bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetohydrodynamics Simulations of Active Galactic Nucleus Disks and Jets
Authors: Davis Shane W. , Tchekhovskoy Alexander
Published: July 2020

There is a broad consensus that accretion onto supermassive black holes and consequent jet formation power the observed emission from active galactic nuclei (AGNs). However, there has been less agreement about how jets form in accretion flows, their possible relationship to black hole spin, and how they interact with the surrounding medium. There have also been theoretical concerns about instabilities in standard accretion disk models and lingering discrepancies with observational constraints. Despite seemingly successful applications to X-ray binaries, the standard accretion disk model faces a growing list of observational constraints that challenge its application to AGNs. Theoretical exploration of these questions has become increasingly reliant on numerical simulations owing to the dynamic nature of these flows and the complex interplay between hydrodynamics, magnetic fields, radiation transfer, and curved spacetime. We conclude the following: ▪  The advent of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations has greatly improved our understanding of jet production and its dependence on black hole spin. ▪  Simulation results show both disks and jets are sensitive to the magnetic flux threading the accretion flow as well as possible misalignment between the angular momentum of the accretion flow and the black hole spin. ▪  Radiation MHD simulations are providing new insights into the stability of luminous accretion flows and highlighting the potential importance of radiation viscosity, UV opacity from atoms, and spiral density waves in AGNs.
Effect of Potassium Persulfate as an Additive On Chemical Mechanical Polishing Performance on C-, A- and R-Plane Sapphire
Authors: Lu Yanan , Niu Xinhuan , Yang Chenghui , Huo Zhaoqing , Cui Yaqi , Zhou Jiakai , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2020

Sapphire with different crystal planes is widely used in light-emitting diode (LED), silicon on sapphire (SOS) IC chips, hybrid microelectronic applications, and other high-tech fields. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology is widely applied to obtain super-smooth and non-damaged wafer surface on the sapphire wafer. Due to its higher hardness and brittleness, sapphire CMP processing is difficult because of its lower processing efficiency. In this paper, in order to improve the CMP performance of different plane sapphire, K2S2O8 was used as an additive in the slurry. On the basics of chemical thermodynamic theory, HSC(enthalpy (H), entropy(S), heat capacity (C)) chemistry software was used to judge whether the chemical reactions can occur spontaneously. According to the experiment results, a higher material removal rate (MRR) was obtained with the slurry containing 0.2 wt% K2S2O8 and the surface roughness Sq of different plane sapphire substrates were all less than 0.3 nm. At the same time, the reaction mechanism and process of K2S2O8 was revealed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that there were new chemical reactions between the sapphire wafer and K2S2O8 sol and the reaction products included aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4), which increased the chemical effect during the polishing process and resulted in the increasing of MRR.
Electrify your class with a simple battery: battery demonstration of electrocardiogram vectors
Authors: Lujan Heidi L. , Wellette-Hunsucker Austin , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: July 2020

William Arthur Ward stated, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Discovery experimentation is an inductive method that demonstrates and inspires by creating an interest in determining the underlining basis of a phenomenon. This experiential approach also fosters motivation and enhances learning. Starting with what the student knows augments this approach. By starting with what the student already knows, the student can consciously and explicitly link the subsequent new information with previous knowledge. Accordingly, we used a simple battery as an analogy for electrocardiogram vectors to introduce the theoretical physics of how the heart produces voltages that are detectable at the body surface. This extraordinarily complex physics was approached in a straightforward and inexpensive way while still providing an understanding of the fundamental concepts developed by Willem Einthoven in 1895.
Decorative animations impair recall and are a source of extraneous cognitive load
Authors: Pink Annabel , Newton Philip M.
Published: July 2020

Working memory is critical for learning but has a limited capacity for processing new information in real time. Cognitive load theory is an evidence-based approach to education that seeks to minimize the extraneous (unnecessary) load on working memory to avoid overloading it. The “seductive details effect” postulates that extraneous load can come from instructional design materials that attract interest but are unrelated to, and impair, learning. Presentation packages, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, have built-in decorative animated “GIFs” that are designed to make presentations more visually appealing. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of such “decorative” animations on learning and working memory performance. We found that students were less able to recall content presented in the presence of a decorative but relevant animation compared with a still image. This effect was found with two different topics (human physiology and enzyme kinetics). Compared with still images, students also found it harder to remember animations themselves, and the self-reported mental workload required to remember them was higher. These results show that decorative animations are seductive details and are thus a source of extraneous cognitive load.
Aldosterone-dependent and -independent regulation of Na+and K+excretion and ENaC in mouse kidneys
Authors: Yang Lei , Frindt Gustavo , Xu Yuanyuan , Uchida Shinichi , Palmer Lawrence G.
Published: July 2020

We investigated the regulation of Na+and K+excretion and the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) in mice lacking the gene for aldosterone synthase (AS) using clearance methods to assess excretion and electrophysiology and Western blot analysis to test for ENaC activity and processing. After 1 day of dietary Na+restriction, AS−/−mice lost more Na+in the urine than AS+/+mice did. After 1 wk on this diet, both genotypes strongly reduced urinary Na+excretion, but creatinine clearance decreased only in AS−/−mice. Only AS+/+animals exhibited increased ENaC function, assessed as amiloride-sensitive whole cell currents in collecting ducts or cleavage of αENaC and γENaC in Western blots. To assess the role of aldosterone in the excretion of a K+load, animals were fasted overnight and refed with high-K+or low-K+diets for 5 h. Both AS+/+and AS−/−mice excreted a large amount of K+during this period. In both phenotypes the excretion was benzamil sensitive, indicating increased K+secretion coupled to ENaC-dependent Na+reabsorption. However, the increase in plasma K+under these conditions was much larger in AS−/−animals than in AS+/+animals. In both groups, cleavage of αENaC and γENaC increased. However, Na+current measured ex vivo in connecting tubules was enhanced only in AS+/+mice. We conclude that in the absence of aldosterone, mice can conserve Na+without ENaC activation but at the expense of diminished glomerular filtration rate. Excretion of a K+load can be accomplished through aldosterone-independent upregulation of ENaC, but aldosterone is required to excrete the excess K+without hyperkalemia.
Lipocalin 2 deficiency-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis evokes metabolic syndrome in aged mice
Authors: Singh Vishal , Galla Sarah , Golonka Rachel M. , Patterson Andrew D. , Chassaing Benoit , Joe Bina , Vijay-Kumar Matam
Published: July 2020

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is a multifunctional innate immune protein that limits microbial overgrowth. Our previous study demonstrated that the gut microbiota directly induces intestinal Lcn2 production, and Lcn2-deficient ( Lcn2−/−) mice exhibit gut dysbiosis. Coincidentally, gut dysbiosis is associated with metabolic syndrome pathogenesis, and elevated Lcn2 levels has been considered a potential clinical biomarker of metabolic syndrome. Yet whether Lcn2 mitigates or exacerbates metabolic syndrome remains inconclusive. Our objective was to determine whether Lcn2 deficiency-induced compositional changes in gut microbiota contribute to gain in adiposity in aged mice. Utilizing Lcn2−/− mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates, we measured metabolic markers, including fasting blood glucose, serum lipids, fat pad weight, and insulin resistance at ages 3, 6, and 9 mo old. Relative to WT mice, aged Lcn2−/− mice exhibited a gain in adiposity associated with numerous features of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Surprisingly, supplementation with a high-fat diet did not further aggravate metabolic syndrome that spontaneously occurs in Lcn2−/− mice by 6 mo of age. Interestingly, chow-fed Lcn2−/− mice displayed marked differences in the bacterial abundance and metabolomic profile of the gut microbiota compared with WT mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that Lcn2 is essential to maintain metabolic and gut microbiotal homeostasis, where deficiency induces spontaneous delayed onset of metabolic syndrome.
Analysis of Complex Transportation Network and Its Tourism Utilization Potential: A Case Study of Guizhou Expressways
Authors: Chen Sihong , Xi Jianchao , Liu Menghao , Li Tao
Published: July 2020

Transportation is an example of a typical, open, fluid complex network system. Expressways are one form of complex transportation networks, and expressway service areas serve as infrastructure nodes in the expressway transportation network; hence, their construction has a significant impact on tourism development and utilization. Domestic and foreign studies on complex transportation networks have mostly been conducted from the perspective of railways, air transport, and urban transportation but seldom on expressway transportation networks. This study employed complex network theory, social network analysis, kernel density analysis, and bivariate autocorrelation to characterize the spatial structure of expressway transport networks in terms of geographical centrality. By innovating the coupling of geographical centrality and passenger flow centrality in clustering, the study also quantitatively analyzed the differences between the geographical advantage and actual passenger flow advantage of China’s Guizhou expressway transportation network to analyze the tourism utilization potential of expressway service areas. We found that (1) the geographical centrality of the Guizhou expressway transportation network ranged from −1.28 to 3.33, and its distribution shows a single-core, polyconcentric dispersed spatial structure; (2) the passenger-car flow rate ranged from 15,000 to 3.66 million, and its distribution showed a dual-core, polycentric dispersed structure that is weakly concentric; and (3) there was a positive correlation of 0.22 between the geographical centrality and passenger flow of the Guizhou expressway transportation network, which showed seven cluster types—“high-high,” “moderately high-high,” “low-high,” “moderately low-high,” “high-low,” “moderately high-low,” and “low-low”—for which seven corresponding models of tourism development were proposed. This study broadens the practical application of traffic network complexity research and provides a scientific basis for upgrading and transforming the Guizhou expressway transportation network as well as for developing composite tourism uses for expressway service areas.
A Note on the Inner-Outer Iterative Method for Solving the Linear Equation Ax = b
Authors: Zhang Li-Tao , Zuo Xian-Yu , Gu Tong-Xiang , Wang Yan-Ping , Zhang Yi-Fan , Li Jian-Lei , Li Sheng-Kun
Published: July 2020

Recently, Tian et al. [Computers and Mathematics with Applications, 75(2018): 2710-2722] came up with the inner-outer iterative method to solve the linear equation Ax=b and studied the corresponding convergence of the method. In this paper, we improve the main results of the inner-outer method and get weaker convergence results. Moreover, the parameters can be adjusted suitably so that the convergence property of the method can be substantially improved.
Peritoneal Sarcoidosis Mimicking Peritoneal Tuberculosis and Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Robles Brittany N. , Shea Catherine , Salame Ghadir
Published: July 2020

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one or multiple organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. This disease can present in a variety of ways which often makes diagnosis difficult. A 54-year-old postmenopausal African American female with a history of omental carcinomatosis of unknown origin was referred to the gynecology-oncology service at a local community hospital following a laparoscopic incarcerated hernia repair where multiple abdominal lesions suspicious of ovarian carcinomatosis were visualized. She was brought to the operating room for a diagnostic laparoscopy at which point the intra-abdominal survey revealed white tubercle-like lesions that were consistent with peritoneal tuberculosis. The lesions were excised and sent to pathology. The omentum biopsy was originally reported as adipose tissue showing focal fibrosis, focal mild acute inflammation, few cyst formation, and multiple granulomatous chronic inflammation, with multinucleated giant cells. Periodic acid-Schiff stain and acid fast bacilli stain were negative, and a diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis was made. The patient was started on an antituberculosis treatment regimen; however, she was not improving. The pathology slides were reexamined and revealed nonnecrotizing granulomatous inflammation consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient was immediately referred to the department of pulmonology and rheumatology, at which point she was started on corticosteroids and had an improvement in her condition.
Synthesis of Interleukin-10 in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho Jesús K. , Fonseca-Camarillo Gabriela , Barrera-Ochoa Carlos A. , Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims. Epidemiological evidence suggests a relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection with the development of autoimmune diseases. H. pylori elicit a chronic systemic inflammatory response with the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. IL-10 is a regulatory cytokine that plays a central role in limiting host immune response to pathogen. Increased IL-10 levels were reported in H. pylori–infected gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between IL-10 systemic synthesis and H. pylori infection in patients with ulcerative colitis. Methods. Detection of H. pylori infection was performed by a 13C-urea breath test in 31 patients with UC. In each patient, a serum sample was drawn to measure IL-10 by the ELISA technique. Based on the primary breath test result, two groups were formed and serum IL-10 was measured. Results. Serological IL-10 levels in patients with UC and negative 13C-urea breath test was 10.28 pg/ml whereas in patients with UC and positive 13C-urea breath test was 5.5 pg/ml (P=0.035). IL-10 levels were higher in the inflammatory endoscopic and histological active groups which tested positive in the 13C-urea breath tests for H. pylori (P<0.05).Conclusions. The role of IL-10 secretion in patients with UC in determining the clinicopathological outcome of infection merits further study. This study suggests an association between serum IL-10 and disease severity in patients with UC and HP infection.
Electrochemical Performance of Steel Embedded in CSA Concrete and Its Interfacial Microstructure
Authors: Song Meimei , Li Qiu , Wu Ke , Dou Yihua
Published: July 2020

Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) is a low‐carbon cementitious material that significantly reduces alkalinity and produces calcium hydroxide‐free (CH‐free) matrix environment in comparison to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It might be, however, less efficient towards the passivation of steel in concrete and further investigation before widespread adoption is required. In this project, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) on polished samples was employed to provide the interfacial characterization of steel reinforced CSA concrete and study the relationship of interfacial quality and corrosion resistance of the embedded steel. The galvanostatic polarization behavior indicates that the steel embedded in CSA concrete remains passive for 28 days in absence of Cl− ions and carbonation. Microstructure analysis has shown that there is an Al‐enriched layer at interfacial zone in CSA concrete with the main hydration product of AH3, which is also alkaline and is expected to improve the steel passivity. Furthermore, the interfacial zone has markedly reduced porosity compared to the bulk matrix, which leads to reduced possibility of current flow between anode and cathode and therefore improves the corrosion resistance of the embedded reinforcement.
Diabetic Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy: Correlation of Clinical, Laboratory, and Electrophysiologic Studies in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Weng Yi-Ching , Tsai Sung-Sheng , Lyu Rong-Kuo , Chu Chun-Che , Ro Long-Sun , Liao Ming-Feng , Chang Hong-Shiu , Chen Chiung-Mei , Hwang Jawl-Shan , Kuo Hung-Chou
Published: July 2020

This cross-sectional study is aimed at determining the prevalence of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); finding the risk factors for DSPN and DPNP via biochemical tests; and correlating DSPN and DPNP with the results of electrophysiologic studies, quantitative sensory tests, and neurologic examination. The 145 participants with T2DM enrolled were divided into the DSPN (abnormal nerve conduction studies (NCS) with signs of polyneuropathy), subclinical DSPN (abnormal NCS without signs of polyneuropathy), minimal DSPN (normal NCS with signs of polyneuropathy), and no DSPN groups. The biochemical risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy were investigated. Neurologic examinations, laboratory tests, NCS, vibration threshold tests, and thermal threshold tests were conducted. The modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (mMNSI) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 were used to evaluate the severity of DSPN and DPNP, respectively. In all, 30% of participants had DSPN and 11% had DPNP. DSPN correlated strongly with male gender and higher glycohaemoglobin levels; NCS abnormality correlated with higher glycohaemoglobin levels; DSPN severity correlated with NCS of each stimulating nerve. DPNP commonly occurred with clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of DSPN. Symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy significantly correlated with longer disease duration, higher glycohaemoglobin levels, and abnormal vibration tests. The thermal threshold test combined with nerve conduction tests could detect most of the patients with DSPN, subclinical DSPN, and minimal DSPN. Poor diabetic control was independently associated with the development of DSPN. DPNP was associated with DSPN. The combination of thermal threshold tests with NCS can potentially provide the diagnosis of DSPN.
Prognostic Significance of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD-EPI Equation) and Anemia in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Secondary to Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nakazone Marcelo Arruda , Machado Maurício Nassau , Otaviano Ana Paula , Rodrigues Ana Maria Silveira , Cardinalli-Neto Augusto , Bestetti Reinaldo Bulgarelli
Published: July 2020

Background. Few studies regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia have been conducted in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC). We evaluated the risk prediction performance of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and anemia in CC patients. Methods. From 2000 to 2010, a total of 232 patients were studied in a single-center retrospective study. CKD was defined as creatinine clearance <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 according to CKD-EPI equation. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <12 g/dL (women) and <13 g/dL (men). Cox proportional hazards models were used to establish predictors for death. Results. At baseline, 98 individuals (42.2%) had criteria for CKD and 41 (17.7%) for anemia. During follow-up, 136 patients (58.6%) died. Independently, CKD and anemia were not associated with all-cause mortality. However, when they coexisted, an additional risk was attributed for these patients. Cox proportional hazard models analysis identified systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98 to 1.00; P=0.015), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.85; P=0.012), left anterior fascicular block (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.13; P=0.017), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.06; P<0.001), and serum sodium (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.99; P=0.020) as independent predictors for death. Conclusions. CKD and anemia are not independent predictors for long-term mortality in CC patients. However, the prognosis is poorer in individuals with both comorbidities.
Conquering Gender Stereotype Threat in “Digit Sports”: Effects of Gender Swapping on Female Players’ Continuous Participation Intention in ESports
Authors: Hao Lujie , Lv Qinghua , Zhang Xiaosan , Jiang Qingquan , Liu Songxian , Ping Lin
Published: July 2020

As a sportification form of human-computer interaction, eSports is facing great gender stereotype threat and causing female players’ withdraw. This study aims to investigate the relationship between gender-swapping and females’ continuous participation intention in eSports, the mediating effect of self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of discrimination. The results demonstrate (1) that the effect of gender-swapping on continuous participation intention in eSports was not significant, while gender-swapping had a significant association with self-efficacy, and self-efficacy had a significant association with continuous participation intention in eSports; (2) that gender-swapping had an indirect effect (via self-efficacy) on continuous participation intention in eSports; and (3) that discrimination moderated the effect of self-efficacy on continuous participation intention. Female players who had experienced discrimination displayed higher continuous participation intention in the context of self-efficacy enhanced by gender-swapping.
Smoothing L0 Regularization for Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Fan Qinwei , Liu Ting
Published: July 2020

Extreme learning machine (ELM) has been put forward for single hidden layer feedforward networks. Because of its powerful modeling ability and it needs less human intervention, the ELM algorithm has been used widely in both regression and classification experiments. However, in order to achieve required accuracy, it needs many more hidden nodes than is typically needed by the conventional neural networks. This paper considers a new efficient learning algorithm for ELM with smoothing L0 regularization. A novel algorithm updates weights in the direction along which the overall square error is reduced the most and then this new algorithm can sparse network structure very efficiently. The numerical experiments show that the ELM algorithm with smoothing L0 regularization has less hidden nodes but better generalization performance than original ELM and ELM with L1 regularization algorithms.
An Unusual Case of Campylobacter jejuni Gastroenteritis Presenting with Acute Reversible Encephalopathy in an Immunocompetent Host
Authors: Huayanay Irma , Pozo Leonardo , Bangash Salman , Ramirez Denisse , Rosas Luis , Arauco Brown Renzo
Published: July 2020

Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis is the most frequent organism associated with acute infectious diarrhea worldwide. The clinical presentation involves fever, diarrhea, rigors, and myalgias. Other extraintestinal symptoms that have been described involve delirium and other neurological complications, and the most well-known is Guillain-Barré, where there is cross-reactivity between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Despite previously described multiple neurological complications, there is a lack of clinical data on the association of Campylobacter-related gastroenteritis with acute encephalopathy in immunocompetent patients. The type of population, immunocompetent stage, and unfamiliarity with the clinical presentation makes this a challenging diagnosis for clinicians. We report a case of Campylobacter gastroenteritis associated with acute encephalopathy in an immunocompetent patient.
Good Practices in the Clinical Management of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis in a Third-Level Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Flores-Salinas Héctor E. , Casillas-Muñoz Fidel , Valle Yeminia , Guzmán-Sánchez Cesar M. , Padilla-Gutiérrez Jorge Ramon
Published: July 2020

Introduction and Objective. In Mexico, there has been an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease due to rising life expectancy, westernized lifestyle, lack of prevention, and industrialized exposure. This article describes the pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, and associated clinical complications in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their impact on in-hospital mortality frequency in a Cardiology Unit in Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Methods. This is a retrospective study including male and female patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with ACS. The collected data included demographic characteristics, risk factors, medications, electrocardiograms, surgical procedures, and in-hospital deaths. Results. There are at least 20% more diagnoses of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in this hospital compared to the latest national reports in Mexico. The most common risk factors were type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidaemia. Diabetic patients with a clinical history of percutaneous coronary intervention had a higher risk of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction than nondiabetics (OR: 2.34; p=0.013), also smoking patients with previous heart surgery than nonsmokers (OR: 7.73; p=0.0007). The average in-hospital mortality was 3.6% for ACS. Conclusions. There is a higher percentage of coronary interventionism and improvement in pharmacological treatment, which is reflected in lower mortality. The substantial burden of T2DM could be related to a higher number of cases of STEMI. Diabetics with precedent percutaneous coronary intervention and smokers with previous heart surgery have an increased risk of subsequent infarction.
Polymer Blend Containing MoO3 Nanowires with Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228
Authors: Gradišar Centa Urška , Kocbek Petra , Belcarz Anna , Škapin Srečo D. , Remškar Maja
Published: July 2020

Antibacterial activity of a polymer nanocomposite containing water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), water insoluble poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), and MoO3 nanowires or MoO3 microparticles as antibacterial active substances is reported. The UV-vis absorption method was used for the illumination of dissolving of the MoO3 particles of different size and morphology in water. Dissolving of MoO3 nanowires (1 mg ml-1) decreases pH bellow 3.6 in only 3 min and below 3 in 15 min, while dissolving of the PEO/PVDF-HFP/MoO3 nanowires coating (5 mg ml-1) decreases pH bellow 3.6 in 90 min. These coatings completely destroy the Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 bacterial strain within 3 h. The proposed applications are antibacterial protective coatings of contact surfaces.
Phase III Randomized Study of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Definitive Radiotherapy + Cetuximab Versus Chemoradiotherapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: The INTERCEPTOR-GONO Study (NCT00999700)
Authors: Merlano Marco Carlo , Denaro Nerina , Vecchio Stefania , Licitra Lisa , Curcio Paola , Benasso Marco , Bagicalupo Almalina , Numico Gianmauro , Russi Elvio , Corvo’ Renzo , Bruzzi Paolo ,   on behalf of INTERCEPTOR trialists
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Induction chemotherapy followed by cetuximab and RT (IBRT) (Arm A) was compared to cisplatin/RT (CRT) (Arm B) in a randomized phase III study. Patients and Methods: Naïve patients with stage III-IVa, histologically proven locally advanced head and neck cancer (LASCCHN) were eligible. Arm A (IBRT): 3 TPF induction followed by cetuximab-RT (equivalent daily dose 2 Gy up to 70 Gy); Arm B: 3 cisplatin concurrent with the same RT scheduling. Due to slow accrual and incomplete data collection a futility analysis was performed. Results: 236/282 patients were evaluable. Therefore, no formal analyses can be made between the two arms. OS was 45.2/53.6 months in Arm A/B. Complete responses were achieved in 64% of patients in both arms. Neutropenia and skin toxicity were significantly worse in Arm A and body weight loss was significantly worse in Arm B. Compliance with the planned drug administration was higher in Arm B (p = 0.0008). Conclusion: The study suggests that IBRT and CRT have similar efficacy, activity and toxicity.
Western Diet Promotes Renal Injury, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Alström Syndrome
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Ganguly Souradipta , Nespoux Josselin , Freeman Brent , Zhang Haiyan , Brenner David , Dhar Debanjan , Vallon Volker
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Alström syndrome is a rare recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in ALMS1, which encodes a protein that is related to cilia function and intracellular endosome trafficking. The syndrome has been linked to impaired glucose metabolism and CKD. Polymorphisms in Alms1 have likewise been linked to CKD, but little is known about the modification of the phenotype by environmental factors. Methods: To gain further insights, the fat aussie (foz) mouse strain, a genetic murine model of Alström syndrome, was exposed to a normal chow (NC) or to a Western diet (WD, 20% fat, 34% sucrose by weight, and 0.2% cholesterol) and renal outcomes were measured. Results: Body weight and albuminuria were higher in foz than in wild-type (WT) mice on both diets but WD significantly increased the difference. Measurement of plasma creatinine and cystatin C indicated that glomerular filtration rate was preserved in foz versus WT independent of diet. Renal markers of injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were similar in both genotypes on NC but significantly greater in foz than in WT mice on WD. A glucose tolerance test performed in foz and WT mice on WD revealed similar basal blood glucose levels and subsequent blood glucose profiles. Conclusions: WD sensitizes a murine model of Alström syndrome to kidney injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, an effect that may not be solely due to effects on glucose metabolism. Polymorphisms in Alms1 may induce CKD in part by modulating the deleterious effects of high dietary fat and sucrose on kidney outcome.
Analysis of Innate and Adaptive Immunological Characteristics in Patients with IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Sohn Kyoung-Hee , Ham Jongho , Chung Soo Jie , Kang Hye-Ryun , Kim Hye Young
Published: July 2020

Background: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immunological disorder characterized by fibro-inflammatory conditions; however, the pathobiology of IgG4-RD has not been fully identified. Objective: This study aimed to analyze systemic differences of innate and adaptive immune cells from healthy controls and patients with IgG4-RD. Methods: Healthy controls (n = 9) and IgG4-RD patients (n = 7) were recruited with informed consent. Peripheral blood was collected from healthy controls and IgG4-RD patients, and three blood samples from IgG4-RD patients were re-collected two months after the last rituximab (RTX) treatment. The various immune cells and cytokine productions were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Blood CD14+ monocytes and steady-state follicular helper T cells were increased in patients with IgG4-RD. However, there were no changes in other immune cell populations, including B cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. Also, the TGF-β-producing CD14+ monocytes were significantly augmented in patients with IgG4-RD. Two months after RTX treatment, total B cells (CD19+) were depleted; however, the expressions of TGF-β from CD14+ monocytes remained unchanged. Conclusion: These findings showed that IgG4-RD is related to the increment of CD14+ monocytes. Besides, controlling increased TGF-β-producing CD14+ monocytes with RTX treatment might be a conducive way to regulate IgG4-RD.
Relationship between Presence of Visceral Infarction and Functional Outcome among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Piran Pirouz , Atalay Yahya B. , Gupta Ajay , Patel Praneil , Murthy Santosh B. , Navi Babak B. , Kamel Hooman , Merkler Alexander E.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Evidence of visceral infarction is often found in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It remains uncertain whether there exists a relationship between visceral infarction and functional outcomes among patients with stroke. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether evidence of visceral infarction is associated with functional outcomes among patients with stroke. Methods: Among patients with acute ischemic stroke enrolled in the Cornell AcutE Stroke Academic Registry (CAESAR) from 2011 through 2016, we included those with a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomographic scan within 1 year of admission. Our outcome was ambulatory status at discharge from acute stroke hospitalization, categorized as walking without assistance, walking with assistance, and unable to walk. We used ordinal logistic regression to examine the association between visceral infarction and discharge ambulatory status after adjustment for demographics, stroke risk factors, stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale), and stroke subtype. Results: Among 2,116 ischemic stroke patients registered in CAESAR from 2011 to 2016, 259 had contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomographic imaging, of whom 48 (19%) had evidence of visceral infarction. After adjustment for demographics, stroke risk factors, stroke severity, and stroke subtype, the presence of visceral infarction was associated with a worse ambulatory status at discharge (global OR for better ambulatory status, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2–1.0, p = 0.046). Conclusions: We found that the presence of visceral infarction was associated with poor functional outcomes at the time of hospital discharge. These findings suggest that such findings are not necessarily benign and are at the least a marker of poor outcomes.
Different Effects of Cannabis Abuse on Adolescent and Adult Brain
Authors: Dhein Stefan
Published: July 2020

Cannabis abuse is a common phenomenon among adolescents. The dominant psychoactive substance in Cannabis sativa is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, in the past 40 years the content of the psychoactive ingredient THC in most of the preparations is not constant but has increased due to other breeding and culturing conditions. THC acts as the endocannabinoids at CB1 and CB2 receptors but pharmacologically can be described as a partial (not a pure) agonist. Recent evidence shows that activation of the CB1 receptor by THC can diminish the production of neuronal growth factor in neurons and affect other signalling cascades involved in synapsis formation. Since these factors play an important role in the brain development and in the neuronal conversion processes during puberty, it seems reasonable that THC can affect the adolescent brain in another manner than the adult brain. Accordingly, in adolescent cannabis users structural changes were observed with loss of grey matter in certain brain areas. Moreover, recent studies show different effects of THC on adolescent and adult brains and on behaviour. These studies indicate that early THC abuse can result in neuropsychological deficits. This review gives an overview over the present knowledge in this field.
A Unidade do Saber e os Prejuízos da Infância
Authors: Pereira Filho Antonio José
Published: July 2020

Neste trabalho, procuro fazer uma breve apresentação do confronto entre duas perspectivas pedagógicas: a primeira, que teve uma grande fortuna na modernidade, foi defendida por Descartes em textos como as Regras para a direção do espírito e o Discurso da método e terá suas conseqüências na Lógica do Port -Royal; a segunda perspectiva, que permaneceu à margem, foi defendida pelo filósofo italiano Giambattista Vico em um texto intitulado De nostri temporis studiorum ratione (1709). Dois pontos serão destacados aqui: o tema da visão filosófica da infância e o tema da unidade do conhecimento.
Música, Linguagem e Nação
Authors: Becker Evaldo
Published: July 2020

Este artigo serve como apresentação à nossa tradução de dois textos de Rousseau. Os textos possuem tamanhos e importância díspares, mas ambos podem nos auxiliar na compreensão da temática que liga a questão da linguagem e das línguas à questão da moral e da política na obra do ‘cidadão de Genebra’. O primeiro escrito a ser apresentado é: A origem da melodia. Trata-se de um primeiro esboço daquele que virá a ser intitulado Ensaio sobre a origem das línguas. Já o segundo texto, intitula-se: Sobre a eloquência, e faz parte do conjunto de escritos agrupados sob o título Mélanges de Littérature et de Morale, no Tomo II das obras completas de Rousseau, edição da Pléiade.
Apresentação do Dossiê Leituras do Iluminismo
Authors: Freitas Jacira De
Published: July 2020

Apresentação do Dossiê Leituras do Iluminismo: Homenagem aos 20 anos da livre docência de Maria das Graças de Souza
Leibniz e a História
Authors: Menezes Edmilson
Published: July 2020

Usualmente, entre nós, o autor da Monadologia não é estudado a partir de um interesse filosófico pela história; no entanto, suas preocupações intelectuais dirigem-se a essa área, e algumas filosofias da história tiveram os Essais de théodicée (1710) em seus horizontes, embora não houvesse Leibniz escrito uma teodicéia da história. O objetivo do trabalho é apresentar alguns prismas do pensamento leibniziano quanto àquele interesse, com destaque para o vínculo entre trajetória dos homens e embasamento teológico, de forma a compreender como estes dois elementos se articulam e justificam o otimismo enquanto marco analítico decisivo para uma ideia de história.
Jean Meslier revisitado
Authors: Piva Paulo Jonas de Lima
Published: July 2020

O artigo a seguir foi redigido em 2013, animado pelo lançamento em tradução brasileira de 2012, pela WMF Martins Fontes, de Os ultras das Luzes, o volume 4 da Contra-história da filosofia de Michel Onfray. Um dos personagens abordados com destaque no livro de Onfray é Jean Meslier (1664-1729), filósofo materialista, ateu, sensualista no seu sentido epistemológico e ético, comunista, anticlerical, anticristão e, ao mesmo tempo, por força maior, padre de aldeia, e, graças a Voltaire, que foi o seu maior divulgador mesmo que ao seu modo nada honesto, um precursor das Luzes francesas. No Brasil, nos anos 80, Maria das Graças de Souza apresentava aos leitores e, sobretudo, aos pesquisadores brasileiros, no mesmo espírito iluminista de Onfray e com a honestidade que faltou a Voltaire, a vida e o pensamento de Jean Meslier. São destas apresentações e revisitações de Meslier que trata este artigo.
Comparação de metodologias para determinação de gordura e avaliação do conteúdo de cálcio e fósforo em petiscos para cães
Authors: Zafalon Rafael Vessecchi Amorim , Rodrigues Roberta Bueno Ayres , Conti Renata Maria Consentino , Perini Mariana Pamplona , Rentas Mariana Fragoso , Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Risolia Larissa Wunsche , Macedo Henrique Tobaro , Brunetto Marcio Antonio
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the relationship between humans and companion animals has tightened considerably and resulted in the expansion of the range of pet food industry products available in the market. In this context, snacks have gained greater popularity as pet owners seek to please their animals by providing such foods. Due to the growing importance of the snack segment, a need exists for accurate information on the nutritional composition of these products, such as fat concentration. No studies were found that evaluated the effectiveness of different methods applied for determining the content of this nutrient in dog snacks. In addition, too much mineral content can pose health risks. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare three methodologies for determining fat in pet snack products. The moisture, calcium and phosphorus content of each was also determined to compare the obtained results with each value stated on their product labels. Fat determination methods evaluated were ether extract (EE), ether extract after acid hydrolysis (EEHA), and fat content obtained from Ankom XT15 analyzer (ANKOM). Twenty-four snacks produced by 17 companies were evaluated. The results of the three methodologies were compared using the Tukey test. The comparison between the results of the laboratory analysis and the values stated on the labels was performed using descriptive statistics. There was no difference between the three methods evaluated (p = 0.34) regarding fat content. Regarding the nutritional compliance of the labels, 25% (n = 6) of the snacks presented higher moisture content than the declared amount, 50% (n = 12) presented lower fat content, 25% (n = 6) lower phosphorus content and, in 50% (n = 12), the calcium content was not within the minimum and maximum range stated on the label. Therefore, due to the absence of difference between the results, any of the three fat determination methodologies could be used. Regarding compliance of labels for calcium, phosphorus and fat content, greater control over the nutritional composition of these foods is required since most pet owners tend to supply large quantities of snacks to dogs, leading to excessive daily energy intake.
Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil
Authors: Santos Luciana Siqueira Silveira dos , Soares Herbert Sousa , Mascarenhas Carolina Silveira , Santos Paulo Roberto Silveira dos , Gennari Solange Maria , Farias Nara Amélia Da Rosa
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in an urban area in southern Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and it may act as a source of infection to domestic, semi-domestic cats and to free-living wild felids.
Gestão de riscos no setor público brasileiro: uma nova lógica de accountability?
Authors: Klein Junior Vitor Hugo
Published: July 2020

Diferentes governos têm adotado a gestão de riscos como parte de um novo padrão de excelência para o controle interno. O modelo de regulação baseado no risco, no entanto, requer a rearticulação do controle em torno de uma nova lógica de accountability, por meio da qual órgãos de controle devem redefinir os limites da ação e responsabilidade pública. As consequências dessa agenda no contexto brasileiro, entretanto, carecem de estudos. Este artigo examina os desafios de implementação da gestão de riscos em um governo estadual, em termos do impacto dessa inovação nas formas de prestação de contas e enforcement de agentes públicos. Com base em 13 rodadas de entrevistas e observação participante, os resultados demonstram que, apesar da gestão de riscos servir para legitimar a expansão do controle interno, a assimilação dessa inovação encontra barreiras na identidade profissional de auditores, na baixa relevância de controles internos e na dificuldade de disclosure de riscos estratégicos.  O artigo contribui ao propor que, desacoplada de uma reformulação dos incentivos para a transparência de problemas estruturais, a gestão de riscos tem alcance limitado no enfrentamento de riscos sistêmicos no setor público.
Tecnologia Móvel na Gestão de Atividades Turísticas em Aracaju, SE, Brasil
Authors: Martins Leylane Meneses , Vilar Jose Wellington Carvalho
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste estudo é discutir a influência crescente das tecnologias móveis na gestão das empresas de turismo, tendo como referência empírica as perspectivas de gestores públicos e fornecedores turísticos da cidade de Aracaju, capital do estado de Sergipe, Brasil. A tecnologia modifica a sociedade e consequentemente a sua economia. Na relação com o turismo, possui a importância de oportunizar o avanço da destinação por meio da promoção e comercialização, encurtar distâncias e catalisar o conhecimento de forma rápida e competitiva. Mediante revisão de literatura acerca das temáticas “gestão e governança turística”, “tecnologia” e “tecnologia móvel”, deu-se o processo da coleta de dados por meio de um formulário específico com cinco perguntas objetivas para gestores públicos e prestadores de serviços do turismo, visando avaliar a intervenção das tecnologias móveis na governança e gestão da atividade de cada empresa. Participaram da pesquisa de campo cinco grupos de prestadores de serviços do turismo de Aracaju: meios de hospedagens, agências de viagens, locadoras de veículos e gestão pública estadual e municipal. A análise estatística das respostas ao formulário permitiu concluir que o uso da tecnologia móvel ocasiona transformações na governança e gestão do turismo, sendo assim uma ferramenta intermediária e relevante que facilita e agiliza as tomadas de decisões e estratégias de atuação para aproximar o turista dos produtos e serviços turísticos, além de resolver necessidades pessoais e empresariais do dia a dia.
Uso das Redes Sociais para se Promover no Mercado de Trabalho
Authors: Silva Jéssyca Rodrigues Henrique da , Mendes Filho Luiz Augusto Machado , Barreto Leilianne Michelle Trindade da Silva
Published: July 2020

As redes sociais estão assumindo cada vez mais importância no âmbito profissional, favorecendo a busca de oportunidades e a construção de uma reputação. Este estudo se propôs a analisar como os bacharéis e estudantes de Turismo utilizam as redes sociais on-line para se promover no mercado de trabalho. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo descritivo e qualitativo, junto a alunos e profissionais egressos do curso de Turismo situado na cidade de Natal-RN. O instrumento de coleta foi um questionário eletrônico composto por questões abertas e fechadas, analisadas por meio de descrição de frequências e análise de conteúdo. Como resultados, observou-se que as redes sociais on-line têm sido cada vez mais utilizadas para divulgação do perfil profissional do candidato que almeja uma colocação no mercado de trabalho. Através desses canais é possível encontrar vagas de emprego, fazer networking e se autopromover. Porém, ficou evidente que redes profissionais como o LinkedIn ainda são exploradas de forma deficiente pelo público investigado, e o Facebook apresenta-se como a rede social mais amplamente utilizada. Ao final, concluiu-se que redes sociais on-line de caráter pessoal e profissional são alvos de recrutadores de empresas relacionadas ao turismo, devendose haver, portanto, cuidado com o que se posta e com a reputação que é construída no ambiente virtual.