bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoke exposure in early life and adolescence in relation to lung function
Authors: Thacher Jesse D. , Schultz Erica S. , Hallberg Jenny , Hellberg Ulrika , Kull Inger , Thunqvist Per , Pershagen Göran , Gustafsson Per M. , Melén Erik , Bergström Anna
Published: May 2018

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with impaired lung function among young children, but less is known about long-term effects and the impact of adolescents' own smoking. We investigated the influence of maternal smoking during pregnancy, secondhand smoke exposure and adolescent smoking on lung function at age 16 years.

The BAMSE (Barn/Child, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) birth cohort collected information on participants' tobacco smoke exposure through repeated questionnaires, and measured saliva cotinine concentrations at age 16 years. Participants performed spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) at age 16 years (n=2295).

Exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of −1.1% (95% CI −2.0 to −0.2%). IOS demonstrated greater resistance at 5–20 Hz (R5–20) in participants exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy. Adolescents who smoked had reduced FEV1/FVC ratios of −0.9% (95% CI −1.8 to −0.1%) and increased resistance of 6.5 Pa·L–1·s (95% CI 0.7 to 12.2 Pa·L–1·s) inR5–20. Comparable associations for FEV1/FVC ratio were observed for cotinine concentrations, using ≥12 ng·mL−1as a cut-off for adolescent smoking.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower FEV1/FVC ratios and increased airway resistance. In addition, adolescent smoking appears to be associated with reduced FEV1/FVC ratios and increased peripheral airway resistance.
The use of whole-genome sequencing in cluster investigation of a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis outbreak
Authors: Lalor Maeve K. , Casali Nicola , Walker Timothy M. , Anderson Laura F. , Davidson Jennifer A. , Ratna Natasha , Mullarkey Cathy , Gent Mike , Foster Kirsty , Brown Tim , Magee John , Barrett Anne , Crook Derrick W. , Drobniewski Francis , Thomas H. Lucy , Abubakar Ibrahim
Published: May 2018

We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to delineate transmission networks and investigate the benefits of WGS during cluster investigation.

We included clustered cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB linked by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit variable tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) strain typing or epidemiological information in the national cluster B1006, notified between 2007 and 2013 in the UK. We excluded from further investigation cases whose isolates differed by greater than 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Data relating to patients' social networks were collected.

27 cases were investigated and 22 had WGS, eight of which (36%) were excluded as their isolates differed by more than 12 SNPs to other cases. 18 cases were ruled into the transmission network based on genomic and epidemiological information. Evidence of transmission was inconclusive in seven out of 18 cases (39%) in the transmission network following WGS and epidemiological investigation.

This investigation of a drug-resistant TB cluster illustrates the opportunities and limitations of WGS in understanding transmission in a setting with a high proportion of migrant cases. The use of WGS should be combined with classical epidemiological methods. However, not every cluster will be solvable, regardless of the quality of genomic data.
Infant nasal nitric oxide over time: natural evolution and impact of respiratory tract infection
Authors: Marthin June K. , Philipsen Maria C. , Rosthoj Susanne , Nielsen Kim G.
Published: May 2018

Nasal nitric oxide (NO) discriminates between patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and healthy individuals. We report feasibility of measurement and natural evolution of nasal NO and upon the impact of respiratory tract infection (RTI) on nasal NO in healthy infants (HI), followed from birth until age 2 years, with comparison to nasal NO in infant PCD.

Tidal-breathing nasal NO measurements were performed at scheduled visits at 2 weeks old and at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months old, with extra visits during RTIs. Historical nasal NO measurements for infant PCD were included for comparison.

Altogether, 224 nasal NO measurements were performed in 44 enrolled infants. Median newborn nasal NO was 46 ppb (interquartile range (IQR) 29–69 ppb), increasing at a rate of 5.4% per month up to 283 ppb (IQR 203–389 ppb) at the age of 2 years. RTIs in 27 out of 44 infants temporarily suppressed nasal NO by 79%. Values for nasal NO in seven infants with PCD ranged from 6–80 ppb. The success rate to accept nasal NO sampling was 223 out of 224 measurements (99.6%).

Tidal-breathing nasal NO measurement was indeed feasible in infancy and nasal NO in HI increased significantly up to 2 years of age, in opposition to nasal NO in PCD cases, which stayed low past 2 years of age. RTI episodes caused marked, temporary reductions in nasal NO in HI indistinguishable from that in infant PCD, suggesting that nasal NO should be measured in RTI-free intervals.
Cost-effectiveness of umeclidinium compared with tiotropium and glycopyrronium as monotherapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a UK perspective
Authors: Shah Dhvani , Driessen Maurice , Risebrough Nancy , Baker Timothy , Naya Ian , Briggs Andrew , Ismaila Afisi S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Cost-effectiveness of once-daily umeclidinium bromide (UMEC) was compared with once-daily tiotropium (TIO) and once-daily glycopyrronium (GLY) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective.

Methods

A linked-equation model was implemented to estimate COPD progression, associated healthcare costs, exacerbations rates, life years (LY) and quality-adjusted LY (QALYs). Statistical risk equations for endpoints and resource use were derived from the ECLIPSE and TORCH studies, respectively. Treatment effects [mean (standard error)] at 12 weeks on forced expiratory volume in 1 s and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score were obtained from the intention-to-treat populations of two head-to-head studies [GSK study identifiers 201316 (NCT02207829) and 201315 (NCT02236611)] which compared UMEC 62.5 mcg with TIO 18 mcg and UMEC 62.5 mcg with GLY 50 mcg, respectively. Treatment costs reflect UK list prices (2016) and NHS unit costs; UMEC and GLY prices being equal and less than TIO. A lifetime horizon, discounted costs and effects at 3.5% were used. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of variations in input parameters and assumptions in the model.

Results

Over a lifetime horizon, UMEC was predicted to increase LYs (+ 0.195; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.069, 0.356) and QALYs (+ 0.118; 95% CI: 0.055, 0.191) and reduce the number of annual exacerbations (− 0.053; 95% CI: − 0.171, 0.028) compared with TIO, with incremental cost savings of £460/patient (95% CI: − £645, − £240). Compared with GLY, UMEC increased LYs (+ 0.124; 95% CI: 0.015, 0.281) and QALYs (+ 0.101; 95% CI: 0.043, 0.179) and reduced annual exacerbation (− 0.033; 95% CI: − 0.135, 0.017) at an additional cost of £132/patient (95% CI: £12, £330), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £1310/QALY (95% CI: £284, £2060). Similar results were observed in alternative time horizons and additional sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

For treatment of patients with COPD in the UK over a lifetime horizon, treatment with UMEC dominates treatment with TIO, providing both improved health outcomes and cost savings. In comparison with GLY, treatment with UMEC achieved improved health outcomes but was associated with a higher cost.

Trial registration 201316, NCT02207829; 201315, NCT02236611
Land tenure policy and off-farm employment in rural China
Authors: Chang Hongqin , Ai Ping , Li Yuan
Published: May 2018

Using the data from the three waves (1995, 2002, and 2008) of the Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP), this paper investigates the impact of land tenure security on farmers’ labor market outcomes in rural China. To identify the effect of land tenure security, this paper used difference-in-differences strategy to control for time invariant heterogeneity and a number of observed time-varying economic characteristics for its validity. The paper finds that in response to more security land rights, both women and men increase their probability of wage employment participation.

JEL Classification: O15, J61, Q15, R23
Progress in participatory development: opening up the possibility of knowledge through progressive participation
Authors: Sanderson Eleanor , Kindon Sara
Published: May 2018

This paper explores the cross-cultural production of knowledge within participatory development. Drawing on in-depth interviews, group discussions and participant observation with stakeholders in the first phase of the New Zealand Official Development Assistance (NZODA) participatory impact assessment pilot (PIAP), we explore how stakeholders participated and perceived their participation in the knowledge produced within the PIAP. This case study followed one stream of the stakeholders participating, which incorporated representatives from NZODA and their evaluation consultants, a New Zealand nongovernment organization (NGO) and their Indian partner NGO, the communities with which the Indian NGO works, and a facilitator of this pilot. The information generated illustrates how different frameworks and methodologies of participation enable and constrain the inclusion of culturally different expressions and constructions of power/knowledge, and how participatory development faces ongoing challenges to facilitate the inclusion of ‘alternative’ and ‘indigenous’ knowledges without their simultaneous subordination.
The poverty dilemma in Africa: toward policies for including the poor
Authors: Hope Kempe Ronald
Published: May 2018

Poverty in Africa is multifaceted. It is characterized by, among other things, a lack of purchasing power, rural predominance, exposure to risk, insufficient access to social and economic services and few opportunities for formal income generation. On average, 45-50% of sub-Saharan Africans live below the poverty line - a much higher proportion than in any other region of the world. This article assesses the socio-economic dilemma of poverty in Africa and suggests an alternative policy framework for improving the well-being of the region’s poor. The premise of the article is that including the poor is a necessary and progressive step in any attempt to sustain growth, development and socio-economic transformation in Africa.
Hidden livelihoods?
Authors: Twyman Chasca , Slater Rachel
Published: May 2018

Natural resources and their contribution to livelihoods have been widely explored within rural contexts yet have received relatively little attention within urban contexts. However, natural resources can contribute significantly, if modestly, to urban livelihoods in a number of often ‘hidden’ ways. This paper explores these ‘hidden’ livelihoods using livelihoods frameworks to enhance our understanding of the dynamics of urban-based natural resource-related livelihoods, drawing principally on examples from southern Africa. The aim of the paper is to provide a better appreciation of ways in which urban natural resources are used to support urban livelihoods; to enhance understanding of the systems that govern access or tenure over these resources; and to encourage creative and innovative thinking about urban livelihoods and options for urban development policy.
The export-income relationship: the case of India
Authors: Dawson P. J.
Published: May 2018

Export promotion has been central to India’s export-import policies since the late 1990s and exports are seen as a potential engine of growth. This paper examines India’s export-income relationship for 1950-99 using vector autoregressive models. Results show no cointegrating long-run relationship but Granger-causality tests and impulse responses indicate short-run feedback: a 1% increase in exports (income) leads to a 0.06% (0.35%) increase in income (exports) in the following year and these effects are long-lived. Export promotion policies appear justified.
Impact of Genetic Polymorphism in the β2-Receptor Gene on Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rokamp Kim Zillo , Olsen Niels Vidiendal , Færch Louise , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Thorsteinsson Birger , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik
Published: May 2018

Context

Severe hypoglycemic events are unevenly distributed in people with type 1 diabetes, making a genetic influence probable. Of the common adrenoceptor β-2 receptor gene (ADRB2) polymorphisms, the Arg16 allele is associated with receptor downregulation and reduced agonist-mediated endogenous glucose production.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that the Arg16 variant is associated with severe hypoglycemia.

Method

A cohort of 311 patients with type 1 diabetes reported severe hypoglycemic events retrospectively in a validated questionnaire. The patients were characterized by diabetes history, state of hypoglycemia awareness, C-peptide status, HbA1c, and ADRB2 genotype.

Results

The ADRB2 Gly16Arg genotype distribution was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The rate of severe hypoglycemia differed among all genotypes (P = 0.01). Patients homozygous for the Arg16 genotype (AA; n = 60) had a relative rate (RR) of severe hypoglycemia of 2.2 (95% CI, 1.3 to 3.6) compared with patients homozygous for the Gly16 genotype (GG; n = 116; P = 0.002). Among patients with impaired awareness or unawareness (n = 175), those with the AA genotype (n = 33) had an RR of severe hypoglycemia of 3.2 (95% CI, 1.7 to 6.0) compared with patients with the GG genotype (n = 58; P < 0.000). Genotype was not associated with state of hypoglycemia awareness per se, as assessed by any of three classification methods. The difference was not explained by other risk factors.

Conclusion

Genetic polymorphism in ADRB2 is associated with risk of severe hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, especially in those with impaired hypoglycemia awareness.
Intramyocardial angiogenetic stem cells and epicardial erythropoietin save the acute ischemic heart
Authors: Klopsch Christian , Skorska Anna , Ludwig Marion , Lemcke Heiko , Maass Gabriela , Gaebel Ralf , Beyer Martin , Lux Cornelia , Toelk Anita , Müller Karina , Maschmeier Christian , Rohde Sarah , Mela Petra , Müller-Hilke Brigitte , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Vollmar Brigitte , Jaster Robert , David Robert , Steinhoff Gustav
Published: May 2018

Ischemic heart failure still displays the highest mortality. An early boost of intracardiac regenerative key mechanisms and angiogenetic niche signaling in cardiac mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could improve myocardial infarction (MI) healing. Epicardial erythropoietin (EPO, 300U kg−1) was compared with intraperitoneal and intramyocardial EPO treatments after acute MI in rats (n=156). Real-time PCR and confocal microscopy revealed epicardial EPO treatment enhanced intracardiac regenerative key indicators (SDF-1, CXCR-4, CD34, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, Cdc2, MMP2), induced TGF-β/WNT signaling in intramyocardial MSC niches through direct activation of AKT, upregulations of upstream signals FOS and Fzd7 and augmented intracardiac mesenchymal proliferation 24 hours after MI. Cardiac catheterization and tissues showed superior cardiac functions, beneficial remodeling and capillary density 6 weeks after MI. Concomitant fluorescence-activated cell sorting, co-cultures with neonatal cardiomyocytes, angiogenesis assays, ELISA, western-blotting and RAMAN spectroscopy illustrated EPO could promote tissue origin-specific cardiomyogenic differentiation and enhance paracrine angiogenetic activity in cardiac CD45−CD44+DDR2+ MSCs. Epicardial EPO delivery might be the optimal route for efficient up-regulation of regenerative key signals after acute MI. Early EPO-mediated stimulation of mesenchymal proliferation, synergistic angiogenesis with cardiac MSCs and direct induction of TGF-β/WNT signaling in intramyocardial cardiac MSCs might have initiated an accelerated healing process which enhanced cardiac recovery.
Genetic and cellular sensitivity of Caenorhabditis elegans to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin
Authors: García-Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Martínez-Fernández Carmen , Brena David , Kukhtar Dmytro , Serrat Xènia , Nadal Ernest , Boxem Mike , Honnen Sebastian , Miranda–Vizuete Antonio , Villanueva Alberto , Cerón Julián
Published: May 2018

Cisplatin and derivatives are commonly used as chemotherapeutic agents. Although the cytotoxic action of cisplatin on cancer cells is very efficient, clinical oncologists need to deal with two major difficulties: (i) the onset of resistance to the drug, and (ii) the cytotoxic effect in patients. Here we use Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate factors influencing the response to cisplatin in multicellular organisms. In this hermaphroditic model organism, we observed that sperm failure is a major cause in cisplatin-induced infertility. RNA-seq data indicate that cisplatin triggers a systemic stress response in which DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf2, two conserved transcription factors, are key regulators. We determined that inhibition of the DNA-damage induced apoptotic pathway does not confer cisplatin protection to the animal. However, mutants for the pro-apoptotic BH3-only gene ced-13 are sensitive to cisplatin, suggesting a protective role of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, we demonstrate that our system can also be used to identify mutations providing resistance to cisplatin and therefore potential biomarkers of innate cisplatin-refractory patients. We show that mutants for the redox regulator trxr-1, ortholog of the mammalian Thioredoxin-Reductase-1 TrxR1, display cisplatin resistance. By CRISPR/Cas9 we determined that such resistance relies on the presence of the single selenocysteine residue in TRXR-1.
Time optimized path-choice in the termite hunting ant Megaponera analis
Authors: Frank Erik T. , Hönle Philipp O. , Linsenmair K. Eduard
Published: May 2018

Trail network systems among ants have received a lot of scientific attention due to their various applications in problem solving of networks. Recent studies have shown that ants select the fastest available path when facing different velocities on different substrates, rather than the shortest distance. The progress of decision-making by these ants is determined by pheromone-based maintenance of paths, which is a collective decision. However, path optimization through individual decision-making remains mostly unexplored. Here we present the first study of time-optimized path selection via individual decision-making by scout ants. Megaponera analis scouts search for termite foraging sites and lead highly organized raid columns to them. The path of the scout determines the path of the column. Through installation of artificial roads around M. analis nests we were able to influence the pathway choice of the raids. After road installation 59% of all recorded raids took place completely or partly on the road, instead of the direct, i.e. distance-optimized, path through grass from the nest to the termites. The raid velocity on the road was more than double the grass velocity, the detour thus saved 34.77±23.01% of the travel time compared to a hypothetical direct path. The pathway choice of the ants was similar to a mathematical model of least time allowing us to hypothesize the underlying mechanisms regulating the behavior. Our results highlight the importance of individual decision-making in the foraging behavior of ants and show a new procedure of pathway optimization.
Blood-derived non-extracellular vesicle proteins as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of early ER+ breast cancer and detection of lymph node involvement
Authors: Tucker Rod , Pedro Ana
Published: May 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EV’s) are membrane surrounded structures released by different cell types and are emerging as potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets in cancer. In the present study, plasma samples derived from 7 patients with metastatic and non-metastatic ER+ (estrogen receptor positive) breast cancer (BC) were collected and their respective (EVs) isolated and the protein content analyzed by mass spectrometry and FunRich analysis. Two putative plasma biomarkers (absent in healthy controls samples) were identified which could be used to detect early ER+ breast cancer and for those with lymph node (LN) involvement However, given the current limitations of the EV isolation method used, it is possible that these biomarkers did not originate from EVs and may represent blood-derived extracellular proteins.  Further work in a larger patient cohort is warranted to confirm these findings and examine the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers.
Pathway to care for drug resistant tuberculosis cases identified during a retrospective study conducted in high TB burden wards in Mumbai
Authors: Lobo Eunice , Shah Shimoni , Rangan Sheela , Dholakia Yatin , Mistry Nerges
Published: May 2018

Background: Mumbai is witnessing a rising incidence of all forms of drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB).

Methods: A population-based, retrospective study was conducted between April and July 2014, in 15 high TB burden wards in Mumbai, to capture the patient pathways to TB care. A total of 23 DR-TB patients were identified and their pathways to access DR-TB care were recorded using semi-structured interviews.

Results: The total DR-TB pathway time of new patients (who did not report any past episode of TB) (180 days; IQR 123,346) was found to be more than twice that of retreatment patients (who reported a past episode of TB) (69 days; IQR 42,128).

Conclusions: The unacceptable delay for diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB in Mumbai advocates for consistent implementation of early screening of patients using rapid gene-based technologies.
An Analysis for Parallel Wind Simulation Speedup using OpenFOAM
Authors: Frasheri Neki , Atanassov Emanouil
Published: May 2018

An analysis of speedup for parallel execution of OpenFOAM software for wind simulation over rugged terrain is presented in the paper. Runtime speedup is analyzed using small and medium resolution DEM models for icoFoam and pisoFoam solvers, the latter due to consideration of turbulence, running in the parallel system Avitohol of Institute of Information and Communication Technologies of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The results gave a clearer view about the possibility to run in reasonable time medium and high resolution models in regional scale, while indicating the weight of turbulence calculations for computing runtime requirements.
Semiempirical Atom-centered Density Matrix Propagation Approach to Temperature-dependent Vibrational Spectroscopy of Irinotecan
Authors: Koteska Bojana , Crcarevska Maja Simonoska , Dodov Marija Glavas , Ribarska Jasmina Tonic , Pejov Ljupco
Published: May 2018

In the present study, a molecular dynamics study of irinotecan molecule with the atom-centered density matrix propagation scheme was carried out at AM1 semiempirical level of theory, at series of different temperatures, ranging from 5 K to 300 K. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed within the NVE ensemble, initially injecting (and redistributing among the nuclei) various amounts of nuclear kinetic energies to achieve the desired target temperatures. Subsequently to initial equilibration phase of 2 ps, productive simulations were carried out for 8 ps. The accuracy of simulations and the closeness of the generated trajectory to those at the Born-Oppenheimer surface were carefully followed and analyzed. To compute the temperature-dependent rovibrational density of states spectra, the velocity-velocity autocorrelation functions were computed and Fourier-transformed. Fourier-transformed dipole moment autocorrelation functions were, on the other hand, used to calculate the temperature-dependent infrared absorption cross section spectra. The finite-temperature spectra were compared to those computed by a static approach, i.e. by diagonalization of mass-weighted Hessian matrices at the minima located on the potential energy surfaces. Thermally-induced spectral changes were analyzed and discussed. The advantages of finite-temperature statistical physics simulations based on semiempirical Hamiltonian over the static semiempirical ones in the case of complex, physiologically active molecular systems relevant to intermolecular interactions between drugs and drug carriers were pointed out and discussed.
Blow–Out Orbital Fracture Reconstructive Surgery Classical Technique
Authors: Ceballos Ramon Navarro , Suarez Jonathan Navarro
Published: May 2018

Feminine, 42 years old. Car accident, 1 week after intensive therapy, presented dyplopie with severe orbital fracture. Besides right nasal bones fracture with internal canthal ligament section, enophtalmos and low ocular muscles herniaetion and haemathome into right maxilar sinus, Any calvary bone fracture.
Hezkuntza eta Eskola: hezkuntza jardunbideen eta gizarte justuagoen bilakaeraren arteko zubi
Authors: Santamaria Imanol , De Orbea Irantzu , Martin-Etxebeste Jon
Published: May 2018

Gaur egungo gizartearen aldaketa iraunkorrak eskolan ez ezik, irakasleen eginkizunean ere eragiten du, haiengandik espero duguna zein haien rola aldatuz. Gizarte honek bere garapen ekonomiko, sozial eta kulturala baldintzatzen duten erronka ugariri aurre egin behar dio, injustizia sozialak areagotua. Hain zuzen ere, bidegabekeria horiek saihesteko, gobernu askok kalitatezko heziketa lortzea dute helburu nagusietako bat. Alde horretatik, funtsezko xedea da hezkuntza-politikak eskola-praktikekin kontrastatzea, irakasleen zeregina sakonean ezagutzeko eta ulertu ahal izateko. Horretarako, hemen aurkeztu behar dugun galdera eragile izan dugu hasieratik: Ba al da eskola injustizia sozialaren arazoak erreproduzitzen eta areagotzen dituen erakundea? Erabilitako metodologiari dagokionez, kasu-azterketa bat erabili dugu narratiba ikuspegi batekin. Ondorioz, gaur egungo gizartearen konplexutasuna irakaskuntza-rolak eraldatzen ari dela ikusi dugu. Era berean, sistemak irakasleek eta eskolak justizia sozial handiagoa lortzeko borrokatzen duten aukerak ere mugatzen dituela dirudi.
Ipar Euskal Herria eta ikus-entzunezkoak: Harreman emankor eta herren baten kartografia
Authors: Martinez Josu
Published: May 2018

Este artículo analiza la relación entre el Audiovisual y los vascos del norte. A pesar de ser Iparralde un territorio que ha hecho aportes relevantes en la historia del Audiovisual vasco, hasta hoy no se han dado condiciones para desarrollar una filmografía normalizada. En estas lineas, estudiaremos primero la historia de los realizadores vasco-continentales “exiliados” del país, seguidamente analizaremos las obras realizadas por extranjeros en Iparralde y finalmente, esbozaremos una historia de la producción vasca. Tratándose de un tema apenas estudiado, este trabajo pretende ser una primera aproximación histórica, cartografía de una relación tan fructifera como asimétrica.
Observing System Simulation Experiments and Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis: Methods for Observational Programs in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Francis Oceana , Panteleev Gleb , Yaremchuk Max , Luchin Vladimir , Stroh Jacob , Posey Pamela , Hebert David
Published: May 2018

Over recent decades, the Arctic Ocean (AO) has experienced profound climate changes. To study these climate changes, several regional observational programs have been started. Because of complicated logistics and remoteness, in situ observations in the AO are extremely expensive. Therefore, an efficient ocean observational system in the AO is critical to understand environmental changes in the Arctic. Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis (ASA) are powerful tools that could be used in the optimization of existing and incoming observational programs in the AO. These optimal planning tools recommended by the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) implementation plan, and widely used in atmospheric research, are still rarely implemented in physical and biological oceanography. We provide several examples of how the OSSE and ASA can be used to optimize the locations of high frequency radars and biological tracer surveys and leveraged toward creating an inexpensive drifter observational program capable of providing sufficient information to reconstruct the circulation in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and southern Beaufort Seas.
Effect of using microwaves for catalysts preparation on the catalytic acetalization of glycerol with furfural to obtain fuel additives
Authors: Gutiérrez-Acebo Esther , Guerrero-Ruiz Federico , Centenero Mélanie , Martínez Jordan S. , Salagre Pilar , Cesteros Yolanda
Published: May 2018

The effect of using microwaves or conventional heating for synthesizing/modifying several acid micro- and mesoporous materials have been studied by testing them as catalysts for the acetalization of glycerol with furfural to obtain 1,3-dioxane and 1,3-dioxolane (fuel additives). Microwaves allowed us the incorporation of higher amounts of sulfonic groups in SBA-15 and montmorillonite MK-10 catalysts whereas for zeolite samples the differences were not significant. The catalysts prepared/modified with microwaves led to higher conversion but slight lower selectivity to the desired products than those prepared by conventional heating. Sulfonated montmorillonite MK-10 catalysts showed high conversion (62-68%) and the highest selectivity values to the desired products (72-86%). This has been related to the higher surface density of Brønsted acid sites observed for these catalysts. The presence of Lewis acid centres in the ReOx/hectorite catalyst increased the formatron od dioxane.
Distinct expression and prognostic value of MS4A in gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Chao
Published: May 2018

Gastric cancer has high malignancy and early metastasis, which lead to poor survival rate. In this study, we assessed the expressions and prognostic values of MS4A family, a newly recently discovered family, by two online dataset, GEPIA and Kaplan Meier-plotter. From these results eight members, MS4A2, MS4A6, MS4A7, MS4A8, MS4A14, MS4A15, TMEM176A and TMEM176B showed positive expression in gastric cancer or normal tissues, and these genes were screened for further analysis of prognostic values. We observed that low mRNA expressions of MS4A2, MS4A7, MS4A14, MS4A15, TMEM176A and TMEM176B were correlated with better overall survival (OS) in all gastric cancer patients, while high mRNA expression of MS4A6 was observed to be associated with good prognosis. MS4A8’s high mRNA level was correlated to better OS in diffuse gastric cancer patients. Further, we estimated prognostic values of MS4A family in gastric cancer patients with different clinic-pathological features, including clinical stages, differentiation level, lymph node status and HER2 status. Our results indicate that these eight MS4A members can estimate prognosis in patients with different pathological groups. In conclusion, MS4A family members are potential biomarkers, and may contribute to tumor progression in gastric cancer.
Classification of journal bearing friction states based on acoustic emission signals
Authors: Mokhtari Noushin , Gühmann Clemens
Published: May 2018

For diagnosis and predictive maintenance of mechatronic systems, monitoring of bearings is essential. An important building block for this is the determination of the bearing friction condition. This paper deals with the possibility of monitoring different journal bearing friction states, such as mixed and fluid friction, and examines a new approach to distinguish between different friction intensities under several speed and load combinations based on feature extraction and feature selection methods applied on acoustic emission (AE) signals. The aim of this work is to identify separation effective features of AE signals to subsequently classify the journal bearing friction states. Furthermore, the acquired features give information about the mixed friction intensity, which is significant for remaining useful lifetime (RUL) prediction. Time domain features as well as features in the frequency domain have been investigated in this work. To increase the sensitivity of the extracted features the AE signals were transformed to the frequency-time-domain using continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Significant frequency bands are determined to separate different friction states more effective. A support vector machine (SVM) is used to classify the signals into three different friction classes. In the end the idea for an RUL prediction method by using the already determined information is given and explained.
Testing the Image Quality of Cabinet X-ray Systems for Security Screening: The Revised ASTM F792 Standard
Authors: Glover Jack L. , Tosh Ronald E. , Hudson Lawrence T. , Paulter Nicholas G.
Published: May 2018

ASTM F792, Standard Practice for Evaluating the Imaging Performance of Security X-ray Systems, provides test objects and methods for measuring the imaging performance of cabinet X-ray systems used at security checkpoints. The standard is widely used, with many thousands of ASTM F792 test objects utilized throughout the world. The last major revision of the standard was more than 15 years ago (2001), and since that time, several deficiencies have been noted when using the standard for testing modern systems employing multiple-view and multiple-energy configurations. Accordingly, the present work describes a new revision of the ASTM F792 standard realized as a trifurcation into three parts, each with its own separate test object and associated test method. The three parts of the standard are intended for routine testing, human-perception testing, and objective technical testing, and represent a major update to this venerable standard.
The Influence of Uneven Temperature Distributions on Local Shear and Interlaminar Fracture Toughness Properties of a Thick Composite Laminate
Authors: Smit D. A. , Lahuerta F. , Borst M. , Nijssen R. P. L.
Published: May 2018

Because wind turbine blade length has increased over the years, so have the root and spar cap thicknesses. Temperature gradients and residual strains related to the manufacturing process of thick laminates are factors that determine the final laminate mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the manufacturing process influence on shear and fracture toughness properties for an epoxy glass fiber-reinforced polymer. Epoxy-infused laminates of 84 layers (55–60 mm) thick were manufactured. The laminate was manufactured using vacuum infusion on a single-sided mold. Thermocouples and strain gauges were embedded at different thickness positions to monitor temperature and residual strain during the curing process. The laminate was manufactured using the sublaminate technique: with the help of peel plies at different thickness positions, sublaminates were extracted and separately tested as standard coupons. Shear coupons were tested according to ASTM D7078-12, Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by V-Notched Rail Shear Method, and fracture toughness double-cantilever beam coupons were tested in Mode I according to ASTM D5528-13, Standard Test Method for Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites. Based on the extracted sublaminates, the relations between local curing cycles, residual strains, and the influence on the shear and fracture toughness were studied. This work reports temperature profiles and residual strain measurements that were monitored during thick laminate manufacturing. In addition, experimental data from shear and fracture toughness tests (static and fatigue) are correlated with the local residual strains and temperature measurements.
Las relaciones internacionales y el papel de Brasil en la gobernanza climática global durante el gobierno de Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (2003-2010)
Authors: Rodrigues Teixeira Juliane
Published: May 2018

Se destaca la actuación multilateral de Brasil, especialmente durante el gobierno de Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), en medio del debate sobre la temática ambiental presente en las relaciones internacionales contemporáneas y en el contexto de la ampliación de la necesidad de una gestión colectiva de la crisis ambiental debido a su carácter transnacional. Por el papel protagónico del país en las negociaciones multilaterales y por su posición natural privilegiada, en función de su gran biodiversidad, se plantea la perspectiva nacionalista desde principios de los años noventa, cuya representación se ha ampliado en los foros de discusiones globales en la primera década del siglo XXI. Se analiza la gobernanza global del cambio climático. Primero se destacan las principales cumbres mundiales sobre el tema, así como el tradicional posicionamiento de Brasil. Luego se aborda la actuación brasileña en el ámbito externo, así como las políticas de mitigación implementadas durante el gobierno de Lula da Silva.  Así, se logra presentar cómo Brasil ha pasado de una postura reactiva hacia una política exterior más activa, participativa y colaborativa, siempre con principios de las responsabilidades comunes, pero diferenciadas, y la preservación de la soberanía sobre sus recursos naturales. La idea de preservar y proteger el medioambiente, se transfiere hacia los países desarrollados y con la visión de financiar y equilibrar las relaciones de poder con los países en desarrollo.
Propuesta para el fortalecimiento de la educación básica (PFEB) en México
Authors: López Gutiérrez Emiliano , Arauz Beita Ileana , Salgado Molina Lirio Cristell
Published: May 2018

Se ofrece una propuesta para el fortalecimiento de la educación básica en México. Se analiza la condición de los planteles educativos y si contribuyen a materializar los esfuerzos de la política educativa estatal.Se comparan los  contextos con altos niveles de marginación y pobreza con otros que carecen de este fenómeno. Se plantea que la educación para México es significativa en todos los aspectos, dada la pluralidad y diversidad cultural que ostenta. Se espera incidir de una manera innovadora en la educación de México. Se propone iniciar en los estados con mayor índice de rezago escolar. Se plantea que esta PFEB se aplique primero en el Estado de Guerrero, por las características que presenta este estado en materia de rezago educativo en relación con otros estados de la república mexicana, La metodología utilizada en esta investigación partió de un estudio observacional-documental. Se proponen cambios tanto curriculares, como pedagógicos y de recursos, tanto tecnológicos como de infraestructura. En la aplicación de la propuesta, se incluyen las supervisiones o monitoreos de las autoridades competentes.
Propuesta de un modelo para el desarrollo del turismo rural comunitario en la comunidad de Los Ángeles en Cureña, Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas Hidalgo Ingrid , Daly Duarte Carmen
Published: May 2018

Se brinda una propuesta que busca la implementación del turismo rural comunitario mediante la integración de los pobladores participantes del proyecto de la Comunidad de los Ángeles en Cureña, Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica. Se muestra el trabajo para el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de los pobladores de la zona por medio de talleres enfocados a la gestión del turismo rural comunitario y procesos que permiten generar la sostenibilidad.La metodología aplicada incluye generar reflexión para determinar las actividades y servicios turísticos disponibles. Como resultado, se obtiene un inventario de atractivos turísticos, la creación de un mapa turístico, una página web, un manual de buenas prácticas turísticas, módulos de capacitación del “yo” adaptados, un manual de manejo para conversión en fincas integrales, un manual de buenas prácticas de turismo rural comunitario, manual de actividades recreativas, turísticas rurales, rescate de la identidad cultural, soberanía alimentaria, trabajo con prácticas eco-amigables. Así se espera consolidar una red de apoyo con actores locales, instituciones, tanto gubernamentales como de la sociedad civil y la empresa privada. Se recalca el rol de la universidad como facilitadora de procesos. Las personas de la comunidad son las llamadas a efectuar los desarrollos relacionados, de manera que logren empoderarse en cada una de las actividades que se generan, lo cual involucra la logística y administración de recursos.
Tablas especiales de pago como herramienta para viabilizar el acceso a vivienda a los sectores de menor ingreso de la población
Authors: Hernández Cubero Marco Antonio , Vallejo Esquivel Gustavo Mauricio
Published: May 2018

Se plantea que el acceso a vivienda digna es un derecho humano fundamental; sin embargo, se considera que el sistema bancario costarricense no facilita dicho derecho a los sectores de ingresos medios, razón por la cual se presentan las tablas especiales de pago, como una herramienta efectiva para ello. Se proponen como una forma de recompensar que permite viabilizar el acceso a vivienda a los sectores de menor ingreso de la población, ajustando la cuota a sus capacidades reales de pago, sin poner en riesgo su estabilidad económica y a su vez, aumentar dicho pago, en relación directa al incremento de sus ingresos familiares.  Entre las facilidades de pago que se presentan, se encuentran: pago de una cuota inicial de hasta un 70 % por debajo de la cuota real que se debería pagar bajo el método tradicional, una tasa de interés razonable por lo general inferior a la que ofrecen otras instituciones del sistema financiero nacional, a un plazo de hasta veinte años. Se presenta el modelo de las tablas especiales de pago en el Fondo de Beneficio Social de la Universidad Nacional, que se muestran como una solución viable para el acceso de vivienda a los sectores de menor ingreso, modelo que se puede trasladar a todas las instituciones financieras públicas y privadas.
Rehabilitación urbana y pobreza oculta. La Mariscal, Quito
Authors: Parrado Rodríguez Cristhian
Published: May 2018

La Mariscal es un barrio del centro-norte de Quito que desde el inicio del presente siglo se encuentra inmerso en dinámicas de rehabilitación urbana. Este artículo indaga sobre el impacto que han tenido los distintos eventos de rehabilitación acontecidos en el barrio y su incidencia en la aparición del fenómeno de pobreza oculta, el cual define los procesos de empobrecimiento que experimentan puertas adentro ciertos hogares y emprendimientos económicos de clase media localizados en la zona. A través de la aplicación de métodos mixtos muestra que estas poblaciones se hallan en condiciones de inestabilidad económica, en tanto que la puesta de valor que ha tenido el barrio y el surgimiento de nuevos usos del suelo y prácticas asociadas con el turismo no han logrado beneficiarlos ampliamente debido a su ubicación geográfica en la zona, el tipo de bienes y servicios ofrecidos y a condiciones estructurales relativas al mercado laboral. De esta manera, se concluye que el contexto actual de rehabilitación urbana del barrio, más allá de provocar procesos de expulsión o gentrificación, incentiva a que estas dos poblaciones profundicen sus situaciones de riesgo, ocultamiento, empobrecimiento y movilidad social descendente.
Gentrificación y desastre en la Zona de La Condesa
Authors: Castillo Oscar Adán
Published: May 2018

En este artículo se reflexiona sobre la relación entre el proceso de gentrificación y la construcción social del desastre, a partir del sismo ocurrido el 19 de septiembre de 2017 en la Ciudad de México. En particular, se trata de analizar cómo el proceso de renovación urbana en la zona de la Condesa, provocó determinadas condiciones de vulnerabilidad socioambiental que, aunado a los movimientos telúricos, posibilitó una situación de desastre. Para lo cual, se hace uso de diferentes fuentes y datos oficiales, mapas y notas de periódico. La finalidad es aportar otras pistas para la discusión sobre los desastres como una consecuencia socioambiental negativa de la gentrificación en este lugar.
La muerte como hilo conductor de las acciones en la Eneida
Authors: Herrera Valenciano Minor
Published: May 2018

Este artículo no se fundamenta en definir la muerte, más bien, se busca demostrar que la Eneida es un poema de muertes, que Virgilio se acerca a este fenómeno con recurrencia, que se vale de la muerte de una gran cantidad de personajes como recurso literario, debido a que los fallecimientos permiten la fluidez del texto, es decir, las muertes ocurren porque es necesario para que haya un impulsor de la acción.
El imaginario poético de la flora y la naturaleza en Julio Herrera y Reissig
Authors: Vidaurre Carmen V.
Published: May 2018

Partiendo de las observaciones sobre la metáfora formuladas por Michele Prandi en su Gramática filosófica de los tropos, pero desde una perspectiva que resulta más afín a la filosofía del lenguaje de Voloshinov, estudiamos un conjunto de versos del poeta uruguayo Julio Herrera y Reissig, con el propósito de identificar los trazados ideológicos que se hacen manifiestos en diversos recursos literarios utilizados por el escritor. Nuestro corpus de estudio se centra principal, aunque no exclusivamente, en las referencias a la flora y la naturaleza, porque el léxico de la flora es recurrente en muchos de sus primeros poemas, reapareciendo luego, aunque con otras modalidades distintas en su obra poética.
Categorías de análisis para la investigación de la representación informativa de las manifestaciones sociales
Authors: Cuvardic García Dorde , Cordero Cantillo Eduardo
Published: May 2018

El siguiente artículo es el resultado de una investigación cualitativa de tipo exploratoria que se planteó la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿Qué procedimientos discursivos verbales y visuales son comunes en la representación informativa de las manifestaciones? Dar respuesta a esta interrogante permitió identificar las categorías de análisis de la representación informativa de las manifestaciones de los movimientos sociales, particularmente en La Nación. Se analizó e interpretó un grupo de noticias que tematizaron las manifestaciones realizadas en contra de la aprobación del Tratado de Libre Comercio con Estados Unidos (publicadas entre el 2003 y el 2007).
Figurações de jovens no ensino médio: traçando elementos de um jogo sociocultural
Authors: Melo Samuel Pires , Santana Jullyane Frazão , Santos Thaís Carvalho dos
Published: May 2018

objetivo desse artigo é analisar as teias de interação de jovens com escolas do ensino médio da cidade de Parnaíba, estado do Piauí. Esses grupos sociais que se constituem em teias de inter-relações que ultrapassam uma figuração central, podendo observar várias intra e inter figurações firmadas por processos identitários de afirmação, conflitos e indagações diante de outras figurações, possibilitam mostrar elementos essenciais dos jogos socioculturais de um processo social. Para analisar esses elementos, utilizou-se de uma abordagem tipo quantitativo, com as técnicas de construção das informações o diário de campo e questionário. E foram tratados por meio da planilha do software Statistical Packege for Social Sciences (SPSS). Entre as figurações que se destacaram nesses jogos foram: família, escola, amizade, lazer, trabalho e Tecnologias Digitais. No entanto, vale salientar, que ora existe uma complementaridade e/ou afastamento entre elas, mas que são importantes no processo de afirmação das condições juvenis.