bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical prospective of induction of ferro-constituents in buoyancy-driven magneto-nanofluid under the impact of magnetic dipole
Authors: Kausar Nabeela , Bilal S. , Tahir Wajiha , Nisa Aisha Un
Published: December 2018

Fulfilment of energy in various sectors of society is the demand of today’s world. Nowadays, researchers are working hard to propose such technologies to eradicate energy losses. Several improvements have been presented by the research community in this regard. After their struggle and hard work, researchers believed that this energy crisis could be overcome with the aid of fluids. So a procedure is executed to subject the fluid flows to a magnetic field. Furthermore, they also disclosed that induction of ferro-elements in a fluid under the existence of magnetic fields, known as ferrofluid, is a remarkable technique to overcome this huge social, economic, and technological problem. So the motto of the current literature is to investigate the elevated thermophysical features of viscous fluid by the inclusion of ferro-particles. To achieve said purpose, nickel zinc ferrite particles (NiZnFe2O4) are added to ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) in the presence of magnetic dipole. Flow is induced by a two-dimensional linearly elongated sheet. The governing momentum, energy, and thermal transport equations describing the thermomechanical aspects of ferrofluid is modelled in the form of partial differential expressions. Similar variables are needed to transfer the coupled partial expressions into ordinary differential system. Extensive computational interpretation of influencing parameters like ferromagnetic interaction parameter, viscous dissipation, and Curie temperature parameter on associated profiles is accomplished using the shooting method in collaboration with the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method. It is found that the primary function of the magnetic dipole is to reduce the velocity within the boundary layer and it tends to enrich the thermal attitude. Diminishing of the momentum distribution of ferro-particles is established in the presence of a magnetic dipole. Inclusion of mixed convection decreases the momentum, whereas an increase is induced in the thermal profile. Decrease of convective heat transfer magnitude is observed in the presence of magnetic dipole.
Holographic cosmology and tachyon inflation
Authors: Bilić Neven
Published: December 2018

After a brief introduction to the AdS/CFT holography, a tachyon inflation will be discussed in the framework of holographic cosmology. The model is based on a holographic braneworld scenario with an effective tachyon field on a D3-brane located at the holographic bound of an asymptotic ADS5 bulk.
Scattering of α-particles by 11B nuclei at an energy of 40MeV and role of the exchange mechanism with transfer of 7Li
Authors: Burtebayev N. , Nassurlla Maulen , Nassurlla Marzhan , Saduyev N. , Sabidolda A. , Zazulin D. , Sadykov T. Kh. , Sakuta S. B. , Trzcińska A. , Wolińska-Cichocka M.
Published: December 2018

The elastic and inelastic scatterings of [Formula: see text]-particles were investigated at an energy of 40[Formula: see text]MeV with excitation of low-lying states of the [Formula: see text]B nucleus [0.0 (3/2[Formula: see text]), 4.445 (5/2[Formula: see text]), 6.74 (7/2[Formula: see text]), 2.125 (1/2[Formula: see text]) and 5.02[Formula: see text]MeV (3/2[Formula: see text])]. The analysis of the experimental angular distributions was carried out via the coupled channels method within the framework of the collective model. The value of the quadrupole deformation parameter [Formula: see text] was extracted. Calculations indicate a preference for a negative sign for deformation. It is shown that the exchange mechanism with the transfer of the heavy 7Li cluster does not play an important role in the scattering of [Formula: see text]-particles on [Formula: see text]B nuclei at an energy of 40[Formula: see text]MeV.
Mobility performance among community-dwelling older Filipinos who lived in urban and rural settings: A preliminary study
Authors: Lunar Frances Rom , Marquez Jan Paul , Quianzon Francine Kier , Policarpio Ben Joshua , Santelices Leslie Anne , Velasco Mariah Kristine , Quinto Ramielle Joie , Gorgon Edward James
Published: December 2018

Background: The impact of residential setting on the performance of older adults on commonly used instruments of mobility has not been closely investigated.

Objective: This study aimed to (1) explore whether mobility test performance differed between those who lived in urban and rural communities, and (2) report preliminary reference values for these tests according to residential setting.

Methods: The study used a descriptive design. Individuals who were aged 60 years and above, had no significant disability, and resided in urban and rural areas in the Philippines ([Formula: see text]), participated in the study. Researchers measured mobility performance using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (both comfortable gait velocity (CGV) and fast gait velocity (FGV)), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Preliminary reference values for the mobility tests were presented as means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals. Scores were compared based on residential setting (urban versus rural).

Results: Urban-dwellers scored consistently better compared to their rural counterparts on the CGV, FGV, FTSST, and 6MWT using independent samples [Formula: see text]-test ([Formula: see text]). Data were further divided according to age and sex, and comparison of the mobility test scores between urban- and rural-dwellers within each subgroup showed similar differences ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: Results provide preliminary evidence for the influence of residential setting on the mobility test performance of Filipino older adults. The study provides a good starting point for confirmatory research with a representative sample to (1) illustrate differences in mobility performance according to residential setting, (2) investigate how specific factors associated with residential settings contribute to differences in mobility performance, and (3) determine the extent to which clinicians should consider an older person’s residential setting when interpreting mobility test results.
Looking South
Authors: Santani Darshan , Ruiz-Correa Salvador , Gatica-Perez Daniel
Published: December 2018

Mobile and social technologies are providing new opportunities to document, characterize, and gather impressions of urban environments. In this article, we present a study that examines urban perceptions of three cities in central Mexico; the study integrates a mobile crowdsourcing framework to collect geo-localized images of urban environments by a local youth community, an online crowdsourcing platform to gather impressions of urban environments along 12 physical and psychological dimensions, and a deep learning framework to automatically infer human impressions of outdoor urban scenes. Our study resulted in a collection of 7,000 geo-localized images containing outdoor scenes and views of each city’s built environment, including touristic, historical, and residential neighborhoods, and 144,000 individual judgments from Amazon Mechanical Turk. Statistical analyses show that outdoor environments can be assessed in terms of interrater agreement for most of the urban dimensions by the observers of crowdsourced images. Furthermore, we proposed a methodology to automatically infer human perceptions of outdoor scenes using a variety of low-level image features and generic deep learning (CNN) features. We found that CNN features consistently outperformed all the individual low-level image features for all the studied urban dimensions. We obtained a maximum
R
2
of 0.49 using CNN features; for 9 out of 12 labels, the obtained
R
2
values exceeded 0.44.
Rigorous Estimation of Floating-Point Round-Off Errors with Symbolic Taylor Expansions
Authors: Solovyev Alexey , Baranowski Marek S. , Briggs Ian , Jacobsen Charles , Rakamarić Zvonimir , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh
Published: December 2018

Rigorous estimation of maximum floating-point round-off errors is an important capability central to many formal verification tools. Unfortunately, available techniques for this task often provide very pessimistic overestimates, causing unnecessary verification failure. We have developed a new approach called
Symbolic Taylor Expansions
that avoids these problems, and implemented a new tool called FPTaylor embodying this approach. Key to our approach is the use of rigorous global optimization, instead of the more familiar interval arithmetic, affine arithmetic, and/or SMT solvers. FPTaylor emits per-instance analysis certificates in the form of HOL Light proofs that can be machine checked.

In this article, we present the basic ideas behind Symbolic Taylor Expansions in detail. We also survey as well as thoroughly evaluate six tool families, namely, Gappa (two tool options studied), Fluctuat, PRECiSA, Real2Float, Rosa, and FPTaylor (two tool options studied) on 24 examples, running on the same machine, and taking care to find the best options for running each of these tools. This study demonstrates that FPTaylor estimates round-off errors within much tighter bounds compared to other tools on a significant number of case studies. We also release FPTaylor along with our benchmarks, thus contributing to future studies and tool development in this area.
Analyzing Payment-Driven Targeted Q8A Systems
Authors: Jan Steve T. K. , Wang Chun , Zhang Qing , Wang Gang
Published: December 2018

Today’s online question and answer (Q8A) services are receiving a large volume of questions. It becomes increasingly challenging to motivate domain experts to provide quick and high-quality answers. Recent systems seek to engage real-world experts by allowing them to set a price on their answers. This leads to a “targeted” Q8A model where users ask questions to a target expert by paying the corresponding price. In this article, we perform a case study on two emerging targeted Q8A systems, Fenda (China) and Whale (U.S.), to understand how monetary incentives affect user behavior. By analyzing a large dataset of 220K questions (worth 1 million USD), we find that payments indeed enable quick answers from experts, but also drive certain users to game the system for profits. In addition, this model requires users (experts) to proactively adjust their price to make profits. People who are unwilling to lower their prices are likely to hurt their income and engagement over time.
Earable ZEN: Development of an Earphone-Type Zazen Support Wearable System
Authors: Taniguchi Kazuhiro , Nishikawa Atsushi
Published: December 2018

Meditation has been included in mental health care and the treatment of hypertension and pain. Zazen is a method of entering the meditative state. We have carried out R&D on a wearable system (earable ZEN) that casually and simply allows the subject to perform zazen without going to a temple or even having a zazen monitor present. In zazen, it is important to prepare one’s breathing and posture. The earable ZEN is comprised of an earphone-type sensor (ear sensor) for measuring the breathing and posture of the user, a miniature actuator (neck belt) for communicating disturbances in the breathing and posture of the user, and a microcomputer. In an evaluation experiment, disturbance in breathing was simulated as “deep mouth breathing” and disturbance in posture was simulated as “nodding”. The average accuracy value for seven healthy subjects wearing the earable ZEN was 99.9% for mouth breathing and 100% for nodding. In the same way, the average precision value was 98.7% for mouth breathing and 100% for nodding, with an average recall value of 97.1% for mouth breathing and 100% for nodding. None of the subjects considered the ear sensor and neck belt to be an obstacle to zazen.
Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis and Evaluation of the Therapeutic Function of Murine Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells (ASCs) from the Subcutaneous and Visceral Compartment
Authors: Pförringer Dominik , Aitzetmüller Matthias M. , Brett Elizabeth A. , Houschyar Khosrow S. , Schäfer Richard , van Griensven Martijn , Duscher Dominik
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are a promising resource for wound healing and tissue regeneration because of their multipotent properties and cytokine secretion. ASCs are typically isolated from the subcutaneous fat compartment, but can also be obtained from visceral adipose tissue. The data on their equivalence diverges. The present study analyzes the cell-specific gene expression profiles and functional differences of ASCs derived from the subcutaneous (S-ASCs) and the visceral (V-ASCs) compartment. Material and Methods. Subcutaneous and visceral ASCs were obtained from mouse inguinal fat and omentum. The transcriptional profiles of the ASCs were compared on single-cell level. S-ASCs and V-ASCs were then compared in a murine wound healing model to evaluate their regenerative functionality. Results. On a single-cell level, S-ASCs and V-ASCs displayed distinct transcriptional profiles. Specifically, significant differences were detected in genes associated with neoangiogenesis and tissue remodeling (for example, Ccl2, Hif1α, Fgf7, and Igf). In addition, a different subpopulation ecology could be identified employing a cluster model. Nevertheless, both S-ASCs and V-ASCs induced accelerated healing rates and neoangiogenesis in a mouse wound healing model. Conclusion. With similar therapeutic potential in vivo, the significantly different gene expression patterns of ASCs from the subcutaneous and visceral compartments suggest different signaling pathways underlying their efficacy. This study clearly demonstrates that review of transcriptional results in vivo is advisable to confirm the tentative effect of cell therapies.
Effects of Central Tube on Shape of Modal Duct of a Helicoid in a Simple Expansion Chamber
Authors: Onyango Daniel Omondi , Kinyua Robert , Mayaka Abel Nyakundi
Published: December 2018

The shape of the modal duct of an acoustic wave propagating in a muffling system varies with the internal geometry. This shape can be either as a result of plane wave propagation or three-dimensional wave propagation. These shapes depict the distribution of acoustic pressure that may be used in the design or modification of mufflers to create resonance at cut-off frequencies and hence achieve noise attenuation or special effects on the output of the noise. This research compares the shapes of acoustic duct modes of two sets of four pitch configurations of a helicoid in a simple expansion chamber with and without a central tube. Models are generated using Autodesk Inventor modeling software and imported into ANSYS 18.2, where a fluid volume from the complex computer-aided-design (CAD) geometry is extracted for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Mesh is generated to capture the details of the fluid cavity for frequency range between 0 and 2000Hz. After defining acoustic properties, acoustic boundary conditions and loads were defined at inlet and outlet ports before computation. Postprocessed acoustic results of the modal shapes and transmission loss (TL) characteristics of the two configurations were obtained and compared for geometries of the same helical pitch. It was established that whereas plane wave propagation in a simple expansion chamber (SEC) resulted in a clearly defined acoustic pressure pattern across the propagation path, the distribution in the configurations with and without the central tube depicted three-dimensional acoustic wave propagation characteristics, with patterns scattering or consolidating to regions of either very low or very high acoustic pressure differentials. A difference of about 80 decibels between the highest and lowest acoustic pressure levels was observed for the modal duct of the geometry with four turns and with a central tube. On the other hand, the shape of the TL curve shifts from a sinusoidal-shaped profile with well-defined peaks and valleys in definite multiples of π for the simple expansion chamber, while that of the other two configurations depended on the variation in wavelength that affects the location of occurrence of cut-on or cut-off frequency. The geometry with four turns and a central tube had a maximum value of TL of about 90 decibels at approximately 1900Hz.
Two Cases of Cartilaginous Choristoma—Not Chondroma of the Bony External Auditory Canal
Authors: Yamahara Kohei , Katsura Yuki , Egawa Yuki , Lee Kana , Ikegami Satoshi
Published: December 2018

The presence of a cartilaginous mass on the bony external auditory canal is an unusual finding. Currently, two different diagnoses have been used to describe this type of mass: chondroma and cartilaginous choristoma. There is currently no consensus on which diagnosis is appropriate for this type of lesion. Choristoma is defined as a tumor-like growth of normal tissue occurring in an abnormal location. Histological examination alone cannot be used to distinguish between cartilaginous choristoma and chondroma, as both lesions comprise normal mature hyaline cartilage. To diagnose a mass as cartilaginous choristoma on the bony external auditory canal, it is necessary to confirm that it does not originate from the underlying periosteum. Here, we present the cases of two patients with typical cartilaginous masses on the bony external auditory canal, in which the surgical findings showed that the masses were not in contact with the underlying periosteum, indicating that cartilaginous choristoma—not chondroma—is an appropriate diagnosis for these mass lesions. The clinical findings (characteristic appearance and location) reported here may aid clinicians in the diagnostic and surgical management of these cartilaginous masses.
Eugenol as a Promising Molecule for the Treatment of Dermatitis: Antioxidant and Anti‐inflammatory Activities and Its Nanoformulation
Authors: de Araújo Lopes Amanda , da Fonseca Francisco Noé , Rocha Talita Magalhães , de Freitas Lyara Barbosa , Araújo Emmanuel Vinicius Oliveira , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Lima Júnior Roberto César Pereira , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira
Published: December 2018

Contact dermatitis produces an inflammatory reaction primarily via stimulation of keratinocytes and cells of the immune system, which promote the release of cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and other chemical mediators. Eugenol (EUG, phenylpropanoid of essential oils) has attracted attention due to its anti‐inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidant effect. On the other hand, it is volatile and insoluble and is a skin irritant. In this case, nanostructured systems have been successfully employed as a drug carrier for skin diseases since they improve both biological and pharmaceutical properties of active compounds. The cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory effects of EUG were assessed in human neutrophils and keratinocytes. Additionally, polymeric nanocarries (NCEUG) were prepared to improve the chemical and irritant characteristics of EUG. EUG presented apparent safety and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects on human neutrophils, but presented cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes. However, the nanocapsules were able to reduce its cytotoxicity. An in vivo experiment of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in mice induced by TPA showed that NCEUG reduced significantly the ear edema in mice when compared to the EUG solution, as well as the leukocyte infiltration and IL‐6 level, possibly due to better skin permeation and irritancy blockage. These findings suggest that EUG is a promising bioactive molecule, and its nanoencapsulation seems to be an interesting approach for the treatment of ICD.
On Dynamical Behavior of Discrete Time Fuzzy Logistic Equation
Authors: Zhang Qianhong , Lin Fubiao
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamical behavior of the following model which describes the logistic difference equation taking into account the subjectivity in the state variables and in the parameters. xn+1=Axn(1~-xn),  n=0,1,2,⋯, where {xn} is a sequence of positive fuzzy numbers. A,1~ and the initial value x0 are positive fuzzy numbers. The existence and uniqueness of the positive solution and global asymptotic behavior of all positive solution of the fuzzy logistic difference equation are obtained. Moreover, some numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of results obtained.
A Two-Phase Heuristic Algorithm for the Problem of Scheduling and Vehicle Routing for Delivery of Medication to Patients
Authors: Linfati Rodrigo , Escobar John Willmer , Escalona Juan
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a two-phase hybrid algorithm to address the problem of scheduling visits to customers and the vehicle routing problem of medication delivery to highly dependent patients is proposed. In the first phase, the issue of daily scheduling for a cluster of customers is solved via a flexible mathematical optimization model applied to different scenarios. The solution obtained in the first phase generates n clusters of patients and a frequency routing problem that considers delivery periodicity, location, demand, service times, travel times, and daily load-balancing constraints. In the second phase, a hybrid metaheuristic approach including the synergy and constant iteration between simulated annealing and a record-to-record algorithm is applied to improve the initial solution obtained in the first phase. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated with real data obtained from a pilot project in Chile. The results are promising and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Differential Subcellular Localization Regulates Oncogenic Signaling by ROS1 Kinase Fusion Proteins
Authors: Neel Dana S. , Allegakoen David V. , Olivas Victor , Mayekar Manasi K. , Hemmati Golzar , Chatterjee Nilanjana , Blakely Collin M. , McCoach Caroline E. , Rotow Julia K. , Le Anh , Karachaliou Niki , Rosell Rafael , Riess Jonathan W. , Nichols Robert , Doebele Robert C. , Bivona Trever G.
Published: December 2018

Chromosomal rearrangements involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are a clinically relevant oncogenic mechanism in human cancers. These chimeric oncoproteins often contain the C-terminal kinase domain of the RTK joined in cis to various N-terminal, nonkinase fusion partners. The functional role of the N-terminal fusion partner in RTK fusion oncoproteins is poorly understood. Here, we show that distinct N-terminal fusion partners drive differential subcellular localization, which imparts distinct cell signaling and oncogenic properties of different, clinically relevant ROS1 RTK fusion oncoproteins. SDC4-ROS1 and SLC34A2-ROS1 fusion oncoproteins resided on endosomes and activated the MAPK pathway. CD74-ROS1 variants that localized instead to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) showed compromised activation of MAPK. Forced relocalization of CD74-ROS1 from the ER to endosomes restored MAPK signaling. ROS1 fusion oncoproteins that better activate MAPK formed more aggressive tumors. Thus, differential subcellular localization controlled by the N-terminal fusion partner regulates the oncogenic mechanisms and output of certain RTK fusion oncoproteins.

Significance:

ROS1 fusion oncoproteins exhibit differential activation of MAPK signaling according to subcellular localization, with ROS1 fusions localized to endosomes, the strongest activators of MAPK signaling.
Insulin Pump Therapy – Influence on Body Fat Redistribution, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Ghrelin, Leptin Changes in T1D Patients
Authors: Prídavková Dana , Samoš Matej , Kazimierová Ivana , Šutarík Ľudovít , Fraňová Soňa , Galajda Peter , Mokáň Marián
Published: December 2018

Background: To report changes in body composition and biochemical parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) after switching from multiple daily injection (MDI) to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Methods: 31 patients switched over from MDI to CSII. Body composition, biochemical parameters, glycaemic variability (GV) and level of physical activity were evaluated before and 6 months on CSII. Results: In both sexes, we found an increase in skeletal muscle mass (SMM), (p = 0.008; 0.008). In men, there was mainly a decrease in visceral fat area (VFA), (p = 0.028) and in women there was decrease of total body fat (TBF), (p = 0.020) and non-significant decrease of VFA (p = 0.098). SMM inversely correlated with VFA in men (p = –0.001) and with TBF in women (p = –0.005 ). GV was decreased generally and correlated inversely with TBF in men only (p = –0.026). Physical activity was increased and correlated inversely with VFA in men (p = –0.002) and in women (p = –0.006). Conclusions: Using CSII in T1D leads to a significant increase of SMM in both sexes to a decrease of VFA in men and to a non-significant decrease of VFA in women. Changes in adipose tissue and SMM were also related to increased physical activity and to decreased GV.
Comparison of Pure-Tone Average Methods for Estimation of Hearing Loss Caused by Environmental Exposure to Lead and Cadmium: Does the Pure-Tone Average Method Which Uses Low-Frequency Ranges Underestimate the Actual Hearing Loss Caused by Environmental Lead and Cadmium Exposure?
Authors: Huh Da-An , Choi Yun-Hee , Ji Myung Sun , Moon Kyong Whan , Yoon Seok J. , Sohn Jong-Ryeul
Published: December 2018

Previous studies have reported that exposure to lead and cadmium can damage the inner ear receptor, which perceives high-frequency sounds. However, few studies have used the pure-tone average (PTA), including high-frequency ranges, for the estimation of hearing loss caused by lead and cadmium exposure. We estimated hearing loss using the PTA test, in low-frequency, speech frequency, and high-frequency ranges and compared the differences in the results using 3 PTA calculation methods. We analyzed the data of 2,387 participants, between the ages of 19 and 85 years, that were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of 2010–2012. A dose-response relationship between hearing loss and heavy metal exposure was observed in the high-frequency method after adjustment for confounding factors. When using the high-frequency PTA, it was found that doubling of the levels of lead and cadmium in the blood was associated with a 1.88- (95% CI 1.11–3.17) and 1.89-fold (95% CI 1.02–3.50) increase in the OR for hearing loss. In the case of the low-frequency and speech frequency PTA, however, there were no significant relationships between hearing loss and the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the blood. The outcomes of the present study suggest that the estimation of hearing loss caused by environmental exposure to lead and cadmium is affected by the frequencies used in the PTA calculation.
Biology of Nodal Spread in Colon Cancer: Insights from Molecular and Genetic Studies
Authors: Kandagatla Pridvi , Maguire Lilias H. , Hardiman Karin M.
Published: December 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) lymph node metastases are common but their genetics and the mechanism whereby these metastases occur are not well understood. Here we present recent data regarding genetic heterogeneity in primary CRCs and their metastasis. In addition, we explain the different potential models describing the mechanisms of metastasis and the data supporting them. Multiple studies have also revealed a variety of prognostic molecular markers that are associated with lymph node metastasis in CRC. A better understanding of genetic heterogeneity and the mechanisms of metastasis is critical to predicting clinical response and resistance to targeted therapy.
Lumbar Artery Bleed as a Complication of Percutaneous Renal Biopsy and a Proposed Workflow for Massive Bleeding
Authors: Ngoh Clara Lee Ying , Wee Bernard Boon Kee , Wong Weng Kin
Published: December 2018

Injuries to extrarenal arteries caused by percutaneous biopsy needles are very rare but highly lethal due to delay in recognition. Here we report the case of an inadvertent lumbar artery puncture after native renal biopsy and provide a literature review and a proposed workflow for management of massive bleed after renal biopsy. This case highlights evidence-based management considerations regarding massive bleed after renal biopsy, including the first-line imaging modality and the need to consider extrarenal site bleed. While angiographic embolization is an effective method of control of haemorrhage, surgical exploration is required in a proportion of cases for control of bleeding. Centre-specific workflows should be adopted to minimize the mortality and morbidity associated with massive bleed after renal biopsy.
A Novel Variant of the FZD4 Gene in a Chinese Family Causes Autosomal Dominant Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Yang Lisha , Fu Jiewen , Cheng Jingliang , Wei Chunli , Zhou Qi , Ijaz Iqra , Lv Hongbin , Fu Junjiang
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a complex hereditary eye disorder characterized by incomplete development of the retinal vasculature, thereby affecting retinal angiogenesis. Methods: In this study, a Chinese autosomal dominant FEVR pedigree was recruited. Ophthalmic examinations were performed, targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify the causative gene, and Sanger sequencing was conducted to verify the candidate mutation. Co-segregation analysis was performed to evaluate pathogenicity. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was applied to investigate the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4) gene in the mouse. Results: A novel heterozygous, deleterious variant of the FZD4 gene, c.A749G (p.Y250C), was identified in this FEVR pedigree, which co-segregated with the clinical phenotype. The amino acid tyrosine (Y) is highly conserved both orthologously and paralogously. The FZD4 gene was highly expressed in the retina, sclera of the eye, ovary, kidney, and liver; ubiquitously expressed in other tissues; and highly expressed in 6 different developmental stages/times of retinal tissue. Conclusion: Our study is the first to identify that the novel heterozygous variant c.A749G (p.Y250C) in the FZD4 gene may be the disease-causing mutation in this FEVR family, extending its mutation spectrum. These findings further our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of FEVR and will facilitate the development of methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and genetic counseling of this disease.
Narração e argumentação. Retorno à análise do discurso em ciências sociais
Authors: LTTR 13 Université de Liège , Badir Sémir , Polis Stéphane , Provenzano François
Published: December 2018

A aparente congruência entre modelos de análise e tipos de discurso, apesar da extensão de aplicabilidade a qual esses modelos podem reivindicar, abre caminho para questões relativas à legitimidade de uma tipologia dos discursos. Poderia ela se colocar acima dos postulados teóricos que embasam as correlações entre modelos de análise e tipos de discurso? Em caso negativo, o que estaria em jogo na questão tipológica? Comparando os postulados do método semiótico com os outros modelos analíticos propostos nesse domínio, nosso objetivo é lançar luz sobre as posições defendidas por uns e outros nesse debate teórico, que, ao longo das três últimas décadas, não deixou de evoluir.
Em busca da ética da escrita contemporânea
Authors: Lara Davi Santana de
Published: December 2018

Em sua famosa conferência “O que é um autor?” (1969), Foucault desenvolve o conceito de função-autor diferenciando-o daquilo que ele chama de “princípio ético de escrita” de seu tempo, que era marcada por uma indiferença quanto à voz autoral. Hoje, quase cinquenta anos depois, podemos dizer que a ética de escrita mudou radicalmente, se levarmos em conta o complexo fenômeno que se convencionou chamar “o retorno do autor”. Sendo assim, cumpre perguntar: qual é a ética de escrita contemporânea? Para respondê-lo, analisamos o romance Soldados de Salamina (2001), de Javier Cercas, bem como a contribuição teórica recente de Giorgio Agamben (2007) e Daniel Link (2010). Por fim, arriscamos afirmar que a ética de escrita contemporânea consiste, justamente, na busca por uma ética de escrita, num movimento no qual o que importa é a procura e não a conclusão, o processo e não o acabamento.
A recusa do “eu” autobiográfico em Les Années
Authors: Cardoso Raíssa Furlanetto
Published: December 2018

Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar à luz dos artigos “Apparition et disparition du témoin: ‘l’autobiographie vide’”, de Yvon Inizan (2015), e “Éthique du récit testimonial, Annie Ernaux”, de Jérôme Meizoz (2010), como se dá, em Les années, a construção de uma autobiografia impessoal, coletiva e vazia, sem um “eu” e, ao mesmo tempo, a partir de um indivíduo. Com isso, se busca compreender algumas questões que subjazem à escolha da autora de recusar o “eu” justamente em uma autobiografia. Em um primeiro momento, são apresentados o projeto e a estrutura do Les années; em seguida, é analisado como o projeto se concretiza na materialidade do texto; e, por fim, são feitas algumas reflexões sobre as escolhas enunciativas da autora na construção dessa obra.
Mia Couto: uma estética engajada
Authors: Micheletti Everton Fernando
Published: December 2018

O escritor moçambicano Mia Couto é reconhecido tanto por sua criatividade formal como temática. Da primeira, destaca-se seu trabalho com a linguagem, com os neologismos e inversões sintáticas, pela aproximação de prosa e poesia, pelas tradições orais africanas tomadas como base para a escrita. Quanto aos temas, são abordados os problemas que afetam Moçambique, como o colonialismo, a guerra posterior à independência, a seca e a fome, a opressão às mulheres e idosos. Nesse conjunto, portanto, tem-se uma literatura voltada à nação ex-colonial, caracterizada pelo projeto da época de luta pela independência, de que Couto participou ativamente, e a realidade que se seguiu com a sua não concretização. O autor afasta-se, então, da atuação política direta, mas aborda as relações de poder em suas obras. Em face disso, surgem as questões, aqui examinadas, quanto ao engajamento de Couto, sua posição crítica, a relação entre ética e estética em seus textos, de modo a demonstrar, indo na contramão das divisões absolutas entre estes dois aspectos, que se pode considerar sua estética como engajada.
Arte, tragédia e interdição da criticidade: O confronto entre ética e estética em "Estão apenas ensaiando", de Bernardo Carvalho
Authors: Silva Márcio Felipe da , Pereira Vinícius Carvalho
Published: December 2018

Em certas circunstâncias, tomar a escrita de ficção como uma dimensão outra do real parece equivaler à suposição de que a maravilha de um truque de mágica está não na engenhosidade técnica através da qual nossos sentidos são ludibriados, mas na ideia de que, por um instante, as leis da física foram de fato suspensas e uma pessoa levitou ou dois corpos ocuparam o mesmo lugar a um só tempo. À luz das considerações de Ortega y Gasset sobre a autonomia do objeto artístico em relação à realidade da qual, ao tratar da arte, o público em geral não consegue prescindir, o conto “Estão apenas ensaiando”, de Bernardo Carvalho, revela-se – tanto por seu conteúdo quanto por sua expressão – pródigo em possibilidades e leitura que ressaltam o embate entre ética e estética. Assim, o raciocínio alegórico de Gasset e os questionamentos ético-narrativos presentes em textos de Adorno e de Brecht são aplicados, nesta análise do conto de Carvalho, a fim de evidenciar como a ordem cronológica entre o evento catastrófico e o objeto artístico que com ele guarde alguma semelhança tem pouca importância no modo como a interdição do discurso estético se opera.
Proposição da temperatura do ar como variável para uso em sistema de indicadores de Qualidade Ambiental
Authors: Minaki Cíntia , Amorim Margarete Cristiane de Costa Trindade
Published: December 2018

A Qualidade Ambiental é um conceito polissêmico de enfoques objetivo e subjetivo, passível de interpretação qualitativa e quantitativa. Na legislação urbanística é comumente associada ao saneamento básico e elementos climáticos são insuficientemente mencionados em matérias de lei. Propôs-se o uso da temperatura do ar como variável de um sistema de indicadores de qualidade ambiental, aplicada à área urbana de Araçatuba/SP. Buscou-se verificar a dinâmica do elemento, realizando-se transectos móveis noturnos. Na demanda do interior paulista pela expansão ocupacional e econômica, o município configurou-se por paisagens urbanas sem o aproveitamento de seu potencial de uso e ecológico, com suscetibilidade à queda da qualidade ambiental. Áreas com maior tendência ao aquecimento corresponderam àquelas de baixa cobertura vegetal arbórea e maior quantidade de pessoas.
The birds of Kurdistan Province, western Iran
Authors: Zarei Fatah , Hosseini Seyed Naseh , Hussein Ridha Hassan , Pezeshk Jalal , Rahim Mariwan , Maleki Loghman
Published: December 2018

A checklist of the birds of Kurdistan Province, western Iran, is presented based on records of avian species whose presence was confirmed in the area as a result of field surveys conducted from 2010 to 2018, literature review, and personal communications from researchers.  This edition of the checklist includes 310 species of 23 orders and 59 families.  Accepted English names, scientific names, authority, remarks on taxonomy, status, habitat, vernacular names in Kurdish, and conservation status pertaining to the birds of this region are given.  Our work comprises the first ornithological document to cover all the bird species recorded to date in this province.
Cardiac Troponin I and Risk of Cardiac Events in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Myhre Peder L. , O’Meara Eileen , Claggett Brian L. , de Denus Simon , Jarolim Petr , Anand Inder S. , Beldhuis Iris E. , Fleg Jerome L. , Lewis Eldrin , Pitt Bertram , Rouleau Jean L. , Solomon Scott D. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Desai Akshay S.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Levels of cTn (cardiac troponin) are frequently elevated in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) and correlate with the risk for mortality. However, factors associated with high cTn concentrations and the association with cardiovascular events in patients with HF and preserved EF are unclear.

Methods and Results:

Of 1767 subjects with symptomatic HF with preserved EF from the Americas part of the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial), 236 underwent baseline measurements of high-sensitivity (hs) cTnI using the Abbott Architect STAT assay. Baseline factors correlated with hs-cTnI levels were assessed in stepwise linear regression models and the association between hs-cTnI and adjudicated study outcomes was examined in Cox models. The median hs-cTnI concentration at baseline was 6.3 ng/L (interquartile range, 3.4–12.9 ng/L) with levels detectable in 99.2% of patients. Higher hs-cTnI concentrations were associated with male sex, black race, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels. After multivariable adjustment, higher concentrations of hs-cTnI were associated with greater risk for the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (69 events during mean follow-up 2.6±1.5 years): hazard ratio 1.42 (95% CI, 1.20–1.69),
P
<0.001 per doubling of hs-cTnI. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of hs-cTnI, patients in the highest quartile demonstrated a nearly 5-fold higher risk of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 4.85 [1.99–11.83],
P
=0.001). There was no interaction between hs-cTnI and spironolactone treatment with regard to the primary composite end point (interaction
P
=0.94).

Conclusions:

In ambulatory patients with HF with preserved EF, levels of hs-cTnI are higher in male patients with black race, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, and higher NT-proBNP. As in those with HF and reduced EF, higher hs-cTnI levels are independently associated with risk for cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
The Ross Procedure: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Microsimulation
Authors: Etnel Jonathan R.G. , Grashuis Pepijn , Huygens Simone A. , Pekbay Begüm , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Helbing Willem A. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Mokhles M. Mostafa , Takkenberg Johanna J.M.
Published: December 2018

Background:

To support decision-making in aortic valve replacement in children and adults, we provide a comprehensive overview of outcome after the Ross procedure.

Methods and Results:

A systematic search was conducted for publications reporting clinical outcome after the Ross procedure, published between January 1, 2000, and November 22, 2017. Reported event rates and time-to-event data were pooled and entered into a microsimulation model to calculate life expectancy and lifetime event risk. Ninety-nine publications were included (13 129 patients; total follow-up: 93 408 patient-years, pooled mean follow-up: 7.9±5.3 years). Pooled mean age at surgery was 9.4±5.5 years for children and 41.9±11.4 for adults. For children and adults, respectively, pooled early mortality risk was 4.19% (95% CI, 3.21–5.46) and 2.01% (95% CI, 1.44–2.82), late mortality rate was 0.54%/y (95% CI, 0.42–0.70) and 0.59%/y (95% CI, 0.46–0.76), autograft reintervention 1.28%/y (95% CI, 0.99–1.66) and 0.83%/y (95% CI, 0.68–1.01), and right ventricular outflow tract reintervention 1.97%/y (95% CI, 1.64–2.36) and 0.47%/y (95% CI, 0.37–0.59). Pooled thromboembolism and bleeding rates were low and comparable to the general population. Lifetime risks of autograft and right ventricular outflow tract reintervention were, respectively, 94% and 100% for children and 49% and 19% for a 45-year-old. Estimated life expectancy after surgery was 59 years for children (general population: 64 years) and 30 years for a 45 years old (general population: 31 years).

Conclusions:

Through excellent survival and avoidance of the burden of anticoagulation, the Ross procedure provides a unique opportunity for patients whose preferences do not align with the outcome provided by mechanical valve replacement and for growing children who also benefit from autograft diameter increase along with somatic growth. On the downside, almost all pediatric and many adult Ross patients will require a reintervention in their lifetime.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) from China (XVI): Three new synonyms of D. lacostei
Authors: LI HUI-MIN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: December 2018

Delphinium taxkorganense, D. tetragynum and D. yechengense (Ranunculaceae) were all described from western Xinjiang, China. Critical observations on both herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants demonstrate that they are indistinguishable from each other and are conspecific with D. lacostei. We therefore place them into the synonymy of D. lacostei, the earliest name.
Three unpublished letters by Felix de Avelar Brotero reveal new information on his herbarium and types
Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F. , SILVA VASCO
Published: December 2018

Three unpublished letters written to A.P. de Candolle and C.H. Persoon by Felix de Avelar Brotero (1744–1828), in many ways the doyen of Portuguese botany, indicate that the personal herbarium that he established early in his career was destroyed after his death. The correspondence also gives an indication of the whereabouts of material that could possibly serve as the types of names that Brotero published. Information on herbaria that hold specimens collected by Brotero is updated and presented. A lectotype is designated for Callicocca ipecacuanha Brot.
A new record of Abutilon grandifolium (subfamily Malvoideae, Malvaceae) from Qena Governorate, Egypt
Authors: BADRY MOHAMED OWIS , TATE JENNIFER A. , SHEDED MOHAMED GABR
Published: December 2018

Abutilon grandifolium is reported for the first time for the flora of Egypt. The paper includes a comprehensive description, occurrence, comparison with closely related species, comments on habitat, and an updated identification key to the species of Abutilon in Egypt. In addition, photographs are given for easy identiﬁcation.
Phylogeny of Aspergillus section Terrei with two new records from the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Centre
Authors: ZHANG YU-SEN , DING GANG , SUN BING-DA , ZHOU YU-GUANG , ZHAO GUO-ZHU , CHEN AMANDA JUAN
Published: December 2018

Aspergillus section Terrei isolates deposited in the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Centre (CGMCC), Institute of Microbiology, were evaluated using morphological and molecular approaches. Based on phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (BenA), and calmodulin (CaM) genes sequences, these isolates were identified as Aspergillus terreus, A. floccosus, A. niveus, A. pseudoterreus, A. allahabadii, and A. alabamensis. The last two were new records from China. The phylogenetic variation and morphological description of A. allahabadii and A. alabamensis are given. Morphologically, most section Terrei members are indistinguishable. The phylogenetic relationships of 16 species of section Terrei showed that the CaM and BenA loci could be used to distinguish section Terrei members. This is the first study to summarize section Terrei species with the new taxonomic criteria of Aspergillus in China.
Towards a better understanding of Xenophyllum esquilachense (Senecioneae, Compositae), a poorly known Andean species
Authors: CALVO JOEL , MUÑOZ-SCHICK MÉLICA , MOREIRA-MUÑOZ ANDRÉS
Published: December 2018

Xenophyllum esquilachense is a poorly known Andean species that was hitherto considered endemic to southern Peru. It is recorded for the first time from Bolivia and northern Chile, and the name Senecio pfisteri is synonymized with it. New insights on its global occurrence, ecology, and taxonomy are provided, as well as pictures of living plants and an updated dichotomous key to the Xenophyllum species from southern Andes.
Taxonomy of the Brazilian species previously placed in Mantispa Illiger, 1798 (Neuroptera: Mantispidae), with the description of three new species
Authors: MACHADO RENATO JOSÉ PIRES , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: December 2018

Here we update the status of Brazilian Mantispidae (Neuroptera) species originally placed in the Old World genus Mantispa Illiger, 1798. We revised 15 species: Buyda phthisica (Gerstaecker, 1885), Dicromantispa debilis (Gerstaecker, 1888) (= Mantispa (Mantispilla) lineaticollis Enderlein, 1910, n. syn.), Dicromantispa gracilis (Erichson, 1839), Dicromantispa hyalina n. sp., Dicromantispa leucophaea n. sp., Dicromantispa moulti (Navás, 1909) n. comb., Dicromantispa synapsis Hoffman, 2002, Haematomantispa amazonica n. sp.; Leptomantispa ariasi (Penny, 1982) n. comb., Leptomantispa axillaris (Navás, 1908) n. comb., Leptomantispa catarinae Machado & Rafael, 2007, Leptomantispa chaos Hoffman, 2002, Leptomantispa nymphe Hoffman, 2002, Zeugomantispa compelens (Walker, 1860) (=Mantispa parvula Penny, 1982, n. syn.), Zeugomantispa virescens (Rambur, 1842). We also provide an illustrated key to subfamilies, genera and species.