. A comparative evaluation with the R-based diversification metrics shows that the proposed method significantly outperforms the baseline diversification methods; ReDDE+MMR, ReDDE+MAP-IA and state-of-the-art resource selection methods (ReDDE and CORI) in all metrics.
Prioritized Information Fusion Method for Triangular Fuzzy Information and Its Application to Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Verma Rajkumar , Sharma Bhudev
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the multiple attribute decision making under triangular fuzzy environment in which the attributes and experts are in different priority level. By combining the idea of quasi arithmetic mean and prioritized weighted average (PWA) operator, we first propose two new prioritized aggregation operators called quasi fuzzy prioritized weighted average (QFPWA) operator and the quasi fuzzy prioritized weighted ordered weighted average (QFPWOWA) operator for aggregating triangular fuzzy information. The properties of the new aggregation operators are studied in detail and their special cases are examined. Furthermore, based on the QFPWA operator and QFPWOWA operator, an approach to deal with multiple attribute decision-making problems under triangular fuzzy environments is developed. Finally, a practical example is provided to illustrate the multiple attribute decision making process.
Robust Adaptive Control for Vision-Based Stabilization of a Wheeled Humanoid Robot
Authors: Cao Zhengcai , Yin Longjie , Fu Yili , Dai Jian S.
Published: April 2016

A significant amount of work has been reported in the area of vision-based stabilization of wheeled robots during the last decade. However, almost all the contributions have not considered the actuator dynamics in the controller design. Considering the unknown parameters of the robot kinematics and dynamics incorporating the actuator dynamics, this paper presents a vision-based robust adaptive controller for the stabilization of a wheeled humanoid robot by using the adaptive backstepping approach. For the controller design, the idea of backstepping is used and the adaptive control technique is applied to treat all parametric uncertainties. Moreover, to attenuate the effect of the external disturbances on control performance, smooth robust compensators are employed. The stability of the proposed control system is analyzed by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Efficient Mapping and Allocation of Execution Units to Task Graphs using an Evolutionary Framework
Authors: Al-Wattar Ahmed , Areibi Shawki , Grewal Gary
Published: April 2016

Partial dynamic reconfiguration of FPGAs gives designers the capability to change certain parts of the hardware while other parts remain active and in use. This provides several benefits including reducing device count and power consumption. However, this also introduces new challenges that need to be addressed by designers. This paper introduces a framework for efficient mapping of execution units to task graphs in a runtime reconfigurable system. The framework utilizes an Island Based Genetic Algorithm flow that optimizes several objectives including delay and power consumption. The GA based technique not only optimizes the above objectives, but also aggregates the Pareto front of the different islands to further enhance solution quality. The Island based GA runs each GA in parallel, and is amenable to both software and hardware implementation. The proposed Island based GA framework achieves on average 55.2% improvement over a single GA implementation and 80.7% improvement over a baseline random allocation and binding approach.
Breadth First Search on Cost-efficient Multi-GPU Systems
Authors: Mitsuishi Takuji , Suzuki Jun , Hayashi Yuki , Kan Masaki , Amano Hideharu
Published: April 2016

A parallel Breadth First Search (BFS) algorithm is proposed for cost-efficient multi-GPU systems without enough memory amount or communication performance. By using an improved data structure for the duplication elimination of local nodes, both required memory amount and processing time are reduced. By using Unified Virtual Addressing, time for communication can be hidden with the computation. The proposed algorithm is implemented on two costefficient multi-GPU systems: Express multi-GPU system which has a full of flexibility but the communication latency between GPU and host is limited, and a high-end gaming machine whose memory is limited. Both systems achieve good strong scaling with the proposed methods. On Express multi-GPU system, the communication overhead was almost completely hidden, and the aggregate communication throughput reached 4.77 GB/sec (38.16 Gbps), almost theoretical maximum.
Preserved Activity of CD20-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor–Expressing T Cells in the Presence of Rituximab
Authors: Rufener Gregory A. , Press Oliver W. , Olsen Philip , Lee Sang Yun , Jensen Michael C. , Gopal Ajay K. , Pender Barbara , Budde Lihua E. , Rossow Jeffrey K. , Green Damian J. , Maloney David G. , Riddell Stanley R. , Till Brian G.
Published: April 2016

CD20 is an attractive immunotherapy target for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD20 is a promising strategy. A theoretical limitation is that residual serum rituximab might block CAR binding to CD20 and thereby impede T cell–mediated anti-lymphoma responses. The activity of CD20 CAR-modified T cells in the presence of various concentrations of rituximab was tested in vitro and in vivo. CAR-binding sites on CD20+ tumor cells were blocked by rituximab in a dose-dependent fashion, although at 37°C blockade was incomplete at concentrations up to 200 μg/mL. T cells with CD20 CARs also exhibited modest dose-dependent reductions in cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity, but not proliferation, against lymphoma cell lines. At rituximab concentrations of 100 μg/mL, CAR T cells retained ≥50% of baseline activity against targets with high CD20 expression, but were more strongly inhibited when target cells expressed low CD20. In a murine xenograft model using a rituximab-refractory lymphoma cell line, rituximab did not impair CAR T-cell activity, and tumors were eradicated in >85% of mice. Clinical residual rituximab serum concentrations were measured in 103 lymphoma patients after rituximab therapy, with the median level found to be only 38 μg/mL (interquartile range, 19–72 μg/mL). Thus, despite modest functional impairment in vitro, the in vivo activity of CD20-targeted CAR T cells remains intact at clinically relevant levels of rituximab, making use of these T cells clinically feasible. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(6); 509–19. ©2016 AACR.

See related Spotlight by Sadelain, p. 473.
In vitro Impact of Limited Exposure to Subtherapeutic Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Gluconate on the Adhesion-Associated Attributes of Oral Candida Species
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N.B. , Chandy Rachel , Khan Zia U.
Published: April 2016

Objective:Candida albicans and its non-albicans counterparts, such as C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. dubliniensis, are the major etiological agents of oral candidosis. Their adherence to buccal epithelial cells (BEC), denture acrylic surfaces (DAS) and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) are attributes associated with yeast colonization and infection. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) is a widely used antiseptic in dentistry. When administered, the diluent effect of saliva and the cleansing effect of the oral musculature reduce its bioavailability, compromising its efficacy. Hence, intraorally, Candida undergoes a transient exposure to high CG concentrations, and thereafter it is likely to be subtherapeutic. Therefore, the impact of CG on adhesion to BEC, DAS and CSH of different oral Candida species was investigated following brief exposure to three subtherapeutic concentrations of CG. Materials and Methods: Ten oral isolates of each of the above five Candida species obtained in Kuwait from oral rinse samples were exposed to 0.00125, 0.0025 and 0.005% CG for 30 min. Subsequently, the yeast adhesion to BEC, DAS and CSH was determined. The data were analyzed using ANOVA Dunnett's t tests. Results: Exposure to the lowest dilution (0.00125%) of CG did not elicit a noteworthy collective suppression on all three adhesion traits evaluated. Exposure to 0.0025% CG curtailed the adhesion to BEC, DAS and CSH of Candida species by 50.89, 40.79 and 24.58%, respectively (p < 0.001). Exposure to the highest concentration (0.005%) of CG reduced the adhesion to BEC, DAS and CSH of Candida species by 64.68, 54.59 and 50%, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of CG suppressed the adhesion to BEC, DAS and CSH of oral Candida species, indicating probable pharmacodynamics that may potentiate its antiseptic properties.
Autonomic Cardiac Response to Static and Dynamic Muscle Contractions in Post-Stroke and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Raphaely Beer Noa , Bornstein Natan M. , Soroker Nachum , Katz-Leurer Michal
Published: April 2016

Aim: To describe the response of the cardiac autonomic nervous system to static and dynamic muscle contractions in post ischemic stroke patients 2 and 7 weeks post event, compared with the response of age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: Participants: 12 patients post first stroke at the subacute phase and 12 healthy age-matched controls. Tools: the Polar Advanced Heart Rate Monitor (RS800CX) was used to record inter bit intervals at rest and during grip and cycling. Results: Patients post stroke, both at 2 and 7 weeks post onset time, had higher heart rate and lower heart rate variability (HRV) values at rest compared to controls. A significant reduction in HRV values was noted among healthy controls during static and dynamic muscle contractions compared to baseline. In contrast, stroke patients 2 weeks after onset did not show a cardiac reaction to static contractions. At 7 weeks post onset examination, the stroke patients showed a significant reduction in HRV both during static and dynamic contractions compared to the rest state. Conclusion: Patients post stroke in the subacute phase have alterations in cardiac rhythm regulation both at rest and during muscle effort. The extent of the cardiac autonomic response to muscle contraction is associated with contraction type and time post event. Simple measurement of HRV in different conditions enables monitoring of recovery of autonomic nervous system cardiac control.
Base emocional de la ciudadanía. Narrativas de emociones morales en estudiantes de noveno grado
Authors: Martínez Edgar Mauricio , Quintero-MeJía Marieta
Published: April 2016

(analítico): Nuestro objetivo en este artículo es presentar la interpretación de narrativas de emociones morales de estudiantes de noveno grado; en particular, centramos el estudio en dar cuenta de aquellas que extienden o impiden el interés moral por la vida ciudadana. Asumimos la perspectiva teórica que considera que las emociones son cognitivas. El abordaje metodológico es cualitativo. Interpretamos narraciones en estudiantes de ambos sexos y encontramos narrativas relacionadas con la vergüenza, la repugnancia, la compasión, la envidia, la humillación y la gratitud. En el presente texto analizamos algunas de ellas y las creencias que las soportan. La información obtenida nos permite describir valores existentes en los estudiantes y las estudiantes, emociones que favorecen o no la convivencia escolar, y el rol que juegan en una comunidad que aspira a ser democrática
Aspectos da crítica literária de Machado de Assis
Authors: Betella Gabriela Kvacek
Published: April 2016

Escrevendo sobre literatura, Machado de Assis discute alguns problemas de interesse para a investigação acerca das formas de representação literária num "país novo". O crítico abandona polêmicas e declarações ineficientes  para analisar, por exemplo, as idéias estrangeiras importadas pelos intelectuais brasileiros do século XIX, as condições do meio literário e a função política do escritor.
Do instinto à nacionalidade: a polêmica da cultura nacional no Brasil
Authors: Tavares Cássio
Published: April 2016

Por que a idéia de nacionalidade é, para a literatura brasileira, motivo de polê­ mica? A questão é encarada através da análise de dois casos dessa polêmica, respectiva­ mente nos séculos XIX e XX. A trajetória brasileira rumo à integridade nacional de sua identidade cultural é brevemente revista, revelando semelhanças significativas entre seus pontos de partida e de chegada.
Os Campanários de Martinville: construção, tempo e metáfora em busca do tempo perdido
Authors: Prado Raquel De Almeida
Published: April 2016

O movimento dos campanários de Martinville sintetiza metaforicamente a cons­ trução da obra enquanto metáfora do tempo.
Texto o céu, tecido o véu
Authors: Lebensztayn Ieda
Published: April 2016

A partir da concepção de hermenêutica de Schleiermacher e de sua retomada posterior por Paul Ricoeur, o ensaio desvela que a hermenêutica decorre da necessidade de compreender o outro, constituindo um movimento de flexibilização dos sujeitos ante a sempre existente alteridade, o qual os transforma. Por fim, são "Os astrônomos" de Infância, de Graciliano Ramos, a revelar como a obra literária condensa reflexões hermenêuticas, potencializando essa (trans)formação do homem.
Crepúsculo, Mirabilia e treva no caminho do poeta viator
Authors: Cuccagna Claudio
Published: April 2016

A partir da imagem do poeta viator este ensaio detecta as analogias estruturais, imagéticas e mitopoéticas presentes nos poemas "A ilha de Cipango", de Augusto dos Anjos, e "A máquina do mundo", de Carlos Drummond de Andrade, assim como sinali­ za a semelhante e radical atitude dos dois autores em objetivarem uma recusa do mundo pela negação da Utopia.
O cinema implícito em Noite, de Harold Pinter
Authors: Rosa Rafael Vogt Maia
Published: April 2016

O texto pretende abordar o processo de incorporação de elementos da estética cinematográfica na concepção dramatúrgica da peça Noite (1969), de Harold Pinter. Será destacada a referência crítica aos efeitos da distração e alienação proporcionada pelo cinema na constituição ficcional do imaginário das personagens da obra, bem como questões relacionadas à representação da sexualidade no teatro, a partir de paralelos com um tipo específico de veiculação dessa temática no campo audiovisual.
O olho do melro – Beckett entre o realismo de Lukács e a estética adorniana
Authors: Daie Fábio Salem
Published: April 2016

O presente artigo visa explorar alguns temas das perspectivas teóricas de György Lukács e Theodor Adorno relativas à arte no século XX. Para tanto, tomamos como ponto de partida três obras dramatúrgicas principais de Samuel Beckett: Esperando Godot (1953), Fim de Partida (1957) e Dias Felizes (1961). Visto que Beckett assumia valores inversos para Lukács e Adorno – desprezado pelo primeiro, admirado pelo segundo –, suas peças de teatro funcionam como catalisadoras de discordâncias centrais que nos ajudam a esclarecer parte relevante do debate estético moderno.
Jnk1
Deficiency in Hematopoietic Cells Suppresses Macrophage Apoptosis and Increases Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Null Mice
Authors: Babaev Vladimir R. , Yeung Michele , Erbay Ebru , Ding Lei , Zhang Youmin , May James M. , Fazio Sergio , Hotamisligil Gökhan S. , Linton MacRae F.
Published: April 2016

Objective—

The c-Jun NH
2
-terminal kinases (JNK) are regulated by a wide variety of cellular stresses and have been implicated in apoptotic signaling. Macrophages express 2 JNK isoforms, JNK1 and JNK2, which may have different effects on cell survival and atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

To dissect the effect of macrophage JNK1 and JNK2 on early atherosclerosis,
Ldlr
−/−
mice were reconstituted with wild-type,
Jnk1
−/−
, and
Jnk2
−/−
hematopoietic cells and fed a high cholesterol diet.
Jnk1
−/−
→
Ldlr
−/−
mice have larger atherosclerotic lesions with more macrophages and fewer apoptotic cells than mice transplanted with wild-type or
Jnk2
−/−
cells. Moreover, genetic ablation of JNK to a single allele (
Jnk1

+/−

/Jnk2
−/−
or
Jnk1
−/−
/Jnk2

+/−

) in marrow of
Ldlr
−/−
recipients further increased atherosclerosis compared with
Jnk1
−/−
→
Ldlr
−/−
and wild-type→
Ldlr
−/−
mice. In mouse macrophages, anisomycin-mediated JNK signaling antagonized Akt activity, and loss of
Jnk1
gene obliterated this effect. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of JNK1, but not JNK2, markedly reduced the antagonizing effect of JNK on Akt activity. Prolonged JNK signaling in the setting of endoplasmic reticulum stress gradually extinguished Akt and Bad activity in wild-type cells with markedly less effects in
Jnk1
−/−
macrophages, which were also more resistant to apoptosis. Consequently, anisomycin increased and JNK1 inhibitors suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress–mediated apoptosis in macrophages. We also found that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog abolished the JNK-mediated effects on Akt activity, indicating that phosphatase and tensin homolog mediates crosstalk between these pathways.

Conclusions—

Loss of
Jnk1
, but not
Jnk2
, in macrophages protects them from apoptosis, increasing cell survival, and this accelerates early atherosclerosis.
Dietary comparison of coexisting barn owl (Tyto alba) and eagle owl (Bubo bubo) during consecutive breeding seasons
Authors: Milchev Boyan
Published: April 2016

Coexistence of predator species often depends on behaviours or preferences that result in spatio-temporal reduction of competition. In this study, the diets of coexisting barn owls (Tyto alba) and eagle owls (Bubo bubo) in an agricultural landscape of SE Bulgaria were compared. White-toothed shrews (Crociduraspp.), voles (Microtusspp.) and mice (Musspp.) were the main prey of barn owl (86.3% by number, 81.2% by biomass) with significantly different frequencies in annual diets. The principle biomass (64.8 ± 6.2%) of the significantly different eagle owl annual diets comprised much heavier prey such as white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), European hare (Lepus europaeus) and non-passerine birds of wetlands and open habitats. The two owl species preferred and hunted on different prey size groups in the same territory, and this difference explained the low level of food competition (6.0 ± 3.6% diet overlap according to prey biomass). Voles were the only prey of the two owls with significantly different frequencies for the annual diets in intraspecies comparisons. The proportions of voles in both diets showed similar trends during the study. Eagle owl predation on barn owls was slightly affected by their coexisting breeding despite the high levels of food stress of eagle owl. These findings provide insight into how preying habits can predict successful coexistence of potentially competing predator species.
Five new species and key for Australian Epyris Westwood (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae)
Authors: TRIBULL CARLY MELISSA
Published: April 2016

Epyris Westwood, 1832 is the largest genus within Bethylidae, but few species are known from Australia, with only two species described. Following trips undertaken by the author to sort material from the Canadian National Collections, Queensland Museum, and Australian National Insect Collection, the number of described species is expanded to seven with the addition of E. loisae Tribull, sp. nov., E. herschae Tribull, sp. nov., E. carpenteri Tribull, sp. nov., E. azevedoi Tribull, sp. nov., and E. fulgeocauda Tribull, sp. nov. Descriptions and illustrations of each new species are provided, as well as a key to the known Australian Epyris species.
Does the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation Get Its Predictability from the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation?
Authors: Trenary Laurie , DelSole Timothy
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the predictive relation between the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Atlantic meridional overturning circulation across different climate models. Three overturning patterns that are significantly coupled to the AMO on interannual time scales across all climate models are identified using a statistical optimization technique. Including these structures in an autoregressive model extends AMO predictability by 2–9 years, relative to an autoregressive model without these structures.
The Case for Selecting Cases That Are Deviant or Extreme on the Independent Variable
Authors: Seawright Jason
Published: April 2016

Qualitative and multimethod scholars face a wide and often confusing array of alternatives for case selection using the results of a prior regression analysis. Methodologists have recommended alternatives including selection of typical cases, deviant cases, extreme cases on the independent variable, extreme cases on the dependent variable, influential cases, most similar cases, most different cases, pathway cases, and randomly sampled cases, among others. Yet this literature leaves it substantially unclear which of these approaches is best for any particular goal. Via statistical modeling and simulation, I argue that the rarely considered approach of selecting cases with extreme values on the main independent variable, as well as the more commonly discussed deviant case design, are the best alternatives for a broad range of discovery-related goals. By contrast, the widely discussed and advocated typical case, extreme-on- Y, and most similar cases approaches to case selection are much less valuable than scholars in the qualitative and multimethods research traditions have recognized to date.
Fit for prosumption: interactivity and the second fitness boom
Authors: Millington Brad
Published: April 2016

This article advances the claim that a new ‘fitness boom’ has arrived, one marked by the proliferation of devices such as wearable fitness trackers. The first fitness boom of the 1970s/1980s was characterized by the heightened availability of fitness ‘tools’ and the supposition that pursuing a ‘fit’ lifestyle was tantamount to responsible living. The new era in fitness intensifies foregoing fitness trends, rather than departing from them completely. Specifically, the second fitness boom is deemed to be characterized by the following traits: (1) the manifestation of socio-technical networks, (2) an emphasis on human–technology interactivity, (3) data-intensiveness, (4) customization in the interest of ‘optimization’, (5) the option for individual users to partake in wider online communities and, finally, (6) both ‘new’ and ‘old’ forms of commodification. With these characteristics in mind, a case is made that fitness is a site for prosumption – production and consumption together – now more so than ever. More importantly, fitness is a site for automated prosumption in that fitness data can be generated with limited effort from fitness participants. Consideration is given to the significance of automated prosumption in the fitness realm as it pertains to fitness and to the notion of prosumption both.
‘Our time to act has come’: desynchronization, social media time and protest movements
Authors: Kaun Anne
Published: April 2016

Protest movements have successfully adopted media technologies to promote their causes and mobilize large numbers of supporters. Especially social media that are considered as low-cost and time-saving alternatives have played particularly important roles in recent mobilizations. There is, however, a growing concern about the contradictions between long-term organizing for progressive, social change, on one hand, and the media technologies employed, on the other. Hartmut Rosa has argued that the current culture of accelerated capitalism is characterized by a growing desynchronization between political practices (slow politics) and the economic system (fast capitalism). This article traces the increasing social acceleration related to (media) technologies employed by protest activists and asks whether there is an increasing desynchronization with their political practices discernible. Furthermore, the article investigates strategies of resistance to overcome the growing gap between ‘machine time’ and political time. Empirically, the article builds on archival material and in-depth interviews documenting the media practices of the unemployed workers’ movement (1930s), the tenants’ movement (1970s) and the Occupy Wall Street Movement (2011/2012) and argues for the need to re-politicize media infrastructures as means of communication in order to tackle democratic problems that emerge from the divergent temporalities.
Career Development Courses and Educational Outcomes
Authors: Hansen Jamie M. , Jackson Aaron P. , Pedersen Tyler R.
Published: April 2016

Research suggests that career development courses have positive impacts on college students’ career development outputs. What is less established is the impact of these career courses on educational outcomes like retention, graduation rate, and academic performance. This study compared two groups of undergraduate students: one that successfully completed a career development course ( n = 3,546) and a matched group of students who did not take the career course ( n = 3,510). The groups were compared on graduation rate, time to graduation, course withdrawals, and cumulative grade point averages (GPAs). The career development course was not a significant predictor of graduation within 6 years, the number of semesters to graduate, or the number of withdrawals incurred. However, the career development course did significantly predict the total number of credits (participants graduated with about five more credits) and cumulative GPA at graduation (participants graduated with higher GPAs).
Mealtime Interactions and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in Shanghai
Authors: Ye Minzhi , Chen Lin , Kahana Eva
Published: April 2016

Objective: We examined the association between older adults’ mealtime interactions at senior centers in Shanghai and their life satisfaction. Competing hypotheses, derived from socioemotional selectivity theory and activity theory, were tested. Method: Data were obtained from the 2011 Shanghai senior center service utilization survey ( N = 320). Relationships between respondents’ mealtime interactions and life satisfaction were tested using multilevel regression modeling. Results: After adjusting for demographics, interactions with tablemates (companionship, self-disclosure, and instrumental support) were positively associated with respondents’ life satisfaction. These associations varied by senior centers. However, the number of tablemates was not significantly associated with respondents’ life satisfaction. Discussion: Findings support the activity-theory-based hypothesis that mealtime interactions are related to older adults’ life satisfaction independent of the number of tablemates. This study illuminates the value of social interactions in the context of community dining programs for the rapidly increasing older population in urban China.
The effect of finite roughness size and bulk thickness on the prediction of rubber friction and contact mechanics
Authors: Scaraggi M , Persson BNJ
Published: April 2016

We present the numerical results for the viscoelastic and adhesive contribution to rubber friction for a tread rubber sliding on a hard solid with a randomly rough surface. In particular, the effect of the high- and low-frequency roughness power spectrum cut-off is investigated. The numerical results are then compared to the predictions of an analytical theory of rubber friction. We show that the friction coefficient for large load is given exactly by the theory while some difference between theory and simulations occur for small loads, due to a finite sample-size effects, whereas the contact area is almost unaffected by the low frequency cut-off. Finally, the role of a finite rubber thickness on viscoelastic friction and contact area is introduced and critically discussed. Interestingly, we show that classical rough contact mechanics scaling rules do not apply for this case.
Food puzzles for cats
Authors: Dantas Leticia MS , Delgado Mikel M , Johnson Ingrid , Buffington CA Tony
Published: April 2016

Practical relevance:

Many pet cats are kept indoors for a variety of reasons (eg, safety, health, avoidance of wildlife predation) in conditions that are perhaps the least natural to them. Indoor housing has been associated with health issues, such as chronic lower urinary tract signs, and development of problem behaviors, which can cause weakening of the human–animal bond and lead to euthanasia of the cat. Environmental enrichment may mitigate the effects of these problems and one approach is to take advantage of cats’ natural instinct to work for their food.

Aim:

In this article we aim to equip veterinary professionals with the tools to assist clients in the use of food puzzles for their cats as a way to support feline physical health and emotional wellbeing. We outline different types of food puzzles, and explain how to introduce them to cats and how to troubleshoot challenges with their use.

Evidence base:

The effect of food puzzles on cats is a relatively new area of study, so as well as reviewing the existing empirical evidence, we provide case studies from our veterinary and behavioral practices showing health and behavioral benefits resulting from their use.
Staying a smoker or becoming an ex-smoker after hospitalisation for unstable angina or myocardial infarction
Authors: Hansen Emily Christine , Nelson Mark Raymond
Published: April 2016

The aim of our study was to better understand processes of ongoing smoking or smoking cessation (quitting) following hospitalisation for myocardial infarction or unstable angina (acute cardiac syndromes). In-depth interviews were used to elicit participants’ stories about ongoing smoking and quitting. In total, 18 interviews with smokers and 14 interviews with ex-smokers were analysed. Our findings illustrate the complex social nature of smoking practices including cessation. We found that smoking cessation following hospitalisation for acute cardiac syndromes is to some extent a performative act linked to ‘doing health’ and claiming a new identity, that of a virtuous ex-smoker in the hope that this will prevent further illness. For some ex-smokers hospitalisation had facilitated this shift, acting as a rite of passage and disrupting un-contemplated habits. Those participants who continued to smoke had often considered quitting or had even stopped smoking for a short period of time after hospitalisation; however, they did not undergo the identity shift described by ex-smokers and smoking remained firmly entrenched in their sense of self and the pattern of their daily lives. The ongoing smokers described feeling ashamed and stigmatised because of their smoking and felt that quitting was impossible for them. Our study provides an entry point into the smokers’ world at a time when their smoking has become problematised and highly visible due to their illness and when smoking cessation or continuance carries much higher stakes and more immediate consequences than might ordinarily be the case.