bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Moisture Content of a Pharmaceutical Tablet in a Blister Package by Finite Difference Method: Program Development
Authors: Kim J. N. , Hernandez R. J. , Burgess G.
Published: July 2017

A simulation model to estimate the moisture content of a blister-packaged, moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical tablet was developed. The model was based on the unsteady state mass transfer of water between the package, the tablet, and external environment at constant temperature. The product's moisture content as well as that of the packaging material were given as a function of storage time, environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), and package design parameters (material, area, and thickness). A computer program was written to solve the equations using the finite difference method. Computer results are presented for several values of diffusion coefficient, solubility of water in the packaging material, and diffusion coefficient of water in the tablet.
Variations in the prevalence of childhood asthma and wheeze in MeDALL cohorts in Europe
Authors: Uphoff Eleonora P. , Bird Philippa K. , Antó Joseph Maria , Basterrechea Mikel , von Berg Andrea , Bergström Anna , Bousquet Jean , Chatzi Leda , Fantini Maria Pia , Ferrero Amparo , Gehring Ulrike , Gori Davide , Heinrich Joachim , Keil Thomas , Kull Inger , Lau Susanne , Maier Dieter , Momas Isabelle , Narduzzi Silvia , Porta Daniela , Ranciere Fanny , Roumeliotaki Theano , Schikowski Tamara , Smit Henriette A. , Standl Marie , Sunyer Jordi , Wright John
Published: July 2017

While there is evidence for variations in prevalence rates of childhood wheeze and asthma between countries, longitudinal, individual-level data are needed to understand these differences. The aim of this study was to examine variations in prevalence rates of childhood asthma, wheeze and wheeze with asthma in Europe.

We analysed datasets from 10 MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy) cohorts in eight countries, representing 26 663 children, to calculate prevalence rates of wheeze and asthma by child age and wheeze with asthma at age 4 years. Harmonised variables included outcomes parent-reported wheeze and parent-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma, and covariates maternal education, parental smoking, pets, parental asthma, doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis, doctor-diagnosed eczema and wheeze severity.

At age 4 years, asthma prevalence varied from 1.72% in Germany to 13.48% in England and the prevalence of wheeze varied from 9.82% in Greece to 55.37% in Spain. Adjusted estimates of the proportion of 4-year-old children with wheeze diagnosed with asthma remained highest in England (38.14%, 95% CI 31.38–44.90%) and lowest in Spain (15.94%, 95% CI 6.16–25.71%).

The large differences in prevalence rates of asthma, wheeze and wheeze with asthma at age 4 years between European cohorts may indicate that childhood asthma is more readily diagnosed in some countries while going unrecognised elsewhere.
Cathepsin B inhibitor improves developmental competency and cryo-tolerance of in vitro ovine embryos
Authors: Pezhman M. , Hosseini S. M. , Ostadhosseini S. , Rouhollahi Varnosfaderani Sh. , Sefid F. , Nasr-Esfahani M. H.
Published: July 2017

Background

Cathepsin B is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in apoptosis and oocytes which have lower developmental competence show higher expression of Cathepsin B. Furthermore, expression of Cathepsin B show a decreasing trend from oocyte toward blastocyst stage.

Results

Present study assessed the effect of cathepsin B inhibitor, E-64, on developmental competency and cryo-survival of pre-implantation ovine IVF derived embryos. Cathepsin B inhibitor was added during day 3 to 8 of development. One μM E-64 was defined as the optimal concentration required for improving blastocyst rate. This concentration also reduced DNA fragmentation and BAX as apoptotic markers while increasing total cell number per blastocyst and improving anti-apoptotic marker, the BCL2. We further showed that addition of 1.0 μM of E-64 during day 3 to 8 of development improved re-expansion and hatching rates of blastocysts post vitrification. E-64 also reduced rate of DNA fragmentation and BAX expression and increased total cell number per blastocyst and BCL2 expression post vitrification. However, addition of E-64 post vitrification reduced the hatching rate.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that inhibition of cathepsin B in IVC, not only improves quality and quantity of blastocysts but also improves the cryo-survival of in vitro derived blastocysts.
Entropy-limited hydrodynamics: a novel approach to relativistic hydrodynamics
Authors: Guercilena Federico , Radice David , Rezzolla Luciano
Published: July 2017

We present entropy-limited hydrodynamics (ELH): a new approach for the computation of numerical fluxes arising in the discretization of hyperbolic equations in conservation form. ELH is based on the hybridisation of an unfiltered high-order scheme with the first-order Lax-Friedrichs method. The activation of the low-order part of the scheme is driven by a measure of the locally generated entropy inspired by the artificial-viscosity method proposed by Guermond et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 230(11):4248-4267, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.jcp.2010.11.043). Here, we present ELH in the context of high-order finite-differencing methods and of the equations of general-relativistic hydrodynamics. We study the performance of ELH in a series of classical astrophysical tests in general relativity involving isolated, rotating and nonrotating neutron stars, and including a case of gravitational collapse to black hole. We present a detailed comparison of ELH with the fifth-order monotonicity preserving method MP5 (Suresh and Huynh in J. Comput. Phys. 136(1):83-99, 1997, doi:10.1006/jcph.1997.5745), one of the most common high-order schemes currently employed in numerical-relativity simulations. We find that ELH achieves comparable and, in many of the cases studied here, better accuracy than more traditional methods at a fraction of the computational cost (up to ${\sim}50\%$
∼
50
%
speedup). Given its accuracy and its simplicity of implementation, ELH is a promising framework for the development of new special- and general-relativistic hydrodynamics codes well adapted for massively parallel supercomputers.
Methodological and Reporting Quality of Systematic Reviews Published in the Highest Ranking Journals in the Field of Pain
Authors: Riado Minguez Daniel , Kowalski Martin , Vallve Odena Marta , Longin Pontzen Daniel , Jelicic Kadic Antonia , Jeric Milka , Dosenovic Svjetlana , Jakus Dora , Vrdoljak Marija , Poklepovic Pericic Tina , Sapunar Damir , Puljak Livia
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

Systematic reviews (SRs) are important for making clinical recommendations and guidelines. We analyzed methodological and reporting quality of pain-related SRs published in the top-ranking anesthesiology journals.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional meta-epidemiological study. SRs published from 2005 to 2015 in the first quartile journals within the Journal Citation Reports category Anesthesiology were analyzed based on the Journal Citation Reports impact factor for year 2014. Each SR was assessed by 2 independent authors using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) tools. Total score (median and interquartile range, IQR) on checklists, temporal trends in total score, correlation in total scores between the 2 checklists, and variability of those results between journals were analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 446 SRs were included. Median total score of AMSTAR was 6/11 (IQR: 4–7) and of PRISMA 18.5/27 (IQR: 15–22). High compliance (reported in over 90% SRs) was found in only 1 of 11 AMSTAR and 5 of 27 PRISMA items. Low compliance was found for the majority of AMSTAR and PRISMA individual items. Linear regression indicated that there was no improvement in the methodological and reporting quality of SRs before and after the publication of the 2 checklists (AMSTAR: F(1,8) = 0.22; P = .65, PRISMA: F(1,7) = 0.22; P = .47). Total scores of AMSTAR and PRISMA had positive association (R = 0.71; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Endorsement of PRISMA in instructions for authors was not a guarantee of compliance. Methodological and reporting quality of pain-related SRs should be improved using relevant checklists. This can be remedied by a joint effort of authors, editors, and peer reviewers.
Patients Undergoing Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Require Lower Concentrations of the Volatile Anesthetic Sevoflurane
Authors: Baron-Stefaniak Joanna , Götz Viola , Allhutter Andreas , Schiefer Judith , Hamp Thomas , Faybik Peter , Berlakovich Gabriela , Baron David M. , Plöchl Walter
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic commonly used to maintain anesthesia in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Growing evidence suggests that patients with ESLD have decreased anesthetic requirements compared to patients with preserved liver function. The potency of volatile anesthetics is expressed as the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). In this prospective, blinded study, we compared the MAC of sevoflurane among patients with ESLD undergoing OLT and patients with normal liver function undergoing major abdominal surgery.

METHODS:

After propofol-induced anesthesia, the MAC of sevoflurane was assessed by evaluating motor response to initial skin incision in patients undergoing OLT and in patients with normal liver function undergoing major abdominal surgery. The MAC was determined using Dixon “up-and-down” method and compared between groups. In addition, the bispectral index was documented immediately before and after skin incision.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients undergoing OLT and 20 control patients were included in the study. The MAC of sevoflurane in patients undergoing OLT was 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.4). In comparison, the MAC of sevoflurane in patients with normal liver function was 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6–1.9), equal to a relative reduction of the MAC in patients with ESLD of 26% (95% CI, 14–39). The bispectral index was higher in patients with ESLD than in control patients at 3 minutes before (47 [95% CI, 40–53] vs 35 [95% CI, 31–40], P = .011), 1 minute before (48 [95% CI, 42–54] vs 37 [95% CI, 33–43], P = .03), and 1 minute after skin incision (57 [95% CI, 50–64] vs 41 [95% CI, 36–47], P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that the MAC of sevoflurane is lower in patients with ESLD than in patients with normal liver function after propofol-induced anesthesia. However, as we did not measure propofol concentrations at the time of skin incision, the difference in MAC should be interpreted with caution given that residual propofol may have been present at the time of skin incision.
VEGF-A and neuropilin 1 (NRP1) shape axon projections in the developing CNS via dual roles in neurons and blood vessels
Authors: Erskine Lynda , François Urielle , Denti Laura , Joyce Andy , Tillo Miguel , Bruce Freyja , Vargesson Neil , Ruhrberg Christiana
Published: July 2017

Visual information is relayed from the eye to the brain via retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. Mice lacking NRP1 or NRP1-binding VEGF-A isoforms have defective RGC axon organisation alongside brain vascular defects. It is not known whether axonal defects are caused exclusively by defective VEGF-A signalling in RGCs or are exacerbated by abnormal vascular morphology. Targeted NRP1 ablation in RGCs with a Brn3bCre knock-in allele reduced axonal midline crossing at the optic chiasm and optic tract fasciculation. In contrast, Tie2-Cre-mediated endothelial NRP1 ablation induced axon exclusion zones in the optic tracts without impairing axon crossing. Similar defects were observed in Vegfa120/120 and Vegfa188/188 mice, which have vascular defects as a result of their expression of single VEGF-A isoforms. Ectopic midline vascularisation in endothelial Nrp1 and Vegfa188/188 mutants caused additional axonal exclusion zones within the chiasm. As in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that vessels do not repel axons, abnormally large or ectopically positioned vessels are likely to present physical obstacles to axon growth. We conclude that proper axonal wiring during brain development depends on the precise molecular control of neurovascular co-patterning.
Clathrin-mediated post-fusion membrane retrieval influences the exocytic mode of endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies
Authors: Stevenson Nicola L. , White Ian J. , McCormack Jessica J. , Robinson Christopher , Cutler Daniel F. , Nightingale Thomas D.
Published: July 2017

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), the storage organelles of endothelial cells, are essential to normal haemostatic and inflammatory responses. Their major constituent protein is von Willebrand factor (VWF) which, following stimulation with secretagogues, is released into the blood vessel lumen as large platelet-catching strings. This exocytosis changes the protein composition of the cell surface and also results in a net increase in the amount of plasma membrane. Compensatory endocytosis is thought to limit changes in cell size and retrieve fusion machinery and other misplaced integral membrane proteins following exocytosis; however, little is known about the extent, timing, mechanism and precise function of compensatory endocytosis in endothelial cells. Using biochemical assays, live-cell imaging and correlative spinning-disk microscopy and transmission electron microscopy assays we provide the first in-depth high-resolution characterisation of this process. We provide a model of compensatory endocytosis based on rapid clathrin- and dynamin-mediated retrieval. Inhibition of this process results in a change of exocytic mode: WPBs then fuse with previously fused WPBs rather than the plasma membrane, leading, in turn, to the formation of structurally impaired tangled VWF strings.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
Chronic postoperative pain: recent findings in understanding and management
Authors: Correll Darin
Published: July 2017

Chronic postoperative pain is a poorly recognized potential outcome from surgery. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months to years, resulting in patient suffering and ensuing economic consequences. The operations with the highest incidence of chronic postoperative pain are amputations, thoracotomies, cardiac surgery, and breast surgery. Other risk factors include preoperative pain, psychological factors, demographics, and the intensity of acute postoperative pain. Attempts to prevent chronic postoperative pain have often led to debatable results. This article presents data from recently published studies examining the incidence, risk factors, mechanisms, treatment options, and preventive strategies for chronic postoperative pain in adults. In summary, many of the previously identified risk factors for chronic postoperative pain have been confirmed and some novel ones discovered, such as the importance of the trajectory of acute pain and the fact that catastrophizing may not always be predictive. The incidence of chronic postoperative pain hasn’t changed over time, and there is limited new information regarding an effective preventive therapy. For example, pregabalin may actually cause more harm in certain surgeries. Further research is needed to demonstrate whether multimodal analgesic techniques have the best chance of significantly reducing the incidence of chronic postoperative pain and to determine which combination of agents is best for given surgical types and different patient populations.
You can’t burn the house down because of one bedbug: a qualitative study of changing gender norms in the prevention of violence against women and girls in an urban informal settlement in India
Authors: Daruwalla Nayreen , Hate Ketaki , Pinto Preethi , Ambavkar Gauri , Kakad Bhaskar , Osrin David
Published: July 2017

Background: The contribution of structural inequalities and societal legitimisation to violence against women, which 30% of women in India survived in the last year, is widely accepted. There is a consensus that interventions should aim to change gender norms, particularly through community mobilisation. How this should be done is less clear.

Methods: We did a qualitative study in a large informal settlement in Mumbai, an environment in which 41% of the population live. After reviewing the anonymised records of consultations with 1653 survivors of violence, we conducted 5 focus group discussions and 13 individual interviews with 71 women and men representing a range of age groups and communities. We based the interviews on fictitious biographical vignettes to elicit responses and develop an understanding of social norms. We hypothesised that, in trying to change norms, we might exploit the disjunction between descriptive norms (beliefs about what others actually do) and injunctive norms (beliefs about what others think one ought to do), focusing program activities on evidence that descriptive norms are changing.

Results: We found that descriptive and injunctive norms were relatively similar with regard to femininity, masculinity, the need for marriage and childbearing, resistance to separation and divorce, and disapproval of friendships between women and men. Some constraints on women’s dress and mobility were relaxing, but there were more substantial differences between descriptive and injunctive norms around women’s education, control of income and finances, and premarital sexual relationships.

Conclusions: Programmatically, we hope to exploit these areas of mismatch in the context of injunctive norms generally inimical to violence against women. We propose that an under-appreciated strategy is expansion of the reference group: induction of relatively isolated women and men into broader social groups whose descriptive and injunctive norms do not tolerate violence.
Reading the Royal Entry (1604) in/as Print
Authors: Easterling Heather C.
Published: July 2017

King James I’s March 1604 entry into London, many recognize, departs from previous royal entry pageants through its use of triumphal arches, employment of professional dramatists, and emphasis on dialogue. But the 1604 entry also was notable for its essential print identity. Print records of royal entries were common by the time of Elizabeth’s accession, and the 1559 text commemorated the event mainly for the queen and court, listing no author. By contrast, James’s entry, staged and performed over one day, generated four different printed texts, each with a declared author or authors. This article considers how all four entry texts together produce a highly contested portrait of ideas about print, authorship, and authority at the outset of the Jacobean period.
Jerry Brotton. This Orient Isle: Elizabethan England and the Islamic World. London: Allen Lane, 2016. Pp xv, 358.
Authors: Cave Richard Allen
Published: July 2017

This review considers This Orient Isle: Elizabethan England and the Islamic World.
Simone Chess. Male-to-Female Crossdressing in Early Modern English Literature: Gender, Performance, and Queer Relations. New York: Routledge, 2016. Pp xi, 196.
Authors: Panek Jennifer
Published: July 2017

This review considers Male-to-Female Crossdressing in Early Modern English Literature: Gender, Performance, and Queer Relations.
Editorial
Authors: Ostovich Helen , Gough Melinda J. , Kelly Erin E. , Johnson Sarah E.
Published: July 2017

This editorial introduction to Early Theatre issue 20.1 offers readers news about online resources and upcoming journal contexts.
An Elizabethan Mystery
Authors: Davis John
Published: July 2017

Help pupils practise their skills of deduction working with information in different formats that relates to the disappearance of the first settlers in the New World.
Developing your presence in the classroom
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: July 2017

Having a strong presence in the classroom is one of the keys to becoming a successful and effective teacher. Matt Bromley offers some advice for trainee and new teachers
Get your seating plans right
Authors: Mallaghan Gerry
Published: July 2017

Seating plans are one of the main weapons in the teacher's arsenal to help achieve good behaviour and progress in lessons. Gerry Mallaghan offers his tips
“It’s like texting at the dinner table”: A qualitative analysis of the impact of electronic health records on patient-physician interaction in hospitals
Authors: Pelland Kimberly D , Baier Rosa R , Gardner Rebekah L
Published: July 2017

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) may reduce medical errors and improve care, but can complicate clinical encounters.Objective: To describe hospital-based physicians’ perceptions of the impact of EHRs on patient-physician interactions and contrast these findings against office-based physicians’ perceptionsMethods: We performed a qualitative analysis of comments submitted in response to the 2014 Rhode Island Health Information Technology Survey. Office- and hospital-based physicians licensed in Rhode Island, in active practice, and located in Rhode Island or neighboring states completed the survey about their Electronic Health Record use.Results: The survey’s response rate was 68.3% and 2,236 (87.1%) respondents had EHRs. Among survey respondents, 27.3% of hospital-based and 37.8% of office-based physicians with EHRs responded to the question about patient interaction. Five main themes emerged for hospital-based physicians, with respondents generally perceiving EHRs as negatively altering patient interactions. We noted the same five themes among office-based physicians, but the rank-order of the top two responses differed by setting: hospital-based physicians commented most frequently that they spend less time with patients because they have to spend more time on computers; office-based physicians commented most frequently on EHRs worsening the quality of their interactions and relationships with patients.Conclusion: In our analysis of a large sample of physicians, hospital-based physicians generally perceived EHRs as negatively altering patient interactions, although they emphasized different reasons than their office-based counterparts. These findings add to the prior literature, which focuses on outpatient physicians, and can shape interventions to improve how EHRs are used in inpatient settings.
A case of congenital hypothyroidism combined with sensorineural hearing loss (Pendred syndrome) caused by a TPO gene defect
Authors: Makretskaya Nina A. , Bezlepkina Olga B. , Chikulaeva Olga A. , Vasilyev Evgeny V. , Petrov Vasiliy M. , Dedov Ivan I. , Tiulpakov Anatoly N.
Published: July 2017

Congenital hypothyroidism is a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases caused by two mechanisms: gland dysgenesis and dyshormonogenesis. The disease pattern includes a number of syndromic forms, one of which is a combination of congenital hypothyroidism and sensorineural hearing loss (Pendred syndrome) initially associated with SLC26A4 gene defects. The article describes a patient with clinical manifestations of Pendred syndrome who was diagnosed with a TPO gene defect during a molecular genetic analysis using next generation sequencing (NGS). Therefore, a combination of congenital hypothyroidism and sensorineural hearing loss can have a different molecular basis. Our findings illustrate the value of NGS for genetic verification of the diagnosis.
Masks of severe acquired hypothyroidism in preschool children
Authors: Alimova Irina L. , Labyzova Yulia V.
Published: July 2017

We describe two cases of severe acquired hypothyroidism associated with autoimmune thyroiditis in preschool children. Hypothyroidism was masked by pericarditis in the first case and by polyarthritis in the second case. Both patients presented with the full-blown clinical picture of hypothyroidism in the form of increased fatigue and drowsiness, a pale and pasty skin, overweight, constipation, marked hypercholesterolemia, anemia, and an increased and indurated thyroid. In both cases, diagnosis of hypothyroidism was performed after consultation of the endocrinologist for overweight/obesity. Finally, the relationship between cardiac and joint changes and hypothyroidism was confirmed by positive changes in clinical and laboratory-instrumental data in the course of levothyroxine therapy and by follow-up results of patients. The presented cases indicate the need for timely diagnosis of hypothyroidism that may be a potential cause of pericarditis and polyarthritis in children.
Pseudohypertrophic myopathy in a child with hypothyroidism (Kocher—Debre—Semelaigne syndrome)
Authors: Bogova Elena A. , Shiryaeva Tatyana Yu.
Published: July 2017

The Kocher-Debre-Semelaigne syndrome (KDSS) is a rare disease that clinically manifests as hypothyroidism and muscle pseudohypertrophy of the trunk and extremities. KDSS occurs mainly in countries where there is no screening for congenital hypothyroidism; however, this syndrome can develop when there is acquired hypothyroidism. In this syndrome, muscle hypertrophy is false (pseudohypertrophy); it is not accompanied by an increase in muscle strength but, on the contrary, leads to a decrease in muscle strength and the development of muscle hypotension. Increased levels of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are the characteristic laboratory sign of myopathy in this syndrome. The signs of hypothyroidism and muscle pseudohypertrophy are reduced by levothyroxine therapy. Indicators of the final height in the case of delayed treatment may remain poor. The clinical signs characteristic of the disease, especially in the presence of a nonspecific clinical picture of hypothyroidism, enable an early diagnosis and timely treatment, which emphasizes the importance of doctors’ awareness of this syndrome.
HCG-secreting hepatoblastoma
Authors: Koroleva Darya N. , Olina Tatiana S. , Kovalenko Tatiana V.
Published: July 2017

We describe a case of precocious sexual development in a 4-year-old boy, which was caused by HCG-secreting hepatoblastoma. The precocious sexual development manifested two months after starting polychemotherapy for hepatoblastoma, which presented as the emergence and rapid progression of pubic hair, low voice, and acceleration of the growth rate and bone age. The size of the testicles remained at the prepubertal level. We, together with oncologists, developed a therapeutic tactics: surgical removal of the tumor after the fourth course of polychemotherapy. Antiandrogenic drugs were not used because of their hepatotoxicity and inefficacy in this clinical situation.
Nowa frazeologia publicystyczna
Authors: Dziamska-Lenart Gabriela , Fliciński Piotr
Published: July 2017

Artykuł ukazuje mechanizmy powstawania nowych jednostek frazeologicznych we współczesnym języku polskim. Autorzy prezentują trzy typy innowacji frazeologicznych, wyrażeń rzeczownikowych, np. szklany sufit, efekt cappuccino, aksamitna rewolucja, które pojawiają się w tekstach publicystycznych i w mediach elektronicznych. Swoje badania opierają również na danych z Narodowego Korpusu Języka Polskiego. Celem analiz jest ukazanie budowy i właściwości semantycznych nowych wyrażeń frazeologicznych opartych na schemacie efekt + czego/kogo, rewolucja + jaka/czego (tzw. matryce frazemotwórcze).
Why and How EFRAG was Reformed
Authors: Maystadt Philippe
Published: July 2017

This article was prepared for and read at the international workshop on “Which accounting regulation for Europe’s economy and society?” held at the European Parliament, Strasbourg, on May 20, 2015, in tribute to Mr Jérôme Haas (1963–2014), first chairman of the Accounting Standards Authority of France (ANC).
Somatic Embryogenesis from Corolla Tubes of Interspecific Amphiploids between Cultivated Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and Its Wild Species
Authors: Fu Xuelin , Qi Lili , Hulke Brent , Seiler Gerald , Jan Chao-Chien
Published: July 2017

Somatic embryogenesis in vitro provides an efficient means of plant multiplication, facilitating sunflower improvement and germplasm innovation. In the present study, using interspecific amphiploids (2n=4x=68) between cultivated sunflower and wild perennial
The role of stimulating employees’ creativity and idea generation in encouraging innovation behaviour in Irish firms
Authors: Doran Justin , Ryan Geraldine
Published: July 2017

This paper analyses the impact of stimulating staff creativity and idea generation on the likelihood of innovation. Using data for over 3,000 firms, obtained from the Irish Community Innovation Survey 2008-2010, we examine the impact of six creativity generating stimuli on product, process, organisational and marketing innovation. Our results indicate that the stimuli impact the four forms of innovation in different ways. For instance, brainstorming and multidisciplinary teams are found to stimulate all forms of innovation, rotation of employees is found to stimulate organisational innovation, while financial and non-financial incentives are found to have no effect on any form of innovation. We also find that the co-introduction of two or more stimuli increases the likelihood of innovation more than implementing stimuli in isolation. These results have important implications for management decisions in that they suggest that firms should target their creative efforts towards specific innovation outcomes.
Expression of placental regulatory genes is associated with fetal growth
Authors: Deyssenroth Maya A. , Li Qian , Lacasaña Marina , Nomura Yoko , Marsit Carmen , Chen Jia
Published: July 2017

The placenta is the principal organ regulating respiratory, nutritional, endocrine and metabolic functions on behalf of the developing fetus. Changes in gene expression patterns of placenta-specific genes may influence fetal growth. We profiled the expression of 17 genes related to placenta functioning in term placentas (n=677) to identify genes differentially expressed across birth weight categories [small (SGA), appropriate (AGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age]. ABCG2, CEBPB, CRH, GCM1, GPC3, INSL4, PGF and PLAC1 were inversely associated with LGA status, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from GCM1 (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.70) to CRH (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.88). NR3C1 was positively associated with LGA status (OR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.43, 3.78). PLAC1 (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.92) and ABCG2 (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.91) were additionally inversely associated with SGA status, and PGF was positively associated with SGA status (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.08, 2.35). General trends were confirmed in an independent cohort (n=306). Given that aberrant fetal growth may have long-lasting effects, our results suggest the potential utility of placental gene expression profiles as potential early markers of disease onset later in life.
Overall Justice of Organization: from Decision Fairness to Positive Attitude of Employees
Authors: Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė Jurgita
Published: July 2017

The paper presents an empirical study aimed at analysing the antecedents and role of perceived overall justice in organization. The results of the study show overall justice to be predicted by perceived fairness of various human resource management decisions, and to be related to attitudes towards job, supervisor, and organization.
A modified cubic B-spline differential quadrature method for three-dimensional non-linear diffusion equations
Authors: Dahiya Sumita , Mittal Ramesh Chandra
Published: July 2017

This paper employs a differential quadrature scheme for solving non-linear partial differential equations. Differential quadrature method (DQM), along with modified cubic B-spline basis, has been adopted to deal with three-dimensional non-linear Brusselator system, enzyme kinetics of Michaelis-Menten type problem and Burgers’ equation. The method has been tested efficiently to three-dimensional equations. Simple algorithm and minimal computational efforts are two of the major achievements of the scheme. Moreover, this methodology produces numerical solutions not only at the knot points but also at every point in the domain under consideration. Stability analysis has been done. The scheme provides convergent approximate solutions and handles different cases and is particularly beneficial to higher dimensional non-linear PDEs with irregularities in initial data or initial-boundary conditions that are discontinuous in nature, because of its capability of damping specious oscillations induced by high frequency components of solutions.
A new miniaturized negative-index meta-atom for tri-band applications
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Jakir , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Abdullah Sharifah Mastura Syed , Roslan Muhamad Roszaini , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a miniature negative index meta-atom was designed; simulated, fabricated and measured based on parallel incidence of electromagnetic wave that can maintain a tri-band applications in microwave spectra. Compare to the other multi-band conventional metamaterial, the proposed meta-atom structure allows miniaturization factor and follows better effective medium ratio (EMR). Finite-integration technique (FIT) based computer simulation technology (CST) electromagnetic simulator was adopted to examine the design of the meta-atom. It exhibits tri-band response in conjunction with backward wave property over a certain frequency band in the microwave regime. Furthermore, the effective medium ratio is considerably improved compared to previously reported metamaterial. Moreover, few parametric analyses were done with the meta-atom. The size, scattering parameters and effective medium parameters of the proposed negative index miniaturized meta-atom is appropriate for tri-band applications.
Comparisons of feature extraction algorithm based on unmanned aerial vehicle image
Authors: Xi Wenfei , Shi Zhengtao , Li Dongsheng
Published: July 2017

Feature point extraction technology has become a research hotspot in the photogrammetry and computer vision. The commonly used point feature extraction operators are SIFT operator, Forstner operator, Harris operator and Moravec operator, etc. With the high spatial resolution characteristics, UAV image is different from the traditional aviation image. Based on these characteristics of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), this paper uses several operators referred above to extract feature points from the building images, grassland images, shrubbery images, and vegetable greenhouses images. Through the practical case analysis, the performance, advantages, disadvantages and adaptability of each algorithm are compared and analyzed by considering their speed and accuracy. Finally, the suggestions of how to adapt different algorithms in diverse environment are proposed.
Work Engagement – A Systematic Review of Polish Research
Authors: Pollak Anita , Chrupała-Pniak Małgorzata , Rudnicka Patrycja , Paliga Mateusz
Published: July 2017

Over the past decade work engagement has gained both business and academia attention. With growing number of studies and meta-analyses the concept of work engagement is one of the pillars of positive work and organizational psychology. This systematic review presents the current state of research on work engagement in Poland. Results confirmed that work-engagement studies have not yet reached the threshold to conduct meta-analysis. The review of measurement methods and synthesis of findings allows to identify strengths and gaps in Polish studies. Discussion of limitations and biases in current research is accompanied with urge to overcome them and develop thriving stream of research on work engagement.
Föderalismuspräferenzen in der deutschen Bevölkerung
Authors: Blesse Sebastian , Berger Melissa , Heinemann Friedrich , Janeba Eckhard
Published: July 2017

Die Autoren präsentieren und analysieren die Ergebnisse der ersten umfassenden repräsentativen Umfrage der deutschen Bevölkerung zu Fragen des deutschen Föderalismus und möglicher Reformoptionen. Die Umfrage wurde im Rahmen des Mannheimer German Internet Panel (GIP) im Jahr 2014 durchgeführt und umfasst die Themenfelder Schuldenbremse, Steuerautonomie, Finanzausgleich und Länderfusionen. Sie wendet randomisierte Umfrageexperimente an und belegt, dass der föderale Status quo im Hinblick auf den existierenden Finanzausgleich und die weitgehend fehlende Steuerautonomie der Länder einen recht großen Rückhalt besitzt. Die Schuldenbremse ist zwar populär, diese Popularität geht aber nicht mit einer nennenswerten individuellen Zahlungsbereitschaft der Wähler einher. Auffällig ist die hohe Bereitschaft, sich auf eine Neugliederung der Bundesländer durch Länderfusionen einzulassen.
Familienpolitik in Deutschland: Kausale Evaluationsstudien und ausgewählte Ergebnisse
Authors: Rainer Helmut , Fichtl Anita , Hener Timo
Published: July 2017

Anita Fichtl, Timo Hener und Helmut Rainer liefern einen Überblick über die empirische Forschung zu den Auswirkungen familienpolitischer Maßnahmen auf Erwerbstätigkeit und Einkommen von Familien, auf das Wohlergehen von Kindern und auf die Fertilität. Anhand von quasi-experimentellen Evaluationsstudien, die eindeutige Wirkungsrichtungen aufdecken sollen, zeichnen sie die Effekte von vier wichtigen familienpolitischen Leistungen nach: Kindergeld, Elterngeld, Betreuungsgeld und öffentlich geförderte Kinderbetreuung. Ihr Fokus liegt auf den Ergebnissen deutscher Studien, die sie mit internationaler Evidenz ergänzen und vergleichen. Vor der Folie der empirischen Erkenntnisse weisen die Autoren auf Problemfelder der deutschen Familienpolitik hin und leiten weiteren Forschungsbedarf ab.
Age Trends in Genetic Parameters for Growth and Resin-Yielding Capacity in Masson Pine
Authors: Zeng L. H. , Zhang Q. , He B. X. , Lian H. M. , Cai Y. L. , Wang Y. S. , Luo M.
Published: July 2017

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) has long been employed as a main source of pine resin in China. To get a better understanding of genetic regulation of resinyielding capacity (RYC), a total of 50 open-pollinated families of masson pine were planted at three testing sites for progeny testing. Investigation was conducted at ages 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 20, 24 and 26 years to study inheritance, age-age genetic correlation, and early selection efficiency for RYC, height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH) and volume of individual tree (VOL). Growth characteristics increased gradually with age. RYC had a rapid increase at early ages (before age 15) ficients of variations (CV) for four traits showed a decreasing trend with age and the decreasing rate was rapid at early ages and minor at later ages. Heritability for four traits was relatively stable with minor fluctuation. For across-age classes, heritability was the highest for height, intermediate for RYC, and lowest for volume and DBH. RYC had highly positive genetic correlations with three growth characteristics. Genotype-by-environment interaction for four traits was stronger at Yunan than at other testing sites. Age-age genetic correlations were high for four traits studied, reaching 0.7 after age 9 for most analyses. Early selection at age 13 was highly effective for height, age 15 for DBH and volume, and age 11 for RYC.
Kindertagesbetreuung in der polarisierten Stadtgesellschaft
Authors: Böhme René
Published: July 2017

In the context of the debates on poverty prevention pre-primary education plays a key role. In Germany, municipalities are mainly responsible for the local organization of child care. This article discusses a theoretical-derived model of six fields of action for organizing a preventive child care and shows different practices in the implementation. The empirical findings show a heterogeneous overall picture not least because of interdependent relationships between Germany’s federal states and the municipalities. The results show that a better vertical coordination among the local, regional and national level is required to achieve more programmatic and financial support for preventive structure elements in the field of child care.
Die multiplen Kapitelle der Pflanzensäulen im Grab des Sennedjem
Authors: Konrad Kirsten
Published: July 2017

On the northern wall of the tomb chamber of Sennedjem (TT 1) the capitals of the kiosk of the god Osiris are formed of four different flowers - a white and a blue lotus as well as a so called “lily of the south” and a papyrus. These capitals can be interpreted as a phyto-religious symbolization of the four cardinal points. Furthermore, the order of the blossoms symbolizes the daily regeneration of the sun in connection with the yearly inundation of the Nile and is therefore a symbolic guarantee of Egypt’s prosperity.
Grabbeigaben und ihre symbolische Bedeutung anhand eines Konvolutes aus Giza (Mastaba D 208)
Authors: Wilde Heike
Published: July 2017

This paper describes funeral equipment from Mastaba D 208. The equipment found in this tomb, in considerable numbers, consists of a range of objects already known from Old Kingdom elite tombs. The finds of Mastaba D 208, related to two funerals found during the excavations undertaken by Georg Steindorff in Giza’s West Cemetery, are described and placed in the context of other objects, or depictions of them, from other tombs. The objects under consideration here contain elements signifying regeneration (broad collar, click beetle, papyrus and scents of unguents) that are well known from Dynastic Egypt. The article compares the symbols and aspects connected with the objects with passages taken from Pyramid Texts. The functions and ideas expressed by these spells support the assumption that the tomb equipment discussed in this article, and tomb equipment in general - mainly model cosmetic vessels and jewelry - is not personal equipment or gifts for use in the afterlife, nor necessarily gender-specific, but that it rather serves to provide rejuvenation and regeneration to the tombs’ owners, in a manner well known from the Pyramid Texts.
Kisspeptin-10 inhibits OHSS by suppressing VEGF secretion
Authors: Zhai Junyu , Liu Jiansheng , Zhao Shigang , Zhao Han , Chen Zi-Jiang , Du Yanzhi , Li Weiping
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) on ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and its related mechanism in OHSS rat models, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human luteinized granulosa cells. OHSS is a systemic disorder with high vascular permeability (VP) and ovarian enlargement. KISS1R (KISS1 receptor) is the specific receptor of kisspeptin. The kisspeptin/KISS1R system inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is the main regulator of VP. In our study, decreased expression of Kiss1r was observed in both ovaries and lung tissue of OHSS rats. Injection of exogenous Kp-10 inhibited the increase of VP and VEGF while promoting the expression of Kiss1r in both the ovarian and lung tissue of OHSS rats. Using HUVECs, we revealed that a high level of 17-β estradiol (E2), a feature of OHSS, suppressed the expression of KISS1R and increased VEGF and nitric oxide (NO) through estrogen receptors (ESR2). Furthermore, KISS1R mRNA also decreased in the luteinized human granulosa cells of high-risk OHSS patients, and was consistent with the results in rat models and HUVECs. In conclusion, Kp-10 prevents the increased VP of OHSS by the activation of KISS1R and the inhibition of VEGF.
Ecological food practices and identity performance on Cape Breton Island
Authors: MacLeod Erna
Published: July 2017

As globalization disrupts traditional industries and economies, investigations of localized responses to these disruptions can offer insights to guide strategies in regions facing similar challenges. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, is one such location. Traditionally, the island’s economy was resource based and centred on fishing and coal mining, but tourism became increasingly important in the twentieth century to offset de-industrialization and unemployment. Agriculture has always contributed to the island’s economy but has been concentrated in particular regions with many communities relying on imported foods. In the twenty-first century, global movements for local and ecological food practices have encouraged renewed interest and involvement in food production across Cape Breton. The island’s economic challenges remain significant and government and business leaders responding to unemployment and outmigration have identified tourism and agriculture as areas for expansion.    Using a critical ethnographic approach, this study examines Cape Breton’s ecological food movement as a cultural practice through which participants—producers, farmers’ market vendors, consumers, restaurateurs—produce local distinction and perform their identities (Beagan, Power, and Chapman 2015; Johnston, Szabo, and Rodney 2011, Pilgeram 2012, Slocum 2007). Ecological food initiatives raise critical questions of access, labour, cultural identification, and power relations; however, I argue that local, ecological food practices also present opportunities. The collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders can foster relationships and enrich cultural autonomy within rural communities, illuminating possibilities for building local economies, protecting local environments, and enacting meaningful individual and collective identities (Glowacki-Dudka, Murray, and Isaacs 2012, Sims 2009, Tiemann 2008)).
Organic vs. Local: Comparing individualist and collectivist motivations for “ethical” food consumption
Authors: Baumann Shyon , Engman Athena , Huddart-Kennedy Emily , Johnston Josee
Published: July 2017

We extend prior research on “ethical” food consumption by examining how motivations can vary across demographic groups and across kinds of ethical foods simultaneously. Based on a survey of food shoppers in Toronto, we find that parents with children under the age of 5 are most likely to report intention to purchase organic foods and to be primarily motivated by health and taste concerns. In contrast, intention to purchase local food is motivated by collectivist concerns – the environment and supporting the local economy – and is associated with educated, white consumers. In addition to highlighting this distinction in motivations for organic vs. local food consumption, we also argue that the predominant “individualist” vs. “collectivist” framing in the scholarly literature should be reformulated to accommodate an intermediate motivation. Organic food consumption is often motivated by a desire to consume for others (children) in ways that are neither straightforwardly individualist nor collectivist, but rather exemplifies a caring motivation that is intermediate between the two.
Alternative Food Networks in Quebec
Authors: Boulianne Manon , Mundler Patrick
Published: July 2017

This commentary reflects on a two-day conference, Réseaux alimentaires alternatifs au Québec. Perspectives comparatives, held in Montreal on May 12 & 13, 2016, during the 84th Congress of ACFAS (Association canadienne-française pour l’avancement des sciences). The event was organized by Patrick Mundler (Department of Agroeconomy & Consumption Studies) and Manon Boulianne (Department of Anthropology), both from Université Laval.
Expert Opinion: Will PARTNER 2 Change My Practice?
Authors: Sawaya Fadi J ,   The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, Søndergaard Lars ,   The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
Published: July 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an established and increasingly-used technique to treat patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) over the past decade. The clinical outcomes obtained with TAVI have been found to be equivalent to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with a high-risk profile. Following the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) 1 trial, which demonstrated the utility of TAVI in inoperable and high-risk groups, the PARTNER 2 trial was implemented. PARTNER 2 reflects the current TAVI practice in Europe, confirms that transfemoral access is related to superior outcomes compared to SAVR in a selected population and demonstrates improved results with new-generation devices.
Izquierdas, género e industria textil argentina. Los partidos comunista y socialista ante las demandas de las trabajadoras, 1936-1946
Authors: Norando Verónica
Published: July 2017

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