bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher serum caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 levels during the first week of sepsis diagnosis in non-survivor patients
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M. , Pérez-Cejas Antonia , López Raquel Ortiz , Ferreres José , Solé-Violán Jordi , Labarta Lorenzo , Díaz César , Palmero Salomé , Buitrago Manuel , Jiménez Alejandro , Borreguero-León Juan M.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Caspase-cleaved cytokeratin (CCCK)-18 is a protein released into the blood during apoptosis. Higher circulating CCCK-18 concentrations have been found in non-survivor than in survivor septic patients at moment of sepsis diagnosis. The following questions arise now: (1) How are serum CCCK-18 levels during the first week of sepsis? (2) Is there an association between sepsis severity and mortality and serum CCCK-18 levels during the first week? The aims of this study were to answer these questions.

Methods:

Multicenter study with 321 severe septic patients from eight Spanish intensive care units. We determined serum concentration of CCCK-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-10 during the first week. Our end-point study was 30-day mortality.

Results:

Non-survivor (n=108) compared to survivor patients (n=213) showed higher serum CCCK-18 levels at days 1, 4 and 8 (p<0.001). ROC curve analyses showed that serum CCCK-18 levels at days 1 (AUC=0.77; 95% CI=0.72–0.82), 4 (AUC=0.81; 95% CI=0.76–0.85) and 8 (AUC=0.83; 95% CI=0.78–0.88) could predict mortality at 30 days (p<0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that serum CCCK-18 levels at days 1 (OR=4.367; 95% CI=2.491–7.659), 4 (OR=10.137; 95% CI=4.741–21.678) and 8 (OR=8.781; 95% CI=3.626–21.268) were associated with 30-day mortality (p<0.001). We found a positive correlation between CCCK-18, SOFA, and lactic acid at days 1, 4 and 8.

Conclusions:

Non-survivor septic patients showed persistently during the first week higher serum CCCK-18 levels than survivor patients, and there is an association between sepsis severity and mortality and serum CCCK-18 levels during the first week.
Policy Implementation: Lessons from the Chilean Policy on Public Management Modernization
Authors: Olavarria-Gambi Mauricio
Published: March 2017

This paper analyses the implementation of public management modernization policy between 1990 and 2013, applying the taxonomy by Hasenfeld and Brock (1991). Information analysed in this study comes from 67 interviews with actors who have played key roles in the implementation of modernization initiatives, as well as from official documents, and academic literature. The findings of the study suggest that taxonomy is useful in characterizing the organizational and inter-organizational behavioural patterns that influence policy implementation;also, that the prevalent driving forces help to understand the dynamic of implementation and what capacities, abilities and strategies are required to put into practice a concrete public policy, which appear to be linked to the context in which implementation takes place.
The Determinants Of European Union (EU) Foreign Direct Investments In The EU Countries From Central And Eastern Europe During 1994–2012
Authors: Tang Donny
Published: March 2017

This study examines whether the CEECs’ financial market development can explain the EU FDI in the CEECs during 1994–2012. The higher bank credit flows had a positive effect on the FDI in 2005–2012. This can be attributed to the major banking sector reforms undertaken before the CEECs’ EU accession. Second, the stock market size had a positive effect in 1997–2004. This is due to the fact that the EU membership announcement facilitated deeper stock market integration. Third, the higher country income, in interaction with a higher bank credit flow, had only a small positive effect in 2005–2012. The higher income CEECs have pursued much deeper bank liberalization through large-scale privatization of state-owned banks. Finally, the higher country income, in interaction with a larger stock market size, had a negative effect in 2005–2012. A possible reason for this is that the EU countries have started to divert their new FDI to the non-EU countries.
Millenium Development Goals/UN And Sustainable Development Goals/UN As Instruments For Realising Sustainable Development Concept In The Global Economy
Authors: Wysokińska Zofia
Published: March 2017

This article presents the results of analysis and evaluation of the main effects of the implementation of the eight UN Millennium Development Goals, in force until 2015, and to demonstrate differences between and prospects for implementation of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, covering 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community for the next 15 years. The article also presents the contribution of the European Union as a key global donor of development aid for developing countries, especially for the least developed countries (LDCs), as well as plans for Poland’s implementation of the Post-2015 Agenda SDGs.
Morphological Characterization and a Morphometry Map for Varroa Mites from Northwest of Egypt
Authors: Abou-Shaara H.F. , Tabikha R.M.
Published: March 2017

Varroa mite,Varroa destructor, is the most destructive factor to western honey bee colonies worldwide. In 1904, Varroa was firstly recorded on honey bees, at the beginning it was hypothesized that Varroa is one species but recently this hypothesis has been considered to be incorrect. In 1983, Varroa mite was recorded in Egypt for first time. So far, a single study was done in Egypt to confirm Varroa species to beV. destructorand notVarroa jacobsonias it was previously thought. Still the exact haplotype of Varroa in Egypt is unknown. This study is a step towards the identification of Varroa in Egypt. Here, morphological investigations were performed on Varroa specimens belong to northwest Egypt (El-Behera governorate). Three characteristics only showed significant differences among districts, namely body width, genital shield width, and genital shield length/genital shield width (ratio II), while the rest of characteristics did not present any significant differences. The correlations among the characteristics were very weak, except body length which correlated significantly (P<0.05) with body width and genital shield width by 0.52 and 0.42, in respect. The study presented additional confirmation thatV. destructoris the current species infesting honey bee colonies in Egypt. Also, Varroa haplotype was identified to be the Korean one. A list of some morphological traits of Varroa mite was provided to enable further comparisons. A morphometry map for Varroa mites was also done using a geographical information system (GIS) to correlate between geographical locations and morphological characteristics. The morphometry map clearly classified studied districts, according to measured characteristics, into three classes as low, moderate and high. This study has a significant importance towards the fully understanding of Varroa populations in Egypt.
Transnational media representations and cultural convergence – An empirical study of cultural deterritorialization
Authors: Schlütz Daniela , Emde-Lachmund Katharina , Schneider Beate , Glanzner Bettina
Published: March 2017

This paper suggests a mediated model of cultural deterritorialization. It conceptualizes the relation between intercultural capital, perceived cultural proximity and exposure to transcultural media representations. Intercultural capital refers to knowledge about, and familiarity with other cultures. Perceived cultural proximity describes the individually varying perception of other (territorialized) cultures as close to one’s own culture. This perception of closeness results from identification with this other culture. The concept is to be distinguished from Straubhaar’s notion of cultural proximity designating a culturally bound individual’s tendency to prefer media content that is closer to his or her own cultural identity (Straubhaar, 1991, 2003, 2007, 2008). To test the proposed model we conducted an empirical study with 962 German respondents. We found empirical support for a relation between intercultural capital and perceived cultural proximity that was mediated by exposure to transnational media representations.
A Modified Double Multiple Nonlinear Regression Constitutive Equation for Modeling and Prediction of High Temperature Flow Behavior of BFe10-1-2 Alloy
Authors: Cai Jun , Wang Kuaishe , Shi Jiamin , Wang Wen , Liu Yingying
Published: March 2017

Constitutive analysis for hot working of BFe10-1-2 alloy was carried out by using experimental stress–strain data from isothermal hot compression tests, in a wide range of temperature of 1,023~1,273 K, and strain rate range of 0.001~10 s–1. A constitutive equation based on modified double multiple nonlinear regression was proposed considering the independent effects of strain, strain rate, temperature and their interrelation. The predicted flow stress data calculated from the developed equation was compared with the experimental data. Correlation coefficient (R), average absolute relative error (AARE) and relative errors were introduced to verify the validity of the developed constitutive equation. Subsequently, a comparative study was made on the capability of strain-compensated Arrhenius-type constitutive model. The results showed that the developed constitutive equation based on modified double multiple nonlinear regression could predict flow stress of BFe10-1-2 alloy with good correlation and generalization.
Hydrodynamic Study of a Gas–liquid–solid Bubble Column Employing CFD–BPBM Method
Authors: Li Weiling , Zhao Chuanwen , Lu Ping
Published: March 2017

The computational fluid dynamics – bubble population balance model (CFD–BPBM) was employed to predict the hydrodynamic characteristics of a gas–liquid–solid bubble column. A 3D time dependent numerical study was performed and the bubble size distributions at the conditions of different superficial gas velocity (0.089 m/s–0.22 m/s), solid volume fraction (0.03–0.30) and particle density (2500 kg/m3–4800 kg/m3) in the three–phase system were investigated, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results. The bubble diameters ranging from 1 mm to 64 mm were divided into ten classes. The predicted pressure changing with the bed height had a good agreemeet with the experimental result. The bubble number density predicted decreased when the bubble size increased at each superficial gas velocity, and the bubble coalescence rate became greater than the breakup rate when Ugshifted from 0.089 m/s to 0.16 m/s. The bubble interaction was similar at 0.16 m/s and 0.22 m/s both at particle size dp= 75 μm and 150 μm. The bubble size corresponding to the maximum of the bubble volume fraction increased as Ugincreased. The particles can make the bubble break up and coalesce simultaneously when the solid volume fraction was larger than 0.20, and therefore the particles had a contribution to both of the bubble coalescence and breakup in the bubble coalescence regime (Ug= 0.16 m/s). The effect of the particle density was similar with that of the solid volume fraction. Increasing the particle density can enhance the breakup rate of the large bubbles.
Optical Approach for Measuring Oxygen Mass Transfer in Stirred Tank Bioreactors
Authors: Martínez-Corona Jorge Isaac , Cisneros-Garza Rubén Rogelio , Robledo-Padilla Felipe , Parra-Saldívar Roberto , Treviño-Martínez Andrés Sebastián , Alvarez Alejandro J.
Published: March 2017

Bioreactor engineering allows modeling the conditions of real life biological processes. Particularly, oxygen represents one of the most important factors for life, and the understanding and control of its mass transfer in bioreactors is one of the most challenging problems in the industry. The aim of this study was to develop an optical approach for measuring the oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa). An assembly was constructed for this purpose, consisting of a stirred tank bioreactor, a high-intensity light source, a luminometer and a digital camera. Air flux supply and stirring velocity of the bioreactor were tested over a range of thirty-five values. The air bubbles generated were counted and their diameters were measured from photographs. The luminometer measured light obstruction due to bubbles. A polarography electrode sensor measured the dissolved oxygen in water to correlate it with the optical approach. The results showed a close correlation between kLa and light obstructed due to bubbles of air. The bubble diameter and holdup results suggest that the size of the bubbles decreases and becomes more homogeneous as stirring speed increases. A multivariable linear model for kLa as a function of the measured light obstruction and air flux injection was constructed. A strong correlation between this model and results was obtained. This approach avoids the need for chemical sensors for sensing systems, with a noninvasive and nondestructive methodology to determine the kLa for dilute solutions. This technique could be developed to evaluate a scaled-up bioreactor before running a bioprocess.
Microwave-Driven Sugar Beet Pulp Liquefaction in Polyhydric Alcohols
Authors: Zheng Zhao-Qi , Liu Yi , Li Dong , Wang Li‐jun , Adhikari Benu , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: March 2017

Liquefaction of sugar beet pulp (SBP) was carried out using microwave irradiation as the heating source, ethylene glycol/glycerol at a ratio of 80/20 (w/w) as the liquefaction solvent and sulfuric acid as the catalyst at 160 °C. The effects of different liquefaction conditions, including two particle size ranges of SBP, liquefying solvent-to-SBP solids (LS/S) ratio and reaction time on the liquefaction yield, viscosity of the liquefaction products, chemical characteristics and morphology of residues were studied using viscometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The efficiency of liquefaction of SBP was found to depend on its particle size of SBP raw material and the LS/S ratio. The smaller SBP particles improved liquefaction efficiency and reduced the amount of solvent required. The crystallinity index of liquefaction residues indicated that crystalline cellulose was no longer the rate limiting factor of liquefaction process when the particle size of SBP was small (75–177 μm). A rugged and deformed surface of the liquefaction residue (observed through SEM) indicated that severe damage in the native fiber structure occurred during the liquefaction.
Microwave Drying Characteristics of Soybeans in Single and Variable Microwave Power Density
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Zhang Lijuan , Lei Kun , Xu Qing , Tian Wei , Li Zhanyong
Published: March 2017

Drying characteristics of soybeans under different microwave (MW) processing schemes were studied in regard to energy aspects. For drying in a single microwave power density, the experiments were carried out at a constant MW output power throughout the process. It was found that the drying rate is enhanced together with reduced energy consumption at higher single power density, but the soybean cracking ratio is increased gradually from 2 % to 40 % when the power density was changed from 0.2 W/g to 0.8 W/g. Efforts were made to reach a compromise between the drying rate and dried soybean quality by varying the MW power density in several steps overall the drying process, but soybean cracking occurred at a higher ratio due to the fluctuation of drying rate. Microwave drying of soybeans under the power density less than 0.2 W/g with slow and stable drying rate can achieve the soybean cracking ratio controlled within 5 % and lower energy consumption.
In vivo analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory potential of leaf extracts and fractions of Eria javanica
Authors: Bhuiya N. M. Mahmudul Alam , Hasan Mahmud , Mahmud Zobaer Al , Qais Nazmul , Kabir Mohammad Shah Hafez , Ahmed Farhan , Uddin Mir Muhammad Nasir
Published: March 2017

Background

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract, methanolic extract and n-hexane and chloroform-soluble fractions of methanolic extract of Eria javanica leaves in animal model (rat and mice).

Methods

The anti-nociceptive potentials of the extracts were studied using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and the antipyretic activity was investigated using yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity test was done on rats at a dose by using carrageenan-induced paw edema test.

Results

In acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition study in Swiss albino mice, the crude methanolic extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses and the n-hexane soluble fraction of crude methanolic extract at 400 mg/kg showed statistically significant activity with 53.21 % (p<0.001), 50.36 % (p<0.001) and 67.86 % (p<0.001) inhibition respectively compared to control. The crude ethanolic extract showed statistically significant antipyretic activity from 1 hours and onwards after administration at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight (p<0.005 at 1st hour and p<0.001 at 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour respectively) and 400 mg/kg body weight (p<0.05 at 1st hour and p<0.001 at 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour respectively). The crude methanolic extract showed statistically significant antipyretic activity from 2 hours and onwards at 400 mg/kg body weight (p<0.05 at 2nd hour and p<0.001 at 3rd and 4th hour respectively) and 200 mg/kg body weight dose showed statistically significant antipyretic activity from 3 hours and onward(p<0.001) in Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia test in albino Wister rats. In carrageenan-induced rat’s paw edema test, crude methanolic extract showed statistically significant anti-inflammatory activity from 2nd hour and onwards. The chloroform-soluble fraction of methanolic extract also showed significant activity from 1st hour onwards.

Conclusions

This study thereby indicates that leaves of E. javanica possess peripheral analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities and therefore a suitable candidate for further study.
Derrida et le Parergon: une lecture critique
Authors: Séguy-Duclot Alain
Published: March 2017

The theory of the
A nonlinear plate control without linearization
Authors: Yildirim Kenan , Kucuk Ismail
Published: March 2017

In this paper, an optimal vibration control problem for a nonlinear plate is considered. In order to obtain the optimal control function, wellposedness and controllability of the nonlinear system is investigated. The performance index functional of the system, to be minimized by minimum level of control, is chosen as the sum of the quadratic 10 functional of the displacement. The velocity of the plate and quadratic functional of the control function is added to the performance index functional as a penalty term. By using a maximum principle, the nonlinear control problem is transformed to solving a system of partial differential equations including state and adjoint variables linked by initial-boundary-terminal conditions. Hence, it is shown that optimal control of the nonlinear systems can be obtained without linearization of the nonlinear term and optimal control function can be obtained analytically for nonlinear systems without linearization.
Bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings of a soliton hierarchy associated with SO(4)
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Chiping , Cui Yunan
Published: March 2017

In our paper, the theory of bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings is generalized to the discrete case. First, based on the six-dimensional real special orthogonal Lie algebra SO(4), we construct bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings associated with SO(4) for a hierarchy from the enlarged matrix spectral problems and the enlarged zero curvature equations. Moreover, Hamiltonian structures of the obtained bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings are constructed by the variational identities.
Rheophilic fish in oxbow lakes of the Warta River – the effect of environmental conditions on habitat selection
Authors: Golski Janusz , Pińskwar Piotr , Jezierska-Madziar Maria , Andrzejewski Wojciech , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Stanisławski Daniel , Urbańska Maria
Published: March 2017

Oxbow lakes are typical elements of meandering watercourses and are considered to be key components of floodplains of natural rivers. A permanent connection with the river promotes the use of these water bodies by ichthyofauna as spawning grounds, shelter for fry, feeding and wintering grounds. The aim of this study was to determine which rheophilic species inhabit oxbow lakes and how environmental conditions affect habitat selection and fish behavior. Analyses were conducted on six oxbow lakes of the Warta River in the Koło-Poznań section. Fish and water samples were collected for three years, in spring, summer and late autumn. Variation in environmental conditions in the analyzed water bodies results in a considerable diversity of the ichthyofauna, including rheophilic species, in individual seasons of the year. In the course of the study, nine rheophilic fish species were recorded, including four from the lithophilic reproductive guild having the highest environmental requirements. Relative abundance of rheophilic species in the dominance structure ranged from 0 to 100%, depending on the reservoir and seasons, with an average of 7% for all catches. For comparison, their relative abundance in the adjacent parts of the river was 12 and 23%.
The impact of amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii Dybowsky, 1877) on the riverine ecosystem: food selectivity of amur sleeper in a recently colonized river
Authors: Rau Marius Andrei , Plavan Gabriel , Strungaru Stefan Adrian , Nicoara Mircea , Rodriguez-Lozano Pablo , Mihu-Pintilie Alin , Ureche Dorel , Klimaszyk Piotr
Published: March 2017

The presented study aimed at comprehensive assessment of the Perccottus glenii (Amur sleeper) impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Our objective was to analyze the diet, the characteristics of the prey and the feeding behavior of the Amur sleeper. Fish (349 individuals) were captured by electrofishing in autumn 2012. To estimate the dietary importance of each prey category, we calculated the percentage or proportion of each food item and its frequency of occurrence. The Costello graphical method was applied to describe the feeding strategy and prey importance. A total number of 55 taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates were identified, amounting to a total of 2448 individuals. The digestive tract was empty in 48 individuals of the Amur sleeper. The most frequent prey items of the Amur sleeper were Asellus aquaticus L, Baetis spp., the Chironomidae family which was represented by 22 taxa identified to the genus and species levels, Corixa spp. and Physa acuta Drap. Depending on the frequency of prey items, two categories of size classes with specific diet compositions in the Amur sleeper populations were determined. Feeding strategy, cluster indicators of the size classes and traits of macroinvertebrates were the main aspects covered by our study of the Amur sleeper feeding behavior.
Massive occurrence of the alien invasive species Pleodorina indica (Volvocales, Chlorophyta) in a reservoir located in urban areas of Central Poland
Authors: Knysak Piotr , Żelazna-Wieczorek Joanna
Published: March 2017

Pleodorina indica (Iyengar) H. Nozaki is a rare species from the Volvocaceae family (Chlorophyta, Volvocales), which naturally occurs in aquatic ecosystems of the tropical climate zones. This is the first record of this species I in Poland in a flow-through man-made reservoir on the Olechówka River in Łódź. The sampling site of P. indica in Łódź is the northernmost site in Europe. Among other records, the species has been also reported from Austria in 1996 and the Czech Republic in 2003. During the summer of 2015, abundant occurrence of this species was observed at the sampling site, at extremely high air and water temperatures. Physical parameters in the reservoir and the duration of the P. indica bloom were measured. In addition, morphological features of the species were observed with the use of light and confocal microscopy.
Highly conductive barium iron vanadate glass containing different metal oxides
Authors: Nishida Tetsuaki , Izutsu Yukimi , Fujimura Mina , Osouda Keito , Otsuka Yuki , Kubuki Shiro , Oka Nobuto
Published: March 2017

20BaO·5ZnO·5Fe2O3·70V2O5 glass annealed at 450°C for 30 min showed a marked decrease in the electric resistivity (ρ) from 4.0×105 to 4.8 Ωcm, while 20BaO·5Cu2O·5Fe2O3·70V2O5 glass from 2.0×105 to 5.0 Ωcm. As for the conduction mechanism, it proved that n-type semiconductor model in conjugation with the small polaron hopping theory was most probable. Since ZnII and CuI have a 3d10-electron configuration in the outer-most orbital, Ga2O3- and GeO2-containing vanadate glasses were explored in this study. 20BaO·5Ga2O3·5Fe2O3·70V2O5 glass showed a less remarkable decrease of ρ from 4.5×105 to 100 Ωcm, and 20BaO·5GeO2·5Fe2O3·70V2O5 glass from 3.3×106 to 400 Ωcm. Activation energies for the conduction (E
a) of GeO2- and Ga2O3-contaning glasses before the annealing were respectively estimated to be 0.42 and 0.41 eV. It proved that barium iron vanadate glass with a smaller E
a value could attain the higher conductivity after the annealing at temperaures higher than the crystalization temperature.
Sensemaking, stakeholder discord, and long-term risk communication at a US Superfund site
Authors: Hoover Anna Goodman
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Risk communication can help reduce exposures to environmental contaminants, mitigate negative health outcomes, and inform community-based decisions about hazardous waste sites. While communication best practices have long guided such efforts, little research has examined unintended consequences arising from such guidelines. As rhetoric informs stakeholder sensemaking, the language used in and reinforced by these guidelines can challenge relationships and exacerbate stakeholder tensions.

Objectives:

This study evaluates risk communication at a U.S. Superfund site to identify unintended consequences arising from current risk communication practices.

Methods:

This qualitative case study crystallizes data spanning 6 years from three sources: 1) local newspaper coverage of site-related topics; 2) focus-group transcripts from a multi-year project designed to support future visioning of site use; and 3) published blog entries authored by a local environmental activist. Constant comparative analysis provides the study’s analytic foundation, with qualitative data analysis software QSR NVivo 8 supporting a three-step process: 1) provisional coding to identify broad topic categories within datasets, 2) coding occurrences of sensemaking constructs and emergent intra-dataset patterns, and 3) grouping related codes across datasets to examine the relationships among them.

Results:

Existing risk communication practices at this Superfund site contribute to a dichotomous conceptualization of multiple and diverse stakeholders as members of one of only two categories: the government or the public. This conceptualization minimizes perceptions of capacity, encourages public commitment to stances aligned with a preferred group, and contributes to negative expectations that can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate a need to re-examine and adapt risk communication guidelines to encourage more pluralistic understanding of the stakeholder landscape.
Semi-Immersive Virtual Turbine Engine Simulation System
Authors: Abidi Mustufa H. , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman M. , Ahmad Ali , Darmoul Saber , Ameen Wadea
Published: March 2017

The design and verification of assembly operations is essential for planning product production operations. Recently, virtual prototyping has witnessed tremendous progress, and has reached a stage where current environments enable rich and multi-modal interaction between designers and models through stereoscopic visuals, surround sound, and haptic feedback. The benefits of building and using Virtual Reality (VR) models in assembly process verification are discussed in this paper. In this paper, we present the virtual assembly (VA) of an aircraft turbine engine. The assembly parts and sequences are explained using a virtual reality design system. The system enables stereoscopic visuals, surround sounds, and ample and intuitive interaction with developed models. A special software architecture is suggested to describe the assembly parts and assembly sequence in VR. A collision detection mechanism is employed that provides visual feedback to check the interference between components. The system is tested for virtual prototype and assembly sequencing of a turbine engine. We show that the developed system is comprehensive in terms of VR feedback mechanisms, which include visual, auditory, tactile, as well as force feedback. The system is shown to be effective and efficient for validating the design of assembly, part design, and operations planning.
The Verb נשֹג in Second Temple Hebrew
Authors: Reymond Eric D.
Published: March 2017

In Hebrew texts from the exilic and post-exilic eras, the verb נשֹג (»to overtake«) exhibits figurative senses expressing attainment, encounter, and recognition / understanding. Although these figurative senses are identified in current dictionaries (e.g.,
Holistic impact assessment and cost savings of rainwater harvesting at the watershed scale
Authors: Ghimire Santosh R. , Johnston John M.
Published: March 2017

We evaluated the impacts of domestic and agricultural rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in three watersheds within the Albemarle-Pamlico river basin (southeastern U.S.) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost assessment. Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) categories included energy demand, fossil fuel, metals, ozone depletion, global warming, acidification, smog, blue and green water use, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and human health effects. Building upon previous LCAs of near-optimal domestic and agricultural RWH systems in the region, we scaled functional unit LCIA scores for adoption rates of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% and compared these to conventional municipal water and well water systems. In addition to investigating watershed-scale impacts of RWH adoption, which few studies have addressed, potential life cycle cost savings due to reduced cumulative energy demand were scaled in each watershed for a more comprehensive analysis. The importance of managing the holistic water balance, including blue water (surface/ground water), green water (rainwater) use, and annual precipitation and their relationship to RWH are also addressed. RWH contributes to water resource sustainability by offsetting surface and ground water consumption and by reducing environmental and human health impacts compared to conventional sources. A watershed-wide RWH adoption rate of 25% has a number of ecological and human health benefits including blue water use reduction ranging from 2–39 Mm3, cumulative energy savings of 12–210 TJ, and reduced global warming potential of 600–10,100 Mg CO2 eq. Potential maximum lifetime energy cost savings were estimated at $5M and $24M corresponding to domestic RWH in Greens Mill and agricultural RWH in Back Creek watersheds.
Regulation of hypoxia responses by flavin adenine dinucleotide‐dependent modulation of HIF‐1α protein stability
Authors: Yang Suk‐Jin , Park Young Soo , Cho Jung Hee , Moon Byul , An Hyun‐Jung , Lee Ju Yeon , Xie Zhi , Wang Yuli , Pocalyko David , Lee Dong Chul , Sohn Hyun Ahm , Kang Minho , Kim Jin Young , Kim Eunhee , Park Kyung Chan , Kim Jung‐Ae , Yeom Young Il
Published: March 2017

Oxygen deprivation induces a range of cellular adaptive responses that enable to drive cancer progression. Here, we report that lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) upregulates hypoxia responses by demethylating RACK1 protein, a component of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) ubiquitination machinery, and consequently suppressing the oxygen‐independent degradation of HIF‐1α. This ability of LSD1 is attenuated during prolonged hypoxia, with a decrease in the cellular level of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a metabolic cofactor of LSD1, causing HIF‐1α downregulation in later stages of hypoxia. Exogenously provided FAD restores HIF‐1α stability, indicating a rate‐limiting role for FAD in LSD1‐mediated HIF‐1α regulation. Transcriptomic analyses of patient tissues show that the HIF‐1 signature is highly correlated with the expression of LSD1 target genes as well as the enzymes of FAD biosynthetic pathway in triple‐negative breast cancers, reflecting the significance of FAD‐dependent LSD1 activity in cancer progression. Together, our findings provide a new insight into HIF‐mediated hypoxia response regulation by coupling the FAD dependence of LSD1 activity to the regulation of HIF‐1α stability.
Genetic Dissection of a QTL Affecting Bone Geometry
Authors: Sabik Olivia L , Medrano Juan F , Farber Charles R
Published: March 2017

Parameters of bone geometry such as width, length, and cross-sectional area are major determinants of bone strength. Although these traits are highly heritable, few genes influencing bone geometry have been identified. Here, we dissect a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) influencing femur size. This QTL was originally identified in an F2 cross between the C57BL/6J-hg/hg (HG) and CAST/EiJ strains and was referred to as femur length in high growth mice 2 (Feml2). Feml2 was located on chromosome (Chr.) 9 at ∼20 cM. Here, we show that the HG.CAST-(D9Mit249-D9Mit133)/Ucd congenic strain captures Feml2. In an F2 congenic cross, we fine-mapped the location of Feml2 to an ∼6 Mbp region extending from 57.3 to 63.3 Mbp on Chr. 9. We have identified candidates by mining the complete genome sequence of CAST/EiJ and through allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis of growth plates in C57BL/6J × CAST/EiJ F1 hybrids. Interestingly, we also find that the refined location of Feml2 overlaps a cluster of six independent genome-wide associations for human height. This work provides the foundation for the identification of novel genes affecting bone geometry.
Genetic and Transgenic Reagents forDrosophila simulans,D. mauritiana,D. yakuba,D. santomea, andD. virilis
Authors: Stern David L , Crocker Justin , Ding Yun , Frankel Nicolas , Kappes Gretchen , Kim Elizabeth , Kuzmickas Ryan , Lemire Andrew , Mast Joshua D , Picard Serge
Published: March 2017

Species of the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup, including the species D. simulans, D. mauritiana, D. yakuba, and D. santomea, have long served as model systems for studying evolution. However, studies in these species have been limited by a paucity of genetic and transgenic reagents. Here, we describe a collection of transgenic and genetic strains generated to facilitate genetic studies within and between these species. We have generated many strains of each species containing mapped piggyBac transposons including an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) gene expressed in the eyes and a ϕC31 attP site-specific integration site. We have tested a subset of these lines for integration efficiency and reporter gene expression levels. We have also generated a smaller collection of other lines expressing other genetically encoded fluorescent molecules in the eyes and a number of other transgenic reagents that will be useful for functional studies in these species. In addition, we have mapped the insertion locations of 58 transposable elements in D. virilis that will be useful for genetic mapping studies.
Bacteremia in Children 3 to 36 Months Old After Introduction of Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccines
Authors: Greenhow Tara L. , Hung Yun-Yi , Herz Arnd
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

In June 2010, Kaiser Permanente Northern California replaced all 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) vaccines with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Our objectives were to compare the incidence of bacteremia in children 3 to 36 months old by 3 time periods: pre-PCV7, post-PCV7/pre-PCV13, and post-PCV13.

METHODS:

We designed a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of all blood cultures collected on children 3 to 36 months old at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from September 1, 1998 to August 31, 2014 in outpatient clinics, in emergency departments, and in the first 24 hours of hospitalization.

RESULTS:

During the study period, 57 733 blood cultures were collected in the population of children 3 to 36 months old. Implementation of routine immunization with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine resulted in a 95.3% reduction of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia, decreasing from 74.5 to 10 to 3.5 per 100 000 children per year by the post-PCV13 period. As pneumococcal rates decreased, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus caused 77% of bacteremia. Seventy-six percent of all bacteremia in the post-PCV13 period occurred with a source.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the United States, routine immunizations have made bacteremia in the previously healthy toddler a rare event. As the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia has decreased, E coli, Salmonella spp, and S aureus have increased in relative importance. New guidelines are needed to approach the previously healthy febrile toddler in the outpatient setting.
Self-Reported Mental Health Problems Among Adults Born Preterm: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Pyhälä Riikka , Wolford Elina , Kautiainen Hannu , Andersson Sture , Bartmann Peter , Baumann Nicole , Brubakk Ann-Mari , Evensen Kari Anne I. , Hovi Petteri , Kajantie Eero , Lahti Marius , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Saigal Saroj , Schmidt Louis A. , Indredavik Marit S. , Wolke Dieter , Räikkönen Katri
Published: March 2017

CONTEXT:

Preterm birth increases the risk for mental disorders in adulthood, yet findings on self-reported or subclinical mental health problems are mixed.

OBJECTIVE:

To study self-reported mental health problems among adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) compared with term controls in an individual participant data meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES:

Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration.

STUDY SELECTION:

Studies that compared self-reported mental health problems using the Achenbach Young Adult Self Report or Adult Self Report between adults born preterm at VLBW (n = 747) and at term (n = 1512).

DATA EXTRACTION:

We obtained individual participant data from 6 study cohorts and compared preterm and control groups by mixed random coefficient linear and Tobit regression.

RESULTS:

Adults born preterm reported more internalizing (pooled β = .06; 95% confidence interval .01 to .11) and avoidant personality problems (.11; .05 to .17), and less externalizing (–.10; –.15 to –.06), rule breaking (–.10; –.15 to –.05), intrusive behavior (–.14; –.19 to –.09), and antisocial personality problems (–.09; –.14 to –.04) than controls. Group differences did not systematically vary by sex, intrauterine growth pattern, neurosensory impairments, or study cohort.

LIMITATIONS:

Exclusively self-reported data are not confirmed by alternative data sources.

CONCLUSIONS:

Self-reports of adults born preterm at VLBW reveal a heightened risk for internalizing problems and socially avoidant personality traits together with a lowered risk for externalizing problem types. Our findings support the view that preterm birth constitutes an early vulnerability factor with long-term consequences on the individual into adulthood.
Historical knowledge and reinventing English writing teacher identity in Asia
Authors: You Xiaoye
Published: March 2017

The identity of ‘the English writing teacher’ is increasingly important in Asia. Influenced by disciplinary and professional discourses, English teachers in this region tend to develop a monolingual orientation that leads their students towards native speaker norms. However, globalization requires a fluid, less-bounded perspective on nation, culture, and language, that is, a more multilingual orientation to English teaching. This essay argues that an historical perspective on teaching second language (L2) writing in Asia has the potential to reinvent writing teacher identity by challenging teachers’ monolingual assumptions. I will first review historical accounts of teaching L2 writing in Asia, showing that this history is multilingual and transnational. Next, drawing on historical examples related to the teaching of English writing in China, I demonstrate that Chinese students and teachers have struggled with a monolingual ideology endorsed by the state ever since English became a school subject. Recent scholarship in applied linguistics and literacy studies has suggested ways to embrace multilingualism in teaching and research. Coupled with such scholarship, historical knowledge may encourage writing teachers to construct a multilingual, transnational identity by designing teaching materials, writing tasks, and pedagogical techniques in a multilingual framework.
Seleção de práticas de desenvolvimento de produto orientado à customização em massa
Authors: Fettermann Diego Castro , Echeveste Márcia Elisa Soares
Published: March 2017

O emprego de práticas de Customização em Massa (CM) no Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produto (PDP) consiste em uma alternativa para a promoção da estratégia de CM nas empresas. A partir disto, este artigo tem por objetivo identificar e selecionar práticas associadas ao PDP orientado à CM. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um protocolo de suporte a decisão para identificar, de acordo com as características do projeto, as práticas mais indicadas para a configuração do PDP selecionado. O protocolo é aplicado no projeto de desenvolvimento de balcões de atendimento de uma empresa de varejo. Os resultados indicam a capacidade do protocolo em selecionar práticas de CM aplicáveis ao PDP adaptadas às características e ao nível de customização selecionado para o projeto de desenvolvimento.
Análise ergonômica no transporte manual de cargas: Um estudo de caso em uma empresa de produção de cimento
Authors: Martins Jarbas Rocha , Bacelar Tércio Chaves , Bonfim Willame Balbino , Rodrigues Maxweel Veras , Xeres Francisco Carlos
Published: March 2017

O estudo tem como finalidade analisar a atividade de transporte manual de sacos de 50kg em uma empresa de produção de cimento através da análise ergonômica do trabalho (AET), identificando os fatores ambientais e as condições de trabalho dos carregadores. Para que fosse possível a AET, foram utilizados registros fotográficos, vídeos e entrevistas, abordando aspectos sobre o levantamento, transporte e manuseio dos sacos de cimento, assim como a observação da postura dos carregadores durante a execução da atividade. Com isso, foram levados em consideração, tanto os aspectos qualitativos, quanto os quantitativos, evidenciados pelo uso de instrumentos para determinação da concentração dos agentes no ambiente, bem como algumas ferramentas de gestão, como o diagrama de causa e efeito e entrevistas efetuadas durante a pesquisa de campo. Constatou-se que o elevado índice de absenteísmo na atividade está relacionado ao controle rígido de produtividade, excesso de levantamento e transporte manual de pesos e movimentos repetitivos de flexão do tronco. A partir dos resultados evidenciados na AET, foi possível propor medidas preventivas e algumas alterações no ambiente laboral.
A economia como objeto socialmente construído nas análises regulacionista e da Economia Social de Mercado
Authors: BRUNO MIGUEL , CAFFE RICARDO
Published: March 2017

RESUMO O artigo discute os argumentos ontológicos em defesa das especificidades dos fenômenos econômicos, comparativamente àqueles encontrados nos sistemas inorgânico e orgânico. Sua posição epistemológica é antipositivista e antineoclássica, sustentando que a tentativa de naturalizar os sistemas socioeconômicos, que marca a Economia, desde os fisiocratas, tem contribuído para enfraquecer seu potencial heurístico, explicativo e preditivo. A problemática é desenvolvida partindo-se de uma análise comparativa entre a Teoria da Regulação e a Economia Social de Mercado, correntes teóricas onde o conceito de instituição e a historicidade inerente às relações de produção e de distribuição são consideradas centrais. Diferentemente dos objetos da natureza, cujas regularidades e processos não foram originalmente criados pela práxis humana, o objeto econômico é social e politicamente construído e precisa ter, portanto, estatuto teórico-metodológico específico. Em consequência, a pertinência das teorias em face das regularidades micro e macroeconômicas observadas não pode ser alcançada por uma abordagem axiomática que faz da Economia uma ciência essencialmente lógico-dedutiva e a-histórica por construção, tampouco pela pressuposição da existência de leis gerais invariantes, puramente econômicas e inescapáveis.
Democracy and growth in pre-industrial countries
Authors: BRESSER-PEREIRA LUIZ CARLOS
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT This paper distinguishes three types of countries (rich, middle-income, and pre-industrial) and focus on the latter, which, in contrast to the other two, didn’t complete their industrial and capitalist revolutions. Can pre-industrial countries be governed well and under democracy? Today democracy is a universal value, and, so, these countries are under pressure from the West and from its own society to be democratic, even though they do not dispose of mature enough societies in which the economic surplus is appropriated through the market. In fact, no country completed its industrial and capitalist revolution within the framework of even a minimal democracy. Additionally, pre-industrial countries are extremely difficult to govern because they usually don’t have a strong nation and capable states. This double pressure represents a major obstacle to their development.
Uma perspectiva realista crítica sobre ação coletiva em economia
Authors: PIMENTEL THIAGO DUARTE , RODRIGUEZ RODRIGO SIQUEIRA
Published: March 2017

RESUMO A visão predominante na economia tradicional assume que o objeto de análise das relações econômicas é o indivíduo, seja pela interação econômica entre eles (troca) seja pela interação econômica entre indivíduos e coisas (produção). Dificilmente a ciência econômica assume suposições a respeito de indivíduos organizados coletivamente. Em geral, quando o faz, assume que estas formas sejam um efeito agregado das ações individuais isoladas, ensejando assim uma posição baseada no individualismo metodológico. Em microeconomia, por exemplo, uma afirmação sobre um grupo de indivíduos, uma firma ou mesmo a sociedade, assume necessariamente que suas ações sejam abordadas a partir dos efeitos de maximizações individuais, ainda que isso exija a generalização de condições rígidas sobre o comportamento humano, improváveis para sustentar as crenças e os desejos individuais. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um modelo de análise alternativo àquele paradigma, que simultaneamente esteja comprometido com uma análise realista e incorpore elementos contextuais e empíricos alusivos à conduta humana. Situando nosso foco no nível mesossociológico de análise, argumentamos que a análise da ação coletiva, fundamentada no realismo crítico, constitui-se numa alternativa para direcionar os estudos em economia.
Cooperação monetária: Uma análise sobre o SUCRE
Authors: FREITAS ALEXANDRE JERÔNIMO DE , FERNANDES MARCELO PEREIRA
Published: March 2017

RESUMO A iniciativa do Sistema Único de Compensação Regional de Pagamentos, o SUCRE, acertado entre os principais países que compõe a ALBA, nasceu num contexto internacional de grande turbulência provocado pela crise financeira de 2008. Ainda em processo de consolidação, o sistema possui metas ambiciosas, entre elas a dissociação progressiva do uso do dólar. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o SUCRE em vigor desde janeiro de 2010. A iniciativa poderá se tornar um passo fundamental para a construção de uma nova arquitetura financeira regional que reduza a vulnerabilidade externa e as assimetrias estruturais da região.