bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implication of Federalism in ‘Federal’ Related Political Institutions: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Kalu John O. , Bing Dov
Published: January 2017

While most students of federalism feel satisfied with defining it as involving self-rule and shared rule, there is an inherent laxity in that definition because several institutional forms have dual components of self-rule and shared rule. It is therefore necessary to find out if federalism is an equivalent of all self-rule – shared rule systems of government or not. This requires an effort to locate the implication of federalism in federal related political institutions, by exploring the conceptual distinctions between related terms such as federalism, federation, federal government, federal political systems, confederation, and decentralized union. Hence, this article aims at distinguishing these concepts, as well as identifying the interlinkage and relationship that exists between them. The goal is to reduce the level of uncertainty associated with the meaning of federalism in the contemporary political culture, and also, to make it less contested and distinct from other federal kindred terms.
The impossible constitutional reconciliation of the BVerfG and the ECJ in the OMT case. A legal analysis of the first preliminary referral of the BVerfG
Authors: Pennesi Francesco
Published: January 2017

In Gauweiler v. ECB, the German Constitutional Court referred for the first time a case to the European Court of Justice. The BVerfG openly doubted the legality of the OMT program of the European Central Bank, one of the most effective European instruments in counteracting the effects of the Euro-crisis. Despite the apparent willingness of the BVerfG to accept the referring decision of the ECJ, it is clear that the German judges have a different constitutional interpretation of the monetary mandate of the ECB. This article will focus on the different conceptions of European Monetary Union and in particular of the ECB proposed by the two Supreme Courts in their case-law, and will explain why the legality of the ECB’s activity will be re-examined in the near future.
Change, Resistance to Change and Organizational Cynicism
Authors: Grama Blanca , Todericiu Ramona
Published: January 2017

Over the past decades, the focus of the scientists has shifted towards the area of organizational change. The concept has been approached from several perspectives and studied by numerous disciplines and refers to a shift or transformation of an organization, of several components of the organization or of the processes that lie within. Being in an environment characterized by competitiveness and complexity, organizations are under a constant need of change, of progress, while the aim of each change is to improve the aspects that make this happen. The dynamics of the labour force market has contributed to the creation of an environment in which organizations are permanently facing the need to implement various changes regarding their strategy, structure, processes or culture. Henceforth, the factors that can alter the implementation of change benefit from an increased focus. Understanding the reason for which some employees can resist change can have major financial implications for the organization. When considering the human resources involved in the change, nothing seems simple; most of the times things are not as they should be, and most of the employees experience a resistance to change, sometimes in the form of change-specific cynicism, a notion defined as the belief of employees that the organization in which they work lacks integrity. This paper represents the cultural adaptation of Change-Specific Cynicism Scale (a scale proposed by David J. Stanley in 1998, validated on the Canadian population), to the specifics of the Romanian population and supplies a method of evaluating change-specific cynicism for the specialized literature. Statistic results have shown that the Change-Specific Cynicism Scale has a high level of internal consistency (α=0,84) and can be used exclusively for equivalent populations. Moreover, this paper aims to approach the term organizational cynicism and its role in the context of organizational change.
Some Insights on the Changing Architecture of the World’s Top 100 Multinationals
Authors: Ogrean Claudia , Herciu Mihaela
Published: January 2017

Premise: globalization represents both the fertile background and the accountable foreground that accompanies the evolution of TNCs/MNEs, within a self-enforcing spiral of co-evolution which gratifies the winners and discards the losers.

Argument: UNCTAD’s Top 100 non-financial TNCs/MNEs gathers together, since 1993, some of the most prominent winners of the above mentioned processes, making this instrument one of the best indicators and benchmarks in terms of both globalization and transnationalization – when analyzed at a given moment in time (for a particular year), and even more relevant when analyzed dynamically and by comparison.

Context: two major global shifts have occurred during the last decade or so: the global (financial and) economic crisis and its repercussions, and the rise of the emerging economies and of their TNCs/MNEs.

Aim: to depict the dynamics registered within the world’s top 100 non-financial TNCs/MNEs – in order to identify significant insights on how the world of TNCs/MNEs has evolved and its architecture (and inner composition) has changed – by fueling the two shifts mentioned above while internalizing their outcomes.
The Trade-Off between Planning Objectives and Planning Success
Authors: Laval Valerian
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper it to analyse, why companies face difficulties in implementing modern planning concepts. For this the paper will discuss and define the terminology and goals of modern planning. Based on this, the article analyses how strategy orientation influences the willingness of companies to move from traditional budgeting to modern budgeting concepts. It will be outlined, why especially companies pursuing a cost leadership strategy are still reluctant to open themselves for modern budgeting concepts. The contribution of this paper is to analyse the influence of the strategy orientation on the readiness of organizations. Also it will be illustrated, how the overall value added of the corporate planning can be improved by prioritizing the most appropriate planning objectives.
Passing-by “Ça va?” checks in clinic corridors
Authors: González-Martínez Esther , Bangerter Adrian , Lê Van Kim
Published: January 2017

We have conducted a video-based field study on work interactions between staff members in the corridors of a hospital outpatient clinic in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. In this paper, we examine a specific mobile interactional configuration: passing-by interactions in which staff members get involved as they walk following close and parallel trajectories going in opposite directions. We also examine a specific conversational activity performed in the corridors: checks – introduced by the French expression “
Multiresolution Analysis of EEG Signals
Authors: Borowska Marta , Białobłocka Natalia
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on a multiresolution analysis of EEG signals. The dominant frequency components of signals with and without observed epileptic discharges were compared. The study showed that there were significant differences in dominant frequency between the signals with epileptic discharges and the signals without discharges. This gives the ability to identify epilepsy during EEG examination. The frequency of the signals coming from the frontal, central, parietal and occipital channels are similar. Multiresolution analysis can be used to describe the activity of brain waves and to try to predict epileptic seizures, thereby contributing to precise medical diagnoses.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks and Principal Component Analysis to Predict Results of Infertility Treatment Using the IVF Method
Authors: Milewski Robert , Jankowska Dorota , Cwalina Urszula , Milewska Anna Justyna , Citko Dorota , Więsak Teresa , Morgan Allen , Wołczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2017

There are high hopes for using the artificial neural networks (ANN) technique to predict results of infertility treatment using the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method. Some reports show superiority of the ANN approach over conventional methods. However, fully satisfactory results have not yet been achieved. Hence, there is a need to continue searching for new data describing the treatment process, as well as for new methods of extracting information from these data. There are also some reports that the use of principal component analysis (PCA) before the process of training the neural network can further improve the efficiency of generated models. The aim of the study herein presented was to verify the thesis that the use of PCA increases the effectiveness of the prediction by ANN for the analysis of results of IVF treatment. Results for the PCA-ANN approach proved to be slightly better than the ANN approach, however the obtained differences were not statistically significant.
Selection of Phase Space Reconstruction Parameters for EMG Signals of the Uterus
Authors: Brzozowska Ewelina , Borowska Marta
Published: January 2017

Biological time series have a finite number of samples with noise included in them. Because of this fact, it is not possible to reconstruct phase space in an ideal manner. One kind of biomedical signals are electrohisterographical (EHG) datasets, which represent uterine muscle contractile activity. In the process of phase space reconstruction, the most important thing is suitable choice of the method for calculating the time delay τ and embedding dimension d, which will reliably reconstruct the original signal. The parameters used in digital signal processing are key to arranging adequate parameters of the analysed attractor embedded in the phase space. The aim of this paper is to present a method employed for phase space reconstruction for EHG signals that will make it possible for their further analysis to be carried out.
Early-Stage Pilot Study on Using Fractional-Order Calculus-Based Filtering for the Purpose of Analysis of Electroencephalography Signals
Authors: Kawala-Janik Aleksandra , Bauer Waldemar , Żołubak Magda , Baranowski Jerzy
Published: January 2017

Analysis of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals has recently awoken the increased interest of numerous researchers all around the world with regard to rapid development of Brain-Computer Interaction-related research areas and because EEG signals are implemented in most of the non-invasive BCI systems, as they provide necessary information regarding activity of the brain. In this paper, a very early stage pilot study on implementation of filtering based on fractional-order calculus (Bi-Fractional Filters – BFF) for the purpose of EEG signal classification is presented in brief.
E-learning for Part-Time Medical Studies
Authors: Półjanowicz Wiesław , Latosiewicz Robert , Kołodziejczak Barbara , Roszak Magdalena
Published: January 2017

Distance education undoubtedly has many advantages, such as individualization of the learning process, unified transmission of teaching materials, the opportunity to study at any place and any time, reduction of financial costs for commuting to classes or accommodation of participants, etc. Adequate working conditions on the e-learning portal must also be present, eg. well-prepared, substantive courses and good communication between the participants. Therefore, an important element in the process of conducting e-learning courses is to measure the increase of knowledge and satisfaction of participants with distance learning. It allows for fine-tuning the content of the course and for classes to be properly organized. This paper presents the results of teaching and assessment of satisfaction with e-learning courses in “Problems of multiculturalism in medicine”, “Selected issues of visual rehabilitation” and “Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Nursing”, which were carried out experimentally at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok for nursing students for the 2010/2011 academic year. The study group consisted of 72 part-time students who learnt in e-learning mode and the control group of 87 students who learnt in the traditional way. The students’ opinions about the teaching process and final exam scores were analyzed based on a specially prepared survey questionnaire. Organization of e-learning classes was rated positively by 90% of students. The average result on the final exams for all distance learning subjects was at the level of 82%, while for classes taught in the traditional form it was 81%. Based on these results, we conclude that distance learning is as effective as learning according to the traditional form in medical education studies.
Fringe projection profilometry using rigid and flexible endoscopes
Authors: Matthias Steffen , Schlobohm Jochen , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: January 2017

Quality control is an important aspect of modern production processes. Obtaining quantitative information not only helps
to ensure the function of machinery and products, but also enables cost reduction by feedback control of process
parameters. A multitude of modern industrial applications feature an increasing amount of highly integrated machinery,
resulting in a requirement for new measuring devices. Two new measuring systems are presented for in-situ inspection tasks
in confined spaces. A combination of endoscopy techniques with structured illumination enables capturing areal 3-D
geometry information of functional elements in integrated machinery. Depending on the requirements for inspection, either
rigid or flexible image guides may be used to transport the structured light patterns. While a flexible endoscope allows
for a more flexible positioning of the sensor head, its resolution is limited by the number of individual fiber
cores. Alternatively, if constraints on the versatility of sensor positioning can be accepted, rigid endoscopes feature
higher image quality. Both approaches are described in detail and compared based on evaluations on features of
a calibrated micro contour standard.
Rheological Properties of Piezoresistive Smart Cement Slurry Modified With Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles for Oil-Well Applications
Authors: Vipulanandan C. , Mohammed A.
Published: January 2017

In this study, rheological properties and piezoresistivity of the oil-well smart cement slurry modified with iron-oxide nanoparticles (NanoFe2O3) at a water-to-cement ratio of 0.38 were investigated. Series of experiments were performed immediately after mixing to evaluate the piezoresistivity of the smart cement slurry with 0.1 % of conductive filler (CF) and up to 1 % NanoFe2O3 to identify the most reliable sensing property that can be relatively easily monitored. To evaluate the piezoresistive behavior the applied pressure was varied up to 5.5 MPa for the smart cement slurries with and without NanoFe2O3 in the high-pressure–high-temperature cylinder where a two-probe method was used with the impedance spectroscopy (IS) to measure the resistivity of the slurry. The shear-thinning behavior of the smart cement slurries, with and without NanoFe2O3, have been quantified using the new hyperbolic rheological model and compared with the Vocadlo model with three material parameters. The results showed that the hyperbolic rheological model predicated the shear-thinning relationship between the shear-stress and shear-strain rate of the smart cement slurries very well. Based on the hyperbolic rheological model the maximum shear stresses produced by the smart cement slurries modified with 0 %, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % were 183 Pa, 199 Pa, 232 Pa, and 300 Pa, respectively. The resistivity of the basic cement slurry did not change with pressure. The electrical resistivity of the smart cement slurries with and without NanoFe2O3 decreased with increasing the pressure. The smart cement without and with 1 % NanoFe2O3 additive changed its resistivity by 14 % and 24 %, respectively, when the pressure was increased to 5.5 MPa. A piezoresistivity (stress-resistivity) model was developed to predict the observed piezoresistive behavior of the smart cement slurry and can be used to predict the pressure on the smart cement.
Gap Junction–Mediated Signaling from Motor Neurons Regulates Motor Generation in the Central Circuits of LarvalDrosophila
Authors: Matsunaga Teruyuki , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao
Published: January 2017

In this study, we used the peristaltic crawling ofDrosophilalarvae as a model to study how motor patterns are regulated by central circuits. We built an experimental system that allows simultaneous application of optogenetics and calcium imaging to the isolated ventral nerve cord (VNC). We then investigated the effects of manipulating local activity of motor neurons (MNs) on fictive locomotion observed as waves of MN activity propagating along neuromeres. Optical inhibition of MNs with halorhodopsin3 in a middle segment (A4, A5, or A6), but not other segments, dramatically decreased the frequency of the motor waves. Conversely, local activation of MNs with channelrhodopsin2 in a posterior segment (A6 or A7) increased the frequency of the motor waves. Since peripheral nerves mediating sensory feedback were severed in the VNC preparation, these results indicate that MNs send signals to the central circuits to regulate motor pattern generation. Our results also indicate segmental specificity in the roles of MNs in motor control. The effects of the local MN activity manipulation were lost inshaking-B2(shakB2) orogre2, gap-junction mutations inDrosophila, or upon acute application of the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone, implicating electrical synapses in the signaling from MNs. Cell-type-specific RNAi suggestedshakBandogrefunction in MNs and interneurons, respectively, during the signaling. Our results not only reveal an unexpected role for MNs in motor pattern regulation, but also introduce a powerful experimental system that enables examination of the input–output relationship among the component neurons in this system.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMotor neurons are generally considered passive players in motor pattern generation, simply relaying information from upstream interneuronal circuits to the target muscles. This study shows instead that MNs play active roles in the control of motor generation by conveying information via gap junctions to the central pattern-generating circuits in larvalDrosophila, providing novel insights into motor circuit control. The experimental system introduced in this study also presents a new approach for studying intersegmentally coordinated locomotion. Unlike traditional electrophysiology methods, this system enables the simultaneous recording and manipulation of populations of neurons that are genetically specified and span multiple segments.
Target Cell Type-Dependent Differences in Ca2+Channel Function Underlie Distinct Release Probabilities at Hippocampal Glutamatergic Terminals
Authors: Éltes Tímea , Kirizs Tekla , Nusser Zoltan , Holderith Noemi
Published: January 2017

Target cell type-dependent differences in presynaptic release probability (Pr) and short-term plasticity are intriguing features of cortical microcircuits that increase the computational power of neuronal networks. Here, we tested the hypothesis that different voltage-gated Ca2+channel densities in presynaptic active zones (AZs) underlie differentPrvalues. Two-photon Ca2+imaging, triple immunofluorescent labeling, and 3D electron microscopic (EM) reconstruction of rat CA3 pyramidal cell axon terminals revealed ∼1.7–1.9 times higher Ca2+inflow per AZ area in highPrboutons synapsing onto parvalbumin-positive interneurons (INs) than in lowPrboutons synapsing onto mGluR1α-positive INs. EM replica immunogold labeling, however, demonstrated only 1.15 times larger Cav2.1 and Cav2.2 subunit densities in highPrAZs. Our results indicate target cell type-specific modulation of voltage-gated Ca2+channel function or different subunit composition as possible mechanisms underlying the functional differences. In addition, highPrsynapses are also characterized by a higher density of docked vesicles, suggesting that a concerted action of these mechanisms underlies the functional differences.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTarget cell type-dependent variability in presynaptic properties is an intriguing feature of cortical synapses. When a single cortical pyramidal cell establishes a synapse onto a somatostatin-expressing interneuron (IN), the synapse releases glutamate with low probability, whereas the next bouton of the same axon has high release probability when its postsynaptic target is a parvalbumin-expressing IN. Here, we used combined molecular, imaging, and anatomical approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying these differences. Our functional experiments implied an approximately twofold larger Ca2+channel density in high release probability boutons, whereas freeze–fracture immunolocalization demonstrated only a 15% difference in Ca2+channel subunit densities. Our results point toward a postsynaptic target cell type-dependent regulation of Ca2+channel function or different subunit composition as the underlying mechanism.
Sexual Dimorphism in a Reciprocal Interaction of Ryanodine and IP3Receptors in the Induction of Hyperalgesic Priming
Authors: Khomula Eugen V. , Ferrari Luiz F. , Araldi Dionéia , Levine Jon D.
Published: January 2017

Hyperalgesic priming, a model of pain chronification in the rat, is mediated by ryanodine receptor-dependent calcium release. Although ryanodine induces priming in both sexes, females are 5 orders of magnitude more sensitive, by an estrogen receptor α (EsRα)-dependent mechanism. An inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor prevented the induction of priming by ryanodine. For IP3induced priming, females were also more sensitive. IP3-induced priming was prevented by pretreatment with inhibitors of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase and ryanodine receptor. Antisense to EsRα prevented the induction of priming by low-dose IP3in females. The induction of priming by an EsRα agonist was ryanodine receptor-dependent and prevented by the IP3antagonist. Thus, an EsRα-dependent bidirectional interaction between endoplasmic reticulum IP3and ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium signaling is present in the induction of hyperalgesic priming, in females. In cultured male DRG neurons, IP3(100 μm) potentiated depolarization-induced transients produced by extracellular application of high-potassium solution (20 mm, K20), in nociceptors incubated with β-estradiol. This potentiation of depolarization-induced calcium transients was blocked by the IP3antagonist, and not observed in the absence of IP3. IP3potentiation was also blocked by ryanodine receptor antagonist. The application of ryanodine (2 nm), instead of IP3, also potentiated K20-induced calcium transients in the presence of β-estradiol, in an IP3receptor-dependent manner. Our results point to an EsRα-dependent, reciprocal interaction between IP3and ryanodine receptors that contributes to sex differences in hyperalgesic priming.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe present study demonstrates a mechanism that plays a role in the marked sexual dimorphism observed in a model of the transition to chronic pain, hyperalgesic priming. This mechanism involves a reciprocal interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum receptors, IP3and ryanodine, in the induction of priming, regulated by estrogen receptor α in the nociceptor of female rats. The presence of this signaling pathway modulating the susceptibility of nociceptors to develop plasticity may contribute to our understanding of sex differences observed clinically in chronic pain syndromes.
O-GlcNAc Transferase Is Essential for Sensory Neuron Survival and Maintenance
Authors: Su Cathy , Schwarz Thomas L.
Published: January 2017

O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) regulates a wide range of cellular processes through the addition of theO-GlcNAc sugar moiety to thousands of protein substrates. Because nutrient availability affects the activity of OGT, its role has been broadly studied in metabolic tissues. OGT is enriched in the nervous system, but little is known about its importance in basic neuronal processesin vivo. Here, we show that OGT is essential for sensory neuron survival and maintenance in mice. Sensory neuron-specific knock-out of OGT results in behavioral hyposensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli accompanied by decreased epidermal innervation and cell-body loss in the dorsal root ganglia. These effects are observed early in postnatal development and progress as animals age. Cultured sensory neurons lacking OGT also exhibit decreased axonal outgrowth. The effects on neuronal healthin vivoare not solely due to disruption of developmental processes, because inducing OGT knock-out in the sensory neurons of adult mice results in a similar decrease in nerve fiber endings and cell bodies. Significant nerve-ending loss occurs before a decrease in cell bodies; this phenotype is indicative of axonal dieback that progresses to neuronal death. Our findings demonstrate that OGT is important in regulating axonal maintenance in the periphery and the overall health and survival of sensory neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe show the importance ofO-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) for sensory neuron health and survivalin vivo. This study is the first to find that loss of OGT results in neuronal cell death. Moreover, it suggests that aberrantO-GlcNAc signaling can contribute to the development of neuropathy. The sensory neurons lie outside of the blood–brain barrier and therefore, compared to central neurons, may have a greater need for mechanisms of metabolic sensing and compensation. Peripheral sensory neurons in particular are subject to degeneration in diabetes. Our findings provide a foundation for understanding the role of OGT under normal physiological conditions in the peripheral nervous system. This knowledge will be important for gaining greater insight into such disease states as diabetic neuropathy.
A Deletion Variant of the α2b-Adrenoceptor Modulates the Stress-Induced Shift from “Cognitive” to “Habit” Memory
Authors: Wirz Lisa , Wacker Jan , Felten Andrea , Reuter Martin , Schwabe Lars
Published: January 2017

Stress induces a shift from hippocampus-based “cognitive” toward dorsal striatum-based “habitual” learning and memory. This shift is thought to have important implications for stress-related psychopathologies, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is large individual variability in the stress-induced bias toward habit memory, and the factors underlying this variability are completely unknown. Here we hypothesized that a functional deletion variant of the gene encoding the α2b-adrenoceptor (ADRA2B), which has been linked to emotional memory processes and increased PTSD risk, modulates the stress-induced shift from cognitive toward habit memory. In two independent experimental studies, healthy humans were genotyped for theADRA2Bdeletion variant. After a stress or control manipulation, participants completed a dual-solution learning task while electroencephalographic (Study I) or fMRI measurements (Study II) were taken. Carriers compared with noncarriers of theADRA2Bdeletion variant exhibited a significantly reduced bias toward habit memory after stress. fMRI results indicated that, whereas noncarriers of theADRA2Bdeletion variant showed increased functional connectivity between amygdala and putamen after stress, this increase in connectivity was absent in carriers of the deletion variant, who instead showed overall enhanced connectivity between amygdala and entorhinal cortex. Our results indicate that a common genetic variation of the noradrenergic system modulates the impact of stress on the balance between cognitive and habitual memory systems, most likely via altered amygdala orchestration of these systems.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStressful events have a powerful effect on human learning and memory. Specifically, accumulating evidence suggests that stress favors more rigid dorsal striatum-dependent habit memory, at the expense of flexible hippocampus-dependent cognitive memory. Although this shift may have important implications for understanding mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, little is known about the source of individual differences in the sensitivity for the stress-induced bias toward habit memory. We report here that a common genetic variation of the noradrenergic system, a known risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder, modulates the stress-induced shift from cognitive to habit memory, most likely through altered crosstalk between the hippocampus and dorsal striatum with the amygdala, a key structure in emotional memory.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: update on the management of adult patients and prenatal treatment
Authors: Bachelot Anne , Grouthier Virginie , Courtillot Carine , Dulon Jérôme , Touraine Philippe
Published: January 2017

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is characterized by cortisol and in some cases aldosterone deficiency associated with androgen excess. Goals of treatment are to replace deficient hormones and control androgen excess, while avoiding the adverse effects of exogenous glucocorticoid. Over the last 5 years, cohorts of adults with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency from Europe and the United States have been described, allowing us to have a better knowledge of long-term complications of the disease and its treatment. Patients with CAH have increased mortality, morbidity and risk for infertility and metabolic disorders. These comorbidities are due in part to the drawbacks of the currently available glucocorticoid therapy. Consequently, novel therapies are being developed and studied in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. New management strategies in the care of pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia using fetal sex determination and dexamethasone have also been described, but remain a subject of debate. We focused the present overview on the data published in the last 5 years, concentrating on studies dealing with cardiovascular risk, fertility, treatment and prenatal management in adults with classic CAH to provide the reader with an updated review on this rapidly evolving field of knowledge.
Role of the testis interstitial compartment in spermatogonial stem cell function
Authors: Potter Sarah J , DeFalco Tony
Published: January 2017

Intricate cellular and molecular interactions ensure that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proceed in a step-wise differentiation process through spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis to produce sperm. SSCs lie within the seminiferous tubule compartment, which provides a nurturing environment for the development of sperm. Cells outside of the tubules, such as interstitial and peritubular cells, also help direct SSC activity. This review focuses on interstitial (interstitial macrophages, Leydig cells and vasculature) and peritubular (peritubular macrophages and peritubular myoid cells) cells and their role in regulating the SSC self-renewal and differentiation in mammals. Leydig cells, the major steroidogenic cells in the testis, influence SSCs through secreted factors, such as insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) and colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1). Macrophages interact with SSCs through various potential mechanisms, such as CSF1 and retinoic acid (RA), to induce the proliferation or differentiation of SSCs respectively. Vasculature influences SSC dynamics through CSF1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and by regulating oxygen levels. Lastly, peritubular myoid cells produce one of the most well-known factors that is required for SSC self-renewal, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as well as CSF1. Overall, SSC interactions with interstitial and peritubular cells are critical for SSC function and are an important underlying factor promoting male fertility.
La influencia del género sobre el comportamiento político de las mujeres españolas (2000-2011)
Authors: Ramírez Dueñas José María
Published: January 2017

Este artículo se plantea como un estudio acerca del comportamiento y de la cultura política de las españolas durante la última década hasta las elecciones generales celebradas en el año 2011. Pese a que los estudios previos han reconocido una cierta tendencia conservadora, las encuestas postelectorales del Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas nos permiten llegar a cuantificar cómo y de qué manera se desarrollan las mujeres en la esfera pública. Con el aumento de la participación electoral por encima de la de los hombres, y sobre todo, la estandarización de los valores de cultura política, podemos afirmar que ambos han llegado a ejercer un comportamiento electoral muy similar.
El voto extraterritorial en Uruguay. Inequidades y asimetrías en una trama política transnacional
Authors: Merenson Silvina
Published: January 2017

A partir de los resultados de un estudio etnografíco multisituado este artículo describe e historiza dos procesos íntimamente asociados a las prácticas políticas y al ejercicio de la ciudadanía transnacional para el caso de las y los uruguayos residentes en Argentina. El primero es el proceso de estatización de la demanda por el derecho al voto extraterritorial y, el segundo, es el proceso de institucionalización de la gestión, movilización y desplazamiento del electorado frenteamplista. En este artículo, ambos procesos ofician como acceso a una dimensión de las prácticas políticas y cívicas transnacionales que, por lo general, ha sido poco explorada por parte de la literatura específica: las asimetrías e inequidades reproducidas en la propia acción transnacional que, en este caso, paradójicamente, la perspectiva nativa presenta como una respuesta posible a la desigualdad generada por la ausencia de un marco normativo que habilite el “voto a distancia”.
A Challenge for Equity Markets on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Can Liquidity be Augmented, Volatility Better Controlled, and Price Discovery Sharpened?
Authors: Schwartz Robert A.
Published: January 2017

After suggesting that optimizing equity market structure remains a work in progress (as it has for the past five decades), the paper focuses on liquidity provision – a critical determinant of market quality – and its associations with intraday volatility and price discovery. Controlling intraday volatility and sharpening price discovery is of critical importance, it is not a simple matter, and it depends on market structure. After considering each term separately, we call attention to the public goods property of price discovery, set forth the traditional suppliers of liquidity (market makers, high frequency traders, and limit order placers), and contrast continuous and call auction trading. As liquidity is widely thought to be insufficient in equity markets in the US and Europe, we stress that listed companies should provide supplemental liquidity for their own shares and, to this end, we address a proposal that formalizes a corporate involvement.
Corporate Governance of Banks – A German Alternative to the Standard Model
Authors: Kotz Hans-Helmut , Schmidt Reinhard H.
Published: January 2017

The paper provides an overview and an economic analysis of the development of the corporate governance of German banks since the 1950s, highlighting peculiarities – as seen from the meanwhile prevailing standard model perspective – of the German case. These peculiarities refer to the specific German notion and legal-institutional regime of corporate governance in general as well as to the specific three-pillar structure of the German banking system.

The most striking changes in the corporate governance of German banks during the past 50 years occurred in the case of the large shareholder-owned banks. For them, capital markets have become an important element of corporate governance, and their former orientation towards the interests of a broadly defined set of stakeholders has largely been replaced by a one-sided concentration on shareholders’ interests. In contrast, the corporate governance regimes of the smaller local public savings banks and the local cooperative banks have remained virtually unchanged. They acknowledge a broader horizon of stakeholder interests and put an emphasis on monitoring via the auditing divisions of the respective associations.

The Great Financial Crisis, beginning in 2007, has led to a considerable reassessment in the academic and political debate on bank governance. On an international level, it has revived the older notion that, in view of their high leverage and their innate complexity, banks are “special” and bank corporate governance also – and needs to be seen in this light, not least because research indicates that banks with a strong and one-sided shareholder orientation – and thus with what appears to be the best corporate governance according to the standard model – have suffered most in the crisis. In the German case, the crisis has shown that the smaller local banks have survived the crisis much better than large private and public banks, whose funding strongly depends on wholesale markets. This may point to certain advantages of their governance and ownership regimes. But the differences in the performance during the crisis years may also, or even more so, be a consequence of the business models of large vs small banks than of their different governance regimes.
Polylactic Acid Bionanocomposites Filled with Nanocrystalline Cellulose from TEMPO-Oxidized Oil Palm Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Indarti Eti , Roslan Rohaizu , Husin Marwan , Wan Daud Wan Rosli
Published: January 2017

Bionanocomposites from polylactic acid (PLA) filled with unmodified nanocrystalline cellulose from TEMPO-oxidized oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB-NCC) at various loading levels were fabricated using the solvent casting technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATF-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical analyses were used to characterize the bionanocomposite films. FTIR suggested that the incorporation of the OPEFB-NCC was based on physical interaction. The melting temperature did not change markedly except at higher OPEFB-NCC additions, while the crystallization temperature shifted to lower temperatures and crystallinity increased with increasing OPEFB-NCC content.The SEM of cryo-fractured films indicated a rather weak compatibility between the OPEFB-NCC and PLA, resulting in the decrease of both the modulus and the tensile strength of the bionanocomposite.
A história por trás da foto
Authors: B. de Barros Luiz Felipe
Published: January 2017

Este artigo, intitulado “A história por trás da foto”, tem por objetivo resgatar uma passagem singular e esquecida da aviação comercial brasileira, especialmente nas décadas de 1930 e 1940. Utiliza-se o método monográfico e bibliográfico para, a partir da análise detalhada de uma fotografia sem qualquer relevância, descortinar e revelar a forte influência germânica na América do Sul. Mostra-se os reflexos da cultura germânica, principalmente no modal aéreo, bem como as particularidades das relações Brasil-Alemanha-Brasil após a Primeira Guerra Mundial.********************************************************************A story behind the photoAbstract: This article, entitled “The story behind the photo”, aims to examine a unique and forgotten period from Brazilian commercial aviation, principally from the decades of the 1930s and 1940s. The monographic and bibliographic method attempts, from a detailed analysis of the photograph, to discover and reveal the strong Germanic influence in South America. It shows the effects of the German culture, especially on air transportation, as well as the characteristics of the Brazil-Germany-Brazil relationship after the First World War.Keywords: History of Aviation; Photography; Aircraft; Porto Alegre
El impacto de la violencia en la vida cotidiana de los pueblos nahuas del estado de Guerrero, México
Authors: Díaz Vásquez Rosalba , Díaz Vázquez María del Carmen
Published: January 2017

El ensayo aborda el impacto de la violencia en la región Montaña Baja del estado de Guerrero, específicamente, en comunidades nahuas pertenecientes a los municipios de Chilapa y Zitlala. Nos interesa poner atención en estos porque, en su mayoría, están poblados por los nahuas, uno de los cuatro pueblos originarios que subsisten en el estado y que ha resistido históricamente a la represión, a la pobreza y a la exclusión. Si bien la historia del estado  se ha caracterizado por la presencia de los múltiples rostros de la violencia, en años recientes esta se ha intensificado a raíz de la proliferación de los grupos de la llamada delincuencia organizada,de la irrupción del ejército y de las fuerzas de seguridad en la región. Ante esta situación, la vida cotidiana de las comunidades, se ha trastocado, no obstante, desde ahí han surgido importantes formas de resistencia comunitaria.
Estrategias discursivas y persuasivas de la inseguridad ciudadana en Costa Rica: un análisis de productos mediáticos generados en el período 2008-2010
Authors: Bustos Mora Giselle
Published: January 2017

Este artículo está dedicado a explorar las estrategias discursivas utilizadas por las diversas voces (actores sociales) para persuadir a sus públicos de la validez de sus agendas públicas en el tema de la inseguridad ciudadana en Costa Rica y conseguir determinados objetivos. Esto permite identificar no solo las temáticas planteadas, sino también los recursos argumentativos y retóricos utilizados como formas persuasivas del discurso. Para deconstruir estas estrategias, se utiliza el concepto “mundo posible”, un modelo de realidad en el cual las voces asumen ciertos supuestos sobre el auditorio (sociedad costarricense) y construye un universo interpretativo. Este texto pone de relieve la relevancia de la dimensión discursiva en la comprensión del fenómeno de la inseguridad ciudadana aunque no pretende agotarle. Las estrategias son abordadas en productos mediáticos correspondientes al período 2008-2010 que se emitieron en el marco de la campaña electoral 2010-2014.
El escalamiento hacia los Consejos Comunales en comunidades indígenas pemón de la Guayana Venezolana
Authors: Sánchez Becker
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se analizan las dinámicas socio-políticas de los pueblos indígenas (1940-2015). Se pasa revista a las modificaciones en sus relaciones con el Estado, a partir del gobierno de Hugo Chávez, que reconoció y reposicionó su sistema político, identidades y patrones culturales, pero incorporó en sus comunidades una figura organizativa que denominó Consejo Comunal, generando diversas interpretaciones socio-institucionales. Reconstruimos también su organización, tradición jurídica y participación política desde las lógicas gubernamentales en décadas recientes. Temas abordados con una investigación empírica al sur de Venezuela, con énfasis en el pueblo pemón y sus interacciones internas y externas. Los resultados ilustran cómo los indígenas han tratado con su complejo sistema de organización defender entre otros asuntos; su indivisibilidad socio-territorial. Se concluye en que el discurso y la práctica indígena han incidido en las políticas públicas, instrumentos legales y estrategias de gobierno en los últimos años.
Portada
Authors: Revista Portada
Published: January 2017

Revista de Filología y Lingüística de la Universidad de Costa Rica
Representaciones de lo monstruoso en el sũwõ', en la tradición oral bribri
Authors: Jara-Murillo Carla Victoria
Published: January 2017

En este trabajo se describe el concepto de sũwõ', código de comportamientos que Sibö̀, el dios de los bribris, dejó a este pueblo indígena y que se transmite mediante la tradición oral. En ese marco, se aborda la temática de los seres mitológicos, dentro de los cuales se encuentran los bë́ 'diablos y otras entidades nocivas'. Los íyiwak sulùsi, monstruos que castigan el incesto, pertenecen a ese grupo. Se ejemplifica la representación de lo monstruoso en esta tradición oral a partir de estos seres mitológicos.
Esos "monstruos de codicia y aun de lujuria": El cura y el alcalde, seguimiento a una crítica del poder en la literatura latinoamericana en Aves sin nido y Huasipungo
Authors: Chen-Sham Jorge
Published: January 2017

En relación con el poder y la crítica de las autoridades que la ejerce, con Aves sin nido (1889), de Clorinda Matto de Turner, se perfilan dos figuras que la literatura latinoamericana catapulta, a la hora de desarrollar y atacar los desmanes del poder: se trata del alcalde (el gobernador en este caso concreto) y el cura, que Matto de Turner vilipendia y censura duramente desde el inicio de su novela, llamándolos “monstruos de codicia y aun de lujuria”. Este artículo observa los alcances de lo monstruoso con figura humana y analiza la persistencia de la misma crítica en otra gran novela de la crítica social de la región andina, como lo es Huasipungo (1934), de Jorge Icaza, en donde ahora la censura del par cura/gobernador se dirige hacia el cura/latifundista. El punto de vista asumido en el análisis implica observarlos como tipos que ya la sátira clásica denuncia en relación con el poder y la prevaricación de sus cargos.
Monstruos fantásticos en la literatura costarricense
Authors: Chaves José Ricardo
Published: January 2017

A partir del concepto de hibridez como base de lo monstruoso, se hace una revisión cronológica de algunas apariciones teratológicas en la literatura costarricense, desde sus inicios a fines del siglo XIX y principios del XX, con la incorporación de seres de la mitología popular (del tipo de la Segua, la Llorona o el Cadejos) o de la mitología clásica (la sirena), en autores como Manuel Argüello Mora o Joaquín García Monge, pasando por reapropiaciones góticas como en Jenaro Cardona, hasta las formas más modernas, como las de Alfredo Cardona Peña, Eunice Odio, Myriam Bustos y Rafael Ángel Herra.
Alegorías monstruosas de lo político en "El jaspe" de Fabián Dobles y "Madera de troles" de Alexánder Obando
Authors: Villalobos-Villalobos Carlos Manuel
Published: January 2017

De acuerdo con Rafael Ángel Herra, en su libro Lo monstruoso y lo bello (1988), el monstruo funciona como un signo que muestra y demuestra un sentido profundo. Esta comunicación considera dos cuentos costarricenses, desde esta perspectiva, que abordan el efecto monstruoso como máscara semiótica. Se trata de los relatos “El Jaspe” de Fabián Dobles y “Madera de troles” de Alexander Obando. Ambos textos coinciden en la función pragmática, pues se trata de dos propuestas que aluden a trasfondos políticos sociales costarricenses. En el caso de “El Jaspe” trata de la apropiación de tierras por parte de la Compañía Bananera y en “Madera de troles” se alude al escándalo de corrupción que protagonizó el expresidente Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, con el tema de los fondos finlandeses. Como parte de las conclusiones se plantea que estos relatos trascienden lo fantástico, pues se inscriben en el ámbito de lo alegórico.