bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Medicinal Uses of Edible Wild Vertebrates in Brazil
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , Oliveira Tacyana Pereira Ribeiro , Medeiros Maria Franco Trindade
Published: August 2017

The use of food medicines is a widespread practice worldwide. In Brazil, such use is often associated with wild animals, mostly focusing on vertebrate species. Here we assessed taxonomic and ecological trends in traditional uses of wild edible vertebrates in the country, through an extensive ethnobiological database analysis. Our results showed that at least 165 health conditions are reportedly treated by edible vertebrate species (n = 204), mostly fishes and mammals. However, reptiles stand out presenting a higher plasticity in the treatment of multiple health conditions. Considering the 20 disease categories recorded, treatment prescriptions were similar within continental (i.e., terrestrial and freshwater) and also within coastal and marine habitats, which may reflect locally related trends in occurrence and use of the medicinal fauna. The comprehension of the multiplicity and trends in the therapeutic uses of Brazilian vertebrates is of particular interest from a conservation perspective, as several threatened species were recorded.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Producing Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein
Authors: Yamada Reiko , Tanaka Kyosuke , Inoue Hiroyuki , Sakuno Takashi , Harada Tetsuro , Yoshizawa Naohiko , Miura Hiroshi , Takeuchi Toshihumi , Nakamura Misaki , Katsurahara Masaki , Hamada Yasuhiko , Horiki Noriyuki , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2017

A 48-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 1-year history of a continuous high fever. She was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma accompanied by leukocytosis without infection. Her serum concentration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was highly elevated. Forty-five days after initiating chemotherapy, she was readmitted because of a neuropsychiatric disturbance and hypercalcemia. Her serum concentration of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP) was elevated. A pretreatment biopsy specimen showed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to anti-PTH-rP antibody, suggesting that overproduction of PTH-rP accounted for the hypercalcemia. Although the patient regained consciousness after treatment, she died of progressive disease 60 days after chemotherapy.
Combined Dorsal and Ulnarward Carpometacarpal Dislocation Associated with Open Fracture of the Base of First Metacarpal and Severe Degloving Injury
Authors: Electricwala Ali J. , Electricwala Jaffer T.
Published: August 2017

We report a rare case of dislocation of second to fourth carpometacarpal (CMC) joints of the right hand with combined dorsal and ulnarward displacement of the second to fourth digits and fracture of the shaft of the first metacarpal associated with degloving injury. These injuries were diagnosed early and treated successfully with closed reduction and internal fixation using Kirschner wires. The functional outcome was good at follow-up at 5 years. A high index of suspicion is required to successfully diagnose and treat this condition.
Evaluation of Cholinergic Deficiency in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Using Pupillometry
Authors: Frost Shaun , Robinson Liam , Rowe Christopher C. , Ames David , Masters Colin L. , Taddei Kevin , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Martins Ralph N. , Kanagasingam Yogesan
Published: August 2017

Cortical cholinergic deficiency is prominent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and published findings of diminished pupil flash response in AD suggest that this deficiency may extend to the visual cortical areas and anterior eye. Pupillometry is a low-cost, noninvasive technique that may be useful for monitoring cholinergic deficits which generally lead to memory and cognitive disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate pupillometry for early detection of AD by comparing the pupil flash response (PFR) in AD (N=14) and cognitively normal healthy control (HC,N=115) participants, with the HC group stratified according to high (N=38) and low (N=77) neocortical amyloid burden (NAB). Constriction phase PFR parameters were significantly reduced in AD compared to HC (maximum accelerationp<0.05, maximum velocityp<0.0005, average velocityp<0.005, and constriction amplitudep<0.00005). The high-NAB HC subgroup had reduced PFR response cross-sectionally, and also a greater decline longitudinally, compared to the low-NAB subgroup, suggesting changes to pupil response in preclinical AD. The results suggest that PFR changes may occur in the preclinical phase of AD. Hence, pupillometry has a potential as an adjunct for noninvasive, cost-effective screening for preclinical AD.
Reconstructed Target Range Profile via Unitary ESPRIT Superresolution Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Min , Wang Xin , Cai Zhaohui
Published: August 2017

We propose an efficient technique for target classification using one-dimensional high resolution range profile (HRRP). The proposed technique utilizes the unitary estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) algorithm to extract scattering centers and then reconstruct superresolution range profiles. Moreover, we employ the central moments to provide translation invariant and scale invariant feature vectors. Finally, the proposed unitary ESPRIT (U-ESPRIT) based range profile reconstruction method is applied to the simulated annealing resilient backpropagation (SARPROP) classification algorithm to evaluate the recognition performances. Recognition results using four different aircraft models are presented to assess the effectiveness of the proposed technique, and they are compared with those of the conventional range profiles obtained by fast Fourier transform (FFT). Comparison results on simulated data show that the HRRP reconstruction method is better than directly using HRRP in targets classification.
Effect of Polyvinyl Acetate Stabilization on the Swelling-Shrinkage Properties of Expansive Soil
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Yong , Lu Yi , Feng Qiao , Zhang Faming , Qi Changqing , Wei Jihong , Kanungo Debi Prasanna
Published: August 2017

Polyvinyl acetate constitutes a class of polymers that can entirely dissolve in water to form a solution. In this study, polyvinyl acetate as a nontraditional chemical stabilizer was used in soil improvement. Laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of polyvinyl acetate on swelling-shrinkage properties of expansive soil. A series of shrink/swell tests were performed with adding polyvinyl acetate as amendment at a concentration 3 g/cm3 to four aggregate sizes in the range of 0–0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm, 1-2 mm, and 2–5 mm and five concentrations 1.5 g/cm3, 3 g/cm3, 4.5 g/cm3, 6 g/cm3, and 9 g/cm3 to soils with aggregate size in the range of 0.5–1 mm for comparison of results with those of untreated soils. The results show that all the linear swelling ratio (LSWR) and linear shrinkage ratio (LSHR) values of the treated specimens decrease. SEM images and the test results indicate the achieved reduction in volume change of the soil tested using soil pore filling and particle encapsulation.
Guar Gum as an Edible Coating for Enhancing Shelf-Life and Improving Postharvest Quality of Roma Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Ruelas-Chacon X. , Contreras-Esquivel J. C. , Montañez J. , Aguilera-Carbo A. F. , Reyes-Vega M. L. , Peralta-Rodriguez R. D. , Sanchéz-Brambila G.
Published: August 2017

There exists an increasing interest from consumers and scientific community in developing edible-natural-biodegradable coatings to replace commercial wax-based coatings for maintaining postharvest quality of vegetables. In this work, the effectiveness of guar gum coating on various quality characteristics of Roma tomato at 22±2°C over a 20 d storage period was investigated. Tomatoes were covered with a 1.5% guar gum coating plasticized with glycerol at 30% and stored at 22±2°C and 40% RH for 20-d. Tomatoes covered with edible coating significantly enhanced firmness and reduced weight loss, delayed changes on soluble-solids-content, retarded loss of total acidity, and decreased respiration rate compared with uncoated-control fruit. Sensory analysis by trained panelists revealed that the use of the edible coating influenced the acceptability of tomatoes. There were significant differences on the scores given by panelists when comparing the coated and uncoated tomatoes. It was concluded that guar gum affected favorably the physicochemical, microbial, and sensorial quality properties of Roma tomato and therefore could be beneficial in delaying the ripening process at 22±2°C.
Enhancement of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Efficiency Using Mixed-Phase TiO2 Nanoparticles as Photoanode
Authors: Fan Yi-Hua , Ho Ching-Yuan , Chang Yaw-Jen
Published: August 2017

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a potential candidate to replace conventional silicon-based solar cells because of high efficiency, cheap cost, and lower energy consumption in comparison with silicon chip manufacture. In this report, mixed-phase (anatase and rutile nanoparticles) TiO2 photoanode was synthesized to investigate material characteristics, carriers transport, and photovoltaic performance for future DSSC application. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to characterize mixed TiO2 particles. Subsequently, various mixed-phase TiO2 anodes in DSSC devices were measured by electrical impedance spectra (EIS) and energy efficiency conversion. The overall energy conversion efficiency of DSSC chip was improved as a result of the increase of rutile phase of TiO2 (14%) in anatase matrix. Synergistic effects including TiO2 crystallization, reduction of defect density level in energy band, longer lifetime of photoexcited electrons, and lower resistance of electron pathway all contributed to high efficiency of light energy conversion.
Managing Information Uncertainty in Wave Height Modeling for the Offshore Structural Analysis through Random Set
Authors: Yan Keqin , Zhang Yi , Cheng Tao , Luo Xianfeng , Zhou Quan , Fang Kun , Garg Ankit , Garg Akhil
Published: August 2017

This chapter presents a reliability study for an offshore jacket structure with emphasis on the features of nonconventional modeling. Firstly, a random set model is formulated for modeling the random waves in an ocean site. Then, a jacket structure is investigated in a pushover analysis to identify the critical wave direction and key structural elements. This is based on the ultimate base shear strength. The selected probabilistic models are adopted for the important structural members and the wave direction is specified in the weakest direction of the structure for a conservative safety analysis. The wave height model is processed in a P-box format when it is used in the numerical analysis. The models are applied to find the bounds of the failure probabilities for the jacket structure. The propagation of this wave model to the uncertainty in results is investigated in both an interval analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. The results are compared in context of information content and numerical accuracy. Further, the failure probability bounds are compared with the conventional probabilistic approach.
Mitotic Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Associated with LIN9 Is Targetable with BET Inhibitors
Authors: Sahni Jennifer M. , Gayle Sylvia S. , Webb Bryan M. , Weber-Bonk Kristen L. , Seachrist Darcie D. , Singh Salendra , Sizemore Steven T. , Restrepo Nicole A. , Bebek Gurkan , Scacheri Peter C. , Varadan Vinay , Summers Matthew K. , Keri Ruth A.
Published: August 2017

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are highly aggressive, lack FDA-approved targeted therapies, and frequently recur, making the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for this disease imperative. Our previous analysis of the molecular mechanisms of action of bromodomain and extraterminal protein inhibitors (BETi) in TNBC revealed these drugs cause multinucleation, indicating BET proteins are essential for efficient mitosis and cytokinesis. Here, using live cell imaging, we show that BET inhibition prolonged mitotic progression and induced mitotic cell death, both of which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe. Mechanistically, the mitosis regulator LIN9 was a direct target of BET proteins that mediated the effects of BET proteins on mitosis in TNBC. Although BETi have been proposed to function by dismantling super-enhancers (SE), the LIN9 gene lacks an SE but was amplified or overexpressed in the majority of TNBCs. In addition, its mRNA expression predicted poor outcome across breast cancer subtypes. Together, these results provide a mechanism for cancer selectivity of BETi that extends beyond modulation of SE-associated genes and suggest that cancers dependent upon LIN9 overexpression may be particularly vulnerable to BETi. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5395–408. ©2017 AACR.
Preclinical Evaluation of Intravesical Cisplatin Nanoparticles for Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Kates Max , Date Abhijit , Yoshida Takahiro , Afzal Umara , Kanvinde Pranjali , Babu Taarika , Sopko Nikolai A. , Matsui Hotaka , Hahn Noah M. , McConkey David J. , Baras Alexander , Hanes Justin , Ensign Laura , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Prior clinical trials evaluating cisplatin for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) were stopped due to local and systemic toxicity. Currently, there is still a need for improved intravesical therapies, and nanoparticle-based CDDP may be efficacious without the toxicity of free cisplatin observed in the past.

Experimental Design: Cisplatin nanoparticles (CDDP NPs) were developed using biocompatible poly(l-aspartic acid sodium salt; PAA), both with and without low and high grafting density of methoxy-polyethylene glycol (PEG). In vitro cytotoxicity studies confirmed activity of CDDP NPs and CDDP solution against a papillary bladder cancer cell line. Local toxicity was assessed by three weekly intravesical administrations of CDDP formulations. CDDP NPs and CDDP solution were evaluated for bladder absorption in murine models 1 and 4 hours after intravesical administration. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in an immunocompetent carcinogen model of NMIBC.

Results: CDDP NPs showed decreased local toxicity, as assessed by bladder weight, compared with CDDP solution. Furthermore, >2 μg/mL of platinum was observed in mouse serum after intravesical administration of CDDP solution, whereas serum platinum was below the limit of quantification after intravesical administration of CDDP NPs. CDDP NPs provided significantly increased (P < 0.05) drug levels in murine bladders compared with CDDP solution for at least 4 hours after intravesical administration. In vivo, CDDP NPs reduced cancer cell proliferation compared with untreated controls, and was the only treatment group without evidence of invasive carcinoma.

Conclusions: Cisplatin-loaded PAA NPs have the potential to improve intravesical treatment of NMIBC while reducing local and systemic side effects. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6592–601. ©2017 AACR.
Efficient Statistical Method for Association Analysis of X-Linked Variants
Authors: Jin Heejin , Park Taesung , Won Sungho
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Unlike the gene-poor Y chromosome, the X chromosome contains over 1,000 genes that are essential for viability of cells. Females have 2 X chromosomes, and thus female X-linked gene expression would be expected to be twice that of males. To adjust this imbalance, one of the 2 X-linked genes is often inactivated, and this is known as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). However, recent studies described that a gene can be nonrandomly selected for inactivation from 2 X-linked genes and that XCI is not observed in some X-linked genes. Since this complex biological process has prevented efficient statistical association analyses, we propose a new statistical method against this uncertain biological process. Methods: The proposed method consists of 2 steps. First, p values for various biological processes are calculated and then combined into a single p value with the modified Fisher method and a minimum p value. Results: Our simulation results show that the proposed method is generally the most statistically efficient and is not sensitive to the unknown biological model. Conclusion: Therefore, we can conclude that the proposed approaches are robust against the various XCI processes for testing the association of X-linked single nucleotide polymorphisms with the disease of interest and the proposed method is a practical solution.
Molecular Epidemiology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Marttila Maria , Kytövuori Laura , Helisalmi Seppo , Kallio Mika , Laitinen Marjo , Hiltunen Mikko , Kärppä Mikko , Majamaa Kari
Published: August 2017

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common hereditary neuromuscular disorder with a population prevalence of 9.7-82.3/100,000. In this study, we have estimated the prevalence of CMT and its subtypes in Finland and examined the frequency of molecular etiologies. Methods: A population-based survey included adult patients with peripheral neuropathy from the province of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Secondary causes of peripheral polyneuropathy were excluded and patients with clinical and neurophysiological features pertinent with CMT were included. Molecular diagnostics was carried out when DNA was available. Results: We found 107 subjects with CMT yielding a prevalence 34.6/100,000 in Northern Ostrobothnia. The heterozygous point mutation p.His123Arg in ganglioside induced differentiation associated protein 1 (GDAP1) was found in 31.5% and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) duplication in 16.9% of the affected. Point mutations in myelin protein zero, mitofusin 2, and gap junction protein beta 1 accounted for 6.7% of the cases. In addition, 18 persons had hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies and 15 of them carried the PMP22 deletion. Conclusions: The prevalence of CMT in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, seems to be slightly higher than those in previous studies in European populations. Founder mutation in the GDAP1 gene accounts for a large part of the genetically defined CMT2 in Finland.
Comparative Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery for Essential Tremor
Authors: Kim Minsoo , Jung Na Young , Park Chang Kyu , Chang Won Seok , Jung Hyun Ho , Chang Jin Woo
Published: August 2017

Background: Treatment options for patients with drug-resistant essential tremor (ET) are limited. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is an emerging technique to treat refractory ET. Objectives: To present MRgFUS as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) thalamotomy or deep brain stimulation (DBS) for ET treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 59 patients who underwent unilateral surgery for drug-resistant ET. Treatments included RF thalamotomy (n = 17), DBS (n = 19), and MRgFUS (n = 23). The outcomes measured were tremor severity and treatment-related complications. Results: At 1 month postoperatively, 100% of RF thalamotomy patients, 89.5% of DBS patients, and 91.3% of MRgFUS patients exhibited absent/mild tremor (successful treatment); other patients exhibited partial relief. At 12 months postoperatively, treatment success for each procedure was observed in 70.6, 84.2, and 78.3% of patients, respectively. At 1 month postoperatively, treatment-related complications had occurred in 58.8, 5.3, and 13.0% of patients, respectively. At 12 months postoperatively, side effects persisted in 11.8, 21.1, and 4.4% of patients, respectively. No statistical differences in treatment success were observed between treatments or over time. Complication rates differed between treatment modalities (p < 0.01) and were lowest in the MRgFUS group. Conclusions: Patients with drug-resistant ET received equivalent results from RF thalamotomy, DBS, and MRgFUS. DBS and MRgFUS resulted in fewer treatment-related complications.
MicroRNA-375 Inhibits Growth and Enhances Radiosensitivity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Ying , Hou Daorong , Shi Quan , Yang Shuo , Li Qihong
Published: August 2017

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in various human biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the roles of miR-375 in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: We performed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to detect miR-375 expression in OSCC tissues and corresponding normal oral epithelial tissues and analyze the correlation of miR-375 expression with OSCC metastasis and patient’s survival. Then, the effects of miR-375 expression on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and radiosensitivity in OSCC cells were determined by using MTT, flow cytometry and clonogenic survival assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to test whether miR-375 binds to the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of target mRNA. Results: The expression level of miR-375 in OSCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal oral epithelial tissues, and low miR-375 expression was correlated with higher incidence of lymph node metastasis and poor survival of OSCC patients. Upregulation of miR-375 significantly inhibits growth, induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, increases apoptosis and enhances radiosensitivity in OSCC cells. Analysis of luciferase activity demonstrated that miR-375 binds to the 3’-UTR of insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). Small interfering RNA (shRNA)-mediated IGF-1R knockdown mimics the effects of miR-375 upregulation, while overexpression of IGF-1R partially reverses those effects in OSCC cells. Conclusion: It was obviously demonstrated that miRNA-375 inhibits growth and enhances radiosensitivity in OSCC cells by targeting IGF-1R, suggesting that miR-375 may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC patients.
Knockdown of Cxcl10 Inhibits Mesangial Cell Proliferation in Murine Habu Nephritis Via ERK Signaling
Authors: Gao Jie , Wu Lingling , Wang Yong , Cui Shaoyuan , Duan Shuwei , Dong Zheyi , Feng Zhe , Chen Xiangmei
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10, CXCL10) has been widely demonstrated to be involved in chemotaxis, cell growth regulation and angiogenesis inhibition. It has been reported that CXCL10 expression is significantly increased in patients with MesPGN (Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis). However, the underlying mechanism of CXCL10 in MesPGN reminds unclear. Methods: Wildtype (Cxcl10+/+) mice and Cxcl10-deficient (Cxcl10-/-) mice were used to generate a murine model of MesPGN. The histological changes in glomeruli were examined by PAS staining (Periodic Acid-Schiff staining), and cell proliferation was detected by PCNA immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and the effects of CXCL10 on primary mouse renal mesangial cells (MRMC) proliferation were detected using the EDU assay. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms by which CXCL10 affected mesangial cells were investigated in vitro using a specific inhibitor. Results: Typical pathological phenotypes were observed in both mouse types, while the Cxcl10-/- mice had lighter accumulation of extracellular matrix, less cell proliferation and diminished up-regulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins compared to Cxcl10+/+ mice at day 7. Furthermore, we observed that CXCL10 inhibition resulted in less activation of ERK phosphorylation, and ERK pathway inhibition by a specific inhibitor, U0126, prevented CXCL10 induced MRMC proliferation and the activation of phosphorylated ERK. Conclusions: CXCL10 may aggravate mesangial proliferation in MesPGN by activating the ERK signaling pathway. These results provide a novel insight into the mechanism and potential therapy target of MesPGN.
Efficiency evaluation of high schools in Goiás: a two stage analysis
Authors: Oliveira Guilherme Resende , Lima Alex Felipe Rodrigues , Fonseca Júnior Sérgio Borges , Rosa Thiago Mendes
Published: August 2017

O estudo verifica o nível de eficiência das escolas estaduais públicas goianas, por meio do desempenho na prova do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) e o custo médio por aluno. Em um segundo momento, determina-se os condicionantes das eficiências. Para a avaliação de efi- ciência, utilizou-se o método não paramétrico de Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA) e para o segundo estágio, a regressão beta inflacionada, que acomoda o intervalo dos resultados obtidos na primeira etapa. As evidências empíricas mostram que as escolas militares e mais especializadas tendem a ter desempenho superior às demais, enquanto as escolas com ensino em tempo integral, e com maior média de hora aula, tendem a ser mais ineficientes.
Measuring Macroeconomic Uncertainty to Brasil
Authors: Wink Junior Marcos Vinicio , Ribeiro Felipe Garcia , Florissi Stefano
Published: August 2017

Este artigo estima o impacto da cultura do professor sobre a profici- ência de alunos do 5o ano do ensino fundamental. Estimativas obtidas a partir do método de variáveis instrumentais indicam que o capital cultural do professor impacta positivamente apenas a proficiência em língua portuguesa. Um desvio padrão a mais no índice de cultura do professor amplia, em média, em 0,15 desvio padrão a proficiência. Os mecanismos encontrados para os resultados são que professores com maior capital cultural incentivam as crianças a consumirem bens e serviços culturais, além de, em sala de aula, lerem livros de leitura em geral.
Measuring Macroeconomic Uncertainty to Brasil
Authors: Godeiro Lucas Lúcio , Lima Luiz Renato Régis de Oliveira
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho propõe uma nova medida de incerteza macroeconômica para o Brasil. O índice foi construído com base na metodologia de Jurado et al. (2015) utilizada na construção do índice para a economia americana. Mostramos que o aumento no nível de incerteza precede as duas últimas recessões no Brasil e que a mudança na política macroeconômica ocorrida em 2010-2011, elevou de forma substancial o nível de incerteza na economia brasileira. Nosso trabalho sugere que a medida proposta de incerteza possui potencial para analisar políticas macroeconômicas e prever recessões.
O paradoxo da água na região das águas: o caso da Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Bordalo Carlos Alexandre
Published: August 2017

Neste início de século, o Conselho Mundial da Água já organizou cinco Fóruns Mundiais da Água, em que se apresentaram dados de uma crise eminente no abastecimento de água doce. Tema também apresentado pela ONU e sobre o qual todos devemos refletir. Aqui, apresentamos uma reflexão sobre o paradoxo da água na Amazônia brasileira, e veremos que, estando ela no trópico úmido e tendo a maior disponibilidade hídrica superficial, atmosférica e subterrânea do país, não há ali propriamente uma crise de disponibilidade de água doce, mas um acesso desigual à água potável, sendo que parte da população ainda não tem acesso a água tratada.
Campos da Zona da Mata: fatores zonais e azonais na composição fitogeográfica do município de Lima Duarte-MG
Authors: Marques Neto Roberto
Published: August 2017

No domínio tropical atlântico, uma série de unidades de paisagem se consubstancia a partir da intersecção entre elementos zonais e azonais, existindo em meio a cinturões florestais uma série de fisionomias vegetais campestres na forma de redutos em condição de enclave forjado pela altitude e\ou fatores edáficos. A partir dessa premissa, este trabalho discute o quadro fitogeográfico do município de Lima Duarte, localizado na porção sudeste da Zona da Mata Mineira, numa abordagem geoecológica, correlacionando as manifestações fitofisionômicas com a litologia, o relevo, os solos e elementos climáticos. Indubitavelmente, é na conjugação desses fatores que se podem interpretar as diferentes formações florestais e campestres que ainda coexistem com as formas vigentes de uso da terra.
Pobreza estrutural globalizada, território brasileiro e política de transferência de renda: o Programa Bolsa Família como evento
Authors: Silva Fernando Antonio
Published: August 2017

No Brasil, os programas de transferência de renda passou de um debate de cunho sobretudo teórico, na década de 1970, para questões relativas à implantação ou avaliação de experiências concretas nos anos 1990, chegando o país a ter uma das principais experiências do mundo nesse tipo de política: o Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) (Brasil, 2003). Esse processo indica profundas mudanças nas formas político-institucionais de conceber e agir sobre a pobreza, que, portanto, deve ser compreendida a partir da dinâmica de cada período. Vista no seu funcionamento, a política do Bolsa Família renova a dinâmica do território, tornando mais complexa a apreensão das formas de reprodução da pobreza nos lugares. Propomos tratar essa política por meio da teoria geográfica como um evento. Procuramos identificar, de um lado, os principais condicionantes que moldaram a política brasileira de transferência de renda e, de outro, novas dimensões da reprodução da pobreza em lugares onde o evento se concretiza a partir de situações do interior do estado de Alagoas.
Proposta de reconstrução do mapa índice de felicidade gay (2015) a partir da semiologia gráfica e da cartografia transformacional
Authors: Dutenkefer Eduardo , Almeida Vinicius Santos
Published: August 2017

Este texto traz uma reconstrução do mapa índice de felicidade gay (2015) a partir de uma metodologia baseada nas discussões de Jacques Bertin, Colette Cauvin, Henri Reymond, Aziz Serradj e Eduardo Dutenkefer sobre a linguagem cartográfica. Partindo da ideia de que mesmos dados podem criar imagens com diferentes significados, analisamos os dados do índice de felicidade gay, elaborado em 2015, por pesquisadores da Universidade Johannes Gutenberg e pela empresa Planet Romeo, responsável pelo aplicativo disponível para celulares para encontros entre homens. Apresentam-se alguns métodos de discretização dos dados e seus mapas resultantes. Levamos em conta a comunicação visual para daltônicos, por considerar importante o acesso do maior número possível de usuários. Por fim, se analisam os mapas e elege o mais comunicativo entre eles.
Ilhas de calor: representações espaciais de cidades de pequeno porte por meio de modelagem
Authors: Teixeira Danielle Cardozo Frasca , Amorim Margarete Cristiane de Costa Trindade
Published: August 2017

Entendidas como bolsões de ar quente que se formam sobre a superfície urbana, as ilhas de calor atmosféricas resultam de alterações no uso da terra, de atividades humanas e de características do relevo em escala local. O monitoramento desse fenômeno se baseia tradicionalmente em procedimentos clássicos, que usam de métodos de interpolação que desconsideram as feições da superfície e produzem relativas generalizações. Este artigo apresenta uma sequência de procedimentos para a modelagem da ilha de calor relacionando a temperatura do ar com categorias de uso da terra em estudo aplicado a Rancharia-SP, cidade de pequeno porte situada no ambiente tropical. O procedimento mostra um avanço significativo no tratamento dos dados de fina escala, pois permite identificar as feições superficiais que concorrem para a formação da ilha de calor e pode orientar intervenções no espaço urbano que atenuem seus efeitos.
Modernizar para o capital: estratégias de valorização do capital na construção de Vitória-ES (1889-1930)
Authors: Mendonça Marcos Cândido
Published: August 2017

Este artigo investiga a modernização de Vitória-ES na passagem do século XIX ao XX. Com essa iniciativa, promovida pelo Estado para fortalecer as funções comerciais, criaram-se na cidade novas alternativas de valorização do capital pela instalação de infraestrutura e serviços urbanos. Nesse processo, surge a perspectiva de que a valorização da propriedade imobiliária como expressão do desenvolvimento das condições gerais de produção e reprodução do trabalho possibilitou ao capital rendas futuras crescentes, como se verificou na estratégia de capitalistas locais de compra de grande número de lotes urbanos, sobretudo na área do Novo Arrabalde. Isso indica que a urbanização foi, desde os primórdios, dominada por interesses mercantil-exportadores e patrimonialistas. Esta pesquisa baseou-se em revisão bibliográfica e informações de documentos oficiais como, por exemplo, relatórios de governo e processos de alienação de terras. O referencial teórico de análise procurou apreender a cidade articulada à estrutura econômica como condições urbanas necessárias à reprodução do capital. Para isso, foi preciso compreender o significado econômico da propriedade privada da terra na construção da cidade e o papel da cidade como centro regional na estrutura produtiva estadual.
Inter-Rater Reliability and Downstream Financial Implications of Electrocardiography Screening in Young Athletes
Authors: Dhutia Harshil , Malhotra Aneil , Yeo Tee Joo , Ster Irina Chis , Gabus Vincent , Steriotis Alexandros , Dores Helder , Mellor Greg , García-Corrales Carmen , Ensam Bode , Jayalapan Viknesh , Ezzat Vivienne Anne , Finocchiaro Gherardo , Gati Sabiha , Papadakis Michael , Tome-Esteban Maria , Sharma Sanjay
Published: August 2017

Background—

Preparticipation screening for cardiovascular disease in young athletes with electrocardiography is endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology and several major sporting organizations. One of the concerns of the ECG as a screening test in young athletes relates to the potential for variation in interpretation. We investigated the degree of variation in ECG interpretation in athletes and its financial impact among cardiologists of differing experience.

Methods and Results—

Eight cardiologists (4 with experience in screening athletes) each reported 400 ECGs of consecutively screened young athletes according to the 2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations, Seattle criteria, and refined criteria. Cohen κ coefficient was used to calculate interobserver reliability. Cardiologists proposed secondary investigations after ECG interpretation, the costs of which were based on the UK National Health Service tariffs. Inexperienced cardiologists were more likely to classify an ECG as abnormal compared with experienced cardiologists (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.02). Modification of ECG interpretation criteria improved interobserver reliability for categorizing an ECG as abnormal from poor (2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations; κ=0.15) to moderate (refined criteria; κ=0.41) among inexperienced cardiologists; however, interobserver reliability was moderate for all 3 criteria among experienced cardiologists (κ=0.40–0.53). Inexperienced cardiologists were more likely to refer athletes for further evaluation compared with experienced cardiologists (odds ratio, 4.74; 95% confidence interval, 3.50–6.43) with poorer interobserver reliability (κ=0.22 versus κ=0.47). Interobserver reliability for secondary investigations after ECG interpretation ranged from poor to fair among inexperienced cardiologists (κ=0.15–0.30) and fair to moderate among experienced cardiologists (κ=0.21–0.46). The cost of cardiovascular evaluation per athlete was $175 (95% confidence interval, $142–$228) and $101 (95% confidence interval, $83–$131) for inexperienced and experienced cardiologists, respectively.

Conclusions—

Interpretation of the ECG in athletes and the resultant cascade of investigations are highly physician dependent even in experienced hands with important downstream financial implications, emphasizing the need for formal training and standardized diagnostic pathways.
Deletion of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 Promotes Hypertensive Nephropathy by Targeting Smad7 for Ubiquitin Degradation
Authors: Liu Zhen , Huang Xiao-Ru , Chen Hai-Yong , Fung Erik , Liu Jian , Lan Hui-Yao
Published: August 2017

Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is downregulated in hypertensive nephropathy. The present study investigated the mechanisms whereby loss of ACE2 promoted angiotensin II–induced hypertensive nephropathy in ACE2 gene knockout mice. We found that compared with wild-type animals, mice lacking ACE2 developed much more severe hypertensive nephropathy in response to chronic angiotensin II infusion, including higher levels of blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, and progressive renal fibrosis and inflammation. Mechanistic studies revealed that worsening kidney injury in ACE2 knockout mice was associated with an increase in Smurf2 (Smad-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2), a decrease in renal Smad7, and marked activation of TGF-β (transforming growth factor β)/Smad3 and NF-κB (nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling, suggesting that Smurf2-dependent Smad7 ubiquitin degradation may be a key mechanism whereby loss of ACE2 promotes angiotensin II–induced TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB–mediated hypertensive nephropathy. This was validated by restoring Smad7 locally in the kidneys of ACE2 knockout mice to block angiotensin II–induced TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB–driven renal inflammation. Moreover, we found that angiotensin II could induce microRNA-21 in the mouse kidney and in cultured mesangial cells via a Smad3-dependent mechanism, which was enhanced by deleting ACE2 but inhibited by overexpressing renal Smad7. In conclusion, loss of ACE2 promotes angiotensin II–induced renal injury by targeting Smad7 for degradation via a Smurf2-dependent mechanism. Overexpression of renal Smad7 protects against hypertensive nephropathy by inactivating angiotensin II–induced TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB pathways and by targeting the Smad3-dependent microRNA-21 axis.
Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Arterial Stiffness in Adulthood
Authors: Puolakka Elina , Pahkala Katja , Laitinen Tomi T. , Magnussen Costan G. , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Tossavainen Päivi , Jokinen Eero , Sabin Matthew A. , Laitinen Tomi , Elovainio Marko , Pulkki-Råback Laura , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Raitakari Olli T. , Juonala Markus
Published: August 2017

Increasing evidence supports the importance of socioeconomic factors in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the association of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) with arterial stiffness in adulthood has not been reported. Our aim was to determine whether higher childhood family-level SES is associated with lower arterial stiffness in adulthood. The analyses were performed using data gathered within the longitudinal Young Finns Study. The sample comprised 2566 participants who had data concerning family SES at ages 3 to 18 years in 1980 and arterial pulse wave velocity and carotid artery distensibility measured 21 or 27 years later in adulthood. Higher family SES in childhood was associated with lower arterial stiffness in adulthood; carotid artery distensibility being higher (
β
value±SE, 0.029±0.0089%/10 mm Hg;
P
=0.001) and pulse wave velocity lower (
β
value±SE, −0.062±0.022 m/s;
P
=0.006) among those with higher family SES in a multivariable analysis adjusted with age, sex, and conventional childhood cardiometabolic risk factors. The association remained significant after further adjustment for participant’s SES in adulthood (
β
value±SE, 0.026±0.010%/10 mm Hg;
P
=0.01 for carotid artery distensibility and
β
value±SE, −0.048±0.023 m/s;
P
=0.04 for pulse wave velocity) but attenuated after adjustment for adulthood cardiometabolic risk factors (
β
value±SE, 0.015±0.008%/10 mm Hg;
P
=0.08 for carotid artery distensibility and
β
value±SE, −0.019±0.02 m/s;
P
=0.38 for pulse wave velocity). In conclusion, we observed an association between higher family SES in childhood and lower arterial stiffness in adulthood. Our findings suggest that special attention could be paid to children from low SES families to prevent cardiometabolic diseases primordially.
The Empirical Determinants of Corruption in Developing Countries
Authors: Gani Azmat
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the main factors determining corruption in developing countries. It employs the fixed-effects estimation technique to data for several developing countries, pooled for the period 2004 to 2010. The empirical results revealed that the level of economic development, country size, natural resource exports, foreign direct investment, absence of democracy, and colonial legacy as the main correlates of corruption in the developing economies. Some policy implications are drawn.
Appraising the Limits of Pentecostal Political Power in Nigeria
Authors: Kolapo Femi J.
Published: August 2017

Many studies of the Pentecostal movement in Africa have identified a modernist liberal tendency as its major characteristic. Its spread is associated with positive social, economic, and political impact in the affected countries. A Pentecostal revolution has been identified in Nigeria as well, with recent literature claiming that it has significant political import that packs modernizing and liberalizing tendencies. This interpretive analysis draws on less-mainstream research to contribute to questioning the political aspect of such conclusions for Nigeria. It argues that the capacity of the country’s Pentecostal movement to effect positive democratizing political change is not clear cut and straightforward, but rather bears major contradictions and paradoxes. Pentecostalism in Nigeria does not achieve a clean break from the traditional past, and some of its modernizing claims are more partial and contradictory than has been recognized. The political impact it has does not translate effectively to tangible significant political power that is able to facilitate the democratic process.
Vodún, Spiritual Insecurity, and Religious Importation in Benin
Authors: Falen Douglas J.
Published: August 2017

The Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey) is known as the African source of New WorldVodouandVoodoo, but the country’s religious landscape is best characterized by religious importation. Since precolonial times BeninoisVodúnhas exhibited ongoing amalgamation of deities introduced from neighboring peoples. This essay outlines historicalVodúnimports along with more-recent spiritual influences from abroad. I argue that while Beninois people have always been accepting of foreign religions, today this process is largely motivated by the dangers and promises of witchcraft. The current constellation of spiritual traditions embodies a dynamic moment of religious transformation that prompts people to collect even more distant spiritual remedies to seemingly old problems. In this analysis we see that what scholars call syncretism is not necessarily an ideological or hegemonic process, but a product of Beninois people’s pragmatic response to life’s troubles, inequalities, and opportunities.
Vox Naturae
Authors: Cross Rodney Martin
Published: August 2017

In the context of animal training, music and sound that function as auditory cues can enable communication from humans to animals. This paper will present two case studies that emphasise the extensive influence of music in the practice of ‘animal training’ in an ancient Roman context. In the first case study, Varro records the practice of swineherds training their animals to respond to the sound of abucina(VarroRust. 2.4.20), and in the second, Aelian describes the training practices of dancing elephants that performed at a spectacle orchestrated by Germanicus (Ael.na2.11). This paper assesses the veracity of these two case studies by exploring their ethological underpinnings.
The checklist of photosynthetic euglenoids (order Euglenales) of the Czech Republic: ecology, taxonomy, distribution
Authors: JURÁŇ JOSEF
Published: August 2017

This study brings results of a floristic survey of photosynthetic euglenoids. Data in this survey come from a floristic examination of more than 200 localities during the years 2008–2014 in combination with the literature data recorded from the end of 19th century to the present. In this work, 284 euglenoid taxa which belong to the genera Colacium (6 taxa), Cryptoglena (2 species), Discoplastis (1 species), Euglena (48 taxa), Euglenaformis (1 species), Euglenaria (3 species), Lepocinclis (36 taxa), Monomorphina (7 species), Phacus (71 taxa), Strombomonas (16 taxa) and Trachelomonas (93 taxa) are listed. Four categories of rarity were designed—common (52 taxa), rare (44 taxa), very rare (120 taxa) and data deficient (68 taxa). In checklist, ecological characteristics (colonized habitats, life strategy, level of rarity) of taxa are shown. Number of species is compared with several works from European countries (Hungary, Great Britain, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine).  Taxonomic notes and new combinations reflecting recent works based on molecular-morphology are made and discussed. Results of this study bring next part to the knowledge of the Czech Republic algal flora.
Qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence for recognition of a new species within Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae) from Mexico
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ LILÍ , NICOLALDE-MOREJÓN FERNANDO , STEVENSON DENNIS WM.
Published: August 2017

Several Ceratozamia populations from the “Carso Huasteco” region in Mexico have a controversial circumscription and have been historically identified as Ceratozamia fuscoviridis. In this paper, we present a review of the taxonomic history of this species and provide taxa circumscriptions based on analyses of herbarium specimens from this region and supplemented with fieldwork. For this, we have studied qualitative and quantitative morphological variation at population level. We recognize two species in this group: C. fuscoviridis and a new species, C. chamberlainii. Here, we provide two lines of qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence showing that plants of C. chamberlainii from southern San Luis Potosí to northern Hidalgo are distinct from C. fuscoviridis of central Hidalgo east of Veracruz. These species can be identified by leaflet form, leaf emergence color, color of the ovulate strobilus, and form of the megasporophyll, along with a combination of quantitative morphological characters.
Argostemma cordatum (Rubiaceae), a new species from Vietnam
Authors: NURALIEV MAXIM S. , BEER ANTON S. , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P.
Published: August 2017

Argostemma cordatum, a new species of Rubiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2014 during a botanical survey of the Chu Yang Sin National Park (Dak Lak province, Southern Vietnam). Argostemma cordatum possesses a solitary large leaf per plant (along with one very small leaf). The new species differs from morphologically similar species mainly by the small size of the enlarged leaf and cordate base of the enlarged leaf. It is also characterized by the following features: plant completely glabrous, stipules minute and reduced to papillate warts, inflorescence with all axes elongated, anthers coherent into anther cone and dehiscent by longitudinal slits, style slightly exserted. An extended description of the vegetation in the area inhabited by A. cordatum is provided.
The Origin of New Natural hybrid, Goodyera × maximo-velutina (Orchidaceae) from Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: SO JI-HYEON , LEE NAM-SOOK
Published: August 2017

We describe a new taxon of Goodyera (Orchidaceae), G. × maximo-velutina from Jeju Island. This taxon is presumed to be a natural hybrid between G. maximowicziana and G. velutina based on morphological characteristics, i.e., leaf margin, leaf venation, hairiness and color of floral bract, pedicel and ovary. We analyzed ITS of nuclear DNA and three noncoding regions of chloroplast DNA (trnH-psbA, trnS-trnG, trnL) for elucidating the hybrid origin of the new species, G. × maximo-velutina, and two putative parental species. The morphological characteristics and illustrations of the species based on the holotype and other specimens from natural populations are provided together with photographs of the habitat.