bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of resistance exercise under conditions of reduced blood insulin on AMPKα Ser485/491 inhibitory phosphorylation and AMPK pathway activation
Authors: Kido Kohei , Yokokawa Takumi , Ato Satoru , Sato Koji , Fujita Satoshi
Published: May 2017

Insulin stimulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake via activation of the protein kinase B/Akt (Akt) pathway. Recent studies suggest that insulin downregulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity via Ser485/491 phosphorylation of the AMPK α-subunit. Thus lower blood insulin concentrations may induce AMPK signal activation. Acute exercise is one method to stimulate AMPK activation; however, no study has examined the relationship between blood insulin levels and acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that the acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation would be augmented by disruptions in insulin secretion through a decrease in AMPKα Ser485/491 inhibitory phosphorylation. To test the hypothesis, 10-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered the toxin streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg) to destroy the insulin secreting β-cells. Three days postinjection, the right gastrocnemius muscle from STZ and control rats was subjected to resistance exercise by percutaneous electrical stimulation. Animals were killed 0, 1, or 3 h later; activation of the Akt/AMPK and downstream pathways in the muscle tissue was analyzed by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Notably, STZ rats showed a significant decrease in basal Akt and AMPKα Ser485/491 phosphorylation, but substantial exercise-induced increases in both AMPKα Thr172 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) Ser79 phosphorylation were observed. Although no significant impact on resistance exercise-induced Akt pathway activation or glucose uptake was found, resistance exercise-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α) gene expression was augmented by STZ treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that circulating insulin levels may regulate acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation and AMPK-dependent gene expression relating to basal AMPKα Ser485/491 phosphorylation.
Functional assessment of sodium chloride cotransporter NCC mutants in polarized mammalian epithelial cells
Authors: Rosenbaek Lena L. , Rizzo Federica , MacAulay Nanna , Staub Olivier , Fenton Robert A.
Published: May 2017

The thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter NCC is important for maintaining serum sodium (Na+) and, indirectly, serum potassium (K+) levels. Functional studies on NCC have used cell lines with native NCC expression, transiently transfected nonpolarized cell lines, or Xenopus laevis oocytes. Here, we developed the use of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney type I (MDCKI) mammalian epithelial cell lines with tetracycline-inducible human NCC expression to study NCC activity and membrane abundance in the same system. In radiotracer assays, induced cells grown on filters had robust thiazide-sensitive and chloride dependent sodium-22 (22Na) uptake from the apical side. To minimize cost and maximize throughput, assays were modified to use cells grown on plastic. On plastic, cells had similar thiazide-sensitive22Na uptakes that increased following preincubation of cells in chloride-free solutions. NCC was detected in the plasma membrane, and both membrane abundance and phosphorylation of NCC were increased by incubation in chloride-free solutions. Furthermore, in cells exposed for 15 min to low or high extracellular K+, the levels of phosphorylated NCC increased and decreased, respectively. To demonstrate that the system allows rapid and systematic assessment of mutated NCC, three phosphorylation sites in NCC were mutated, and NCC activity was examined.22Na fluxes in phosphorylation-deficient mutants were reduced to baseline levels, whereas phosphorylation-mimicking mutants were constitutively active, even without chloride-free stimulation. In conclusion, this system allows the activity, cellular localization, and abundance of wild-type or mutant NCC to be examined in the same polarized mammalian expression system in a rapid, easy, and low-cost fashion.
Effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition on the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex-induced cardiovascular consequences in men
Authors: Smith Joshua R. , Didier Kaylin D. , Hammer Shane M. , Alexander Andrew M. , Kurti Stephanie P. , Copp Steven W. , Barstow Thomas J. , Harms Craig A.
Published: May 2017

Inspiratory muscle metaboreflex activation increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and limb vascular resistance (LVR) and decreases limb blood flow (Q̇L). Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition has been found to attenuate limb skeletal muscle metaboreflex-induced increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity. We hypothesized that compared with placebo (PLA), COX inhibition would attenuate inspiratory muscle metaboreflex-induced 1) increases in MAP and LVR and 2) decreases in Q̇L. Seven men (22 ± 1 yr) were recruited and orally consumed ibuprofen (IB; 10 mg/kg) or PLA 90 min before performing the cold pressor test (CPT) for 2 min and inspiratory resistive breathing task (IRBT) for 14.9 ± 2.0 min at 65% of maximal inspiratory pressure. Breathing frequency was 20 breaths/min with a 50% duty cycle during the IRBTs. MAP was measured via automated oscillometry, Q̇L was determined via Doppler ultrasound, and LVR was calculated as MAP divided by Q̇L. Electromyography was recorded on the leg to ensure no muscle contraction occurred. The 65% IRBT led to greater increases ( P = 0.02) in 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1α with PLA compared with IB. IB, compared with PLA, led to greater ( P < 0.01) increases in MAP (IB: 17 ± 7 mmHg vs. PLA: 8 ± 5 mmHg) and LVR (IB: 69 ± 28% vs. PLA: 52 ± 22%) at the final minute of the 65% IRBT. The decrease in Q̇L was not different ( P = 0.72) between IB (−28 ± 11%) and PLA (−27 ± 9%) at the final minute. The increase in MAP during the CPT was not different ( P = 0.87) between IB (25 ± 11 mmHg) and PLA (24 ± 6 mmHg). Contrary to our hypotheses, COX inhibition led to greater inspiratory muscle metaboreflex-induced increases in MAP and LVR.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cyclooxygenase (COX) products play a role in activating the muscle metaboreflex. It is not known whether COX products contribute to the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex. Herein, we demonstrate that COX inhibition led to greater increases in blood pressure and limb vascular resistance compared with placebo during inspiratory muscle metaboreflex activation.
Procalcitonin-Guided Antibiotics after Surgery for Peritonitis: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Slieker Juliette C. , Aellen Steve , Eggimann Philippe , Guarnero Valentine , Schäfer Markus , Demartines Nicolas
Published: May 2017

Background. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) is a useful biomarker to tailor the duration of antibiotics in respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to determine whether PCT levels could tailor postoperative antibiotic therapy in patients operated for peritonitis. Method. Patients with peritonitis were randomized postoperatively. The control group received antibiotics for a defined duration according to institutional guidelines. In the study group, antibiotics were stopped based on serum PCT levels. Patients were stratified into three categories: (1) gastrointestinal perforation, (2) perforated appendicitis, and (3) postoperative complication. Primary outcome was duration of antibiotics. Results. We included 162 patients: 83 and 79 patients in the control group and study group, respectively. In the subgroup of patients with peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation, we found 7 days of antibiotics in the PCT group versus 10 days in the control group (p value 0.065). There was no difference in infectious complications, mortality, median length of hospital stay, and necessity to restart antibiotics. Conclusion. No significant differences were found in duration of antibiotics when applying PCT guidance. However, in the subgroup of primary perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, there was a difference in duration of antibiotics in favor of the PCT group without obtaining significance, as the study was not powered for subgroup analysis. Further studies including only this subgroup should be performed.
Robust Grape Detector Based on SVMs and HOG Features
Authors: Škrabánek Pavel , Doležel Petr
Published: May 2017

Detection of grapes in real-life images is a serious task solved by researchers dealing with precision viticulture. In the case of white wine varieties, grape detectors based on SVMs classifiers, in combination with a HOG descriptor, have proven to be very efficient. Simplified versions of the detectors seem to be the best solution for practical applications. They offer the best known performance versus time-complexity ratio. As our research showed, a conversion of RGB images to grayscale format, which is implemented at an image preprocessing level, is ideal means for further improvement of performance of the detectors. In order to enhance the ratio, we explored relevance of the conversion in a context of a detector potential sensitivity to a rotation of berries. For this purpose, we proposed a modification of the conversion, and we designed an appropriate method for a tuning of such modified detectors. To evaluate the effect of the new parameter space on their performance, we developed a specialized visualization method. In order to provide accurate results, we formed new datasets for both tuning and evaluation of the detectors. Our effort resulted in a robust grape detector which is less sensitive to image distortion.
Influence of Pecan Nut Pretreatment on the Physical Quality of Oil Bodies
Authors: Zhang Pujuan , Bari Vincenzo Di , Briars Rhianna , Taher Zarani Mat , Yuan Jiamiao , Liu Guangqin , Gray David
Published: May 2017

A supply of pure, intact oil bodies is essential for carrying out morphological and biochemical studies of these plant organelles and exploring their application. Preparation requires a carefully controlled breakage of plant cells, followed by separation of the oil bodies from cytoplasm and cell debris. This paper focuses on the recovery and characterisation of oil bodies from pecan nuts where no work has been published to date. The results showed that soaking softens the nut tissue and appears to reduce the damage to oil bodies during grinding and centrifugal force must be carefully selected to minimise oil bodies damage on recovery. A 24 h soaking time coupled with a 5500 RCF recovery force allows for the recovery of intact pecan nut oil bodies.
The Transcription Factor Nrf2 Protects Angiogenic Capacity of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells in High-Oxygen Radical Stress Conditions
Authors: Gremmels Hendrik , de Jong Olivier G. , Hazenbrink Diënty H. , Fledderus Joost O. , Verhaar Marianne C.
Published: May 2017

Background. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) have shown a promise in tissue engineering of vascular constructs, where they act as endothelial progenitor cells. After implantation, ECFCs are likely to be subjected to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transcription factor Nrf2 regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to ROS.Methods. Stable knockdown of Nrf2 and Keap1 was achieved by transduction with lentiviral shRNAs; activation of Nrf2 was induced by incubation with sulforaphane (SFN). Expression of Nrf2 target genes was assessed by qPCR, oxidative stress was assessed using CM-DCFDA, and angiogenesis was quantified by scratch-wound and tubule-formation assays.Results.Nrf2 knockdown led to a reduction of antioxidant gene expression and increased ROS. Angiogenesis was disturbed after Nrf2 knockdown even in the absence of ROS. Conversely, angiogenesis was preserved in high ROS conditions after knockdown of Keap1. Preincubation of ECFCs with SFN reduced intracellular ROS in the presence of H2O2and preserved scratch-wound closure and tubule-formation.Conclusion.The results of this study indicate that Nrf2 plays an important role in the angiogenic capacity of ECFCs, particularly under conditions of increased oxidative stress. Pretreatment of ECFCs with SFN prior to implantation may be a protective strategy for tissue-engineered constructs or cell therapies.
Analysis of Ship RCS Detected by Multifrequency HFGWR
Authors: Sun Ke , Wen Biyang , Wang Ruokun
Published: May 2017

One of the important applications of high frequency-ground wave radar (HFGWR) is to detect offshore ships. A proper method should be used to obtain the ship radar cross section (RCS), which is a key parameter of the ship. This paper proposes a method based on an automatic information system (AIS). The relationship of the ship RCS versus bearing for different frequencies is analyzed by processing multifrequency HFGWR data. With this new method, bearing information is taken into consideration, which is not the case in traditional empirical formulas. The results provide prior knowledge for ship detection and tracking; therefore, the probability of detection is significantly improved.
Quantitative Analysis of Motor Status in Parkinson’s Disease Using Wearable Devices: From Methodological Considerations to Problems in Clinical Applications
Authors: Suzuki Masahiko , Mitoma Hiroshi , Yoneyama Mitsuru
Published: May 2017

Long-term and objective monitoring is necessary for full assessment of the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent advances in biotechnology have seen the development of various types of wearable (body-worn) sensor systems. By using accelerometers and gyroscopes, these devices can quantify motor abnormalities, including decreased activity and gait disturbances, as well as nonmotor signs, such as sleep disturbances and autonomic dysfunctions in PD. This review discusses methodological problems inherent in wearable devices. Until now, analysis of the mean values of motion-induced signals on a particular day has been widely applied in the clinical management of PD patients. On the other hand, the reliability of these devices to detect various events, such as freezing of gait and dyskinesia, has been less than satisfactory. Quantification of disease-specific changes rather than nonspecific changes is necessary.
Ecologically Sound Procedural Generation of Natural Environments
Authors: Onrust Benny , Bidarra Rafael , Rooseboom Robert , van de Koppel Johan
Published: May 2017

Current techniques for the creation and exploration of virtual worlds are largely unable to generate sound natural environments from ecological data and to provide interactive web-based visualizations of such detailed environments. We tackle this challenge and propose a novel framework that (i) explores the advantages of landscape maps and ecological statistical data, translating them to an ecologically sound plant distribution, and (ii) creates a visually convincing 3D representation of the natural environment suitable for its interactive visualization over the web. Our vegetation model improves techniques from procedural ecosystem generation and neutral landscape modeling. It is able to generate diverse ecological sound plant distributions directly from landscape maps with statistical ecological data. Our visualization model integrates existing level of detail and illumination techniques to achieve interactive frame rates and improve realism. We validated with ecology experts the outcome of our framework using two case studies and concluded that it provides convincing interactive visualizations of large natural environments.
Fuzzy-Sliding Mode Force Control Research on Robotic Machining
Authors: Chen Shou-yan , Zhang Tie , Zou Yan-biao
Published: May 2017

The low stiffness has limited the applications of robot to machining process. In this paper, a fuzzy-sliding mode control scheme is proposed to manage the oscillation and chatter appearing in machining operation by adjusting the feed rate. The robotic machining dynamics is first analyzed to identify the parameters with focus on the system stiffness and the behavior during machining process. A controller consisting of a fuzzy estimation enginery which can determine the control gain coefficients according to system status and a sliding mode controller which is used to guarantee convergence and global stability of the system is then proposed. Simulations and experiments results show that, in comparison with open loop and fuzzy-PID control scheme, the fuzzy-sliding mode control scheme can reduce the amplitude and period of oscillation.
Cellular Reprogramming, Genome Editing, and Alternative CRISPR Cas9 Technologies for Precise Gene Therapy of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Gee Peter , Xu Huaigeng , Hotta Akitsu
Published: May 2017

In the past decade, the development of two innovative technologies, namely, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the CRISPR Cas9 system, has enabled researchers to model diseases derived from patient cells and precisely edit DNA sequences of interest, respectively. In particular, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been an exemplary monogenic disease model for combining these technologies to demonstrate that genome editing can correct genetic mutations in DMD patient-derived iPSCs. DMD is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by mutations that disrupt the open reading frame of the dystrophin gene, which plays a critical role in stabilizing muscle cells during contraction and relaxation. The CRISPR Cas9 system has been shown to be capable of targeting the dystrophin gene and rescuing its expression in in vitro patient-derived iPSCs and in vivo DMD mouse models. In this review, we highlight recent advances made using the CRISPR Cas9 system to correct genetic mutations and discuss how emerging CRISPR technologies and iPSCs in a combined platform can play a role in bringing a therapy for DMD closer to the clinic.
Updated Review of Prevalence of Major Risk Factors and Use of Screening Tests for Cancer in the United States
Authors: Sauer Ann Goding , Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin , Fedewa Stacey A.
Published: May 2017

Much of the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use and obesity, improve diet, and increase physical activity and use of established vaccines and screening tests. Monitoring the prevalence of cancer risk factors and preventive tests helps guide cancer prevention and early detection efforts. We provide an updated review, using data through 2015, of the prevalence of major risk factors, cancer screening, and vaccination for U.S. adults and youth. Cigarette smoking among adults decreased to 15.3% in 2015 but remains higher among lower socioeconomic persons (GED: 34.1%, graduate degree: 3.7%), with considerable state variation (Utah: 9.1%, Kentucky: 26.0%). The prevalence of obesity among both adults (37.7%) and adolescents (20.6%) remains high, particularly among black women (57.2%), and ranges from 20.2% (Colorado) to 36.2% (Louisiana) among adults. Pap testing remains the most commonly utilized cancer screening test (81.4%). While colorectal cancer screening has increased, only 62.6% are up-to-date with recommendations. Cancer screening is lowest among the uninsured and varies across states. Despite some improvements, systematic efforts to further reduce the suffering and death from cancer should be enhanced. Continued investment in surveillance of cancer prevention and early detection metrics is also needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1192–208. ©2017 AACR.
The Role of Hydrolyzed Formula in Allergy Prevention
Authors: Cabana Michael D.
Published: May 2017

Asthma, eczema, food allergy, and allergic rhinitis are some of the most common pediatric, chronic conditions in the world. Breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed all infants. For those infants who are exposed to infant formula, some studies suggest that certain partially hydrolyzed or extensively hydrolyzed formulas may decrease the risk of allergic disease compared to nonhydrolyzed formulas for children with a family history of atopic disease. Overall, there is some evidence to suggest that partially hydrolyzed whey formulas and extensively hydrolyzed casein formulas may decrease the risk of developing eczema for infants at high risk of allergic disease. The evidence for a preventive effect of hydrolyzed formulas on allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and asthma is inconsistent and insufficient. Finally, the qualitative changes to the peptides by the method of hydrolysis, not just the degree of protein hydrolysis, may have a large influence on the preventive effect of a particular infant formula for the potential risk of allergic disease. As a result, it may be difficult to generalize findings from clinical studies using a specific infant formula to other infant formulas from different manufacturers using different methods of hydrolysis. Further clinical studies are needed to help clinicians identify which infants may benefit from early intervention, as well as which specific hydrolyzed formulas are best suited to decrease the risk of future allergic disease.
Effect of High-Salt Diet on Age-Related High Blood Pressure and Hypothalamic Redox Signaling
Authors: Basgut Bilgen , Whidden Melissa A. , Kirichenko Nataliya , Woods Mary , Erdos Benedek , Scarpace Philip J. , Tümer Nihal
Published: May 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a high salt (HS) diet on age-related changes in blood pressure (BP) and the possible role played by regulatory central mechanisms. Methods: Young (5 months) and old (27 months) male Fischer 344 × Brown Norway (F344/BN) rats were fed standard chow or 8% HS diet for 12 days. BP and heart rate (HR) were measured by telemetry. Results: Mean arterial BP (MAP) was significantly elevated in old rats during the day and night when compared with young animals. The HS diet further elevated MAP in both age groups, and the increase was more pronounced in the old animals, while HR was not altered by age or HS diet. In addition, cardiovascular responses to restraint stress were diminished in the old when compared with the young and were unchanged with HS diet in either age group. Both age and the HS diet elevated the adrenomedullary mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, an indicator for sympathoexcitation. HS diet enhanced intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (AngII)-induced BP and HR elevations in both age groups. AngII type 1 receptor mRNA increased significantly in the hypothalamus with age and HS diet. Furthermore, hypothalamic p22phox mRNA and gp91phox protein, subunits of NADPH oxidase, as well as NADPH oxidase activity increased with the HS diet in the old animals, whereas antioxidant enzymes that decreased with age yet remained unaltered with the HS diet. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that sensitivity of BP to HS diet increases with age, and that central AngII-induced pressor responses are diminished in old rats compared with the young both under control conditions and during HS diet treatment. These changes are paralleled by increases in the expression and NADPH oxidase activity in the hypothalamus, possibly leading to central oxidative stress-mediated sympathoexcitation and high BP.
Care Transitions and Adult Day Services Moderate the Longitudinal Links between Stress Biomarkers and Family Caregivers' Functional Health
Authors: Liu Yin , Almeida David M. , Rovine Michael J. , Zarit Steven H.
Published: May 2017

Background: Stress biomarkers have been linked to health and well-being. There are, however, few studies on how dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system actually affects functional health of family caregivers of persons with dementia. Further, it is not clear whether and how factors affecting caregiving stressor exposures such as care transitions and adult day services (ADS) use may affect such association. Objective: First, to examine the association of daily stress biomarkers and functional health over time among family caregivers of persons with dementia. Second, to examine effects of care transitions and ADS use on the association between baseline stress biomarkers and functional health over time. Methods: At baseline, caregivers provided 5 saliva samples each day during an 8-day diary study, where all caregivers were having a varying number of ADS days per week. There were 2 longitudinal follow-ups at 6 and 12 months on ADS use, care transitions, and caregivers' functional health. The average daily total output across days was computed at baseline for salivary cortisol, the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-s), and salivary alpha amylase (sAA), which were used as predictors of caregivers' longitudinal functional limitation trajectories. Care transitions and total number of ADS days per week at baseline were considered as moderators of the associations between stress biomarkers and health over time. Results: The associations between functional limitation trajectories and daily total outputs of cortisol and sAA were modified by ADS use and care transitions. Among caregivers who experienced a transition, and who used less than average ADS days per week, lower daily cortisol total output and lower daily sAA total output were associated with increasing functional limitations. Caregivers who experienced a transition but used greater than average ADS days per week did not show such patterns of association. No significant effect was found for DHEA-s. Conclusion: The study contributes to an important but largely unanswered question regarding implications of stress biomarkers on functional health. Assessments of the association between stress biomarkers and health among family caregivers of persons with dementia need to consider changes in stressor exposures over time, such as care transitions and ADS use.
Natural Course of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Sahara Shu , Ichikawa Hitomi , Sakao Yukitoshi , Ohashi Naro , Sugimoto Ken , Yasuda Hideo , Furuta Takahisa , Andoh Akira
Published: May 2017

Introduction:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the major risk factors for gastrointestinal morbidity in hemodialysis patients. Primary end point is to investigate H. pylori infection rate in hemodialysis patients. As secondary end point, we clarified whether pepsinogen (PG) level was related with H. pylori infection status in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Serum levels of PG I, II, and anti-H. pylori IgG antibody were assessed in 500 Japanese hemodialysis patients. Results:H. pylori infection rate was 15.0% (75/500; 95% CI 12.0-18.4). The duration of hemodialysis in H. pylori-positives was 4.6 ± 3.8 years, which was significantly shorter than in H. pylori-negatives (7.3 ± 6.9, p = 0.001). PG I levels positively correlated with the PG II level and PG I/II ratio (|R| = 0.661, p < 0.001, and |R| = 0.544, p <0.001, respectively). Using a cutoff value of 7.75, the sensitivity and specificity of PG I/II ratio for predicting H. pylori-negatives were 86.3 and 87.8%, respectively (area under the curve 0.930). Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, infection rate with H. pylori was <20%, with lower rates in patients receiving hemodialysis for longer terms. A PG I/II ratio with a cutoff value of 7.75 may be useful for screening for H. pylori status.
Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Wagner Steffen , Sharma Shachi Jenny , Wuerdemann Nora , Knuth Jennifer , Reder Henrike , Wittekindt Claus , Klussmann Jens Peter
Published: May 2017

Human papillomavirus(HPV)-related head and neck cancer is recognized as a distinct tumor entity with rising incidence reported for several countries. These tumors arise from squamous cells, typically in the oropharynx. In contrast to cancer associated with other risk factors, HPV-related cancer is driven by viral oncoprotein activity and has individual profiles regarding protein expression, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. Molecular characteristics are p16IN4A overexpression, absence of p53 inactivating mutations, and PI3K/AKT and Wnt pathway modulation. Patients with HPV-related head and neck cancer have improved survival compared to those with HPV-negative tumors, and p16INK4A staining has been introduced into tumor staging recently. However, no specific or toxicity-reduced treatment modalities have been established for this entity so far. Although the still incomplete and partially inconsistent data in this field needs further study, particular features of HPV-related cancers such as specific microRNA expression, immunology, or gene methylation patterns certainly have the potential to be implemented in future diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.
Universidade em Movimento: Memória de uma Crise
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade, Marcovitch Jacques , Sassaki Alexandre Hideo ,   Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina, Luque Carlos Antonio ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade, Goldemberg José ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Energia e Ambiente, Oliveira Luiz Nunes de ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Ranieri Nina Beatriz Stocco ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Direito, Toneto Jr. Rudinei ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade de Ribeirão Preto, Adorno Sérgio ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Agopyan Vahan ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Politécnica
Published: May 2017

Este livro identifica as causas do desequilíbrio financeiro da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de 2010 a 2014. Além da análise factual, a obra propõe medidas para que desequilíbrios semelhantes sejam evitados no futuro. Trata-se de uma contribuição para o aprimoramento da governança universitária e da tomada de decisões nas universidades públicas brasileiras. ​
"Ou você pensa diferente?": "criminologia do outro" em produções televisivas brasileiras e estadunidenses
Authors: Silva Davi Costa da , Pitorri Alexandre Augusto Bettencourt
Published: May 2017

Esse artigo reflete sobre a cultura do crime nas sociedades brasileira e estadunidense conforme é expressa em discursos veiculados em programas televisivos voltados à temática criminal. Após uma breve revisão bibliográfica restringida à temática da “criminologia do outro” e à realização de um mapeamento dos gêneros televisivos relacionados à temática criminal, selecionamos os programas Brasil Urgente, Cidade Alerta, America's Most Wanted e Jail e observamos de que forma essas produções televisivas retratam a figura do infrator das leis, identificando suas diferenças e semelhanças. Identificamos que, no geral, nos seus discursos verbais e não-verbais, aos “bandidos” e “criminals” é relegada uma condição de alteridade ameaçadora que deve ser imediatamente retirada das ruas, sejam presas (America's Most Wanted), assassinadas por agentes institucionais (Cidade Alerta e Brasil Urgente), ou então humilhada nas prisões (Jail e Cidade Alerta). Identificamos também que a sociedade civil é convidada a participar do combate ao crime em quase todos os programas, mas sem “fazer justiça com as próprias mãos”. As produções brasileiras e estadunidense se afastam no tocante à forma e linguagem verbal. Chamou-nos a atenção o fato das produções brasileiras exigirem o endurecimento da ação policial a partir de um suposto “modelo estadunidense”, negando os direitos humanos aos “bandidos”. Concluímos que esses contrastes se devem às diferenças estruturais e históricas entres os dois países: se nos EUA um welfare state pode fincar raízes, no Brasil a permanência de estruturas tradicionais e paternalistas desenvolveu uma noção de cidadania seletiva baseada na posição social do indivíduo.
A formação do campo de pesquisa em sociologia da violência no Brasil: entrevista com Sérgio Adorno
Authors: Braga Felipe Eduardo Lázaro , Pinto Felipe Nery Alves , Almeida Ricardo De
Published: May 2017

A Primeiros Estudos entrevistou o Prof.º Dr.º Sérgio Adorno, um dos mais importantes sociólogos brasileiros, e ex-diretor da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH-USP). Na entrevista, o professor fala sobre a criação e cristalização do NEV- Núcleo de Estudos da Violência, discute as propostas de alteração das políticas públicas de drogas, opina sobre a flagrante seletividade penal que caracteriza a realidade carcerária do país e, claro, discorre sobre sua singular trajetória acadêmica e profissional.
Configuração da condição operária numa época de reconfiguração do modo de produção capitalista no Brasil
Authors: Mendes Danilo Lucena
Published: May 2017

O objetivo principal deste artigo é analisar o processo de transformação da relação salarial na transição da Primeira República para o Primeiro Governo Vargas (1930-1945). Com base na formulação de Robert Castel – em seu diálogo com a Escola Francesa da Regulação – sobre o conceito de relação salarial, consideramos tal período como uma transição da condição proletária para a condição operária. Apoiando-se em alguns trabalhos clássicos sobre as relações de trabalho no Brasil, operamos uma mediação das principais noções utilizadas por Castel (relação salarial; condição proletária; e condição operária) para construir um quadro teórico adequado à nossa particularidade histórica. Paralelamente, procuramos entender como algumas condições colocadas pelo processo de industrialização atuaram sobre a configuração da condição operária. Nesse sentido, entendemos que no processo de industrialização desencadeado no pós-1930, tivemos, no Brasil, uma superação relativa da condição proletária e uma constituição, também relativa, da condição operária.
Construção de identidade e trajetória social desviante: um estudo empírico com guardadores de carro em Pelotas, RS
Authors: Gómez Guillermo Stefano Rosa
Published: May 2017

No trabalho buscou-se compreender as trajetórias profissionais de guardadores de carros da cidade de Pelotas, analisando suas experiências de trabalho, cotidiano, e relações no mercado de trabalho. O foco foi entender a percepção dos atores sobre os papéis atribuídos a eles por outrem e suas reações a estes papéis (negativos), utilizando o conceito de desvio como produto da interação entre agentes e a relação que uma atribuição desviante tem com a construção de uma identidade social que parte da oposição dual entre a identidade para si e para outrem. Procuro demonstrar de que maneira a influência da moralidade da rua, age sobre os julgamentos dos sujeitos que nela trabalham e como estes sujeitos constroem sua identidade. As técnicas metodológicas, de contato direto entre pesquisador e pesquisado variaram – entrevista gravada, anotações em caderno de campo e conversa informal – de acordo com a disposição e situação do entrevistado. Ao analisar narrativas dos trabalhadores, é possível encontrar uma queixa recorrente que a categoria é mal-vista socialmente e ao guardador é atribuído o rótulo de “ladrão ou “drogado”. Dessa forma, o trabalhador busca minimizar a rotulação através de uma série de ações estratégicas que incluem o estabelecimento de uma rotina e um “código de conduta” regido pela sobriedade. Na relação com colegas que desviam destas regras, os trabalhadores acabam produzindo uma etiquetagem “interna”, para classificar e identificar desviantes que destoam do guardador “batalhador” e que “corre atrás”. Nas conclusões, sintetizo as descobertas do estudo, suas limitações empíricas e possibilidades de expansão
Mitral-Aortic Flow Reversal in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Rodríguez Muñoz Daniel , Moya Mur José Luis , Moreno Javier , Fernández-Golfín Covadonga , Franco Eduardo , Berlot Bostjan , Monteagudo Juan Manuel , Matía Francés Roberto , Hernández Madrid Antonio , Zamorano José Luis
Published: May 2017

Background—

Flow entering the left ventricle is reversed toward the outflow tract through rotating reversal flow around the mitral valve. This was thought to facilitate early ejection, but had not been proved to date. We hypothesized that perfect coupling between reversal and ejection flow would occur at optimal atrioventricular delay (AVD), contributing to its hemodynamic superiority, and evaluated its applicability for AVD optimization.

Methods and Results—

Forty consecutive patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy underwent intracardiac flow analysis and AVD optimization. Reversal and ejection flow curves were studied. The presence and duration of reversal-ejection discontinuity were assessed for all programmed AVD. Reproducibility of each optimization method was evaluated through interobserver variability. Discontinuity between reversal and ejection flow was observed in all patients with longer than optimal AVD, increasing linearly with excess duration in AVD (linear
R
2
=0.976,
P
<0.001). Longer discontinuities implied progressive decreases in pre-ejection flow velocity in the left ventricular outflow tract, with consequent loss of flow momentum. The equation optimal AVD=programmed AVD–[1.2(discontinuity duration)]+4 accurately predicted optimal AVD. Short AVD systematically compromised reversal flow because of premature ejection. Agreement over optimal AVD was superior when assessed by flow reversal method (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.931;
P
<0.001) over both iterative and aortic velocity–time integral methods.

Conclusions—

Perfect coupling between mitral-aortic flow reversal and ejection flow in the left ventricle occurs at optimal AVD. As a result, full blood momentum in the outflow tract is used to facilitate early ejection. This can be measured and provides a new method for AVD optimization.
Urban Finescale Forecasting Reveals Weather Conditions with Unprecedented Detail
Authors: Ronda R. J. , Steeneveld G. J. , Heusinkveld B. G. , Attema J. J. , Holtslag A. A. M.
Published: May 2017

Urban landscapes impact the lives of urban dwellers by influencing local weather conditions. However, weather forecasting down to the street and neighborhood scale has been beyond the capabilities of numerical weather prediction (NWP) despite the fact that observational systems are now able to monitor urban climate at these scales. In this study, weather forecasts at intra-urban scales were achieved by exploiting recent advances in topographic element mapping and aerial photography as well as looking at detailed mappings of soil characteristics and urban morphological properties, which were subsequently incorporated into a specifically adapted Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The urban weather forecasting system (UFS) was applied to the Amsterdam, Netherlands, metropolitan area during the summer of 2015, where it produced forecasts for the city down to the neighborhood level (a few hundred meters). Comparing these forecasts to the dense network of urban weather station observations within the Amsterdam metropolitan region showed that the forecasting system successfully determined the impact of urban morphological characteristics and urban spatial structure on local temperatures, including the cooling effect of large water bodies on local urban temperatures. The forecasting system has important practical applications for end users such as public health agencies, local governments, and energy companies. It appears that the forecasting system enables forecasts of events on a neighborhood level where human thermal comfort indices exceeded risk thresholds during warm weather episodes. These results prove that worldwide urban weather forecasting is within reach of NWP, provided that appropriate data and computing resources become available to ensure timely and efficient forecasts.
The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Building Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change: Perspectives from Vanuatu
Authors: Granderson Ainka A.
Published: May 2017

There is increasing recognition of traditional knowledge as an important store of information and practices for building adaptive capacity for climate change in the Pacific. However, empirical research and documentation of how Pacific Islanders experience climate change, identify relevant adaptation options, and mobilize their adaptive capacity, including traditional knowledge, remains limited. Given this context, indigenous islander perspectives on traditional knowledge and its role in building their adaptive capacity are examined in this article. The author draws on research with the Nakanamanga-speaking peoples of Tongoa Island, Vanuatu. This research documents traditional knowledge relating to weather and climate observations; resource use and management; social networks; local leadership; and values and beliefs in these indigenous communities and reveals differing perspectives about its potential to enhance local adaptive capacity. It highlights indigenous concerns about self-reliance, cultural continuity, and how the transition to a cash economy, the valorization of Western education and lifestyles, and rural–urban migration have had adverse implications for traditional knowledge and its retention. It further reveals potential trade-offs for indigenous communities on Tongoa Island, where traditional governance, tenure systems, and values enable flexibility and collective action that build adaptive capacity but can also promote conservative attitudes and limit uptake of new information and practices.
Strategizing with Biases: Making Better Decisions Using the Mindspace Approach
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Vlaev Ivo , Fang Christina , Denrell Jerker , Chater Nick
Published: May 2017

This article introduces strategists to the Mindspace framework and explores its applications in strategic contexts. This framework consists of nine effective behavioral interventions that are grounded in public policy applications, and it focuses on how changing the context can be more effective than attempts to de-bias decision makers. Behavioral changes are likely when we follow rather than fight human nature. Better decisions can be achieved by engineering choice contexts to “engage a bias” to overcome a more damaging bias. This article illustrates how to engineer strategic contexts through two case studies and outlines directions and challenges when applying Mindspace to strategic decisions.
Undertriage of Pediatric Major Trauma Patients in the United States
Authors: Peng Jin , Wheeler Krista , Groner Jonathan I. , Haley Kathryn J. , Xiang Henry
Published: May 2017

Although trauma undertriage has been widely discussed in the literature, undertriage in the pediatric trauma population remains understudied. Using the 2009-2013 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, we assessed the national undertriage rate in pediatric major trauma patients (age ≤16 years and injury severity score [ISS] >15), and identified factors associated with pediatric trauma undertriage. Nationally, 21.7% of pediatric major trauma patients were undertriaged. Children living in rural areas were more likely to be undertriaged ( P = .02), as were those without insurance ( P = .00). Children with life-threatening injuries were less likely to be undertriaged ( P < .0001), as were those with chronic conditions ( P < .0001). Improving access to specialized pediatric trauma care through innovative service delivery models may reduce undertriage and improve outcomes for pediatric major trauma patients.
Cost-Effectiveness of Caries Prevention in Practice: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O’Neill C. , Worthington H.V. , Donaldson M. , Birch S. , Noble S. , Killough S. , Murphy L. , Greer M. , Brodison J. , Verghis R. , Tickle M.
Published: May 2017

A 2-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial measured the cost-effectiveness of caries prevention in caries-free children aged 2 to 3 y attending general practice. The setting was 22 dental practices in Northern Ireland. Participants were centrally randomized into intervention (22,600 ppm fluoride varnish, toothbrush, a 50-mL tube of 1,450 ppm fluoride toothpaste, and standardized prevention advice) and control (advice only), both provided at 6-monthly intervals during a 3-y follow-up. The primary outcome measure was conversion from caries-free to caries-active states assessed by calibrated and blinded examiners; secondary outcome measures included decayed, missing, or filled teeth surfaces (dmfs); pain; and extraction. Cumulative costs were related to each of the trial’s outcomes in a series of incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Sensitivity analyses examined the impact of using dentist’s time as measured by observation rather than that reported by the dentist. The costs of applying topical fluoride were also estimated assuming the work was undertaken by dental nurses or hygienists rather than dentists. A total of 1,248 children (624 randomized to each group) were recruited, and 1,096 (549 in the intervention group and 547 in the control group) were included in the final analyses. The mean difference in direct health care costs between groups was £107.53 (£155.74 intervention, £48.21 control, P < 0.05) per child. When all health care costs were compared, the intervention group’s mean cost was £212.56 more than the control group (£987.53 intervention, £774.97 control, P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in outcomes were only detected with respect to carious surfaces. The mean cost per carious surface avoided was estimated at £251 (95% confidence interval, £454.39–£79.52). Sensitivity analyses did not materially affect the study’s findings. This trial raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of a fluoride-based intervention delivered at the practice level in the context of a state-funded dental service (EudraCT No: 2009-010725-39; ISRCTN: ISRCTN36180119).
The Impact of Ultrasound on Prenatal Attachment Among Disembodied and Embodied Knowers
Authors: Harpel Tammy S. , Barras Kari Gentry
Published: May 2017

Utilizing data from three studies that each focused on a different population (expectant mothers, expectant grandmothers, expectant fathers), this study sought to explore the perceived impact of ultrasound technology on feelings of prenatal attachment, hypothesizing significant differences in perceived impact would exist between expectant mothers, fathers, and grandmothers and between embodied and disembodied knowers. Participants in all three studies completed an online questionnaire which contained a 14-item prenatal attachment scale that required them to indicate how strongly they perceived the ultrasound exam affected their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding the unborn baby and the pregnancy. Results of analysis of variance and t-test analyses did not support the hypotheses. Significant differences did exist on individual attachment scale items. The findings of the study have implications for health care practice, as well as for facilitating family involvement and support for pregnant women.
Predicting emotional response to music through a compound neural network
Authors: Saiz-Clar Elena , Reales José M.
Published: May 2017

The emotional effects of music have a cross-cultural component that can be explained through the tonal and non-tonal properties of musical pieces. To investigate the relationship between music and the emotions it arouses, we have built a composite neural network with the aim of predicting both the emotional categorization and the emotional valence and activation of Vieillard et al.’s (2008) musical stimuli. Our neural network uses two Adalines in the first level of the structure to predict activation and emotional valence from a minimal set of temporal and tonal properties of the stimuli (rhythm, tempo, time signature, mode, absolute tonal range and the frequency of the lowest note). In the second level, the network uses a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) network to classify the stimuli into four emotional categories (calm, happiness, fear and sadness). The results have allowed us to replicate the features of the Circumplex Model of Emotion. The percentage of explained variance obtained for activation is satisfactory and higher than in previous research for emotional valence. The percentage of music pieces correctly classified by the SOM was also very high (87%). We discuss the results in relation to competing models of music and emotion.