bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAIR BILATERAL PRICES IN BERGMAN’S MODEL WITH EXOGENOUS COLLATERALIZATION
Authors: NIE TIANYANG , RUTKOWSKI MAREK
Published: November 2015

We examine the pricing and hedging of general contracts in an extension of the market model proposed by [B-1995]. We study both problems from the perspectives of the hedger and the counterparty with arbitrary initial endowments. We derive inequalities satisfied by unilateral prices of a contract and we give the range for its fair bilateral prices. Our study hinges on results for backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) driven by multi-dimensional continuous martingales obtained in Nie & Rutkowski (2014b). We also derive the pricing partial differential equations (PDEs) for path-independent contingent claims of European style in a Markovian framework.
Partial Orders and CB-Degeneration Relation
Authors: Hajduk Adam
Published: November 2015

We show that the relation ≤ cb , induced from the CB-degeneration relation on the disjoint union ∐d∈ℕ( alg d(k)/≅), is a partial order, where for d ∈ ℕ the set alg d(k)/≅ consists of the isomorphism classes of k-algebra structures on the space kd.
t-Rickart and Dual t-Rickart Modules
Authors: Asgari Sh. , Haghany A.
Published: November 2015

We introduce the notion of t-Rickart modules as a generalization of t-Baer modules. Dual t-Rickart modules are also defined. Both of these are generalizations of continuous modules. Every direct summand of a t-Rickart (resp., dual t-Rickart) module inherits the property. Some equivalent conditions to being t-Rickart (resp., dual t-Rickart) are given. In particular, we show that a module M is t-Rickart (resp., dual t-Rickart) if and only if M is a direct sum of a Z2-torsion module and a nonsingular Rickart (resp., dual Rickart) module. It is proved that for a ring R, every R-module is dual t-Rickart if and only if R is right t-semisimple, while every R-module is t-Rickart if and only if R is right Σ-t-extending. Other types of rings are characterized by certain classes of t-Rickart (resp., dual t-Rickart) modules.
Irreducible Representations of Power-associative Train Algebras
Authors: Behn Antonio , Labra Alicia , Reyes Cristián
Published: November 2015

Train algebras were introduced by Etherington in 1939 as an algebraic framework for treating genetic problems. The aim of this paper is to study the representations and irreducible representations of power-associative train algebras of rank 4. There are three families of such algebras and for two of them we prove that every irreducible representation has dimension one over the ground field. For the third family we give an example of an irreducible representation of dimension three.
Morita Equivalence of Semirings and Its Connection with Nobusawa Γ-Semirings with Unities
Authors: Sardar Sujit Kumar , Gupta Sugato , Saha Bibhas Chandra
Published: November 2015

We show that the left operator semiring and the right operator semiring of a Nobusawa Γ-semiring with unities are Morita equivalent. The converse is also deduced, i.e., for two Morita equivalent semirings L and R, a Nobusawa Γ-semiring A with unities is constructed such that the left and right operator semirings of A are isomorphic to L and R, respectively. As an application we first establish a relationship between Morita equivalence and Morita context of semirings, and then enumerate some properties of semirings which remain invariant under Morita equivalence.
THE IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ON CORPORATE PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE EGYPTIAN INSURANCE MARKET
Authors: SHERIF MOHAMED , ELSAYED MAHMOUD
Published: November 2015

This paper examines, using various econometric techniques, the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on the performance of Egyptian insurance companies listed between 2006 and 2011. We measure IC using the value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) approach and its components developed by Pulic (2000), and both a direct and a moderating relationship between VAIC and corporate performance are investigated. Our results show a direct relationship between (IC-VAIC) and the performance of Egyptian insurance companies, particularly with capital employed efficiency (CEE), and to a lesser extent with human capital efficiency. In addition, a positive relationship between IC (capital employed and structural capital) and performance in the prior and current years is found. Evidence also suggests the possibility of a moderating relationship between IC and physical and financial capital, which in turn impacts on corporate performance. Our study also reveals the importance of taking into account any unobservable heterogeneity and endogeneity issues when analysing corporate performance.
A Multi-Phase Model for High Strength Steels
Authors: Dan W. J. , Huang T. T. , Zhang W. G.
Published: November 2015

It is difficult to evaluate the strain hardening behavior of multi-phase steels while considering the stress–strain response of individual phases, due to the different deformation state and complex interactions of the soft and hard constituents during plastic forming. With assuming that the strain energy density of material equals to the weighted sum of each phase in this study, a multi-phase physical combined model is developed by incorporating the dislocation evolution of individual phases. The dislocation evolution of every individual phase is based on its micro-deformation, which is related to the macro-strain of material. The proposed model is verified by two groups of dual phase (DP) steels. One group considers different strength grades, and the other group deals with different martensite volume fractions (Vm). The strain hardening behaviors of material and individual phases are evaluated subsequently.
The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Market
Authors: WAN Jing
Published: November 2015

The Stock Connect scheme launched on 17 November 2014 was the first mutual market access between mainland China and Hong Kong stock markets. It is the biggest move ever in the opening up of the capital market. Experiences accumulated will be of great value to mainland regulators who will decide on how these experiences could be utilised for China’s future opening up of its capital markets and for accelerating renminbi internationalisation.
Recent Development of Internet Finance in China
Authors: YANG Mu , LIM Wen Xin
Published: November 2015

The internet finance sector in China, buoyed by the rise of online payment services, online person-to-person (P2P) lending platforms and online sales of financial products, is a revolutionary means of financing. New in China, relevant legislations are lagging behind product innovations. Internet finance risks are more in risk control and consumer information security. Despite the need to regulate China’s internet banking, the key is to strike a subtle balance between stability and financial market liberalisation.
ARC 2014
Authors: Bai Yuhui , Ahmed Syed Zahid , Granado Bertrand
Published: November 2015

The embedded image processing systems like smartphones and digital cameras have tight limits on storage, computation power, network connectivity, and battery usage. These limitations make it important to ensure efficient image coding. In the article, we present a novel heap-based priority queue structure employed by an Adaptive Scanning of Wavelet Data scheme (ASWD) targeting an embedded platform. ASWD is a context modeling block implemented via priority queues in a wavelet-based image coder to reorganize the wavelet coefficients into locally stationary sequences. The architecture we propose exploits efficient use of FPGA’s on-chip dual-port memories in an adaptive manner. Innovations of index-aware system linked to each element in the queue makes the location of queue element traceable in the heap as per the requirements of the ASWD algorithm. Moreover, use of 4-port memories along with intelligent data concatenation of queue elements yielded in a cost effective enhanced memory access. The memory ports are adaptively assigned to different units during different processing phases in a manner to optimally take advantage of memory access required by that phase. The architectural innovations can also be exploited in other applications that require efficient hardware implementations of generic priority queue or classical sorting applications which sort into the index. We designed and validated the hardware on an Altera’s Stratix IV FPGA as an IP accelerator in a Nios II processor based System on Chip. We show that our architecture at 150MHz can provide 45X speedup compared to an embedded ARM Cortex-A9 processor at 666MHz targeting the throughput of 10MB/s.
Cellular chloride and bicarbonate retention alters intracellular pH regulation in Cftr KO crypt epithelium
Authors: Walker Nancy M. , Liu Jinghua , Stein Sydney R. , Stefanski Casey D. , Strubberg Ashlee M. , Clarke Lane L.
Published: November 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel providing a major pathway for Cl−and HCO3−efflux across the apical membrane of the epithelium. In the intestine, CF manifests as obstructive syndromes, dysbiosis, inflammation, and an increased risk for gastrointestinal cancer. Cftr knockout (KO) mice recapitulate CF intestinal disease, including intestinal hyperproliferation. Previous studies using Cftr KO intestinal organoids (enteroids) indicate that crypt epithelium maintains an alkaline intracellular pH (pHi). We hypothesized that Cftr has a cell-autonomous role in downregulating pHithat is incompletely compensated by acid-base regulation in its absence. Here, 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein microfluorimetry of enteroids showed that Cftr KO crypt epithelium sustains an alkaline pHiand resistance to cell acidification relative to wild-type. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that Cftr KO enteroids exhibit downregulated transcription of base (HCO3−)-loading proteins and upregulation of the basolateral membrane HCO3−-unloader anion exchanger 2 (Ae2). Although Cftr KO crypt epithelium had increased Ae2 expression and Ae2-mediated Cl−/HCO3−exchange with maximized gradients, it also had increased intracellular Cl−concentration relative to wild-type. Pharmacological reduction of intracellular Cl−concentration in Cftr KO crypt epithelium normalized pHi, which was largely Ae2-dependent. We conclude that Cftr KO crypt epithelium maintains an alkaline pHias a consequence of losing both Cl−and HCO3−efflux, which impairs pHiregulation by Ae2. Retention of Cl−and an alkaline pHiin crypt epithelium may alter several cellular processes in the proliferative compartment of Cftr KO intestine.
Skeletal myofiber VEGF is necessary for myogenic and contractile adaptations to functional overload of the plantaris in adult mice
Authors: Huey Kimberly A. , Smith Sophia A. , Sulaeman Alexis , Breen Ellen C.
Published: November 2015

The ability to enhance muscle size and function is important for overall health. In this study, skeletal myofiber vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was hypothesized to regulate hypertrophy, capillarity, and contractile function in response to functional overload (FO). Adult myofiber-specific VEGF gene-ablated mice (skmVEGF−/−) and wild-type (WT) littermates underwent plantaris FO or sham surgery (SHAM). Mass, morphology, in vivo function, IGF-1, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and Akt were measured at 7, 14, and 30 days. FO resulted in hypertrophy in both genotypes, but fiber sizes were 13% and 23% smaller after 14 and 30 days, respectively, and mass 15% less after 30 days in skmVEGF−/−than WT. FO increased isometric force after 30 days in WT and decreased in skmVEGF−/−after 7 and 14 days. FO also resulted in a reduction in specific force and this differed between genotypes at 14 days. Fatigue resistance improved only in 14-day WT mice. Capillary density was decreased by FO in both genotypes. However, capillary-to-fiber ratios were 19% and 15% lower in skmVEGF−/−than WT at the 14- and 30-day time points, respectively. IGF-1 was increased by FO at all time points and was 45% and 40% greater in skmVEGF−/−than WT after 7 and 14 days, respectively. bFGF, HGF, total Akt, and phospho-Akt, independent of VEGF expression, and VEGF levels in WT were increased after 7 days of FO. These findings suggest VEGF-dependent capillary maintenance supports muscle growth and function in overloaded muscle and is not rescued by compensatory IGF-1 expression.
Connexin 43 Inhibition Sensitizes Chemoresistant Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide
Authors: Murphy Susan F. , Varghese Robin T. , Lamouille Samy , Guo Sujuan , Pridham Kevin J. , Kanabur Pratik , Osimani Alyssa M. , Sharma Shaan , Jourdan Jane , Rodgers Cara M. , Simonds Gary R. , Gourdie Robert G. , Sheng Zhi
Published: November 2015

Resistance of glioblastoma (GBM) to the front-line chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) continues to challenge GBM treatment efforts. The repair of TMZ-induced DNA damage by O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) confers one mechanism of TMZ resistance. Paradoxically, MGMT-deficient GBM patients survive longer despite still developing resistance to TMZ. Recent studies indicate that the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) renders GBM cells resistant to TMZ through its carboxyl terminus (CT). In this study, we report insights into how Cx43 promotes TMZ resistance. Cx43 levels were inversely correlated with TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells, including GBM stem cells. Moreover, Cx43 levels inversely correlated with patient survival, including as observed in MGMT-deficient GBM patients. Addition of the C-terminal peptide mimetic αCT1, a selective inhibitor of Cx43 channels, sensitized human MGMT-deficient and TMZ-resistant GBM cells to TMZ treatment. Moreover, combining αCT1 with TMZ-blocked AKT/mTOR signaling, induced autophagy and apoptosis in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Our findings suggest that Cx43 may offer a biomarker to predict the survival of patients with MGMT-independent TMZ resistance and that combining a Cx43 inhibitor with TMZ could enhance therapeutic responses in GBM, and perhaps other TMZ-resistant cancers. Cancer Res; 76(1); 139–49. ©2015 AACR.
Nitric Oxide Regulates Gene Expression in Cancers by Controlling Histone Posttranslational Modifications
Authors: Vasudevan Divya , Hickok Jason R. , Bovee Rhea C. , Pham Vy , Mantell Lin L. , Bahroos Neil , Kanabar Pinal , Cao Xing-Jun , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Garcia Benjamin A. , Thomas Douglas D.
Published: November 2015

Altered nitric oxide (•NO) metabolism underlies cancer pathology, but mechanisms explaining many •NO-associated phenotypes remain unclear. We have found that cellular exposure to •NO changes histone posttranslational modifications (PTM) by directly inhibiting the catalytic activity of JmjC-domain containing histone demethylases. Herein, we describe how •NO exposure links modulation of histone PTMs to gene expression changes that promote oncogenesis. Through high-resolution mass spectrometry, we generated an extensive map of •NO-mediated histone PTM changes at 15 critical lysine residues on the core histones H3 and H4. Concomitant microarray analysis demonstrated that exposure to physiologic •NO resulted in the differential expression of over 6,500 genes in breast cancer cells. Measurements of the association of H3K9me2 and H3K9ac across genomic loci revealed that differential distribution of these particular PTMs correlated with changes in the level of expression of numerous oncogenes, consistent with epigenetic code. Our results establish that •NO functions as an epigenetic regulator of gene expression mediated by changes in histone PTMs. Cancer Res; 75(24); 5299–308. ©2015 AACR.
ERRα Is a Marker of Tamoxifen Response and Survival in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Manna Subrata , Bostner Josefine , Sun Yang , Miller Lance D. , Alayev Anya , Schwartz Naomi S. , Lager Elin , Fornander Tommy , Nordenskjöld Bo , Yu Jane J. , Stål Olle , Holz Marina K.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) signaling has recently been implicated in breast cancer. We investigated the clinical value of ERRα in randomized cohorts of tamoxifen-treated and adjuvant-untreated patients.

Experimental Design: Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the significance of associations between ERRα gene expression levels and patient DMFS in a previously published microarray dataset representing 2,000 breast tumor cases derived from multiple medical centers worldwide. The 912 tumors used for immunostaining were from a tamoxifen-randomized primary breast cancer trial conducted in Stockholm, Sweden, during 1976–1990. Mouse model was used to study the effect of tamoxifen treatment on lung colonization of MDA-MB-231 control cells and MDA-MB-231 cells with stable knockdown of ERRα. The phenotypic effects associated with ERRα modulation were studied using immunoblotting analyses and wound-healing assay.

Results: We found that in ER-negative and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) adjuvant-untreated patients, ERRα expression indicated worse prognosis and correlated with poor outcome predictors. However, in tamoxifen-treated patients, an improved outcome was observed with high ERRα gene and protein expression. Reduced ERRα expression was oncogenic in the presence of tamoxifen, measured by in vitro proliferation and migration assays and in vivo metastasis studies.

Conclusions: Taken together, these data show that ERRα expression predicts response to tamoxifen treatment, and ERRα could be a biomarker of tamoxifen sensitivity and a prognostic factor in TNBC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1421–31. ©2015 AACR.
Luteolin Inhibits Breast Cancer Development and Progression In Vitro and In Vivo by Suppressing Notch Signaling and Regulating MiRNAs
Authors: Sun Da-Wei , Zhang He-Da , Mao Ling , Mao Chang-Fei , Chen Wei , Cui Meng , Ma Rong , Cao Hai-Xia , Jing Chang-Weng , Wang Zhuo , Wu Jian-Zhong , Tang Jin-Hai
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: This study aims to investigate the effect of Luteolin on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo and the interaction between miRNAs and Notch signaling after Luteolin intervention, and illustrates the possible underlying mechanism and regulation loop. Methods: Cell growth/survival assays and cell cycle analyses were performed to evaluate cell survival in vitro. Scratch tests, cell invasion assays and tube formation assays were carried out to analyze cell viability and identify the impact of Luteolin on angiogenesis. Critical components in the Notch pathway including proteins and mRNAs were detected by Western blotting analyses, ELISA assays and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Matrix metalloproteinases activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography analyses. MiRNAs were analyzed by miRNA expression assays. After MDA-MB-231 cells were separately transfected with Notch-1 siRNA/cDNA and miRNA mimics, the above assays were also carried out to examine potential tumor cell changes. Xenograft models were applied to evaluate the treatment potency of Luteolin in breast cancer. Results: Luteolin significantly inhibited breast cancer cell survival, cell cycle, tube formation and the expression of Notch signaling-related proteins and mRNAs, and regulated miRNAs. After introducing Notch-1 siRNA and miRNA mimics, MDA-MB-231 cells presented with changes in miRNA levels, reduced Notch signaling-related proteins, and decreased tumor survival, invasion and angiogenesis. Conclusion: Luteolin inhibits Notch signaling by regulating miRNAs. However, the effect of miRNAs on the Notch pathway could be either Luteolin-dependent or Luteolin-independent. Furthermore, Notch-1 alteration may inversely change miRNAs levels. Our data demonstrates that Luteolin, miRNAs and the Notch pathway are critical in breast cancer development and prognosis.
Co-Transplantation of Skin-Derived Precursors and Collagen Sponge Facilitates Diabetic Wound Healing by Promoting Local Vascular Regeneration
Authors: Ke Tingyu , Yang Mei , Mao Duo , Zhu Meifeng , Che Yongzhe , Kong Deling , Li Chen
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Impaired diabetes wound healing can often lead to serious complications and remains a major health concern due to the lack of effective therapeutic approaches. Compromised angiogenesis, disrupted growth factor and cytokine activity are all attributable to diabetic wound healing impairment. The skin-derived precursors (SKPs) have been shown to differentiate into vascular and nerve cells, both of which are crucial components for wound repair. Given their easy accessibility and multipotency, the SKPs were proposed as an ideal therapeutic candidate for diabetic wound healing. Since the efficacy of cell therapy is limited by poor cell survival, collagen sponge was employed for better SKPs delivery. Methods: SKPs were isolated and transplanted directly to the wound areas of diabetic mice in the absence and presence of collagen sponge. The effects of SKPs and/or collagen sponge on diabetic wound healing were examined histologically as well as immunostaining of isolectin and α-SMA. Mechanisms via which the SKPs facilitate wound healing were then investigated by transplanting SKPs that have been pre-labelled with a fluorescence dye, Dil. Expression patterns of Dil and an SKP marker, nestin, was also examined. Results and Conclusion: Accelerated wound healing and enhanced local capillary regeneration could be observed 14 days after skin ablation from both SKPs and collagen sponge co-transplanted and collagen sponge only groups. Subsequent analyses further revealed superior pro-angiogenic effects from the SKP and collagen sponge co-delivered group, which are mainly attributable to in vivo transdifferentation and paracrine signalling of the SKPs.
GalR Acts as a Transcriptional Activator of galKT in the Presence of Galactose in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Shafeeq Sulman , Manzoor Irfan , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: November 2015

We explored the regulatory mechanism of Leloir pathway genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of galKT is galactose dependent. By microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR, we further show the role of the transcriptional regulator GalR, present upstream of galKT, as a transcriptional activator of galKT in the presence of galactose. Moreover, we predict a 19-bp regulatory site (5′-GATAGTTTAGTAAAATTTT-3′) for the transcriptional regulator GalR in the promoter region of galK, which is also highly conserved in other streptococci. Growth comparison of D39 ΔgalK with the D39 wild type grown in the presence of galactose shows that galK is required for the proper growth of S. pneumoniae on galactose.
Effects of 24 CYP2D6 Variants Found in the Chinese Population on the Metabolism of Risperidone
Authors: Wang Zhen-He , Zhan Yun-Yun , Li Yun-Xuan , Yang Cheng-Cheng , Cai Jie , Dai Da-Peng , Hu Guo-Xin , Cai Jian-Ping
Published: November 2015

Aims: Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 2D6 is an important member of the P450 enzyme superfamily and responsible for clearing 25% of clinically important drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the catalytic characteristics of 24 CYP2D6 allelic isoforms found in the Chinese population and their effects on the metabolism of risperidone in vitro. Methods: Insect microsomes expressing wild-type CYP2D6 and 24 CYP2D6 allelic variants were incubated with 20-1,000 μmol/l risperidone for 40 min at 37°C. After termination, risperidone and 9-OH risperidone, the metabolite of risperidone, were precipitated and used for signal collection by ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Among 24 CYP2D6 variants tested, 2 variants (CYP2D6*92 and CYP2D6*96) were found to be with no detectable activity. Two variants (E215K and R440C) exhibited higher intrinsic clearance values than the wild-type protein, while the remaining 20 CYP2D6 allelic variants exhibited significantly decreased clearance values (2.01-87.56%) compared to CYP2D6*1. Conclusion: These findings suggest that more attention should be directed to subjects carrying these infrequent CYP2D6 alleles when administering risperidone in the clinic. This is the first report of all these novel alleles for risperidone metabolism, providing fundamental data for further clinical studies on CYP2D6 alleles.
The Microbiota and Transgenomic Networks: Potential Implications for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Authors: Santolaya-Forgas Joaquin , Townsend Ryan , Santolaya Jacobo L. , Patel Priya , Herrera-Garcia Guadalupe , Castracane V. Daniel
Published: November 2015

The maternal microbiota has long been considered a potential cause for adverse perinatal outcomes. Gene expression regulators in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are influenced by changes in their microenvironments. We propose the novel idea that during in utero development, an adaptive and dynamic gene-regulatory cross talk might exist between the host genome and the maternal microbiota. Understanding these cross talks could increase the appreciation for the discovery of new diagnostics and therapeutics in maternal-fetal medicine.
Role of Focal Therapy with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in the Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kuru Timur H. , van Essen Julius , Pfister David , Porres Daniel
Published: November 2015

Overtreatment of prostate cancer (PC) remains one of the main burdens in uro-oncology. Focal therapy may be a reasonable alternative with less side effects and morbidity. Application of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) induces immediate and irreversible coagulation. The treatment leads to consecutive necrosis with sharply delineated margins, making HIFU a promising tool for the focal therapy of localized PC. Unlike radiation, the treatment leaves no collateral damage outside of the heated tissue, allowing repeated use of HIFU, if necessary. In case of non-organ-confined relapse, additional radical salvage therapy can be performed. This review gives an overview of the existing evidence on focal HIFU. Today, 3 HIFU devices are approved for the treatment of localized PC: Sonablate™, Ablatherm™ and the FocalOne™ device. In summary, the first published results of focal HIFU are promising. The quality of life and potency of the patients are well preserved. Therefore, HIFU treatment, and especially focal ablation of tumor foci, seems to be a safe alternative to standard treatment, with low side effects. The oncologic results seem satisfactory but need further follow-up to validate this practice of PC control.
O MODELO TRIDIMENSIONAL FÍSICO COMO INSTRUMENTO DE SIMULAÇÃO NA HABITAÇÃO SOCIAL
Authors: Imai Cesar , Azuma Mauricio Hidemi , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Zalite Marcela G. Albuquerque
Published: November 2015

A utilização dos modelos tridimensionais é uma prática antiga na história da Arquitetura. Eles tinham por objetivo comunicar conceitos a serem concretizados pelos projetos e pelas edificações. Esses modelos buscam transmitir ideias e valores, ao mesmo tempo que comunicam as intenções do projeto, principalmente para os usuários ou pessoas que possuem o poder decisório sobre a concretização do objeto arquitetônico. O presente trabalho apresenta uma proposta de um protótipo de simulação tridimensional, buscando aplicar simulações de projetos habitacionais e avaliar a dimensão subjetiva do comportamento humano em relação ao espaço habitacional. Esse protótipo difere da maquete arquitetônica tradicional por utilizar mecanismos de registro de informações e delimitação de parâmetros mínimos de utilização dos ambientes. O artigo relata a aplicação de um estudo piloto que tem como objetivo verificar como um protótipo tridimensional, com características especificas, pode auxiliar na identificação das demandas subjetivas e das prioridades dos usuários da habitação, com especial atenção aos usuários idosos. Para tanto, o protótipo do presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de ser o mais didático possível para essa parcela da população. Essas simulações foram aplicadas com um grupo de usuários, de forma individual e separadamente com cada um, seguindo um roteiro de questões a serem abordadas durante o procedimento. Os dados coletados na pesquisa permitem identificar as limitações e vantagens da utilização do protótipo tridimensional na comunicação entre o usuário leigo e o projetista técnico, identificando as potencialidades do instrumento enquanto processo auxiliar de avaliação prévia do projeto. Ao mesmo tempo, foi possível compreender os valores, os ideais e a forma de compreensão do problema por parte dos usuários, de tal maneira a auxiliar na revisão dos procedimentos de futuras pesquisas com protótipos. 
GESTÃO DO PROCESSO DE PROJETO DE INSTALAÇÕES ELÉTRICAS EM EMPREENDIMENTOS HOSPITALARES: ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Oliveira Breno De Assis , Starling Cícero Murta Diniz , Andery Paulo Roberto Pereira
Published: November 2015

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo exploratório sobre a gestão do processo de projeto de instalações elétricas em estabelecimentos hospitalares complexos. A pesquisa realizou-se por meio de dois estudos de caso. As fontes de evidências envolveram a documentação de projeto, atas de reuniões, procedimentos, assistência a reuniões de coordenação, entrevistas e acompanhamento de rotinas de trabalho. Dessa forma, foi possível mapear o processo de projeto, identificando problemas, dificuldades e desafios. Os casos, explorados a partir de um referencial teórico que abordou a situação da gestão de projetos e suas diversas disciplinas envolvidas, apresentam um extenso quadro das dificuldades encontradas na elaboração de projetos de instalações elétricas em empreendimentos hospitalares, suas causas e possíveis ações visando minimizar os riscos inerentes a empreendimentos que, por sua natureza, oferecem elevado grau de complexidade e exigem interação completa entre os diversos agentes envolvidos. A ausência de um adequado programa de necessidades, a utilização de técnicas de gestão de projetos ultrapassadas e o desconhecimento técnico das particularidades expostas pelas instalações hospitalares provocam relações tensas entre as partes e, por consequência, o descumprimento dos prazos e a extrapolação dos orçamentos previstos, além de lacunas no atendimento às expectativas de investidores, contratantes e de usuários desses empreendimentos. Por fim, este trabalho aponta a utilização de duas importantes ferramentas com o objetivo de minimizar os riscos apresentados: o programa de necessidades para a elaboração de projetos de instalações elétricas em empreendimentos hospitalares, além de uma sequência proposta para a elaboração dos referidos projetos, fundamentada nos conceitos de gestão do processo de projeto.
O USO DO CIM (CITY INFORMATION MODELING) PARA GERAÇÃO DE IMPLANTAÇÃO EM CONJUNTOS DE HABITAÇÃO DE INTERESSE SOCIAL: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE ENSINO
Authors: Beirão José Nuno , Mendes Leticia Teixeira , Celani Gabriela
Published: November 2015

A questão da habitação e os paradigmas que envolvem o habitar humano na contemporaneidade têm sido uma temática recorrente no panorama arquitetônico do século XXI; assim, torna-se necessário entendê-los como elementos fundamentais na estruturação das cidades. Essa problemática se intensifica ao analisarmos o tema da habitação de interesse social (HIS) e seu impacto na qualidade de vida dos habitantes, e como consequência, das cidades brasileiras. O presente trabalho é parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa de doutorado que utilizou o formalismo da gramática da forma e a abordagem da modelagem paramétrica como métodos para a geração de espaços públicos em conjuntos de HIS no Brasil, assumindo que essa metodologia pode contribuir para uma exploração mais ampla e aprofundada de diferentes soluções projetuais. A fim de testar o método proposto foram organizados três workshops com alunos do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo, da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Cada workshop foi direcionado para diferentes escalas do projeto de um conjunto habitacional: (1) desenho urbano, (2) implantação urbana do conjunto habitacional e (3) relação entre os edifícios e os espaços externos. Este artigo apresentará os resultados obtidos no workshop (1), denominado Parametric Urban Design.
Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1–Derived PGE
2
Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification
Authors: Gao Cheng , Fu Yi , Li Yanhui , Zhang Xu , Zhang Lu , Yu Fang , Xu Susanna S. , Xu Qingbo , Zhu Yi , Guan Youfei , Wang Xian , Kong Wei
Published: November 2015

Objective—

Chronic administration of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors leads to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification, a common complication of chronic kidney disease, is directly related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Here, we tested whether specific COX-2 inhibition affects vascular calcification during chronic renal failure.

Approach and Results—

The COX-2–specific inhibitors NS398 and SC236 significantly increased high–phosphate (Pi)-induced VSMC calcification. Similarly, COX-2
−/−
VSMCs, COX-2
−/−
aortas rings treated with high Pi and adenine diet–induced COX-2
−/−
chronic renal failure mice displayed enhanced calcium deposition. Metabolomic analysis revealed the differential suppression of PGE
2
production by COX-1– and COX-2–specific inhibitors in high–Pi-stimulated VSMCs, indicating the involvement of PGE
2
during COX-2 inhibition-aggravated vascular calcification. Indeed, exogenous PGE
2
reduced alkaline phosphatase activity, osteogenic transdifferentiation, apoptosis, and calcification of VSMCs. In accordance, downregulation of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 in VSMCs, mPGES-1
−/−
aorta with high-Pi stimulation and mPGES-1
−/−
chronic renal failure mice resulted in enhanced vascular mineralization. Further applications of RNAi and specific antagonists for PGE
2
receptors indicated EP4 may mediate PGE
2
-inhibited vascular calcification.

Conclusions—

Our data revealed the pivotal role of COX-2–mPGES-1–PGE
2
axis in vascular calcification. The selective inhibition of COX-2 or mPGES-1 may increase the risk of calcification and subsequent adverse cardiovascular events during chronic renal failure.
Atypical Fast-Slow Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia Incorporating a “Superior” Slow Pathway
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiaki , Naito Shigeto , Okishige Kaoru , Morishima Itsuro , Tobiume Takeshi , Nakajima Tadashi , Irie Tadanobu , Ota Masaki , Iijima Takafumi , Iizuka Takashi , Tamura Mio , Tamura Shuntaro , Saito Akihiro , Igawa Osamu , Kato Ritsushi , Matsumoto Kazuo , Suzuki Fumio , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: November 2015

Background—

The existence of an atypical fast-slow (F/S) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) including a superior (sup) pathway with slow conductive properties and an atrial exit near the His bundle has not been confirmed.

Methods and Results—

We studied 6 women and 2 men (age, 74±7 years) with sup-F/S-AVNRT who underwent successful radiofrequency ablation near the His bundle. Programmed ventricular stimulation induced retrograde conduction over a superior SP with an earliest atrial activation near the His bundle, a mean shortest spike-atrial interval of 378±119 milliseconds, and decremental properties in all patients. sup-F/S-AVNRT was characterized by a long-RP interval; a retrograde atrial activation sequence during tachycardia identical to that over a sup-SP during ventricular pacing; ventriculoatrial dissociation during ventricular overdrive pacing of the tachycardia in 5 patients or atrioventricular block occurring during tachycardia in 3 patients, excluding atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia; termination of the tachycardia by ATP; and a V-A-V activation sequence immediately after ventricular induction or entrainment of the tachycardia, including dual atrial responses in 2 patients. Elimination or modification of retrograde conduction over the sup-SP by ablation near the right perinodal region or from the noncoronary cusp of Valsalva eliminated and confirmed the diagnosis of AVNRT in 4 patients each.

Conclusions—

sup-F/S-AVNRT is a distinct supraventricular tachycardia, incorporating an SP located above the Koch triangle as the retrograde limb, that can be eliminated by radiofrequency ablation.
Patterns of Anticoagulation Use and Cardioembolic Risk After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Noseworthy Peter A. , Yao Xiaoxi , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Van Houten Holly , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Siontis Konstantinos C. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Friedman Paul A. , Packer Douglas L. , Gersh Bernard J. , Shah Nilay D.
Published: November 2015

Background

There is significant practice variation in oral anticoagulation (
OAC
) use following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. It is not clear whether the risk of cardioembolism increases after discontinuation of
OAC
following catheter ablation.

Methods and Results

We identified 6886 patients within a large national administrative claims database who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation between January 1, 2005, and September 30, 2014. We assessed the effect of time off of
OAC
by
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score (after adjusting for other comorbidities) on risk of cardioembolism, using Cox proportional hazards models. There was an increase in the use of non–vitamin K
OAC
after ablation from 0% in 2005 to 69.8% in 2014.
OAC
discontinuation was high, with only 60.5% and 31.3% of patients remaining on
OAC
at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The rate of discontinuation was higher in low‐risk patients (82% versus 62.5% at 12 months for
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c 0–1 versus ≥2, respectively;
P
<0.001). Stroke occurred in 1.4% of patients with
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c ≥2 and 0.3% of those with
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c 0 or 1 over the study follow‐up. The risk of cardioembolism in the first 3 months after ablation was increased among those with any time off
OAC
(hazard ratio 8.06 [95%
CI
1.53–42.3],
P
<0.05). The risk of cardioembolism beyond 3 months was increased with
OAC
discontinuation among high‐risk patients (hazard ratio 2.48 [95%
CI
1.11–5.52],
P
<0.05) but not low‐risk patients.

Conclusion

The overall risk of stroke in postablation patients is low; however,
OAC
discontinuation after ablation is common and is associated with increased risk of cardioembolism for all patients within the first 3 months and for high‐risk patients in the long term. Continuing
OAC
for at least 3 months in all patients and indefinitely in high‐risk patients appears to be the safest strategy.
Discovery of New Risk Markers for Ischemic Stroke Using a Novel Targeted Proteomics Chip
Authors: Lind Lars , Siegbahn Agneta , Lindahl Bertil , Stenemo Markus , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Emerging technologies have made it possible to simultaneously evaluate a large number of circulating proteins as potential new stroke risk markers.

Methods—

We explored associations between 85 cardiovascular proteins, assessed by a proteomics chip, and incident ischemic stroke in 2 independent cohorts of elderly (Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors [PIVUS]: n=977; 50% women, mean age=70.1 years, 71 fatal/nonfatal ischemic stroke events during 10.0 years; and Uppsala Longitudinal Study in Adult Men [ULSAM]: n=720, mean age=77.5 years, 75 ischemic stroke events during 9.5 years). The proteomics chip uses 2 antibodies for each protein and a polymerase chain reaction step to achieve a high-specific binding and the possibility to measure multiple proteins in parallel, but gives no absolute concentrations.

Results—

In PIVUS, 16 proteins were related to incident ischemic stroke using a false discovery rate of 5%. Of these, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (
P
=0.0032), adrenomedullin (
P
=0.018), and eosinophil cationic protein (
P
=0.0071) were replicated in ULSAM after adjustment for established stroke risk factors. In predefined secondary meta-analyses of individual data, interleukin-27 subunit α, growth/differentiation factor 15, urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6, macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1, and matrix metalloproteinase-7 were also potential risk markers for ischemic stroke after adjustment for multiple comparisons (
P
<0.0006). The addition of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, adrenomedullin, and eosinophil cationic protein to a model with established risk factors increased the C-statistic from 0.629 to 0.689 (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that large-scale proteomics analysis is a promising way of discovering novel biomarkers that could substantially improve the prediction of ischemic stroke.
A new deep-sea species of the genus Systellaspis (Decapoda, Caridea, Oplophoridae) in the western Pacific
Authors: Sha Zhongli , Wang Yanrong
Published: November 2015

A new species ofSystellaspisSpence Bate, 1888,Systellaspis liuisp. nov., was discovered in the deep waters of the western Pacific. It is closely allied toS. debilis(A. Milne-Edwards, 1881), but it differs morphologically in the blade of the scaphocerite being equipped with a medial dorsal groove, the spines on pereiopods 1 to 5, the dorsal margin of the third abdominal somite with a carina, the posterior margin of the fifth abdominal somite, and the dorsal margin of the telson armed with at least two rows of spines on each side. A key to the species ofSystellaspisis provided.
‘A Caravan of Solidarity’
Authors: Sasongko Nindyo
Published: November 2015

The globalizing economy is not only offering affluence to the elite but also a form of idolatry, in which the idol is ‘the golden calf of global capitalism’. In this article I attempt to inquire a God-talk which engages the challenge of global greed and stimulates solidarity for the people who make up the base of the economic pyramid — ‘a triune economy of gift’. I propose an Asian perspective of Trinitarian economy which explicates fragility, frugality, and solidarity as divine characteristics. In so doing, I explore some ecumenical documents and four different voices from Asia which assess structural evil: the theology of ajur-ajer of Father Mangunwijaya, the public theology of Felix Wilfred, the theology of God’s life and emancipation of Paul S. Chung, and the theology of multitude of Kwok Pui-lan. In this, I hope to contribute to global liberation theology.
One Fell Swoop
Authors: Sandis Constantine
Published: November 2015

In this essay I revisit some anti-causalist arguments relating to reason-giving explanations of action put forth by numerous philosophers writing in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s in what Donald Davidson dismissively described as a ‘neo-Wittgensteinian current of small red books’. While chiefly remembered for subscribing to what has come to be called the ‘logical connection’ argument, the positions defended across these volumes are in fact as diverse as they are subtle, united largely by a an anti-scientistic spirit which may reasonably be described as historicist. I argue that while Davidson’s causalist attack was motivated by an important explanatory insight borrowed from Hempel, it caused serious damage to the philosophy of action by effectively brushing over a number of vital distinctions made in the aforementioned works. In seeking to revive these I propose an approach to the theory of action explanation that rescues the anti-causalist baby from the historicist bathwater.
The Cognitive Function of Narratives
Authors: Stueber Karsten R.
Published: November 2015

This essay will utilize the central historicist insight about the nature of the historical world and historical writing in articulating the cognitive function of narratives. It will argue that full-blown narratives are best understood as developmental portraits of a chosen entity/ unit in respect to its individuality. The argument will proceed through a critical analysis of the debate between Noel Carroll and David Velleman about the nature of the narrative connection and the question of whether the explanatory force of a narrative has to be understood in causal or emotional terms. I will side with the causalist in this respect but will also show that we need to be very careful in distinguishing between causal explanations underwritten by a theory and the use made of such causal accounts within the context of narratives concerned with explicating individuality. Accordingly, I agree with Mink that narratives are special cognitive instruments. Yet Mink’s characterization of narrative understanding as a “configurational mode of comprehension” that is strictly distinguished from the theoretical mode needs to be amended. Narrative understanding should be conceived as an autonomous and irreducible mode of comprehension. At the same time, it should be viewed as being dependent on a variety of theoretical perspectives it uses intricately.
Synopsis of subtribe Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae) in Argentina
Authors: O'Leary Nataly
Published: November 2015

In the present work a revision of Hyptidinae for Argentina is presented. In this country this subtribe is represented by 20 taxa: three Cantinoa species, three Condea species, 11 Hyptis species and one variety, and two Marsypianthes species; all taxa are native and just one of these is endemic to Argentina. Full descriptions, along with distribution information and illustrations are provided. Lectotypes are designated for the following 13 names: Clinopodium chamaedrys, Hyptis balansae, H. brevipes, H. brevipes var. vulgaris, H. cinerea, H. cinerea var. stenophylla, H. dumetorum var. inconcinna, H. lagenaria, H. lorentziana, H. muelleri, H. rugosula, Marsypianthes hassleri and Peltodon comaroides.
Notes on the genus Echinoaesalus Zelenka, 1993 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), with the description of a new species from the Malay Peninsula
Authors: HUANG HAO , BARTOLOZZI LUCA , CHEN CHANG-CHIN
Published: November 2015

Echinoaesalus cechovskyi new species is described from the Malay Peninsula. Echinoaesalus hidakai borneoensis Huang & Imura, 2011 is elevated to the species level as E. borneoensis new status. The male or female genitalia of Echinoaesalus timidus (Krikken, 1975), E. hidakai (Araya, Kon, & Johki, 1993), E. borneoensis, and E. sabahensis Zelenka, 1994 are described and illustrated for the first time. The intraspecific variation of E. timidus is discussed.
The Effects of Weather and Environmental Factors on West Nile Virus Mosquito Abundance in Greater Toronto Area
Authors: Yoo E.-H. , Chen D. , Diao Chunyuan , Russell Curtis
Published: November 2015

We investigated how weather conditions and environmental factors affect the spatiotemporal variability in Culex pipiens population using the data collected from a surveillance program in Ontario, Canada, from 2005 to 2008. This study assessed the relative influences of temperature and precipitation on the temporal patterns of mosquito abundance using harmonic analysis and examined the associations with major landscape predictors, including land-use type, population density, and elevation, on the spatial patterns of mosquito abundance. The intensity of trapping efforts on the mosquito abundance at each trap site was examined by comparing the spatial distribution of mosquito abundance in relation to the spatial intensity of trapping efforts. The authors used a mixed effects modeling approach to account for potential dependent structure in mosquito surveillance data due to repeated observations at single trap sites and/or similar mosquito abundance at nearby trap sites each week. The model fit was improved by taking into account the nested structure of mosquito surveillance data and incorporating the temporal correlation in random effects.