bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate Effects in Hypersonic Flows
Authors: Candler Graham V.
Published: September 2018

Hypersonic flows are energetic and result in regions of high temperature, causing internal energy excitation, chemical reactions, ionization, and gas-surface interactions. At typical flight conditions, the rates of these processes are often similar to the rate of fluid motion. Thus, the gas state is out of local thermodynamic equilibrium and must be described by conservation equations for the internal energy and chemical state. Examples illustrate how competition between rates in hypersonic flows can affect aerodynamic performance, convective heating, boundary layer transition, and ablation. The conservation equations are outlined, and the most widely used models for internal energy relaxation, reaction rates, and transport properties are reviewed. Gas-surface boundary conditions are described, including finite-rate catalysis and slip effects. Recent progress in the use of first-principles calculations to understand and quantify critical gas-phase reactions is discussed. An advanced finite-rate carbon ablation model is introduced and is used to illustrate the role of rate processes at hypersonic conditions.
Turbulence Modeling in the Age of Data
Authors: Duraisamy Karthik , Iaccarino Gianluca , Xiao Heng
Published: September 2018

Data from experiments and direct simulations of turbulence have historically been used to calibrate simple engineering models such as those based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. In the past few years, with the availability of large and diverse data sets, researchers have begun to explore methods to systematically inform turbulence models with data, with the goal of quantifying and reducing model uncertainties. This review surveys recent developments in bounding uncertainties in RANS models via physical constraints, in adopting statistical inference to characterize model coefficients and estimate discrepancy, and in using machine learning to improve turbulence models. Key principles, achievements, and challenges are discussed. A central perspective advocated in this review is that by exploiting foundational knowledge in turbulence modeling and physical constraints, researchers can use data-driven approaches to yield useful predictive models.
Nucleosides block AICAR-stimulated activation of AMPK in skeletal muscle and cancer cells
Authors: Dolinar Klemen , Jan Vid , Pavlin Mojca , Chibalin Alexander V. , Pirkmajer Sergej
Published: September 2018

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is a major regulator of energy metabolism and a promising target for development of new treatments for type 2 diabetes and cancer. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an adenosine analog, is a standard positive control for AMPK activation in cell-based assays. Some broadly used cell culture media, such as minimal essential medium α (MEMα), contain high concentrations of adenosine and other nucleosides. We determined whether such media alter AICAR action in skeletal muscle and cancer cells. In nucleoside-free media, AICAR stimulated AMPK activation, increased glucose uptake, and suppressed cell proliferation. Conversely, these effects were blunted or completely blocked in MEMα that contains nucleosides. Addition of adenosine or 2′-deoxyadenosine to nucleoside-free media also suppressed AICAR action. MEMα with nucleosides blocked AICAR-stimulated AMPK activation even in the presence of methotrexate, which normally markedly enhances AICAR action by reducing its intracellular clearance. Other common media components, such as vitamin B-12, vitamin C, and α-lipoic acid, had a minor modulatory effect on AICAR action. Our findings show that nucleoside-containing media, commonly used in AMPK research, block action of the most widely used pharmacological AMPK activator AICAR. Results of cell-based assays in which AICAR is used for AMPK activation therefore critically depend on media formulation. Furthermore, our findings highlight a role for extracellular nucleosides and nucleoside transporters in regulation of AMPK activation.
The podocyte protease web: uncovering the gatekeepers of glomerular disease
Authors: Rinschen Markus M. , Huesgen Pitter F. , Koch Rachelle E.
Published: September 2018

Proteases regulate glomerular physiology. The last decade has revealed a multitude of podocyte proteases that govern the glomerular response to numerous chemical, mechanical, and metabolic cues. These proteases form a protein signaling web that integrates stress stimuli and serves as a key controller of the glomerular microenvironment. Both the extracellular and intracellular proteolytic networks are perturbed in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, as well as hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy. Accordingly, the highly intertwined podocyte protease web is an integrative part of the podocyte’s damage response. Novel mass spectrometry-based technologies will help to untangle this proteolytic network: functional readouts acquired from deep podocyte proteomics, single glomerular proteomics, and degradomics have exposed unanticipated protease activity in podocytes. Future efforts should characterize the interdependency and upstream regulation of key proteases, along with their role in promoting tissue heterogeneity in glomerular diseases. These efforts will not only illuminate the machinery of podocyte proteostasis but also reveal avenues for therapeutic intervention in the podocyte protease web.
Plan-based generalization shapes local implicit adaptation to opposing visuomotor transformations
Authors: Schween Raphael , Taylor Jordan A. , Hegele Mathias
Published: September 2018

The human ability to use different tools demonstrates our capability of forming and maintaining multiple, context-specific motor memories. Experimentally, this has been investigated in dual adaptation, where participants adjust their reaching movements to opposing visuomotor transformations. Adaptation in these paradigms occurs by distinct processes, such as strategies for each transformation or the implicit acquisition of distinct visuomotor mappings. Although distinct, transformation-dependent aftereffects have been interpreted as support for the latter, they could reflect adaptation of a single visuomotor map, which is locally adjusted in different regions of the workspace. Indeed, recent studies suggest that explicit aiming strategies direct where in the workspace implicit adaptation occurs, thus potentially serving as a cue to enable dual adaptation. Disentangling these possibilities is critical to understanding how humans acquire and maintain motor memories for different skills and tools. We therefore investigated generalization of explicit and implicit adaptation to untrained movement directions after participants practiced two opposing cursor rotations, which were associated with the visual display being presented in the left or right half of the screen. Whereas participants learned to compensate for opposing rotations by explicit strategies specific to this visual workspace cue, aftereffects were not cue sensitive. Instead, aftereffects displayed bimodal generalization patterns that appeared to reflect locally limited learning of both transformations. By varying target arrangements and instructions, we show that these patterns are consistent with implicit adaptation that generalizes locally around movement plans associated with opposing visuomotor transformations. Our findings show that strategies can shape implicit adaptation in a complex manner.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Visuomotor dual adaptation experiments have identified contextual cues that enable learning of separate visuomotor mappings, but the underlying representations of learning are unclear. We report that visual workspace separation as a contextual cue enables the compensation of opposing cursor rotations by a combination of explicit and implicit processes: Learners developed context-dependent explicit aiming strategies, whereas an implicit visuomotor map represented dual adaptation independent from arbitrary context cues by local adaptation around the explicit movement plan.
F806 Suppresses the Invasion and Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Downregulating F-Actin Assembly-Related Rho Family Proteins
Authors: Xie Lei , Li Li-Yan , Zheng Duo , Xie Yang-Min , Xu Xiu-E , Tao Li-Hua , Liao Lian-Di , Xie Ying-Hua , Cheng Yin-Wei , Xu Li-Yan , Li En-Min
Published: September 2018

Invasion and metastasis are critical pathological and mortal processes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Novel drugs, targeting the two cancer migration stages, will augment the treatment options for ESCC therapy and improve overall survival. A novel natural macrolide F806 specifically promotes apoptosis of various ESCC cells. However, whether F806 can inhibit metastasis of ESCC cells needs further evaluation. Here, our data showed that F806 inhibits dynamic F-actin assembly and then suppresses the migration of ESCC cells in vitro and their invasion and metastasis in vivo. The correlation between cancer migration and actin cytoskeleton assembly was consistent with the ability of F806 to prevent the aggregation of Paxillin, an essential protein for focal adhesion formation through binding to the ends of actin filaments. Furthermore, F806 downregulated the expression and activity of the Rho family proteins cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), RAC family small GTPase 1 (RAC1), and RAS homolog family member A (RHOA). Taken together, these results suggest that F806 can suppress cancer invasion and metastasis via interrupting the assembly of migration components involving F-actin.
Exploring the Relationships between Subjective Evaluations and Objective Metrics of Vehicle Dynamic Performance
Authors: Zhao Jianyou , Liu Jing , Yang Liping , He Ping
Published: September 2018

This study explored the relationships between subjective evaluations and objective metrics of vehicle dynamic performance. First, a real vehicle test was performed to measure the acceleration performance under different conditions, and participants’ subjective evaluations of the acceleration performance were investigated. Second, correlation analysis was conducted to explore relationships between each subjective evaluation and its corresponding objective metric as well as between the overall subjective evaluation and three individual subjective evaluations. Finally, an overall subjective evaluation model related to the three objective metrics was established based on the Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN). The analysis results demonstrated that the correlation coefficients of the three groups of data were greater than 0.5 and that each subjective evaluation was significantly correlated with its corresponding objective metric. The individual subjective evaluation of the climbing acceleration performance had the largest effect on the overall subjective evaluation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.47. The established overall subjective evaluation model was relatively reliable, with a prediction accuracy of 90%. This study furthered the existing knowledge of the methods for evaluating vehicle dynamic performance. The proposed overall subjective evaluation model improves the reliability of vehicle dynamic evaluations and offers a theoretical basis for vehicle manufacturers to improve automobile performance.
Contribution of Interleukin-10-592 (-590, -597) C>A Polymorphisms to Periodontitis Susceptibility: An Updated Meta-Analysis Based on 18 Case-Control Studies
Authors: Li Yao , Feng Ge , Deng Yuejia , Song Jinglin
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The association between interleukin-10- (IL-10-) 592 (-590, -597) C>A polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic or aggressive periodontitis (CP or AgP) is conflicting. This meta-analysis is aimed at quantitatively estimating the association.Materials and Methods. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and WANFAN were searched for studies performed prior to January 31, 2018, to collect data for our research. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 or STATA 14.0.Results. In total, 18 studies that met our criteria were included. Overall or HWE subgroup analysis of individuals with this polymorphism revealed that in terms of CP susceptibility, there was a significant difference between case groups and control groups in the A allele versus C allele model (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.17–1.64 or OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.12–1.70), in the AA versus CC+CA model (OR = 1.49, 95% CI =1.06–2.10 or OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.13–1.78), and in the CC versus CA+AA model (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92 or OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49–0.93); subgroup analysis based on a nonsmoking population also displayed significance in the A allele versus C allele model (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.15–1.79) and CC versus CA+AA model (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44–0.87). For this polymorphisms and AgP susceptibility, our analyses revealed a significant association in both the A allele versus C allele model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.01–1.63) and the AA versus CC+CA model (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.30–2.89); subgroup analysis based on Caucasian or nonsmoking populations showed significant differences in the AA versus CC+CA model (OR = 6.29, 95% CI = 1.78–22.21 or OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.59–6.61).Conclusions. IL-10-592 (-590, -597) A allele and the associated AA genotype may be risk factors for the onset of CP or AgP—particularly for the AA genotype and the increased risk of AgP in Caucasian or nonsmoking populations. Conversely, the CC genotype may act as a protective factor against the onset of CP.
Inflammatory and Immune Proteins in Umbilical Cord Blood: Association with Hearing Screening Test Failure in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Shim Ye Ji , Choi Byung Yoon , Park Kyo Hoon , Lee Hyunju , Jung Young Mi , Kim Yu Mi
Published: September 2018

Objective. We aimed to determine whether elevated levels of various inflammatory and immune proteins in umbilical cord blood are associated with an increased risk of newborn hearing screening (NHS) test failure in preterm neonates.Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 127 premature singleton infants who were born at ≤33.6 weeks. Umbilical cord plasma at birth was assayed for interleukin (IL)-6, complement C3a and C5a, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and endostatin levels using ELISA kits. Neonatal blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured within 2 hours of birth. The primary outcome measure was a uni- or bilateral refer result on an NHS test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied.Results. Fifteen (11.8%) infants failed the NHS test. In the univariate analyses, high IL-6 and low C3a levels in umbilical cord plasma, funisitis, and an elevated CRP level (>5 mg/L) in the immediate postnatal period were significantly associated with NHS test failure. However, the levels of umbilical cord plasma MMP-9, C5a, M-CSF, and endostatin were not significantly different between infants who passed and those who failed the NHS test. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that elevated umbilical cord plasma C3a levels were independently associated with a reduced risk of NHS test failure, whereas elevated levels of umbilical cord plasma IL-6 and high CRP levels in the immediate postnatal period were significantly associated with NHS test failure.Conclusions. Our data demonstrated that in preterm neonates, a systemic fetal inflammatory response reflected by umbilical cord plasma IL-6 and immediate postnatal CRP levels may contribute to the risk for NHS test failure, whereas the changes in complement activation fragments initiatedin uteromay have protective effect of hearing screen failure.
Exploring Seipin: From Biochemistry to Bioinformatics Predictions
Authors: Craveiro Sarmento Aquiles Sales , de Azevedo Medeiros Lázaro Batista , Agnez-Lima Lucymara Fassarella , Lima Josivan Gomes , de Melo Campos Julliane Tamara Araújo
Published: September 2018

Seipin is a nonenzymatic protein encoded by the BSCL2 gene. It is involved in lipodystrophy and seipinopathy diseases. Named in 2001, all seipin functions are still far from being understood. Therefore, we reviewed much of the research, trying to find a pattern that could explain commonly observed features of seipin expression disorders. Likewise, this review shows how this protein seems to have tissue-specific functions. In an integrative view, we conclude by proposing a theoretical model to explain how seipin might be involved in the triacylglycerol synthesis pathway.
Obesity Is Associated with Early Onset of Gastrointestinal Cancers in California
Authors: Juo Yen-Yi , Gibbons Melinda A. Maggard , Dutson Erik , Lin Anne Y. , Yanagawa Jane , Hines O. Joe , Eibl Guido , Chen Yijun
Published: September 2018

Background. Although it is well known that obesity is a risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, it is not well established if obesity can cause earlier GI cancer onset. Methods. A cross-sectional study examining the linked 2004–2008 California Cancer Registry Patient Discharge Database was performed to evaluate the association between obesity and onset age among four gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Regression models were constructed to adjust for other carcinogenic factors. Results. The diagnosis of obesity (BMI > 30) was associated with a reduction in diagnosis age across all four cancer types: 3.25 ± 0.53 years for gastric cancer, 4.56 ± 0.18 years for colorectal cancer, 4.73 ± 0.73 years for esophageal cancer, and 5.35 ± 0.72 for pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis of morbid obesity (BMI > 40) was associated with a more pronounced reduction in the age of diagnosis: 5.48 ± 0.96 years for gastric cancer, 7.75 ± 0.30 years for colorectal cancer, 7.67 ± 1.26 years for esophageal cancer, and 8.19 ± 1.25 years for pancreatic cancer. Both morbid obesity and obesity remained strongly associated with earlier cancer diagnosis for all four cancer types even after adjusting for other available cancer risk factors. Conclusions. The diagnosis of obesity, especially morbid obesity, was associated with a significantly earlier gastrointestinal cancer onset in California. Further research with prospective cohort data may be required to establish the causal relationship between obesity and cancer onset age.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Primary Immune Deficiency Disease
Authors: Ngai Jia Jeane , Chong Ka Lung , Oli Mohamed Shelina
Published: September 2018

Introduction. To report an unusual case of CMV retinitis in Primary Immune Deficiency Disease (PIDD). Case Report. 13-year-old child with combined T and B cell deficiencies was diagnosed of bilateral zone 1 CMV retinitis. Intravitreal injections were unable to be given in a regular and timely manner under general anaesthesia due to her underlying systemic disease. The child was treated with intravenous ganciclovir for 8 weeks until eventual resolution of the retinitis. However, visual acuity deteriorated due to progressive optic nerve involvement. Conclusion. Paediatric patients often do not notice subtle symptoms of CMV retinitis. Although ocular manifestations are uncommon in PIDD, recognition and high index of suspicion will allow for timely referral, diagnosis, and treatment to be instituted for better visual outcomes.
Long-Term Follow-Up after Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients with Severe Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy
Authors: Leuci Stefania , Amato Massimo , Calabria Elena , Piscopo Raffaele , Tranfa Fausto , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: September 2018

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a heterogeneous group of rare, systemic, autoimmune subepidermal inflammatory disease that affects mucous membranes and the eye. In its most severe forms, this disease needs systemic therapy, usually based on steroids and immunosuppressant agents. In unresponsive cases or in the presence of contraindications or severe side effects due to conventional systemic corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressant therapy, a therapy shift to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) has been recommended in other reports. This new therapy has proven to be effective in stopping ocular pemphigoid, but the data regarding the long-term effect on the disease activity or reactivation are extremely scarce, so the novel scientific aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after a 9-year follow-up in 12 eyes (6 patients) affected by MMP with ocular involvement, successfully treated with IVIg therapy, as previously described in our report published in 2008. The evaluation of ocular and extraocular disease progression was performed at the end of IVIg therapy and at the end of the follow-up period. After 9 years, all the eyes enrolled showed a long-lasting remission of ocular and oral symptoms with a significant steroid-sparing effect. In conclusion, the IVIg has to be considered as a safe and successful alternative therapy in patients with severe ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid; furthermore, this kind of therapy seems to be effective in maintaining the clinical remission by the time.
Oxidation of Copper Nanoparticles Protected with Different Coatings and Stored under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Jardón-Maximino Noemi , Pérez-Alvarez Marissa , Sierra-Ávila Rubén , Ávila-Orta Carlos Alberto , Jiménez-Regalado Enrique , Bello Angélica Mara , González-Morones Pablo , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) stable to chemical oxidation has attracted much attention due to their novel application possibilities. The physicochemical properties of Cu NPs define their utilization in diverse fields, including biological applications, solar cells, high conductivity inks for printed electronics, and other specific applications. In this study we present the synthesis of oxide-free Cu NPs by wet chemistry routes and their chemical oxidation during the storage exposed to ambient conditions. The Cu NPs synthesized in PAAm and AAm/glycerol presence exhibit no oxidation during synthesis and atmospheric conditions storage for 60 and 37 months, respectively. The obtained results compared with those coming from oxidation of partially passivated commercial Cu NPs at 99.8% purity, are presented. The role of the Cu NPs coating is critical to avoid oxidation, and it can be an important feature to achieve good dispersion in different polymers. The Cu NPs oxidation was studied by XRD, TGA, TEM, FTIR, and HR-TEM.
Activated Natural Killer Cells in Combination with Anti-GD2 Antibody Dinutuximab Improve Survival of Mice after Surgical Resection of Primary Neuroblastoma
Authors: Barry Wesley E. , Jackson Jeremy R. , Asuelime Grace E. , Wu Hong-Wei , Sun Jianping , Wan Zesheng , Malvar Jemily , Sheard Michael A. , Wang Larry , Seeger Robert C. , Kim Eugene S.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Immunotherapy of neuroblastoma that remains after myeloablative chemotherapy with anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab has increased the two-year event-free and overall survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients; however, 40% of patients develop recurrent disease during or after this treatment. To determine the potential of such antibody-based immunotherapy earlier in treatment, a mouse model was developed in which surgical resection of the primary tumor was followed by therapy of residual disease with dinutuximab combined with ex vivo–activated human natural killer (aNK) cells.

Experimental Design:

The effect of combining dinutuximab with human aNK cells was determined in vitro with cellular cytotoxicity and Matrigel invasion assays. The in vivo efficacy of dinutuximab and aNK cells against neuroblastoma was assessed following resection of primary tumors formed by two cell lines or a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in immunodeficient NOD-scid gamma mice.

Results:

In vitro, the combination of aNK cells and dinutuximab caused cytotoxicity and decreased invasiveness of three human neuroblastoma cell lines. Treatment of mice with dinutuximab combined with aNK cells after surgical resection of primary intrarenal tumors formed by two cell lines or a PDX decreased tumor cells in liver and bone marrow as evaluated by histopathology and bioluminescence imaging. Survival of mice after resection of these tumors was most significantly increased by treatment with dinutuximab combined with aNK cells compared with that of untreated mice.

Conclusions:

The combination of dinutuximab and adoptively transferred human aNK cells following surgical resection of primary neuroblastomas significantly improves survival of immunodeficient mice.
The Plasma LncRNA Acting as Fingerprint in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Jian , Li Xiaohua , Zhang Fan , Kong Linqun , Zhang Xingyuan , Cheng Yu , Guan Qinghai , Cao Xuefeng , Zhu Wentao , Ou Kun , Chen Qiangpu , Hu Sanyuan
Published: September 2018

Background & Aims: Current studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could act as tumor biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction. In this study, we mainly focused on determining the expression of circulating lncRNAs in patients suffering for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC), aiming to reveal the potential lncRNA as a fingerprint. Methods: A total 12 lncRNAs were previously proven to be aberrantly expressed in HC tumor tissues. All of the 12 lncRNAs were selected as candidate targets for subsequent circulating lncRNA assay. The candidate lncRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR arranged in training and validation sets. The risk score analysis was employed. Data was presented with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: Circulating PCAT1, MALAT1, and CPS1-IT1 were significantly increased in plasma samples of HC patients in both the training set and validation set. Through ROC analysis, we found that the three plasmatic lncRNAs presented the area under ROC curve value (AUC) as 0.784, 0.860, and 0.677. Further combination with the three factors indicated a higher power (AUC, 0.893; sensitivity, 85.5%; specificity, 93.2%). Conclusion: This was the first time to reveal the potential circulating fingerprints for predicting HC. PCAT1, MALAT1, and CPS1-IT1 may act as novel early diagnosis biomarkers for predicting HC.
A violência estrutural na América Latina na lógica do sistema da necropolítica e da colonialidade do poder
Authors: Oliveira Dennis de
Published: September 2018

Este artigo propõe considerar a violência como um processo lógico das sociedades latino-americanas, imersas na colonialidade do poder. Assim, os atos violentos não são atitudes episódicas mas produto da tipologia de poder constituída para se manter os lugares subalternos dos países do continente no sistema-mundo. Para tanto, articulam-se os conceitos de violência do psicólogo Martin Baró, necropolítica, de Mbembe e colonialidade do poder, de Quijano. As bandeiras da democracia, justiça social, igualdade, direitos humanos e combate ao racismo são necessariamente articuladas num projeto de descolonialidade do poder.
O pluralismo das forças do trabalho como condição da estratégia socialista na obra de István Mészáros
Authors: Firmiano Frederico Daia
Published: September 2018

Desde sua constituição histórica moderna, as forças do trabalho lograram algumas conquistas importantes nas sendas da margem de concessão do capital, ainda na sua fase de ascensão histórica. No entanto, seus principais pilares de apoio, por pertencerem ao domínio do círculo institucional mágico da relação entre Estado político e sociedade civil, nunca puderam realizar o sonho da construção gradual do socialismo. Hoje, quando a crise estrutural do capital penetra em todos os domínios e níveis da reprodução social, por praticamente todo o planeta, o trabalho é impelido a reconstruir-se/renovar-se sob a forma de um movimento extraparlamentar que recuse todas as determinações estruturais do capital na elaboração de uma estratégia socialista ofensiva em contraposição às formas historicamente defensivas assumidas. Assim propõe István Mészáros na sua monumental obra, Para Além do capital: rumo a uma teoria da transição. Nos limites deste artigo, procuro explicar a complexa articulação entre a crise estrutural do capital e a necessidade histórica da ofensiva socialista, conferindo especial atenção àquele que, para nosso filósofo húngaro, é um dos maiores desafios da teoria marxista contemporânea: a construção do pluralismo como condição da estratégia socialista.
Old and young female voices: effects of body weight, condition and social discomfort on the vocal aging in red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Volodin Ilya A. , Sibiryakova Olga V. , Vasilieva Nina A. , Volodina Elena V. , Matrosova Vera A. , Garcia Andrés J. , Pérez-Barbería Francisco J. , Gallego Laureano , Landete-Castillejos Tomás
Published: September 2018

In female terrestrial mammals, vocal aging has only been studied in humans and pandas. In cervids displaying convergent sex dimorphism of vocal apparatus with humans, vocal aging is only investigated in males. This cross-sectional study examined acoustic variables of nasal (closed-mouth) and oral (open-mouth) contact calls of 32 farmed Iberian red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) aged of 4-18 years and their relationships with caller´s age, weight, social discomfort score (bites of other hinds on hind pelt) and body condition score (fat reserves). Decrease of fundamental frequency was associated with age in both oral and nasal calls, but more prominently in the nasal calls. An increase in call duration, peak frequency and power quartiles was associated with a higher degree of bites due to social aggression. Weight and body condition weakly influenced acoustic traits. We discuss that vocal aging of hinds parallels that of vocal aging in human females.
The Ethical Dative in Aramaic
Authors: Fassberg Steven E.
Published: September 2018

The ethical dative (dativus ethicus) has been attested without interruption in Aramaic dialects from the Official Aramaic period down through Neo-Aramaic. The extent and durability of this linguistic feature is discussed. Though its frequency differs from corpus to corpus, it is alive in some Neo-Aramaic dialects and its distribution in Modern Aramaic suggests that it was more widespread in pre-Modern Aramaic than the written texts show. It is most probably a colloquial feature that penetrated written texts to a limited extent. In the only real evidence we possess of spoken Aramaic, namely, Neo-Aramaic, it has, in different dialects, become an integral part of some verbal forms and does not express any identifiable nuance. Its precise meaning and use in pre-Modern Aramaic remain elusive.
Delimitation and revision of the genus Thymbra (Lamiaceae)
Authors: BRÄUCHLER CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2018

The importance of comprehensive species sampling in phylogenetics and revisions of taxonomically complex groups is outlined using an example from Lamiaceae. To render the genus Thymbra into a well circumscribed, natural and monophyletic group, three species are transferred from Satureja to Thymbra. A run down of the classification history is provided along with an updated generic circumscription for Thymbra. Important diagnostic characters are discussed and a key to the species of Thymbra is presented. Notes on both types and distribution are provided for each species accompanied by illustration of representative herbarium specimens. Finally, Thymus cephalotos, a name currently placed in the synonymy of Thymbra capitata, is typified to fix its exclusion from Thymbra.
Validation of Rubia urceolata X.F.Wang & C.H.Wang (Rubiaceae) from Central China
Authors: HE HAI
Published: September 2018

In a recent issue of Phytotaxa, Wang et al. (2018) described a new species of Rubia Linnaeus (1753: 109) from western Hubei, Central China and proposed the name as “R. urceolata X.F.Wang & C.H.Wang” based on the gathering WCHH17061 (WH) as its holotype. However, in a separate paragraph subtitled “Additional specimens examined (paratypes)”, other three gatherings (WCHH17064, LZHE17082 and WCHH17113, all deposited in WH), which collected at different localities and/or on separate dates from WCHH1761, were cited by mistake also as “holotype”. This practice made “R. urceolata X.F.Wang & C.H.Wang” invalid since more than one gathering was designated as holotype (here Art. 8.2 Note 1 does not apply and it is against Art. 40.7; Turland et al. 2018).
Heteropolygonatum hainanense (Asparagaceae), a new species endemic to Hainan (China)
Authors: FLODEN AARON J.
Published: September 2018

Heteropolygonatum Tamura & Ogisu (1997: 950; Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae) differs from Polygonatum Miller (1754: without pagination) by two distinctive features: the perigone in Heteropolygonatum is imbricate whereas it is valvate in Polygonatum (Floden 2014b, Chen & Tamura 2000, Tamura et al. 1997a, b). The basic chromosome number in Heteropolygonatum is x =16 with distinctly bimodal karyotypes vs. the lower, although variable, basic chromosome number in Polygonatum is x = 9–15 (Tamura & Xu 2001, Yamashita & Tamura 2001, Chen & Tamura 2000, Tamura et al. 1997a, 1997b). Recently, several additional species have been added to this small genus, based on cytological data or morphological characters unique to Heteropolygonatum in tribe Polygonateae (Chao et al. 2013, Floden 2014b, Xiao et al. 2017). This genus now includes 12 species, with the addition of the one described here.
Lectotypification of Ischaemum heterotrichum Hack. (Andropogoneae, Poaceae)
Authors: BOKIL SARANG A. , S. ALAN THOMAS , SHIGWAN BHUSHAN K. , CHOUDHARY RITESH KUMAR , DATAR MANDAR N.
Published: September 2018

The genus Ischaemum Linnaeus (1753: 1049) was established with two species, viz. I. muticum Linnaeus (1753: 1049) and I. aristatum Linnaeus (1753: 1049). At present, the genus comprises ca. 71 species distributed in warm and tropical regions of the world (Mabberley 2008). It is represented by 56 species in India of which 43 species are endemic (Srivastava & Nair, 2010). In recent years, the genus has attracted the attention of many researchers for novelties in taxonomy (Gorade et al. 2016, Sunil et al. 2017), distribution (Datar et al. 2014) and nomenclature (Tiwari et al. 2016).
Identity of the tree-spider crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with descriptions of seven new species from the Western Pacific
Authors: LI JHENG-JHANG , RAHAYU DWI LISTYO , NG PETER K. L.
Published: September 2018

The identity of the tree-spider crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (family Sesarmidae), which is believed to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is reassessed and shown to be a species-complex with nine species, seven of which are here described as new. Parasesarma leptosoma sensu stricto is now restricted to South and East Africa; and P. limbense (Rathbun, 1914) from Sulawesi, which had been regarded as a junior synonym, is here recognized as a valid species. The following species are described as new: P. gecko n. sp. from Vanuatu, Fiji, Guam and Japan; P. macaco n. sp. from Taiwan and the Philippines; P. kui n. sp. from Taiwan; P. parvulum n. sp. from the Philippines; P. gracilipes n. sp. from Indonesian Papua; P. purpureum n. sp. from Malaysia; and P. tarantula n. sp. from Sulawesi, Indonesia. The nine species of the Parasesarma leptosoma species-complex can be separated by the different shapes of their carapaces, the form of the dactylar tubercles on the male chelipeds, proportions of their ambulatory legs and the structure of the male first gonopod.
Tropical Cyclone Projections: Changing Climate Threats for Pacific Island Defense Installations
Authors: Widlansky Matthew J. , Annamalai H. , Gingerich Stephen B. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Marra John J. , Hodges Kevin I. , Choy Barry , Kitoh Akio
Published: September 2018

Potential changing climate threats in the tropical and subtropical North Pacific Ocean were assessed, using coupled ocean–atmosphere and atmosphere-only general circulation models, to explore their response to projected increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Tropical cyclone occurrence, described by frequency and intensity, near islands housing major U.S. defense installations was the primary focus. Four island regions—Guam and Kwajalein Atoll in the tropical northwestern Pacific, Okinawa in the subtropical northwestern Pacific, and Oahu in the tropical north-central Pacific—were considered, as they provide unique climate and geographical characteristics that either enhance or reduce the tropical cyclone risk. Guam experiences the most frequent and severe tropical cyclones, which often originate as weak systems close to the equator near Kwajalein and sometimes track far enough north to affect Okinawa, whereas intense storms are the least frequent around Oahu. From assessments of models that simulate well the tropical Pacific climate, it was determined that, with a projected warming climate, the number of tropical cyclones is likely to decrease for Guam and Kwajalein but remain about the same near Okinawa and Oahu; however, the maximum intensity of the strongest storms may increase in most regions. The likelihood of fewer but stronger storms will necessitate new localized assessments of the risk and vulnerabilities to tropical cyclones in the North Pacific.
The Role of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Review of the Literature and Case Studies from the Pacific Islands
Authors: Nalau Johanna , Becken Susanne , Schliephack Johanna , Parsons Meg , Brown Cilla , Mackey Brendan
Published: September 2018

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is increasingly being advocated as a climate adaptation approach that can deliver multiple benefits to communities. EbA scholarship argues that community-based projects can strengthen those ecosystems that deliver critical services to communities and in doing so enhance community resilience. In particular, the inclusion of indigenous and traditional knowledge (ITK) into community-based EbA projects is positioned as critical to successful climate adaptation. Yet, there is surprisingly little investigation into how ITK is being defined and incorporated into EbA initiatives. This paper critically reviews EbA literature and provides empirical examples from Vanuatu and Samoa to demonstrate the different ways ITK relates to EbA projects. We find that there is widespread recognition that ITK is important for indigenous and local communities and can be employed successfully in EbA. However, this recognition is more aspirational than practical and is not being necessarily translated into ITK-informed or ITK-driven EbA projects. ITK should not be conceptualized simply as a collection of local environmental information that is integrated with Western scientific knowledge. Instead, ITK is part of nested knowledge systems (information–practices–worldviews) of indigenous peoples. This knowledge includes local natural resource management, sociocultural governance structures, social norms, spiritual beliefs, and historical and contemporary experiences of colonial dispossession and marginalization. At present, most EbA projects focus on the provision of information to main decision-makers only; however, since ITK is held collectively, it is essential that entire communities are included in ITK EbA projects. There is a huge potential for researchers and ITK holders to coproduce knowledge that would be best placed to drive climate adaptation in a changing world.
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation: Emerging Practice Patterns for a Novel Procedure
Authors: Micucci Steven , Keschner David B , Liang Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

To review the role of eustachian tube balloon dilation (ETBD) in the setting of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and ascertain how ETBD is currently being used in practice today.

Methods:

An online survey included 20 questions designed by 3 investigators to examine how otolaryngologists utilize ETBD in the management of ETD. The survey was distributed to the members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS), American Otological Society (AOS), and American Neurotology Society (ANS) in their respective annual electronic mailings in April and May of 2017.

Results:

A total of 1105 and 633 surveys were sent to ARS and AOS/ANS members, respectively. Of those, 157 surveys were returned (126 from ARS and 31 from AOS/ANS). Of those returning the survey, 72 (50%) had not performed ETBD and were excluded from subsequent analysis. Forty-four (66%) respondents consider ETBD after failure of medical management; conversely, 18 (27%) and 26 (39%) consider ETBD after failure of 1 or more trial of myringotomy tube placement. Routine testing for ETBD includes audiogram with tympanometry 64 (96%) and preoperative computer tomography (CT) 38 (57%). Fifty-three (80%) practitioners only perform ETBD in adults 18 years and older. Thirty-four (53%) respondents describe ETBD as “great” or “good,” while 27 (42%) were unsure, and only 3 (5%) did not like ETBD.

Conclusions:

Eustachian tube balloon dilation is a novel technique for the treatment of chronic ETD, and its role continues to evolve and develop. Current practice patterns demonstrate wide variability in the assessment of ETD, heterogeneity in the timing of ETBD, and controversy in preoperative CT screening.
Hearing-health intervention for nightclub staff
Authors: Welch David , Ma Ellen , Reddy Ravi
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Sound levels in nightclubs are dangerously high. We administered the Dangerous Decibels hearing-health intervention to nightclub staff to test its efficacy.

Design:

In a single group, repeated measures were taken before training, a week after training and at 3 months after training.

Setting:

A nightclub in the city of Auckland, New Zealand.

Method:

We delivered training to 20 people who work in nightclubs: bar staff, disc jockeys (DJs), security staff and police. We assessed supports and barriers towards hearing-health behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and self-reported behaviour at the three time points.

Results:

The ratio of supports to barriers for good hearing-health behaviour improved 1 week after training and continued to improve at 3 months. Participants’ knowledge increased after training and was maintained 3 months later. Attitudes and self-reported behaviour did not change.

Conclusion:

The continued improvement in supports-to-barriers ratio at 3 months post-training has not been observed previously and may reflect a change in participants’ thinking as a result of the intervention. The lack of change in self-reported behaviour implies that the effect of acculturation to loud music in nightclubs was not wholly overcome.
Like a Fish out of Water: Managing Chronic Pain in the Urban Safety Net
Authors: Rubin Sara , Burke Nancy , Van Natta Meredith , Yen Irene , Shim Janet K.
Published: September 2018

The subjective nature of pain has always rendered it a point of entry for power and corresponding stratifying processes within biomedicine. The opioid crisis has further exacerbated these challenges by increasing the stakes of prescribing decisions for providers, which in turn has resulted in greater treatment disparities. Using the theoretical frame of cultural health capital (CHC) to account for these disparities in pain management as they unfold at both the macro- and the microlevel, we present findings from an interdisciplinary study of two complex care management programs in urban safety-net hospitals that serve high-utilizing patients. CHC, which considers the ways in which patient–provider interactions reflect and often reinforce broader social inequities, allows for a consideration of power as it circulates through and beyond the patient–provider encounter. Within the current sociopolitical era of pain management, attention must be paid to the stratifying processes that structure how suffering is addressed.
Establishing a successful rat model of duodenal- jejunal bypass: A detailed guide
Authors: Akalestou Elina , Genser Laurent , Villa Francesco , Christakis Ioannis , Chokshi Shilpa , Williams Roger , Rubino Francesco
Published: September 2018

Gastric bypass surgery, an operation that restricts the stomach and bypasses the duodenum and part of the jejunum, results in major improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes. Duodenual-jejunal bypass was developed by one of the authors (FR) as an experimental, stomach-sparing variant of gastric bypass surgery to investigate weight-independent mechanisms of surgical control of diabetes. Duodenual-jejunal bypass has been shown to improve various aspects of glucose homeostasis in rodents and in humans, thus providing an experimental model for investigating mechanisms of action of surgery and elusive aspects of gastrointestinal physiology. Performing duodenual-jejunal bypass in rodents, however, is associated with a steep learning curve. Here we report our experience with duodenual-jejunal bypass and provide practical tips for successful surgery in rats. Duodenual-jejunal bypass was performed on 50 lean rats as part of a study aimed at investigating the effect of the procedure on the physiologic mechanisms of glucose homeostasis. During the study, we have progressively refined details of anatomic exposure, technical aspects of duodeno-jejunostomy and peri-operative care. We analysed the role of such refinements in improving operative time and post-operative mortality. We found that refinement of exposure methods of the gastro-duodenal junction aimed at minimizing tension on small visceral vasculature, technical aspects of duodeno-jejunal anastomosis and peri-operative management played a major role in improving the survival rate and operative time. Overall, an experimental model of duodenual-jejunal bypass was successfully reproduced. Based on this experience, we describe here what we believe are the most important technical tips to reduce the learning curve for the procedure.
Quantitative and sensory evaluation of odor retention on polyester/wool blends
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Lu Xi , Wang Jing , Wang Xungai
Published: September 2018

The odor sorption and emission characteristics of fabrics affect their functional performance, particularly for sportswear. This study systematically evaluated the impact of wool in polyester/wool blends on body odor retention properties. The odor sorption and emission of polyester/wool blend fabrics were quantitatively evaluated by an infrared-based spectrometer and by sensory testing. It was found that wool had the highest odor sorption capacity among all the test fabrics. Both odor sorption and emission are greatly affected by the presence of wool in the blends. Fabrics containing 20% wool had substantially reduced odor intensity compared to 100% polyester. The body odor retention properties of the 20/80 wool/polyester blend and the 100% polyester fabrics were also compared by wear trial, which further confirmed that the wool/polyester blend effectively reduced body odor intensity compared to 100% polyester.

At low levels of body odor, fabric blends with at least 20% wool were shown to perform well, as they may not have reached their sorption capacity. Under higher and more extreme levels of body odor, where sorption plays a more important role, 100% wool showed higher sorption capacity than the blends.

The data and methods presented in this paper provide a basis for optimizing the fiber composition of active wear garments with respect to odor.
Replies to Critics
Authors: Guala Francesco
Published: September 2018

I answer the questions raised by commentators, and clarify what Understanding Institutions tried to achieve.