bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Selective Muscle Weakness on Muscle Coordination in the Human Arm
Authors: Roh Jinsook , Beer Randall F. , Lai Andrew , Rho Monica , Karvelas Kristopher R. , Nader Antoun M. , Kendall Mark C. , Rymer William Z.
Published: September 2018

Despite the fundamental importance of muscle coordination in daily life, it is currently unclear how muscle coordination adapts when the musculoskeletal system is perturbed. In this study, we quantified the impact of selective muscle weakness on several metrics of muscle coordination. Seven healthy subjects performed 2D and 3D isometric force target matches, while electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from 13 elbow and shoulder muscles. Subsequently, muscle weakness was induced by a motor point block of brachialis muscle. Postblock subjects repeated the force generation tasks. We quantified muscle coordination pre- and postblock using three metrics: tuning curve preferred direction, tuning curve area, and motor modules analysis via nonnegative matrix factorization. For most muscles, the tuning direction for the 2D protocol was not substantially altered postblock, while tuning areas changed more drastically. Typically, five motor modules were identified from the 3D task, and four motor modules were identified in the 2D task; this result held across both pre- and postblock conditions. The composition of one or two motor modules, ones that involved mainly the activation of shoulder muscles, was altered postblock. Our results demonstrate that selective muscle weakness can induce nonintuitive alternations in muscle coordination in the mechanically redundant human arm.
Inventory and Production Dynamics in a Discrete-Time Vendor-Managed Inventory Supply Chain System
Authors: Wei Yongchang , Chen Fangyu , Wang Hongwei
Published: September 2018

This paper presents some analytical results on production and order dynamics in the context of a discrete-time VMI supply chain system composed of one retailer and one manufacturer. We firstly derive the lower bound and upper bound on the range of inventory fluctuations for the retailer under unknown demand. We prove that the production fluctuations can be interestingly smoothed and stabilized independent of the delivery frequency of the manufacturer used to satisfy the retailer’s demand, even if the retailer subsystem is unstable. The sufficient and necessary stability condition for the whole supply chain system is obtained. To further explore the production fluctuation problem, the bullwhip effect under unknown demand is explored based on a transfer function model with the purpose of disclosing the influences of parameters on production fluctuations. Finally, simulation experiments are used to validate the theoretical results with respect to inventory and production fluctuations.
Modeling the Feasibility of Using Solar Thermal Systems for Meeting the Heating Requirements at Corn Ethanol Production Facilities
Authors: Ehrke Elizabeth , Reisel John R.
Published: September 2018

While ethanol use as a vehicle fuel has been promoted as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, current production methods of ethanol from corn feedstock rely heavily on the combustion of nonrenewable fuels such as natural gas. Solar thermal systems can provide a renewable energy source for supplying some of the heat required ethanol production. In this paper, a model to analyze the feasibility of using solar thermal energy to reduce natural gas consumption in ethanol production is described and applied. Sites of current ethanol production facilities are used to provide a realistic analysis of the economic feasibility of using solar thermal energy in the ethanol production process. The results show that it is not reasonable to expect to replace all of the natural gas consumption in the heating processes in ethanol production but that application of solar thermal energy can be applied to a specific subsystem such as the preheating of boiler makeup water. Profitability of systems for replacing a fraction of the natural gas is analyzed. It is found that both location and local natural gas prices are important in determining whether to pursue such a project and that solar thermal systems should have long-term profitability.
Asymptomatic Gastric Giant Polyp in a Boy with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Presented with Multiple Café Au Lait Traits
Authors: Plataras Christos , Christianakis Efstratios , Fostira Florentia , Bourikis George , Chorti Maria , Bourikas Dimitrios , Fotopoulos Nikolaos , Damalas Konstantinos , Eirekat Khalil
Published: September 2018

We describe an asymptomatic case of PJS in a six-year-old boy with café au lait spots in several parts of his body, a large gastroduodenal polyp, two polyps near the ampulla of Vater, and another in the jejunum. This patient shows some unique aspects of PJS. No other such large gastric polyp in a Peutz-Jeghers child is reported in the literature. The large size of the gastric polyp with lack of symptoms is unusual and poses a unique challenge in terms of management and surgical resection.
Relationship between Peer Pressure and Risk of Eating Disorders among Adolescents in Jordan
Authors: Al-sheyab Nihaya A. , Gharaibeh Tamer , Kheirallah Khalid
Published: September 2018

Background. The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) have increased worldwide. It is estimated that about 31.6% of Jordanian adolescents developed DEB. Engaging in peer groups is a prominent event in which adolescents try to belong to peers as part of exploring their social identity. Purpose. To assess the relationship between risk of eating disorders and peer pressure among adolescents. Methods. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design utilized multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit students from 8th to 10th grades from both sexes from schools in northern Jordan. Data were collected from a self-administered, online questionnaire which was given to 738 participants. Results. The difference in overall mean of the Inventory of Peer Influence on Eating Concerns (I-PIEC) between adolescents with disordered eating behaviors and normal eating behaviors states was statistically significant. Scores for interaction peer pressure means were statistically higher for girls than for boys; conversely, likeability mean scores were statistically higher for boys than girls. Conclusions. The current findings suggest that healthcare professionals are encouraged to conduct appropriate school-based primary prevention for disordered eating behaviors.
Multiple, Multiloculated, and Recurrent Keratocysts of the Mandible and Maxilla in Association with Gorlin-Goltz (Nevoid Basal-Cell Carcinoma) Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Report and Follow-up over 5 Years
Authors: Santander P. , Schwaibold E. M. C. , Bremmer F. , Batschkus S. , Kauffmann P.
Published: September 2018

Background. We report a case of multiple keratocysts first diagnosed in an 8-year-old boy. Case report. The incidental radiographic finding of a cystic lesion in an 8-year-old boy led to the surgical enucleation and further diagnosis of a keratocyst associated with a tooth crown. In the course of dental maturation from deciduous to permanent teeth, the boy presented new lesions, always associated with the crowns of teeth. Gorlin-Goltz (nevoid basal-cell carcinoma) syndrome was suspected, and the genetic analysis detected a previously undescribed germline variant in the PTCH1 gene. Treatment. This included a surgical removal of the cystic lesions, as well as the affected teeth. Follow-up. Due to the high recurrence rate of the keratocysts, frequent radiological checks were performed over a 5-year period.
Image Recognition Based on Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis Combining with Wavelet Theory and Frame Theory
Authors: Tao Pingping , Feng Xiaoliang , Wen Chenglin
Published: September 2018

The key to improve the image recognition rate lies in the extraction of image features. In this paper, a feature extraction method is proposed for the images with similar feature in the strong noise background, which is two-dimensional principal component analysis combined with wavelet theory and frame theory. Considering that the image will be influenced by man-made and environmental noises, the algorithm of this paper considers the improvement of many algorithms. Firstly, the images are preprocessed by images enhancement based on feature enhancement. The images are processed by wavelet transform. Then, the preprocessed image matrices are used to obtain the eigenvectors, and the eigenvectors are interpolated with frame, which makes more sufficient information in the frame theory and better extracts the features on the image. Finally, this algorithm is compared other algorithms in the standard ORL face recognition database. The comparison of recognition rate and recognition time by simulation experiment is carried out in order to obtain the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Powered Foot Orthosis with Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Liu Yixiang , Zang Xizhe , Zhang Niansong , Wu Ming
Published: September 2018

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints play critical roles in human locomotion. Functional restriction or loss of MTP joints will lead to lower walking speed, poorer walking balance, and more consumed metabolic energy cost compared with normal walking. However, existing foot orthoses are focused on maintaining the movement of the ankle joint, without assisting the MTP joints. In this paper, in order to improve the walking performance of people with lower limb impairments, a wearable powered foot orthosis (WPFO) which has actuated MTP joint is designed and constructed. Preliminary experiments on three nondisabled subjects demonstrated functionality and capabilities of the WPFO to provide correctly timed dorsiflexion and plantar flexion assistance at the MTP joint during walking. These results also suggest that the WPFO could offer promise in certain rehabilitation applications and clinical treatment.
Innovative Approach in Modeling Business Processes with a Focus on Improving the Allocation of Human Resources
Authors: Djedovic Almir , Karabegovic Almir , Avdagic Zikrija , Omanovic Samir
Published: September 2018

Organizations can improve efficiency of process execution through a correct resource allocation, as well as increase income, improve client satisfaction, and so on. This work presents a novel approach for solving problems of resource allocation in business processes which combines process mining, statistical techniques, and metaheuristic algorithms for optimization. In order to get more reliable results of the simulation, in this paper, we use process mining analysis and statistical techniques for building a simulation model. For finding optimal human resource allocation in business processes, we use the improved differential evolution algorithm with population adaptation. Because of the use of a stochastic simulation model, noise appears in the output of the model. The differential evolution algorithm is modified in order to include uncertainty in the fitness function. In the end, validation of the model was done on three different data sets in order to demonstrate the generality of the approach, and the comparison with the standard approach from the literature was done. The results have shown that this novel approach gives solutions which are better than the existing model from literature.
Reduced CD160 Expression Contributes to Impaired NK-cell Function and Poor Clinical Outcomes in Patients with HCC
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Xu Jing , Huang Qiang , Huang Mei , Li Kun , Qu Kun , Wen Hao , Lin Renyong , Zheng Meijuan , Wei Haiming , Xiao Weihua , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Sun Cheng
Published: September 2018

We previously reported that deficiencies in natural killer (NK)–cell number and function play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain obscure. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CD160 on intrahepatic NK cells by evaluating peritumoral and intratumoral tissues of 279 patients with HCC and 20 healthy livers. We observed reduced expression of CD160 on intratumoral NK cells, and patients with lower CD160 cell densities within tumors exhibited worse disease and a higher recurrence rate. High-resolution microarray and gene set enrichment analysis of flow cytometry–sorted primary intrahepatic CD160+ and CD160− NK cells of healthy livers indicated that human CD160+ NK cells exhibited functional activation, high IFNγ production, and NK-mediated immunity. In addition, global transcriptomic analysis of sorted peritumoral and intratumoral CD160+ NK cells revealed that intratumoral CD160+ NK cells are more exhausted than peritumoral CD160+ NK cells and produce less IFNγ. High levels of TGFβ1 interfered with production of IFNγ by CD160+ NK cells, blocking of which specifically restored IFNγ production in CD160+ NK cells to normal levels. These findings indicate that reduced numbers of CD160+ NK cells, together with the functional impairment of CD160+ NK cells by TGFβ1, contribute to tumor immune escape. In addition, restoring the expression of CD160 and blocking TGFβ1 appear a promising therapeutic strategy against liver cancer.

Significance:

These findings show that reduced number and function of CD160+ NK cells in the tumor microenvironment contributes to immune escape of HCC; blocking TGFβ1 restores IFNγ production of CD160+ NK cells.
CANCERTOOL: A Visualization and Representation Interface to Exploit Cancer Datasets
Authors: Cortazar Ana R. , Torrano Veronica , Martín-Martín Natalia , Caro-Maldonado Alfredo , Camacho Laura , Hermanova Ivana , Guruceaga Elizabeth , Lorenzo-Martín Luis F. , Caloto Ruben , Gomis Roger R. , Apaolaza Iñigo , Quesada Victor , Trka Jan , Gomez-Muñoz Antonio , Vincent Silvestre , Bustelo Xose R. , Planes Francisco J. , Aransay Ana M. , Carracedo Arkaitz
Published: September 2018

With the advent of OMICs technologies, both individual research groups and consortia have spear-headed the characterization of human samples of multiple pathophysiologic origins, resulting in thousands of archived genomes and transcriptomes. Although a variety of web tools are now available to extract information from OMICs data, their utility has been limited by the capacity of nonbioinformatician researchers to exploit the information. To address this problem, we have developed CANCERTOOL, a web-based interface that aims to overcome the major limitations of public transcriptomics dataset analysis for highly prevalent types of cancer (breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal). CANCERTOOL provides rapid and comprehensive visualization of gene expression data for the gene(s) of interest in well-annotated cancer datasets. This visualization is accompanied by generation of reports customized to the interest of the researcher (e.g., editable figures, detailed statistical analyses, and access to raw data for reanalysis). It also carries out gene-to-gene correlations in multiple datasets at the same time or using preset patient groups. Finally, this new tool solves the time-consuming task of performing functional enrichment analysis with gene sets of interest using up to 11 different databases at the same time. Collectively, CANCERTOOL represents a simple and freely accessible interface to interrogate well-annotated datasets and obtain publishable representations that can contribute to refinement and guidance of cancer-related investigations at all levels of hypotheses and design.

Significance: In order to facilitate access of research groups without bioinformatics support to public transcriptomics data, we have developed a free online tool with an easy-to-use interface that allows researchers to obtain quality information in a readily publishable format. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6320–8. ©2018 AACR.
A Phase II Trial of the Aurora Kinase A Inhibitor Alisertib for Patients with Castration-resistant and Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer: Efficacy and Biomarkers
Authors: Beltran Himisha , Oromendia Clara , Danila Daniel C. , Montgomery Bruce , Hoimes Christopher , Szmulewitz Russell Z. , Vaishampayan Ulka , Armstrong Andrew J. , Stein Mark , Pinski Jacek , Mosquera Juan M. , Sailer Verena , Bareja Rohan , Romanel Alessandro , Gumpeni Naveen , Sboner Andrea , Dardenne Etienne , Puca Loredana , Prandi Davide , Rubin Mark A. , Scher Howard I. , Rickman David S. , Demichelis Francesca , Nanus David M. , Ballman Karla V. , Tagawa Scott T.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive variant of prostate cancer that may develop de novo or as a mechanism of treatment resistance. N-myc is capable of driving NEPC progression. Alisertib inhibits the interaction between N-myc and its stabilizing factor Aurora-A, inhibiting N-myc signaling, and suppressing tumor growth.

Patients and Methods:

Sixty men were treated with alisertib 50 mg twice daily for 7 days every 21 days. Eligibility included metastatic prostate cancer and at least one: small-cell neuroendocrine morphology; ≥50% neuroendocrine marker expression; new liver metastases without PSA progression; or elevated serum neuroendocrine markers. The primary endpoint was 6-month radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). Pretreatment biopsies were evaluated by whole exome and RNA-seq and patient-derived organoids were developed.

Results:

Median PSA was 1.13 ng/mL (0.01–514.2), number of prior therapies was 3, and 68% had visceral metastases. Genomic alterations involved RB1 (55%), TP53 (46%), PTEN (29%), BRCA2 (29%), and AR (27%), and there was a range of androgen receptor signaling and NEPC marker expression. Six-month rPFS was 13.4% and median overall survival was 9.5 months (7.3–13). Exceptional responders were identified, including complete resolution of liver metastases and prolonged stable disease, with tumors suggestive of N-myc and Aurora-A overactivity. Patient organoids exhibited concordant responses to alisertib and allowed for the dynamic testing of Aurora–N-myc complex disruption.

Conclusions:

Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint, a subset of patients with advanced prostate cancer and molecular features supporting Aurora-A and N-myc activation achieved significant clinical benefit from single-agent alisertib.
Using the Kinetic Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate Equation for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate and Detecting Acute Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bairy Manohar , See Faith H.W. , Lim Ru Sin
Published: September 2018

Background: Estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) when the creatinine (Cr) is rapidly changing, as in acute kidney injury (AKI), has been a challenge. The Kinetic Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (KeGFR) formula by S. Chen estimates the GFR in the acute state by factoring the time interval between rising Cr values and the volume of distribution (VD). It provides the clinician with an eGFR value for each non-steady state Cr value. We applied the KeGFR formula to detect AKI in an adult non-ICU inpatient setting. We then compared KeGFR with the current standard Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN criteria) and Risk Injury Failure Loss End-Stage Kidney Disease (RIFLE criteria) and new criteria (Waikar-Bonventre, Delta check) for AKI detection. Methods: A total of 250 consecutive adult patients admitted to the Medical wards were screened. Patient episodes with a change in Cr of > 4.3% (Biological Variation) were included in the study (n = 80). The KeGFR equation was applied to this cohort after calculating the VD individually after estimating the initial GFR by using MDRD equation. A fall in KeGFR of 25% or more was considered as AKI. The AKIN, Waikar-Bonventre, RIFLE, and Delta Check criteria were also applied to this cohort and compared with the KeGFR criterion. Clinical adjudication was performed when there was discordance between AKI episodes detected by AKIN and KeGFR criteria. Results: There were 50 episodes of AKI by AKIN classification and 31 episodes by KeGFR criterion. All but 1 (30) episode detected by KeGFR criterion fulfilled the AKI definition by AKIN. AKIN diagnosed an additional 20 episodes. However, all of these had an elevated Cr level on admission; thus, requiring the incorporation of baseline Cr by AKIN which is not part of the KeGFR formula. Five of these 20 patients were deemed as not having AKI by clinical adjudication. All patients with in-hospital AKI and ongoing AKI were detected by both the criteria. The KeGFR criteria detected almost all (24/25) episodes of AKI identified by the Waikar-Bonventre method. The latter method detected 77% (24/31) of the AKI episodes identified by KeGFR. Conclusion: The KeGFR equation can be readily applied to estimate GFR in the non-steady state. A KeGFR-based criterion successfully detected ongoing and in-hospital AKI in this study. Community acquired AKI that did not progress after admission was not detected by the KeGFR criterion.
Perturbations of Neuron-Restrictive Silencing Factor Modulate Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Expression in the Human Cell Line BeWo
Authors: Kreouzis Vasileios , Chen Guo-Lin , Miller Gregory M.
Published: September 2018

Stress exacerbates disease, and understanding its molecular mechanisms is crucial to the development of novel therapeutic interventions to combat stress-related disorders. The driver of the stress response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a neuropeptide synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Evidence supports that CRH expression is epigenetically modified at the molecular level by environmental stimuli, causing changes in the stress response. This effect is mediated by a concert of factors that translate environmental change into alterations in gene expression. An important regulator and epigenetic modulator of CRH expression is neuron-restrictive silencing factor (NRSF). Previously, our lab identified numerous splice variants of NRSF that are specific to humans and predictive of differential regulatory effects of NRSF variants on targeted gene expression. The human cell line BeWo has endogenous CRH and NRSF expression providing an in vitro model system. Here, we show that manipulation of NRSF expression through siRNA technology, overexpression by plasmid vectors, and direct cAMP induction that CRH expression is linked to changes in NRSF expression. Accordingly, this epigenetic regulatory pathway in humans might be a critical mechanism involved in the regulation of the stress response.
FSCN1 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through Increasing Snail1 in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Songlin , Pei Meili , Wu Lei , Liu Yanli , Li Huijin , Lu Jiaojiao , Li Xu
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the key mechanisms mediating cancer progression. Snail1 has a pivotal role in the regulation of EMT, involving the loss of E-cadherin and concomitant upregulation of vimentin, among other biomarkers. We have found FSCN1 promoted EMT in ovarian cancer cells, but the precise mechanism of FSCN1 in EMT process has not been clearly elucidated. Methods: The levels of FSCN1 and snail1 were determined in epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) specimen and in ovarian cancer cells by RT-qPCR. The changes of EMT makers and effects on snail1 by FSCN1 were examined by overexpression or depletion of FSCN1 in EOC cells by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The invasiveness of the FSCN1-modified EOC cells was examined in transwell assay. Co-immunoprecipitation (IP) was performed to detect the interaction between snail1 and FSCN1 in EOC cells. Results: We found FSCN1 and snail1 significantly increased in EOC, and especially in EOC with metastasis. FSCN1 was positively correlated with snail1 expression at the cellular/histological levels. Moreover, we further showed that FSCN1 physiologically interacted with and increased the levels of snail1 to promote ovarian cancer cell EMT. Conclusion: FSCN1 promote EMT through snail1 in ovarian cancer cells. FSCN1 is an attractive novel target for inhibiting invasion and metastasis of EOC cells.
lncRNA DLG1-AS1 Promotes Cell Proliferation by Competitively Binding with miR-107 and Up-Regulating ZHX1 Expression in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Rui Xiaohui , Xu Yun , Huang Yaqing , Ji Linjuan , Jiang Xiping
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Recent studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors, thereby attracting increasing attention from researchers. The important biological functions of lncRNAs have been recognized gradually, but their mechanism in cervical cancer remains unclear. Methods: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in cervical cancer and para-carcinoma tissues were identified by screening using an lncRNA array, and candidate lncRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. A series of bioinformatics and molecular biological methods were adopted to investigate the interactions among lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and miRNA target genes in cervical cancer. Cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Results: DLG1-AS1 was the most significantly up-regulated lncRNA in cervical cancer tissues, and it was confirmed that cervical cancer patients with high DLG1-AS1 expression had a poor prognosis. Down-regulation of DLG1-AS1 expression suppressed the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Further investigation revealed that DLG1-AS1 eliminated the inhibition of miR-107 on the expression of its target gene ZHX1 by competitively binding to miR-107. Moreover, rescue assays proved that the effect of DLG1-AS1 on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells was dependent on miR-107. Conclusion: DLG1-AS1/miR-107/ZHX1 can form a competitive endogenous RNA network that regulates the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, resulting in tumor progression.
Acesso aos dados do Facebook e o jornalismo independente na América Latina
Authors: Ramos Daniela Osvald , Spinelli Egle Müller , Arruda Mário Alberto Pires de
Published: September 2018

Compreender o acesso aos dados das mídias sociais é de extrema relevância, principalmente quando um dos maiores serviços de mídia social, o Facebook, altera constantemente suas APIs (Application Programming Interface), a Interface de Programação de Aplicativos que permite a extração de dados da plataforma. Este estudo mostra os desafios e dificuldades de ter acesso aos dados para explorar o alcance das conexões e associações nas páginas de iniciativas de jornalismo digital na América Latina. Para esta verificação, pretendeu-se realizar a mineração de dados no Facebook em três veículos independentes latino-americanos - Jota (Brasil), Canal Meio (Brasil) e Nómada (Guatemala) - a partir de três ferramentas: o Netvizz, aplicativo locado no Facebook para extração de dados; o software livre Gephi para gerar gráficos e análises de rede; e o aplicativo pago Social Monitor, que monitora o engajamento nas redes sociais.
Metacrítica: experiências jornalísticas que configuram narrativas da diversidade
Authors: Maia Marta Regina , Barretos Dayane do Carmo
Published: September 2018

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão voltada para as possibilidades engendradas por experiências jornalísticas que acionam novas narrativas sobre a realidade. Consideramos, para efeito de análise, duas pesquisas finalizadas em 2017, que seguem um aporte metodológico da análise da narrativa das produções e dos livros-reportagem das jornalistas Eliane Brum, Fabiana Moraes e Daniela Arbex e as produções do projeto Ponte: Direitos humanos, justiça e segurança pública. Localizamos, a partir de um diagnóstico do campo jornalístico e por intermédio das análises, novos contornos estruturais, profissionais e estéticos do campo, o que configura um movimento de metacrítica - emergente dessas novas experiências -, e que promove narrativas plurais e diversas sobre a realidade.
Argentina-Brasil: intercambio internacional en educación tecnológica
Authors: Hidalgo Andrea , Herrera Elizabeth , Garcia Wilton
Published: September 2018

Este texto es un relato de experiencia y presenta una reflexión crítica sobre la experiencia de intercambio (2013-2017) de la Facultad de Tecnología [Fatec] de Itaquaquecetuba, Brasil y la Universidad Tecnológica Nacional de Avellaneda-UTN, Argentina. De las mediaciones culturales a la diversidad en América Latina, el foco de esta propuesta destaca el aprendizaje del español para los brasileños para las relaciones comerciales con los países del MERCOSUR. Como resultado, interesa considerar, estratégicamente en la actualidad, algunas singularidades de América Latina, sobre todo, en la relación Argentina-Brasil.
Economia Cultural e Criativa: uma perspectiva histórica para compreender a formação do campo na contemporaneidade
Authors: Poli Karina
Published: September 2018

Proponho aqui apresentar uma contextualização histórica dos processos evolutivos das políticas culturais internacionais, principalmente no contexto europeu, tendo como objetivo identificar e reconhecer as dinâmicas, influências e tendências que configuraram o Campo da Economia Cultural e Criativa na contemporaneidade. Procurarei demostrar nessa contextualização as transformações das proposições de políticas culturais ao longo de quase 60 anos para compreender a posição dos agentes e o modo como a convergência entre Cultura, Criatividade e Inovação determinou as aproximações das dimensões políticas e econômicas com a cultura, bem como compreender o papel da academia na construção do debate e legitimação do Campo como um importante elemento para o desenvolvimento local.
Morphological and molecular determination of a new Viola species (Violaceae) from Turkey
Authors: DÜŞEN OLCAY , GÖKTÜRK RAMAZAN SÜLEYMAN , KAYA ERGUN , SARPKAYA UYGAR , GÜRCAN BETÜL
Published: September 2018

Viola denizliensis is described as a new species from South-West Anatolia. The species grows on serpentinite stony slopes in Bozdağ Mountain in Denizli. It belongs to Viola sect. Melanium and is close to V. dirimliensis and V. kitaibeliana. Viola denizliensis can be readily distinguished from related species by morphological and molecular characters. Comments on descriptive and diagnostic characters, distribution and ecology, phenolgy and proposed conservation status for this new species are given in the present study. Morphological affinities and ISSR-based molecular relationships between V. denizliensis and related species are also discussed.
Strobilanthes orbiculata (Acanthaceae) a new species and notes on S. matthewiana from the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: THOMAS SINJUMOL , MANI BINCE , BRITTO SUSAI JOHN
Published: September 2018

A new species Strobilanthes orbiculata is described from the southern parts of the Western Ghats, India. It is a semelparous species found in the shola forests in Vattavada and Kundala in Idukki district of Kerala. Notes on pollen morphology, distribution, phenology, conservation status and photographic illustrations are given. Moreover, a short note on a narrow endemic taxon Strobilanthes matthewiana is also provided.
Species definition of Dioon sonorense (Zamiaceae, Cycadales), and description of D. vovidesii, a new cycad species from northwestern Mexico

Authors: GUTIÉRREZ-ORTEGA JOSÉ SAID , JIMÉNEZ-CEDILLO KAREN , PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL ANGEL , MARTÍNEZ JOSÉ F. , MOLINA-FREANER FRANCISCO , WATANO YASUYUKI , KAJITA TADASHI
Published: September 2018

The cycad genus Dioon (Zamiaceae) was described by J. Lindley in the 19th century, but most species were discovered during the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. Despite recent efforts to clarify the actual species diversity within the genus, the definition of some species is still problematic. The northernmost populations of the cycad genus Dioon in northwestern Mexico are currently recognised as Dioon sonorense, but important variation among populations has been suggested by multiple authors, and the definition of what is D. sonorense remains unclear. Documented evidence on leaf and leaflet morphology, cuticular and epidermal anatomy, and population genetics across the populations of D. sonorense, as currently circumscribed, suggest that the taxon contains two biological units that should be taxonomically distinguished, given their importance for systematics and conservation. Here we highlight that 1) D. sonorense is defined by the variation exhibited only in populations from southern Sonora and northern Sinaloa, Mexico; 2) the northernmost populations of Dioon in northwestern Mexico represent a new taxon that we describe as Dioon vovidesii. We also discuss the implications of this reassessment for cycad systematics and conservation.
Thismia kobensis (Burmanniaceae), a new and presumably extinct species from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , NAKANISHI OSAMU , KOBAYASHI TOMIKI , KUROSAKI NOBUHIRA
Published: September 2018

Thismia Griffith (1844: 221), Thismiaceae J. Agardh or Burmanniaceae sensu APG VI (2016), is one of the most species-rich mycoheterotrophic genera, consisting of ca. 80 species (Jonker 1948, Merckx et al. 2013). Considering that most of these species were collected only once (Jonker 1948) and that many new species have recently been discovered in various Asian countries (e.g. Suetsugu et al. 2017, 2018), many more undescribed species are likely in these regions.
Branchinotogluma bipapillata n. sp., a new branchiate scale worm (Annelida: Polynoidae) from two hydrothermal fields on the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: ZHOU YADONG , WANG YUEYUN , ZHANG DONGSHENG , WANG CHUNSHENG
Published: September 2018

A new species of Branchinotogluma, found at two hydrothermal vent fields on Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, is described herein. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the small acicular lobe on the tentacular segment, the stout smooth notochaetae, 5 pairs of dorsal and ventral papillae surrounding the pharynx, 2 pairs of long ventral papillae and 4 pairs of ventral lamellae on males, and modified parapodia on posterior segments. Sexual dimorphism is also reported in the new species, as male and female individuals display differences in characters on the ventral papillae and posterior segments.
Precipitation Sensitivity to Local Variations in Tropical Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: He Jie , Johnson Nathaniel C. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Kirtman Ben , Wittenberg Andrew T. , Sturm Stephan
Published: September 2018

The driving of tropical precipitation by the variability of the underlying sea surface temperature (SST) plays a critical role in the atmospheric general circulation. To assess the precipitation sensitivity to SST variability, it is necessary to observe and understand the relationship between precipitation and SST. However, the precipitation–SST relationships from any coupled atmosphere–ocean system can be difficult to interpret given the challenge of disentangling the SST-forced atmospheric response and the atmospheric intrinsic variability. This study demonstrates that the two components can be isolated using uncoupled atmosphere-only simulations, which extract the former when driven by time-varying SSTs and the latter when driven by climatological SSTs. With a simple framework that linearly combines the two types of uncoupled simulations, the coupled precipitation–SST relationships are successfully reproduced. Such a framework can be a useful tool for quantitatively diagnosing tropical air–sea interactions. The precipitation sensitivity to SST variability is investigated with the use of uncoupled simulations with prescribed SST anomalies, where the influence of atmospheric intrinsic variability on SST is deactivated. Through a focus on local precipitation–SST relationships, the precipitation sensitivity to local SST variability is determined to be predominantly controlled by the local background SST. In addition, the strength of the precipitation response increases monotonically with the local background SST, with a very sharp growth at high SSTs. These findings are supported by basic principles of moist static stability, from which a simple formula for precipitation sensitivity to local SST variability is derived.
In-Group Loyalty and the Punishment of Corruption
Authors: Solaz Hector , De Vries Catherine E. , de Geus Roosmarijn A.
Published: September 2018

This study suggests that in-group loyalty, defined as the degree to which people favor their own group over others, undermines the punishment of corruption. We present evidence from two studies. First, we utilize a real-world corruption scandal involving the ruling party in Spain that broke during survey fieldwork. People exposed to the scandal withhold support from the incumbent, but in-group loyalty based on partisanship weakens this effect. Second, we explore in-group loyalty beyond partisanship through laboratory experiments. These experiments artificially induce group identities, randomly assign the group identity of candidates and shut down any instrumental benefits of in-group loyalty. The experimental evidence suggests that people support corrupt candidates as long as they share a group identity and are willing to sacrifice material payoffs to do so. Our findings have important implications. Most importantly perhaps, they suggest that candidates can get away with corruption by engaging in identity politics.
Pulling at Your Heartstrings: Examining Four Leadership Approaches From the Neuroscience Perspective
Authors: Wang Yinying
Published: September 2018

Purpose: This review study aims to bridge neuroscience and educational leadership by exploring the neural mechanisms of the constructs relevant to educational leadership. Research Methods: The reviewed literature includes 69 neuroscience studies and 4 books on neuroscience. The brain activities and neurotransmitters associated with the constructs pertinent to educational leadership were coded to bridge the knowledge base of neuroscience and educational leadership. Findings: The neural mechanisms of the constructs related to educational leadership (e.g., vision, charisma, trust, and organizational justice) were organized by four different leadership approaches: charismatic, transformational, destructive, and culturally responsive school leadership. Emotions are the common thread weaving through all four leadership approaches. Implications: This study has salient theoretical, methodological, and practical implications for educational leadership. Theoretically, the findings not only accentuate the role of emotions in educational leadership, but also reveal the trade-off between emotions and analytical calculation in leaders’ decision making. Methodologically, the neuroscience methods (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging, quantitative electroencephalography, and hormonal analysis) add to the methodological repertoire of educational leadership research. Practically, the findings warrant the emotion training and present the potential of using neurological measurements in school leadership preparation and professional development.
Occupational and Take-home Lead Exposure Among Lead Oxide Manufacturing Employees, North Carolina, 2016
Authors: Rinsky Jessica L. , Higgins Sheila , Angelon-Gaetz Kim , Hogan Doris , Lauffer Pierre , Davies Megan , Fleischauer Aaron , Musolin Kristin , Gibbins John , MacFarquhar Jennifer , Moore Zack
Published: September 2018

Objective:

In 2016, North Carolina blood lead level (BLL) surveillance activities identified elevated BLLs among 3 children exposed to take-home lead by household members employed at a lead oxide manufacturing facility. We characterized BLLs among employees and associated children and identified risk factors for occupational and take-home lead exposure.

Methods:

We reviewed BLL surveillance data for 2012-2016 to identify facility employees and associated children. We considered a BLL ≥5 μg/dL elevated for adults and children and compared adult BLLs with regulatory limits and recommended health-based thresholds. We also conducted an environmental investigation and interviewed current employees about exposure controls and cleanup procedures.

Results:

During 2012-2016, 5 children associated with facility employees had a confirmed BLL ≥5 μg/dL. Among 77 people employed during 2012-2016, median BLLs increased from 22 μg/dL (range, 4-45 μg/dL) in 2012 to 37 μg/dL (range, 16-54 μg/dL) in 2016. All employee BLLs were <60 μg/dL, the national regulatory threshold for immediate medical removal from lead exposure; however, 55 (71%) had a BLL ≥20 μg/dL, a recommended health-based threshold for removal from lead exposure. Because of inadequate controls in the facility, areas considered clean were visibly contaminated with lead dust. Employees reported bringing personal items to work and then into their cars and homes, resulting in take-home lead exposure.

Conclusions:

Integration of child and adult BLL surveillance activities identified an occupational source of lead exposure among workers and associated children. Our findings support recent recommendations that implementation of updated lead standards will support better control of lead in the workplace and prevent lead from being carried home.
Solution Thinking and Team Reasoning: How Different Are They?
Authors: Pacherie Elisabeth
Published: September 2018

In his book, Understanding Institutions, Francesco Guala discusses two solutions to the problem of mindreading for coordination, the solution thinking approach proposed by Adam Morton and the team reasoning approach developed by Michael Bacharach, Robert Sugden, and Natalie Gold. I argue that the family resemblance between the two approaches is even stronger than Guala thinks.
The Entangled Twins: Power and Trust in Collaborative Governance
Authors: Ran Bing , Qi Huiting
Published: September 2018

Power and trust are two important issues of interorganizational relations in collaborative governance. This article develops a critical conceptual analysis of the dyadic relationship between power and trust in the context of collaborative governance. Three dynamic relationships and seven corresponding propositions are proposed regarding the shared sources of power and trust, the effects of power asymmetry and power sharing on trust building, and the influence of trust building on the management of power relationship in collaborative governance. These dyadic relations will help scholars and practitioners to deal with the dynamics brought forth by power and trust in collaboration.
Observational Study Design in Veterinary Pathology, Part 2: Methodology
Authors: Caswell Jeff L. , Bassel Laura L. , Rothenburger Jamie L. , Gröne Andrea , Sargeant Jan M. , Beck Amanda P. , Ekman Stina , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Kuiken Thijs , LaDouceur Elise E. B. , Meyerholz David K. , Origgi Francesco C. , Posthaus Horst , Priestnall Simon L. , Ressel Lorenzo , Sharkey Leslie , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Ward Jerrold M. , Webster Joshua D. , Yamate Jyoji
Published: September 2018

Observational studies are a basis for much of our knowledge of veterinary pathology, yet considerations for conducting pathology-based observational studies are not readily available. In part 1 of this series, we offered advice on planning and carrying out an observational study. Part 2 of the series focuses on methodology. Our general recommendations are to consider using already-validated methods, published guidelines, data from primary sources, and quantitative analyses. We discuss 3 common methods in pathology research—histopathologic scoring, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction—to illustrate principles of method validation. Some aspects of quality control include use of clear objective grading criteria, validation of key reagents, assessing sample quality, determining specificity and sensitivity, use of technical and biologic negative and positive controls, blinding of investigators, approaches to minimizing operator-dependent variation, measuring technical variation, and consistency in analysis of the different study groups. We close by discussing approaches to increasing the rigor of observational studies by corroborating results with complementary methods, using sufficiently large numbers of study subjects, consideration of the data in light of similar published studies, replicating the results in a second study population, and critical analysis of the study findings.
How to train your oracle: The Delphi method and its turbulent youth in operations research and the policy sciences
Authors: Dayé Christian
Published: September 2018

Delphi is a procedure that produces forecasts on technological and social developments. This article traces the history of Delphi’s development to the early 1950s, where a group of logicians and mathematicians working at the RAND Corporation carried out experiments to assess the predictive capacities of groups of experts. While Delphi now has a rather stable methodological shape, this was not so in its early years. The vision that Delphi’s creators had for their brainchild changed considerably. While they had initially seen it as a technique, a few years later they reconfigured it as a scientific method. After some more years, however, they conceived of Delphi as a tool. This turbulent youth of Delphi can be explained by parallel changes in the fields that were deemed relevant audiences for the technique, operations research and the policy sciences. While changing the shape of Delphi led to some success, it had severe, yet unrecognized methodological consequences. The core assumption of Delphi that the convergence of expert opinions observed over the iterative stages of the procedure can be interpreted as consensus, appears not to be justified for the third shape of Delphi as a tool that continues to be the most prominent one.
A building block-like approach for kinematic analysis of plane mechanisms
Authors: Basak Suman , Neogy S , Nandi A , Das PK
Published: September 2018

Powerful packages based on multibody dynamics can solve virtually any dynamic system. But to the user they are black boxes. Kinematic analysis of plane mechanisms is vital to mechanical engineering. This analysis hardly requires such versatile tools. Further blind usage of these powerful tools does not permit the user to develop insight into the mechanisms. On the other hand, packages based on simple but modular approach are ideally suited for the purpose. The aim of the preset work is to rigorously define the independently solvable modules and to develop a program using these modules, on MATLAB platform, which can solve a large variety of plane mechanisms.
Desirable leadership attributes are preferentially associated with women: A quantitative study of gender and leadership roles in the Australian workforce
Authors: Griffiths Oren , Roberts Lynette , Price Josh
Published: September 2018

Women are under-represented globally in leadership roles. One theory suggests that this imbalance is due to a mismatch between the qualities women are perceived to have, and the qualities desired in business leaders. Yet, little is known about whether this incongruence remains prevalent in the Australian business environment. To this end, this study investigated gender stereotypes and desired leadership attributes in 1885 participants from 25 companies using a priopietary measure developed by a local diversity consulting company. Participants ranked the attributes that they believed were most important for leadership and rated the degree to which each attribute was associated with men or women. Men were more strongly associated with some agentic traits, whereas women were more strongly associated with a diverse range of both agentic and communal traits. Desired leadership qualities included both agentic and communal qualities, but generally favoured traits associated with women.

JEL Classification: J16, M12