bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulk Mechanical Properties Testing of Metallic Marginal Glass Formers
Authors: Phan Thien Q. , Kelly James P. , Kassner Michael E. , Eliasson Veronica , Graeve Olivia A. , Hodge Andrea M.
Published: August 2016

We developed a unique three-point bend testing apparatus to measure bulk mechanical properties of a model metallic glass alloy (SAM2X5 with nominal composition Fe49.7Cr17.1Mn1.9Mo7.4W1.6B15.2C3.8Si2.4) prepared by spark plasma sintering. The relatively large sample sizes in the present work allowed for the preparation of test specimens with a macroscale cross section (in the millimeter range) with well-controlled sample dimensions closer to standardized tests. Wire saw cutting allowed for a relatively sharp notch radius (3x smaller than previous studies) and minimal sample damage. We determined that Young’s modulus and notch fracture toughness measured by our three-point bending apparatus are 230 GPa and 4.9 MPa·m1/2. Also, Vickers indentation and flexure testing provided consistent results for Young’s modulus. Indentation fracture toughness measured by Vickers indentation produced values at least 50% lower than by flexure. The microscale mechanical properties testing technique presented in this work and subsequent analyses are applicable to specimens of other compositions or ones prepared by other methods.
Study of Void Probability Scaling of Singly Charged Particles Produced in Ultrarelativistic Nuclear Collision in Fractal Scenario
Authors: Bhaduri Susmita , Ghosh Dipak
Published: August 2016

We study the fractality of void probability distribution measured inS32-Ag/Br interaction at an incident energy of 200 GeV per nucleon. A radically different and rigorous method calledVisibility Graphanalysis is used. This method is shown to reveal a strong scaling character of void probability distribution in all pseudorapidity regions. The scaling exponent, called the Power of the Scale-Freeness in Visibility Graph (PSVG), a quantitative parameter related to Hurst exponent, is strongly found to be dependent on the rapidity window size.
Establishment of Simple and Routine Methods in Early Diagnosis of Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Injury Based on a Rat Model
Authors: Liu Cuiyan , Kang Youxi , Zhang Huiqin , Zhu Long , Yu Hai , Han Chunyang
Published: August 2016

The changes in biomarkers of gentamycin- (GM-) induced kidney injury have been studied by using simple and routine methods and also assessed the efficacy and utility of these routine biomarkers in early diagnosis. Eighty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: three experimental groups treated with different GM dosages (4, 20, and 100 mg·kg−1) and a control group. The experimental groups were given intramuscular GM injections once daily for 14 days, and the control group was given intramuscular sterile water. Blood and urine samples were collected on treatment days 1, 3, 7, and 14 to test for total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), uric acid (UA), pH, specific gravity (SG), proteins (PRO), and cells in urinary sediment. Histopathology and kidney coefficient were performed on excised kidney specimens. The result indicated that serum CRE, BUN, and TP, urine PRO, and urinary hyaline casts and low-transitional epithelium showed an immediate and highly sensitive response to kidney injury, and the combined diagnosis with the above methods could be used in early diagnosis. Particularly, the process of the test was simple and quick, no special equipment, so it is more suit for primary medical institution.
Lower Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) Protein Content in Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with Better Survival in Patients with Hemodialysis Therapy
Authors: Krueger Katharina , Shen Jianlin , Maier Alexandra , Tepel Martin , Scholze Alexandra
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) converts superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Human data on SOD2 protein content in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are sparse and mortality data are lacking. We investigated SOD2 protein content in monocytes from patients with hemodialysis therapy (n = 81), CKD stage 1–5 (n = 120), and healthy controls (n = 13) using in‐cell Western assays. SOD2 protein decreased from CKD stage 1 until stage 4 whereas it increased again in stage 5 with and without hemodialysis. SOD2 gene expression, analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR, was not significantly different between the groups. Elevating cellular superoxide production reduced SOD2 protein content. This effect was abolished by the superoxide dismutase mimetic Tempol. Using gelelectrophoresis and Western blot we did not detect nitrotyrosine modifications of SOD2 in CKD. Finally, in patients with CKD stage 5 with hemodialysis therapy higher than median SOD2 protein content was associated with higher all‐cause mortality. In conclusion, SOD2 protein content declined in CKD until stage 4 while SOD2 gene expression did not. Increased cellular superoxide anion production might affect SOD2 protein content. In advanced CKD (stage 5) SOD2 protein content increased again, but higher than median SOD2 protein content in these patients did not confer a survival benefit.
Three-Dimensional Unsteady State Temperature Distribution of Thin Rectangular Plate with Moving Point Heat Source
Authors: Ahire Yogita M. , Ghadle Kirtiwant P.
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with the study of thermal stresses in thin rectangular plate subjected to point heat source which changes its place along x-axis. Governing heat conduction equation has been solved by using integral transform technique. Results are obtained in the form of infinite series. As a special case, aluminum plate has been considered and results for thermal stresses have been computed numerically and graphically.
Incidental Parathyroidectomy during Total Thyroidectomy: Risk Factors and Consequences
Authors: Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Balalis Dimitrios , Soulou Vasiliki N. , Korkolis Dimitrios P. , Plataniotis Georgios , Gontikakis Emmanouil
Published: August 2016

Objective. To evaluate the incidence of accidental parathyroidectomy in our series of total thyroidectomies, to investigate its clinical and biochemical consequences, and to identify potential risk factors.Methods. Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pathology reports were reviewed to identify those cases who had an incidental parathyroidectomy and these were compared to patients with no parathyroidectomy, in terms of clinical (age, sex, and symptoms of hypocalcemia), pathological (thyroid specimen weight, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and malignancy), and biochemical (serum calcium and phosphate levels) factors.Results. 281 patients underwent total thyroidectomy during the study period. Incidental parathyroidectomy was noticed in 24.9% of cases, with 44.3% of parathyroid glands found in an intrathyroidal location. Evidence of postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia was noticed in 28.6% of patients with parathyroidectomy, compared with 13.3% in the no-parathyroidectomy group (p=0.003). Symptomatic hypocalcemia was observed in 5.7% and 3.8%, respectively (p=0.49). Age, sex, thyroid specimen weight, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and malignancy did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusions. Our study found an association of incidental parathyroidectomy with transient postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia, but not with clinically symptomatic disease. Age, sex, thyroid gland weight, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and malignancy were not identified as risk factors.
Prognostic Value of Invasion, Markers of Proliferation, and Classification of Giant Pituitary Tumors, in a Georeferred Cohort in Brazil of 50 Patients, with a Long-Term Postoperative Follow-Up
Authors: Zakir Juliano Coelho de Oliveira , Casulari Luiz Augusto , Rosa José Wilson Corrêa , Rosa João Willy Corrêa , Mello Paulo Andrade de , Magalhães Albino Verçosa de , Naves Luciana Ansaneli
Published: August 2016

Although some pituitary adenomas may have an aggressive behavior, the vast majority are benign. There are still controversies about predictive factors regarding the biological behavior of these particular tumors. This study evaluated potential markers of invasion and proliferation compared to current classification patterns and epidemiogeographical parameters. The study included 50 patients, operated on for tumors greater than 30 mm, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 15.2 ± 4.8 years. Pituitary magnetic resonance was used to evaluate regrowth, invasion, and extension to adjacent tissue. Three tissue biomarkers were analyzed: p53, Ki-67, and c-erbB2. Tumors were classified according to a combination of histological and radiological features, ranging from noninvasive and nonproliferative (grade 1A) to invasive-proliferative (grade 2B). Tumors grades 2A and 2B represented 42% and 52%, respectively. Ki-67 (p=0.23) and c-erbB2 (p=0.71) had no significant relation to tumor progression status. P53 (p=0.003), parasellar invasion (p=0.03), and classification, grade 2B (p=0.01), were associated with worse clinical outcome. Parasellar invasion prevails as strong predictive factor of tumor recurrence. Severe suprasellar extension should be considered as invasion parameter and could impact prognosis. No environmental factors or geographical cluster were associated with tumor behavior.
Nonconventional Use of Flash-Lamp Pulsed-Dye Laser in Dermatology
Authors: Nisticò Steven , Campolmi Piero , Moretti Silvia , Del Duca Ester , Bruscino Nicola , Conti Rossana , Bassi Andrea , Cannarozzo Giovanni
Published: August 2016

Flash-lamp pulsed-dye laser (FPDL) is a nonablative technology, typically used in vascular malformation therapy due to its specificity for hemoglobin. FPDL treatments were performed in a large group of patients with persistent and/or recalcitrant different dermatological lesions with cutaneous microvessel involvement. In particular, 149 patients (73 males and 76 females) were treated. They were affected by the following dermatological disorders: angiokeratoma circumscriptum, genital and extragenital viral warts, striae rubrae, basal cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, angiolymphoid hyperplasia, and Jessner-Kanof disease. They all underwent various laser sessions. 89 patients (59.7%) achieved excellent clearance, 32 patients (21.4%) achieved good-moderate clearance, 19 patients (12.7%) obtained slight clearance, and 9 subjects (6.1%) had low or no removal of their lesion. In all cases, FPDL was found to be a safe and effective treatment for the abovementioned dermatological lesions in which skin microvessels play a role in pathogenesis or development. Further and single-indication studies, however, are required to assess a standardized and reproducible method for applying this technology to “off-label” indications.
Safety Evaluation of a Hybrid Substructure for Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Park Min-Su , Jeong Youn-Ju , You Young-Jun , Hwang Yoon-Koog
Published: August 2016

Towers and rotor-nacelles are being enlarged to respond to the need for higher gross generation of the wind turbines. However, the accompanying enlargement of the substructure supporting these larger offshore wind turbines makes it strongly influenced by the effect of wave forces. In the present study, the hybrid substructure is suggested to reduce the wave forces by composing a multicylinder having different radii near free surface and a gravity substructure at the bottom of the multicylinder. In addition, the reaction forces acting on the substructure due to the very large dead load of the offshore wind turbine require very firm foundations. This implies that the dynamic pile-soil interaction has to be fully considered. Therefore, ENSOFT Group V7.0 is used to calculate the stiffness matrices on the pile-soil interaction conditions. These matrices are then used together with the loads at TP (Transition Piece) obtained from GH-Bladed for the structural analysis of the hybrid substructure by ANSYS ASAS. The structural strength and deformation are evaluated to derive an ultimate structural safety of the hybrid substructure for various soil conditions and show that the first few natural frequencies of the substructure are heavily influenced by the wind turbine. Therefore, modal analysis is carried out through GH-Bladed to examine the resonance between the wind turbine and the hybrid substructure.
Novel Highly Sensitive Protein Sensors Based on Tapered Optical Fibres Modified with Au-Based Nanocoatings
Authors: Urrutia Aitor , Bojan Kartheka , Marques Leonel , Mullaney Kevin , Goicoechea Javier , James Stephen , Clark Matt , Tatam Ralph , Korposh Sergiy
Published: August 2016

Novel protein sensors based on tapered optical fibres modified with Au coatings deposited using two different procedures are proposed. Au-based coatings are deposited onto a nonadiabatic tapered optical fibre using (i) a novel facile method composed of layer-by-layer deposition consisting of polycation (poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAH) and negatively charged SiO2nanoparticles (NPs) followed by the deposition of the charged Au NPs and (ii) the sputtering technique. The Au NPs and Au thin film surfaces are then modified with biotin in order to bind streptavidin (SV) molecules and detect them. The sensing principle is based on the sensitivity of the transmission spectrum of the device to changes in the refractive index of the coatings induced by the SV binding to the biotin. Both sensors showed high sensitivity to SV, with the lowest measured concentration levels below 2.5 nM. The calculated binding constant for the biotin-SV pair was2.2×10-11 M−1when a tapered fibre modified with the LbL method was used, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 271 pM. The sensor formed using sputtering had a binding constant of1.01×10-10 M−1with a LoD of 806 pM. These new structures and their simple fabrication technique could be used to develop other biosensors.
Trends and Patterns of Educational Homogamy in India: A Marriage Cohort Analysis
Authors: Borkotoky Kakoli , Gupta Ashish Kumar
Published: August 2016

Research in assortative mating in developing countries focused mainly on the cultural similarities of individuals till the most recent times. Educational homogamy was not considered a significant factor. This study examined the changes in educational homogamy of 39,257 ever-married couples in India for the three marriage cohorts 1964–1984, 1985–1995, and 1996–2006 by place of residence, religion, and economic background. The study also examined the regional pattern of educational homogamy based on female literacy and the probability of educational homogamy after adjusting for socioeconomic background of the respondent. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) was used for the study. The study observed significant increase in educational homogamy for the successive marriage cohorts. Homogamy is concentrated at the extremes of the educational attainment. In urban areas, homogamy is concentrated among the higher educated individuals whereas, in rural areas, homogamy is high among uneducated individuals. The results also depict regions with higher female literacy having the highest educational homogamy and vice versa. The study also found an increase in the probability of homogamy and a decline in hypogamy for literate women, after accounting for socioeconomic confounders.
Preparation and Characterization of Vancomycin-Loaded ElectrospunRana chensinensisSkin Collagen/Poly(L-lactide) Nanofibers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Mei , Li Ziqi , Liu Lihua , Sun Zhouyang , Ma Wendi , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Rui , Sun Dahui
Published: August 2016

Collagen was extracted from abandonedRana chensinensisskin in northeastern China via an acid enzymatic extraction method for the use of drug carriers. In this paper we demonstrated two different nanofiber-vancomycin (VCM) systems, that is, VCM blended nanofibers and core-shell nanofibers with VCM in the core.Rana chensinensisskin collagen (RCSC) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) (3 : 7) were blended in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) at a concentration of 10% (g/mL) to fabricate coaxial and blend nanofibers, respectively. Coaxial and blend electrospun RCSC/PLLA nanofibers containing VCM (5 wt%) were evaluated for the local and temporal delivery of VCM. The nanofiber scaffolds were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), water contact angle (WCA), and mechanical tests. The drug release of VCM in these two systems was compared by using UV spectrophotometer. The empirical result indicated that both the blend and coaxial RCSC/PLLA scaffolds followed sustained control release for a period of 80 hours, but the coaxial nanofiber might be a potential drug delivery material for its better mechanical properties and sustained release effect.
Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Using Memory-Ring Mesh: A Pilot Study
Authors: Matsutani Takeshi , Nomura Tsutomu , Hagiwara Nobutoshi , Matsuda Akihisa , Takao Yoshimune , Uchida Eiji
Published: August 2016

Purpose.To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair using a memory-ring patch (Polysoft™mesh).Patients and Methods.Between April 2010 and March 2013, a total of 76 inguinal hernias underwent TAPP repair using Polysoft mesh in 67 adults under general anesthesia. Three different senior resident surgeons performed TAPP repair under the instruction of a specialist surgeon. Nine patients had bilateral hernias. The 76 hernias included 37 indirect inguinal hernias, 29 direct hernias, 1 femoral hernia, 1 pantaloon hernia (combined direct/indirect inguinal hernia), and 8 recurrent hernias after open anterior hernia repair. The immediate postoperative outcomes as well as the short-term outcomes (mainly recurrence and incidence of chronic pain) were studied.Results.There was no conversion from TAPP repair to anterior open repair. The mean operation time was 109 minutes (range, 40–132) for unilateral hernia repair. Scrotal seroma was diagnosed at the operation site in 5 patients. No patient had operation-related orchitis, testicle edema, trocar site infection, or chronic pain during follow-up.Conclusions.The use of Polysoft mesh for TAPP inguinal hernia repair does not seem to adversely affect the quality of repair. The use of this mesh is therefore feasible and safe and may reduce postoperative pain.
A Multicenter Feasibility Study of EBUS-TBNA for Potentially Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The JMTO LC07-02 Study (UMIN000001280)
Authors: Tanaka Fumihiro , Hasegawa Seiki , Kondo Nobuyuki , Miyahara Ryo , Date Hiroshi , Atagi Shinji , Kawahara Masaaki , Yamanaka Takeharu , Manabe Toshiaki , Wada Hiromi
Published: August 2016

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a standard procedure for the pathological evaluation of the mediastinal nodal (N2) status of lung cancer; however, its feasibility in potentially operable patients with suspicion of minimal N2 disease remains unestablished. Patients and Methods: A prospective multicenter study was conducted to assess the feasibility of EBUS-TBNA in this setting. Patients with clinical stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mediastinal nodal enlargement on computed tomography (CT) were eligible; patients were ineligible when CT revealed bulky (> 3 cm in the long-axis diameter) N2 or multiple (≥ 3) station N2. If EBUS-TBNA revealed negative results, surgical staging procedures were mandatory. Results: Among 20 eligible patients, EBUS-TBNA provided pathological confirmation of N2 disease (true-positive) in 12 patients. Among 8 patients with negative results with EBUS-TBNA, 4 patients were pathologically diagnosed as having N2 disease with surgical staging procedures (false-negative), and 4 were finally diagnosed as having non-N2 disease with nodal dissection by thoracotomy (true-negative). As a result, the sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for N2 evaluation (primary endpoint) was 75.0% (95% confidence interval 47.6-92.7%). No grade 3-5 adverse event were documented. Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA is potentially safe and useful in the pathological evaluation of N2 status even in potentially operable NSCLC patients with suspicion of minimal N2 disease on preoperative CT.
Premature Atrial Contractions on the Screening Electrocardiogram and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: O'Neal Wesley T. , Kamel Hooman , Kleindorfer Dawn , Judd Suzanne E. , Howard George , Howard Virginia J. , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: August 2016

Background: It is currently unknown if premature atrial contractions (PACs) detected on the routine screening electrocardiogram are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Methods: We examined the association between PACs and ischemic stroke in 22,975 (mean age 64 ± 9.2; 56% women; 40% black) participants from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study. Participants who were free of stroke at baseline were included. PACs were detected from centrally read electrocardiograms at baseline. Cox regression was used to examine the association between PACs and ischemic stroke events through March 31, 2014. Results: PACs were present in 1,687 (7.3%) participants at baseline. In a Cox regression model adjusted for stroke risk factors and potential confounders, PACs were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (hazards ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.74). The relationship was limited to non-lacunar infarcts (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87), and not lacunar strokes (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.51-2.03). An interaction by sex was detected, with the association between PACs and ischemic stroke being stronger among women (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29-2.56) than men (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.69-1.52; p-interaction = 0.0095). Conclusion: PACs detected on the routine electrocardiogram are associated with an increased risk for non-lacunar ischemic strokes, especially in women.
Hermann Broch’s reception in Brazil and Portugal between 1959 and 2015
Authors: Bonomo Daniel
Published: August 2016

The response, in Brazil and Portugal, to recently published editions of the novels The Sleepwalkers and The Death of Vergil by Hermann Broch shows a growing interest in, or perhaps a rather late response to, the author. One might wonder what events have been shaping the history of his literary presence in the Portuguese speaking world. This paper takes an unprecedented look at how Broch’s fictional and theoretical works have been received, in Portuguese, from the 1950s to the present day and provides a framework of main events – inclusions in the literary historiography, translations, theoretical and artistic utilizations. The objective is to expand the map of Broch’s readings and to offer references which might promote further discussions and advance the research on the author and his work
A Viagem de Francisco Xavier Ribeiro de Sampaio na Capitania de S. José do Rio Negro (1774-1775) (Ms do Arquivo Ultramarino de Lisboa
Authors:   Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Papavero Nelson , Chiquieri Abner ,   Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Teixeira Dante Martins ,   Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Viaro Mário Eduardo
Published: August 2016

O manuscrito do próprio punho de Francisco Xavier Ribeiro de Sampaio, preservado no Aquivo Ultramarino de Lisboa, em que o autor descreve suas viagens e aventuras na Capitania de São José do Rio Negro, pelo rio Negro abaixo e Solimões acima, até a fronteira com as possessões espanholas, em 1774S1775, é transcrito e comentado.Certamente o mais letrado dos viajantes setecentistas que percorreram a Amazônia, Sampaio discorreu nesse manuscrito sobre a história, a geografia e os produtos naturais da região, listando uma impressionante quantidade de tribos indígenas. Criticou certas opiniões de Charles Marie de La Condamine e tratou também da questão da presença de mulheres amazonas. Como apêndice incluisse uma transcrição comentada do livrinho de Hulsius (1559), onde se trata longamente das Amazonas do Velho e do Novo Mundos
A organização da unidade africana como expressão do projeto político continental no pós-independência: disputa e reivindicações
Authors: Fernandes Márcia
Published: August 2016

O objetivo desse artigo é destacar o papel da agência africana nos âmbitos regional e internacional no contexto das primeiras independências do continente para compreender seus objetivos e apresentar uma resposta à ideia simplista de que a África está condenada a ser uma grande vítima das injustiças pelas quais passou. Nesse sentido, a Organização da Unidade Africana (OUA) será o objeto de estudo desse artigo tendo em vista que sua criação foi, no contexto considerado, a primeira resposta dos países africanos aos problemas locais e internacionais que estavam vivenciando. A análise das cúpulas da organização de 1963 a 1976 será realizada considerando não apenas os grandes objetivos comuns entre os seus membros, mas também as suas disputas de interesses e, principalmente, o embate entre Egito e Gana pela liderança do continente. As fontes pesquisadas foram as declarações da OUA e a bibliografia especializada no assunto que discute o contexto no qual as cúpulas se realizaram, bem como as principais questões políticas africanas e internacionais da época. Por fim, conclui-se que a OUA foi capaz de mostrar para os demais países do mundo que a agência africana não poderia mais ser negligenciada no sistema internacional devido à relevância política do continente.>
Onde vivem os objetos: a composição mágico-totêmica da narrativa publicitária na campanha “A revolução na sua garagem” da marca Honda
Authors: Camargo Hertz Wendel de , Azevedo Junior Aryovaldo De Castro
Published: August 2016

A partir dos pressupostos dos estudos antropológicos do consumo – relacionados às estruturas mágico-totêmicas da narrativa publicitária – e das relações míticas entre o homem e o objeto, este artigo, em essência, apresenta uma interpretação plausível para um filme que compõe a campanha 2016 para o carro Honda HR-V, desenvolvida pela agência F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, cujo mote é “A revolução na sua garagem”.
Ações Afirmativas, Justiça e Igualdade
Authors: Clève Clèmerson Merlin
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo está pautado pela compreensão da reserva de justiça que envolve a ordem constitucional brasileira. Utiliza deste pressuposto para realizar a análise do instrumental referente às ações afirmativas e sua relação com uma dimensão substantiva do princípio da igualdade. Em um primeiro momento, questiona a justiça das ações afirmativas, indicando algumas teorias da justiça compatíveis com a ordem constitucional pátria. Na sequência, trata brevemente do histórico das ações afirmativas nos Estados Unidos bem como faz referência ao julgado realizado no Brasil na ADPF 186 e à Lei nº 12.711/2012. Ademais, expõe que existem diferentes instrumentos para a promoção da igualdade, discorrendo sobre a legislação referente às pessoas com deficiência e sobre a questão de cotas para gêneros distintos na política. Trata dos fundamentos do princípio constitucional da igualdade e a justificação para a realização de discriminações positivas. Por fim, propugna a adoção de ações afirmativas lembrando que estas se adequam aos valores de justiça protegidos pela Constituição.
Gallstones and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zheng Yan , Xu Min , Li Yanping , Hruby Adela , Rimm Eric B. , Hu Frank B. , Wirth Janine , Albert Christine M. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Manson JoAnn E. , Qi Lu
Published: August 2016

Objective—

Gallstone disease has been related to cardiovascular risk factors; however, whether presence of gallstones predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) is not well established.

Approach and Results—

We followed up 269 142 participants who were free of cancer and cardiovascular disease at baseline from 3 US cohorts: the Nurses’ Health Study (112 520 women; 1980–2010), Nurses’ Health Study II (112 919 women; 1989–2011), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (43 703 men; 1986–2010) and documented 21 265 incident CHD cases. After adjustment for potential confounders, the hazard ratio for the participants with a history of gallstone disease compared with those without was 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.10−1.21) in Nurses’ Health Study, 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.17−1.51) in Nurses’ Health Study II, and 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.04−1.20) in Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The associations seemed to be stronger in individuals who were not obese, not diabetic, or were normotensive, compared with their counterparts. We identified 4 published prospective studies by searching PUBMED and EMBASE up to October 2015, coupled with our 3 cohorts, involving 842 553 participants and 51 123 incident CHD cases. The results from meta-analysis revealed that a history of gallstone disease was associated with a 23% (15%–33%) increased CHD risk.

Conclusion—

Our findings support that a history of gallstone disease is associated with increased CHD risk, independently of traditional risk factors.
Folic Acid Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Yanping , Huang Tianyi , Zheng Yan , Muka Tauland , Troup Jenna , Hu Frank B.
Published: August 2016

Background

Results from observational and genetic epidemiological studies suggest that lower serum homocysteine levels are associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of lowering homocysteine with folic acid supplementation for CVD risk, but conflicting results have been reported.

Methods and Results

Three bibliographic databases (Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from database inception until December 1, 2015. Of the 1933 references reviewed for eligibility, 30 randomized controlled trials involving 82 334 participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled relative risks of folic acid supplementation compared with controls were 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.96;
P
=0.002) for stroke, 1.04 (95% CI 0.99–1.09;
P
=0.16) for coronary heart disease, and 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.99;
P
=0.02) for overall CVD. The intervention effects for both stroke and combined CVD were more pronounced among participants with lower plasma folate levels at baseline (both
P
<0.02 for interaction). In stratified analyses, a greater beneficial effect for overall CVD was seen in trials among participants without preexisting CVD (
P
=0.006 for interaction) or in trials with larger reduction in homocysteine levels (
P
=0.009 for interaction).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis indicated a 10% lower risk of stroke and a 4% lower risk of overall CVD with folic acid supplementation. A greater benefit for CVD was observed among participants with lower plasma folate levels and without preexisting CVD and in studies with larger decreases in homocysteine levels. Folic acid supplementation had no significant effect on risk of coronary heart disease.
Nonatheroscleotic Isolated Middle Cerebral Artery Disease May Be Early Manifestation of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Kim Yeon-Jung , Lee Joo Kyung , Ahn Sung-Ho , Kim Bum Joon , Kang Dong-Wha , Kim Jong S. , Kwon Sun U.
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

Middle cerebral artery steno-occlusive disease (MCAD) is not an uncommon cause of ischemic stroke in young Asians. Aside from atherosclerosis, the pathogenesis of MCAD include various nonatherosclerotic vasculopathies, most of which are yet to be defined. This study investigated the pathogenesis of symptomatic isolated MCAD in young Asian patients using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and mutation analysis of
RNF213
.

Methods—

Patients aged <60 years with stroke or transient ischemic attack caused by MCAD were prospectively enrolled. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of moyamoya disease, dissection, and vasculitis; with significant steno-occlusion in cerebral arteries other than the MCA; or with high-risk cardioembolic source were excluded. Using high-resolution MRI, patients were classified into an atherosclerosis group and a nonatherosclerosis group.

Results—

Eighty-one patients were enrolled, 45 (56.6%) in the atherosclerosis and 36 (44.4%) in the nonatherosclerosis group. The nonatherosclerosis group was significantly younger (
P
=0.013), had a smaller number of vascular risk factors (
P
=0.001), showed a lower homocysteine level (
P
<0.001), thinner intima-media thickness (
P
=0.006), and had more frequent heterozygotes at
RNF213
(
P
=0.045) than the atherosclerosis group. Diffusion-weighted image lesion pattern showed no significant differences in assumed stroke mechanisms between the 2 groups.

Conclusions—

Nonatherosclerotic pathogenesis are common in young Asians with symptomatic isolated MCAD. Clinical findings, high-resolution MRI features, and results of
RNF213
mutation analysis suggest that moyamoya disease is responsible etiologically for a significant portion of nonatherosclerotic lesions. Symptomatic isolated MCAD may be an early manifestation of moyamoya disease in young Asian adults.
Affective Prosody and Depression After Stroke
Authors: Villain Marie , Cosin Charlotte , Glize Bertrand , Berthoz Sylvie , Swendsen Joel , Sibon Igor , Mayo Willy
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a frequent complication of stroke with detrimental consequences in terms of quality of life and functional outcomes. In individuals with major depression, several studies have demonstrated an alteration of affective prosody. The aim of this study is to identify prosodic markers that may be predictive of PSD.

Methods—

Patient voices were recorded at baseline and 3 months after stroke. We extracted prosodic parameters, including fundamental frequency, percentage of voice breaks, and shimmer. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed 3 months later.

Results—

Among the 49 patients included in the study, 22.5% developed PSD 3 months after stroke. A significant decrease was observed concerning the fundamental frequency among patients who developed PSD. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that initial voice breaks coupled with shimmer are strongly predictive of subsequent PSD.

Conclusions—

Early alterations of affective prosody are associated with a higher risk of PSD 3 months after a stroke. This new physiological approach overcomes traditional barriers associated with clinical instruments and contributes to the prediction of this disorder.
Automated CT Perfusion Ischemic Core Volume and Noncontrast CT ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score)
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Dehkharghani Seena , Rangaraju Srikant , Rebello Leticia C. , Bouslama Mehdi , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Anderson Aaron , Belagaje Samir , Frankel Michael , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

The semiquantitative noncontrast CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and RAPID automated computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) ischemic core volumetric measurements have been used to quantify infarct extent. We aim to determine the correlation between ASPECTS and CTP ischemic core, evaluate the variability of core volumes within ASPECTS strata, and assess the strength of their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods—

Review of a prospective, single-center database of consecutive thrombectomies of middle cerebral or intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions with pretreatment CTP between September 2010 and September 2015. CTP was processed with RAPID software to identify ischemic core (relative cerebral blood flow<30% of normal tissue).

Results—

Three hundred and thirty-two patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age was 66 years (55–75), median ASPECTS was 8 (7–9), whereas median CTP ischemic core was 11 cc (2–27). Median time from last normal to groin puncture was 5.8 hours (3.9–8.8), and 90-day modified Rankin scale score 0 to 2 was observed in 54%. The correlation between CTP ischemic core and ASPECTS was fair (
R
=−0.36;
P
<0.01). Twenty-six patients (8%) had ASPECTS <6 and CTP core ≤50 cc (37% had modified Rankin scale score 0–2, whereas 29% were deceased at 90 days). Conversely, 27 patients (8%) had CTP core >50 cc and ASPECTS ≥6 (29% had modified Rankin scale 0–2, whereas 21% were deceased at 90 days). Moderate correlations between ASPECTS and final infarct volume (
R
=−0.42;
P
<0.01) and between CTP ischemic core and final infarct volume (
R
=0.50;
P
<0.01) were observed; coefficients were not significantly influenced by the time from stroke onset to presentation. Multivariable regression indicated ASPECTS ≥6 (odds ratio 4.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–11.46;
P
=0.01) and CTP core ≤50 cc (odds ratio 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–12.15;
P
=0.02) independently and comparably predictive of good outcome.

Conclusions—

There is wide variability of CTP-derived core volumes within ASPECTS strata. Patient selection may be affected by the imaging selection method.
Does Admission to Hospital Affect Trends in Survival and Dependency After Stroke Using the South London Stroke Register?
Authors: Bhalla Ajay , Wang Yanzhong , Rudd Anthony , Wolfe Charles D.A.
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

Despite guidelines for specialist assessment in hospital for stroke, it is important to identify patient characteristics, trends, and outcome in patients not admitted to hospital compared with patients admitted to hospital.

Methods—

Population-based stroke register of first in a life time strokes between 1995 and 2012 were examined. Baseline data included admission or nonadmission, case mix, stroke subtype, and risk factors before stroke. Survival curves were estimated with Kaplan–Meier methods. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with poor outcome (dead and dependency: Barthel index, <15) at 3 months and 1 year.

Results—

Three thousand four hundred sixty-four patients were admitted to hospital for stroke. Patients admitted were more likely have more severe impairments (
P
<0.001). There was a significant trend for increasing admission over time; 1995 to 2000 (82%), 2001 to 2006 (90%), and 2007 to 2012 (94%);
P
<0.001. When survival analysis was stratified according to Barthel index ≥15 at day 7, there were no significant differences in survival curves between admission and nonadmission groups in 1995 to 2000 (
P
=0.15) or 2001 to 2006 (
P
=0.06), but there was a significant trend for higher survival rates for nonadmission in the 2007 to 2012 cohort (
P
=0.025). Admission to hospital (stroke unit) compared with nonadmission was also associated with poor outcome in the 2001 to 2006 time period (odds ratio, 2.66; confidence interval, 1.17–6.04) and the 2007 to 2012 time period (odds ratio, 5.26; confidence interval, 1.27–21.81).

Conclusion—

There is a survival advantage from 2007 onward and lower levels of dependency from 2001 onward after adjusting for case mix for those patients who are not admitted to hospital, which requires further explanation.
Seeing through Camouflage: Abbott Thayer, Background-Picturing and the Use of Cutout Silhouettes
Authors: Behrens Roy R.
Published: August 2016

In the first decade of the twentieth century, while researching protective coloration in nature, artist-naturalist Abbott H. Thayer (1849–1921), working with his son, Gerald H. Thayer (1883–1939), hypothesized a kind of camouflage that he called “background-picturing.” It was his contention that, in many animals, the patterns on their bodies make it seem as if one could “see through” them, as if they were transparent. This essay revisits that concept, Thayer’s descriptions and demonstrations of it, and compares it to current computer-based practices of replacing gaps in images with “content-aware” digital patches.
Children’s Evaluations of Tattles, Confessions, Prosocial and Antisocial Lies
Authors: Talwar Victoria , Williams Shanna Mary , Renaud Sarah-Jane , Arruda Cindy , Saykaly Christine
Published: August 2016

Lie-telling is a false verbal statement made with the intention to deceive another. Lies may be told for selfish reasons or due to prosocial motivations. As a result, the veracity of a statement holds more than just communicative intent but rather represents social intentions. In the current experiment children (6- to 12-years old) viewed 12 vignettes which depicted a protagonist either telling a truth or a lie. The protagonist’s statements either hurt another or themselves (other versus self). Following viewing of each vignette participants provided a moral evaluation of the protagonist’s statement (five-point Likert) and a classification of the statements; as either a truth or lie. Additionally, a novel method of evaluating statements was introduced, whereby children evaluated communicative intent as an act, to be rewarded or punished. Results revealed that both lies and truths were accurately identified, with the exception of altruistic lies (benefits to another) and tattling truths (harms another). Younger children rewarded truthful statements, which harmed or hurt another, significantly more often than older children. Older children ranked lies to help another significantly more favorably than lies to protect the self. Children also rewarded confessions and punished antisocial lies most frequently. Results highlight the notable differences in children’s perceptions of varying forms of honesty and lying.
Argostemma laotica (Rubiaceae), a new species from Laos
Authors: LANORSAVANH SOULIVANH , CHANTARANOTHAI PRANOM
Published: August 2016

Argostemma laotica, a new species from Laos, is described and illustrated. The species appears most similar to A. concinnum but differs in having pubescent stem, corolla and ovaries, oblique leaf base, shorter pedicel and smaller anthers which a dehiscence by an apical pore. The conservation status of this new species is vulnerable (VU D2).
A new species of the genus Asthenara Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Mexico with identification key
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: August 2016

The genus Asthenara Förster, 1869, belonging to the tribe Pionini of the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), comprises eight described species (Yu et al. 2012). Two of them are distributed in the Palaearctic Region, and six in the Neotropical region. One Neotropical species is known from Costa Rica (Gauld et al. 1997), the remaining five from Mexico (Kasparyan 2006). Kasparyan (2006) provided a key to the species from the Mexico. To date, no species of the genus have been described from Nearctic region or south of Costa Rica. In this article a new species belonging to Asthenara, collected in the Mexican state of Jalisco is described.
The Sensitivity of WRF Downscaled Precipitation in Puerto Rico to Cumulus Parameterization and Interior Grid Nudging
Authors: Wootten A. , Bowden J. H. , Boyles R. , Terando A.
Published: August 2016

The sensitivity of the precipitation over Puerto Rico that is simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is evaluated using multiple combinations of cumulus parameterization (CP) schemes and interior grid nudging. The NCEP–DOE AMIP-II reanalysis (R-2) is downscaled to 2-km horizontal grid spacing both with convective-permitting simulations (CP active only in the middle and outer domains) and with CP schemes active in all domains. The results generally show lower simulated precipitation amounts than are observed, regardless of WRF configuration, but activating the CP schemes in the inner domain improves the annual cycle, intensity, and placement of rainfall relative to the convective-permitting simulations. Furthermore, the use of interior-grid-nudging techniques in the outer domains improves the placement and intensity of rainfall in the inner domain. Incorporating a CP scheme at convective-permitting scales (<4 km) and grid nudging at non-convective-permitting scales (>4 km) improves the island average correlation of precipitation by 0.05–0.2 and reduces the island average RMSE by up to 40 mm on average over relying on the explicit microphysics at convective-permitting scales with grid nudging. Projected changes in summer precipitation between 2040–42 and 1985–87 using WRF to downscale CCSM4 range from a 2.6-mm average increase to an 81.9-mm average decrease, depending on the choice of CP scheme. The differences are only associated with differences between WRF configurations, which indicates the importance of CP scheme for projected precipitation change as well as historical accuracy.
An Investigation of the Presence of Atmospheric Rivers over the North Pacific during Planetary-Scale Wave Life Cycles and Their Role in Arctic Warming
Authors: Baggett Cory , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven
Published: August 2016

Heretofore, the tropically excited Arctic warming (TEAM) mechanism put forward that localized tropical convection amplifies planetary-scale waves, which transport sensible and latent heat into the Arctic, leading to an enhancement of downward infrared radiation and Arctic surface warming. In this study, an investigation is made into the previously unexplored contribution of the synoptic-scale waves and their attendant atmospheric rivers to the TEAM mechanism. Reanalysis data are used to conduct a suite of observational analyses, trajectory calculations, and idealized model simulations. It is shown that localized tropical convection over the Maritime Continent precedes the peak of the planetary-scale wave life cycle by ~10–14 days. The Rossby wave source induced by the tropical convection excites a Rossby wave train over the North Pacific that amplifies the climatological December–March stationary waves. These amplified planetary-scale waves are baroclinic and transport sensible and latent heat poleward. During the planetary-scale wave life cycle, synoptic-scale waves are diverted northward over the central North Pacific. The warm conveyor belts associated with the synoptic-scale waves channel moisture from the subtropics into atmospheric rivers that ascend as they move poleward and penetrate into the Arctic near the Bering Strait. At this time, the synoptic-scale waves undergo cyclonic Rossby wave breaking, which further amplifies the planetary-scale waves. The planetary-scale wave life cycle ceases as ridging over Alaska retrogrades westward. The ridging blocks additional moisture transport into the Arctic. However, sensible and latent heat amounts remain elevated over the Arctic, which enhances downward infrared radiation and maintains warm surface temperatures.
Understanding Rapid Changes in Phase Partitioning between Cloud Liquid and Ice in Stratiform Mixed-Phase Clouds: An Arctic Case Study
Authors: Kalesse Heike , de Boer Gijs , Solomon Amy , Oue Mariko , Ahlgrimm Maike , Zhang Damao , Shupe Matthew D. , Luke Edward , Protat Alain
Published: August 2016

Understanding phase transitions in mixed-phase clouds is of great importance because the hydrometeor phase controls the lifetime and radiative effects of clouds. In high latitudes, these cloud radiative effects have a crucial impact on the surface energy budget and thus on the evolution of the ice cover. For a springtime low-level mixed-phase stratiform cloud case from Barrow, Alaska, a unique combination of instruments and retrieval methods is combined with multiple modeling perspectives to determine key processes that control cloud phase partitioning. The interplay of local cloud-scale versus large-scale processes is considered. Rapid changes in phase partitioning were found to be caused by several main factors. Major influences were the large-scale advection of different air masses with different aerosol concentrations and humidity content, cloud-scale processes such as a change in the thermodynamical coupling state, and local-scale dynamics influencing the residence time of ice particles. Other factors such as radiative shielding by a cirrus and the influence of the solar cycle were found to only play a minor role for the specific case study (11–12 March 2013). For an even better understanding of cloud phase transitions, observations of key aerosol parameters such as profiles of cloud condensation nucleus and ice nucleus concentration are desirable.