bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Revolution and Rethinking the “Eternal Truths” of the Economic Science
Authors: Moldovan Dumitru
Published: March 2016

Quantum physics requires a rethinking of basic postulates of economic science. The article presents the fundamental ideas of the hypothesis theory “The economy of creative imagination”. Also, it identifies the reevaluation methods of mechanistic economic paradigms that were formulated through analogy with classical mechanics. The paper shows that the economic process is performed at two levels - first in individual imagination, and then in traditional workshops and factories. In individual’s imagination, real goods are “truly created” at the subatomic level. As determinism principle dominates big material objects and the uncertainty principle operates at the quantum level, the author believes that rethinking the economic science refers primarily to the discovery of laws that enable us to predict the evolution of economic phenomena within the limitations imposed by the uncertainty principle.
Support Management Decisions in Small and Medium Companies
Authors: Popa Strainu Roxana , Georgescu Mircea
Published: March 2016

A system built to support management decisions and not only needs to be accurate and well adapted to the requirements of the decision and the variables involved in it, and this happens because a decision is still a human act in any type of business and institution. We can say that a decision support system has a part in it that cannot be determined by any software: the human decision which is not a determinist act. It depends on a lot of variables but also still involves the decision maker intuition and experience. This is why an important problem emerged to be discussed in this paper: the need to implement and develop an in house solution to help management decisions and not only, using existing tools and this with no additional fees. This can be a good opportunity to discover models and solutions. An identified solution using Microsoft Excel and Access is discussed in this paper and a model applied on a case study will be presented. The results of the case study showed a real support in making decisions and a better transparency in manipulating the data, improving also the time needed to collect, transform and present data. The model can be applied in any type of problem that needs a visual presentation of data as well as in situations that need working with a large amount of data, but especially in small and medium size companies.
Chemical hydrogen storage by methanol: Challenges for the catalytic methanol synthesis from CO2
Authors: Behrens Malte
Published: March 2016

Methanol is a very promising chemical hydrogen carrier molecule. The well-established industrial methanol synthesis process is a reference case for the desired sustainable synthesis from CO
The Impact of European Union’s Newly-Adopted Environmental Standards on its Trading Partners
Authors: Burnete Sorin , Choomta Pilasluck
Published: March 2016

The adoption by the European Union of environmental and social standards seems to affect trade relations with countries from outside the Union. Most seriously hurt are a great number of developing countries that are highly dependent on the European market for their exports. Complying with the said regulations means higher production costs, which eat into the respective countries’ international competitiveness. However, for all the widespread discontent, many developing countries are taking steps in order to adjust their production and export systems to the new rules. Unfortunately it will probably take a long time until full compliance is achieved. Meanwhile, in the short run, the frequent clashes between developing countries and their partners in the West in respect of environmental and social issues are disrupting the smooth functioning of international trade.
The Determinants of Worker Remittance in Terms of Foreign Factors: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Rana Rezwanul Hasan , Hashmi Rubayyat
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of worker remittance of Bangladesh. Instead of traditional approach of estimating the remittance determinants, here we propose to use foreign macroeconomic indicators as a proxy determinant to avoid endogeneity. We also used panel estimation technique in our study to incorporate country specific heterogeneity of remittance inflow of Bangladesh. According our study any changes in the number of labor force, consumer price index, export, import, government expenditure and devaluation or appreciation of host countries (origin of the remittance income) currency can significantly influence the inward remittance income of Bangladesh.
The Assesment of Intellectual Capital in Romanian Universities
Authors: Todericiu Ramona , Șerban Anca
Published: March 2016

The aim of this article is to systematize the types of intellectual capital indicators that can be assessed in order to understand and further use the information for strategic development. Also, the study underlines the importance of intellectual capital in the new modern, knowledge-based economy. Different research methods are used in the article, such as scientific literature analysis, synthesis and comparison.
Study Regarding the Evolution of the Financial Balance in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Grigoroi Lilia , Minculete (Piko) Georgiana Daniela
Published: March 2016

This article aims at analysing the financial balance within the global pharmaceutical industry, starting from the assumption that „In the pharmaceutical industry there is sufficient liquidity to cover payment obligations”. The analysed companies are part of the exclusive group comprising the top 20 global companies, e.g. GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Sanofi-Aventis and Bayer. The research conducted is based on an analysis over time of the relationship between floating assets, floating assets requirement and net cash from 2006 to 2013, and highlights the main developments of the indicators before the onset of the financial and economic crisis and after its outbreak.
Effects of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Auditory Cortical Frequency Processing
Authors: Teschner Magnus J. , Seybold Bryan A. , Malone Brian J. , Hüning Jana , Schreiner Christoph E.
Published: March 2016

The neural mechanisms that support the robust processing of acoustic signals in the presence of background noise in the auditory system remain largely unresolved. Psychophysical experiments have shown that signal detection is influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the overall stimulus level, but this relationship has not been fully characterized. We evaluated the neural representation of frequency in rat primary auditory cortex by constructing tonal frequency response areas (FRAs) in primary auditory cortex for different SNRs, tone levels, and noise levels. We show that response strength and selectivity for frequency and sound level depend on interactions between SNRs and tone levels. At low SNRs, jointly increasing the tone and noise levels reduced firing rates and narrowed FRA bandwidths; at higher SNRs, however, increasing the tone and noise levels increased firing rates and expanded bandwidths, as is usually seen for FRAs obtained without background noise. These changes in frequency and intensity tuning decreased tone level and tone frequency discriminability at low SNRs. By contrast, neither response onset latencies nor noise-driven steady-state firing rates meaningfully interacted with SNRs or overall sound levels. Speech detection performance in humans was also shown to depend on the interaction between overall sound level and SNR. Together, these results indicate that signal processing difficulties imposed by high noise levels are quite general and suggest that the neurophysiological changes we see for simple sounds generalize to more complex stimuli.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEffective processing of sounds in background noise is an important feature of the mammalian auditory system and a necessary feature for successful hearing in many listening conditions. Even mild hearing loss strongly affects this ability in humans, seriously degrading the ability to communicate. The mechanisms involved in achieving high performance in background noise are not well understood. We investigated the effects of SNR and overall stimulus level on the frequency tuning of neurons in rat primary auditory cortex. We found that the effects of noise on frequency selectivity are not determined solely by the SNR but depend also on the levels of the foreground tones and background noise. These observations can lead to improvement in therapeutic approaches for hearing-impaired patients.
Essential Roles for ARID1B in Dendritic Arborization and Spine Morphology of Developing Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Ka Minhan , Chopra Divyan A. , Dravid Shashank M. , Kim Woo-Yang
Published: March 2016

De novotruncating mutations inARID1B, a chromatin-remodeling gene, cause Coffin–Siris syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and speech impairment; however, how the genetic elimination leads to cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the neural functions of ARID1B during brain development. Here, we show that ARID1B regulates dendritic differentiation in the developing mouse brain. We knocked down ARID1B expression in mouse pyramidal neurons usingin uterogene delivery methodologies. ARID1B knockdown suppressed dendritic arborization of cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in mice. The abnormal development of dendrites accompanied a decrease in dendritic outgrowth into layer I. Furthermore, knockdown of ARID1B resulted in aberrant dendritic spines and synaptic transmission. Finally, ARID1B deficiency led to altered expression of c-Fos and Arc, and overexpression of these factors rescued abnormal differentiation induced by ARID1B knockdown. Our results demonstrate a novel role for ARID1B in neuronal differentiation and provide new insights into the origin of cognitive dysfunction associated with developmental intellectual disability.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHaploinsufficiency of ARID1B, a component of chromatin remodeling complex, causes intellectual disability. However, the role of ARID1B in brain development is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ARID1B is required for neuronal differentiation in the developing brain, such as in dendritic arborization and synapse formation. Our findings suggest that ARID1B plays a critical role in the establishment of cognitive circuitry by regulating dendritic complexity. Thus, ARID1B deficiency may cause intellectual disability via abnormal brain wiring induced by the defective differentiation of cortical neurons.
Slow Muscle Precursors Lay Down a Collagen XV Matrix Fingerprint to Guide Motor Axon Navigation
Authors: Guillon Emilie , Bretaud Sandrine , Ruggiero Florence
Published: March 2016

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides local positional information to guide motoneuron axons toward their muscle target. Collagen XV is a basement membrane component mainly expressed in skeletal muscle. We have identified two zebrafish paralogs of the humanCOL15A1gene,col15a1aandcol15a1b, which display distinct expression patterns. Here we show thatcol15a1bis expressed and deposited in the motor path ECM by slow muscle precursors also called adaxial cells. We further demonstrate that collagen XV-B deposition is both temporally and spatially regulated before motor axon extension from the spinal cord in such a way that it remains in this region after the adaxial cells have migrated toward the periphery of the myotome. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments in zebrafish embryos demonstrate thatcol15a1bexpression and subsequent collagen XV-B deposition and organization in the motor path ECM depend on a previously undescribed two-step mechanism involving Hedgehog/Gli andunplugged/MuSK signaling pathways.In silicoanalysis predicts a putative Gli binding site in thecol15a1bproximal promoter. Usingcol15a1bpromoter-reporter constructs, we demonstrate thatcol15a1bparticipates in the slow muscle genetic program as a direct target of Hedgehog/Gli signaling. Loss and gain ofcol15a1bfunction provoke pathfinding errors in primary and secondary motoneuron axons both at and beyond the choice point where axon pathway selection takes place. These defects result in muscle atrophy and compromised swimming behavior, a phenotype partially rescued by injection of asmyhc1:col15a1bconstruct. These reveal an unexpected and novel role for collagen XV in motor axon pathfinding and neuromuscular development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn addition to the archetypal axon guidance cues, the extracellular matrix provides local information that guides motor axons from the spinal cord to their muscle targets. Many of the proteins involved are unknown. Using the zebrafish model, we identified an unexpected role of the extracellular matrix collagen XV in motor axon pathfinding. We show that the synthesis of collagen XV-B by slow muscle precursors and its deposition in the common motor path are dependent on a novel two-step mechanism that determines axon decisions at a choice point during motor axonogenesis. Zebrafish and humans use common molecular cues and regulatory mechanisms for the neuromuscular system development. And as such, our study revealsCOL15A1as a candidate gene for orphan neuromuscular disorders.
Prefrontal Cortex Structure Predicts Training-Induced Improvements in Multitasking Performance
Authors: Verghese Ashika , Garner K.G. , Mattingley Jason B. , Dux Paul E.
Published: March 2016

The ability to perform multiple, concurrent tasks efficiently is a much-desired cognitive skill, but one that remains elusive due to the brain's inherent information-processing limitations. Multitasking performance can, however, be greatly improved through cognitive training (Van Selst et al., 1999, Dux et al., 2009). Previous studies have examined how patterns of brain activity change following training (for review, see Kelly and Garavan, 2005). Here, in a large-scale human behavioral and imaging study of 100 healthy adults, we tested whether multitasking training benefits, assessed using a standard dual-task paradigm, are associated with variability in brain structure. We found that the volume of the rostral part of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) predicted an individual's response to training. Critically, this association was observed exclusively in a task-specific training group, and not in an active-training control group. Our findings reveal a link between DLPFC structure and an individual's propensity to gain from training on a task that taps the limits of cognitive control.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCognitive “brain” training is a rapidly growing, multibillion dollar industry (Hayden, 2012) that has been touted as the panacea for a variety of disorders that result in cognitive decline. A key process targeted by such training is “cognitive control.” Here, we combined an established cognitive control measure, multitasking ability, with structural brain imaging in a sample of 100 participants. Our goal was to determine whether individual differences in brain structure predict the extent to which people derive measurable benefits from a cognitive training regime. Ours is the first study to identify a structural brain marker—volume of left hemisphere dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—associated with the magnitude of multitasking performance benefits induced by training at an individual level.
Requirement for Microglia for the Maintenance of Synaptic Function and Integrity in the Mature Retina
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhao Lian , Zhang Jun , Fariss Robert N. , Ma Wenxin , Kretschmer Friedrich , Wang Minhua , Qian Hao hua , Badea Tudor C. , Diamond Jeffrey S. , Gan Wen-Biao , Roger Jerome E. , Wong Wai T.
Published: March 2016

Microglia, the principal resident immune cell of the CNS, exert significant influence on neurons during development and in pathological situations. However, if and how microglia contribute to normal neuronal function in the mature uninjured CNS is not well understood. We used the model of the adult mouse retina, a part of the CNS amenable to structural and functional analysis, to investigate the constitutive role of microglia by depleting microglia from the retina in a sustained manner using genetic methods. We discovered that microglia are not acutely required for the maintenance of adult retinal architecture, the survival of retinal neurons, or the laminar organization of their dendritic and axonal compartments. However, sustained microglial depletion results in the degeneration of photoreceptor synapses in the outer plexiform layer, leading to a progressive functional deterioration in retinal light responses. Our results demonstrate that microglia are constitutively required for the maintenance of synaptic structure in the adult retina and for synaptic transmission underlying normal visual function. Our findings on constitutive microglial function are relevant in understanding microglial contributions to pathology and in the consideration of therapeutic interventions that reduce or perturb constitutive microglial function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMicroglia, the principal resident immune cell population in the CNS, has been implicated in diseases in the brain and retina. However, how they contribute to the everyday function of the CNS is unclear. Using the model of the adult mouse retina, we examined the constitutive role of microglia by depleting microglia from the retina. We found that in the absence of microglia, retinal neurons did not undergo overt cell death or become structurally disorganized in their processes. However, connections between neurons called synapses begin to break down, leading to a decreased ability of the retina to transmit light responses. Our results indicate that retinal microglia contribute constitutively to the maintenance of synapses underlying healthy vision.
Integration of Visual and Proprioceptive Limb Position Information in Human Posterior Parietal, Premotor, and Extrastriate Cortex
Authors: Limanowski Jakub , Blankenburg Felix
Published: March 2016

The brain constructs a flexible representation of the body from multisensory information. Previous work on monkeys suggests that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and ventral premotor cortex (PMv) represent the position of the upper limbs based on visual and proprioceptive information. Human experiments on the rubber hand illusion implicate similar regions, but since such experiments rely on additional visuo-tactile interactions, they cannot isolate visuo-proprioceptive integration. Here, we independently manipulated the position (palm or back facing) of passive human participants' unseen arm and of a photorealistic virtual 3D arm. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that matching visual and proprioceptive information about arm position engaged the PPC, PMv, and the body-selective extrastriate body area (EBA); activity in the PMv moreover reflected interindividual differences in congruent arm ownership. Further, the PPC, PMv, and EBA increased their coupling with the primary visual cortex during congruent visuo-proprioceptive position information. These results suggest that human PPC, PMv, and EBA evaluate visual and proprioceptive position information and, under sufficient cross-modal congruence, integrate it into a multisensory representation of the upper limb in space.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe position of our limbs in space constantly changes, yet the brain manages to represent limb position accurately by combining information from vision and proprioception. Electrophysiological recordings in monkeys have revealed neurons in the posterior parietal and premotor cortices that seem to implement and update such a multisensory limb representation, but this has been difficult to demonstrate in humans. Our fMRI experiment shows that human posterior parietal, premotor, and body-selective visual brain areas respond preferentially to a virtual arm seen in a position corresponding to one's unseen hidden arm, while increasing their communication with regions conveying visual information. These brain areas thus likely integrate visual and proprioceptive information into a flexible multisensory body representation.
Interneurons Differentially Contribute to Spontaneous Network Activity in the Developing Hippocampus Dependent on Their Embryonic Lineage
Authors: Wester Jason C. , McBain Chris J.
Published: March 2016

Spontaneously generated network activity is a hallmark of developing neural circuits, and plays an important role in the formation of synaptic connections. In the rodent hippocampus, this activity is observedin vitroas giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs) during the first postnatal week. Interneurons importantly contribute to GDPs, due to the depolarizing actions of GABA early in development. While they are highly diverse, cortical interneurons can be segregated into two distinct groups based on their embryonic lineage from either the medial or caudal ganglionic eminences (MGE and CGE). There is evidence suggesting CGE-derived interneurons are important for GDP generation; however, their contribution relative to those from the MGE has never been directly tested. Here, we optogenetically inhibited either MGE- or CGE-derived interneurons in a region-specific manner in mouse neonatal hippocampusin vitro. In CA1, where interneurons are the primary source of recurrent excitation, we found that those from the MGE strongly and preferentially contributed to GDP generation. Furthermore, in dual whole-cell patch recordings in neonatal CA1, MGE interneurons formed synaptic connections to and from neighboring pyramidal cells at a much higher rate than those from the CGE. These MGE interneurons were commonly perisomatic targeting, in contrast to those from the CGE, which were dendrite targeting. Finally, inhibiting MGE interneurons in CA1 suppressed GDPs in CA3 and vice versa; conversely, they could also trigger GDPs in CA1 that propagated to CA3 and vice versa. Our data demonstrate a key role for MGE-derived interneurons in both generating and coordinating GDPs across the hippocampus.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDuring nervous system development, immature circuits internally generate rhythmic patterns of electrical activity that promote the establishment of synaptic connections. Immature interneurons are excitatory rather than inhibitory and actively contribute to the generation of these spontaneous network events, referred to as giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs) in the hippocampus. Interneurons can be generally separated into two distinct groups based on their origin in the embryo from the medial or caudal ganglionic eminences (MGE and CGE). Here we show that MGE interneurons play a dominant role in generating GDPs compared with their CGE counterparts. They accomplish this due to their high synaptic connectivity within the local circuitry. Finally, they can control network activity across large regions of the developing hippocampus.
Insulin resistance and sarcopenia: mechanistic links between common co-morbidities
Authors: Cleasby Mark E , Jamieson Pauline M , Atherton Philip J
Published: March 2016

Insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle is a key defect mediating the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, a disease that typically affects people in later life. Sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and quality) is a risk factor for a number of frailty-related conditions that occur in the elderly. In addition, a syndrome of ‘sarcopenic obesity’ (SO) is now increasingly recognised, which is common in older people and is applied to individuals that simultaneously show obesity, IR and sarcopenia. Such individuals are at an increased risk of adverse health events compared with those who are obese or sarcopenic alone. However, there are no licenced treatments for sarcopenia or SO, the syndrome is poorly defined clinically and the mechanisms that might explain a common aetiology are not yet well characterised. In this review, we detail the nature and extent of the clinical syndrome, highlight some of the key physiological processes that are dysregulated and discuss some candidate molecular pathways that could be implicated in both metabolic and anabolic defects in skeletal muscle, with an eye towards future therapeutic options. In particular, the potential roles of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signalling, AMP-activated protein kinase, myostatin, urocortins and vitamin D are discussed.
Dos monedas romanas tardías procedentes de Cambados (Pontevedra)
Authors: Costa García José Manuel , Carlsson-Brandt Fontán Erik
Published: March 2016

Damos a conocer en esta breve noticia el interesante hallazgo de dos piezas de bronce del periodo constantínida procedentes del lugar de Fornos, en el municipio pontevedrés de Cambados.
Contextos e práticas funerárias da Idade do Bronze na Serra da Freita (Centro-Norte de Portugal). Túmulos, pastores e metalurgistas
Authors: Sá Edite
Published: March 2016

Neste trabalho dão-se a conhecer os resultados da investigação levada a cabo num núcleo de pequenos monumentos sob tumuli de tradição megalítica localizados na serra da Freita, concelhos de Vale de Cambra e Arouca, Portugal que cremos da Idade do Bronze. No que diz respeito às arquiteturas, constatamos a existência de grande variedade nas tipologias construtivas dos montículos e das câmaras, assim como a policromia de muitos montículos, resultante do uso de diferentes materiais geológicos. Verificámos, também, que se localizam em lugares liminares, nas proximidades de lameiros e de recursos de cassiterite de coluvião. Tais elementos permitiram interpretações sobre o universo de crenças destas comunidades e dos seus modos de vida, admitindo o seu carácter animista e o facto de serem pastores e, possivelmente, metalurgistas.
“Islas de luz”, el factor de localización de las necrópolis tumulares en el Suroeste de Galicia
Authors: Corujo-Tilve Juan Pablo , Dominguez-Márquez Maria Teresa
Published: March 2016

En este estudio se defiende la hipótesis de que el factor principal para la elección de la ubicación de las necrópolis megalíticas en el suroeste de Galicia, estaba relacionado directamente con las zonas iluminadas por los primeros rayos del Sol en días astronómicamente especiales, como el Solsticio de Invierno y los Equinoccios. Se demuestra la idea de que la primera causa de la localización de los monumentos era la iluminación del Orto Solar antes que otros factores comúnmente aceptados como la visibilidad del monumento a larga distancia, la legitimación de la apropiación del territorio ,etc.Se analiza el potencial que tienen los Sistemas de Informacion Geográfica (GIS) para la simulación arqueoastronómica, y siguiendo esta hipótesis que aquí exponemos, usarlos debidamente para la predicción, prospección y descubrimiento de nuevos emplazamientos.
Ambiguous Genitalia: Evaluation and Management in the Newborn
Authors: McCann-Crosby Bonnie
Published: March 2016

Infants born with ambiguous genitalia pose challenges to medical providers and can cause parental anxiety and distress. Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are classified into 3 major categories (46,XY DSD, 46,XX DSD, and sex chromosome DSD). A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing are needed to identify the underlying etiology. An understanding of normal sexual development can help clinicians tailor their initial diagnostic evaluation for an infant with ambiguous genitalia. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team that is experienced in DSD is essential. Sex assignment should be made only after all diagnostic evaluations have been considered; families should be an integral part of the decision-making process.
A Multifaceted Approach to Improving Outcomes in the NICU: The Pediatrix 100 000 Babies Campaign
Authors: Ellsbury Dan L. , Clark Reese H. , Ursprung Robert , Handler Darren L. , Dodd Elizabeth D. , Spitzer Alan R.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Despite advances in neonatal medicine, infants requiring neonatal intensive care continue to experience substantial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this initiative was to generate large-scale simultaneous improvements in multiple domains of care in a large neonatal network through a program called the “100,000 Babies Campaign.”

METHODS:

Key drivers of neonatal morbidity and mortality were identified. A system for retrospective morbidity and mortality review was used to identify problem areas for project prioritization. NICU system analysis and staff surveys were used to facilitate reengineering of NICU systems in 5 key driver areas. Electronic health record–based automated data collection and reporting were used. A quality improvement infrastructure using the Kotter organizational change model was developed to support the program.

RESULTS:

From 2007 to 2013, data on 422 877 infants, including a subset with birth weight of 501 to 1500 g (n = 58 555) were analyzed. Key driver processes (human milk feeding, medication use, ventilator days, admission temperature) all improved (P < .0001). Mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bacteremia after 3 days of life, and catheter-associated infection decreased. Survival without significant morbidity (necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, severe retinopathy of prematurity, oxygen use at 36 weeks’ gestation) improved.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of a multifaceted quality improvement program that incorporated organizational change theory and automated electronic health record–based data collection and reporting program resulted in major simultaneous improvements in key neonatal processes and outcomes.
Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy or Infancy and Motor Development: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Angulo-Barroso Rosa M. , Li Ming , Santos Denise C.C. , Bian Yang , Sturza Julie , Jiang Yaping , Kaciroti Niko , Richards Blair , Lozoff Betsy
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Insufficient iron levels for optimal fetal and infant development is a concern during pregnancy and infancy. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of iron supplementation in pregnancy and/or infancy on motor development at 9 months.

METHODS:

The study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of infancy iron supplementation linked to an RCT of pregnancy iron supplementation, conducted in Hebei, China. A total of 1482 infants were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 730) or supplemental iron (n = 752) from 6 weeks to 9 months. Gross motor development (assessed by using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition, instrument) was the primary outcome. Neurologic integrity and motor quality were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:

Motor outcome was available for 1196 infants, divided into 4 supplementation period groups: (1) placebo in pregnancy/placebo in infancy (n = 288); (2) placebo in pregnancy/iron in infancy (n = 305); (3) iron in pregnancy/placebo in infancy (n = 298); and (4) iron in pregnancy/iron in infancy (n = 305). Using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, instrument, iron supplementation in infancy but not pregnancy improved gross motor scores: overall, P < .001; reflexes, P = .03; stationary, P < .001; and locomotion, P < .001. Iron supplementation in infancy improved motor scores by 0.3 SD compared with no supplementation or supplementation during pregnancy alone. Effects of iron supplementation in infancy alone were similar to effects with iron in both pregnancy and infancy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The RCT design supports the causal inference that iron supplementation in infancy, with or without iron supplementation in pregnancy, improved gross motor test scores at 9 months.
El libro de Fenggang Yang, Religion in China. Survival & Revival under Communist Rule
Authors: Martínez Esquivel Ricardo
Published: March 2016

El autor realiza una lectura crítica del libro Religion in China. Survival & Revival under Communist Rule del especialista de origen chino Fenggang Yang (publicado en 2012), durante el gobierno de Mao Zedong y el Partido Comunista Chino y su marcado interés en la secularización del pueblo por medio del ateísmo.

 
十八岁出门远行 “Partir lejos de casa a los dieciocho” de Yu Hua余华
Authors: Rodríguez Durán Pablo
Published: March 2016

“Partir lejos de casa a los dieciocho” es un cuento que representa un tipo de corriente literaria, nacida a partir del desencanto con las manifestaciones artísticas del realismo socialista. En el estilo indeterminado de Yu Hua, puede entreverse la misma indeterminación en las emociones de un joven viajero, quien se encuentra en la transición de la infancia a la edad adulta. Una China convulsionada como escenario y un nuevo enfoque del individuo, en la literatura y en la vida.

 
Binding interaction between (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) of green tea and pepsin
Authors: Li Y. , Lu F.Q. , Feng Y. , He Z.D. , Wu X.L.
Published: March 2016

Analysis of the binding interaction of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and pepsin is important for understanding the inhibition of digestive enzymes by tea polyphenols. We studied the binding of EGCG to pepsin using fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and protein-ligand docking. We found that EGCG could inhibit pepsin activity. According to thermodynamic parameters, a negative ΔG indicated that the interaction between EGCG and pepsin was spontaneous, and the electrostatic force accompanied by hydrophobic binding forces may play major role in the binding. Data from multi-spectroscopy and docking studies suggest that EGCG could bind pepsin with a change in the native conformation of pepsin. Our results provide further understanding of the nature of the binding interactions between catechins and digestive enzymes.
Characterization of Bacillus species exhibiting strong proteolytic activity isolated from Thua Nao
Authors: Kanghae A. , Monkai J. , Eungwanichayapant P.D. , Niamsup P. , Chukeatirote E.
Published: March 2016

In this study, two bacilli strains, namely TN51 and TN69, previously isolated from Thua Nao, a Thai traditional fermented soybean, were studied in terms of their phenotypic and biochemical properties. Initially, both strains were subjected to morphological determination and a series of biochemical tests. Both were Gram-positive, endosporeforming bacilli. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the identities of strains TN51 and TN69 were confirmed as Bacillus subtilis and B. cereus, respectively. In addition, these two strains were also assessed for their antibiogram profiles. It was found that both strains were susceptible to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and vancomycin and resistant to ampicillin and intermediately susceptible to bacitracin.
Determination of Critical Stress for Dynamic Recrystallization of a High-Mn Austenitic TWIP Steel Micro-Alloyed with Vanadium
Authors: García-Mora Elvira , Mejía Ignacio , Reyes-Calderón Francisco , Cabrera José M.
Published: March 2016

When high strength and high ductility are required, the Twinning Induced Plasticity steels are an excellent choice. Their mechanical advantages are perfectly known in the automotive industry. Then, they are currently deeply studied. During the deformation at high temperature, TWIP steel experiences dynamic recrystallization. This mechanism results from dislocation interactions, and it depends of temperature, stress, strain, and strain rate. Experimental data give the maximum stress reached by the material, but the critical stress which determinates the DRX onset must be calculated from the strain hardening rate. Both stress and strain change simultaneously, and this variation gives the analytic data to determine σc, which is located at the inflection point of θ-σ plot. The main purpose of this paper was to study how the chemical composition and the experimental parameters (temperature and strain rate) affect the DRX, by the calculation and analysis of the σcvalues. Hot compression tests were applied to a pair of TWIP steels to compare the DRX onset and its relationship with the vanadium addition. The experimental variables were temperature and strain rate. The true stress–true strain plots were used to calculate σcby cutting data up to a previous point before the σpvalue, then, a polynomial fit and derivation were applied. The Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z) versus the stresses (peak and critical) plots show how the micro-alloying element vanadium improves the strain hardening in the analyzed TWIP steels.
Porous Silicon Nanostructured Materials for Sensing Applications: Molecular Assembling and Electrochemical or Optical Evaluation
Authors: Márquez J. , De la Cruz-Guzmán M. , Cházaro L.F. , Palestino G.
Published: March 2016

Porous silicon (PSi) combines the potential of miniaturization with a very large surface area. The PSi surface can be chemically modified resulting in a high sensitivity (low detection threshold) device for chemical and biomolecular sensing. In previous work, we have shown that redox proteins and fluorescent ligands can be infiltrated into PSi (PSiMc) structures. The hybrid devices have shown interesting new properties produced by the coupling of the individual properties of PSi nanostructures and the modifiers. In this work, we have obtained a PSiMc/redox protein bioelectrode, which presents a quasi-reversible electrochemical response. This effect was attributed to the semiconducting nature of the PSi substrate and to the functional groups of the crosslinking molecules (MPTS), which together produce a capacitive effect on the device. On the other hand, the chemical modification of PSiMc with fluorescent ligands allowed us to fabricate fluorescent PSi hybrid nanostructures, which were tested for the detection of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals (specifically Hg2+). We found that the selectivity of this optical device depends on the selected recognizing molecule. The captured metal induces the formation of a metallic complex that shows higher fluorescence compared with the sensor device. These results demonstrate the viability of using porous silicon as optical sensors and electrochemical biosensors. The infiltration of fluorescent recognizing molecules and proteins into the PSi matrix were evaluated by specular reflectance, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
Effect of Mechanical Activation on the Synthesis of Ba-Celsian and Sr-Celsian using Precursor Mixtures Containing Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Lopez-Badillo Claudia M. , López-Cuevas Jorge , Gutiérrez-Chavarría Carlos A. , Rodríguez-Galicia José L. , Múzquiz-Ramos Elia M.
Published: March 2016

BaAl2Si2O8 and SrAl2Si2O8 were synthesized by solid-state reaction of stoichiometric mixtures of either BaCO3 or SrCO3 with coal fly ash and Al2O3. The mixtures were mechanically activated in an attrition mill for up to 12 h and then reaction-sintered at 900-1300 °C, aiming to promote the formation of BaAl2Si2O8 and SrAl2Si2O8 as well as the conversion from their hexagonal (Hexacelsian) into their monoclinic (Celsian) forms, which is associated with improved mechanical properties in the sintered materials. Especially in the case of SrAl2Si2O8, the formation of Celsian was favored at relatively low sintering temperatures by increasing milling time. Although only the SrAl2Si2O8 composition was fully converted into Celsian, the Hexacelsian to Celsian conversions obtained for the mechanically-activated BaAl2Si2O8 composition were significantly higher than those previously reported in the literature for this compound. This could be attributed to the use of coal fly ash as raw material, which contains mineralizers that promote the mentioned conversion.
Numerical Simulation of Rotary Forging Inconel 718 Superalloy Applied to Aeronautical Components
Authors: Loyda A. , Hernández-Muñoz G.M. , Reyes-Osorio L.A. , Zambrano P. , Montemayor-Ibarra F.
Published: March 2016

Nowadays the aeronautical industry keeps strict quality standards in its dimensional specifications, mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics. Therefore, the involved manufacturing processes require keeping high standards. The nickel based superalloys are present in many components of the jet engines, being the Inconel 718MR superalloy the most common, making up to 50% of the jet engine. This is designed to resist high temperatures, corrosion and creep. The process of rotary forging is a manufacturing process that is currently under scientific and technological development in the aeronautical industry. An Avrami model coupled with a commercial FEM platform (DEFORMTM 3D) was developed to evaluate the average grain size, as a function of the working conditions at 980 °C and 1000 °C. The results provide a better understanding of the influence of temperature in the grain size evolution during the rotary forging process, compared with previous reports.
Stress Reduction of Amorphous Silicon Deposited by PECVD
Authors: Pérez César B. , Reyes-Betanzo C.
Published: March 2016

Amorphous silicon (α-Si) was deposited on glass substrates by PECVD at different deposition conditions in order to characterize the residual stress on the film. Subsequently, a thermal-annealing was applied for different times at 400 °C in a N2 atmosphere, aiming to reduce the stress in the films. The deposition power was between 15 and 30 W at 13.56 MHz, the pressure in the chamber was adjusted in a range from 600 to 900 mTorr, and the temperature was varied from 140 to 200 °C. The stress was determined by using the Stoney equation, measuring the curvature and thickness of the α-Si films with a stylus profilometer. A deposition rate between 7-24 nm/min was obtained, and the time for thermal-annealing needed to reduce the stress was reduced from 10 to 2-4 h, obtaining a minimum compressive stress of 17 MPa. With this value of stress, it was possible to use the α-Si as masking material for wet etching of glass during the manufacturing of microfluidic devices, in order to obtain microstructures in the glass with 150 μm in depth.
Characterization of Residual Stress in a-SiC:H Deposited by RF-PECVD for Manufacturing of Membranes for Cell Culture
Authors: Gelvez- Lizarazo O. , Reyes-Betanzo C.
Published: March 2016

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) was deposited by radiofrequency-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) on monocrystalline silicon substrates with different process parameters in order to analyze the residual stress, and the roughness and uniformity of the films, which are the most important characteristics in the production of membranes for cell culture. The residual stress was calculated using Stoney's equation by measuring the thicknesses of the substrate and the deposited film, in addition to the radius of curvature of the substrate with and without deposited material. From the results it was observed that as power increases from 15 to 30 W, the residual stress increases from -180 to -400 MPa. Even at low power, the residual stress is high. However, an annealing process at 450 °C in N2 atmosphere significantly reduces the residual stress to 7 MPa. It was found that the film uniformity increases when the pressure rises in the process chamber from 450 to 900 mTorr. Finally, the RMS roughness (0.7 to 5.1 nm) can be controlled by the power and pressure, allowing us to obtain a material with excellent morphological characteristics for the adherence and growth of specific cells.
Experimental Determination of Continuous Cooling Transformation Diagrams of Hot-Rolled Heat Treatable Steel Plates Using Quenching Dilatometry
Authors: Altamirano-Guerrero Gerardo , Gutiérrez-Castañeda Emmanuel J. , García-Rincón Omar , Salinas-Rodríguez Armando
Published: March 2016

This article outlines the use of quenching dilatometry in phase transformation kinetics research in steels under continuous cooling conditions. For this purpose, the phase transformation behavior of a hot-rolled heat treatable steel was investigated over the cooling rate range of 0.1 to 200 °C/s. The start and finish points of the austenite transformation were identified from the dilatometric curves and then the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were constructed. The experimental CCT diagrams were verified by microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Vickers micro-hardness. In general, results revealed that the quenching dilatometry technique is a powerful tool for the characterization and study of solid-solid phase transformations in steels. For cooling rates between 200 and 25 °C/s the final microstructure consists on plate-like martensite with the highest hardness values. By contrast, a mixture of phases of ferrite, bainite and pearlite predominated for slower cooling rates (10-0.1 °C/s).
Biopolymers as Novel Tool for Self-Sealing and Self-Healing of Mortar
Authors: Mignon Arn , Dubruel Peter , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , De Belie Nele
Published: March 2016

Synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used in concrete for various applications such as internal curing and frost resistance. However, the addition of these SAPs may lead to a significant decrease in mortar strength, especially when high amounts of SAP are necessary. This is the case for example when self-sealing and -healing of cracks is strived at. In order to overcome this bottleneck, the present work focuses on the application of biopolymers as SAPs. The work especially aims to evaluate the potential of both sodium alginate (NaAlg) as well as physically cross-linked calcium alginate (CaAlg) as SAPs to establish a sustainable approach towards self-sealing and -healing concrete without impairing mechanical strength. First, the swelling properties in both demineralized water and cement filtrate solution are tested. Subsequently, the mechanical properties of mortar mixtures in the absence and the presence of SAPs are compared by performing flexural and compressive tests. The alginates show a swelling capacity up to 72 times their own weight in aqueous solutions. Interestingly, they lead to a minor reduction in compression strength (up to 15% upon addition of 1m% SAP). These biopolymers show high potential for enabling concrete repair, more specifically, for the self-sealing and -healing of cracks without impairing the strength.
Equações de custos para modelação de custos: aplicação do ABC Matricia
Authors: Santana Alex Fabiano Bertollo , Funchal Jefferson de Araujo , Medeiros Hyggor da Silva , Guimarães Levi da Silva , Fagundes Jair Antonio
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal realizar uma aplicação do modelo ABC Matricial. Uma ferramenta de gestão onde desenvolve-se a modelação dos processos e das atividades. O ABC Matricial tem por base a multiplicação de matrizes, assumindo-se como um algoritmo expedito para o desenvolvimento de sistemas de custeio e para a posterior tradução dos custos em equações e sistemas de equações de custo. Como metodologia de pesquisa, classifica-se como um estudo de caso utilizando a simulação de dados para validação do modelo. Como conclusão da pesquisa, o algoritmo apresentado é um desenvolvimento importante, na medida em que é uma abordagem eficaz para calcular os custos do produto e porque oferece um algoritmo simples e flexível para a concepção de software no controle do custos dos produtos.
Modelo ARMA-GARCH e precedência temporal entre índices acionários
Authors: Angelico Diego Garcia , Oliveira Sandra Cristina de
Published: March 2016

Diante da necessidade da avaliação de risco de ativos financeiros, investidores demandam métodos de modelagem sofisticados que possam inferir a respeito da variabilidade de suas aplicações. Ao mesmo tempo, a globalização financeira tem sido caracterizada por movimentos e tendências comuns entre diversos mercados internacionais. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo modelar a volatilidade estatística do Índice Bovespa e do Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, por meio de ajustes ARMA-GARCH, além de averiguar a existência de equilíbrio de longo praazo e precedência temporal entre essas variáveis, por meio dos testes de co-integração de Johansen e causalidade de Granger, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram uma variância heterogênea superior para o indicador brasileiro e a existência de precedência temporal para o índice americano, apesar da ausência de equilíbrio de longo prazo entre as séries. Entende-se que esse último comportamento pode ter sido causado pela diferença existente entre as heterocedasticidades condicionais de cada índice.