bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Financial Development in the Relationship Between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: A Nonlinear Approach
Authors: Abdul Bahri Elya Nabila , Shaari Md Nor Abu Hassan , Sarmidi Tamat , Haji Mohd Nor Nor Hakimah
Published: October 2019

Financial development is recognized as an absorptive capacity in the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth. Therefore, FDI effect on economic growth is contingent with the level of financial development. However, existing studies also show that financial development dampens economic growth through the “too much finance harms economic growth” hypothesis. Hence, there is a question of how far financial development should be developed to optimize the benefits of FDI on economic growth. The novelty of this study is that it reexamines the role of financial development in FDI-growth relationship by including the interaction term between FDI and the nonlinearity of financial development on economic growth in the period following the 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that the nonlinear relationship of financial development on economic growth is a U-shaped curve by using data from the 2009–2013 period, for 65 developing countries, which contrast the findings from previous studies. The absorptive capacity effects work nonlinearly, in that FDI accelerates growth after reaching a certain level of financial development, and that the positive effect originates from a minimum level. The study thus suggests that the level of financial development needs to be increased since it serves as a form of absorptive capacity enabling the positive growth effects of FDI in the recipient countries.
A Robust Design Optimization Method Considering Correlated Intervals
Authors: Wang Qiong
Published: October 2019

In the robust design, correlations of uncertain parameters exist widely and have an influence on the results in most cases. It is essential to develop a robust design optimization method considering parametric correlation to future improve the analysis accuracy and engineering applicability. In this paper, a robust design optimization method based on multidimensional parallelepiped convex model is presented. Considering the effects of the interval uncertainties and their correlations, a robust design optimization model considering correlated intervals is established. In the established model, the average performance and robustness of the system response of concern are taken as the design optimization objectives, and the correlations among interval parameters are quantified by integrating the multidimensional parallelepiped convex model. And then, through an independence transforming procedure it can be converted into an independent interval model, which is ultimately converted into a deterministic multi-objective optimization model by using the interval possibility degree to cope with the uncertain constraints. Finally, the deterministic multi-objective optimization model is treated by coupling an efficient micro multi-objective genetic algorithm with the first order Taylor expansion. The feasibility and practicability of the proposed method are demonstrated by the numerical and engineering examples.
Tuning the ferroelectric, dielectric and photoluminescence properties of 0.88(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.12BaTiO3 ceramics by Sm ion doping
Authors: Li Yong , Zhao Jun , Zhang Xinglei , Jia Qiannan , Hao Xihong
Published: October 2019

Solid solutions of the lead-free 0.88([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3-0.12([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3 (NBT-BT: [Formula: see text]Sm) ferroelectric ceramics were synthesized by solid state reaction. The doping of Sm promotes the structure of the ceramics to transform toward morphotropic phase boundary, and it decreases the grain size of the ceramics. With the increase of Sm content, the ferroelectric properties are improved gradually, where the ferroelectric polarization increases and the coercive field decreases. Sm doping induces a dielectric anomaly with obvious frequency dispersion at a low temperature, exhibiting the transition from the ferroelectric to relaxor state. Moreover, the photoluminescence spectra of NBT-BT:[Formula: see text]Sm ceramics exhibit a strong orange emission upon blue light excitation of the 400[Formula: see text]nm to 500[Formula: see text]nm. The emission intensities are strongly dependent on the Sm doping concentration, which reached the optimal value as the doping concentration is 0.7%. These results suggest that the NBT-BT:[Formula: see text]Sm ceramics may have significant technological promise in novel multifunctional devices.
A Messaging Framework for Online Educators
Authors: Gebhardt Karen , McKenna Kelly N.
Published: October 2019

Messaging is often used to inform or clarify course content or expectations, remediate or encourage student performance, or to build community. Drawing on research related to best practices in online education and student-teacher interactions, this paper provides a theoretical framework for messaging based on two dimensions: motivation for the message and content of the message. Instructors can use this framework to implement and more precisely target messaging to improve student learning outcomes.
Be Motivated and Motivate: An Interview with John M. Keller
Authors: Ucar Hasan , Kumtepe Alper Tolga
Published: October 2019

In this interview, we talked with John M. Keller, a prominent professor emeritus of educational psychology and learning systems at Florida State University, about learning motivation within the paradigm shift in global higher education and eLearning. Dr. Keller explains how technological opportunities in learning environments affect today learners' motivation and volition. He also shares opinions on the obstacles in motivating online learners and motivational challenges facing online instructors.
The Short-Baseline Neutrino Program at Fermilab
Authors: Machado Pedro A.N. , Palamara Ornella , Schmitz David W.
Published: October 2019

The Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program consists of three liquid argon time-projection chamber detectors located along the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Its main goals include searches for New Physics—particularly eV-scale sterile neutrinos, detailed studies of neutrino–nucleus interactions at the GeV energy scale, and the advancement of the liquid argon detector technology that will also be used in the DUNE/LBNF long-baseline neutrino experiment in the next decade. We review these science goals and the current experimental status of SBN.
High-Energy Multimessenger Transient Astrophysics
Authors: Murase Kohta , Bartos Imre
Published: October 2019

The recent discoveries of high-energy cosmic neutrinos and gravitational waves from astrophysical objects have led to a new era of multimessenger astrophysics. In particular, electromagnetic follow-up observations triggered by these cosmic signals have proved to be highly successful and have brought about new opportunities in time-domain astronomy. We review high-energy particle production in various classes of astrophysical transient phenomena related to black holes and neutron stars, and discuss how high-energy emission can be used to reveal the underlying physics of neutrino and gravitational-wave sources.
The Placement of Four Short Implants and Full-Arch Early Loading in the Edentulous Patient Suffering from Severe Mandibular Alveolar Ridge Atrophy
Authors: Sedov Yuri , Mordanov Oleg , Grigoriev Sergei , Avanesov Anatoly , Khabiev Kamil
Published: October 2019

One of the treatments of patients with severe bone atrophy is short implants. It is important to position short implants taking into account the prosthetic loading and right position according to vital anatomical structures. In the presented case report, a seventy-one-year-old female patient underwent the rehabilitation with four short dental implants placed in the anterior mandibula with fully guided surgery to avoid mandibular incisive canal. It solves all the problems in the planning stage when you determine the osteotomy protocol in advance and the prognosis of future restoration according to patient requirements. This clinical case demonstrates the efficiency of patient rehabilitation with the use of short implants in difficult clinical situations.
Nonlinear Compound Control for Nonsinusoidal Vibration of the Mold Driven by Servo Motor with Variable Speed
Authors: Li Qiang , Fang Yi-ming , Li Jian-xiong , Ma Zhuang
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a fuzzy PI control method based on nonlinear feedforward compensation is proposed for the nonsinusoidal vibration system of mold driven by servo motor, rotated in single direction with variable speed. During controller design, there are mainly two issues to consider: (i) nonlinear relationship (approximate periodic function) between mold displacement and servo motor speed and (ii) uncertainties caused by backlash due to motor variable speed. So, firstly, the relationship between mold displacement and motor rotation speed is built directly based on the rotation vector method. Then, an observer is designed to estimate the uncertainties and feedforward compensation. Secondly, as the motor rotates in single direction with variable speed, a fuzzy control with bidirectional parameter adjustment is adopted to improve rapidity and stability based on the traditional PI method. Finally, some simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Delayed Pulmonary Apoptosis of Diet-Induced Obesity Mice following Escherichia coli Infection through the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Wang Fengyuan , Zuo Zhicai , Yang Zhuangzhi , Chen Kejie , Fang Jing , Cui Hengmin , Shu Gang , Zhou Yi , Geng Yi , Ouyang Ping
Published: October 2019

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of pathogens causing nosocomial pneumonia and could induce pulmonary excessive apoptosis. Although much has been learned about metabolic diseases induced by obesity, the information linking bacterial pneumonia to obesity is limited. Accordingly, we investigated the apoptosis of normal (lean) and diet-induced obesity (DIO, fed a high-fat diet) mice after nasal instillation with E. coli. Lung tissues were obtained at 0 (preinfection), 12, 24, and 72 h after infection, and acute pulmonary inflammation was observed at 12 h. Elevated cell apoptosis and percentage of pulmonary cells depolarized with collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) occurred in response to bacterial infection. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 increased, but Bcl-2 decreased in the lung. Interestingly, the apoptotic percentage and most of apoptosis-associated factors mentioned above peaked at 12 or 24 h in the lean-E. coli group, while at 24 or 72 h in the DIO-E. coli group. Taken together, these findings indicated that the E. coli pneumonia caused excessive pulmonary apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway, and the apoptosis was delayed in the DIO mice with E. coli pneumonia.
ASK1 Mediates Apoptosis and Autophagy during oxLDL-CD36 Signaling in Senescent Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cho KyoungJoo , Choi Seung Ho
Published: October 2019

Vessel damage by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the membrane receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), involving various vascular pathological processes. In this study, the role of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as a cellular effector via the oxLDL-CD36 signaling axis, and its related mechanism as a downstream responder of CD36, was investigated in senescent human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). To inhibit oxLDL-triggered vascular damage, HAECs and monocytes were treated with the CD36-neutralizing antibody or the ASK1 inhibitor NQDI-1. The oxLDL-triggered increases in ROS and CD36 elevated active ASK1 in the senescent HAECs. The ROS increase induced apoptosis, whereas CD36 neutralization or ASK1 inhibition protected against cell death. The blocking of CD36 increased senescent HAEC autophagy. In monocytes, oxLDL also induced CD36 expression and autophagy, the latter of which still occurred following ASK1 inhibition but not after CD36 neutralization. These findings suggest that oxLDL exposure activates ASK1, as a CD36 downstream responder, to accelerate apoptosis, particularly in senescent HAECs. ASK1’s involvement in monocytic autophagy was due to endoplasmic reticulum stress resulting from the oxLDL load, suggesting that oxLDL loading on aged vessels causes atherosclerotic endothelial dysfunction mediated by active ASK1.
Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia of the Gingiva: An Early Lesion Refractory to Surgical Excision
Authors: Leuke Bandara Dhanushka , Jayasooriya Primali Rukmal , Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda
Published: October 2019

This report describes a case of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) of the gingiva with no discernible aetiology, which presented in a 36-year-old female. The initial nonscrapable gingival lesion was treated with CO2 laser ablation, and the histopathological evaluation was carried out. The presence of koilocytic cells in the superficial epithelium led to immunohistochemical investigations with p16 antibody, which showed strong nuclear positivity and slight cytoplasmic positivity in >50% of the cells with >25% confluency. However, it was not possible to confirm the presence of HPV infection with further investigations due to logistic reasons. The lesion recurred twice within a short time despite the surgical resection following the first recurrence. Thus, this paper presents a case of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, which demonstrated a significant resistance to routine treatment protocols recommended in the management of such lesions.
On the Computational Precision of Finite Element Algorithms in Slope Stability Problems
Authors: He Yi , Wang Xin-Yu , Yuan Ran , Liu Kai-Wen , Zhuang Pei-Zhi
Published: October 2019

Although the finite element method (FEM) has been used extensively to analyse the slope stability problems, the computational precision and definition of failure are still two main key concepts of finite element algorithms that attract the attention of researchers. In this paper, the modified Euler algorithm and the explicit modified Euler algorithm with stress corrections are used to analyse two dimensional (2D) slope stability problems with the associated flow rule, based on the shear strength reduction method. The rounded hyperbolic Mohr‐Coulomb (M‐C) yield surface is applied. Effects of the element type and various definitions of failure on the computational precision of 2D slope stability problems are evaluated. Conclusions can be drawn that the modified Euler scheme is applicable when the factor of safety (FOS) is small; however, the explicit modified Euler algorithm with stress corrections is more precise if the factor of safety is relatively large. The fully integrated quadrilateral isoparametric element is better than the triangular element in terms of the precision. With respect to the definition of failure, the displacement mutation of the characteristic point combining with the continuums of the plastic zone can be regarded as a reliable definition of failure and can be widely used to perform and analyse numerical simulations of slope stability problems.
A Single-Step, High-Dose Selection Scheme Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to Oncogenic Kinase Inhibition in Cancer Cells
Authors: Finn Kenneth J. , Martin Scott E. , Settleman Jeff
Published: October 2019

Despite the remarkable clinical efficacy demonstrated by molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics, the benefits are typically temporary due to the emergence of acquired drug resistance. This has spurred a massive effort by the cancer research community to identify mechanisms used by cancer cells to evade treatment. Among the various methodologies developed and employed to identify such mechanisms, the most commonly used approach has been to model acquired resistance by exposing cancer cells in culture to gradually increasing concentrations of drug over an extended period of time. Here, we employed a less commonly used variation on this approach, wherein resistant cells are selected by immediately exposing cancer cells to a continuous, high concentration of drug. Using this approach, we isolated clones representing three distinct mechanisms of resistance to inhibition of MET kinase activity from a single clonally derived cancer cell line. The emergent clones had acquired resistance through engagement of alternative receptor tyrosine kinases either through upregulation of FGF3 or HBEGF or increased MAPK signaling through an activating V600E mutation in BRAF. Importantly, these mechanisms were not identified using the conventional “ramp-up” approach in previous studies that employed the same cell line. These results suggest that the particular nature of the selection scheme employed in cell culture modeling studies can determine which potential resistance mechanisms are identified and which ones may be missed, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the specific approach used to model resistance in cultured cells.

Significance:

Through modeling resistance to MET kinase inhibition in cultured cancer cells using single-step, high-dose selection, these findings highlight that the specific nature of the selection protocol impacts which resistance mechanisms are identified.

See related commentary by Floros et al., p. 25
Suppression of LIM Kinase 1 and LIM Kinase 2 Limits Glioblastoma Invasion
Authors: Chen Joseph , Ananthanarayanan Badriprasad , Springer Kelsey S. , Wolf Kayla J. , Sheyman Sharon M. , Tran Vivien D. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: October 2019

The aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by rapid cellular infiltration of brain tissue, raising the possibility that disease progression could potentially be slowed by disrupting the machinery of cell migration. The LIM kinase isoforms LIMK1 and LIMK2 (LIMK1/2) play important roles in cell polarization, migration, and invasion and are markedly upregulated in GBM and many other infiltrative cancers. Yet, it remains unclear whether LIMK suppression could serve as a viable basis for combating GBM infiltration. In this study, we investigated effects of LIMK1/2 suppression on GBM invasion by combining GBM culture models, engineered invasion paradigms, and mouse xenograft models. While knockdown of either LIMK1 or LIMK2 only minimally influenced invasion in culture, simultaneous knockdown of both isoforms strongly reduced the invasive motility of continuous culture models and human GBM tumor-initiating cells (TIC) in both Boyden chamber and 3D hyaluronic acid spheroid invasion assays. Furthermore, LIMK1/2 functionally regulated cell invasiveness, in part, by disrupting polarized cell motility under confinement and cell chemotaxis. In an orthotopic xenograft model, TICs stably transduced with LIMK1/2 shRNA were implanted intracranially in immunocompromised mice. Tumors derived from LIMK1/2 knockdown TICs were substantially smaller and showed delayed growth kinetics and more distinct margins than tumors derived from control TICs. Overall, LIMK1/2 suppression increased mean survival time by 30%. These findings indicate that LIMK1/2 strongly regulate GBM invasive motility and tumor progression and support further exploration of LIMK1/2 as druggable targets.

Significance:

Targeting the actin-binding proteins LIMK1 and LIMK2 significantly diminishes glioblastoma invasion and spread, suggesting the potential value of these proteins as therapeutic targets.
Cys34 Adductomics Links Colorectal Cancer with the Gut Microbiota and Redox Biology
Authors: Grigoryan Hasmik , Schiffman Courtney , Gunter Marc J. , Naccarati Alessio , Polidoro Silvia , Dagnino Sonia , Dudoit Sandrine , Vineis Paolo , Rappaport Stephen M.
Published: October 2019

Chronic inflammation is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. To study reactive products of gut inflammation and redox signaling on colorectal cancer development, we used untargeted adductomics to detect adduct features in prediagnostic serum from the EPIC Italy cohort. We focused on modifications to Cys34 in human serum albumin, which is responsible for scavenging small reactive electrophiles that might initiate cancers. Employing a combination of statistical methods, we selected seven Cys34 adducts associated with colorectal cancer, as well as body mass index (BMI; a well-known risk factor). Five adducts were more abundant in colorectal cancer cases than controls and clustered with each other, suggesting a common pathway. Because two of these adducts were Cys34 modifications by methanethiol, a microbial–human cometabolite, and crotonaldehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, these findings further implicate infiltration of gut microbes into the intestinal mucosa and the corresponding inflammatory response as causes of colorectal cancer. The other two associated adducts were Cys34 disulfides of homocysteine that were less abundant in colorectal cancer cases than controls and may implicate homocysteine metabolism as another causal pathway. The selected adducts and BMI ranked higher as potentially causal factors than variables previously associated with colorectal cancer (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and total meat consumption). Regressions of case–control differences in adduct levels on days to diagnosis showed no statistical evidence that disease progression, rather than causal factors at recruitment, contributed to the observed differences. These findings support the hypothesis that infiltration of gut microbes into the intestinal mucosa and the resulting inflammation are causal factors for colorectal cancer.

Significance:

Infiltration of gut microbes into the intestinal mucosa and the resulting inflammation are causal factors for colorectal cancer.
Insulin Resistance in Healthy U.S. Adults: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Caporaso Neil E. , Jones Rena R. , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachael Z. , Medgyesi Danielle N. , Kahle Lisa L. , Graubard Barry I.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Insulin is fundamental in two conditions that are epidemic in the United States and globally: obesity and type II diabetes. Given insulin's established mechanistic involvement in energy balance and glucose tolerance, we examined its relationship to common health-related endpoints in a large population-based sample.

Methods:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a cross-sectional study that uses a complex multistage probability design to obtain a representative sample of the United States population. Adult participants were included from 8 successive 2-year data waves (1999–2014), including 9,224 normal individuals, 7,699 prediabetic, and 3,413 diabetic subjects. The homeostatic model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was available for 20,336 participants and its relationship with demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data was analyzed. We examined the relationship of HOMA-IR to 8 groups of outcome variables: general health, anthropometric/metabolic [waist size, body mass index (BMI)], cardiovascular (blood pressure), lipid [triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)], hepatic [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], hematologic [white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), platelets], inflammatory (C-reactive protein), and nutritional (vitamins D and C, serum folate, and pyridoxine) variables.

Results:

HOMA-IR was generally strongly, monotonically, and highly significantly associated with adjusted outcomes in normal subjects, although clinical laboratory values were generally within normal bounds across insulin quartiles. In the normal subset, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for a quartile change in HOMA-IR for obesity (BMI > 30) was 3.62 (3.30–3.97), and for the highest quintile for the triglyceride/HDL the ratio was 2.00 (1.77–2.26), for GGT it was 1.40 (1.24–1.58), and for WBC it was 1.28 (1.16–1.40). The relationship of HOMA-IR to the various outcomes was broadly similar to that observed in prediabetics and diabetics with a few exceptions.

Conclusions:

HOMA-IR levels in a large sample of normal individuals are associated with poorer general health and adverse changes across a wide range of markers. A similar pattern of alterations is observed in prediabetic and diabetic samples.

Impact:

Clinically, checking insulin levels may be helpful to identify patients that merit further observation and are candidates for early interventions.
A TAZ–ANGPTL4–NOX2 Axis Regulates Ferroptotic Cell Death and Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yang Wen-Hsuan , Huang Zhiqing , Wu Jianli , Ding Chien-Kuang C. , Murphy Susan K. , Chi Jen-Tsan
Published: October 2019

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. Despite recent advances, clinical outcomes remain poor, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. To investigate metabolic susceptibility, we performed nutrigenetic screens on a panel of clear cell and serous ovarian cancer cells and identified cystine addiction and vulnerability to ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death. Our results may have therapeutic potential, but little is known about the determinants of ferroptosis susceptibility in ovarian cancer. We found that vulnerability to ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cells is enhanced by lower cell confluency. Because the Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are recognized as sensors of cell density, and TAZ is the predominant effector in the tested ovarian cancer cell lines, we investigated the role of TAZ in ferroptosis of ovarian cancer. TAZ removal confers ferroptosis resistance, while TAZS89A overexpression sensitizes cells to ferroptosis. In addition, we found that lower TAZ level in chemo-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer is responsible for reduced ferroptosis susceptibility. The integrative genomic analysis identified ANGPTL4 as a direct TAZ-regulated target gene that sensitizes ferroptosis by activating NOX2. Collectively, cell density–regulated ferroptosis in ovarian cancer is mediated by TAZ through the regulation of the ANGPTL4–NOX2 axis, suggesting therapeutic potentials for ovarian cancers and other TAZ-activated tumors.

Implications:

This study reveals that TAZ promotes ferroptosis in ovarian cancers by regulating ANGPTL4 and NOX, offering a novel therapeutic potential for ovarian tumors with TAZ activation.
Reforma e resistência: impactos estruturais e subjetivos das ditaduras civil-militares brasileira (1964 – 1985) e chilena (1973 – 1990) nas universidades públicas
Authors: Oliveira Cecília Brancher de
Published: October 2019

Este artigo visa compreender de que maneira as ditaduras civil-militares brasileira (1964-1985) e chilena (1973-1990) modificaram o ensino público superior e a estrutura universitária dos respectivos países. Para isso, o artigo divide-se em quatro partes. A primeira faz um resgate dos movimentos prévios pela democratização e reforma do ensino superior. A segunda explora o projeto de educação superior com viés neoliberal implementado pelas ditaduras do Cone Sul. A terceira e a quarta partes descrevem e analisam a implementação de políticas e legislação voltadas à educação superior do Brasil e do Chile.
Entre Compsons e Buendías:
Authors: Lima Gabriel Dos Santos
Published: October 2019

Embora muito mencionada pelos estudos de literatura comparada, a relação entre a obra do americano William Faulkner e os romances de Gabriel García Márquez é, ainda, um tema que suscita questões: como o escritor colombiano amolda a forma faulkneriana a suas próprias demandas socioculturais? Como a narrativa importada se transforma graças aos novos usos em um contexto histórico-artístico distinto? O presente artigo buscará responder essas perguntas tomando por ponto de partida um aspecto comum à produção dos escritores; a saber: o projeto de apreender a experiência histórica de suas regiões de origem (Mississipi e Caribe) edificando mundos fictícios através de narrativas que contam histórias de famílias. Assim, comparando romances fundamentais nesse âmbito – como The Sound and the Fury (1929) e Cien Años de Soledad (1967) - tenciona-se oferecer chaves de leitura atuais para os problemas críticos suscitados, aprofundando a hipótese teórica de que cada narrativa responda, com recursos próprios, a questões literárias muito específicas. Nesse sentido, buscar-se-á esclarecer a diferença entre o diálogo de Faulkner com o histórico modernismo europeu na perspectiva de um sul estadunidense do início do século XX e a interlocução de Márquez com as tradições que permeavam o ambiente cultural periférico de seu tempo.
El rompecabezas de la integración sudamericana:
Authors: Barrenengoa Amanda Carolina
Published: October 2019

Nos proponemos indagar en los actores sociales presentes en los procesos de integración suramericana reciente, desde la Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (UNASUR) y el Consejo Suramericano de Infraestructura y Planeamiento (COSIPLAN). Buscamos reconstruir una porción de un gran rompecabezas que reúne a diversos actores sociales, para dar cuenta de un entramado que excede los márgenes estatales e involucra a gobiernos, empresas, organismos de financiamiento, bancos, sectores productivos, funcionarios estatales, poblaciones. A partir del caso brasileño ponemos el foco en los intereses de la clase dominante y la forma en que se vinculan con los Estados, encontrando un amplio repertorio de problemas y dimensiones. De aquí se desprenden conflictos que nos llevan a preguntarnos por las limitaciones, los factores externos e internos y las contradicciones que enmarcaron los gobiernos de Lula. Desde una metodología cualitativa, damos cuenta de una multiplicidad de actores de las clases dominantes, cuyos intereses y acciones se hallaron, en principio, entrelazados con las estrategias impulsadas desde el propio Estado. Mientras avanzaba la dinámica social ypolítica, las perspectivas y posiciones de estos actores se vieron modificadas, por diversos motivos. Como resultado de estas indagaciones, pudimos observar las múltiples formas de manifestación de sus intereses y relaciones.
Inter-relações e ressignificações do discurso bíblico no filme The Crow (1994)
Authors: Fiori Fernando Martins , Signori Mônica Baltazar Diniz
Published: October 2019

Este artigo se propõe a investigar as relações de significação que o filme The Crow (1994) estabelece com mitos explorados pelo discurso bíblico. O texto fílmico enreda-se pela narrativa sobre os noivos Eric Draven e Shelly Webster, ambos brutalmente assassinados por uma gangue, à véspera de seu casamento. Um ano após o trágico incidente, Eric Draven é ressuscitado por um corvo, que irá guiá-lo e guardá-lo até que encontre todos os assassinos e, completada a sua vingança, finalmente possa descansar em paz. Dos mitos cotejados, evidenciamos relações entre The Crow, a história de Jesus Cristo e o poema épico Paraíso Perdido (1667), de John Milton, que reconta a queda de Lúcifer e a corrupção do homem pelo pecado. Utilizamos como arcabouço teórico a semiótica francesa, por meio de cujos pressupostos abordamos as inter-relações entre os textos selecionados e as consequentes interferências sobre a (des)construção de seus sentidos.
#Mariellepresente: é preciso inocular a luta da memória contra o esquecimento nas mídias
Authors: Baronas Roberto Leiser , Araújo Lígia Mara Boin Menossi de
Published: October 2019

Neste texto, temos como objetivo geral analisar discursivamente como a circulação da hashtag #Mariellepresente se configura como um discurso de resistência e de (re)ex(s)istência. Mais especificamente, buscamos analisar o funcionamento do enunciado composto pelo símbolo # na rede social Instagram, procurando analisar como esse enunciado passa a circular e, fassim, produzir sentidos em hipergêneros por meio de discursos de resistências e, sobretudo, de (re)ex(s)istência, palavra-valise que significa ao mesmo tempo resistir e reexistir. Nosso corpus é constituído por posts do Instagram que trazem a hashtag #Mariellepresente. Ancoramos nosso estudo nos recentes trabalhos de Marie- Anne Paveau (2017). Embora desejável, não realizamos uma análise muito exaustiva dos dados.
Evaluation of an Extended Stroke Rehabilitation Service (EXTRAS)
Authors: Rodgers Helen , Howel Denise , Bhattarai Nawaraj , Cant Robin , Drummond Avril , Ford Gary A. , Forster Anne , Francis Richard , Hills Katie , Laverty Anne-Marie , McKevitt Christopher , McMeekin Peter , Price Christopher I.M. , Stamp Elaine , Stevens Eleanor , Vale Luke , Shaw Lisa
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

There is limited evidence to guide rehabilitation to meet the longer term needs of stroke survivors. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an extended stroke rehabilitation service (EXTRAS) provided following early supported discharge were determined.

Methods—

EXTRAS was a pragmatic parallel-group observer-blind randomized controlled trial involving 19 UK centers. Patients with stroke were individually randomized to receive EXTRAS or usual care at discharge from early supported discharge. Five EXTRAS reviews were provided by an early supported discharge team member between one and 18 months, usually by telephone. Reviews consisted of a semi-structured interview assessing progress, rehabilitation needs, and service provision, with goal setting and action planning. The primary outcome was performance in extended activities of daily living (Nottingham EADL Scale) at 24 months post-randomization. The Nottingham EADL Scale is scored 0 to 66, with higher scores indicating better performance in these activities. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using resource utilization costs and Quality Adjusted Life Years. Analyses were intention to treat.

Results—

Between January 9, 2013 and October 26, 2015, 573 participants were randomized (EXTRAS, n=285; usual care, n=288). Mean 24 month Nottingham EADL Scale scores were EXTRAS (n=219) 40.0 (SD 18.1) and usual care (n=231) 37.2 (SD 18.5) giving an adjusted mean difference of 1.8 (95% CI, –0.7 to 4.2). 1155/1338 (86%) of expected EXTRAS reviews were undertaken. Over 24 months, the mean cost of resource utilization was lower in the intervention group: –£311 (–$450 [95% CI, −£3292 to £2787; −$4764 to $4033]). EXTRAS provided more Quality Adjusted Life Years (0.07 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.12]). At current conventional thresholds of willingness to pay (£20 000 [$28 940] per Quality Adjusted Life Years), there was a 90% chance that EXTRAS could be considered cost-effective.

Conclusions—

EXTRAS did not significantly improve stroke survivors’ performance in extended activities of daily living. However, given the impact on costs and Quality Adjusted Life Years, EXTRAS may be an affordable addition to improve stroke care.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.isrctn.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN45203373.
Nonfocal Transient Neurological Attacks Are Associated With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Oudeman Eline A. , Greving Jacoba P. , Van den Berg-Vos Renske M. , Biessels Geert Jan , Bron Esther E. , van Oostenbrugge Robert , de Bresser Jeroen , Kappelle L. Jaap ,   on behalf of the Heart-Brain Connection Consortium
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

Nonfocal transient neurological attacks (TNAs), such as unsteadiness, bilateral weakness, or confusion, are associated with an increased risk of stroke and dementia. Cerebral ischemia plays a role in their pathogenesis, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that cerebral small vessel disease is involved in the pathogenesis of TNAs and assessed the relation between TNAs and manifestations of cerebral small vessel disease on magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—

We included participants from the HBC (Heart-Brain Connection) study. In this study, hemodynamic and cardiovascular contributions to cognitive impairment have been studied in patients with heart failure, carotid artery occlusion, or possible vascular cognitive impairment, as well as in a reference group. We excluded participants with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. The occurrence of the following 8 TNAs was assessed with a standardized interview: unconsciousness, confusion, amnesia, unsteadiness, bilateral leg weakness, blurred vision, nonrotatory dizziness, and paresthesias. The occurrence of TNAs was related to the presence of lacunes or white matter hyperintensities (Fazekas score, ≥2; early confluent or confluent lesions) in logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and hypertension.

Results—

Of 304 participants (60% men; mean age, 67±9 years), 63 participants (21%) experienced ≥1 TNAs. Lacunes and early confluent or confluent white matter hyperintensities were more common in participants with TNAs than in participants without TNAs (35% versus 20%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.22–4.40] and 48% versus 27%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.44–4.90], respectively).

Conclusions—

In our study, TNAs are associated with the presence of lacunes and early confluent or confluent white matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin, which indicates that cerebral small vessel disease might play a role in the pathogenesis of TNAs.
Contesting Conversions in African Christian Theology: Engaging the Political Theology of Emmanuel Katongole
Authors: Ngong David
Published: October 2019

This article argues that Emmanuel Katongole’s theology focuses on contesting conversions in African Christianity. To him, conversions that have so far taken place in much of African Christianity, especially those informed by the theology of inculturation, have not adequately emphasized the formation of critical Christian social imagination that would challenge the violent politics of the postcolonial nation-state in Africa. The article engages Katongole’s theology by showing how his understanding of conversion aligns him with a form of African Christianity which he criticizes – the neo-Pentecostal and Charismatic variety of African Christianity. It critiques Katongole’s proposal by suggesting that the social and political transformation he seeks may be enhanced by forms of conversion rooted in the theology of inculturation which he minimizes.
Pentecostalism and Development Discourse in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Benyah Francis
Published: October 2019

Until recently, religion has been quite a neglected subject of enquiry to development workers and policy makers. This neglect is as a result of the suspicious, corrosive and irrational view many attach to religion as a vital instrument for development. This article, discusses how Pentecostal theology of salvation evinces a development ethos that needs to be taken seriously by policy makers and development workers. Focusing on some of the religious practices and initiatives undertaken by Pentecostal/Charismatic churches as an aspect of their theology of salvation, this article demonstrates how the Pentecostal movement in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Ghana, has made what others see as developmental goals part of an indigenous faith. The paper argues that in order to achieve a desired transformative development, development workers and policy makers need to recognize and place maximum attention to the religious resources that serve as a driving force for most development initiatives in Africa.
Cultural Hybridity in Conversion: An Examination of Hapkas Christology as Resistance and Innovation in Drusilla Modjeska’s The Mountain
Authors: Taylor Steve
Published: October 2019

This essay analyzes Christian witness, applying a post-colonial lens to Drusilla Modjeska’s The Mountain to account for conversion and transformation in Papua New Guinea. A hapkas (half-caste) Christology of indigenous agency, communal transformation and hybridity is examined in dialogue with New Testament themes of genealogy, redemption as gift and Jesus as the new Adam. Jesus as “good man true” is placed in critical dialogue with masculine identity tropes in Melanesian anthropology. Jesus as ancestor gift of Canaanite descent is located in relation to scholarship that respects indigenous cultures as Old Testament and post-colonial theologies of revelation which affirm cultural hybridity and indigenous innovation in conversion across cultures. This hapkas Christology demonstrates how a received message of Christian mission is transformed in a crossing of cultures.
Jonathan Chao and “Return Mission”: The Case of the Calvinist Revival in China
Authors: Chow Alexander
Published: October 2019

Studies on mission and migration have often focused on the propagation of Christianity from a home context to a foreign context. This is true of studies of Christian mission by Catholics and Protestants, but also true in the growing discussion of “reverse mission” whereby diasporic African and Korean missionaries evangelize the “heathen” lands of Europe and North America. This article proposes the alternative term “return mission” in which Christians from the diaspora return to evangelize the lands of their ancestral origins. It uses the case study of Jonathan Chao (Zhao Tian’en 趙天恩), a return missionary who traveled in and out of China from 1978 until near his death in 2004 and is considered an instrumental figure in the revival of Calvinism in China. This article suggests that “return mission” provides a new means to understand the subjects of mission and migration, and raises new challenges to questions about paternalism and independency.
Ni Hierarchical Structures Supported on Titania Nanowire Arrays as Efficient Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Hu Hai-Long , He Chuan , Guo Bao-Gang , Huang He-Yan , Zhang Xing-Quan , Xie Rui-Shi , Ma Guo-Hua
Published: October 2019

Developing new advanced nonenzymatic electrochemical nano-sensors for glucose detection has attracted intensive attraction. In this work, we designed a novel nanocomposite nonenzymatic glucose sensor by fabricating hierarchically nanostructured metal nickel on titania nanowire arrays,
which was loaded on a transparent conductive substrate (i.e., fluorine-doped tin oxide, FTO) surface by mild hydrothermal method. Due to the large surface area of the hierarchically nanostructured Ni and fast electron transfer of the TiO2 nanowire arrays electrode, the nanocomposite
electrode shows excellent electrochemical activity toward the oxidation of glucose. The electrode exhibits high sensitivity in detecting glucose concentration (1472 μA mM−1 cm−2) with a wide linear range from 2×10−4 M to 2×10−3
M, fast response time (within 5 s), and small detection limit (10 μM) (S/N = 3). The good analytical performance, low cost and simple preparation method make this novel electrode material promising for the development of effective glucose nonenzymatic glucose sensor.
Highly Selective Dimethylamine Sensing Performance of TiO2 Thin Films at Room Temperature
Authors: Ganesan Srividhya , Muruganandham Abinaya , Mounasamy Veena , Kannan Veera Prabu , Madanagurusamy Sridharan
Published: October 2019

To date, reports on metal oxide semiconductors for selective detection of dimethylamine (DMA) is in scarce. Hence in our study, we report titanium oxide (TiO2) as a promising candidate for tuned selectivity towards DMA. Highly uniform TiO2 thin films were successfully
deposited on glass substrates using reactive dc magnetron sputtering at various substrate temperatures. Polycrystalline nature of rutile TiO2 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The uniform surface morphology of the sputtered TiO2 thin films was revealed
by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). An upsurge in optical band gap from 3.18 to 3.4 eV was observed with increase in substrate temperature. The sensing studies of the sputtered TiO2 thin films exhibited a significant sensor response towards the lower concentration
of DMA at ambient temperature. It is deemed that this work will provide an insight to develop DMA sensors based on TiO2 thin films.
Effect of Conductive Layer Condition on the Morphology of Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template-Assisted Indium Antimonide Nanowires
Authors: Fayyadh Osamah Ali , Arifin Intan Nur Ain , Khairudin Azelah , Hassan Jumiah , Abubakar Shamsu , Talib Zainal Abidin , Paiman Suriati
Published: October 2019

Indium antimonide nanowires were synthesized by electrochemical deposition using anodic aluminum oxide template in the presence of gold film as conductive layers. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry measurements were carried out to investigate
the effect of adhesive insulated tape covered below the conductive layer. Results showed that the anodic aluminum oxide template covered with insulating tapes had better morphology with less presence of overgrown rough film on the topside of the anodic aluminum oxide template and it exhibited
a smoother nanowire sidewall as compared to the uncovered ones. Additionally, the unique properties of anodic aluminum oxide were controllable pore diameter with a narrow size distribution at some intervals. It was evident from the energy dispersive X-ray spectrum that the nanowires synthesized
from the covered template condition exhibited better InSb composition and stoichiometric ratio compared to the uncovered template condition.
Investigation of Swift Heavy Ion Irradiated Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)/Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanocomposite Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Shakya Jyoti , Kasana P. K. , Mohanty T.
Published: October 2019

In this work, a few layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite have been synthesized by liquid exfoliation method. The morphological and structural properties are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction technique.
The optical properties are also investigated using absorption and Raman spectroscopy. This report presents quantification of swift heavy ion irradiation induced defects using Raman spectroscopy. We found both Raman mode E12g and A1g corresponding to MoS2
and Raman modes of rGO are strongly affected by increasing ions doses. The defect induced lattice strain in the rGO/MoS2 nanocomposite is also estimated from Raman spectroscopy. MoS2 layers are found to be much more sensitive than rGO in the rGO/MoS2 nanocomposite.
These types of study further used in device based application of rGO/MoS2 nanocomposite system.
Remarkable Activity of Nanoarchitectonics Mesoporous CuO/CeO2–TiO2 Prepared by Nanocasting and Deposition Precipitation Techniques
Authors: Ongmali Duangamol , Pithakratanayothin Sakollapath , Jampa Sureerat , Luengnaruemitrchai Apanee , Chaisuwan Thanyalak , Wongkasemjit Sujitra
Published: October 2019

In this work, a ceria (CeO2) support was modified with titania (TiO2) by nanocasting using MCM-48 as a hard template and then loading Cu (as the nitrate salt) at different levels (3–9% by weight) by deposition-precipitation followed by calcination. The addition
of TiO2 in MSP CeO2 revealed that the MSP CeO2 was significantly improved the oxygen vacancies of the catalyst by increasing the Ce3+ content from 38 to 75% and stabilizing the Ce3+ species by bonding with the oxygen as Ce(4f)-O(2p)-Ti(3d).
Moreover, the bonding of MSP CeO2 with TiO2 generated the oxygen defect vacancies (s–Ti3+), allowing Cu2+ to occupy and be reduced to Cu+ during calcination. The smaller CeO2 crystallite size (2.7 nm) of 9Cu/CeO2–TiO2
increased the mass-specific CO-Oxidation, showing the best catalytic activity due to its highest redox properties, as determined by H2-TPR and also showing resistant property to water and carbon dioxide. Indeed, water was adsorbed on the Ce3+ sites, generating OHads
which reacted with CO to form –COOH, resulting in CO2.