bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The intensity of private funding and the results of university? Firm interactions: the case of Brazil
Authors: Rapini Marcia Siqueira , Chiarini Tulio , Bittencourt Pablo , Caliari Thiago
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the academic side of university–firm linkages, reporting the results of research (called the “BR Survey”, a primary database) conducted in Brazil with leaders of research groups that interacted with firms. The authors analysed the answers from 662 research groups (from both universities and research institutes) to investigate whether the intensity of private funds affects the results of the interactions. The main intent is to answer the following question: Is there a difference between funding sources and the type of results achieved by research groups when interacting with firms?

Design/methodology/approach

To verify the impact of some variables on the perception of the main results of university–firm interactions, highlighting the impact of funding sources, the authors present a Logit Model defined with binary dependent variables. The null value is categorized as a “scientific result” (new scientific discoveries and research projects; publications, theses and dissertations; human resources’ and students’ education) and the value 1 is classified as an “innovative/technological result” (new products, artefacts and processes; improvement of industrial products and processes; patents, software, design and spin-off firms).

Findings

The authors found that the modes of interaction (relationship types) and some knowledge transfer channels, besides the number of interactions with firms, have statistically significant coefficients, so their values present different impacts on the results of the interaction. The results suggest that the Brazilian innovation policy towards a more active and entrepreneurial role of universities is fostering innovative/technological results from university–firm interactions.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies on the results found that given the fact that private funding sources do not affect the conventional mission of Brazilian universities – teaching and research – university research groups should be even more incentivized to search for private funds to carry out their research. This may be a solution to the public fund scarcity and may help in reducing the historical distance between universities and firms in Brazil.
Enhancing customer satisfaction using Kaizen: a case study of Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC)
Authors: Mitra Debnath Roma
Published: February 2019

Purpose

With rising income and changing lifestyle, increased disposable income along with rapid urbanization is boosting the country’s biscuit market. The purpose of this paper is to represent the implementation of Kaizen in a biscuit-manufacturing unit of Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC). Although the concept of Kaizen is not a standard practice in India, the company chosen for the case study has a prominence in the Indian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodologies that have been applied to implement Kaizen in the ITC are discussed. Why-Why techniques, fishbone diagram, failure modes and effects analysis, ABC analysis have been used to study cause and effects.

Findings

It was found that the yield was increased from 88.3 to 92.2 percent, which was a significant change, as far as the product line is concerned. The product complaints were reduced to zero with an added increased product quality rating system to 98.2 from the existing rating of 96.7. The product consistency was also improved as an application of Lean in the manufacturing process.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is restricted to the manufacturing sector, especially in the field of biscuit company.

Practical implications

The paper should assist those practitioners and consultants who have the desire to find a better way of Kaizen implementation in small-scale industries of India. The academia can also use this case study for a better understanding of the difference between the theoretical and application aspects of the concept.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution in the existing body of literature. It shows the application of Kaizen in the manufacturing sector in India.
Assessing impacts of implementing low-carbon tourism program for sustainable tourism in a world heritage city
Authors: Thongdejsri Machima , Nitivattananon Vilas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate the impact-assessment procedure of low-carbon tourism (LCT) program implemented in a world heritage city and to develop specific indicators toward sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact-assessment framework was indicator-based and designed for creating sustainable tourism (ST) in a case study. A set of indicators in various dimensions was developed and applied, referring to the UNWTO guideline. A mixed method of primary and secondary data collected from different sources included document review, site observation, key informant interview, questionnaire survey and focus-group discussions. Assessment of actual/observed impacts was proceeded based on the data collected from tourists and stakeholders, especially on tourist behaviors and resource consumptions.

Findings

The implementation of LCT program in a world heritage city provided impacts in different dimensions and characters. The observed activities were majorly tourism activities in accommodations and recreational places. The indicator initiation is the first development toward sustainability in a case of tourism study in a city destination. Indicators were developed with participation from key stakeholders and covered sustainability and carbon-emission dimensions. Impact-assessment results show a positive theme in less carbon emission, enhanced local income distribution and community capacity. However, the negative impacts include increased amounts of resource consumption and waste generation in visiting sites. The impact matrix works as the map for decision-makers to maximize benefits and manage the cons of the LCT program toward ST principles.

Research limitations/implications

Research methodology, procedure and results on impact assessment with holistic perspectives imply academic contribution and practical benefits for decision-makers regarding ST development. The number of samples and enterprises was limited because of the program implementation period.

Originality/value

The research illustrates the impact-assessment process for an implemented city-based LCT program toward ST, where stakeholder participation was also functioning. A list of indicators was specially designed and can be practically applied for other LCT programs in city destinations. Applying a sustainability impact-assessment framework to the program can provide a clear presentation on how to develop ST.
Analytical Model for Low-Frequency Transmission Loss Calculation of Zero-Prestressed Plates With Arbitrary Mass Loading
Authors: Edwards William T. , Chang Chia-Ming , McKnight Geoffrey , Nutt Steven R.
Published: February 2019

As the importance of sound attenuation through weight-critical structures has grown and mass law based strategies have proven impractical, engineers have pursued alternative approaches for sound attenuation. Membrane-type acoustic metamaterials have demonstrated sound attenuation significantly higher than mass law predictions for narrow, tunable bandwidths. Similar phenomena can be achieved with plate-like structures. This paper presents an analytical model for the prediction of transmission loss through rectangular plates arbitrarily loaded with rigid masses, accommodating any combination of clamped and simply supported boundary conditions. Equations of motion are solved using a modal expansion approach, incorporating admissible eigenfunctions given by the natural mode shapes of single-span beams. The effective surface mass density is calculated and used to predict the transmission loss of low-frequency sound through the plate–mass structure. To validate the model, finite element results are compared against analytical predictions of modal behavior and shown to achieve agreement. The model is then used to explore the influence of various combinations of boundary conditions on the transmission loss properties of the structure, revealing that the symmetry of plate mounting conditions strongly affects transmission loss behavior and is a critical design parameter.
Passive Isolation by Nonlinear Boundaries for Flexible Structures
Authors: Mao Xiao-Ye , Ding Hu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: February 2019

A simple passive technique of vibration isolation for flexible structures by nonlinear boundaries is investigated, which to our best knowledge is the first study of its kind reported in the literature. The equations of the structure are derived with Hamilton’s principle. An iterative analytic method is investigated to improve the accuracy of the response prediction. The effect of nonlinear boundaries of the structure is studied compared with the linear structure. It is found that stronger nonlinearities in the boundary make the system more stable. Analytical and simulation results show that nonlinear boundaries can significantly reduce the vibration and stress of flexible structures. It is important to point out that with the help of nonlinear boundaries, structural vibration and stress control can be achieved without altering the original structure.
Composite Patch Repair for Underwater Aluminum Structures
Authors: Bianchi R. W. , Kwon Y. W. , Alley E. S.
Published: February 2019

Both experimental and numerical studies were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of composite patch repair on underwater structures, especially aluminum alloy structures. Physical samples were prepared using 5XXX aluminum plates with a premachined hole and E-glass woven fabric layers. The epoxy resin was selected such that it could be cured underwater. Test samples were prepared under different curing conditions such as dry curing and wet curing with different durations of in-water exposure. Strain gages were attached to all samples. The samples were tested for both tensile and four-point bending loads. Furthermore, numerical modeling and simulations were conducted, and the numerical models were validated against the experimental measurements. Then, the interface normal and shear stresses were determined from the numerical models so as to understand the delamination failure at the interface between the aluminum and composite patches. Underwater composite patching showed good interface strength and potential for successful usage in repairs.
Mutation Profile of
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
in Plasmodium falciparum among Returned Chinese Migrant Workers from Africa
Authors: Xu Chao , Sun Hui , Wei Qingkuan , Li Jin , Xiao Ting , Kong Xiangli , Wang Yongbin , Zhao Guihua , Wang Longjiang , Liu Gongzhen , Yan Ge , Huang Bingcheng , Yin Kun
Published: February 2019

We evaluated markers of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
among 254 returned migrant workers in China from Africa from 2013 to 2016. High prevalences of
pfdhfr
(97.2%) and
pfdhps
(96.5%) mutations were observed.
Investigating the Biological Relevance of
In Vitro
-Identified Putative Packaging Signals at the 5′ Terminus of Satellite Tobacco Necrosis Virus 1 Genomic RNA
Authors: Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Peyret Hadrien , Saunders Keith , Coutts Robert H. A. , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: February 2019

Viruses preferentially encapsidate their own genomic RNA, sometimes as a result of the presence of clearly defined packaging signals (PSs) in their genome sequence. Recently, a novel form of short degenerate PSs has been proposed (N. Patel, E. C. Dykeman, R. H. A. Coutts, G. P. Lomonossoff, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112:2227–2232, 2015,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1420812112
; N. Patel, E. Wroblewski, G. Leonov, S. E. V. Phillips, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:12255–12260, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1706951114
) using satellite tobacco necrosis virus 1 (STNV-1) as a model system for
in vitro
studies. It has been suggested that competing with these putative PSs may constitute a novel therapeutic approach against pathogenic single-stranded RNA viruses. Our work demonstrates that the previously identified PSs have no discernible significance for the selective packaging of STNV-1
in vivo
in the presence and absence of competition or replication: viral sequences are encapsidated mostly on the basis of their abundance within the cell, while encapsidation of host RNAs also occurs. Nevertheless, the putative PSs identified in STNV-1 RNA may still have applications in bionanotechnology, such as the
in vitro
selective packaging of RNA molecules.
Mechanism of Adenovirus E4-ORF3-Mediated SUMO Modifications
Authors: Sohn Sook-Young , Hearing Patrick
Published: February 2019

Viruses interplay with the host SUMOylation system to manipulate diverse cellular responses. The Ad E4-ORF3 protein forms a dynamic nuclear network to interfere with and exploit different host processes, including the DNA damage and interferon responses. We previously reported that E4-ORF3 is a SUMO E3 ligase. Here, we demonstrate that this activity is a conserved function of evolutionarily diverse human Ad E4-ORF3 proteins and that E4-ORF3 functions directly to promote SUMO conjugations to multiple cellular proteins. Recruitment of cellular substrates into E4-ORF3 nuclear inclusions is required for SUMO conjugation to occur
in vivo
. We probed the mechanism by which E4-ORF3 functions as a SUMO E3 ligase. Only multimeric, but not dimeric, E4-ORF3 binds to the SUMO E2 conjugation enzyme UBC9
in vitro
only in a trimeric complex with SUMO. These results reveal a novel mechanism by which a conserved viral protein usurps the cellular SUMO conjugation machinery.
Cross Talk between Chemosensory Pathways That Modulate Chemotaxis and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Huang Zhou , Wang Yun-Hao , Zhu Hai-Zhen , Andrianova Ekaterina P. , Jiang Cheng-Ying , Li Defeng , Ma Luyan , Feng Jie , Liu Zhi-Pei , Xiang Hua , Zhulin Igor B. , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: February 2019

In many bacteria, two or more homologous chemosensory pathways control several cellular functions, such as motility and gene regulation, in response to changes in the cell’s microenvironment. Cross talk between signal transduction systems is poorly understood; while generally it is considered to be undesired, in some instances it might be beneficial for coregulation of complex behaviors. We demonstrate that several receptors from the pathway controlling motility can physically interact with downstream components of the pathway controlling biofilm formation. We further show that a kinase from the pathway controlling motility can also phosphorylate a response regulator from the pathway controlling biofilm formation. We propose that cross talk between two chemosensory pathways might be involved in coordination of two types of cell behavior—chemotaxis and biofilm formation.
No association between abdominal pain and Dientamoeba in Dutch and Belgian children
Authors: Brands Martijn Ramon , Van de Vijver Els , Haisma Sjoukje Marije , Heida Anke , van Rheenen Patrick Ferry
Published: February 2019

Objective

To study the association between Dientamoebafragilis colonisation and faecal calprotectin to see whether the parasite is a harmless commensal or a gut pathogen.

Design

Cross-sectional study of previously collected stool samples.

Setting and patients

Two hundred stool samples originated from children aged 5–19 years with chronic abdominal pain and diarrhoea, who were seen in paediatric clinics in the Netherlands and Belgium and in whom somatic gastrointestinal disorders were excluded. Another 122 samples came from a healthy community-based reference population of the same age. All stool samples were analysed with real-time PCR for the detection of D. fragilis and with an ELISA for calprotectin—a biomarker of gastrointestinal inflammation.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of D. fragilis colonisation and results of stool calprotectin testing.

Results

D. fragilis was detected in 45% (95% CI 38% to 51%) of patients and in 71% (95% CI 63% to 79%) of healthy children. Median (IQR) concentrations of calprotectin in patients and healthy children with a positive PCR result were not different from those with a negative PCR result (40 (40–55) μg/g vs 40 (40–75) μg/g, respectively).

Conclusion

Since D. fragilis colonisation is most prevalent in healthy children and is not associated with an increase in faecal calprotectin concentration, our data do not support the inference that D. fragilis is a pathogenic parasite. Routinely testing for D. fragilis in children with chronic abdominal pain should therefore be discouraged.
Rare presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Hines Adam , Bello Vered , Iftikhar Asma , Zein Hadi
Published: February 2019

A 62-year-old man with no pertinent medical history presented with lower extremity weakness and worsening distal fingertips and toe cyanosis/gangrene. In the outpatient setting, he was initially being treated for Raynaud’s phenomenon with a calcium channel blocker. On presentation, the patient had elevated inflammatory markers and white blood cell count. Serum vasculitis panel (proteinase-3 antibody) supported the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. His hospital course was complicated by ischaemic stroke and a diagnosis of mononeuritis multiplex in his lower extremities. After initiating therapy with intravenous steroid and rituximab, his symptoms overall improved including cyanotic fingertips/toes. His inflammatory markers and leucocytosis also improved. Outpatient follow-up consisted of further rituximab infusions and unrelated umbilical hernia incarceration which required surgery. He was found incidentally to have subsegmental pulmonary emboli which most likely occurred during the initial presentation prior to his diagnosis. The patient moved out of state and was lost to follow-up.
Bouveret’s syndrome treated with endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy
Authors: Avci Aysun , Gögenur Ismail , Bulut Mustafa
Published: February 2019

Bouveret’s syndrome is a rare form of small bowel obstruction caused by a large biliary stone entering the lumen of the duodenum or the stomach through a bilioenteric fistula. Treatment options include various surgical techniques. However, recent advances in endoscopy also allow non-surgical endoscopic treatment options. We report a 68-year-old man, with a disseminated small intestinal neuroendocrine tumour, presenting with Bouveret’s syndrome without any previously reported biliary disease. He experienced a number of symptoms 1 month prior to his admittance, which were difficult to differentiate from other infectious diseases and complications due to his neuroendocrine tumour. Abdominal CT showed a biliary stone impacted in the duodenal bulb, small bowel obstruction, pneumobilia and a bilioenteric fistula. The patient was treated with endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy to fragment the large gallstone in smaller retractable pieces. The patient avoided major surgery and was discharged the following day.
Impact of selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test results in urinary tract infections in the outpatient setting: a protocol for a pragmatic, prospective quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Binda Francesca , Fougnot Sébastien , De Monchy Patrice , Fagot-Campagna Anne , Pulcini Céline , Thilly Nathalie
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Antibiotic resistance is a serious and increasing worldwide threat to global public health. One of antibiotic stewardship programmes’ objectives are to reduce inappropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics’ prescription. Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) results, which consists of reporting to prescribers only few (n=5-6) antibiotics, preferring first-line and narrow-spectrum agents, is one possible strategy advised in recommendations. However, selective reporting of AST has never been evaluated using an experimental design.

Methods and analysis

This study is a pragmatic, prospective, multicentre, controlled (selective reporting vs usual complete reporting of AST), before-after (year 2019 vs 2017) study. Selective reporting of AST is scheduled to be implemented from September 2018 in the ATOUTBIO group of 21 laboratories for allEscherichia coliidentified in urine cultures in adult outpatients, and to be compared with the usual complete AST performed in the EVOLAB group of 20 laboratories. The main objective is to assess the impact of selective reporting of AST forE. coli-positive urine cultures in the outpatient setting on the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently used for urinary tract infections (amoxicillin-clavulanate, third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones). The primary end point is the after (2019)–before (2017) difference in prescription rates for the previously mentioned antibiotics/classes that will be compared between the two laboratory groups, using linear regression models. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the feasibility of selective reporting of AST implementation by French laboratories and their acceptability by organising focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with general practitioners and laboratory professionals.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by French national ethics committees (Comité d’expertise pour les recherches, les études et les évaluations dans le domaine de la santé (TPS 29064)andCommission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (Décision DR-2018–141)). Findings of this study will be widely disseminated through conference presentations, reports, factsheets and academic publications and generalisation will be further discussed.

Trial registration number

NTC03612297.
Surgical congenital anomalies in Albania: incidence, prenatal diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Bakalli Ilirjana , Kola Elmira , Lluka Robert , Celaj Ermela , Sala Durim , Gjeta Inva , Sallabanda Sashenka , Klironomi Dea
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of congenital anomalies (CA). In our study, we aimed to evaluate prenatal diagnosis, trend of surgical CA, mortality rate and the factors affecting their prognosis in our country.

Methods

We enrolled in our study all children with CA who underwent surgery from January 2008 to December 2017. We compared prenatal diagnosis, incidence and mortality for two 5-year periods: the first period in 2008–2012 and the second period in 2013–2017.

Results

During the study period, a total of 321 cases with CA were presented, with an incidence of 0.69–1.18 per 1000 live births. Intestinal, anal and esophageal atresia remain the most important CAs (23%, 18% and 16%), followed by diaphragmatic hernia and gastroschisis (10% and 7%). Comparing the incidence for the two periods, we did not find statistical differences (p=0.73), but the mortality rate has been reduced from 31.4% during the first period to 24.6% during the second period (p=0.17). Prenatal diagnosis has increased: 28% in the second period compared with 10% in the first period (p<0.001), without significantly affecting the prognosis (p=0.09). Birth of premature babies resulted in a significantly negative predictive factor for the prognosis of these anomalies (p=0.0002).

Conclusion

Incidence of CA has not changed over the years in our country. Advances in intensive care, surgical techniques and parenteral nutrition made in recent years have significantly increased the survival of neonates born with surgical CA. Birth of premature babies was a significantly negative predictive factor for the prognosis of these anomalies.
Egg oil from Portunus trituberculatus alleviates insulin resistance through activation of insulin signaling in mice
Authors: Hu Shiwei , Wang Jingfeng , Yan Xiaojun , Yang Huicheng , Li Shijie , Jiang Wei , Liu Yu
Published: February 2019

Marine bioactive lipids have been utilized to overcome insulin resistance. However, oil from swimming crab has never been studied. Here, we analyzed the constituents of egg oil from Portunus trituberculatus (Pt-egg oil) and investigated its protective effects against insulin resistance in mice on a high-fat diet. The results showed that Pt-egg oil contained 52.05% phospholipids, 8.61% free fatty acids (especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), 32.38% triglyceride, 4.79% total cholesterol, and ditissimus astaxanthin. Animal experiments showed that Pt-egg oil significantly mitigated insulin resistance and was associated with reductions in blood glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, serum lipids, and hepatic glycogen. Pt-egg oil activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glucose transporter 4 pathway in skeletal muscle both at the transcriptional level and at the translational level. Pt-egg oil also promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis through activation of the PI3K/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta pathway. These indicate that Pt-egg oil can be used as an alternative to marine bioactive lipids to improve insulin resistance.
Noninvasive and in vivo assessment of upper and lower limb skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism activity and microvascular responses to glucose ingestion in humans
Authors: Soares Rogério Nogueira , Colosio Alessandro L. , Murias Juan Manuel , Pogliaghi Silvia
Published: February 2019

This study investigated changes in muscle oxidative metabolism and microvascular responsiveness induced by glucose ingestion in the upper and lower limbs using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Fourteen individuals (aged 27 ± 1.4 years) underwent 5 vascular occlusion tests (VOT) (pre-intervention (Pre), 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after glucose challenge). NIRS-derived oxygen saturation (StO2) was measured on the forearm and leg muscle at each VOT. Muscle oxidative metabolism was determined by the StO2downslope during cuff inflation (deoxygenation slope); microvascular responsiveness was estimated by the StO2upslope (reperfusion slope) following cuff deflation. There was a significant increase in arm (p < 0.05; 1-β = 0.860) and leg (p < 0.05; 1-β = 1.000) oxidative metabolism activity as represented by the faster deoxygenation slope at 60, 90, and 120 min (0.08 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.02%·s–1, respectively) (leg) and at 90 min (0.16 ± 0.08%·s−1) (arm) observed after glucose ingestion when compared with their respective Pre values (leg = 0.06 ± 0.02; arm = 0.11 ± 0.04%·s−1). There was a significant increase in arm (p < 0.05; 1-β = 0.880) and leg (p < 0.05; 1-β = 0.983) reperfusion slope at 60 min (arm = 3.63 ± 2.1%·s−1; leg = 1.56 ± 0.6%·s−1), 90 min (arm = 3.91 ± 2.1%·s−1; leg = 1.60 ± 0.6%·s−1), and 120 min (arm = 3.91 ± 1.6%·s−1; leg = 1.54 ± 0.6%·s−1) when compared with their Pre values (arm = 2.79 ± 1.7%·s−1; leg = 1.26 ± 0.5%·s−1). Our findings showed that NIRS–VOT technique is capable of detecting postprandial changes in muscle oxidative metabolism activity and microvascular reactivity in the upper and lower limb.

Novelty NIRS-VOT is a promising noninvasive clinical approach that may help in the early, limb-specific detection of impairments in glucose oxidation and microvascular function.
Evaluation of local friction and pore-water pressure evolution along instrumented probes in saturated clay for large numbers of cycles
Authors: Muhammed Rawaz Dlawar , Canou Jean , Dupla Jean-Claude , Tabbagh Alain
Published: February 2019

To investigate local friction mobilization along piles subjected to cyclic axial loadings, a calibration chamber experiment is presented based on the implementation of instrumented probes in specimens of saturated clay. Typical results obtained with a piezo-probe are presented, allowing not only tip resistance and local friction to be measured, but also the local pore-water pressure developed on the probe shaft. In addition, specific piezometers installed in the clay specimen allow a good picture to be obtained of the pore-water pressure field around the probe during installation and loading. After installation of the probe, a succession of monotonic and cyclic displacement-controlled loading phases is applied. Upon displacement-controlled cyclic loading of the piezo-probe up to a very large number of cycles (105 cycles), an initial degradation of local friction is observed followed by a subsequent reinforcement, which continues until the end of the cyclic sequence. The friction evolution is related to the evolution of the pore-water pressure measured during cyclic loading. In particular, the influence of the cyclic loading sequence on the post-cyclic static friction resistance is evaluated. A comparison is finally made with the results obtained with another type of probe, showing a good consistency between both types of results.
Comparative proteome analysis of drought-sensitive and drought-tolerant maize leaves under osmotic stress
Authors: Pei Yuhe , Bai Jianfen , Guo Xinmei , Zhao Meiai , Ma Qingmei , Song Xiyun
Published: February 2019

Drought is a major yield-limiting factor in maize production. Osmotic stress was applied to two maize inbred lines with polyethylene glycol 6000 treatments. Proteins from the leaves were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting at two time points, 24 and 48 h after osmotic stress. Thirty-five proteins were differentially expressed between control and treatment groups in the two maize inbred lines. In ‘Qi319’, a drought-tolerant inbred line, there were five up-regulated proteins at 24 h and 13 up-regulated and one down-regulated protein at 48 h. In drought-sensitive line ‘Zheng58’, 10 proteins were up-regulated at 24 h, while six proteins were up-regulated at 48 h. The 35 proteins were subjected to mass spectrometry and 17 proteins were successfully identified. These proteins were classified into six categories: photosynthesis-related, energy and metabolism, signaling pathways, protein synthesis, defense-related, and unclassified.
AAC Stronghold durum wheat
Authors: Ruan Y. , Singh A.K. , DePauw R.M. , Knox R.E. , Cuthbert R.D. , McCallum B. , Fetch T. , Beres B.L.
Published: February 2019

AAC Stronghold durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. Averaged over 3 yr, AAC Stronghold yielded significantly more grain than AC Navigator. AAC Stronghold had a protein concentration significantly less than Strongfield but significantly more than Brigade. AAC Stronghold had a plant height significantly shorter than Brigade, Strongfield, and AAC Cabri, with a lodging score significantly less than Strongfield and AAC Cabri. AAC Stronghold has a solid stem, which confers resistance to cutting by the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus Norton). AAC Stronghold had low grain cadmium concentration and stronger gluten than Strongfield. AAC Stronghold is eligible for grades of Canada Western Amber Durum.
Asymptotic analysis to free-convective boundary-layer problem by homotopy renormalization method
Authors: Kai Yue , Zheng Bailin
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the homotopy renormalization (HTR) method is applied to investigate a free-convective boundary-layer problem arising from the sheet (or fiber) manufacturing, which is modeled by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. By taking the inhomogeneous variable coefficient homotopy equations, the explicit asymptotic solutions satisfying the boundary conditions are given. Moreover, the comparisons with the numerical results show that our explicit function solutions have good performances in both local and large scales.
Electronic structure of gadolinium-doped ceria system: A DFT study
Authors: Wang Jianfeng
Published: February 2019

We have performed a density functional theory (DFT) study of the electronic structure in ceria [Formula: see text] and gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) system using VASP code in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with DFT[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]U. The band structures in GDC and thin film GDC are calculated and compared to that of bulk ceria. Doping of gadolinium significantly decreases the band gap of ceria, while the thin film structure of GDC raises the band gap greatly. The results help explain the electronic conductivity behavior of GDC and suggest that thin film-structured GDC could be used as a possible way to overcome the current leakage disadvantage of GDC.
Inflationary limits on the size of compact extra space
Authors: Nikulin V. V. , Rubin Sergey G.
Published: February 2019

We study restrictions imposed on the parameters of the Kaluza–Klein extra space supplied by the standard inflationary models. It is shown that the size of the extra space cannot be larger than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm and the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Planck mass should be larger than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV. The validity of these estimates is discussed.

We also study creation of stable excitations of scalar field as the result of the extra metric evolution.
The spacetime metric of a spherically symmetric deformation of space derived from the cosmic fabric model of gravity
Authors: Tenev T. G. , Horstemeyer M. F.
Published: February 2019

The Cosmic Fabric model of gravity that was previously introduced by Tenev and Horstemeyer [T. G. Tenev and M. F. Horstemeyer, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 27 (2018) 1850083; Rep. Adv. Phys. Sci. 2 (2018) 1850011] is further developed to provide a method for deriving the spacetime metric of the fabric's deformation due to a spherically symmetric gravitating body. We show that the derived metric is equivalent to the Schwarzschild metric up to a rescaling factor. From analyzing the membrane portion of the elastic energy due to an inclusion, we conclude that matter cannot be continuous at arbitrary sizes but must comprise discrete particles. Therefore, we show that the Cosmic Fabric model leads to results consistent with accepted theories at both continuum as well as sub-continuum length scales.
Not So Civic: Is There a Difference Between Ethnic and Civic Nationalism?
Authors: Tamir Yael (Yuli)
Published: February 2019

There are reasons why some political ideas fit better into a theoretical framework than others. This article analyzes attempts to detheorize nationalism, arguing that they serve three major functions. First, they free nationalists from universalizing their arguments and from the ensuing rights and obligations. Second, they allow its rivals to present nationalism as morally inferior to other political standpoints. Third, they lead to the singling out and legitimization of one specific form of nationalism that is principle driven. Drawing a line between forms of nationalism—those motivated by primordial feelings and those motivated by rational and universal principles—lays the groundwork for a distinction between ethnic and civic nationalism. Though in theory these are two distinct forms of nationalism, in reality the boundaries are blurred. And yet advocates of civic nationalism keep the distinction alive, wishing to distance themselves from the other form of nationalism and promoting a vision (some would say the illusion) of a nationless nationalism. Assuming that Western democracies have transcended their national and ethnic elements encourages politicians to ignore social schisms, avoiding the need to cope with their consequences. The civic language therefore not only is theoretically inaccurate but also motivates avoidance where action is needed.
Immune Dysfunction and Albumin-Related Immunity in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Wilde Benjamin , Katsounas Antonios
Published: February 2019

Liver cirrhosis yearly causes 1.2 million deaths worldwide, ranking as the 10th leading cause of death in the most developed countries. High susceptibility to infections along with a significant risk for infection-related mortality justifies the description of liver cirrhosis as the world’s most common immunodeficiency syndrome. Liver cirrhosis is an end-stage organic disease hallmarked by a multifaceted immune dysfunction due to deterioration of antimicrobial recognition and elimination mechanisms in macrophages along with an impaired antigen presentation ability in circulating monocytes. Bacterial translocation supports—and is supported by—uncontrolled activation of immune cell responses and/or loss of toll-like receptor (TLR) tolerance, which can turn exaggerated inflammatory responses to systemic inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin boosts systemic inflammatory activity through activation of TLR-2- and TLR-4-dependent pathways and facilitate a massive production of cytokines. This, in turn, results into elevated secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which further enhances intestinal hyperpermeability and thus sustains a vicious circle of events widely known as “leaky gut.” Albumin can be of particular benefit in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and/or hepatorenal syndrome type of acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress as well as volume-expanding properties and endothelial-stabilizing attributes. However, presence of autoantibodies against albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis has been described. Although previous research suggested that these antibodies should be regarded as naturally occurring antibodies (NOA), the origin of the antialbumin immune response is obscure. High occurrence of NAO/albumin complexes in patients with liver disease might reflect a limited clearance capacity due to bypassing portal circulation. Moreover, high burden of oxidized albumin is associated with less favorable outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis. To date, there is no data available as to whether oxidized forms of albumin result in neoepitopes recognized by the immune system. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to hypothesize that these alterations may have the potential to induce antialbumin immune responses and thus favor systemic inflammation.
Impact of Enhanced Recovery Program after Surgery in Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy on Postoperative Outcomes: A Controlled before and after Study
Authors: Perinel Julie , Duclos Antoine , Payet Cecile , Bouffard Yves , Lifante Jean Christophe , Adham Mustapha
Published: February 2019

Background: Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program after pancreatic surgery was associated with decreased length of stay (LOS). However, there were only retrospective uncontrolled before-after study, and care protocols were heterogeneous. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ERAS program on postoperative outcomes after pancreatectomy through a prospective controlled study. Methods: A before/after study with a contemporary control group was undertaken in patients undergoing pancreatectomy. We compared 2 groups: the intervention hospital that implemented ERAS program and the control hospital that performed traditional care; and 2 periods: the preimplementation and the post-implementation period. A difference-in-differences approach was used to evaluate whether implementation of ERAS program was associated with improved LOS and postoperative morbidity. Results: About 97 and 75 patients were included in intervention and control hospital. In multivariate analysis, implementation of ERAS was associated with a significantly shorten LOS (hazard ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.07–2.44) and higher compliance rate (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.18–1.53). Difference-in-differences analysis revealed that LOS, morbidity, and readmission did not differ after ERAS implementation. Conclusion: Implementation of ERAS program was safe and effective after pancreatectomy with high compliance rate. LOS was significantly reduced without compromising morbidity
Reliability of Telephone Interview for Assessment of Long-Term Stroke Outcomes: Evidence from Interrater Analysis
Authors: Chen Xin Wee , Shafei Mohd Nazri , Abdullah Jafri Malin , Musa Kamarul Imran
Published: February 2019

Background: A comprehensive evaluation of interrater reliability is crucial when it comes to multiple coders assessing the stroke outcomes using telephone interview. The reliability between telephone raters is important, as it could affect the accuracy of the findings published. Objective: This study aimed to establish the interrater reliability between multiple telephone interviewers when assessing long-term stroke outcomes. Methods: Patients alive at discharge selected in a retrospective cohort stroke project were recruited in this study. Their contact numbers were obtained from the medical record unit. The patients and/or proxies were interviewed based on a standardized script in Malay or English. Stroke outcomes assessed were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) at 1-year post discharge. Fully crossed design was applied and 3 assessors collected the data simultaneously. Data was analysed using the software R version 3.4.4. Results: Out of 207 subjects recruited, 132 stroke survivors at the time of interview were analysed. We found a significant excellent interrater reliability between telephone interviewers assessing BI, with intraclass correlation coefficient at 0.996 (95% CI 0.995–0.997). Whereas substantial agreement between the telephone interviewers was revealed in assessing mRS, with Fleiss’, Conger’s and Light’s Kappa statistics reporting 0.719 and the Nelson’s model-based κm kappa statistic reporting 0.689 (95% CI 0.667–0.711). Conclusion: It is reliable to get multiple raters in assessing mRS and BI using the telephone system. It is worthwhile to make use of a telephone interview to update clinicians on their acute clinical management towards long-term stroke prognosis.
Arte como forma da moral
Authors: Caldas Pedro Spinola Pereira
Published: February 2019

Este artigo pretende compreender como, para Thomas Mann, a arte é uma forma da moral, e não um instrumento moral. Esta afirmação adquire sentido a partir de seu contexto específico, isto é, a partir do diálogo tenso entre Thomas Mann e seu irmão, Heinrich Mann. Explorando uma possibilidade de análise não feita no estudo de Helmut Koopmann sobre os dois irmãos, pretende-se, neste artigo, comparar O anjo azul com A Morte em Veneza, uma vez que ambas as obras, sendo a primeira uma sátira e a segunda, uma tragédia, têm no problema da forma um elemento central de seu argumento. Neste sentido, a caracterização de Aschenbach como “herói da fraqueza” se distinguirá da caracterização de Unrat como “tirano” a partir da estrutura temporal subjacente à caracterização de ambos os personagens.
Desafios do uso do livro didático no ensino superior
Authors: Gondar Anelise , Ferreira Mergenfel A. Vaz
Published: February 2019

Dos vários recursos disponíveis ao aprendizado da língua estrangeira (LE), o livro didático tem provado ser indubitavelmente um dos elementos centrais para os mecanismos de ensino-aprendizagem em nossas salas de aula ao longo das décadas (RÖSLER; SCHART 2016). Este artigo avança as discussões atuais acerca da utilização do livro didático de alemão como língua estrangeira (ALE) especificamente no contexto do ensino superior brasileiro e tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir criticamente a partir de uma pesquisa exploratório-interpretativa (CASPARI; HELBIG; SCHMELTER 2007) a percepção dos alunos sobre o livro didático DaF Kompakt, utilizado por uma universidade pública no Rio de Janeiro que oferece o Curso de Letras Português-Alemão. O artigo apresenta inicialmente uma discussão acerca do papel do livro didático e das crenças e percepções discentes sobre ensino-aprendizagem de ALE, em seguida apresenta e analisa os dados coletados por meio de pesquisa qualitativa junto a discentes do ensino superior e, por fim, propõe uma agenda de pesquisa que aponta para possibilidades de análise crítica do uso do livro didático de língua estrangeira e de uma investigação mais aprofundada e contrastiva sobre limites e possibilidades dos materiais usados em cursos de língua alemã nas universidades brasileiras.
Em torno de “Todesfuge” de Paul Celan
Authors: Martins Maria Silvia Cintra
Published: February 2019

Exploro neste trabalho o poema “Todesfuge”, do poeta e tradutor alemão Paul Celan, e, a partir dele, teço relações com concepções advindas do ideário do linguista, poeta e tradutor francês Henri Meschonnic. As temáticas da Ética e da Estética, caras aos dois autores, fazem-se presentes. No decorrer da análise de “Todesfuge”, chamo a atenção, particularmente, para a forma da tradução de seu título em língua portuguesa, assim como para as eventuais decorrências dessas escolhas.
Perspectivas sobre la justicia francesa del Antiguo Régimen en las reescrituras del caso La Pivardière de E. T. A. Hoffmann y W. Alexis
Authors: Pivetta Carola Inés
Published: February 2019

Tanto Ernst Th. A. Hoffmann como Willibald Alexis reescriben en el Berlín de la Restauración el caso La Pivardiere, ocurrido a fines del siglo XVII en Francia (aquel en 1821 bajo el título Die Marquise de la Pivardiere; en 1843 como Der Herr von Pivardiere este); si bien ambas reescrituras se basan en la misma fuente, la causa célebre de François Richer de 1773 (probablemente leída en una traducción alemana por Hoffmann y ciertamente consultada junto con otras versiones por Alexis), estas reelaboraciones difieren notablemente: en este trabajo compararemos las narraciones mencionadas centrándonos en la caracterización de los personajes y la construcción del narrador, con la intención de indagar las implicancias que esto tiene en la visión de la criminalidad y del mundo que subyace a cada una; luego examinaremos cómo se reconstruye en cada caso el contexto en el que sucede la acción: mientras que en la versión de Alexis ese pasado es visto como alteridad que refuerza por contraste las ventajas y los progresos del aquí y ahora desde el que se (re)escribe, en la de Hoffmann la proyección de la acción a esa época pretérita propicia un reconocimiento de ciertas tendencias alarmantes del propio presente.
Os descaminhos da alma
Authors: Mello Luiza Larangeira Silva
Published: February 2019

Neste ensaio, pretendo empreender uma análise comparativa entre os modos como o intelectual alemão Georg Simmel e o escritor estadunidense Henry James figuram discursivamente aquilo que Simmel chama de “a tragédia da cultura”. Em ensaios escritos na virada do século XX, como “As Grandes Cidades e a Vida do Espírito” (1903), “Do Ser da Cultura” (1908) e “O Conceito e a Tragédia da Cultura” (1911), Simmel trata do conceito tipicamente alemão de cultura (Kultur), identificando sua dimensão trágica. Conquanto Henry James mostre-se, especialmente no período da 1ª Guerra Mundial, fortemente comprometido com o ideal inglês de “civilização”, pode-se notar, em seus relatos de viagem da virada do século, intitulados The American Scene (1907), uma compreensão semelhante à de Simmel da moderna experiência da tragédia da cultura.