bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2 assay for detection of multiple respiratory viral pathogens in nasal and throat swabs in Vietnam
Authors: Thi Ty Hang Vu , Thi Han Ny Nguyen , My Phuc Tran , Thi Thanh Tam Pham , Thao Huong Dang , Dang Trung Nghia Ho , Tran Anh Vu Nguyen , Thi Hong Phuong Pham , Van Xang Nguyen , Dong Nguyen , Nhu Hiep Pham , Van Hung Nguyen , Tinh Hien Tran , Rabaa Maia , Thwaites Guy E. , Baker Stephen , Van Tan Le , van Doorn H.Rogier ,   VIZIONS consortium
Published: September 2017

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are among the leading causes of hospitalization in children ≤5 years old. Rapid diagnostics of viral pathogens is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment, thereby slowing down antibiotic-resistance. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2 against viral specific PCR as reference assays for ARI in Vietnam.

Methods: Four hundred and forty two nose and throat swabs were collected in viral transport medium, and were tested with Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2. Multiplex RT-PCR and single RT-PCR were used as references.   

Results: Overall, viral pathogens were detected in a total count of 270/294 (91.8%, 95% CI 88.1-94.7) by the Luminex among reference assays, whilst 112/6336 (1.8%, 95% CI, 1.4-2.1) of pathogens were detected by the Luminex, but not by reference assays. Frequency of pathogens detected by Luminex and reference assays was 379 and 292, respectively. The diagnostic yield was 66.7% (295/442, 95%CI 62.1-71.1%) for the Luminex assay and 54.1% (239/442, 95% CI, 49.3-58.8%) for reference assays. The Luminex kit had higher yields for all viruses except influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human bocavirus. High agreements between both methods [mean (range): 0.91 (0.83-1.00)] were found for 10/15 viral agents.

Conclusions: The Luminex assay is a high throughput multiplex platform for rapid detection of common viral pathogens causing ARI. Although the current high cost may prevent Luminex assays from being widely used, especially in limited resource settings where ARI are felt most, its introduction in clinical diagnostics may help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotic prescription.
Technology of composite erosion-radiation coating
Authors: Смоленцев Владислав , Smolentsev Vladislav , Кондратьев Михаил , Kondratiev Mihail , Смоленцев Евгений , Smolentsev Evgeny
Published: September 2017

A new method of composite treatment with the simultaneous impact of thermal energy of a current pulse and heat supply of a plasma beam is developed. The mechanism of a qualitative coating formation is shown at which the thick layer shaping with the improved micro-profile is achieved, where a micro-surface profile matching is achieved at the expense of the impact of concentrated energy supplied by a plasma beam to the surface of a molten coating causing an increased metal castability, its runoff from lugs into hollows and micro-irregularity height decrease.

A mechanism of combined process behavior is developed which allowed creating a procedure of the design of technological modes, defining their place in technological transitions and substantiating maximum accessible technological potentialities of the method offered at the realization of working matters for science intensive products.

The examples of the efficient use of a combined erosion-beam plasma treatment are shown, which extends a field of the method application and lightens a technological pre-production at the introduction into manufacturing science intensive products of new engineering generations.
Peculiarities of electro-erosion machining with discharge low-energy pulses
Authors: Моргунов Юрий , Morgunov Yuryi , Саушкин Борис , Saushkin Boris , Груздев Андрей , Gruzdev Andrey
Published: September 2017

The investigations of energetic characteristics of an erosion pulse and geometric parameters of single erosion dimples at the application of discharge low-energy pulses are carried out. A non-linear dependence of pulse energy upon its length under given conditions is shown. On the basis of the experiment results a value of the factor of electro-erosion workability for steel 12Ch18N10T is specified.
Intensity increase in metal removal at vibration treatment based on use of “slot” effect in working chamber
Authors: Бабичев Анатолий , Babichev Anatoly , Пастухов Филипп , Pastukhov Philip , Вобу Амбогему , Vobu Ambogemu , Вейса Гурета , Veissa Gureta
Published: September 2017

The results of the investigations on metal removal intensity increase during the vibration treatment on the basis of the “slot” effect use in a working chamber are presented. The investigation results presented show that with the decrease of a section dimension in the working chamber metal removal increases and surface roughness is getting better.
On the Optimal Exercise Boundaries of Swing Put Options
Authors: De Angelis Tiziano , Kitapbayev Yerkin
Published: September 2017

We use probabilistic methods to characterise time-dependent optimal stopping boundaries in a problem of multiple optimal stopping on a finite time horizon. Motivated by financial applications, we consider a payoff of immediate stopping of “put” type, and the underlying dynamics follows a geometric Brownian motion. The optimal stopping region relative to each optimal stopping time is described in terms of two boundaries, which are continuous, monotonic functions of time and uniquely solve a system of coupled integral equations of Volterra-type. Finally, we provide a formula for the value function of the problem.
Polynema (Polynema) dikobraz sp. nov., a remarkable fairyfly (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from Madagascar
Authors: Triapitsyn Serguei V.
Published: September 2017

A new Afrotropical species of Polynema Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Polynema (Polynema) dikobraz Triapitsyn sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on the type series from Madagascar. It is quite remarkable in having unique enlarged spine-like setae on the fore wing disc, not only among the congeneric taxa but also among all the known fairyflies in the world. Together with another, undescribed, similar species of Polynema also from Madagascar, this new taxon is placed in the informal dikobraz species group of its nominate subgenus.
Art in weightlessness: From outer space to virtual worlds
Authors: Murnik Maja
Published: September 2017

Space art and art within virtual worlds share conceptual and even ontological commonalities. There are three issues that can be examined in relation to these: the ‘problem of gravity’, the extensions of the body and the issue of scientific abstraction. Several art projects will be discussed relating to these themes including the Futurist manifestos of aerial art, space poetry, Babeli’s Come to Heaven, and Živadinov’s Biomechanics Noordung and Noordung:: 1995–2045.
Naïve subjects: Intra-actions and gravitational states
Authors: Wilson Louise K.
Published: September 2017

This article – comprising a series of notes − explores the field of contemporary artists’ research in(to) varying gravitational states. It is anchored in a discussion of zero gravity, derived from my own participation in a parabolic flight above Star City in Moscow in 2001 (Arts Catalyst MIR flight 001). The audio interviews, video documentation and e-mail correspondence gathered pre and post-flight, have variously informed my thinking into the unparalleled physical, psychological and philosophical effects that can be experienced. The notion of the MIR flight offering productive material for art making is contextualized within a longer timeline of my own personal experiences in specific research environments being subjected to (recorded) scientific study. This earlier lab activity initially resulted in artworks where the intersubjectivities of scientist and subject were foregrounded, however, a persistent consideration had been the agency of technology in effecting physical phenomena. As will be emphasized, the temporary transformative states experienced in a parabolic flight are strongly affective and meaningful. I will argue that parabolic flight produces ‘intra-action’ (to use physicist Karen Barad’s term), a process whereby bodies, technologies, discourses, gravitational variants and vibration momentarily come into being with enduring significance.
Valores de referência dos parâmetros hematológicos de Oreochromis niloticus (Linaeus 1758) cultivados em tanques-rede em Paulo Afonso, no Estado da Bahia, Brasil.
Authors: Azevedo Tatiana Maslowa Pegado de
Published: September 2017

O nordeste brasileiro destaca-se na produção de tilápias do Nilo em tanques-rede e a região de Paulo Afonso como o quarto maior produtor. O conhecimento da fisiologia dos peixes, da influência do manejo e das condições ambientais é importante para garantir sucesso no cultivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar valores dos parâmetros hematológicos em tilápias do Nilo cultivadas em tanques-rede na região de Paulo Afonso, Estado da Bahia, Brasil, avaliando-se o sob efeito da sazonalidade. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) do número de eritrócitos, do volume globular, da concentração da hemoglobina, do volume corpuscular médio, da concentração da hemoglobina corpuscular média, do número total de leucócitos, e do número relativo de linfócitos e neutrófilos. Os parâmetros hematológicos estudados apresentaram influência da sazonalidade. Os valores hematológicos obtidos podem ser utilizados em futuros estudos comparativos da saúde dos peixes em cultivos semelhantes. Palavras chave: hematologia, peixe, sazonalidade, sanidade
Suffizienz, Effizienz, Konsistenz
Authors: Gallego Carrera Diana , Wassermann Sandra , Zech Daniel
Published: September 2017

Wie kann eine nachhaltige Wärmeenergienutzung durch Privathaushalte erreicht werden? Dabei gilt es nicht nur die Privathaushalte, sondern auch die Akteure im Umfeld sowie strukturelle Einflüsse zu beachten. Innovative Handlungsempfehlungen müssen diese verschiedenen Ebenen berücksichtigen.
Indirekte Landnutzungsänderungen: Fakt oder Fiktion?
Authors: Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: September 2017

Die Diskussion über die Klimawirkung von Biokraftstoffen führte zu der Forderung, Kohlenstoffdioxid-Faktoren für indirekte Landnutzungsänderungenin die Umweltbewertung einzubeziehen. Für die Integration solcher Faktoren inÖkobilanzen fehlt jedoch eine wissenschaftlich belastbare Grundlage.
Wachstumsbeschleunigung ja, Klimaschutz nein
Authors: Brunnengräber Achim
Published: September 2017

Die Biokraftstoffpolitik der Europäischen Union soll das Klima schützen, die Energiesicherheit garantieren und polit-ökonomische Vorteile bringen. Stehen diese Ziele in Konkurrenz zueinander, so werden polit-ökonomische Vorteile jedoch systematisch höher bewertet. Die sozialökologischen Krisen werden damit eher verstärkt als bekämpft.
Regionalentwicklung durch Biokraftstoffproduktion
Authors: Herrmann Raoul , Brüntrup Michael
Published: September 2017

Malawi ist das einzige Land in Afrika, in dem seit vielen Jahren Biokraftstoff in industriellem Maßstab produziert wird. Welche sozio-ökonomischen Auswirkungen hat die zuckerrohrbasierte Ethanolproduktion für Vertragsbauern und Arbeiter?
Suffizienz in der Unternehmenskommunikation
Authors: Griese Kai-Michael , Halstrup Dominik
Published: September 2017

Im Mittelpunkt der ökologieorientierten Unternehmenskommunikation stehen vor allem effizienzorientierte oder konsistenzorientierte Ansätze. Die suffizienzorientierte Kommunikation stellt dagegen einen genügsamen und umweltverträglichen Material- und Energieverbrauch des Konsumenten in den Mittelpunkt. Sie fördert damit neue Konsum- und Lebensweisen.
The relationship between reactive and proactive Aggression and emotional and behavioral difficulties: Criterion validity of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) among preadolescents
Authors: Uz Baş Aslı , Yurdabakan İrfan
Published: September 2017

The present study aimed to assess the criterion validity of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) in a Turkish sample of preadolescents. Participants consisted of 379 middle school students (190 boys and 189 girls) aged 11 to 15 years. In this study, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used as the criterion instrument. Findings from stepwise regression analysis revealed that conduct problems were the strongest predictor of both reactive and proactive aggression. Additionally, reactive aggression was uniquely predicted by emotional symptoms and hyperactivity, whereas proactive aggression was uniquely predicted by prosocial behavior. Our results indicate that the RPQ has acceptable criterion validity for use in Turkish preadolescents.
The Early Reception of Bernard Williams’ Reduplication Argument (1956–62)
Authors: Sauchelli Andrea
Published: September 2017

The reduplication argument advanced by Bernard Williams in 1956 has greatly stimulated the contemporary debate on personal identity. The argument relies on a famous thought experiment that, although not new in the history of philosophy, has engaged some of the most influential contemporary philosophers on the topic. I propose here an interpretation of the argument and a reconstruction of the early reception that Williams’ paper had in the 6 years immediately after its publication. The works discussed include papers by C. B. Martin, G. C. Nerlich, R. Coburn, and J. M. Shorter.
Fracture behavior of highly toughened poly(lactic acid)/ethylene-co-vinyl acetate blends
Authors: Zeng Qingtao , Feng Yongqi , Wang Ruyin , Ma Piming
Published: September 2017

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is brittle which restricts the range of its applications. The toughness of PLA was effectively improved in this work by incorporation of rubber grade ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVM). For example, the elongation at break of PLA increased by about 50 times after the addition of the EVM (10–30 wt%), although the EVM was not miscible with the PLA matrix. Furthermore, the notched impact toughness of PLA/EVM blend (70/30 wt/wt) reached to 85 kJ/m2even at a temperature as low as −10°C. The critical temperatures of brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) for PLA/EVM blends are observed at −20~0°C depending on the composition, while no BTD transition appeared for neat PLA. The impact fracture surface morphology of PLA and PLA/EVM blends observed by SEM indicates that the toughening modification was achieved through obvious matrix yielding. Moreover, the toughening behavior of the PLA/EVM blends was also interpreted quantitatively by using a single-edge notched three-point bending model (SEN3PB). The SEN3PB experiments reveal that the fracture energy was consumed in an outer plastic zone away from the fracture surface rather than in the inner fracture process zone, which accounts for the high toughness of the PLA/EVM blends.
Toxicological study of some ionic liquids
Authors: Perales Eduardo , Lomba Laura , García-Escudero María , Sarasa Esther , Lafuente Carlos E. , Giner Beatriz
Published: September 2017

The increasing interest in the development of new environment-friendly solvents has led to the synthesis of new materials that minimize the impact of solvents on the environment. However, most of the published studies on green solvents focus primarily on their physicochemical properties, with limited emphasis on their toxicological risk in the environment. In this study, the acute toxicities of five ionic liquids, 1-propylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-2-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, on Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna are evaluated. In the latter bioassay, the presence and position of a methyl group on the pyridinium ring or the length of the chain attached to the nitrogen atom seem to be the key factors for toxicity. In the Vibrio fischeri study, the alkyl chain attached to the nitrogen atom has a considerable influence on EC50 values. Moreover, quantitative structure activity relationship studies are performed to relate their physicochemical properties with their acute toxicity.
Obtaining Ceramic Materials from Hydroxyapatite Using Spark-Plasma Sintering
Authors: Bulanov Evgeny N. , Boldin Maxim S. , Knyazev Alexander V. , Korokin Vitaliy Zh. , Popov Alexander A.
Published: September 2017

Hydroxyapatite was synthesized via sol-gel and solid-state reaction. Both compounds were investigated using high-temperature X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. For sol-gel hydroxyapatite, we observed a phase transition, confirmed by character of changing of unit-cell parameters, thermal expansion coefficients and endothermic effect on DTA curve. In the process of obtaining ceramics using spark-plasma sintering both compounds manifested an unexpected shrinkage rate. All effects were explained on the basis of changings in crystal structure during distortion polymorphic transition.
An Investigation of Wear Behaviors of AA7075 Al Hybrid Composites
Authors: Yıldırım Musa , Özyürek Dursun
Published: September 2017

This study investigates the wear behavior of Al hybrid composites produced by adding 4 % Ti and different amounts of B4C (ex situ) to the AA7075 alloy produced by powder metallurgy method in order to obtain TiAl3 (in situ) reinforcement phase. Different amounts of B4C (3 %, 6 % and 9 %) were added to the 4 % Ti added AA7075 alloy. Preformed parts were sintered in controlled atmosphere (argon) heat treatment furnace at 580 °C for 4 hours and then cooled. After the sintering process, the samples were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and density and hardness measurements. Wear tests of the samples were conducted at 1ms-1 sliding speed, under 30N load for 6 different sliding distances (500–3000 m). As a result of the study, the density of the AA7075 alloys, added 4 % Ti and different amounts of B4C, was observed to decrease by the increasing amount of reinforcement elements. Also, the highest hardness value was measured for the 9 % B4C added AA7075 alloy. Wear test results showed that the weight loss of the aluminum hybrid composites increased with the increasing sliding distance. On the other hand, it was observed that weight losses of composites decreased with increasing amount of B4C.
An Efficient Adaptive Filter for Fetal ECG Extraction Using Neural Network
Authors: Kaleem Abdullah Mohammed , Kokate Rajendra D.
Published: September 2017

Fetal electrocardiogram checking is a strategy for acquiring critical data about the state of the fetus during pregnancy and labor. This is done by measuring electrical signals created by the fetal heart as measured from multichannel potential recordings on the mother’s body surface. In any case, extraction of fetal signal is difficult because the signal is marred by the mother’s heartbeat signal. Subsequently, in this paper, a powerful versatile filtering strategy is utilized to eliminate the mother’s heartbeat signal with the specific end goal of extricating the fetal signal. The proposed procedure was executed in the working stage of MATLAB and the execution results were investigated.
Micromorphologies of amber beads: manufacturing and use-wear traces as indicators of the artefacts’ biography
Authors: Strafella A. , Angelini I. , Guida G. , Ferrari S. , Cupitò M. , Giuliani M. R. , Vidale M.
Published: September 2017

Eine Reihe bronzezeitlicher Bernsteinperlen von zwei unterschiedlichen norditalienischen Fundplätzen wurde mit optischer und opto-digitaler Mikroskopie für hochauflösende 3D-Bilder, Rasterelektronenmikroskopie sowie mittels extrem feiner Silikonabgüsse der Durchlochungen untersucht. Die Ausgüsse belegen die Verwendung eines glühenden Werkzeugs, das Spuren an den Innenwänden der Perforationen hinterließ, dies ungeachtet des Abriebs aufgrund der Kettenfäden. Berichtet wird ferner über den Überrest einer verdrillten Pflanzenfaser, die in einem der Perlenlöcher entdeckt wurde, und deren Deutung diskutiert wird.
The effect of CTLA-4 and CD28 gene variants and circulating protein levels in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Arikan Soykan , Gümüş Alper , Küçükhüseyin Özlem , Coşkun Cihan , Turan Saime , Cacina Canan , Kelten Talu Canan , Akyüz Filiz , Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Kıran Bayram , Yaylım İlhan
Published: September 2017

Objective

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The risk factors for gastric cancer include environmental and genetic factors. Inflammation and the immune system are known to contribute to the development of the gastric cancer. We examined the influence of critical polymorphisms of CTLA-4 and CD28 genes and circulating protein levels on the etiology of gastric cancer.

Methods

Genotyping of SNPs was performed in 55 gastric cancer patients and 105 healthy individuals using the PCR-RFLP method, and circulating levels of sCTLA-4 and sCD28 were measured.

Results

There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele distributions of the evaluated SNPs [CTLA-4-318 C>T (rs5742909), CTLA-4+49 A>G (rs231775), CD28 C>T (rs3116496)] between gastric cancer patients and controls (p=0.36, p=0.78, and p=0.80, respectively). The circulating levels of sCTLA-4 and sCD28 were significantly different between the gastric cancer group and the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The present results suggest that the CTLA-4 and CD28 gene polymorphisms that were evaluated do not play an important role in Turkish patients with gastric cancer. However, sCTLA4 and sCD28 levels were higher in cancer patients and may be useful as an auxiliary parameter in the diagnosis and monitoring of gastric cancer.
Asymptotic Analysis of a Nonlinear Problem on Domain Boundaries in Convection Patterns by Homotopy Renormalization Method
Authors: Xin Hua
Published: September 2017

In this article, using the homotopy renormalization method, the asymptotic analysis to a nonlinear problem on domain boundaries in convection patterns are given. In particular, by taking a variable coefficient homotopy equation, the global asymptotic solutions satisfying boundary conditions are obtained. These results are better than the existing analytic approximation solutions.
Konventionen der Arbeitsintegration
Authors: Canonica Alan
Published: September 2017

Conventions of Occupational Integration. The Employment of Disabled People in Swiss Enterprises (1950 to 1980)

Disabled people's access to the labour market is one of the leading ideas in disability policy. Its success depends on the willingness of employers to employ handicapped people. Both historical and social studies focus on the welfare state or the people in question, while the perspective of the employers is often neglected. Under what conditions are companies willing to employ people whose performance diverges from the common interest to maximise economic output? Switzerland is well suited for a case study, since there are no regulations for employers, such as a quota-system. Incorporating the theory of «économie des conventions», this study investigates how employers' associations and companies justify employment of disabled people and how these people are valued. The timeframe investigated spans from the immediate post-war period to 1980.
Reticulospinal Contributions to Gross Hand Function after Human Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Baker Stuart N. , Perez Monica A.
Published: September 2017

Multiple descending motor pathways likely contribute to the recovery of hand motor function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Reticulospinal neurons project to spinal motor neurons controlling hand muscles and extensively sprout into gray matter structures after SCI; therefore, it has been proposed that the reticulospinal tract is one of the descending motor pathways involved in recovery of hand function after injury. To test this hypothesis, we examined the StartReact response, an involuntary release of a planned movement via a startling stimulus that engages the reticulospinal tract, by measuring reaction times from electromyographic activity in an intrinsic finger muscle during three motor tasks requiring different degrees of hand dexterity: index finger abduction, a precision grip, and a power grip. Males and females with and without incomplete chronic cervical SCI were tested. We found that although SCI participants voluntarily responded to all tasks, reaction times were shorter during a startle cue while performing a power grip but not index finger abduction or precision grip. Control subjects had similarly shorter reaction times during a startle cue in all motor tasks. These results provide the first evidence for a contribution of the reticulospinal tract to hand control in humans with SCI during gross finger manipulations and suggest that this contribution is less pronounced during fine dexterous finger movements.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt has been long proposed that brainstem pathways contribute to the recovery of hand function in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we show that individuals with anatomically incomplete chronic cervical SCI responded to a startle stimulus, a test that engages the reticulospinal tract, while performing a power grip but not during index finger abduction or precision grip. Control subjects responded to a startle stimulus similarly across tasks. These observations suggest that reticulospinal outputs after SCI contribute to hand motor tasks involving gross finger movements. Interestingly, this contribution is less pronounced during fine dexterous finger movements.
The Hox proteins Ubx and AbdA collaborate with the transcription pausing factor M1BP to regulate gene transcription
Authors: Zouaz Amel , Auradkar Ankush , Delfini Marie Claire , Macchi Meiggie , Barthez Marine , Ela Akoa Serge , Bastianelli Leila , Xie Gengqiang , Deng Wu‐Min , Levine Stuart S , Graba Yacine , Saurin Andrew J
Published: September 2017

In metazoans, the pausing of RNA polymerase II at the promoter (paused Pol II) has emerged as a widespread and conserved mechanism in the regulation of gene transcription. While critical in recruiting Pol II to the promoter, the role transcription factors play in transitioning paused Pol II into productive Pol II is, however, little known. By studying how Drosophila Hox transcription factors control transcription, we uncovered a molecular mechanism that increases productive transcription. We found that the Hox proteins AbdA and Ubx target gene promoters previously bound by the transcription pausing factor M1BP, containing paused Pol II and enriched with promoter‐proximal Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins, yet lacking the classical H3K27me3 PcG signature. We found that AbdA binding to M1BP‐regulated genes results in reduction in PcG binding, the release of paused Pol II, increases in promoter H3K4me3 histone marks and increased gene transcription. Linking transcription factors, PcG proteins and paused Pol II states, these data identify a two‐step mechanism of Hox‐driven transcription, with M1BP binding leading to Pol II recruitment followed by AbdA targeting, which results in a change in the chromatin landscape and enhanced transcription.
Histone Acetylation, Not Stoichiometry, Regulates Linker Histone Binding inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lawrence Mackenzie B D , Coutin Nicolas , Choi Jennifer K , Martin Benjamin J E , Irwin Nicholas A T , Young Barry , Loewen Christopher , Howe LeAnn J
Published: September 2017

Linker histones play an important role in shaping chromatin structure, but the regulation of their interactions with chromatin is poorly understood...

Linker histones play a fundamental role in shaping chromatin structure, but how their interaction with chromatin is regulated is not well understood. In this study, we used a combination of genetic and genomic approaches to explore the regulation of linker histone binding in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that increased expression of Hho1, the yeast linker histone, resulted in a severe growth defect, despite only subtle changes in chromatin structure. Further, this growth defect was rescued by mutations that increase histone acetylation. Consistent with this, genome-wide analysis of linker histone occupancy revealed an inverse correlation with histone tail acetylation in both yeast and mouse embryonic stem cells. Collectively, these results suggest that histone acetylation negatively regulates linker histone binding in S. cerevisiae and other organisms and provide important insight into how chromatin structure is regulated and maintained to both facilitate and repress transcription.
Assessment of the quality of life and performance status in patients with oral submucous fibrosis in central India
Authors: Chole Revant H. , Patil Ranjitkumar
Published: September 2017

Background and aims. Measuring quality of life in patients with oral submucous fibrosis is of utmost importance in assessing treatment outcomes. This study examined the impact of oral submucous fibrosis and its treatment on the quality of life and performance status of persons with oral submucous fibrosis.Methods. Quality of life was measured in patients with oral submucous fibrosis using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life head and neck 35 Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C35); performance status was measured by Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN), at four points in time: baseline, one month, two months and three months after start of treatment.Results. At the end of third month Group A and Group B showed 78% and 85% increase in mouth opening respectively. While the burning sensation of oral mucosa was decreased by 72% and 88% in group A and group B respectively (Z>1.96, P<0.05), there were significant differences in patients' quality of life and functioning at three points in time (P < 0.05).Conclusion. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life head and neck 35 Questionnaire and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients can be used successfully in potentially malignant disorders like oral submucous fibrosis. The results in this study will surely be a good guide forother studies on oral submucous fibrosis.
Intraperitoneal Administration of Rosuvastatin Prevents Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions by Decreasing the Release of Tumor Necrosis Factor
Authors: Chiorescu Stefan , Andercou Octavian Aurel , Grad Nicolae Ovidiu , Mironiuc Ion Aurel
Published: September 2017

Objectives. The purpose of this experimental study was to demonstrate the reduction of peritoneal adhesions formation in rats after intraperitoneal administration of rosuvastatin, due to its anti-inflammatory effect.Method. Peritoneal adhesions were induced in 120 Wistar-Bratislava rats divided into 4 groups (n=30), using a parietal and visceral (cecal) abrasion model. Group I was designated as control group; in group II, a saline solution was administered intraperitoneally; in groups III and IV, a single dose of rosuvastatin solution, 10 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg respectively, was injected intraperitoneally. The serum values of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1α) were determined on day 1 and day 7 postoperatively (ELISA). Macroscopic assessment of the peritoneal adhesions was conducted on day 14.Results. Rosuvastatin therapy induced a significant decrease of tumor necrosis factor serum levels in groups III and IV, on day 1 and day 7 (p<0.01). Intraperitoneal administration of rosuvastatin correlated with a decrease of mean interleukin-1α levels on postoperative day 1 in groups III (p=0.0013) and IV (p=0.00011), but not on day 7, where the differences were no longer statistically significant (p=0.8) The reduction of postoperative peritoneal adhesions in the experimental rat model is supported by the anti-inflammatory effect of rosuvastatin, mediated mainly by the tumor necrosis factor.Conclusions. Rosuvastatin prevents the formation of postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats. This effect may be linked to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines release in the early stages of adhesions formation. The present study suggests that rosuvastatin may be an efficient pharmacological agent in the prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions development, and requires further studies as it has a promising application value.
Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Complicated by a Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor and Tumor-Forming Pancreatitis
Authors: Kaneko Rena , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Nakazaki Natsuko , Yano Yuichiro , Ogawa Masazumi , Sato Yuzuru
Published: September 2017

Background: Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is considered to be benign in biological behavior, and its malignant transformation is extremely rare. There has only been one published case of primary hepatic lymphoma complicated by hepatic IPT.Case presentation: A 73-year-old man presented with obstructive jaundice and a pancreatic head mass. Histology of the mass revealed chronic pancreatitis with lymphoid follicle formation, leading to a diagnosis of a suspicion of follicular pancreatitis. After a choledochojejunostomy, a hepatic tumor was detected, and a biopsy revealed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the polyclonal nature of lymphoplasma cells, indicative of an IPT. The hepatic tumor disappeared during follow-up, but the patient exhibited a high fever related to tumor recurrence. A biopsy revealed the co-existence of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and an IPT. IgG4-related disease was excluded because storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and a significant increase in IgG4-immunoreactive cells were absent in all investigated tissues. The tumor completely disappeared after chemotherapy.Conclusion: Careful observation is necessary in this kind of situation because the presence of a hepatic IPT may represent an increased risk of malignant transformation.Abbreviations: IPT: inflammatory pseudotumor; DLBCL: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; CT: computed tomography; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; sIL-2R: soluble interleukin-2 receptor; EBER: Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA; R-CHOP: rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone
Volumetric Laser Endomicroscopy for Barrett’s Esophagus – Looking at the Fine Print
Authors: Jain Deepanshu , Fatima Sanna , Jain Shilpa , Singhal Shashideep
Published: September 2017

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition. The incidence of adenocarcinoma in BE has been reported to be between 0.1-3%. Dysplasia in BE is patchy and extensive biopsy sampling is labor intensive, low yield and does not eliminate the sampling error completely. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is expected to enable endoscopists to do targeted biopsy of dysplastic/cancerous lesions (not visible on white light endoscopy) among patients with BE. We reviewed 7 studies with a total of 62 subjects who had undergone VLE. Of 34 patients with available data, VLE correlated with histology in 17 subjects (50%). It missed the underlying diagnosis in one subject (2.9%). VLE led to inadvertent biopsy in 16 patients (47.1%), and led or would have led to upstaging of disease in 11 subjects (32.4%). In the entire cohort, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) of VLE for diagnosis of dysplasia, buried Barrett’s or intramucosal carcinoma was 92.3%, 23.8%, 42.9% and 83.3%, respectively. High sensitivity and NPV can potentially help space out the surveillance intervals. Low specificity does lead to a high number of biopsies, which are likely less than non targeted biopsies. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy is a safe and sensitive test to identify mucosal lesions in patients with BE which are invisible under standard white light endoscopy.Abbreviations: BE: Barrett’s Esophagus; BB: Buried Barrett’s; EAC: Esophageal adenocarcinoma; EDS: Evans Dysplasia Score; EMR: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; GERD: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease; HGD: High grade dysplasia; IMC: Intra-mucosal adenocarcinoma; LGD: Low grade dysplasia; NBI: Narrow Band Imaging; OCT-SI: Optical Coherence Tomography Scoring Index; RFA: Radiofrequency ablation; SGS: Sub-squamous glandular structures; VLE: Volumetric Laser Endomicroscopy; WLE: White Light Endoscopy.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antibiotic Use for Viral Illness in Emergency Departments
Authors: Goyal Monika K. , Johnson Tiffani J. , Chamberlain James M. , Casper T. Charles , Simmons Timothy , Alessandrini Evaline A. , Bajaj Lalit , Grundmeier Robert W. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Lorch Scott A. , Alpern Elizabeth R. ,   for The Pediatric Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

In the primary care setting, there are racial and ethnic differences in antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Viral ARTIs are commonly diagnosed in the pediatric emergency department (PED), in which racial and ethnic differences in antibiotic prescribing have not been previously reported. We sought to investigate whether patient race and ethnicity was associated with differences in antibiotic prescribing for viral ARTIs in the PED.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective cohort study of encounters at 7 PEDs in 2013, in which we used electronic health data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between patient race and ethnicity and antibiotics administered or prescribed among children discharged from the hospital with viral ARTI. Children with bacterial codiagnoses, chronic disease, or who were immunocompromised were excluded. Covariates included age, sex, insurance, triage level, provider type, emergency department type, and emergency department site.

RESULTS:

Of 39 445 PED encounters for viral ARTIs that met inclusion criteria, 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4%–2.8%) received antibiotics, including 4.3% of non-Hispanic (NH) white, 1.9% of NH black, 2.6% of Hispanic, and 2.9% of other NH children. In multivariable analyses, NH black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.44; CI 0.36–0.53), Hispanic (aOR 0.65; CI 0.53–0.81), and other NH (aOR 0.68; CI 0.52–0.87) children remained less likely to receive antibiotics for viral ARTIs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with NH white children, NH black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive antibiotics for viral ARTIs in the PED. Future research should seek to understand why racial and ethnic differences in overprescribing exist, including parental expectations, provider perceptions of parental expectations, and implicit provider bias.
The Impact of an Atrial Septal Defect on Hemodynamics in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Shah Saumil R. ,   From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, Waxman Sergio ,   From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, Gaasch William H. ,   From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Published: September 2017

In patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, a large atrial septal defect (ASD) provides an alternate pathway for left atrial emptying and prevents abnormal elevation of left atrial and LV filling pressures. In such patients, closure of the ASD can cause an increase in LV diastolic pressure with pulmonary venous hypertension and congestion. The protective effect of an ASD is attenuated or abolished in the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Thus, an elevated LV diastolic pressure in the presence of an ASD indicates dysfunction or failure of both ventricles. In this situation, pharmacologic or mechanical unloading of the left ventricle may result in right to left shunting with arterial hypoxemia. In the absence of RV failure, creation of an ASD can reduce LV filling pressures. Management of patients with heart failure and an ASD requires accurate assessment of atrial pressures and shunt flows as well as consideration of the functional state of both ventricles.
Uma estética da deriva digital em Mar de Sophia, de Rui Torres
Authors: Pereira Vinicius Carvalho
Published: September 2017

Na era da revolução digital, identidades e discursos se revelam cada vez mais impermanentes, em uma liquidez cara às telas de cristal dos aparatos tecnológicos que hoje medeiam parte significativa dos encontros entre leitores e textos literários. A fim de indagar os impactos da crescente liquefação cultural e discursiva no âmbito da lírica contemporânea, este artigo analisa a obra digital Mar de Sophia, de Rui Torres. Misturando recursos multimídia e procedimentos da lírica moderna, Torres relê poemas de Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, transpostos para o suporte digital e transcriados por recursos intertextuais de recorte, colagem e hibridação. Interessa-nos, sobretudo, compreender como elementos semióticos presentes nos textos da poetisa portuguesa são relidos em uma estética da deriva e da liquidez no softwarepoema de Rui Torres, o qual põe em deslize na tela os sintagmas de Andresen – flutuação do signo poético análoga à da navegação no cyberespaço.********************************************************************An Aesthetics of the Digital Leeway in Mar de Sophia, by Rui TorresAbstract: In the era of digital revolution, identities and discourses are growingly more impermanent, in a liquidity similar to that of the crystal screens of technological devices. Such devices mediate a significant share of the encounters between readers and literary texts nowadays. In order to question the impacts of the growing cultural and discursive liquefaction on contemporary poetry, we herein analyze the digital poem Mar de Sophia, by Rui Torres. By mixing multimedia resources and structures from modern poetry, Torres revisits poems by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, which were transposed into the digital medium and transcreated by intertextual procedures of cutting, pasting and hybridization. We aim to understand how semiotic elements from texts by Andresen are revisited in an aesthetics of leeway and liquidity in the software-poem by Rui Torres. Such software sets Andresen’s phrases adrift on the screen, so that the poetic sign floats the same way one surfs in the cyberspace. Keywords: Rui Torres; Digital poetry; Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen; Leeway; Liquidity
Uma família madeirense de João França: uma saga familiar para refletir (sobre) a mudança dos tempos na Madeira do séc. XX
Authors: Dos Santos Thierry Proença
Published: September 2017

Romance póstumo de João França (1908-1996), publicado em 2005 pela Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz, Uma família madeirense inscreve-se na saga familiar, um género romanesco que visa refletir sobre o percurso das personagens no contexto familiar e social. Além de consubstanciar uma crónica familiar, a força da narrativa de João França reside, em particular, na valorização da componente histórica e também sociológica da Madeira do séc. XX, no período compreendido entre o verão de 1936 (com a revolta do leite em pano de fundo) e o “Verão Quente” de 1975, equacionando os conceitos subjetivos de tradição, rutura e emancipação.********************************************************************Uma família madeirense by João França: a family saga reflecting(on) the changing times in 20th century MadeiraAbstract: The posthumous novel by João França (1908-1996), published in 2005 by the city of Santa Cruz, A Madeiran Family is a family saga, included in the romance genre, which aims to reflect on the journey of the characters in the family and social context. In addition to fleshing out a family chronicle, the strength of João França’s narrative lies, in particular, in the appreciation of the historical and also the sociological component of 20th century Madeira, in the period ranging between the summer of 1936 (with the milk revolt in the background) and the “hot summer” of 1975, equating the subjective concepts of tradition, rupture and emancipation. Keywords: João França; Madeira; Family saga; The milk revolt (1936); The “hot summer” (1975); The decline of the traditional family
MACHADO, David. Índice médio de felicidade. Porto Alegre: Dublinense, 2016. 320 p.
Authors: Junior Valdemar Valente
Published: September 2017

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Nota sobre a recepção de Rilke na lírica brasileira do segundo pós-guerra
Authors: Camilo Vagner
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo integra um estudo mais longo (CAMILO, 2013) sobre a conversãoneoclássica que marcou tanto a lírica de nomes representativos do Modernismo brasileiro (como Drummond, Jorge de Lima, Murilo Mendes e Augusto Meyer) nos anos 1940 e 1950, quanto a poesia da então emergente geração de 45. Para essa conversão, muito contribuiu as concepções sobre o poético de nomes como Eliot, Valéry e Rilke. Interessa aqui discutir alguns aspectos da recepção deste último apenas, partindo do que já inventariou a crítica a esse respeito.********************************************************************Note about the reception of Rilke in the Brazilian lyric of the second post-warAbstract: This article is part of a longer study (CAMILO, 2013) on the neoclassical conversion that marked both the lyric poetry of representative poets of Brazilian Modernism (such as Drummond, Jorge de Lima, Murilo Mendes, and Augusto Meyer) in the 1940s and 1950s, and the poetry of the emerging geração de 45 (generation of 45). The works and poetic conceptions of Eliot, Valéry, and Rilke contributed decisively for this conversion. Here, it is important to discuss only a few aspects of the reception of Rilke’s poetry and ideas from what critics have already cataloged.Keywords: Rilke; Neoclassicismo; Modern Brazilian lyric; Geração de 45 (Generation of 45)
Os leopardos de Kafka: reverência e desconstrução
Authors: Cury Maria Zilda Ferreira
Published: September 2017

Frequentemente é evidenciado pela crítica o diálogo que os textos de Moacyrestabelecem com a obra de Kafka. Tomando como base Os leopardos de Kafka, texto escrito por Scliar sob encomenda da editora Companhia das Letras, pretende-se uma reflexão sobre as relações de reverência e transgressão presentes na obra do escritor gaúcho em diálogo com o texto kafkiano.********************************************************************Os leopardos de Kafka: reverence and desconstructionAbstract: The dialogue that the texts of Moacyr establish with the work of Kafka is often evidenced by the critic. Based on Os leopardos de Kafka, text written by Scliar under the order of Companhia das Letras, this essay intends to reflect on the relations of reverence and transgression present in the work of the Gaucho writer in dialogue with the Kafkaesque text.Keywords: Kafka; Scliar; Humor; Reverence; Transgression