bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian Pricing of Longevity Derivatives with Interest Rate Risks
Authors: Kogure Atsuyuki , Fushimi Takahiro
Published: October 2017

Mortality-linked securities such as longevity bonds or longevity swaps usually depend on not only mortality risk but also interest rate risk. However, in the existing pricing methodologies, it is often the case that only the mortality risk is modeled to change in a stochastic manner and the interest rate is kept fixed at a pre-specified level. In order to develop large and liquid longevity markets, it is essential to incorporate the interest rate risk into pricing mortality-linked securities. In this paper we tackle the issue by considering the pricing of longevity derivatives under stochastic interest rates following the CIR model. As for the mortality modeling, we use a two-factor extension of the Lee-Carter model by noting the recent studies which point out the inconsistencies of the original Lee-Carter model with observed mortality rates due to its single factor structure. To address the issue of parameter uncertainty, we propose using a Bayesian methodology both to estimate the models and to price longevity derivatives in line with (Kogure, A., and Y. Kurachi. 2010. “A Bayesian Approach to Pricing Longevity Risk Based on Risk Neutral Predictive Distributions.”Insurance: Mathematics and Economics46:162–172) and (Kogure, A., J. Li, and S. Y. Kamiya. 2014. “A Bayesian Multivariate Risk-neutral Method for Pricing Reverse Mortgages.”North American Actuarial Journal18:242–257). We investigate the actual effects of the incorporation of the interest rate risk by applying our methodology to price a longevity cap with Japanese data. The results show significant differences according to whether the CIR model is used or the interest rate is kept fixed.
Wer hat den Dyotheletismus erfunden?
Authors: Ohme Heinz
Published: October 2017

This article examins the hypothesis published in 2013 by Marek Jankowiak, according to which Pope John IV in his so-called Apologia Honorii (CPL 1729) and Maximos Homologetes independently “invented” a dyotheletic Christology for the first time. For that purpose, this letter by John IV is analysed with regard to its sources, its text and the context of its composition. It is shown that the letter, which is preserved only in a Latin retranslation from Greek by Anastasius Bibliothecarius made in 874/75, originally referred only the monothelistic statement of Pope Honorius to the human nature of Christ. The dyotheletic statements, which can also be found in the text, are the result of later updating. This updating begins already in the 7th century in the circle of Maximos’ followers. Here, as well as in the context of the oldest tradition at Anastasius Biliothecarius in the so-called Photian Schism, the conflict-oriented interest in an unlimited authority of the papacy stands in the background. The “invention” of the theologoumenon of a double will in Christ should be assigned exclusively to Maximos Homologetes.
美国汉语学习者的理想汉语自我
Authors: Xie Yan
Published: October 2017

提要

二语动机自我体系理论通过揭示学习者的自我愿景来展现学习动机。本文通过开放式笔头问卷和一对一口头采访对九名美国大学生进行深入研究，透过汉语自我愿景揭示了学习者的理想汉语自我；同时揭示实现自我过程中面对的主要挑战。 结果显示，学习者的理想汉语自我有以真实语境、跨文化交流为导向，以流利表达为目标的特点，结果还显示，为了实现理想汉语自我，学习者面临各种挑战，包括掌握声调、词汇、句子结构、以及听力理解不足、交流缺乏自信心等。研究结果表明，初级学习阶段强调发音准确度具有重要意义，指出美国外语教育协会（ACTFL, 2014）颁布的外语教学标准对培养跨文化交流能力的课堂教学有借鉴、指导作用；研究结果也肯定了融入型动机和实用型动机在二十一世纪全球化时代是推动外语学习的双重动力。由于研究结果支持当前的几个主流教学理念，即沉浸式教学、使用真实语料、培养跨文化交流能力，作者即针对学习者理想汉语自我的特征和实现理想自我中面临的挑战，就如何应用这些教学理念提出了具体操作建议。
Symbolic Algorithm of the Functional-Discrete Method for a Sturm–Liouville Problem with a Polynomial Potential
Authors: Makarov Volodymyr , Romaniuk Nataliia
Published: October 2017

A new symbolic algorithmic implementation of the general scheme of the exponentially convergent functional-discrete method is developed and justified for the Sturm–Liouville problem on a finite interval for the Schrödinger equation with a polynomial potential and the boundary conditions of Dirichlet type. The algorithm of the general scheme of our method is developed when the potential function is approximated by the piecewise-constant function. Our algorithm is symbolic and operates with the decomposition coefficients of the eigenfunction corrections in some basis.
The number of summands in these decompositions depends on the degree of the potential polynomial and on the correction number.
Our method uses the algebraic operations only and does not need solutions of any boundary value problems and computations of any integrals unlike the previous version.
A numerical example illustrates the theoretical results.
Analysis of the Steady-State Multiplicity Behavior for Polystyrene Production in the CSTR
Authors: Nguyen Sang Thanh , Hoang Ngoc Ha , Hussain Mohamed Azlan
Published: October 2017

The work proposes two different approaches where the first one is based on the tools of the system theory and the other is strongly related to the principle of heat balance, in order to analyze the abnormal phenomena of the continuous styrene polymerization reactors, i. e. the multiplicity behavior in the wide range of operating conditions. More precisely, the multiplicity behavior of polystyrene production in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is carried out by the numerical simulations through the Van Heerden diagram and the phase plane. Furthermore, the bifurcation diagrams in terms of two different inputs including jacket temperature and volumetric flow rate of initiator predict the appearance of multiplicity behavior as well as the saddle-node bifurcation points. The results, firstly, verify that the multiplicity behavior of the system appears under considered operating conditions. Secondly, the analysis of bifurcation behavior gives the theoretical prediction of multiplicity behavior once the operating conditions vary due to the soft constraints or the effect of noise and disturbance.
Lower bound for the complexity of five-valued polarized polynomials
Authors: Baliuk Aleksandr S. , Zinchenko Anna S.
Published: October 2017

The paper is devoted to the complexity of representation of q-valued functions by polarized polynomials and by matrix Kronecker forms of certain type. The complexity of a function is the minimal possible number of nonzero coefficients of a polynomial or a Kronecker form representing the function. It is known that for polynomial representation and representation by Kronecker forms of a certain type the maximal values of complexity in the class of all q-valued n-ary functions coincide. We establish the lower bound of these maximal values for five-valued functions.
Example of sewerage system rehabilitation using trenchless technology
Authors: Tomczak Elwira , Zielińska Aleksandra
Published: October 2017

The sewerage network in Poland, built in the early 20th century, has been losing its original water-tightness and flow capacity. To bring these characteristics back, rehabilitation works are performed. The initial capacity of sewers can be restored without affecting the urban environment thanks to the trenchless technology. The sewer subjected to rehabilitation receives a new internal leakproof layer capable of preventing groundwater infiltration as well as sewage leaks, which can contaminate the environment. This paper intends to compare the trenchless technology with traditional open cut trench excavation. In the study, two variants of trenchless rehabilitation were considered: one performed with the help of GRP panels and the other using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. Flow velocities and flow rates in the sewers before and after rehabilitation were compared. Also, selected economic and environmental aspects of sewer rehabilitation methods were examined.
Design of Compact Wilkinson Power Divider with Harmonic Suppression using T-Shaped Resonators
Authors: Siahkamari Hesam , Yasoubi Zahra , Jahanbakhshi Maryam , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Siahkamari Payam , Nouri Mohammad Ehsan , Azami Sajad , Azadi Rasoul
Published: October 2017

A novel scheme of a shrunken Wilkinson power divider with harmonic suppression, using two identical resonators in the conventional Wilkinson power divider is designed. Moreover, the LC equivalent circuit and its relevant formulas are provided. To substantiate the functionality and soundness of design, a microstrip implementation of this design operating at 1 GHz with the second to eighth harmonic suppression, is developed. The proposed circuit is relatively smaller than the conventional circuit, (roughly 55% of the conventional circuit). Simulation and measurement results for the proposed scheme, which are highly consistent with one another, indicate a good insertion loss about 3.1 dB, input return loss of 20 dB and isolation of 20 dB, while sustaining high-power handling capability over the Wilkinson power divider.
Uniqueness of meromorphic functions sharing two finite sets
Authors: Chen Jun-Fan
Published: October 2017

We prove uniqueness theorems of meromorphic functions, which show how two meromorphic functions are uniquely determined by their two finite shared sets. This answers a question posed by Gross. Moreover, some examples are provided to demonstrate that all the conditions are necessary.
Crystal structure of (E)-1-(4-{[(E)-2-Hydroxy-1-naphthalenylmethylene] amino}phenyl)ethanone oxime, C19H16N2O2
Authors: Li Peng-Peng , Zhao Li , Zhao Ji-Xing , Zhu Zhao-Bin
Published: October 2017

C19H16N2O2, monoclinic P21/c (no. 14), a = 14.1712(6) Å, b = 7.3611(3) Å, c = 14.4212(8) Å, β = 90.665(5)°, Z = 4, V = 1504.24(12) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0633, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1648, T = 291 K.
Comparison of Fuzzy System with Neural Aggregation FSNA with Classical TSK Fuzzy System in Anti-Collision Problem of USV
Authors: Szymak Piotr
Published: October 2017

The paper presents the research whose the main goal was to compare a new Fuzzy System with Neural Aggregation of fuzzy rules FSNA with a classical Takagi-Sugeno-Kanga TSK fuzzy system in an anti-collision problem of Unmanned Surface Vehicle USV. Both systems the FSNA and the TSK were learned by means of Cooperative Co-evolutionary Genetic Algorithm with Indirect Neural Encoding CCGA-INE.

The paper includes an introduction to the subject, a description of the new FSNA and the tuning method CCGA-INE, and at the end, numerical research results with a summary. The research includes comparison of the FSNA with the classical TSK system in the anti-collision problem of the USV.
Mapping South Baltic Near-Shore Bathymetry Using Sentinel-2 Observations
Authors: Chybicki Andrzej
Published: October 2017

One of the most promising new applications of remote observation satellite systems (RO) is the near-shore bathymetry estimation based on spaceborn multispectral imageries. In recent years, many experiments aiming to estimate bathymetry in optically shallow water with the use of remote optical observations have been presented. In this paper, optimal models of satellite derived bathymetry (SDB) for relatively turbid waters of the South Baltic Sea were presented. The obtained results were analysed in terms of depth error estimation, spatial distribution, and overall quality. The models were calibrated based on sounding (in-situ) data obtained by a single-beam echo sounder, which was retrieved from the Maritime Office in Gdynia, Poland. The remote observations for this study were delivered by the recently deployed European Space Agency Sentinel-2 satellite observation system. A detailed analysis of the obtained results has shown that the tested methods can be successfully applied for the South Baltic region at depths of 12-18 meters. However, significant limitations were observed. The performed experiments have revealed that the error of model calibration, expressed in meters (RMSE), equals up to 10-20% of the real depth and is, generally, case dependent. To overcome this drawback, a novel indicator of determining the maximal SDB depth was proposed. What is important, the proposed SDB quality indicator is derived only on the basis of remotely registered data and therefore can be applied operationally.
Magnetohydrodynamic Flow of Viscous Fluid in a Slot between Fixed Surfaces of Revolution
Authors: Sawicki Jerzy
Published: October 2017

The paper considers stationary magnetohydrodynamic flow of viscous fluid in the slot between fixed curvilinear surfaces of revolution exposed to azimuthal magnetic field. To solve the problem, the equations of boundary layer in the curvilinear coordinate system. x,θ,y, were applied. The equations of the boundary layer were solved analytically with the use of the small-parameter method. The formulas determine the field of velocity and pressure.
The Influence of Diesel Oil Improvers on Indices of Atomisation and Combustion in High-Efficiency Engines
Authors: Pielecha Ireneusz , Pielecha Jacek , Skowron Maciej , Mazanek Aleksander
Published: October 2017

The process of fuel combustion in a diesel engine is determined by factors existing during liquid fuel injection and atomisation. The physicochemical properties of the fuel to a large extent decide upon the quality of this phase of cylinder fuelling. So it is important to ensure appropriate properties of a fuel affecting its atomisation and, as a result, combustion. The paper deals with the topic of diesel oil improvers and the analysis of their influence on atomisation and combustion indices. In the studies base diesel oil and a diesel fuel improved by a package of additives, were used. The process of conventional and improved fuel injection was analysed by using optical examinations. The amount of released heat was evaluated during the studies carried out on combustion. Significant aspects of the applied improvers in relation to fuel injection and its combustion have been indicated.
Procalcitonin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in diabetic foot infection. A current literature review
Authors: Velissaris Dimitrios , Pantzaris Nikolaos-Dimitrios , Platanaki Christina , Antonopoulou Nikolina , Gogos Charalampos
Published: October 2017

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a very common cause of mortality and morbidity. The distinction between infected and non-infected DFU remains a very challenging task for clinicians in everyday practice. Even when infection is documented, the spectrum of diabetic foot infection is wide, ranging from cellulitis and soft tissue infection to osteomyelitis. Procalcitonin (PCT), a well-established sepsis biomarker, has been used in the diagnosis of several infections including osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes mellitus. This review gathers and presents all the relevant data, up until now, regarding the use of PCT as an assessment tool in diabetic patients with foot infection. Current evidence suggests that PCT levels could aid clinicians in distinguishing infected from non-infected DFUs as well as in the distinction between soft tissue infection and bone involvement, but further and larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Thriving and Surviving Activities of Households During the Crisis Period. Empirical Evidence from Southeastern Europe
Authors: Efendić Adnan , Cvetičanin Predrag , Kumalić Ismet
Published: October 2017

We use survey data from Southeastern Europe to investigate determinants which explain thriving and surviving activities of households as their response to the changes caused by the latest global economic crisis of 2007/2008. Contrary to most of the literature that investigates these types of activities as mutually exclusive, our modelling strategy identifies and then focusses on households that have used both of them in the period of crisis. Indeed, the thriving and surviving activities were often used simultaneously and they were mutually related as joint outcomes of a wider system of influences. We identify that both components of household strategies were systematically linked to the economic performance of households and to different dimensions of social capital—generalised trust and informal networking. We also find that different social capital dimensions interact and build in their influence on the success of households—i.e. more engagement in thriving and less in surviving activities.
Temperaturmessung in der Atmosphäre mit Radiosonden
Authors: von Rohden Christoph , Naebert Tatjana , Sommer Michael , Dirksen Ruud
Published: October 2017

Die Temperatur wird als Basisgröße für Wettervorhersage
und Klimaforschung weltweit in einem Netzwerk von ca. 1000
Messstationen regelmäßig per Radiosondierung gemessen. Der
große atmosphärische Messbereich und die wechselnden
Umgebungsbedingungen während des Aufstiegs (Temperatur, Druck,
Feuchte, Ventilation, Strahlung) stellen eine große
Herausforderung an die Messtechnik dar. Es werden die wichtigsten
Effekte bei der Messung des Temperaturprofils, wie systematische
Auswirkungen auf das Temperaturprofil, beschrieben und die
Unsicherheitsbeiträge der Messergebnisse, die sich nach den
jeweiligen Korrekturen ergeben, diskutiert. Besonderes Augenmerk wird
auf den Effekt durch die direkte und diffuse solare Einstrahlung
gerichtet. Die dadurch bei Tagmessungen in den stratosphärischen
Teilen der Radiosondenprofile verursachte systematische Erwärmung
des Temperatursensors stellt dort die dominante Messabweichung
dar. Sie kann je nach verwendetem Sensor bzw. Radiosondenmodell
mehrere Kelvin betragen. Laborexperimente in einer evakuierbaren
Kammer zur Simulation des Strahlungseffektes als Grundlage zur
Erstellung einer Strahlungskorrektur ergaben maximale Werte im Bereich
von 5 K. Die mit der Korrektur des Effektes verbundenen
Unsicherheiten überschreiten derzeit noch die Anforderungen an
stratosphärischer Temperaturmessungen von < 0, 2 K wie
sie für klimatologische Untersuchungen erforderlich sind.
Optimizing Intersession Reliability of Heart Rate Variability—The Effects of Artifact Correction and Breathing Type
Authors: Gisselman Angela S. , D'Amico Maria , Smoliga James M.
Published: October 2017

Gisselman, AS, D'Amico, M, and Smoliga, JM. Optimizing intersession reliability of heart rate variability—the effects of artifact correction and breathing type. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3199–3207, 2020—This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the reliability of multiple heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and to explore the influence of artifact removal and breathing condition on HRV reliability. Resting HRV was collected using Polar Team2 monitors on 41 participants (age: 19.9 ± 1.2 years; 28 females and 13 males) during 2 separate days. Within each session, participants performed 10 minutes each of spontaneous and controlled breathing (randomized order). Kubios HRV analysis software was used to analyze 180-second data epochs using “low” or “strong” artifact removal. Relative reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), and absolute reliability was quantified using mean-normalized SEM%. Time-domain and nonlinear parameters produced poor to good intersession agreement (ICC = 0.34–0.68; SEM% = 11.0–39.0) with “low” artifact removal, regardless of breathing condition. Frequency-domain parameters demonstrated fair intersession agreement during controlled breathing (ICC = 0.40–0.45; SEM% = 26.0–70.0) but poor agreement during spontaneous breathing (ICC = 0.07–0.13; SEM% = 32.0–81.0). Minimal differences in ICCs were observed between “low” and “strong” artifact removal. Thus, this study provides 3 practical applications: (a) HRV monitoring is most reliable when using time-domain and nonlinear parameters, regardless of breathing or filtering condition, but no single parameter is especially reliable. The large variation and poor intersession reliability of frequency indices during spontaneous breathing are improved by controlling breathing rate; (b) “Low” artifact removal seems superior to more aggressive artifact removal; and (c) intersession differences in HRV measurements <30% may be indicative of normal daily variation rather than true physiologic changes.
Combined Effects of Static Stretching and Electrical Stimulation on Joint Range of Motion and Muscle Strength
Authors: Mizuno Takamasa
Published: October 2017

Mizuno, T. Combined effects of static stretching and electrical stimulation on joint range of motion and muscle strength. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2694–2703, 2019—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the combination of static stretching (SS) and electrical stimulation (ES) for 8 weeks on joint range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and muscle architecture. Thirty-one subjects were divided into 3 groups: the SS combined with ES (SS + ES) group, SS group, and control group. The SS + ES group performed calf stretching simultaneously with ES to the gastrocnemius medialis, whereas the SS group performed calf stretching only. The training regimen consisted of four 30-second sets of stretching, with 30-second rest intervals, 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The control group did not perform any intervention exercise. Before and after training, measurements were taken to determine the ankle ROM, plantar flexion 1 repetition maximum strength, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and circumference of the lower leg. The results showed that 8 weeks of training led to significant improvements in the ankle ROM and muscle thickness in both the SS + ES and SS groups. There were significant increases in plantar flexion 1 repetition maximum strength and pennation angle in all 3 groups. For all parameters, there was no difference between the SS + ES and SS groups. These results clarify that 8 weeks of SS improves joint ROM and muscle thickness and shows that there is no additional benefit gained by combining ES with SS in this particular training regime.
Enhancing Spinal Plasticity Amplifies the Benefits of Rehabilitative Training and Improves Recovery from Stroke
Authors: Wiersma Anna M. , Fouad Karim , Winship Ian R.
Published: October 2017

The limited recovery that occurs following stroke happens almost entirely in the first weeks postinjury. Moreover, the efficacy of rehabilitative training is limited beyond this narrow time frame. Sprouting of spared corticospinal tract axons in the contralesional spinal cord makes a significant contribution to sensorimotor recovery, but this structural plasticity is also limited to the first few weeks after stroke. Here, we tested the hypothesis that inducing plasticity in the spinal cord during chronic stroke could improve recovery from persistent sensorimotor impairment. We potentiated spinal plasticity during chronic stroke, weeks after the initial ischemic injury, in male Sprague-Dawley rats via intraspinal injections of chondroitinase ABC. Our data show that chondroitinase injections into the contralesional gray matter of the cervical spinal cord administered 28 d after stroke induced significant sprouting of corticospinal axons originating in the peri-infarct cortex. Chondroitinase ABC injection during chronic stroke without additional training resulted in moderate improvements of sensorimotor deficits. Importantly, this therapy dramatically potentiated the efficacy of rehabilitative training delivered during chronic stroke in a skilled forelimb reaching task. These novel data suggest that spinal therapy during chronic stroke can amplify the benefits of delayed rehabilitative training with the potential to reduce permanent disability in stroke survivors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe brain and spinal cord undergo adaptive rewiring (“plasticity”) following stroke. This plasticity allows for partial functional recovery from stroke induced sensorimotor impairments. However, the plasticity that underlies recovery occurs predominantly in the first weeks following stroke, and most stroke survivors are left with permanent disability even after rehabilitation. Using animal models, our data show that removal of plasticity-inhibiting signals in the spinal cord (via intraspinal injections of the enzyme chondroitinase ABC) augments rewiring of circuits connecting the brain to the spinal cord, even weeks after stroke. Moreover, this plasticity can be harnessed by rehabilitative training to significantly promote sensorimotor recovery. Thus, intraspinal therapy may augment rehabilitative training and improve recovery even in individuals living with chronic disability due to stroke.
SID-1 Domains Important for dsRNA Import inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Whangbo Jennifer S , Weisman Alexandra S , Chae Jeiwook , Hunter Craig P
Published: October 2017

In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) spreads systemically to cause gene silencing throughout the organism and its progeny. We confirm that Caenorhabditis nematode SID-1 orthologs have dsRNA transport activity and demonstrate that the SID-1 paralog CHUP-1 does not transport dsRNA. Sequence comparison of these similar proteins, in conjunction with analysis of loss-of-function missense alleles, identifies several conserved 2–7 amino acid microdomains within the extracellular domain (ECD) that are important for dsRNA transport. Among these missense alleles, we identify and characterize a sid-1 allele, qt95, which causes tissue-specific silencing defects most easily explained as a systemic RNAi export defect. However, we conclude from genetic and biochemical analyses that sid-1(qt95) disrupts only import, and speculate that the apparent export defect is caused by the cumulative effect of sequentially impaired dsRNA import steps. Thus, consistent with previous studies, we fail to detect a requirement for sid-1 in dsRNA export, but demonstrate for the first time that SID-1 functions in the intestine to support environmental RNAi (eRNAi).
El sistema pronominal átono de tercera persona de objeto directo en el español hablado por guaymíes costarricenses
Authors: Marín Esquivel Rebeca
Published: October 2017

En el presente artículo se describe la organización del sistema pronominal átono de tercera persona de objeto directo expresado en el habla de seis individuos guaymíes costarricenses. Primero, se cuantifica la aparición de pronombres átonos de tercera persona, tomando en cuenta su relación de discordancia y concordancia con los sintagmas correferenciales. Segundo, se explica el influjo que podría estar teniendo el guaymí como lengua de contacto.
Reseñas
Authors: De Costa Rica Universidad
Published: October 2017

Felipe Martínez Pinzón. Una cultura de invernadero: trópico y civilización en Colombia (1808-1928).Madrid; Frankfurt am Main: Iberoamericana/Vervuert, 2016, 209 páginas. Reseña por Dorde Cuvardic García.Jens Lüdtke. Los orígenes de la lengua española en América. Los primeros cambios en las Islas Canarias, las Antillas y Castilla del Oro. Madrid, Frankfurt am Main: Iberoamericana-Vervuert, 2014, 662 páginas. Reseña por Jorge Antonio Leoni de León.Rima de Vallbona. Voces olvidadas. Su rescate en códices índígenas, crónicas y memoriales coloniales (Prólogo de Jorge Chen Sham). Nueva York: Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua (ANLE), 2015, 495 páginas. Reseña por Dorde Cuvardic García.Dalia Valdez Garza. Libros y lectores en la “Gazeta de literatura de México” (1788-1795) de José Antonio Alzate. México: Bonilla Artigas Editores / Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2014, 268 páginas. Reseña por Alexánder Sánchez Mora.Felipe Aparicio Nevado (Ed.). Reescrituras del imaginario policíaco en la narrativa hispánica contemporánea.ILLE/ Université de Haute-Alsace: Gráficas Romero, 2016, 358 páginas. Reseña por  Verónica Ríos Quesada.Mario Martín Gijón y José Antonio Llera (Eds.). Luis Cernuda: Perspectivas europeas y del exilio. Madrid: Ediciones Xorki, 2014, 368 páginas. Reseña por Jorge Chen Sham.Sofía Kantor. Amor dethronatus: Semántica y semiótica del ‘daño’ y del ‘engaño’. “Libro de buen amor” (cc. 181-422). Madrid/Frankfurt: Iberoamericana/ Vervuert, 2013, 525 páginas. Reseña por Jorge Chen Sham.Anónimo. Relación verdadera del Gran Sermón. Edición de Mabel González Quiroz. Barcelona: Paso de la Barca, 2015, 239 páginas. Reseña por Jorge Chen Sham.
HPLC–UV method for simultaneous determination of adenosine triphosphate and its metabolites in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Akhova Anna V. , Tkachenko Alexander G.
Published: October 2017

Method for the analysis of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in Mycobacterium smegmatis that involves rapid extraction procedure based on sonication of cells in perchloric acid, as well as separation of nucleotides by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet (UV) detection at 254 nm, is developed. The analytes were separated with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 50 mM monobasic potassium phosphate (pH 4.6) with 25 mM tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate in a ratio of 0.5:99.5% within 30 min. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 20–1000 pmol of ATP and 10–1000 pmol of ADP and AMP with correlation coefficient (r2) of ≥0.9998. The proposed method is applicable for mycobacterium cultures taken over a wide range of optical density and physiological states. Concentrations of ATP, ADP, and AMP in mycobacterial extracts varied from 2.61 ± 0.27 to 9.60 ± 0.19 nmol/mg dry weight, from 1.75 ± 0.12 to 5.86 ± 0.09 nmol/mg dry weight, and from 0.55 ± 0.08 to 4.40 ± 0.07 nmol/mg dry weight, respectively, depending on the physiological state.
Análise do setor audiovisual do sul do Brasil sob a perspectiva da inovação
Authors: Cardoso Eduardo Luiz , Prodanov Cleber Cristiano , Dorion Eric Charles Henri , Nodari Cristine Hermann , Chais Cassiane
Published: October 2017

Resumo: Esta pesquisa objetivou identificar o modelo atual da produção do setor audiovisual, considerando as atividades de TV, vídeo e cinema, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, aplicando o modelo da Hélice Tripla, em função dos declínios de investimentos públicos e privados, que deslocaram o estado para 11ª posição no setor na indústria criativa. Com abordagem qualitativa, o estudo exploratório utilizou entrevistas em profundidade com roteiro semiestruturado aplicado a atores do setor da produção do audiovisual entre as esferas da indústria, governo e universidade, sob a perspectiva da inovação. Os resultados finais indicaram que o setor audiovisual, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, não pode ser considerado um sistema de inovação, mas seu modelo de setor se encontra em processo de evolução, partindo de uma combinação de modelos anteriores, parte estadista e parte laissez-faire se direcionando ao modelo da teoria da Hélice Tripla. Apontam-se, oportunidades de trabalhos futuros.
Diversos modos de pensar o conceito de substância química na história da ciência e sua visão relacional
Authors: Silva João Roberto Ratis Tenório da
Published: October 2017

Resumo: O conceito de substância é considerado importante, pois serve de base para a aprendizagem de outros conteúdos. Em seu desenvolvimento histórico, encontram-se formas de falar relacionadas com modos de pensar, os quais foram organizados em cinco zonas de um perfil conceitual: generalista, essencialista (utilitarista/pragmática), substancialista, racionalista e relacional. Concepções da zona relacional são pouco discutidas em sala de aula. A discussão da visão relacional é importante, pois permite que alunos tenham consciência de certos comportamentos das substâncias. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar um breve relato do desenvolvimento histórico do conceito de substância química, contemplando as cinco zonas do perfil conceitual, destacando as concepções da zona relacional. Apontam-se diretrizes sobre a necessidade da ampla discussão deste conceito em sala de aula, além da necessidade de pesquisas sobre métodos de ensino que promovam tais discussões, levando em consideração, além da visão relacional, as ideias das demais zonas do perfil conceitual.
Cachimbos europeus de cerâmica branca, séculos XVI ao XIX: parâmetros básicos para análise arqueológica
Authors: Hissa Sarah de Barros Viana , Lima Tania Andrade
Published: October 2017

RESUMO O tabaco foi introduzido na Europa no final do século XV. Desde então, uma das formas mais comuns para o seu consumo foi o cachimbo, além do rapé, do tabaco de mascar, do charuto e, mais recentemente, dos cigarros. Os cachimbos de cerâmica branca, largamente produzidos e utilizados na Europa desde o século XV, são encontrados em sítios arqueológicos históricos ao redor do mundo, incluindo no Brasil, em decorrência do comércio internacional, que gradualmente se intensificou após o início da conquista europeia. Eles funcionam como excelentes elementos para datação de sítios e estratos arqueológicos, tendo sido estudados em vários países a partir dessa abordagem. Ainda, esse tipo de artefato, mais que fornecer datações, permite identificar redes comerciais entre nações e desenvolver discussões de cunho social e cultural. Contudo, eles foram pouco estudados no Brasil. Visando contribuir com os estudos nacionais dessa categoria material, este artigo oferece uma revisão da literatura internacional acerca do histórico da produção dos cachimbos europeus de caulim, incluindo apresentação dos principais centros produtores; da morfologia e decoração desses produtos, considerando a cronologia do fabrico; e dos métodos de análise dos diferentes cachimbos de caulim no âmbito da arqueologia histórica.
ADJACENT LEVEL DEGENERATION AND POST-TRAUMATIC DEFORMITY AFTER THORACOLUMBAR FRACTURES
Authors: SEBBEN ANDRÉ LUÍS , GRAELLS XAVIER SOLER I , BENATO MARCEL LUIZ , SANTORO PEDRO GREIN DEL , KULCHESKI ÁLYNSON LAROCCA
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate thoracolumbar fractures and the complications such as adjacent disc degeneration (ADD) and post-traumatic deformity. Methods: We evaluated 32 patients divided into two equal groups, 16 in the case group (removal of the synthesis material) and 16 in the control group (not submitted to removal of the synthesis material) in order to verify if there was difference between the incidence of these complications. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the progression of the ADD and the post-traumatic deformity, but both progressed during the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: It was concluded that the removal of the synthesis material was not effective in preventing these complications after surgical fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SINGLE-DOOR PLATE LAMINOPLASTY WITH LATERAL MASS SCREW FIXATION FOR THE UNSTABLE SEGMENT. REPORT OF TWO CASES WITH LONG FOLLOW-UP
Authors: SORIANO-SOLÍS SERGIO , QUILLO-OLVERA JAVIER , RODRÍGUEZ-GARCÍA MANUEL , SOLÍS HÉCTOR ANTONIO SORIANO , SORIANO-SÁNCHEZ JOSÉ-ANTONIO
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To report two cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with monosegmental instability, in which we performed a minimally invasive microsurgical transmuscular approach with tubular retractors to create a single-door plate laminoplasty combined with fixation of the unstable segment with lateral mass screws. Methods: The surgical procedures were performed by the senior author. In both patients, the follow-up was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Visual Analogue Scale for neck and radicular pain (radVAS, neckVAS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36), in the preoperative (preop) and postoperative (postop) periods, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A radiological evaluation also was performed, which included AP, lateral and flexion-extension films at 6, 12 and 24 months and CT-scan at 12 months. Results: Case 1 - preop ODI: 40%, 24 months postop ODI: 4%; preop radVAS: 7, 24 months radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 8, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 43%, 24 months PostopNDI: 8%; SF-36 - preop Physical Functioning (PF): 40, preop Vitality (VT): 40, preop Emotional role functioning (RE): 33.3, Bodily pain (BP): 51, General Health (GH): 57, Social Functioning (SF): 75; postop PF: 95, VT: 95, RE: 100, BP: 74, GH: 87, SF: 100. Case 2 - preopODI: 46%, 24 months postopODI: 10%; preop radVAS: 7, 24m radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 9, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 56%, 24 months PostopNDI: 15%; SF-36 - preop PF: 39, VT: 45, RE: 33.3, BP: 50, GH: 49, SF: 70; postop PF: 90, VT: 100, RE: 100, BP: 82, GH: 87, SF: 100. No complications, cervical instability or signs of failed surgery were found trough and at final follow-up at 24 months. We found significant clinical improvement in both patients. Conclusions: Minimally invasive cervical laminoplasty combined with lateral mass screw fixation for the unstable segment is a useful technique in cases with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with monosegmental instability. Additional comparative studies are needed to establish its efficacy.
Incident CKD after Radical or Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Leppert John T. , Lamberts Remy W. , Thomas I-Chun , Chung Benjamin I. , Sonn Geoffrey A. , Skinner Eila C. , Wagner Todd H. , Chertow Glenn M. , Brooks James D.
Published: October 2017

The comparative effectiveness of partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy to preserve kidney function has not been well established. We determined the risk of clinically significant (stage 4 and higher) CKD after radical or partial nephrectomy among veterans treated for kidney cancer in the Veterans Health Administration (2001–2013). Among patients with preoperative eGFR≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, the incidence of CKD stage 4 or higher after radical (n=9759) or partial nephrectomy (n=4370) was 7.9% overall. The median time to stage 4 or higher CKD after surgery was 5 months, after which few patients progressed. In propensity score–matched cohorts, partial nephrectomy associated with a significantly lower relative risk of incident CKD stage 4 or higher (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.26 to 0.43, versus radical nephrectomy). In a parallel analysis of patients with normal or near-normal preoperative kidney function (eGFR≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2), partial nephrectomy was also associated with a significantly lower relative risk of incident CKD stage 3b or higher (hazard ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.19, versus radical nephrectomy) in propensity score–matched cohorts. Competing risk regression models produced consistent results. Finally, patients treated with a partial nephrectomy had reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.62). In conclusion, compared with radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy was associated with a marked reduction in the incidence of clinically significant CKD and with enhanced survival. Postoperative decline in kidney function occurred mainly in the first year after surgery and appeared stable over time.
Endotoxin Preconditioning Reprograms S1 Tubules and Macrophages to Protect the Kidney
Authors: Hato Takashi , Zollman Amy , Plotkin Zoya , El-Achkar Tarek M. , Maier Bernhard F. , Pay S. Louise , Dube Shataakshi , Cabral Pablo , Yoshimoto Momoko , McClintick Jeanette , Dagher Pierre C.
Published: October 2017

Preconditioning with a low dose of endotoxin confers unparalleled protection against otherwise lethal models of sepsis. The mechanisms of preconditioning have been investigated extensively in isolated immune cells such as macrophages. However, the role of tissue in mediating the protective response generated by preconditioning remains unknown. Here, using the kidney as a model organ, we investigated cell type–specific responses to preconditioning. Compared with preadministration of vehicle, endotoxin preconditioning in the cecal ligation and puncture mouse model of sepsis led to significantly enhanced survival and reduced bacterial load in several organs. Furthermore, endotoxin preconditioning reduced serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, upregulated molecular pathways involved in phagocytosis, and prevented the renal function decline and injury induced in mice by a toxic dose of endotoxin. The protective phenotype involved the clustering of macrophages around S1 segments of proximal tubules, and full renal protection required both macrophages and renal tubular cells. Using unbiased S1 transcriptomic and tissue metabolomic approaches, we identified multiple protective molecules that were operative in preconditioned animals, including molecules involved in antibacterial defense, redox balance, and tissue healing. We conclude that preconditioning reprograms macrophages and tubules to generate a protective environment, in which tissue health is preserved and immunity is controlled yet effective. Endotoxin preconditioning can thus be used as a discovery platform, and understanding the role and participation of both tissue and macrophages will help refine targeted therapies for sepsis.
Desenvolvimento de um kit didático de eletroforese para o ensino prático de Biologia Molecular na educação básica e superior
Authors: Xavier César Silva , Cavalcanti Danielle Pereira
Published: October 2017

Os avanços da ciência na área da Biotecnologia impõem uma nova realidade e cada vez mais os produtos destas pesquisas estão presentes no dia a dia, atingindo a população de forma direta ou indireta. Aplicações relacionadas às tecnologias do DNA nas áreas da indústria, agricultura e medicina esbarram em questões sociais e éticas, além das implicações ecológicas e sobre a saúde humana. Torna-se necessário que a população esteja informada sobre os avanços nesta área. Com o objetivo de criar uma alternativa para estimular alunos na carreira científica e no aprendizado da biotecnologia e biologia molecular, desenvolvemos um projeto de iniciação científica júnior com alunos do ensino médio do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, que visou à construção de um kit didático para o ensino prático da eletroforese. A eletroforese é uma técnica utilizada para a separação de moléculas, como proteínas e ácidos nucléicos, largamente utilizadas nos laboratórios de Biologia molecular. A técnica consiste em expor as moléculas a um campo elétrico e estas, por serem eletricamente carregadas, tendem a se deslocar no sentido do polo de carga oposta. Fragmentos de tamanhos distintos se deslocam em velocidades diferentes, depositando-se em pontos específicos da matriz utilizada. O kit construído neste trabalho é constituído por uma fonte de 70 V, por acessórios e reagentes de fácil obtenção, baixo custo e baixo risco à saúde dos usuários. Com o kit foi possível realizar corridas eletroforéticas tanto com ácidos nucleicos quanto com corantes alimentícios. O kit possui ainda uma apostila sobre Tecnologias do DNA e o manual de utilização do aparelho com sugestões de experimentos simulando teste de paternidade, casais em disputa por guarda de criança e identificação de vírus. A aplicação do kit em aulas práticas junto a alunos e professores da educação básica demonstrou eficácia ao reduzir o número de erros em respostas contidas em um questionário relacionado à eletroforese e suas aplicações. Professores de Biologia avaliaram positivamente o material impresso que acompanha o kit didático, 75% dos professores entrevistados consideraram a linguagem do material bastante adequada, a apresentação dos componentes do kit esclarecedora e a técnica executável para utilização em suas turmas.
Transformação de energia nos seres vivos
Authors: Da Poian Andrea Thompson , Ketzer Luisa Andrea , Braga Carolina
Published: October 2017

Encontrar mecanismos para transferir o treinamento científico acumulado no Brasil para a educação oferecida nas escolas é um dos desafios enfrentados pelos cientistas brasileiros. Neste contexto, desenvolvemos um curso com o objetivo de proporcionar aos professores da Educação Básica ferramentas para o uso da metodologia científica em sua prática profissional. Este curso, denominado "Transformações de energia nos organismos vivos", trata dos três principais tópicos de Bioquímica que fazem parte do currículo do Ensino Médio (fermentação, fotossíntese e respiração celular) e compreende 5 encontros de dia inteiro. As principais descobertas que estabeleceram as bases conceituais em cada tópico são apresentadas no início dos três primeiros dias. Em seguida, os participantes são desafiados a formular questões sobre o tema e a desenhar e executar experimentos que as respondam. Uma aula contendo os conceitos fundamentais sobre os temas é dada após a discussão dos resultados obtidos nos experimentos. O quarto dia é dedicado à elaboração de uma proposta de aula investigativa no tema do curso. Finalmente, os participantes apresentam suas propostas e a forma como pretendem aplicá-las em sala de aula. Os depoimentos dos participantes mostram que eles se sentem confiantes de que adquiriram os conceitos necessários para desenvolver atividades em suas escolas.
Rape victims and victimisers in Herbstein's Ama, a Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Authors: Oduwobi Oluyomi
Published: October 2017

This paper examines how Manu Herbstein employs his fictionalised neo-slave narrative entitled Ama, a Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade to address the issue of sexual violence against women and to foreground the trans-Atlantic rape identities of victims and victimisers in relation to race, gender, class and religion. An appraisal of Herbstein's representations within the framework of postcolonial theory reveals how Herbstein deviates from the stereotypical norm of narrating the rape of female captives and slaves during the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade by creating graphic rape images in his narration. This study therefore shows that a postcolonial reading of Herbstein's novel addresses the representations of rape and male sexual aggression in literary discourse and contributes to the arguments on sexual violence against women from the past to the present.
Re-imagining family and gender roles in Aminatta Forna's Ancestor Stones
Authors: Ng'umbi Yunusy Castory
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the interplay between polygyny and gender by exploring the way in which family structure and gender roles are negotiated, imagined and exercised in fiction. Aminatta Forna's Ancestor stones (2006) is read in order to explore how the institution of polygyny changes over time and how it influences gender role negotiation. Using an African feminist approach, the paper juxtaposes the historical and contemporary institution of polygyny in relation to gender role negotiation and how contemporary writers build on their literary precursors in re-writing the history of polygyny and gender according to the socio-cultural needs of twenty-first century Africans. These changes in socio-cultural, economic and political spheres in Africa have played a pivotal role in altering family structure and arrangements. I therefore argue that the changes in familial structure and arrangement necessitate gender role negotiation.
Niveles de aridez en función a los factores climáticos en el valle del Cusco
Authors: Borda Tamayo Heidi Luis , Delgado Márquez, Américo , Jihuallanca Hancco Maribel
Published: October 2017

El presente trabajo se realizó en el valle del Cusco, el mismo que se encuentra en la Región Cusco, Provincia deCusco, abarcando a su vez los distritos de Cusco, Wanchaq, Santiago, San Sebastián, San Jerónimo y Saylla. Sedeterminó el nivel de aridez en los últimos 32 años (1983-2015), usándose los datos climáticos proporcionadospor la estación meteorológica Luis Olazo Olivera de la Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco. Losdatos utilizados sirvieron para hallar el índice de aridez (IA) propuesto por la UNEP y determinar en qué zona seencuentra el valle del Cusco. Luego del procesamiento de datos se observó que las lluvias tienden a disminuir,pero sucede lo contrario cuando la temperatura empieza a incrementarse (al igual que la evapotranspiración). Sedeterminó un IA de 0.45, ubicando al valle del Cusco en una zona semiárida, donde el IA va disminuyendo año aaño, mostrando una tendencia poco significativa, lo que indicaría una probabilidad baja de que el valle del Cuscodesarrollase una zona árida. Para el análisis se utilizó el software TREND que sirve para evaluar la significanciaen la tendencia de los datos climáticos utilizando los tests de Mann-Kendall, Cusum, Rank-sum y T-Student. Alobtener los resultados se observó que la precipitación y la humedad relativa tienden a disminuir, aunque no deforma significativa. La temperatura tiende a incrementarse siendo significativa al igual que la evapotranspiraciónque se eleva año a año.