bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular typing of bacteria for epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation / Molekulare Typisierung von Bakterien für die epidemiologische Überwachung und Ausbruchsabklärung
Authors: Ruppitsch Werner
Published: February 2017

Constant confrontations with microbial threats pose major challenges to human and animal health, agricultural and food production, and public safety. Identifying pathogenic bacteria (species) and tracking strains (by series of well-characterized isolates) to their sources are especially important in outbreak investigations. Compared to the identification of the species, the identification of the source and spread of microbial infections represents a major—and many times futile—challenge. This is due to the multitude of ways microorganisms can occur and spread within healthcare facilities and in the community; how, when, and where they can contaminate the complex nutrition chain, leading to natural and man-made outbreaks.

Typing is the characterization of isolates or strains below species or subspecies level. Typing of bacterial isolates is an essential procedure to identify the microbe causing the illness or to track down an outbreak to the suspected source. In the genomic era, the introduction of molecular methods has largely replaced phenotypic methods and “molecular epidemiology” has emerged as a new discipline. The current molecular typing methods can be classified into three categories: (a) PCR-based methods, (b) DNA fragment analysis-based methods, and (c) DNA sequence-based methods, including the new exciting era of high-throughput genome sequencing.
Syphacia muris infection delays the onset of hyperglycemia in WBN/Kob-Lepr
fa rats, a new type 2 diabetes mellitus model
Authors: Taira K. , Yazawa R. , Watanabe A. , Ishikawa Y. , Okamoto M. , Takahashi A. , Asai F.
Published: February 2017

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders and its continuous global increase is due to factors as population growth, urbanization, aging, and increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. The effect of pinworm infection on the development of hyperglycemia was examined in WBN/K-Lepf (fa/fa) rats, a new model of the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with pancreatitis. The rats were orally administered Syphacia muris eggs (infected group) and distilled water (control group). Hyperglycemia onset in the infected group was significantly delayed compared to the control group. Neither body weight nor intake of food and water were affected by S. muris infection. This study demonstrated that S. muris infection delayed the onset of T2DM in fa/fa rats and suggested that elucidation of the underlying mechanism and relevant pathways in the helminth-mediated protection may lead to the development of a new strategy to prevent diabetes mellitus.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Casting of Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloys by HRS and LMC Directional Solidification Processes
Authors: Yan Xuewei , Wang Run’ nan , Xu Qingyan , Liu Baicheng
Published: February 2017

Mathematical models for dynamic heat radiation and convection boundary in directional solidification processes are established to simulate the temperature fields. Cellular automaton (CA) method and Kurz-Giovanola-Trivedi (KGT) growth model are used to describe nucleation and growth. Primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS) and secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) are calculated by the Ma-Sham (MS) and Furer-Wunderlin (FW) models respectively. The mushy zone shape is investigated based on the temperature fields, for both high-rate solidification (HRS) and liquid metal cooling (LMC) processes. The evolution of the microstructure and crystallographic orientation are analyzed by simulation and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) technique, respectively. Comparison of the simulation results from PDAS and SDAS with experimental results reveals a good agreement with each other. The results show that LMC process can provide both dendritic refinement and superior performance for castings due to the increased cooling rate and thermal gradient.
Stratifying risk of falls in community-dwelling elderly adults through a simple tool
Authors: Schettino Ludmila , Pereira Rafael , Coqueiro Raildo S. , Fernandes Marcos H.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Falls are among the main disabling events for elderly adults and the identification of old people prone to falls enables the development of preventive and rehabilitative strategies. This study aimed to develop a simple tool, based on easily obtained variables (anthropometric measurements, motor performance tests and sociodemographic characteristics), to early identify community-dwelling old people prone to falls.

Methods

The population-based household study was conducted among 316 elders (60 years old) of both sexes, living in the urban area of Lafaiete Coutinho in Brazil. History of falls in the previous 12 months (dependent variable), sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and motor performance tests results (explanatory variables) were recorded, and a multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify the association between the explanatory variables and the history of falls. Fall probability for each elderly adult was calculated from the logistic regression parameters, and the predictive power of the final model and the cutoff for higher propensity to fall were evaluated on the basis of the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The prevalence of falls was 25.8% and the final model was influenced by the variables of sex (female) and poor performance in the balance test. The estimated probability model predicted approximately 66.5% (95% CI, 61–72%) of the falls. The sensitivity and specificity were 58 and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions

We conclude that there is a high prevalence of falls among the studied elderly individuals, and the proposed method allowed to construct a simple tool for screening old adults prone to fall.
Simpson’s Paradox in the interpretation of “leaky pipeline” data
Authors: Walton Paul H. , Walton Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

The traditional ‘leaky pipeline’ plots are widely used to inform gender equality policy and practice. Herein, we demonstrate how a statistical phenomenon known as Simpson’s paradox can obscure trends in gender ‘leaky pipeline’ plots. Our approach has been to use Excel spreadsheets to generate hypothetical ‘leaky pipeline’ plots of gender inequality within an organisation. The principal factors, which make up these hypothetical plots, can be input into the model so that a range of potential situations can be modelled. How the individual principal factors are then reflected in ‘leaky pipeline’ plots is shown. We find that the effect of Simpson’s paradox on leaky pipeline plots can be simply and clearly illustrated with the use of hypothetical modelling and our study augments the findings in other statistical reports of Simpson’s paradox in clinical trial data and in gender inequality data. The findings in this paper, however, are presented in a way, which makes the paradox accessible to a wide range of people.
Challenges for Leading Multinational and Multicultural Military Units
Authors: Smolarek Mirosław
Published: February 2017

The paper deals with the opportunities and challenges which might face a commander leading multinational and multicultural troops, especially in peacekeeping and peace support operations. Peacekeeping missions have had an international character since their beginning. Internationalization of operations provides legitimacy to a mission and greater international support. However the combined operation causes significant challenges, especially for commanders, who have to lead these types of military units. The paper presents the benefits as well as challenges which faces the international leader in multiethnic environment. The author, based on his own experience gained in international deployments, presents his views and suggestions regarding the aspects of commanding multinational and multicultural troops.
Changes in Security Policy and Perceptions of the Baltic States 2014 – 2016
Authors: Jakniunaite Dovile
Published: February 2017

The article proposes the analytical review on what and how to think about the security of the Baltic States from 2014 till 2016 by evaluating and reflecting the main changes in their security policy and perceptions. These three years demonstrated that the perceptions about security itself have not changed much while comparing with the previous five years. The changes were mostly in the security measures. The security discourse intensified a lot also, which was significant not only for the internal civic mobilisation, but even more importantly, but even more importantly for the mobilisation of the attention of the partners and their increased commitment. I explain my argument in two steps: first, by using traditional - rationalists - questions to analyse security policy, and second, by discussing security perceptions and discourses and asking these questions: security “for whom”, security “from what”, and security “how”.
Estonian Perceptions of Security: Not Only About Russia and the Refugees
Authors: Veebel Viljar , Ploom Illimar
Published: February 2017

The current study focuses on the Estonian perceptions of security and on the defence situation both globally and locally. The dynamic results of the public opinion surveys on security risks conducted in Estonia over the last 10 years (2006-2016) will be presented. In addition, to understand whether some of the security risks could be over- or underestimated in Estonia, these results will be compared with the views expressed recently by the World Economic Forum, particularly the Global Risks Report 2016. Also, the arguments why some topics have played or are currently playing key role in the Estonian security perception will be presented and discussed.
Syntactic Complexity in Danish Radio News
Authors: Blom Jonas Nygaard
Published: February 2017

The present article documents a diachronic decline in syntactic complexity in manuscript-based radio news on the primary Danish public service channel, DR, from 1946 to 2006. This decline corresponds to a general shift in radio news language from a traditional formal news style to a modern news style based on the principles of natural spoken language. It is, however, hard to assess whether the syntactic changes have had an effect on how easy or difficult it is to understand what is being said on DR – a topic that has been frequently and fervently debated in the Danish press.
Put a Tiger in Your Text
Authors: Dahlberg Leif
Published: February 2017

The subject of this article is the extensive use of metalepsis as an argumentative and rhetorical device in media discourse, and in particular in advertising. Metalepsis, a form of metonymy, sets up an inverted relation – causal, logical or contiguous – between terms and/or objects, either as an aesthetic effect or a means of persuasion. The first part of the article discusses the use of metalepsis in literature and film; the second part discusses the use of the figure in mass media and advertising; the third part discusses the relation between advertising, art, and popular culture. The final part of the article discusses the pervasive use metalepsis in advertising. Since metalepsis is a powerful rhetorical device, I have chosen the figure of the tiger to illustrate how it operates in advertising and media discourse.
Tomorrow’s Journalists
Authors: Nygren Gunnar , Degtereva Elena , Pavlikova Marina
Published: February 2017

The present article describes trends in the development of the journalistic profession as seen by Swedish and Russian students in journalism. The study focuses on the results of a survey carried out among students at three Swedish and three Russian institutions of higher education. The survey demonstrates numerous similarities in ideals and values as well as in understanding of the professional code of journalism among students in Russia and Sweden. Historical background is evident in the students’ different interpretations of key problems of journalism and in their assessment of freedom of the press. Finally, the research questions the professional future of journalism, focusing on possible threats and presenting several development scenarios for the industry.
Articulation, Acoustics and Perception of
Mandarin Chinese Emotional Speech
Authors: Erickson Donna , Zhu Chunyue , Kawahara Shigeto , Suemitsu Atsuo
Published: February 2017

This paper studies articulatory, acoustic and perceptual characteristics of Mandarin Chinese
emotional utterances as produced by two speakers, expressing Neutral, Angry, Sad and Happy emotions.
Articulatory patterns were recorded using ElectroMagnetic Articulography (EMA), together with acoustic
recordings. The acoustic and articulatory analysis revealed that Happy and Angry were generally higherpitched,
louder, and produced with a more open mouth than Neutral or Sad. Sad is produced with low
back tongue dorsum position and Happy, with a forward position, and for one speaker, duration was longer
for Angry and Sad. Moreover, F1 and F2 are more dispersed (i.e., hyperarticulated) in emotional speech
than Neutral speech. Perception tests conducted with 18 native listeners suggest that listeners were able
to perceive the expressed emotions far above chance level. The louder and higher pitched the utterance,
the more emotional the speech tends to be perceived. We also explore specific articulatory and acoustic
correlates of each type of emotional speech, and how they impact perception.
Evaluation of Effect CAT -262C/T, SOD + 35A/C, GPx1 Pro197Leu Polymorphisms in Patients with IBD in the Polish Population
Authors: Mrowicki Jerzy , Mrowicka Małgorzata , Majsterek Ireneusz , Mik Michał , Dziki Adam , Dziki Łukasz
Published: February 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders in the course dominated by chronic, recurrent gastrointestinal inflammation. It is believed that the activation of IBD occurs in patients with a genetic predisposition to their development. Chronic inflammation develops as a result of an excessive reaction of the immune system principally under the influence of environmental risk factors. Among them, it has been shown that the mechanism of oxidative stress is associated with the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease, responsible for the commencement and progress of these diseases.

was the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of individual antioxidant enzymes, and the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease that may be associated with increased levels of oxidative stress.

A total of 111 IBD patients, including 65 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 46 with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 125 healthy controls recruited from the Polish population, were genotyped for

The performed analysis of genetic polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes showed that polymorphic variant of the CAT -262 C / T may have protective effects in patients with ulcerative colitis in the range of genotype C / T; OR = 0.49 (0.25-0.99), p = 0.044. Trend protective, but statistically unrelated, it was also observed for genotype T / T and T allele of the same polymorphism and genotypes and alleles

It has been shown that the polymorphism of antioxidant enzymes
Biotope Determinants of EPT Assamblages Structure – Târnava Watershed (Transylvania, Romania) Case Study
Authors: Curtean-Bănăduc Angela
Published: February 2017

This study aims to analyze the biotopic factors affecting the EPT assemblage diversity in the rivers of the Târnava Watershed. Our research revealed that the high diversity of the Plecoptera communities is associated with river reaches with boulder and cobble lithological substrate, accentuated slope and natural bank dynamics, and also it is directly correlated with dissolved oxygen and inversely correlated with chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness, nitrates and total nitrogen in the water. The high diversity of the Trichoptera communities is associated with water which presents moderate quantities of nutrients (total phosphorus, phosphates) and with river reaches with heterogeneous structures (where runs and bends were present). The diversity of the Ephemeroptera communities is positively correlated with the multiannual average flow and riverbed width.
Altered Channel Conductance States and Gating of GABAAReceptors by a Pore Mutation Linked to Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Hernandez Ciria C. , Kong Weijing , Hu Ningning , Zhang Yujia , Shen Wangzhen , Jackson Laurel , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuwu , Macdonald Robert L.
Published: February 2017

We identified ade novomissense mutation, P302L, in the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor γ2 subunit geneGABRG2in a patient with Dravet syndrome using targeted next-generation sequencing. The mutation was in the cytoplasmic portion of the transmembrane segment M2 of the γ2 subunit that faces the pore lumen. GABAAreceptor α1 and β3 subunits were coexpressed with wild-type (wt) γ2L or mutant γ2L(P302L) subunits in HEK 293T cells and cultured mouse cortical neurons. We measured currents using whole-cell and single-channel patch clamp techniques, surface and total expression levels using surface biotinylation and Western blotting, and potential structural perturbations in mutant GABAAreceptors using structural modeling. The γ2(P302L) subunit mutation produced an ∼90% reduction of whole-cell current by increasing macroscopic desensitization and reducing GABA potency, which resulted in a profound reduction of GABAAreceptor-mediated miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs). The conductance of the receptor channel was reduced to 24% of control conductance by shifting the relative contribution of the conductance states from high- to low-conductance levels with only slight changes in receptor surface expression. Structural modeling of the GABAAreceptor in the closed, open, and desensitized states showed that the mutation was positioned to slow activation, enhance desensitization, and shift channels to a low-conductance state by reshaping the hour-glass-like pore cavity during transitions between closed, open, and desensitized states. Our study revealed a novel γ2 subunit missense mutation (P302L) that has a novel pathogenic mechanism to cause defects in the conductance and gating of GABAAreceptors, which results in hyperexcitability and contributes to the pathogenesis of the genetic epilepsy Dravet syndrome.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae FLO1Gene Demonstrates Genetic Linkage to Increased Fermentation Rate at Low Temperatures
Authors: Deed Rebecca C , Fedrizzi Bruno , Gardner Richard C
Published: February 2017

Low fermentation temperatures are of importance to food and beverage industries working with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, the identification of genes demonstrating a positive impact on fermentation kinetics is of significant interest. A set of 121 mapped F1 progeny, derived from a cross between haploid strains BY4716 (a derivative of the laboratory yeast S288C) and wine yeast RM11-1a, were fermented in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grape juice at 12.5°. Analyses of five key fermentation kinetic parameters among the F1 progeny identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome I with a significant degree of linkage to maximal fermentation rate (Vmax) at low temperature. Independent deletions of two candidate genes within the region, FLO1 and SWH1, were constructed in the parental strains (with S288C representing BY4716). Fermentation of wild-type and deletion strains at 12.5 and 25° confirmed that the genetic linkage to Vmax corresponds to the S288C version of the FLO1 allele, as the absence of this allele reduced Vmax by ∼50% at 12.5°, but not at 25°. Reciprocal hemizygosity analysis (RHA) between S288C and RM11-1a FLO1 alleles did not confirm the prediction that the S288C version of FLO1 was promoting more rapid fermentation in the opposing strain background, suggesting that the positive effect on Vmax derived from S288C FLO1 may only provide an advantage in haploids, or is dependent on strain-specific cis or trans effects. This research adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the role of FLO1 in providing stress tolerance to S. cerevisiae during fermentation.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdk8 Mediator Represses AQY1 Transcription by Inhibiting Set1p-Dependent Histone Methylation
Authors: Law Michael J , Finger Michael A
Published: February 2017

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nutrient depletion induces massive transcriptional reprogramming that relies upon communication between transcription factors, post-translational histone modifications, and the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme complex. Histone H3Lys4 methylation (H3Lys4 me), regulated by the Set1p-containing COMPASS methyltransferase complex and Jhd2p demethylase, is one of the most well-studied histone modifications. We previously demonstrated that the RNA polymerase II mediator components cyclin C-Cdk8p inhibit locus-specific H3Lys4 3me independently of Jhd2p. Here, we identify loci subject to cyclin C- and Jhd2p-dependent histone H3Lys4 3me inhibition using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq. We further characterized the independent and combined roles of cyclin C and Jhd2p in controlling H3Lys4 3me and transcription in response to fermentable and nonfermentable carbon at multiple loci. These experiments suggest that H3Lys4 3me alone is insufficient to induce transcription. Interestingly, we identified an unexpected role for cyclin C-Cdk8p in repressing AQY1 transcription, an aquaporin whose expression is normally induced during nutrient deprivation. These experiments, combined with previous work in other labs, support a two-step model in which cyclin C-Cdk8p mediate AQY1 transcriptional repression by stimulating transcription factor proteolysis and preventing Set1p recruitment to the AQY1 locus.
Ocular Complications of Congenital Infections
Authors: Khazaeni Leila M.
Published: February 2017

Congenitally acquired infections increase neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as cause significant visual impairment and blindness in children worldwide. These infections may be acquired in utero or during delivery, and may present clinically during the neonatal period or even later during the adolescent years. The clinical presentation may include intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, hearing loss, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and ocular findings such as chorioretinal scars. This article summarizes the ocular complications of the 5 infections typically represented by the acronym TORCHES (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis), as well as others, including newer pathogens such as the human immunodeficiency, West Nile, and Zika viruses.
Identification and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Update 2017
Authors: Sharma Medha , VanderVeen Deborah K.
Published: February 2017

With increased survival of very premature infants in the United States and across the world, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a leading cause of preventable childhood visual impairment and blindness. Premature birth requires that retinal maturation take place in a physiologically abnormal environment, leading to retinal injury and dysregulated growth and development. Although the pathophysiology of ROP is understood to involve exposure to extrauterine hypoxia and hyperoxia, multiple international studies have failed to identify the optimal approach to preventing ROP. Clinical efforts therefore center on optimizing screening and identification of ROP and on improving ophthalmologic interventions to modify the course of vision-threatening disease.
KARAKTERISTIK JARING LEMPARA DASAR YANG DIOPERASIKAN DI PERAIRAN SELAT MALAKA
Authors: Sawon Sawon , M. Rijal M. Rijal , Suwardi Suwardi
Published: February 2017

Abstrak bisa dilihat di Lampiran
Estudo comparativo do acesso semântico no processamento visual de palavras entre brasileiros monolíngues e chineses multilíngues falantes do português do Brasil como língua estrangeira
Authors: Salles Jerusa Fumagalli de , Holderbaum Candice Steffen , Finger Ingrid
Published: February 2017

O priming semântico é uma forma de avaliar o processamento semântico de palavras. Se a semântica é um importante fator contribuinte no reconhecimento visual de palavras, surge a questão de se chineses multilíngues (mandarin como L1 e inglês como L2), que estão aprendendo o português como L3, podem se beneficiar do contexto semântico em tarefa de decisão lexical na Língua Portuguesa, comparado aos controles (brasileiros universitários e crianças). Além de comparar a magnitude do efeito de priming semântico entre a amostra de chineses e de brasileiros, objetivou-se investigar nos chineses a relação entre o desempenho no experimento de priming semântico e na tarefa de consciência fonológica, ambos na língua portuguesa. Participaram do estudo 40 universitários chineses multilíngues, 31 universitários brasileiros e 26 crianças de 3ª série. Houve efeito de priming semântico nos chineses e nos brasileiros, universitários e crianças, ou seja, respostas mais rápidas na condição com prime relacionado do que na condição com prime não relacionado. Não houve diferenças significativas na magnitude do efeito entre os grupos de adultos, mas as crianças apresentaram maior magnitude de efeito do que os chineses. Considerando apenas o grupo de chineses, não houve correlação entre os escores na tarefa de decisão lexical no paradigma de priming semântico e a avaliação da consciência fonológica. Chineses parecem ter acessado o significado dos primes apresentados visualmente na Língua Portuguesa, não se diferenciando dos brasileiros adultos e crianças.
Por que aprender História?
Authors: Lee Peter
Published: February 2017

A partir da constatação de que ninguém escapa do passado e da importância da relação que as pessoas estabelecem com o passado, buscou-se apontar, a partir de pesquisa em fontes relacionadas à filosofia da História, alguns fundamentos para o significado da aprendizagem da história. Nesse sentido, temas como a importância da História para a validação do passado, a relevância das evidências, a problemática das leis e generalizações, bem como o significado da experiência vicária para a construção da aprendizagem histórica, foram objetos de análise, no sentido de se mostrar por que é importante aprender História.
Políticas para a inclusão: estudo realizado em uma Escola Estadual de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Oliveira Maria Auxiliadora Monteiro , Souza Sandra Freitas de
Published: February 2017

Este trabalho, centrado nas Políticas Públicas para a Educação Inclusiva, enfatiza a formação de professores para trabalharem com alunos que apresentam necessidades educacionais especiais. A pesquisa, realizada em 2007/2008, em uma Escola Estadual de Belo Horizonte, objetivou investigar a capacitação de docentes para essa modalidade de educação e avaliar o processo de inclusão dos mencionados alunos, em uma escola estadual de BH. Metodologicamente, optou-se pela denominada pesquisa "Quali-Quanti", na qual se aplicou um questionário que desenhou o perfil de 25 professoras da escola. Em termos qualitativos, foram entrevistadas 10 docentes, a diretora da escola e a gerente da Diretoria de Educação Especial (DEEP). Em síntese, foram estes os dados coletados: todas as professoras eram favoráveis à Educação Inclusiva; nenhuma delas tinha capacitação para trabalhar com essa educação e, apenas duas conheciam um pouco da legislação sobre a Educação Inclusiva; todas afirmaram tanto ter dificuldade de lidar com os referidos alunos quanto ser significativa a evasão escolar dos mesmos.
Selecting wastewater sites using analytical hierarchy and geographic information system
Authors: Kafil Mahboobeh , Albaji Mohammad
Published: February 2017

Locating sewer networks and treatment facilities for processing prior to disposal of domestic and industrial wastewater is a complex, difficult, tedious and protracted process requiring evaluation of many different criteria. To find the best place to locate a wastewater stabilisation pond in Behbahan, a city in Iran, ecological, technical and economical criteria were taken into consideration. Each of these criteria had some subcriteria. The analytical hierarchy process is a useful tool used for decision-making problems. In this paper, a geographical information system and the analytical hierarchy process as a multi-criteria decision-making tool were integrated for site selection of wastewater stabilisation ponds. The importance of each criterion was determined by expert survey. After identification and weighting each criterion using the analytical hierarchy process, the information layers were entered onto a geographic information system. Finally, all the weighted maps were reclassified to select the appropriate site for waste stabilisation ponds for the city.
A silent mutation in human alpha-A crystallin gene in patients with age-related nuclear or cortical cataract
Authors: Mynampati Bharani K , Muthukumarappa Thungapathra , Ghosh Sujata , Ram Jagat
Published: February 2017

A cataract is a complex multifactorial disease that results from alterations in the cellular architecture, i.e. lens proteins. Genes associated with the development of lens include crystallin genes. Although crystallins are highly conserved proteins among vertebrates, a significant number of polymorphisms exist in human population. In this study, we screened for polymorphisms in crystallin alpha A (CRYAA) and alpha B (CRYAB) genes in 200 patients over 40 years of age, diagnosed with age-related cataract (ARC; nuclear and cortical cataracts). Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. The coding regions of the CRYAA and CRYAB gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and subjected to restriction digestion. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was performed using known restriction enzymes for CRYAA and CRYAB genes. Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing were performed to detect sequence variation in CRYAA gene. In silico analysis of secondary CRYAA mRNA structure was performed using CLC RNA Workbench. RFLP analysis did not show any changes in the restriction sites of CRYAA and CRYAB genes. In 6 patients (4 patients with nuclear cataract and 2 with cortical cataract), sequence analysis of the exon 1 in the CRYAA gene showed a silent single nucleotide polymorphism [D2D] (CRYAA: C to T transition). One of the patients with nuclear cataract was homozygous for this allele. The in silico analysis revealed that D2D mutation results in a compact CRYAA mRNA secondary structure, while the wild type CRYAA mRNA has a weak or loose secondary structure. D2D mutation in the CRYAA gene may be an additional risk factor for progression of ARC.
PENGARUH KEMUDAHAN PENGGUNAAN, KEMANFAATAN, SIKAP, RISIKO DAN FITUR LAYANAN TERHADAP MINAT ULANG NASABAH BANK BCA DALAM MENGGUNAKAN INITERNET BANKING
Authors: Rithmaya Chitra Laksmi
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT The use of Internet as a shopping medium has started to become popular nowadayd. Banking service providers also need to predict the acceptance of the Internet by consumers, and understand why they do such use. This opportunity is used by banks in Indonesia, both government and private banks, because Internet as a media is an innovation that is enough to give the opportunities and challenges in its development. Development of services performed by technology based banking (electronic transaction) in the form of internet banking, mobile based mobile banking (phone banking), the use of ATM (authomatic Teller Machine), Credit Card and others are compulsory for banks in Indonesia to grab market share. Nowadays, internet banking is a major concern and a revolutionary weapon of strategic operations of the bank, for delivering as well as for competing among banks. The problem in this study is whether there are influences of ease of ease of use, usefulness, the attitude of use, risks and service features variables towards the reset interest of the customers of Bank BCA Internet banking. The data used in this study were primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires to customers who use internet banking. By using multiple linear regression analysis, in a simultaneous test using the F test, shown the influence of the independent variables with the dependent variable. Partially, expediency variable (X2) influenced positively and had significant impact on The interest. Partially, attitudinal variables (X3) influenced Positively and had significant impact on the reset interest Partially, risk variable (X4) influenced positively and had Significant impact on the interest. Partially, service features Variables (X5) influenced positively and had significant impact on the reset interest.
MEMORIAL SOBRE A TRAJETÓRIA ESCOLAR BÁSICA DE MARIA DE NAZARÉ CENA FARIAS
Authors: FARIAS Maria de Nazaré Cena Farias
Published: February 2017

O presente texto trata do memorial sobre a trajetória escolar de Maria de Nazaré Cena Farias, ex-integrante do Programa Conexões de Saberes. Tem como objetivo apresentar os passos percorridos desde o início da educação básica até a entrada à UFPA e quais os principais entraves de estudantes das comunidades populares adentrarem o ensino superior público. A memória foi usada como principal referência para construção do material. Em seus resultados, apresenta os esforços individual e coletivo para que de fato a educação seja uma questão de direito e não de privilégio de poucos.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE AND IN THE CREATION OF A SHARED VISION - A CASE STUDY
Authors: Angeloni Maria Terezinha , Homma Rafael Zimmermann , Athayde Filho Luiz Afonso Pereira , Cosentino Aldo
Published: February 2017

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar o Plano de Comunicação, que visa a apoiar a transferência de conhecimento e a criação de uma visão compartilhada entre os integrantes de um Projeto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. O referencial teórico baseia-se nas áreas da Gestão de Projetos, Gestão do Conhecimento e Comunicação Organizacional. Metodologicamente caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa experimental, intraprojeto e interorganizacional. Os resultados ainda não são efetivos em razão do pouco tempo de implantação do projeto; contudo, com base nas ações já implantadas, pode-se inferir que a Comunicação é um elemento importante na transferência do conhecimento e na criação de uma visão compartilhada.
FATORES INIBIDORES DA INSTITUCIONALIZAÇÃO EM UM HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO
Authors: Caliman Douglas Roriz , Caetano Adna Matias , Frassi Luana Brito , De Castro Sandra Mara
Published: February 2017

O objetivo da pesquisa foi investigar os fatores que inibem a institucionalização do orçamento como ferramenta de controle gerencial em um hospital universitário em Vitória-ES. Desta forma, a compreensão do problema norteou a opção por um estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa e de natureza descritiva, utilizando, como procedimentos técnicos de coleta de dados, a observação não participante, entrevista semiestruturada e análise documental. O levantamento dos dados ocorreu nos meses de março e abril de 2016. Como técnica de análise de dados foi utilizada Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin (1977), desenvolvida nos meses de abril e junho de 2016. A pesquisa teve como referencial teórico principal o estudo de Frezatti, Nascimento, Junqueira e Relvas (2011), onde foram analisadas oito categorias impactantes ao processo orçamentário. Na análise dos dados foi analisado o processo orçamentário nos planos teórico e real. Como conclusão, foram verificados 27 fatores inibidores, tais como: cultura de controle, rigidez e impessoalidade. Foi verificado, também, que o orçamento no hospital ainda não foi institucionalizado como ferramenta de controle gerencial. É apenas um critério cerimonial de valor, que estabiliza e legitima a gestão frente aos órgãos de controle externo.
Mulheres e discriminação: estudo sobre a convenção sobre a eliminação de todas as formas de discriminação contra a mulher
Authors: Vieira Manuela Do Corral
Published: February 2017

O presente estudo analisa a Convenção sobre a Eliminação de todas as formas de Discriminação contra a Mulher - adotada em 1979 pela Assembléia das Nações Unidas. O foco da análise está centrado nas questões de igualdade/desigualdade no tratamento sobre a mulher no que tange a própria participação dos sujeitos sobre os temas que lhes afetam. As análises também estão pautadas no debate sobre gênero e sexualidade, bem na referida Convenção segundo o prisma multidisciplinar de como perceber o sujeito imerso num contexto de interações sociais que o incluem, mas que também o distinguem de forma a construir cenários de pertencimento ou de negação.
Damage Assessment of Road Bridges Subjected to the 2011 Tohoku Pacific Earthquake Tsunami
Authors: Shoji Gaku ,   Division of Engineering Mechanics and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan, Nakamura Tomoharu ,   Former Graduate Student, Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Published: February 2017

The authors assessed the tsunami damage to a girder-type road bridge, focusing on a washed-away deck that failed during the 2011 Tohoku Pacific earthquake tsunami. The inundation depth, ratio of inundation depth to girder elevation, and flow velocity were used as the three indices of the tsunami wave load acting on a road bridge deck. A gently shaped tsunami waveform was selected at a wave-front with a water surface level increase rate of less than 2.0 m/min. The damage ratio was computed for the above three indices, as defined by the number of washed-away bridges divided by the total number of bridges exposed to the tsunami. Based on statistical analysis for the damage ratio data, damage functions using the three indices were proposed. In addition, the spatial distribution of physical wash-away damage to road bridges by the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake tsunami was shown by applying the derived damage functions.
A Primary Assessment of Society-Based Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in Kabul City, Afghanistan
Authors: Naseri Mohammad Kazem ,   Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan, Kang Dongshik ,   Department of Information Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Japan
Published: February 2017

A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in the 13th district of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. For this purpose, 10 high schools, both private and public, were selected randomly. A total of 324 participants responded to the questions in the questionnaire. From the total respondents, 127 (39.2%) were female and 197 (60.8%) male; all were in the 15 to 25 age range. Most of the students (75%) had experienced an earthquake, but their perceptions and knowledge about earthquake mitigation were not good as over 50% did not know what to do during an earthquake. Regarding the current situation, 64% responded that disaster education had not been included in their school curricula. The wide participation and strong interest of the students in this survey are expected to foster further research and investigation, as the majority of them (70%) were in a position to transfer their knowledge about earthquake disaster mitigation to their families. Based on the survey findings, despite the contribution of students who had already experienced disaster education outside of Afghanistan, students’ disaster mitigation knowledge was undeniably poor. There is a clear need to establish and plan for the disaster prevention education system in Afghanistan. There is a lack of understanding regarding effective behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. This problem was probably caused by the absence of disaster education, teaching materials, and expert staff. Therefore, it is highly recommended to integrate disaster prevention education into school curricula, reduce the earthquake risk by sharing disaster information through students’ parent council meetings at schools, and improve public awareness in order to create a society that is resilient to earthquakes.
Analysis of Pressure and Acceleration Signals from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Observed by the DONET Seafloor Network
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki ,   Research and Development Center for Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan, Nosov Mikhail A. , Kolesov Sergey V. , Kaneda Yoshiyuki ,   Faculty of Physics, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia,   Institute of Education, Research and Regional Cooperation for Crisis Management Shikoku, Kagawa University 1-1 Saiwai-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-8521, Japan
Published: February 2017

Ocean-bottom pressure and acceleration data simultaneously recorded by the DONET seafloor network during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake approximately 800 km from the earthquake epicenter are processed and analyzed. The close location of pressure and acceleration sensors together with the high data-sampling rate enable us to quantitatively examine and interpret pressure variations together with ocean-bottom acceleration for the first time to our knowledge. To interpret observed data, we introduce a set of characteristic frequencies that enable us to identify physical processes responsible for water layer behaviour dependent on the frequency of ocean-bottom oscillations. Explicit formulas are given for calculating all of the characteristic frequencies, which are the basis for introducing nonoverlapping frequency bands, i.e., hydroacoustic waves, forced oscillations, and gravity waves. The physical correctness of such a subdivision is confirmed by the high coherence and nearly zero phase difference between in-situ measured pressure and acceleration variations observed in the forced oscillation frequency band – a band neither hydroacoustic nor gravity waves are generated by ocean-bottom oscillation because the water layer simply follows the ocean bottom, generating forced oscillations. The dominant, long-lasting pressure fluctuations recorded by DONET during the 2011 earthquake are associated with the forced oscillation, or, more precisely, with water and sedimentary layer coupling oscillation. DONET clearly observed the 2011 Tohoku tsunami signal during more than 24 hours following the earthquake. In contrast to DART records, phase dispersion was not manifested in the tsunami signals registered by DONET.
Agrometeorological Disaster Grading in Guangdong Province Based on Data Mining
Authors: Wang Danni ,   Department of Resources and the Urban Planning, XinHua College of Sun Yat-sen University  721 Guang Shan 1st Road, Tian He District, Guangzhou 510520, China, Bao Shitai , Wang Chunlin , Wang Chongyang ,   The College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agriculture University  483 Wushan Road, TianHe District, Guangzhou 510642, China,   Climate Center of Guangdong Province  68 Gongyeyilu Road, Zhicun, Dashi Street, Panyu District, Guangzhouv 511430, China,   Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences  100 Xianlie Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510070, China
Published: February 2017

This study proposes a mining method for meteorological disaster grade rules from the raw data accumulated by meteorological stations using fuzzy association rules. Rules for grading agrometeorological disasters are created and successfully applied to a map. The intention is to mitigate such disasters by understanding their conditions. The procedure described uses the fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm and the Apriori algorithm to mine fuzzy association rules for high-temperature and flooding agrometeorological disasters in Guangdong province, China. In the proposed method, the clustering algorithm does not depend on the membership functions of domain experts. The results show that effective association rules for agrometeorological disasters can be obtained from meteorological data in the long term, even with a lack of prior knowledge. The rules obtained could be used to forecast the grade and region of such disasters in Guangdong province, thus contributing to agrometeorological disaster monitoring and early warning efforts.
Proposal for improved mixes to produce concrete masonry units with commonly used aggregates available in the Valley of Mexico
Authors: Tena A. , Liga A. , Pérez A. , González F.
Published: February 2017

Proposal for improved mixes to produce concrete masonry units with commonly used aggregates available in the Valley of MexicoABSTRACTIn this paper, a proposal is done to update the masonry index compressive strength design value f*m for solid concrete masonry units for the masonry guidelines of Mexico´s Federal District Code (NTCM-2004). Solid units were made by taking into account the characteristics of the most commonly used raw materials available in the Valley of Mexico to fabricate such units in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City. Different tests were conducted for both raw materials and the obtained concrete units. Based upon test results, it is illustrated why it is much better to design masonry structures based upon the experimental data of the units to be used at the construction site rather than using index values proposed in building codes.Keywords: masonry; concrete masonry units; compressive strength.Propuesta de mejora de mezclas para producir piezas de mampostería de concreto empleando materiales comúnmente disponibles en el Valle de MéxicoRESUMENSe presenta un estudio donde se hace una propuesta para actualizar los valores índices de la resistencia a la compresión de mamposterías (f*m) elaboradas con piezas de concreto especificados en las normas de mampostería vigentes en el Distrito Federal. Se realizó un estudio de mercado, donde se tomaron en cuenta las características de los materiales comúnmente utilizados en la actualidad en el Valle de México para la fabricación de piezas de concreto sólidas, incluyendo los resultados de distintas pruebas de laboratorio realizadas a la materia prima. Con base en estos resultados, se ilustran las ventajas de diseñar a la mampostería con base experimental en lugar de utilizar los valores indicativos que se ofrecen en las normas de mampostería.Palabras clave: mampostería; piezas de concreto; resistencia a la compresión. Proposta de melhoria de traços para produzir blocos de alvenaria de concreto utilizando materiais comumente disponíveis no Vale do México RESUMOApresenta-se um estudo onde se propõe uma atualização dos valores do índice de resistência à compressão da alvenaria (f*m) elaborados com blocos de concreto especificados nas normas de alvenaria em vigor no Distrito Federal. Foi realizado um estudo de mercado, que levou em conta as características dos materiais comumente utilizados atualmente no Vale do México para a fabricação de blocos de concreto sólidos, incluindo os resultados de vários testes de laboratório nas matérias-primas disponíveis. Com base nestes resultados, são apresentadas as vantagens de projetar a alvenaria com base experimental em lugar de usar os valores indicativos oferecidos nas normas de alvenaria.Palavras chave: alvenaria; blocos de concreto; resistência à compressão.