bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammasome activation and assembly at a glance
Authors: Malik Ankit , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: December 2017

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that typically comprise a sensor, an adaptor and the zymogen procaspase-1. An inflammasome assembles in response to a diverse range of pathogen-associated or danger-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or DAMPs). The inflammasome platform leads to activation of caspase-1 through proximity-induced self-cleavage, which further induces maturation of interleukins 1β and 18 (IL-1β and IL-18) through proteolytic cleavage of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18. Activated caspase-1 also cleaves gasdermin D, which leads to a particular form of cell death called pyroptosis. Mutations in genes that encode inflammasome components are associated with many inflammatory disorders, and studies in the past decade have highlighted the importance of appropriate activation of the inflammasome in homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Therefore, much attention is being paid to uncover the modulators and regulators of inflammasome assembly and pyroptosis. This Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster outlines the concepts in the activation of inflammasome sensors and assembly of the inflammasome platform. We also discuss recent insights into the mechanisms of regulation of inflammasome activity and the induction of cell death by pyroptosis.
Legal philosophy of Rudolf Stammler
Authors: Шавеко Николай , Shaveko Nikolai
Published: December 2017

The monograph is devoted to the identification of the main provisions and features of the philosophy of law R. Stammler, definition of communication proposed by R. Stammler legal doctrine with the preceding and contemporary legal doctrines and its significance for the subsequent development of the theory and philosophy of law. R. Stammler – founder and outstanding representative neokantianism philosophy of law and science flow "revived" natural law, speaking with their own conception of the methodology of the social Sciences and played a key role in the development of natural law doctrine, introducing into science the concept of "proper law" (natural law with changing content) and suggesting the formula of the legal ideal "society of freely wanting people". In addition, Mr. stammler one of the first made deeply researched academic critique of Marxism and anarchism. His teaching on the law, jurisprudence and legal ideal of R. stammler had a significant impact on the development of Russian philosophy of law.
El jinete que regresó a Lucentum. Un lágynos ibérico decorado del Tossal de Manises (Alicante)
Authors: Verdú Parra Enric
Published: December 2017

La reciente identificación de un lágynos ibérico procedente de las excavaciones antiguas en la ciudad romana de Lucentum (el Tossal de Manises, Alicante), ha permitido practicar un meticuloso análisis iconográfico de su rica decoración, posibilitando además un intento de contextualización arqueológica.
Incontinência urinária e disfunção sexual em gestantes
Authors: Farias Tamara Cordeiro , Morais Karla Cavalcante Silva de , Cirqueira Rosana Porto , Albuquerque Luciana Santos de , Ferreira Juliana Barros
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste estudo propõe analisar a associação entre incontinência urinária e disfunção sexual no período gestacional. Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional, analítica e quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 26 gestantes sexualmente ativas. As participantes responderam um questionário sociodemográfico e obstétrico, o International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form e o Female Sexual Function Index. Foi realizada estatística descritiva e o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson para a associação. Os resultados apontam que 53,8% das gestantes apresentaram incontinência urinária e 57,7% apresentaram disfunção sexual. Não houve associação entre a variável incontinência urinária e função sexual (p > 0,05). A gestação apresenta grandes repercussões funcionais, portanto medidas de prevenção e tratamento são necessárias para proporcionar uma assistência integral à saúde da mulher e uma melhor qualidade de vida durante a gestação.
Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem em Mulheres com Sintomatologia Depressiva: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Gomes Thainá Emí Barreto , Ivo Olguimar Pereira
Published: December 2017

A depressão, mais conhecida como o mal do século, é uma doença de caráter público que tem crescido no decorrer dos anos. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura baseada em evidências científicas, elencadas por meio de publicações, com informações que validam originalmente os resultados de pesquisas qualitativas ou quantitativas. Os bancos de dados utilizados foram: Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), LILACS e Google Acadêmico. Resultados: as assistências de enfermagem aplicadas em mulheres com depressão encontradas nesta revisão encontradas foram: escuta qualificada, musicoterapia, terapia cognitiva comportamental, biodança e auxilio na terapia medicamentoso. Conclusão: Entende-se que os resultados dos estudos analisados mostram a importância do profissional da enfermagem no cuidado e acolhimento dessas pacientes.
MIGRASI DAN JARINGAN EKONOMI SUKU BUGIS DI WILAYAH TANAH BUMBU, KERESIDENAN BORNEO BAGIAN SELATAN DAN TIMUR, 1930-1942
Authors: Mansyur Mansyur
Published: December 2017

The Bugis migration to Tanah Bumbu, Afdeeling Pasir en de Tanah Boemboe, Residentie Borneo’s Zuid en Oosterafdeeling continued until the early decades of the 20th century, especially in 1930-1942. It was indirectly indicates how strong economic motives of the Bugis. In an effort to survive in the midst of economic depression or malaise, Bugis migrants "creates" economic adaptation strategy to establish a network of fisheries Ponggawa (skipper) Bugis in the early 1930's. Most migrant Bugis also tried farmer (bahuma) for copra and coconut planting. Plantation crops are suitable and almost the same as plantation crops in South Sulawesi. In addition, in the field of marine migrant boat Bugis also developed business people to serve the marine transportation. This study uses the history of the historical method, which is a method to test and analyze critically the recording and relics of the past. The historical method comprises step heuristics, criticism of sources (external and internal), interpretation and historiography.
Nuansa Kota Kolonial Surakarta Awal Abad XX: Fase Hilangnya Identitas Lokal
Authors: Susanto Susanto
Published: December 2017

This article examines changes Surakarta face in the early twentieth century. Surakarta was originally an Indis city, since the beginning of the century it progressed toward a colonial city. Based on the Dutch official reports in Surakarta, contemporary newspapers, and secondary sources, the city changes began with increasing number of Dutch female immigrants who came and settled at the city. They established nuclear families via marriage with fellow Dutchmen, so that the Dutch European community at Surakarta became stronger and more established. It was strengthened the government's confidence to intervene financial affairs in Javanese palaces and overhaul traditional structures by government reorganization and agrarian affairs. The government also implemented canonization policy in law, education, and culture. This policy was originally intended to implements European values in the Indies. However, in the policy development turned out to spawned a colonial society that was soon followed by the erosion of the city identity as Indis. The canonization policy also impacted on the changing patterns of intercommunity relations manifested in various discriminatory practices at various domains, that harassed and degraded the Indo community, especially the indigenous community. Both of them then rediscovered their identity order.
Fuzzy E.O.Q model with constant demand and shortages: A fuzzy signomial geometric programming (FSGP) approach
Authors: Mandal Wasim Akram , Islam Sahidul
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a fuzzy economic order quantity (E.O.Q) model with shortages under fully backlogging and constant demand is formulated and solved. Here the model is solved by fuzzy signomial geometric programming (FSGP) technique. Fuzzy signomial geometric programming (FSGP) technique provides a powerful technique for solving many non-linear problems. Here we have proposed a new idea that is fuzzy modified signomial geometric programming (FMSGP) and some necessary theorems have been derived. Finally, these are illustrated by some numerical examples and applications.
Production of cellulose pulp from agribusiness waste: experimental analysis of factors affecting the characteristics of pulp for absorbent purposes
Authors: Scheffler Liziane da Luz Seben , Paula Istefani Carisio de , Viana Samanta , Campos Elaine Aparecida Regiani de
Published: December 2017

Sustainable production is a recurrent theme in industrial engineering. Commercial production of canned palm hearts generates an amount of waste from the leaf sheaths that envelop the heart of palm, which can be used to produce cellulose pulp then reducing environmental impacts. This study aims to examine the feasibility of cellulose pulping from King Palm leaf sheaths to obtain a fiber with absorbent capacity and low residual lignin content, as well as demonstrate the influence of the controllable process factors on the response variables analyzed through the formulation of n-dimensional equations and surfaces which permitted the optimization of the variables of interest. The response variables were selected in order to characterize the fiber obtained according to degree of delignification, absorption capability and speed and apparent density. The results indicated that the pulps obtained from the processes proposed although didn’t meet the quality standards required for absorbent pulps, since values are lower than those established in the research hypotheses, is very promising. This attempt raises the discussion around the role that industrial engineering professionals and researchers may play in the agribusiness waste recovery and recycling. Moreover it provides useful information for re-planning of experiments in search for extraction optimization of this or similar agribusiness wastes.
The Asymmetric Impact of Context on Advantaged versus Disadvantaged Options
Authors: Evangelidis Ioannis , Levav Jonathan , Simonson Itamar
Published: December 2017

Despite substantial prior research regarding the effect of context on choices, uncertainty remains regarding when particular context effects will be observed. In this article, the authors advance a new perspective on context-dependent choices, according to which context effects are a function of the relative advantage of one option over another and of the different strategies that decision makers evoke when making a choice. They propose that context effects resulting from the addition of a third option to a two-option set are more frequently observed when the added option is relatively similar (adjacent) to the “disadvantaged” alternative (i.e., the lower-share option) in the set. The authors conduct a series of studies to analyze the occurrence of context effects and find support for predictions related to asymmetric dominance and extremeness aversion.
Validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for thiopurine S-methyltransferase activity in whole blood using 6-mercaptopurine as substrate
Authors: Rieger Hannah , Schmidt Patrik , Schaeffeler Elke , Abe Manabu , Schiffhauer Mira , Schwab Matthias , von Ahsen Nicolas , Zurek Gabriela , Kirchherr Hartmut , Shipkova Maria , Wieland Eberhard
Published: December 2017

Background:

Variation in metabolism, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of thiopurine drugs is largely influenced by genetic polymorphisms in the thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) gene. Determination of TPMT activity is routinely performed in patients to adjust drug therapy.

Methods:

We further optimized a previously established high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method by measuring TPMT activity in whole blood instead of isolated erythrocytes, which is based on conversion of 6-mercaptopurine to 6-methylmercaptopurine using S-adenosyl-methionine as methyl donor.

Results:

The simplified TPMT whole-blood method showed similar or better analytical and diagnostic performance compared with the former erythrocyte assay. The whole-blood method was linear for TPMT activities between 0 and 40 nmol/(mL·h) with a quantification limit of 0.1 nmol/(mL·h). Within-day imprecision and between-day imprecision were ≤5.1% and ≤8.5%, respectively. The optimized method determining TPMT activity in whole blood (y) showed agreement with the former method determining TPMT activity in erythrocytes (x) (n=45, y=1.218+0.882x; p>0.05). Phenotype-genotype concordance (n=300) of the whole-blood method was better when TPMT activity was expressed per volume of whole blood (specificity 92.2%), whereas correction for hematocrit resulted in lower genotype concordance (specificity 86.9%). A new cutoff for the whole-blood method to distinguish normal from reduced TPMT activity was determined at ≤6.7 nmol/(mL·h).

Conclusions:

This optimized TPMT phenotyping assay from whole blood using 6-MP as substrate is suitable for research and routine clinical analysis.
Effect of preanalytical and analytical variables on the clinical utility of mean platelet volume
Authors: Buttarello Mauro , Mezzapelle Giacomo , Plebani Mario
Published: December 2017

Background:

The study endpoint was to analyze the effect of preanalytical (time, temperature, anticoagulant) and analytical (imprecision, correlation between volume and platelet concentration) variables on mean platelet volume (MPV). A further aim was to calculate in an adult population the reference intervals using the Sysmex XE-5000 analyzer. A critical evaluation was also made of the clinical utility of these parameters.

Methods:

Analyses of the above values were performed in duplicate in 170 healthy adults of both sexes: (1) within 30 min from collection, and (2) after 4 h. To evaluate stability over time, the value of the platelet parameters of 20 subjects were determined, a re-analysis being performed for a period of up to 24 h on samples maintained at room temperature and 4°C using either K2-EDTA or Na-citrate as anticoagulants.

Results:

The stability over time of MPV closely depends on the anticoagulant used, storage temperature and time interval between venipuncture and analysis. An inverse, non-linear correlation between MPV and platelet count was also found.

Conclusions:

In view of their effect on MPV and other related indices, the preanalytical and analytical variables make them, little more than experimental.
Peritoneal innervation: embryology and functional anatomy
Authors: Struller Florian , Weinreich Frank-Jürgen , Horvath Philipp , Kokkalis Marios-Konstantinos , Beckert Stefan , Königsrainer Alfred , Reymond Marc A.
Published: December 2017

The parietal peritoneum (PP) is innervated by somatic and visceral afferent nerves. PP receives sensitive branches from the lower intercostal nerves and from the upper lumbar nerves. Microscopically, a dense network of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers can be found all over the PP. The unmyelinated fibers are thin and are ending just underneath the PP. The myelinated fibers can penetrate the PP to reach the peritoneal cavity, where they lose their myelin sheath and are exposed to somatic and nociceptive stimuli. PP is sensitive to pain, pressure, touch, friction, cutting and temperature. Noxious stimuli are perceived as a localized, sharp pain. The visceral peritoneum (VP) itself is not innervated, but the sub-mesothelial tissue is innervated by the autonomous nerve system. In contrast to the PP, the visceral submesothelium also receives fibers from the vagal nerve, in addition to the spinal nerves. VP responds primarily to traction and pressure; not to cutting, burning or electrostimulation. Painful stimuli of the VP are poorly localized and dull. Pain in a foregut structure (stomach, duodenum or biliary tract) is referred to the epigastric region, pain in a midgut structure (appendix, jejunum, or ileum) to the periumbilical area and pain from a hindgut source (distal colon or rectum) is referred to the lower abdomen or suprapubic region. Peritoneal adhesions can contain nerve endings. Neurotransmitters are acetylcholine, VIP, serotonin, NO, encephalins, CGRP and substance P. Chronic peritoneal pain can be exacerbated by neurogenic inflammation, e.g. by endometriosis.
Zum Stromkonsum von Haushalten in Grundsicherung: Eine empirische Analyse für Deutschland
Authors: Heindl Peter , Aigeltinger Gerd , Liessem Verena , Römer Daniel , Schwengers Clarita , Vogt Claire
Published: December 2017

In diesem Aufsatz untersuchen die Autoren Stromkonsum und Stromkosten von Haushalten in Grundsicherung in Deutschland. Dazu werten sie einen Datensatz aus, der mehr als 19.500 Haushalte mit Leistungsbezug nach SGB II und SGB XII in verschiedenen Haushaltszusammensetzungen umfasst. Die Ergebnisse der empirischen Analyse zeigen, dass die Haushaltszusammensetzung sowie die Art der Warmwasserbereitung erheblichen Einfluss auf die entstehenden Verbräuche und Kosten haben. Insbesondere die elektrische Warmwasserbereitung verursacht erhebliche zusätzliche Kosten. Es kann nur eine schwache Nachfragereaktion der Haushalte auf Veränderungen des Strompreises nachgewiesen werden. Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass die veranschlagten Anteile für Strom in den Regelbedarfen nach SGB II und SGB XII im Durchschnitt nicht zur Begleichung der Stromkosten ausreichen. Dieses Problem verschärft sich insbesondere in Fällen, in denen Warmwasser mit Strom bereitet wird.
Effect of crude oil and well stream chemical on glass fiber epoxy composite pipes
Authors: Al-Samhan Meshal , Al-Enezi Salah , Al-Banna Aseel , Yussuf Abdirahman
Published: December 2017

Glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) pipes are used as an alternative to carbon steel pipes in desert oil field applications owing to their good properties such as chemical resistance, thermal resistance and mechanical properties. In the desert oil field service, the pipes are exposed to different harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation. The harsh environmental conditions can affect the properties of GRE pipes, which, in turn, can impact their performance. The present study covers the effects of environment factors such as crude oil and well stream chemicals on the properties of GRE pipes. The pipe samples were aged in wet crude, effluent water and scale inhibitor to simulate the exposure to desert oil field service. The aged samples were evaluated for their mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical resistance. The compositional change in the composite structures was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and matrix deterioration by scanning electron microscopy. Swelling studies revealed no significant diffusion by the chemical media. Tensile testing showed a slight change in tensile strength with aging in crude oil. In addition, all the pipe samples showed adequate thermal stability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Wear analysis of the composite coating in a long sliding time by dissipated energy approach
Authors: Shao Jin Zhong , Li Jun , Qu Cui Cui , Song Rui , Bai Lv Lin , Chen Jia Li
Published: December 2017

A wear test of Ti2Ni/TiNi-based coating reinforced by TiC/TiB against a YG6X [94 wt.% tungsten carbide (WC) and 6 wt.% cobalt (Co)] ball in a sliding time of 712 h was carried out using a ball-on-disc reciprocating motion mode. The relationship between accumulated dissipated energy (∑E) and accumulated wear volume (∑V) was accurately established via the dissipated energy approach. Three wear stages were found: initial wear stage (0–200 min), breaking-in wear stage (200–14,520 min), and steady wear stage (14,520–42,720 min). At the initial wear stage, the relationship between ∑E and ∑V satisfied the equation ∑V=42.5288∑E+0.019. The curvilinear relationship in the other two stages was fitted into the equation ∑V=-0.0029∑E
4+0.064∑E3-0.5353∑E
2+2.0653∑E+0.9938. The wear mechanism in the entire wear process was revealed. ∑E at the initial wear stage was mainly used for debris formation. At the breaking-in wear stage, ∑E was dissipated by generating the friction heat, which led to the formation of a protective layer. At the steady wear stage, ∑E was used to generate friction heat as well as to damage and restore the protective layer. The detection results of the protective layer via energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that this layer was composed of oxides and WC debris.
Inhibition in Simple Cell Receptive Fields Is Broad and OFF-Subregion Biased
Authors: Taylor M. Morgan , Sedigh-Sarvestani Madineh , Vigeland Leif , Palmer Larry A. , Contreras Diego
Published: December 2017

Inhibition in thalamorecipient layer 4 simple cells of primary visual cortex is believed to play important roles in establishing visual response properties and integrating visual inputs across their receptive fields (RFs). Simple cell RFs are characterized by nonoverlapping, spatially restricted subregions in which visual stimuli can either increase or decrease the firing rate of the cell, depending on contrast. Inhibition is believed to be triggered exclusively from visual stimulation of individual RF subregions. However, this view is at odds with the known anatomy of layer 4 interneurons in visual cortex and differs from recent findings in mouse visual cortex. Here we show within vivointracellular recordings in cats that while excitation is restricted to RF subregions, inhibition spans the width of simple cell RFs. Consequently, excitatory stimuli within a subregion concomitantly drive excitation and inhibition. Furthermore, we found that the distribution of inhibition across the RF is stronger toward OFF subregions. This inhibitory OFF-subregion bias has a functional consequence on spatial integration of inputs across the RF. A model based on the known anatomy of layer 4 demonstrates that the known proportion and connectivity of inhibitory neurons in layer 4 of primary visual cortex is sufficient to explain broad inhibition with an OFF-subregion bias while generating a variety of phase relations, including antiphase, between excitation and inhibition in response to drifting gratings.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe wiring of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in cortical circuits is key to determining the response properties in sensory cortex. In the visual cortex, the first cells that receive visual input are simple cells in layer 4. The underlying circuitry responsible for the response properties of simple cells is not yet known. In this study, we challenge a long-held view concerning the pattern of inhibitory input and provide results that agree with current known anatomy. We show here that inhibition is evoked broadly across the receptive fields of simple cells, and we identify a surprising bias in inhibition within the receptive field. Our findings represent a step toward a unified view of inhibition across different species and sensory systems.
Inactivation of NMDA Receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area during Cocaine Self-Administration Prevents GluA1 Upregulation but with Paradoxical Increases in Cocaine-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Guzman Daniel , Carreira Maria B. , Friedman Allyson K. , Adachi Megumi , Neve Rachael L. , Monteggia Lisa M. , Han Ming-Hu , Cowan Christopher W. , Self David W.
Published: December 2017

Cocaine self-administration increases expression of GluA1 subunits in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, which subsequently enhance the motivation for cocaine. This increase in GluA1 may be dependent on concomitant NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation during self-administration, similar to cocaine-induced long-term potentiation in the VTA. In this study, we used viral-mediated expression of a dominant-negative GluN1 subunit (HSV-dnGluN1) in VTA neurons to study the effect of transient NMDAR inactivation on the GluA1 increases induced by chronic cocaine self-administration in male rats. We found that dnGluN1 expression in the VTA limited to the 3 weeks of cocaine self-administration prevents the subsequent increase in tissue GluA1 levels when compared with control infusions of HSV-LacZ. Surprisingly, dnGluN1 expression led to an enhancement in the motivation to self-administer cocaine as measured using a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule and to enhanced cocaine seeking measured in extinction/reinstatement tests following an extended 3 week withdrawal period. Despite blocking tissue GluA1 increases in cocaine self-administering animals, the HSV-dnGluN1 treatment resulted in increased membrane levels of GluA1 and GluN2B, along with markedly higher locomotor responses to intra-VTA infusions of AMPA, suggesting a paradoxical increase in VTA AMPA receptor responsiveness. Together, these data suggest that NMDARs mediate cocaine-induced increases in VTA GluA1 expression, but such transient NMDAR inactivation also leads to compensatory scaling of synaptic AMPA receptors that enhance the motivational for cocaine.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical substrates of drug rewards. Animal models indicate that chronic cocaine use enhances excitatory glutamatergic input to these neurons, making them more susceptible to environmental stimuli that trigger drug craving and relapse. We previously found that self-administration of cocaine increases AMPA glutamate receptors in the VTA, and this effect enhances motivation for cocaine. Here we report that the mechanism for this upregulation involves NMDA receptor activity during cocaine use. While interference with NMDA receptor function blocks AMPA receptor upregulation, it also produces a paradoxical enhancement in membrane AMPA receptor subunits, AMPA responsiveness, and the motivation for cocaine. Thus, pharmacotherapy targeting NMDA receptors may inadvertently produce substantial adverse consequences for cocaine addiction.
Phosphorylated CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β Contributes to Rat HIV-Related Neuropathic Pain:In VitroandIn VivoStudies
Authors: Yi Hyun , Liu Shue , Kashiwagi Yuta , Ikegami Daigo , Huang Wan , Kanda Hirotsugu , Iida Takafumi , Liu Ching-Hang , Takahashi Keiya , Lubarsky David A. , Hao Shuanglin
Published: December 2017

Chronic pain is increasingly recognized as an important comorbidity of HIV-infected patients, however, the exact molecular mechanisms of HIV-related pain are still elusive. CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) are expressed in various tissues, including the CNS. C/EBPβ, one of the C/EBPs, is involved in the progression of HIV/AIDS, but the exact role of C/EBPβ and its upstream factors are not clear in HIV pain state. Here, we used a neuropathic pain model of perineural HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 application onto the rat sciatic nerve to test the role of phosphorylated C/EBPβ (pC/EBPβ) and its upstream pathway in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). HIV gp120 induced overexpression of pC/EBPβ in the ipsilateral SCDH compared with contralateral SCDH. Inhibition of C/EBPβ using siRNA against C/EBPβ reduced mechanical allodynia. HIV gp120 also increased TNFα, TNFRI, mitochondrial superoxide (mtO2·−), and pCREB in the ipsilateral SCDH. ChIP-qPCR assay showed that pCREB enrichment on the C/EBPβ gene promoter regions in rats with gp120 was higher than that in sham rats. Intrathecal TNF soluble receptor I (functionally blocking TNFα bioactivity) or knockdown of TNFRI using antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against TNFRI reduced mechanical allodynia, and decreased mtO2·−, pCREB and pC/EBPβ. Intrathecal Mito-tempol (a mitochondria-targeted O2·−scavenger) reduced mechanical allodynia and decreased pCREB and pC/EBPβ. Knockdown of CREB with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against CREB reduced mechanical allodynia and lowered pC/EBPβ. These results suggested that the pathway of TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB triggers pC/EBPβ in the HIV gp120-induced neuropathic pain state. Furthermore, we confirmed the pathway using both cultured neurons treated with recombinant TNFαin vitroand repeated intrathecal injection of recombinant TNFα in naive rats. This finding provides new insights in the understanding of the HIV neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPainful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy is a neurological complication of HIV infection. Phosphorylated C/EBPβ (pC/EBPβ) influences AIDS progression, but it is still not clear about the exact role of pC/EBPβ and the detailed upstream factors of pC/EBPβ in HIV-related pain. In a neuropathic pain model of perineural HIV gp120 application onto the sciatic nerve, we found that pC/EBPβ was triggered by TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB signaling pathway. The pathway was confirmed by using cultured neurons treated with recombinant TNFαin vitro, and by repeated intrathecal injection of recombinant TNFα in naive rats. The present results revealed the functional significance of TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB–pC/EBPβ signaling in HIV neuropathic pain, and should help in the development of more specific treatments for neuropathic pain.
Combined test of serum CgA and NSE improved the power of prognosis prediction of NF-pNETs
Authors: Lv Yang , Han Xu , Zhang Chunyan , Fang Yuan , Pu Ning , Ji Yuan , Wang Dansong , Xuefeng Xu , Lou Wenhui
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Chromogranin A (CgA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are important markers for neuroendocrine tumors; however, the clinical value of combining these markers has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the utility of each marker individually and in combination for patients with nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs).

Patients and Methods

In this study, NF-pNET patients and controls were recruited from December 2011 to March 2016; 784 serum samples from peripheral vein were collected. The clinical characteristics and biomarker values of all the individuals were recorded and analyzed. Tumor burdens were calculated by CT/MRI scan. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic predictive values; sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine the cut-off value. Therapeutic responses reflected on the changes of the biomarkers’ concentration were assessed by the RECIST criterion. Clinical relations between the prognosis and the biomarker values were also analyzed. Statistical significance was defined as P value less than 0.05.

Results

Among the 167 NF-pNETs patients, 82 were males (49.1%) and the mean age was 50.0 (17.4). The mean CgA values of G1, G2 and G3 NF-pNENs were 75, 121 and 134 μg/L (P < 0.05), respectively. In NF-pNETs, CgA correlated with the WHO tumor grade (WHO G1 vs G2, P < 0.05); the linear regression relationships were found between the tumor burdens (both in pancreas and liver) and CgA concentration (P < 0.001); changes in CgA and NSE concentrations also reflect treatment response (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CgA and NSE are important diagnostic and follow-up markers in patients with NF-pNETs. The combined monitoring of CgA and NSE possesses more accuracy than individual values of CgA and NSE at predicting prognosis and disease progression.
On type 1 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis
Authors: Paschou Stavroula A , Papadopoulou-Marketou Nektaria , Chrousos George P , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina
Published: December 2017

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from the autoimmune destruction of β cells of the endocrine pancreas. Pathogenesis of T1DM is different from that of type 2 diabetes mellitus, where both insulin resistance and reduced secretion of insulin by the β cells play a synergistic role. We will present genetic, environmental and immunologic factors that destroy β cells of the endocrine pancreas and lead to insulin deficiency. The process of autoimmune destruction takes place in genetically susceptible individuals under the triggering effect of one or more environmental factors and usually progresses over a period of many months to years, during which period patients are asymptomatic and euglycemic, but positive for relevant autoantibodies. Symptomatic hyperglycemia and frank diabetes occur after a long latency period, which reflects the large percentage of β cells that need to be destroyed before overt diabetes become evident.
Proteasome-mediated degradation of collagen III by cortisol in amnion fibroblasts
Authors: Mi Yabing , Wang Wangsheng , Lu Jiangwen , Zhang Chuyue , Wang Yawei , Ying Hao , Sun Kang
Published: December 2017

Rupture of fetal membranes (ROM) can initiate parturition at both term and preterm. Collagen III in the compact layer of the amnion contributes to the tensile strength of fetal membranes. However, the upstream signals triggering collagen III degradation remain mostly elusive. In this study, we investigated the role of cortisol regenerated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) in collagen III degradation in human amnion fibroblasts with an aim to seek novel targets for the prevention of preterm premature ROM (pPROM)-elicited preterm birth. Human amnion tissue and cultured amnion tissue explants and amnion fibroblasts were used to study the regulation of collagen III, which is composed of three identical 3α 1 chains (COL3A1), by cortisol. Cortisol decreased COL3A1 protein but not mRNA abundance in a concentration-dependent manner. Cortisone also decreased COL3A1 protein, which was blocked by 11β-HSD1 inhibition. The reduction in COL3A1 protein by cortisol was not affected by a transcription inhibitor but was further enhanced by a translation inhibitor. Autophagic pathway inhibitor chloroquine or siRNA-mediated knock-down of ATG7, an essential protein for autophagy, failed to block cortisol-induced reduction in COL3A1 protein abundance, whereas proteasome pathway inhibitors MG132 and bortezomib significantly attenuated cortisol-induced reduction in COL3A1 protein abundance. Moreover, cortisol increased COL3A1 ubiquitination and the reduction of COL3A1 protein by cortisol was blocked by PYR-41, a ubiquitin-activating enzyme inhibitor. Conclusively, cortisol regenerated in amnion fibroblasts may be associated with ROM at parturition by reducing collagen III protein abundance through a ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
La primera palabra, o la esencia del
lenguaje como amparo
Authors: Esquirol Josep M.
Published: December 2017

En este artículo se defiende que el sentido esencial del habla, antes que en la enunciacióndel mundo y antes también que en el intercambio informativo, reside en su función deamparo y de acogida. Para la argumentación se atiende tanto a algunos giros del lenguajecoloquial como a reflexiones filosóficas sobre el lenguaje como la de Emmanuel Lévinas
Sobre el riesgo de confundir el lenguaje cósmico de Kandinsky con el lenguaje divino del obispo Berkeley
Authors: Ariso José María
Published: December 2017

Según Philippe Sers, Wassily Kandinsky y George Berkeley coincidieron al contemplar el mundo como un lenguaje que nos habla de lo espiritual que hay en el fondo del alma humana. Sin embargo, en el presente artículo me propongo mostrar que esta afirmación de Sers es confusa e incluso equívoca. Concretamente, mostraré que la visión del mundo como lenguaje tiene cabida en la concepción del lenguaje divino de Berkeley pero no en la noción que Kandinsky tenía del lenguaje cósmico, mientras que la afirmación de que dicho lenguaje habla de lo espiritual que hay en el fondo del alma humana es atribuible en mucha mayor medida a Kandinsky —si bien el lenguaje cósmico no sería un “lenguaje” rigurosamente hablando— que a Berkeley.
La “confessio pythagorica” del "Fedón": Sócrates, el amante de la muerte
Authors: Carrasco Nemrod
Published: December 2017

El Fedón es la estilización platónica de la figura de Sócrates como un philósophos pitagórico. Sin embargo, ¿puede deducirse de ello, como señalan las interpretaciones habituales de este diálogo, que ahí se albergue “el credo de la filosofía platónica”? Hay múltiples argumentos que impiden sostener esta tesis: por un lado, la caracterización pitagórica de Sócrates resulta ajena a las diversas fuentes que nos permiten reconstruir un Sócrates “histórico”; por otro lado, el Fedón contradice la actitud general del Sócrates del Corpus Platonicum, que no parece ser la de un enemigo del “cuerpo” y sus placeres. En este artículo me propongo defender las siguientes tesis: 1) El Fedón y, en particular, el pasaje conocido como “La defensa de Sócrates” (62c9-69e4) constituye el intento preliminar de esbozar algo así como los principios filosófico-religiosos del nuevo socratismo pitagórico; y 2) El diálogo no pretende sugerir ni que el Sócrates histórico sintiera alguna inclinación particular por estos principios ni que el propio Platón sostenga una posición de esa índole.
La noción de muerte en la estética temprana de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Abadi Florencia , Espinosa Luciana
Published: December 2017

El presente trabajo analiza el papel de la noción de muerte en la estética temprana de Walter Benjamin, en relación tanto con su concepción de la obra de arte como con su caracterización de la actividad de la crítica. Mostramos que el tratamiento de la muerte en El origen del drama barroco alemán –frecuentemente indicada por la bibliografía especializada– puede ser comprendido como una prolongación del desarrollo sobre “lo carente de expresión” (das Ausdruckslose), presente en Las afinidades electivas de Goethe. Analizamos esta categoría en tanto interrupción del movimiento vital de la obra, y discutimos la interpretación de Winfried Menninghaus que la inserta en la tradición de lo sublime. Mostramos los vínculos entre esta noción y la concepción de la obra como ruina, así como con el rescate de la alegoría y la teoría de la crítica de arte como mortificación de las obras. Finalmente indicamos derivas de estas tesis tempranas en los escritos de la década del 30’.
LÓPEZ VÁZQUEZ, Ramón: Domingo García-Sabell e a fenomenoloxía, Xunta de Galicia, Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Centro Ramón Piñeiro para a Investigación en Humanidades, Santiago de Compostela, 2013, 375p.
Authors: Martínez Quintanar Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2017

Reseña sobre o libro de López Vazquez: Domingo García-Sabell e a fenomenoloxía
Lo postsecular: raíces judías
Authors: Roldán Gómez Isabel
Published: December 2017

En este artículo expongo el origen del concepto “postsecular”. Defiendo que tal concepto, difundido por Jürgen Habermas desde 2001, tiene su origen en el pensamiento judío reformista de los años setenta en Estados Unidos. En este ámbito, lo “postsecular” se plantea como una fase que atraviesa la teología judía como consecuencia del contacto con la sociedad secular. Tal contacto apelaría a una reflexión sobre los valores éticos que se han perdido con la secularización. Examinaré cómo algunos de los significados del actual concepto “postsecular” (carencia de sentido, ausencia de valores vinculantes), articulado por Habermas, se encontraban presentes en los trabajos de Eugene B. Borowitz y Emil Fackenheim. Finalmente, argumentaré que puede establecerse una correlación entre los orígenes éticos de lo postsecular y el de Habermas como “conciencia de lo que falta”.
Considering Family Resources When Making Medical Recommendations
Authors: Iyengar Arpana , Lewin Sanjiv , Lantos John D.
Published: December 2017

Poor families without health insurance present unique challenges for pediatricians who want to do what is best for the children who are their patients. Families are often willing to make tremendous sacrifices to pay for recommended and needed medical care. Physicians may have to decide whether, or how strongly to, recommend expensive treatments, especially when any good outcomes associated with such treatments are not guaranteed. How should we balance the considerations of justice and of the child’s best interest with the grim realities facing poor families? In this article, we present a case from a tertiary care hospital in India in which doctors and parents struggled to figure out the best options for a young man with end stage renal disease.
En busca de la dimensión intencional de las emociones y los estados de ánimo
Authors: Corral Cuartas Álvaro
Published: December 2017

En el marco de la teoría de la intencionalidad de John Searle, se plantea cómo las emociones y los estados de ánimo pueden analizarse en cuanto estados mentales in­tencionales, en la medida en que se considere la intencionalidad no solo como una relación de “acerquidad” (aboutness) entre un estado mental del sujeto y los objetos o eventos del mundo. Se critica la teoría de Searle y se muestra que los estados mentales están corporizados y situados. Para una mente encarnada y situada, las emociones y los estados de ánimo no son meras reacciones mecánicas de un cuerpo objetivado, sino que exhiben rasgos no necesariamente conscientes de intencionalidad con respecto a problemas existenciales concretos. Se muestra la necesidad que tiene la filosofía de considerar cuestiones empíricas provenientes de varias ciencias particulares, así como la necesidad de la psiquiatría de abordar cuestiones conceptuales vinculadas con el problema de la intencionalidad, que constituye uno de los problemas centrales de la filosofía de la mente. El beneficio de este encuentro interdisciplinar será una mejor comprensión de la mente humana.
El problema de la conciencia para la filosofía de la mente y de la psiquiatría
Authors: De Brigard Felipe
Published: December 2017

Muchos psiquiatras se encuentran constantemente con pacientes cuyos síntomas incluyen trastornos o alteraciones de la conciencia. Infortunadamente, el signifi­cado del término conciencia es poco claro. Este artículo hace un repaso sistemático de varios significados atribuidos a dicho término, así como de diversos problemas filosóficos asociados. Asimismo, reconstruye varias teorías filosóficas y científicas de la conciencia, identificando sus ventajas y desventajas. Al final, ofrece algunas suge­rencias para el uso del término conciencia en la psiquiatría.
Racionalidades e irracionalidades en la experiencia psicótica y los trastornos de la Intencionalidad
Authors: Botero Juan José , Dávila Jorge
Published: December 2017

Se ha presentado mucha controversia, desde hace años, acerca de la capacidad de la psiquiatría para mantener estándares médico-científicos comparables a los de otras especialidades de la medicina. La tendencia más reciente, basada en una fuerte crítica a la última edición del dsm, hace un énfasis particular en tratar de caracterizar los trastornos mentales con base en las neurociencias y abandonar toda otra forma de abordarlos. Este artículo revisa dicha tendencia y propone un enfoque multidimen­sional, haciendo énfasis en la investigación, con herramientas de la fenomenología, de la naturaleza experiencial de muchos trastornos psicopatológicos –especialmente las psicosis–, y mostrando su compatibilidad con el enfoque neurocientífico.
Soil reinforcement through addition and subsequent carbonation of wollasonite microfibres
Authors: Pourakbar S. , Fasihnikoutalab M. H. , Ball R. J. , Cristelo N. , Huat B. K.
Published: December 2017

This study describes the application of wollasonite microfibres for stabilising soil with the additional function of sequestering CO2. The high aspect ratio, needle-like structure of wollasonite imparted a microfibre mechanical reinforcement whilst the associated high surface area promoted carbonation. The originality of this paper lies in two unique aspects: the first stage assessed the efficacy of incorporating wollastonite microfibres inside the soil mass, while the second stage addressed the mechanical performance of the fibre-reinforced soil after different CO2 pressures and carbonation times. In these two stages, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS) and flexural strength (FS) were determined. The test results indicated that the inclusion of the fibres increased the peak and post-peak response during unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, while also improving the ITS and FS. The UCS peak stress was further improved when the fibre-reinforced soil was subjected to the carbonation process. This work impacts the soil stabilisation industry through a novel soil strengthening process that also promises an effective route to combat climate change through sequestration of CO2.
Interpreting DPSH penetration values in sand soils
Authors: MacRobert C
Published: December 2017

Site investigations to classify the underlying soil for geotechnical purposes often rely on in-situ penetrometer tests. Two common tests used in southern Africa are the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Dynamic Probe Super Heavy (DPSH) test. Although the specific work per blow is essentially the same in both tests, the resulting penetration values are not equivalent. The DPSH tends to be more variable than the SPT and has higher blow counts. A comparison of SPT and DPSH penetration values at a series of strata below sites has been undertaken. From this, new relative density descriptor boundaries, based on DPSH penetration values, are suggested for sand soils.
Exploring the relationship between vertical and lateral forces, speed and superelevation in railway curves
Authors: Powell A , Gräbe P
Published: December 2017

The research described in this paper is based on an experiment which involved running a test train through a curve at various speeds, changing the cant of the curve by tamping and repeating the train runs. The cant was changed due to high wheel wear rates. The curve already had a cant deficiency, and this cant deficiency was subsequently increased by reducing the curve's cant. Assessing the before and after tamping test data validated the existence of the expected relationships between the vertical and lateral rail forces, the speed and the cant. The change in cant had a minimal effect on the magnitude of the vertical forces, although a transfer of loading between the high and low legs did occur. The theory indicates that the 14% reduction in cant in this curve, given all of the other curve characteristics, should have resulted in an increase in the lateral forces. There was, however, a roughly 50% reduction in the maximum lateral forces, after the cant had been reduced, which can be explained from a train dynamics point of view. In addition, there was an increase in safety, due to a reduced derailment ratio at this curve's normal operating speed of 85 km/h. It is not unreasonable to presume that a 50% reduction in the maximum lateral forces could lead to a halving of the wear rate of the rail and wheels in this curve, with similar results to be expected in other curves on the rail network.
Soft water attack on concrete tunnel linings in the Ingula pumped storage hydro-power scheme: Assessment of concrete resistance and protection
Authors: Otieno M , Alexande M , du Plessis J
Published: December 2017

The resistance of the concrete tunnel linings at the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme (IPSS) to soft water attack was investigated. Concrete disc specimens obtained from cores taken from selected locations of the tunnel lining were exposed to a simulated soft water attack testing regime in a site laboratory using the actual (soft) water to which the tunnel linings will be exposed when in service. The assessment was carried out for around four months. The aggressivity of the soft water was quantified using Basson Indices. The results showed that the water is readily aggressive and will lead to corrosion of the concrete tunnel lining. The experimental work showed the average surface rate loss of the linings to be approximately 1.1 mm/a, which, if sustained in the concrete linings, would amount to an average loss of about 10 mm in a 10-year period. This will result in increased surface roughness and hence higher head losses due to increased friction coefficients. It was recommended that a protective epoxy coating be applied on the tunnel lining to limit the reduction in power generation efficiencies.