bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hungry Times: Food as a source of conflict between Aboriginal people and British colonists in New South Wales 1804–1846
Authors: Blyton Greg
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates food as a critical social determinant of conflict between Aboriginal Australians and British colonists in the Hunter region of central eastern New South Wales from 1804 to 1846. For Aboriginal people in the region food became a basic human need in short supply, causing duress and motivating desperate human action with stern consequences. British colonization saw violence, alienation, dispossession, starvation, malnutrition and destitution beset many Aboriginal people in the region as colonial timber, pastoral and agricultural development ripped through land encroaching on and alienating traditional hunting and harvesting grounds. Ultimately the traditional food economy collapsed under the pressure of militant colonial occupation, culminating in cultural disintegration and a forced dependency on colonial benevolence.
Commentary: Health care organization in Colombia: An Indigenous success story within a system in crisis
Authors: Mignone Javier , Vargas John Harold Gómez
Published: February 2017

This commentary discusses Anas Wayúu, an Indigenous health organization (non-profit health care insurance company) in Colombia. It analyses the crisis of the Colombian health care system, the creation of Indigenous health organizations, and the success of Anas Wayúu. The commentary was written using document reviews and secondary sources. We conclude that Anas Wayúu shows the strength and skill of Indigenous organizations to manage their health care, and the enormous potential for improved health status.
The influence of face coat material on reactivity and fluidity of the Ti6Al4V and TiAl alloys during investment casting
Authors: Neto Rui L , Duarte Teresa P , Alves Jorge L , Barrigana Tiago G
Published: February 2017

Ti6Al4V alloy belongs to the most significant alloys within the conventional titanium alloys, namely for producing turbochargers impellers and human prostheses. TiAl alloys, because of its attractive properties, such as half density of any nickel-based alloys and excellent high temperature properties, exhibit excellent potential for aerospace turbines and turbocharger turbines application. Investment casting is a near net shape process with great interest for these kind of complex parts, but the processing of these alloys using this technique is still a challenge. In spite of these advantages, these alloys are highly reactive in their molten state, reacting with the ceramic shells used in investment casting, forming a hardened and brittle layer called alpha case on the cast alloy surface, rich in interstitial elements such as oxygen. It is commonly accepted that yttria-based face coats are the best solution for minimizing metal mold reaction, but this ceramic oxide is very expensive. So, the aim of this work is to test alternative materials to produce ceramic shells face coats. A test sample simulating both compressor wheels and turbines was developed and assembled in a wax tree for alpha case and fluidity evaluation. Reactivity studies were conducted based on microhardness measurements and microstructural analysis of γ-TiAl and Ti6Al4V standard test samples, casted in shells with different face coat materials: fused Y2O3, ZrSiO4, Al2O3, yttria (6%) stabilized ZrO2 and yttria stabilized ZrO2 with 10% fine Y2O3 (3–7 µm). The results obtained showed that fused Y2O3 face coat eliminates the alpha case, although affecting the fluidity, and γ-TiAl castings have more misruns blades than Ti6Al4V castings.
Pie, fry, why: Language play in 3- to 5-year-old children
Authors: Read Kirsten , James Sarah , Weaver Andrew
Published: February 2017

This study examined the relationship between four common types of language play and their correlations with the verbal and social abilities of 3- to 5-year-old children. While observation has shown that children this age produce a range of play, research has not yet examined whether play is a measurable skill connected to preschoolers’ language development. In this study, we designed four language play elicitation games involving creating rhymes, word switching, word creation, and hyperbolic play. Children’s ability to produce novel play for each game was measured, and classroom teachers filled out assessments of children’s verbal and peer interaction skills. Results indicated that while children’s peer interaction scores were not related to their play scores, verbal skills scores were highly correlated with language play scores, highlighting that for preschoolers the ability to produce common types of language play may be a distinctly verbal skill.
Output feedback controller design for polynomial linear parameter varying system via parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions
Authors: Han Xiaobao , Liu Zhenbao , Li Huacong , Liu Xianwei
Published: February 2017

This article presents a new output feedback controller design method for polynomial linear parameter varying model with bounded parameter variation rate. Based on parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, the polynomial linear parameter varying system controller design is formulated into an optimization problem constrained by parameterized linear matrix inequalities. To solve this problem, first, this optimization problem is equivalently transformed into a new form with elimination of coupling relationship between parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, controller, and object coefficient matrices. Then, the control solving problem was reduced to a normal convex optimization problem with linear matrix inequalities constraint on a newly constructed convex polyhedron. Moreover, a parameter scheduling output feedback controller was achieved on the operating condition, which satisfies robust performance and dynamic performances. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the controller analysis and synthesis method are verified by the numerical simulation.
Dynamic and experimental analysis on response of multi-cracked structures carrying transit mass
Authors: Parhi Dayal R , Jena Shakti P
Published: February 2017

This research article presents a computational work followed by experiments to elaborate the response of a multi-cracked beam structures excited by traversed mass. The cracks are located at different positions having different relative crack depths. A fourth-order Runge–Kutta computational method is used here for finding the deflection of the cracked beam. The responses of damaged cantilever beam and fixed-fixed beam are considered in this work. During the traversing of the mass across the damaged structure, the response of the cracked structures has been analysed. The effects of mass, speed, crack severities and crack locations on the response of the structure have also been inspected. Computational work has been carried out with different masses at various speeds for the moving mass. The results obtained from the computational work have been validated with that of experiments and are found to be in good agreement.
Residual useful life estimation for products with two performance characteristics based on a bivariate Wiener process
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Pan Zhengqiang , Sun Quan , Feng Jing , Tang Yanzhen
Published: February 2017

Residual useful life estimation plays an important role in the field of prognostics and health management, and condition-based maintenance. This article concerns the issue of residual useful life estimation for degraded components with two performance characteristics. A bivariate Wiener process with random effects is used to model the evolution of two performance characteristics, which are dependent on each other. A bootstrap method is used to estimate the initial parameters with history of degradation data. Once the new degradation information for an individual component is available, the hyper-parameters of the random effects in the model are first updated by the Bayesian theorem. And then, we use a Monte Carlo simulation method to estimate the posterior distribution of residual useful life approximately. Via a simulation study and a case study on Lithium-ion batteries, the effectiveness and validity of the proposed approach are demonstrated.
The anatomy of Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication
Authors: He B. , Liu G. , Nan G.
Published: February 2017

We describe Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication anatomy after surgery on 11 affected children (12 hands, seven boys (eight hands) and four girls). We studied the structure and course of the flexor pollicis longus tendon and its action at the joint. Four patients had secondary deformity associated with an absent A2 pulley and a tendon that clung to the radial side of a small thumb. In patients with primary deformity, the flexor tendon sheath became membranous in the A2 area and attached to neighbouring sites on the opposite side of the proximal phalanx. In the proximal A2 area, the tendon divided – one division attached on the ulnar side of the distal phalanx base; the other, the base of the radial side. There was slight ulnar angulation of the distal phalanx on the radial portion of the duplication and slight ulnar angulation on the radial portion.

Level of evidence: V
Distal radio-ulnar implant arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Moulton L.S. , Giddins G.E.B.
Published: February 2017

The use of implant arthroplasty in the hand and wrist is increasing, often with little evidence of outcomes in the literature. We therefore undertook a systematic review of the outcomes of distal radio-ulnar joint arthroplasties following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Papers were assessed for outcomes, implant survival and methodological quality. Fourteen papers assessed ulna head replacements. The implant survival rate was 93% at a mean follow-up of 45 months. One paper assessed a partial ulna head replacement. Fourteen papers assessed total distal radio-ulnar joint replacements; all but two used the Aptis prosthesis. These implants had a survival rate of 97% at a mean of 56 months. Complications rates were 28% in both groups, and many were major. Although these data are impressive, worldwide there are many more implants placed and not followed up. All studies were level IV and V studies with low Coleman scores. This systematic review demonstrates that implant arthroplasty for the distal radio-ulnar joint has produced acceptable results in small numbers of patients. Whilst these short term outcomes are encouraging, the indications should be carefully considered and there should be proper consideration of the potential for later failure.

Level of evidence: III
A reflective commentary of teaching critical thinking of privacy and surveillance in UK higher education
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei
Published: February 2017

The importance of data literacy and the need of raising and improving it through formal educational channel or public engagement has repeatedly been flagged up in each of the past Economic and Social Research Council-funded Data-Psst! Seminar I attended in 2014–2016. There is a real demand for action taking. I took advantage of the knowledge I learned from the Data-Psst seminars and devised a module teaching Level 5 undergraduate media students about critical issues in today’s data-centric digital society, including privacy and surveillance. In this article, I share how the class activities were devised and carried out, and how guided engagement with the current debate in privacy and surveillance were realised. I also draw on relevant pedagogical theories to discuss my educational approaches, student performance, the challenges of the project, and evaluate and reflect upon the outcomes. This report from the field provides fresh first-hand information about the data ethics of the younger public who are practising media arts and their behaviours and attitudes towards privacy and surveillance. This article shall open up the discussion about the role educators play in enriching public engagement with critical thinking about Big Data. The lessons learned can also contextualise the pedagogical implication of the recent scholarly research on Big Data and privacy, and provide a framework for constructing future collaborative or creative projects.
Philanthropy on the move: Mobile communication and neoliberal citizenship in China
Authors: Yu Haiqing
Published: February 2017

This essay examines the phenomenon of embodied philanthropy on the move, with a focus on the WeRun (weixin yundong, an add-on to Weixin) for charity initiative. It analyzes key features of mobile-enabled micro and handy philanthropy that is at the same time on the move and examines its cultural and political implications on Chinese society. It also critiques embodied philanthropy, which is a market-driven, consumer-empowered, and individualistic form of bodily improvement or engagement in the name of charity. It points out that philanthropy on the move is used as a platform to educate, nurture, and realize neoliberal citizenship, which is managed, sponsored, and aspired by the Chinese state, the private sector, and individuals. It argues that cultivating neoliberal citizenship through micro, individual, and highly mediated activities (via volunteering and handy philanthropy) can displace criticism of the Party-state and disinterest people from participating in social actions on the ground. But it also has the potential to transcend the dichotomies of altruism versus self-interest or state versus society.
Can Direct Current Electrotherapy Be Used for Patients With Orthopedic Implants?
Authors: Thaler Evangeline , Toledo Felippe , Korte Holger
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Although electrotherapy appears to have particularly interesting applications in the field of postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation, relatively little scientifically based research has been conducted in the area of electrotherapy with regard to safety involving patients with orthopedic implants.

Method:

Three electrotherapy forms were tested, such as high-volt stimulation (HVS), transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), and galvanic current (GAL), using a model system containing a metal implant plate to evaluate whether heating in excess of 3°C would occur.

Results:

All changes in temperature for HVS, GAL, and TENS therapeutic electrical currents observed in our model system fall below the predefined 3°C.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental based observation that prolonged exposure to a direct electrical current at therapeutic strength does not result in heating of metal titanium plates.
Seasonal Variation in Hip Fracture Mortality
Authors: Yee Dennis K. H. , Fang Christian , Lau T. W. , Pun Terence , Wong T. M. , Leung Frankie
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

This study aims to identify if wintertime surgery increases the mortality of the patients after hip fracture operations.

Design:

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

The data for this citywide retrospective observational cohort study came from Clinical Data Analysis Reporting System.

Patient:

This study included 35 409 patients with hip fracture operations from July 2005 to December 2013.

Main Outcome Measures:

Cox regression hazard model was used to estimate the independent effect of operation being performed in winter on the hazard of mortality. The hazard model included covariates found to be independent predictors of mortality: age, sex, surgical delay, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results:

There was a seasonal variation with more hip fracture operations happening in the winter months. The 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year mortality were 3%, 11%, 17%, and 47%, respectively. Operation performed in winter was associated with a higher hazard of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.040; 95% confidence interval: 1.010-1.072; P = .009). The HR was greater with male sex (HR 1.786; P = .000), advanced age (≥85 years old: HR 2.819; P = .000), the longer surgical delay (HR 1.018; P = .000), and higher CCI (severe CCI group: HR 2.963; P = .000).

Conclusion:

Wintertime hip fracture surgery was associated with an increased hazard of mortality after adjusting for other known risk factors affecting mortality post hip fracture operations.
Specific factor IX mRNA and protein features favor drug-induced readthrough over recurrent nonsense mutations
Authors: Branchini Alessio , Ferrarese Mattia , Campioni Matteo , Castaman Giancarlo , Mari Rosella , Bernardi Francesco , Pinotti Mirko
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Only a few F9 nonsense mutations are responsive to drug-induced readthrough due to specific translation and protein structural constraints. Reinsertion of the WT residue and gain-of-function effects account for functionally relevant readthrough.
Gain-of-function SAMD9L mutations cause a syndrome of cytopenia, immunodeficiency, MDS, and neurological symptoms
Authors: Tesi Bianca , Davidsson Josef , Voss Matthias , Rahikkala Elisa , Holmes Tim D. , Chiang Samuel C. C. , Komulainen-Ebrahim Jonna , Gorcenco Sorina , Rundberg Nilsson Alexandra , Ripperger Tim , Kokkonen Hannaleena , Bryder David , Fioretos Thoas , Henter Jan-Inge , Möttönen Merja , Niinimäki Riitta , Nilsson Lars , Pronk Cornelis Jan , Puschmann Andreas , Qian Hong , Uusimaa Johanna , Moilanen Jukka , Tedgård Ulf , Cammenga Jörg , Bryceson Yenan T.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Autosomal-dominant SAMD9L gain-of-function mutations predispose to myeloid malignancies involving chromosome 7 aberrations. Hematopoietic reversions frequently occur postnatally and are associated with milder disease manifestations.
Multi-jet electrospinning of polystyrene/polyamide 6 blend: thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Yoon Jae Won , Park Yaewon , Kim Jooyoun , Park Chung Hee
Published: February 2017

Polystyrene (PS) has high thermal resistance thus can be applied as thermally comfortable textile. However, the application is limited due its low mechanical strength. In this study, polyamide 6 (PA6) was blended with PS to improve the mechanical strength of PS, by means of a multi-jet electrospinning. Content ratio of the blend web was measured by chemical immersion test and confocal microscopy analysis. Fiber content was in accordance with the number of syringes used for PS and PA6 respectively. The effects of content ratio on the web morphology, thermal resistance, tensile behavior, air and water vapor permeability, and surface hydrophilicity were investigated. The influence of environmental humidity during electrospinning process on three dimensional (3D) web structure was also reported. PS web produced from higher humidity had more pores and corrugations at the surface. The increased surface roughness and porosity led to the increased hydrophobicity and thermal resistance. Though the blending of PA6 with PS enhanced the mechanical strength, the added PA6 decreased air/water vapor permeability and thermal resistance. The lowered thermal resistance by the addition of PA6 was mainly attributed to higher thermal conductivity of PA6 material and lowered air content with PA6 fibers.
Modeling induced polarization effects in helicopter time-domain electromagnetic data: Field case studies
Authors: Kaminski Vladislav , Viezzoli Andrea
Published: February 2017

Induced polarization (IP) effects are becoming more evident in time-domain helicopter airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data thanks to advances in instrumentation, mainly due to improvements in the signal-to-noise ratio and hence better data quality. Although the IP effects are often manifested as negative receiver voltage values, which are easy to detect, in some cases, IP effects can distort recovered transients in other ways so they may be less obvious and require careful data analysis and processing. These effects represent a challenge for modeling and inversion of the AEM data. For proper modeling of electromagnetic transients, the chargeability of the subsurface and other parameters describing the dispersion also need to be taken into consideration. We use the Cole-Cole model to characterize the dispersion and for modeling of the IP effects in field AEM data, collected by different airborne systems over different geologies and exploration targets, including examples from diamond, gold, and base metal exploration. We determined how multiparametric inversion techniques can simultaneously recover all four Cole-Cole parameters, including resistivity [Formula: see text], chargeability [Formula: see text], relaxation time [Formula: see text], and frequency parameter [Formula: see text]. The results obtained are in good agreement with the ancillary information available. Interpretation of the IP effects in AEM data is therefore seen by the authors as providing corrected electrical resistivity distributions, as well as additional information that could assist in mineral exploration.
Model-based amplitude versus offset and azimuth inversion for estimating fracture parameters and fluid content
Authors: Xue Jiao , Gu Hanming , Cai Chengguo
Published: February 2017

The normal-to-shear fracture compliance ratio is commonly used as a fluid indicator. In the seismic frequency range, the fluid indicator lies between the values for isolated fluid-filled fractures and dry fractures, and it is not easy to discriminate the fluid content. Assuming that the fracture surfaces are smooth, we use [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] representing the normal fracture weakness of the saturated and dry rock, to indicate fluid types, and to define a fluid influencing factor. The fluid influencing factor is sensitive to the fluid properties, the aspect ratio of the fractures, and the frequency. Conventionally, the amplitude versus offset and azimuth (AVOA) inversion is formulated in terms of the contrasts of the fracture weaknesses across the interface, assuming that the fractures are vertical with the same symmetry axis. We consider fractures with arbitrary azimuths, and develop a method to estimate fracture parameters from wide-azimuth seismic data. The proposed AVOA inversion algorithm is tested on real 3D prestack seismic data from the Tarim Basin, China, and the inverted fracture density show good agreement with well log data, except that there are some discrepancies for one of the fractured reservoir sections. The discrepancies can be ascribed to neglect of the dip angle for the tilted fractures and the conjugate fracture sets, and to the validity of the linear-slip model. The fractured reservoirs are expected to be liquid saturated, under the assumption of smooth fractures. Overall, the inverted fracture density and fluid influencing factor can be potentially used for better well planning in fractured reservoirs and quantitatively estimating the fluid effects.
Personal Genomic Testing for Cancer Risk: Results From the Impact of Personal Genomics Study
Authors: Gray Stacy W. , Gollust Sarah E. , Carere Deanna Alexis , Chen Clara A. , Cronin Angel , Kalia Sarah S. , Rana Huma Q. , Ruffin Mack T. , Wang Catharine , Roberts J. Scott , Green Robert C.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Significant concerns exist regarding the potential for unwarranted behavior changes and the overuse of health care resources in response to direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing (PGT). However, little is known about customers’ behaviors after PGT.

Methods

Longitudinal surveys were given to new customers of 23andMe (Mountain View, CA) and Pathway Genomics (San Diego, CA). Survey data were linked to individual-level PGT results through a secure data transfer process.

Results

Of the 1,042 customers who completed baseline and 6-month surveys (response rate, 71.2%), 762 had complete cancer-related data and were analyzed. Most customers reported that learning about their genetic risk of cancers was a motivation for testing (colorectal, 88%; prostate, 95%; breast, 94%). No customers tested positive for pathogenic mutations in highly penetrant cancer susceptibility genes. A minority of individuals received elevated single nucleotide polymorphism-based PGT cancer risk estimates (colorectal, 24%; prostate, 24%; breast, 12%). At 6 months, customers who received elevated PGT cancer risk estimates were not significantly more likely to change their diet, exercise, or advanced planning behaviors or engage in cancer screening, compared with individuals at average or reduced risk. Men who received elevated PGT prostate cancer risk estimates changed their vitamin and supplement use more than those at average or reduced risk (22% v 7.6%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.44 to 8.18). Predictors of 6-month behavior include baseline behavior (exercise, vitamin or supplement use, and screening), worse health status (diet and vitamin or supplement use), and older age (advanced planning, screening).

Conclusion

Most adults receiving elevated direct-to-consumer PGT single nucleotide polymorphism-based cancer risk estimates did not significantly change their diet, exercise, advanced care planning, or cancer screening behaviors.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Husson Olga , Zebrack Brad J. , Block Rebecca , Embry Leanne , Aguilar Christine , Hayes-Lattin Brandon , Cole Steve
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors during the first 2 years after initial cancer diagnosis in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted among a diverse sample of AYA patients with cancer ages 15 to 39 years. One hundred seventy-six patients (75% response) completed a self-report measure of HRQoL (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) within the first 4 months after diagnosis and again 12 and 24 months later. Linear mixed models with random intercepts and slopes estimated changes in QoL.

Results

Recently diagnosed AYA patients with cancer had significantly worse physical component scale (PCS) scores (38.7 v 52.8; P < .001) and mental component scale (MCS) scores (42.9 v 48.9; P < .001) when compared with population norms. Significant improvements in PCS and MCS scores from baseline to 24-month follow-up were observed; however, these increases were largest during the first 12 months. At the 24-month follow-up, AYA patients still had significantly lower PCS scores (48.0 v 52.8; P < .001) and MCS scores (45.8 v 48.9; P = .002) when compared with population norms. Multivariable analyses revealed that improvements in PCS and MCS scores were primarily a function of being off-treatment and being involved in school or work. PCS but not MCS scores were worse for AYA patients diagnosed with cancers with poorer prognoses.

Conclusion

Although HRQoL improved over time, it was still compromised 24 months after primary diagnosis. Given relatively little observed improvement in HRQoL during the 12- to 24-month period after diagnosis, AYA patients may benefit from supportive care interventions administered during the second year after diagnosis.
Cabozantinib Versus Sunitinib As Initial Targeted Therapy for Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma of Poor or Intermediate Risk: The Alliance A031203 CABOSUN Trial
Authors: Choueiri Toni K. , Halabi Susan , Sanford Ben L. , Hahn Olwen , Michaelson M. Dror , Walsh Meghara K. , Feldman Darren R. , Olencki Thomas , Picus Joel , Small Eric J. , Dakhil Shaker , George Daniel J. , Morris Michael J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Cabozantinib is an oral potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, MET, and AXL and is a standard second-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This randomized phase II multicenter trial evaluated cabozantinib compared with sunitinib as first-line therapy in patients with mRCC.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients had untreated clear cell mRCC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2 and were intermediate or poor risk per International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium criteria. Patients were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to cabozantinib (60 mg once per day) or sunitinib (50 mg once per day; 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival, and safety were secondary end points.

Results

From July 2013 to April 2015, 157 patients were randomly assigned (cabozantinib, n = 79; sunitinib, n = 78). Compared with sunitinib, cabozantinib treatment significantly increased median PFS (8.2 v 5.6 months) and was associated with a 34% reduction in rate of progression or death (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.95; one-sided P = .012). ORR was 33% (95% CI, 23% to 44%) for cabozantinib versus 12% (95% CI, 5.4% to 21%) for sunitinib. All-causality grade 3 or 4 adverse events were 67% for cabozantinib and 68% for sunitinib and included diarrhea (cabozantinib, 10% v sunitinib, 11%), fatigue (6% v 15%), hypertension (28% v 22%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (8% v 4%), and hematologic adverse events (3% v 22%).

Conclusion

Cabozantinib demonstrated a significant clinical benefit in PFS and ORR over standard-of-care sunitinib as first-line therapy in patients with intermediate- or poor-risk mRCC.
Oocyte shuttle, a recombinant protein transporting donor DNA into theXenopusoocytein situ
Authors: Rungger Duri , Muster Lisbeth , Georgiev Oleg , Rungger-Brändle Elisabeth
Published: February 2017

The newly developed oocyte shuttle protein contains a streptavidin moiety that tightly binds biotinylated DNA. Injected intravenously into adult Xenopus females, the protein-DNA complex is rapidly transported through the bloodstream and, within the ovary, the vitellogenin ligand present in the protein binds to the receptors at the surface of the oocytes. The bound complex is internalized and translocates into the oocyte nucleus thanks to an SV40 nuclear localization signal, enhanced by an adjacent casein kinase phosphorylation site. Functioning of the shuttle protein is documented by transporting DNA molecules that, upon intramolecular homologous recombination within the oocyte nucleus, express easily traceable markers such as green fluorescence or tetracycline resistance.
Naturalistic path integration of Cataglyphis desert ants on an air-cushioned lightweight spherical treadmill
Authors: Dahmen Hansjürgen , Wahl Verena L. , Pfeffer Sarah E. , Mallot Hanspeter A. , Wittlinger Matthias
Published: February 2017

Air-cushioned spheres are widely used as treadmills to study behavioural and neurophysiological questions in numerous species. We describe an improved spherical treadmill design that reliably registers the path and walking behaviour of an animal walking on top of the sphere. The simple and robust set-up consists of a very light hollowed styrofoam ball supported by an air stream in a hollow half sphere and can be used indoors and outdoors. Two optical mouse sensors provided with lenses of 4.6 mm focal length detect the motion of the sphere with a temporal resolution of more than 200 frames s−1 and a spatial resolution of less than 0.2 mm. The treadmill can be used in an open- or closed-loop configuration with respect to yaw of the animal. The tethering allows animals to freely adjust their body posture and in the closed-loop configuration to quickly rotate around their yaw axis with their own moment of inertia. In this account, we present the first evidence of naturalistic homing navigation on a spherical treadmill for two species of Cataglyphis desert ants. We were able to evaluate with good precision the walking speed and angular orientation at any time. During homing the ants showed a significant difference in walking speed between the approach and search phases; moreover, they slowed down significantly as soon as they reached zero vector state, the fictive nest position.
On the Role of the State in Regulating Innovation
Authors: Павлова  , Pavlova A.
Published: February 2017

The article considers the complex of the existing legal acts regulating the innovative activity. The analysis of the dynamics and structure of innovative activity of the Russian enterprises is given. The attention is focused on solving the problem of increasing the effectiveness of innovation.
Estimates of Within-Subject Biological Variation of Protein C, Antithrombin, Protein S Free, Protein S Activity, and Activated Protein C Resistance in Pregnant Women
Authors: Kristoffersen Ann H , Petersen Per H , Røraas Thomas , Sandberg Sverre
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

In pregnancy, interpretation of results from coagulation parameters can be difficult because of the procoagulant physiological changes. The aim of this study was to describe the course of 5 coagulation parameters (thrombophilia markers) in healthy pregnancies, and to estimate and compare the within-subject biological variation (CVI) of these parameters in healthy pregnant and nonpregnant women.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained every 4th week during pregnancy and 3 samples after delivery in 20 healthy women and every 4th week during 40 weeks in 19 healthy nonpregnant women. Protein C (PC), antithrombin (AT), protein S free (PS free), protein S activity (PS activity), and activated protein C resistance (with factor V–depleted plasma) (APCR) were analyzed. Before the calculation of CVI, results were transformed into multiples of the median (MoM) and natural logarithm of MoM (lnMoM) to adjust for the physiological changes during pregnancy.

RESULTS

During pregnancy, PC results showed large variability, AT decreased slightly, and PS free and PS activity decreased significantly. Both activated partial thromboplastin time tests used to calculate APCR decreased, and the APCR ratio was constant. The CVI (lnMoM) in pregnancy were for PC 8.4%, for AT 3.8%, for PS free 11.5%, for PS activity 9.3%, and for APCR 0.5%, and similar to corresponding results in nonpregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

Transformation of coagulation parameters in healthy pregnancies to lnMoM is a tool to establish a kind of steady state. Although there is a physiological change in PC, AT, and PS free and PS activity during pregnancy, the CVI was comparable with the CVI of nonpregnant women.
Noninvasive Prenatal Screening of Fetal Aneuploidy without Massively Parallel Sequencing
Authors: Xu Chenming , Wang Ting , Liu Chao , Li Hong , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhu Huanhuan , Chen Songchang , Xin Qiuhong , Tao Jing , Huang Liming , Jiang Zhengwen
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) using plasma cell-free DNA has gained tremendous popularity in the clinical assessment of fetal aneuploidy. Most, if not all, of these tests rely on complex and expensive massively parallel sequencing (MPS) techniques, hindering the use of NIPS as a common screening procedure.

METHODS

We have developed and optimized an MPS-independent noninvasive genetic test that can rapidly detect fetal aneuploidy at considerably lower costs. We used the high-throughput ligation-dependent probe amplification (HLPA) assay with standard z score statistics to identify the minute copy number change of targeted chromosomal regions. HLPA was modified from multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to allow quantification of up to 200 genomic loci in a single multiplex PCR. As a proof of principle, we conducted Down syndrome screening in 1182 women with singleton pregnancies [maternal age (SD): 32.7 (4.6)] using whole-genome sequencing-based NIPS and our method.

RESULTS

Nineteen fetuses with trisomy 21 were detected by both methods and confirmed by karyotyping of amniotic fluid. Overall, our method showed 100.0% sensitivity (19/19) and 99.7% specificity (1076/1079) in trisomy 21 screening, generating a positive predictive value of 86.4% (19/22) and a 7.1% (84/1182) no-call rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique potentially opens new avenues for the development of inexpensive, yet effective, prenatal aneuploidy tests. The simplicity and accuracy of this method make it a good candidate for clinical implementation as a standard screening procedure.
Aufbruch ins Ungewisse. Migration und Integration als Themen theologischer Ethik
Authors: David Philipp
Published: February 2017

This contribution analyses how theological ethics deal with migration and integration as future topics of global relevance. It points out that it is prudent for society, theology and the churches to come to terms with these topics, and also shows their anthropological implications. Migration is considered an existential issue and visible manifestation of human vulnerability. Noting the abundance of motifs of migration in biblical texts, this essay suggests that in view of the social challenges ethics adopt a self-critical and modest attitude which respects individual life histories.
Neutestamentliche Hermeneutik aus alttestamentlicher Sicht. Theologische Anmerkungen zum Entwurf von Ulrich Luz
Authors: Hartenstein Friedhelm
Published: February 2017

Published in 2014, the Theologische Hermeneutik des Neuen Testaments (Theological Hermeneutics of the New Testament) by Ulrich Luz challenges its readers to a theological response through its intentionally personal accountability and its dialogical structure. This essay approaches the discussion from the perspective of the neighboring discipline of Old Testament scholarship. It reconstructs the basic intentions of Luz’s conception and tries to integrate it into the present theological landscape regarding the question of biblical hermeneutics (II./ III.). Afterwards it discusses Luz’s treatment of the Old Testament related to this background and formulates impulses for further discussion of the issue (IV.). It concludes with five theses (»Für eine biblische Hermeneutik der zweiteiligen Bibel«/»For a biblical hermeneutics of the two-partite Bible«) intended to serve the communication about a common subject of the biblical disciplines and Protestant theology as a whole (V.).
The Difficult Connection between Theory and Practice in Social Pedagogy
Authors: Storø Jan
Published: February 2017

My main interest in the field of social pedagogy is investigating the link between theory and practice. I will address this topic in the present article, which is a revised version of my presentation at the Social Pedagogy Development Network conference in Sligo, Ireland in May of 2012. That presentation as well as this article draws from my book Sosialpedagogisk praksis (trans. Social Pedagogy Practice), currently being translated into English scheduled for publication March 2013 in the UK by Policy Press (Storø, 2013).
Outcomes that Matter© for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care
Authors: Fulcher Leon C. , Garfat Thom
Published: February 2017

Child, youth and family services require that outcomes are measured, although confusion persists around which outcomes really matter. Inputs, outputs and outcomes are frequently used interchangeably, while carers are rarely given voice and recognition for what they are doing in daily life-space encounters with young people in out-of-home care. An Outcomes that Matter recording format is introduced, which attends to developmental outcomes achieved by young people from week to week, positioning carers alongside these young people at the centre of corporate parenting endeavours.
Working Inclusively with Outcomes that Matter
Authors: Walter Chris
Published: February 2017

This article will provide an illustration of the way in which St. Andrew’s Project, Camphill Aberdeen works with an outcomes measurement framework termed ‘Outcomes that Matter’. Therapeutic support is negotiated with children, their families and supporting agencies following a comprehensive ecological assessment. The intended outcomes for any short or medium term intervention are then agreed with those involved. Achievement profiles are drawn up with each young person on a weekly basis, forming the basis of an outcome-based intervention plan. An example will be provided of recent work with a young person, in which the ‘Outcomes that Matter’ recording format was used collaboratively when working with a particular practice issue.
An Educational Response to the Issue of Online Pornography for Schoolboys: The Case of Participatory Action Research in Lithuania
Authors: Ruškus Jonas , Sujeta Irmantas
Published: February 2017

The rapid rise of online pornography has become a real challenge for educators dealing with the daily use of online pornography amongst schoolboys. Many researchers stress that online pornography has become a significant factor in gender socialization, reinforcing traditional constructions of men’s power over women in terms of hierarchy, objectification, submission and violence. There is a lack of educational discourse on how schools react or otherwise respond to the use of online pornography. In this paper, the case of participatory action research, implemented in one Lithuanian school, is presented as an educational approach for critical consciousness education of schoolboys with regards to online pornography. The outset of critical consciousness education is the students’ own experiences and lifeworlds wherein students and educators can jointly recognize and challenge the oppressed subjectivities and oppressive circumstances.
Die Regierung der Gesundheit
Authors: Poczka Irene
Published: February 2017

Michel Foucault suchte bereits 1983 nach den Rationalitäten, die unseren gesundheitlichen Wahlentscheidungen zu Grunde liegen. Diese Frage stellt sich heute noch dringender, bedenkt man den neoliberalen Wandel von Gesundheitsdiskursen in den letzten Jahrzehnten. Diese Diskurse finden ihre Vorfahren in der religiösen und bürgerlichen Selbstpraxis sowie in der ärztlichen Praxis der Beratung und Überzeugung. Irene Poczka betrachtet diese als Regierungsweisen, die schließlich auch die politischen Techniken beeinflussten, mit denen die Gesundheit der Bevölkerungen reguliert werden sollte. Sie stellt fest: Im Europa des 19. Jahrhunderts lassen sich überall diskursive Fragmente einer Genealogie liberalen Regierens von Gesundheit ausmachen.
The Promise of Diversity
Authors: Wasser Nicolas
Published: February 2017

Nicolas Wasser critically examines how sexual and racial identities are currently being articulated through capitalist brands and labor. On the basis of an ethnographic case study about a Brazilian fashion enterprise, he shows how young - lesbian, gay and black - sales employees align themselves with the ambivalent promises put forward by diversity management. Their affective labor, the study argues, is at the center of new and globally unfolding regimes of the precarious. Readers will thus find a rich sociological account from the Global South on how neoliberal logics of self-optimization both traverse and fuel the aspirations of the minoritized.
Demokratie ohne Grund - kein Grund für Demokratie?
Authors: Sievi Luzia
Published: February 2017

Der Poststrukturalismus dekonstruiert liberal-demokratische Begriffe und lehnt Letztbegründungen für normative Ordnungen ab. Kritiker werfen ihm daher eine Unvereinbarkeit mit einer demokratischen Haltung vor. Derrida, Butler, Laclau und Mouffe vertreten dennoch eine zukünftige und radikale Demokratie. Wie ist dieser »ethical turn« zu beurteilen? Wie gelangen die Wissenschaftler von einer behaupteten Grundlosigkeit zu Gründen für die Demokratie? Luzia Sievi liefert eine detaillierte Analyse sowohl zu den Kritiken an der Demokratie als auch zu den Demokratieentwürfen der genannten Denker - und zeigt, welche Werte und Erkenntnisse bewirken, dass aus scharfen Kritikern starke Verfechter der Demokratie werden.
Inklusion und Exklusion in der Interaktion
Authors: Kaack Martina
Published: February 2017

Der breite Diskurs um Inklusion sowie die Suchbewegungen nach deren »Umsetzung« markieren die nach wie vor hochaktuelle Relevanz des Themas. Dabei ist der Begriff selbst - besonders im pädagogischen Kontext - bis heute nicht eindeutig definiert. Das führt zum Teil zu sehr brisanten Konsequenzen. Martina Kaack unterbreitet ein systemtheoretisches Betrachtungsangebot, das sich der Bielefelder Schule zuordnet. In Verbindung mit einer qualitativen Studie aus dem Bereich der frühen Kindheit werden exemplarisch an der Unterscheidungsoption »behindert/nicht behindert« insbesondere eine sinnbezogene Ausrichtung von Inklusion und damit auch Exklusion zur Diskussion gestellt.
О решениях задачи Шварца для $J$-аналитических функций с одинаковым жордановым базисом действительной и мнимой части матрицы $J$
Authors: Николаев Владимир Геннадьевич , Nikolaev Vladimir Gennad'evich
Published: February 2017

Изучена граничная задача Шварца для $J$-аналитических функций. Они представляют собой решения линейной комплексной системы дифференциальных уравнений в частных производных первого порядка. Рассмотрен тот случай, когда действительная и мнимая части матрицы $J$ приводятся к треугольному виду одним и тем же комплексным преобразованием. В основной теореме доказан критерий для собственных чисел матрицы $J$, при выполнении которого в плоских областях, ограниченных контуром Ляпунова, решение задачи Шварца существует и единственно. Так же получена равносильная форма данного критерия, которая во многих случаях более удобна для проверки. При доказательстве теоремы используются известные факты о граничных свойствах $\lambda$-голоморфных функций. Само доказательство основано на методе прямой и обратной редукции задачи Шварца к задаче Дирихле для вещественных эллиптических систем в частных производных второго порядка. Построены примеры матриц, для которых указанный критерий выполнен.
Аэроупругая устойчивость пластины, взаимодействующей с текущей жидкостью
Authors: Бочкарев Сергей Аркадьевич , Bochkarev Sergey Arkadievich , Лекомцев Сергей Владимирович , Lekomtsev Sergey Vladimirovich
Published: February 2017

Представлены результаты численного исследования динамического поведения деформируемой пластины, которая взаимодействует одновременно с внешним сверхзвуковым потоком газа и внутренним потоком жидкости. Основные уравнения, описывающие поведение идеальной сжимаемой жидкости в случае малых возмущений, записываются в терминах потенциала возмущенных скоростей и преобразуются с использованием метода Бубнова-Галеркина. Аэро- и гидродинамическое давления вычисляются согласно квазистатической аэродинамической теории и формуле Бернулли. Деформации пластины определяются с помощью теории, основанной на гипотезах Тимошенко. Математическая постановка задачи динамики упругой конструкции выполнена с использованием вариационного принципа возможных перемещений, в который включаются выражения для работы аэро- и гидродинамических сил. Вычисление комплексных собственных значений связанной системы двух уравнений осуществляется с помощью алгоритма на основе неявно перезапускаемого метода Арнольди. Оценка устойчивости основана на анализе комплексных собственных значений системы уравнений, полученной при последовательно возрастающей скорости течения жидкости или газа. Достоверность решения задачи подтверждена сравнением с известными численными и аналитическими результатами. Продемонстрировано существование различных видов неустойчивости в зависимости от скорости течения обоих потоков, задаваемых на краях пластины комбинаций кинематических граничных условий и высоты слоя жидкости. Установлено, что нарушение гладкости полученных зависимостей и диаграмм устойчивости обусловлено либо сменой моды флаттера, либо сменой типа потери устойчивости.