bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory Navigation and the Receptor Nonlinearity
Authors: Victor Jonathan D. , Boie Sebastian D. , Connor Erin G. , Crimaldi John P. , Ermentrout G. Bard , Nagel Katherine I.
Published: March 2019

The demands on a sensory system depend not only on the statistics of its inputs but also on the task. In olfactory navigation, for example, the task is to find the plume source; allocation of sensory resources may therefore be driven by aspects of the plume that are informative about source location, rather than concentration per se. Here we explore the implications of this idea for encoding odor concentration. To formalize the notion that sensory resources are limited, we considered coding strategies that partitioned the odor concentration range into a set of discriminable intervals. We developed a dynamic programming algorithm that, given the distribution of odor concentrations at several locations, determines the partitioning that conveys the most information about location. We applied this analysis to planar laser-induced fluorescence measurements of spatiotemporal odor fields with realistic advection speeds (5–20 cm/s), with or without a nearby boundary or obstacle. Across all environments, the optimal coding strategy allocated more resources (i.e., more and finer discriminable intervals) to the upper end of the concentration range than would be expected from histogram equalization, the optimal strategy if the goal were to reconstruct the plume, rather than to navigate. Finally, we show that ligand binding, as captured by the Hill equation, transforms odorant concentration into response levels in a way that approximates information maximization for navigation. This behavior occurs when the Hill dissociation constant is near the mean odor concentration, an adaptive set-point that has been observed in the olfactory system of flies.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe first step of olfactory processing is receptor binding, and the resulting relationship between odorant concentration and the bound receptor fraction is a saturating one. While this Hill nonlinearity can be viewed as a distortion that is imposed by the biophysics of receptor binding, here we show that it also plays an important information-processing role in olfactory navigation. Specifically, by combining a novel dynamic-programming algorithm with physical measurements of turbulent plumes, we determine the optimal strategy for encoding odor concentration when the goal is to determine location. This strategy is distinct from histogram equalization, the strategy that maximizes information about plume concentration, and is closely approximated by the Hill nonlinearity when the binding constant is near the ambient mean.
Estradiol matrix patches for pubertal induction: stability of cut pieces at different temperatures
Authors: Ankarberg-Lindgren Carina , Gawlik Aneta , Kriström Berit , Mazzanti Laura , Ruijgrok Elisabeth J , Sas Theo C J
Published: March 2019

Objective

Transdermal estradiol patches are primarily designed for adult women. No low-dose patches are licensed for pubertal induction in hypogonadal girls. Low doses can be achieved by cutting a matrix patch into smaller pieces. However, the manufacturers do not guarantee stability or utility of cut estradiol patches. The aim of the study was to assess 1-month stability of cut estradiol patches from four different manufacturers in the laboratory at room temperature (+21°C) and at an elevated temperature (+35°C).

Design and methods

Estraderm MX 50 µg, Systen 50 µg and Oesclim 25 µg matrix patches were cut into eight pieces while Estradot 50 µg small patches were cut in half. The cut patches were stored in their respective pouches at +21°C or at +35°C for up to 1 month. The estradiol drug was extracted from the patch by ethyl acetate n-hexane and determined by radioimmunoassay.

Results

Storage at +21°C or +35°C up to 1 month did not reduce the estradiol concentration in Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patches. However, although the estradiol in Estradot patches was not affected by storage at +21°C, at +35°C, estradiol decreased by 57% (±1%) in cut pieces.

Conclusions

Unused Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patch pieces may be stored for at least 1 month at ≤+35°C. Where estradiol patches for children are not available, cut pieces of these or similar patches can be used for pubertal induction. The Estradot patch was too small to properly cut into low doses and not stable in elevated temperatures.
Midterm Results of Transaxillary Occluder Device Closure of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect Guided Solely by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Liang Weijie , Zhou Sijie , Fan Taibin , Song Shub , Li Bin , Dong Haoj , Zhang Linhon , Hu Manma , Liu Lin
Published: March 2019

Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) is a common congenital heart disease. Transaxillary occluder device closure of the pmVSD has been proved effective and an alternative to surgical closure. The study aimed to evaluate the immediate operation outcomes and the early and midterm follow-up outcomes of transaxillary occluder device closure.
Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, we retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent transaxillary device closure of the pmVSD. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram (ECG) before and after the procedure (before discharging). Follow-up evaluation was completed at the time of 3, 6, 12 months and yearly thereafter in outpatient setting with TTE and ECG.
Results: A total of 428 patients (216 male, 212 female) underwent transaxillary occluder device closure of the pmVSD under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The mean age at the operation time was 2.2 ± 1.5 year (range 0.5-16.2 year). The mean weight was 8.5 ± 4.1 kg (range 6-61 kg). The mean size of the occluder implanted in the operation was 5.3 ± 1.4 (range 4-8 mm), matching the mean defect size of 4.2 ± 1.1 (range 3-6 mm). The device closure operation was successfully achieved in 422 pmVSD patients (98.6%), and 6 patients failed in occluding and were converted to open surgery because of a great residual shunt and obvious device-related aortic regurgitation . Immediate complete closure was detected by postoperative TEE in all, but 3 patients had trivial residual shunting. Total early adverse events emerged in 47 patients (11.1%). New mild tricuspid and aortic regurgitation occurred in 17 and 3 patients and disappeared in follow-up. Abnormal atrioventricular conduction events emerged in 23 patients, including left anterior block, complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB), administrated with close follow-up. Pericardial effusion occurred in 2 other patients, managed with puncture drainage. During a median follow-up period of 26.8 months (range 6-48 months), no serious adverse event and later-on complete atrioventricular block were encountered.
Conclusion: In our experience, transaxillary device closure was performed via right infra-axillary mini-incision (invisible) guided by TEE, with low incidence of postoperative adverse events, confirming that transaxillary device closure of the pmVSD under the guidance of TEE is an effective alternative to surgical closure in well-selected pmVSD patients.
Reflexión teológico-espiritual del diálogo: Dios-ser humano, ser humano-ser humano
Authors: Alvarado Palacios Amparo
Published: March 2019

Se pretende buscar, en la dinámica de la comunicación divina, la plataforma teológica del diálogo. La antropología teológica del misterio de la Revelación y su espiritualidad explican la certeza de un evento espiritual: el diálogo. La espiritualidad de la Revelación es la fuente que explica el nacimiento, el progreso y el desarrollo de la vida espiritual, puesto que, si Dios se revela, es para asociar al ser humano a su vida íntima y este, por la fe, se abre a Dios: un diálogo que lleva a la comunión de vida en el Espíritu. Es un encuentro interpersonal que compromete al ser humano con Dios, con los otros y con el cosmos, que produce un cambio de vida existencial y, por tanto, permanente.
Uso de prácticas de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas por pequeños cafetaleros en Centroamérica
Authors: Chain-Guadarrama Adina , Martínez-Rodríguez Ruth M. , Cárdenas José Mario , Vílchez Mendoza Sergio , Harvey Celia A
Published: March 2019

Introducción. En Centroamérica, los pequeños caficultores están amenazados por el aumento en las temperaturas y los cambios en los patrones de lluvia. Una estrategia para apoyar a las comunidades de pequeños agricultores a adaptarse al cambio climático es el uso de prácticas de Adaptación basada en Ecosistemas (AbE), las cuales integran la conservación, restauración y manejo sostenible de ecosistemas y biodiversidad. Sin embargo, existe poca información de cómo los productores utilizan estas prácticas. Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el uso de once prácticas de AbE entre pequeños agricultores de café, de cinco paisajes ubicados en Costa Rica, Honduras y Guatemala, así como comparar las características biofísicas y frecuencia de uso de las mismas entre paisajes. Materiales y métodos. La caracterización de las prácticas de AbE se realizó utilizando mapeo participativo, entrevistas, y mediciones de área y estructura y composición de la vegetación, entre julio 2014 y junio 2015. La comparación entre paisajes se realizó mediante un análisis de varianza. Resultados. Los resultados indican que muchos pequeños agricultores de café están implementando activamente el uso de prácticas AbE, entre ellas el uso de árboles de sombra en cafetales, los surcos en contorno, los huertos caseros y las cercas vivas. Sin embargo, existieron diferencias importantes entre paisajes en cuanto al uso y las características de AbE implementadas. Conclusión. Estas diferencias sugieren que los productores adaptan el uso de dichas prácticas en respuesta a los contextos sociales y biofísicos del medio en donde viven, y que existe valor en hacer intercambio de productores de diferentes regiones para compartir su conocimiento sobre estas prácticas.
Caracterización genética, química y agronómica de líneas avanzadas de tomate de cáscara
Authors: González-Chavira Mario Martin , Guzmán-Maldonado Salvador Horacio , Pons-Hernández José Luis , Villalobos-Reyes Salvador , Gónzalez-Pérez Enrique
Published: March 2019

Introducción. Conocer la diversidad a nivel genético, químico y morfológico que existe entre individuos y poblaciones, es de gran utilidad en los programas de mejoramiento genético, ya que facilita la organización del material y la selección adecuada de genotipos superiores para el desarrollo de una población mejorada. Objetivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar genética, química y agronómicamente líneas avanzadas de tomate de cáscara (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.), del programa de mejoramiento de hortalizas del Campo Experimental Bajío (CE-Bajío) del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), México. Materiales y métodos. Durante la temporada primavera-verano y otoño-invierno de 2017, se cuantificó la variabilidad genética con marcadores moleculares de ADN de tipo AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism); se determinaron los compuestos fenólicos y tomatidina en fruto, y en lo agronómico el porcentaje de germinación, número de frutos por planta, peso del fruto, diámetro ecuatorial y polar, y el rendimiento. Resultados. Se obtuvo un promedio general de similitud entre los genotipos de 0,86. De acuerdo con las relaciones genéticas, se detectaron las líneas 4 y 70 como posibles progenitores de híbridos y un patrón geográfico en los agrupamientos. La diversidad química indicó que el mayor contenido de flavonoides (51,1 mg EAG/100 g) se presentó en la L-86, de fenoles y antocianinas (396, 8 y 7,22 mg EAG/100 g, resp.) en la L-182, y de taninos (188,4 mg EAG/100 g) en la L-97, mientras que la tomatidina fue mayor en frutos verdes (2,23-3,81 mg EAG/100 g) que en morados. El intervalo de rendimiento de las líneas fue de 11,4 a 47,6 t/ha, donde el 20% de las líneas superaron la media de rendimiento nacional (40 t/ha). Se destacó la L-37 con 47,6 t/ha, que además produjo mayor número de frutos por planta, diámetro ecuatorial y polar, y una tasa de germinación de 93,3%. Conclusión. Las líneas 37, 25, 27 y 167, tienen potencial para ser validadas para uso comercial y como líneas parentales.
An Embedded System Design to Build Real-Time 2D Maps for Unknown Indoor Environments
Authors: COŞGUN Ercan , KORKMAZ Hayriye , TOKER Kenan
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a remotely controllable, differentially driven
wheeled mobile robot was developed in order to build 2D maps of unknown indoor
environments; this system would eliminate the need to pre-explore such
environments. Main aim of the study is to develop a system with high accuracy
by using minimum number of sensors and a processor with low cost especially for
comparatively small indoor areas. The distance traveled was calculated using
the wheel odometry method. Obstacles surrounding the robot, the distance
traveled, and the robot’s orientation were obtained using an ultrasonic
distance sensor, optical encoder, and a 3D orientation sensor (also known as an
Attitude and Heading Reference System –AHRS), respectively. In addition, the
characteristics of the system hardware components were empirically explored,
and the errors resulting from the sensors were evaluated. The non-linearity
percentage error arising from the encoder was defined and then compensated for.
The hysteresis behavior of the ultrasonic distance sensors was also empirically
tested. All of the tasks were conducted by using a low-cost FPGA (Field
Programmable Gate Arrays) board. This study used the graphical development
platform, National Instruments (NI) LabVIEW, and it’s FPGA Module which is used
for programming of embedded systems instead of the text-based HDLs (Hardware
Description Languages). This distinguishes the proposed system from similar
prior studies.
Práticas educacionais inclusivas na área de deficiência intelectual: análise do nível de satisfação dos professores-cursistas
Authors: Galvani Claudino-Kamazaki Silvana , Messias Fialho Capellini Vera Lúcia
Published: March 2019

Este artigo apresenta a análise da satisfa- ção dos professores-cursistas sobre a 6ª edi- ção (2013) do curso Práticas Educacionais Inclusivas na Área de Deficiência Intelectual, oferecido pela Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) com apoio do Ministério da Educação (MEC) na modalidade a distância. Para tanto, inicialmente realiza uma breve análise do que vem sendo considerado por alguns pesquisadores (SOMMER et al., 2012; VOLPATO; RIBEIRO, 2012; CUNHA, 2012) como qualidade na formação inicial e continuada de professores e sua relação com as alternativas possibilitadas pela modalidade a distância para, posteriormente, apresentar a análise das respostas enviadas pelos professores-cursistas via questionário de avaliação do curso em questão. O trabalho está, desta forma, organizado em três momentos: 1) breve panorama sobre a qualidade da formação docente nos cursos de graduação em nível superior; 2) reflexões sobre a relação desta qualidade com a forma- ção continuada dos profissionais por meio da modalidade de educação a distância (EaD); 3) dados relativos à avaliação realizada pelos participantes do referido curso.
Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVAs) como ferramentas de apoio em Ambientes Complexos de Aprendizagem (ACAs)
Authors: De Oliveira Martins Diego , Tiziotto Simone Aparecida , Cazarini Edson Walmir
Published: March 2019

Este artigo tem o objetivo de reconhecer algumas formas de apropriação dos Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVAs) nos Ambientes Complexos de Aprendizagem (ACAs), dadas às suas especificidades, buscando refletir se estão contribuindo, efetivamente, para o processo de aprendizagem nos cursos superiores e verificar se apenas funcionam como mecanismos de reafirma- ção de um status quo. Para tanto, foi realizada uma investigação exploratória descritiva, que se iniciou como um estudo bibliográfico, seguida por uma pesquisa de amostragem a partir de 150 artigos de periódicos publicados no período de 2009 a 2014 sobre o tema em questão. Os resultados são paradoxais, pois, apesar de demonstrarem certa constância de práticas ainda recursivas, também apresentam 21 requisitos que parecem demonstrar potencial, desde que inseridos em um movimento de constante ascendência, para atender as demandas das novas gerações de discentes da educação superior. Ressalva-se que, apesar das dificuldades que a tomada de uma decisão em ACAs pode representar, a importância de se estudar este tema, de refletir sobre ele e de se encontrarem as melhores opções de ações didático-pedagógicas é tão significativa que pode representar a diferença entre desmotivar e fomentar o fracasso ou motivar e proporcionar opções efetivas de sucesso nos processos de aprendizagem.
Chlorophyll Extraction in Cyanobacteria v1
Authors: M Schmelling Nicolas
Published: March 2019

This protocol should be used for chlorophyll extraction in cyanobacteria. The equation for calculating the exact chlorophyll content can be found at the end of this document. You might want to measure the optical density (OD) of you cyanobacteria culture at 750 nm. Use BG11 medium or water as the reference solution. You need the OD of your culture to normalize the cholorphyll concentration to the number of cyanobacteria. Calculate chlorophyll content (adapted from Lichtenthaler 1978) Chl [µg/ml] = OD665nm x 13.9 [µg/ml] x dilution factor of culture You can take less than 1 ml, but note the dilution factor for the calculation later on, e.g. : 1 ml sample = dilution factor of 1 500 µl sample =dilution factor of2 100 µl sample = dilution factor of 10
Single-cell mapping of lineage and identity via CellTagging v8
Authors: A. Biddy Brent , Kong Wenjun , Kamimoto Kenji , Guo Chuner , Waye Sarah , Sun Tao , A Morris Samantha
Published: March 2019

Single-cell technologies are offering unprecedented insight into complex biology, revealing the behavior of rare cell populations that are typically masked in bulk population analyses. One current limitation of single-cell approaches is that lineage relationships are lost as a result of cell processing, restricting interpretations of the data collected. Elegant computational approaches have been developed in an effort to infer these missing observations, but it remains a challenge to reconstruct true reprogramming trajectories using these tools. Although sophisticated lineage tracing solutions to connect cell history with fate are emerging, these protocols are either not compatible with high-throughput scRNA-seq, or require genome editing strategies that are not readily deployed in some systems. Here, our protocol describes a single-cell resolution clonal tracking approach, ‘CellTagging’, based on combinatorial cell indexing, permitting the parallel capture of lineage information and cell identity. CellTagging integrates with high-throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing, where iterative rounds of cell labeling enable the construction of multi-level lineage trees. This straightforward lentiviral-labeling approach can be applied to an array of cell biological applications to simultaneously profile lineage and identity, at single-cell resolution.
Transformación de la cultura organizacional a través de la acción del/la agente de igualdad de oportunidades
Authors: Medina-Vicent Maria
Published: March 2019

Incorporar la igualdad de género en las organizaciones es una labor urgente. Desde un punto de vista tanto jurídico como ético, la figura del/la agente de igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres resulta esencial para conseguir dicho objetivo. Por esta razón, a lo largo de este trabajo reflexionaremos en torno al papel de dicha figura profesional como parte impulsora del cambio cultural en las organizaciones. Y es que, consideramos que dicha figura actúa en su desarrollo profesional como puente de unión entre las exigencias elaboradas desde el derecho en materia de igualdad y la voluntariedad de accionar que deviene de la ética en este mismo sentido. Es decir, el/la agente de igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres se erige como una figura central para la incorporación de la perspectiva de género en la gestión ética de las instituciones.
Sarıkum Gölü’nde Kışlayan Sukuşları
Authors: ÖZKOÇ Ömral Ünsal , YAVUZ Nizamettin , ERCİYAS YAVUZ Kiraz
Published: March 2019

Sarıkum Gölü Tabiatı Koruma
Alanı, Orta Karadeniz Bölgesi’nde sukuşları için önemli bir konaklama alanıdır.
Özellikle kış aylarında iç bölgelerdeki tatlı suların donması sonucunda çok
sayıda kuş türü kıyısal sulak alanları kışı geçirmek için kullanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada
Sarıkum Gölü’nde kışlayan sukuşu türlerini belirlemek ve Sarıkum Gölü’nün
sukuşları açısından önemini değerlendirmek amaçlanmıştır. Bu çalışma 1993 –
2018 yılları arasında toplam 17 yıl doğrudan gözlem yoluyla, nokta sayım
yöntemi kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen Kış Ortası Sukuşu Sayım sonuçları
değerlendirilerek hazırlanmıştır. Bu çalışmaya göre alanda şu ana kadar 10
takım, 14 aileye ait 56 kışlayan sukuşu türü tespit edilmiştir. Alanda tespit
edilen sukuşlarından 6’sı IUCN kriterlerine göre küresel ölçekte nesli tehlike
altında türlerdir. Alanda bir yılda en fazla 38 sukuşu türü ve en fazla 18.112
sukuşu sayılmış olup, en baskın türlerin sırasıyla Anas platyrhynchos, Anas crecca, Aythya fuligula, Fulica atra ve Aythya ferina olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
An appraisal of result of surgery for gastric carcinoma
Authors: Khan Zubair Afzal
Published: March 2019

Background: Large number of the patients with gastric carcinoma (GC) remain asymptomatic, symptoms developed only in GC with advanced lesions with local or distant metastases. GC contributes significant morbidity and mortality related to malignancy, worldwide. The objectives of this study were to study the clinical presentation, surgery type and post-operative mortality and survival in case of patients with gastric carcinoma.Methods: The study included the patients with histologically proven cases of adenocarcinoma of stomach over a period of 5 years. The study excluded the patients with proven distant metastatic disease and/or in whom only palliative surgery was performed. All the patients were followed-up regularly till 5 years after the surgery.Results: The age-group of 51-60 years had maximum number of patients with GC followed by the age-group of 41-50 years. A majority of patients were presented with epigastric pain, weight loss, and anorexia. 30 (14.22%) patients had stage I GC while 77 (36.49%) and 104 (49.29%) patients had stage II and III GC, respectively. Overall survival of the patients was 75.62%, 56.22% and 44.78% at the end of 1-year, 2-years and 5-years.Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of gastric carcinoma responsible for this poor survival rates. The screening programs must be implemented for early diagnosis which can improve survival as well as quality of life of the patients with gastric carcinoma.
Distribution of different cerebral lesions showing restriction on diffusion weighted imaging cases
Authors: Singh Shailesh Kumar , Lata Kusum , Kohli Neera
Published: March 2019

Background: Diffusion Weighted Images (DWI) is conventionally used to identify acute ischemic lesions. It has now become a routine technique in the magnetic resonance protocols for the evaluation of stroke patients. The objective of the present study was to find the distribution of different cerebral lesions showing restriction on DWI and influence of ADC on them.Methods: This was single blinded prospective study. Evaluating the magnetic resonance imaging was blinded for the clinical data of the patient. This study was done at M.R.I. unit of Department of Radio Diagnosis, C.S.M. Medical University, Lucknow, during a period of one year from August 2008 to July 2009.Total 93 subjects with restricted diffusion with age range of (6 to 95 years) were found. Data were analyzed using statistical software package, STATA 9.2 and the difference was considered to be significant if ‘p’ value was found to be <0.05.Results: Ninety-three cases of diffusion restriction were seen of which 55 of infarcts (37 male and 18 female) with age range of 6 to 95 years. 10 cystic lesions which were showing restriction on DWI with low ADC value were found. Total 12 cases of encephalitis were found showing restriction on DWI. Most of the cases of encephalitis were found to have ADC value between 400 to 800 x 10-6 mm2/s that 75% of total encephalitis cases. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery was superior to T2 sequencing in showing cortical lesions.Conclusions: MRI with DWI and ADC values are helpful in the earlier diagnosis of the encephalitis, infarcts and helpful in better differentiation of infarcts, abscesses and encephalitis in comparison to MRI without DWI and ADC value.
Sobrecrecimiento bacteriano en el intestino delgado: una causa de dolor abdominal crónico en niños
Authors: Avelar Rodríguez David , Toro Monjaraz Erick Manuel , Ramírez Mayans Jaime Alfonso
Published: March 2019

El sobrecrecimiento bacteriano en el intestino delgado (SBID) es causa de dolor abdominal crónico, diarrea, distensión abdominal y flatulencias en la población pediátrica. El uso de inhibidores de bomba de protones, algunas anomalías anatómicas y alteraciones en la motilidad gastrointestinal son factores de riesgo de SBID. El diagnóstico se establece con base en la prueba de hidrogeniones y de metano, o por medio del cultivo del aspirado duodenal/yeyunal. El tratamiento consiste en: rifaximina, dieta con restricción de oligosacáridos, disacáridos, monosacáridos y polioles fermentables (FODMAPs), y probióticos.
Perfil, desafios e oportunidades dos comerciantes do bairro de comércio popular Vila Portes da cidade de Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Authors: Fonseca Bruna , Sawa Karen , Appel Renato , Derrosso Giuliano
Published: March 2019

In the present study we aimed to reflect and carry out practical research so as to understand the challenges and opportunities that the trader who is inserted in a frontier region faces, seeking to encourage such practices and experiences of that reality . The objective of this work was to identify the profile, challenges and opportunities of the traders of the neighborhood of Vila Portes, in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, getting to know about the formation of the neighborhood, through researches with traders and their profile analysis, challenges and opportunities. The research and collection methods depart from the principle of searching for information about the Vila Portes traders , through qualitative research, getting to know better the challenges and opportunities they had, and the quantitative, more specific and comprehensive search for the general profile of the trader in the border area. Results found are very important for future administrators and traders in the region, because besides improving the understanding of the local trade area , they also provide a profile of the local traders as well as opportunities for new traders.. Research also sought to understand the challenges faced by local traders , and tried to find possible solutions to enhance the continuous improvement of this region of popular commerce.
Modelagem empírica de rentabilidade no mercado de locação de imóveis na cidade de São Paulo/SP utilizando modelos hedônicos e de regressão
Authors: Gerab Fábio , Carvalho Bruno Mariano de
Published: March 2019

It is a big challenge to determine the intrinsic value associated with all attributes existing in a property. It is also difficult to predict this value accurately, because in real estate market there are several properties with distinct characteristics. This study aims at developing a mathematical model capable of estimating the financial return on investments in urban residential apartments destined to lease in São Paulo city, SP, and identifying characteristics that promote a greater profitability for these residential apartments. In order to do so, hedonic multiple linear regression models capable to predict the values of sale and rent have been developed. With these models, and the ratio between the predict values of rent and sale, it was possible to build a new regression model in order to determine the profitability in the rent of residential apartments. Using the analysis of this new model it was possible to determine the characteristics on apartments that present the best profitability on real estate market.
Proangiogenic activity of plant extracts in accelerating wound healing - a new face of old phytomedicines.
Authors: Majewska Iwona , Gendaszewska-Darmach Edyta
Published: March 2019

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from pre-existing vascular network, plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing, and development of atherosclerosis. Extension of the circulatory network is also considered to be one the most important factors during cancerogenesis. Inhibition of angiogenesis may lead to inhibition of tumor growth whereas stimulation may improve wound healing. Research achievements suggest the use of plants and their extracts as potential therapeutic agents with pro- or antiangiogenic activity. Since the anticancer and antiangiogenic properties of many phytomedicines have been amply reviewed elsewhere this paper will focus on the treatment of vascular insufficiency in wound healing. Globally accepted herbal drugs are thought to be safe and effective, however, there is a need for more evidence-based confirmation in controlled and validated trials. Among the most frequently studied proangiogenic phytochemicals are ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, beta-sitosterol from Aloe vera, calycosin from Radix Astragali, and extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Angelica sinensis.
Tyrosine phosphatases as a superfamily of tumor suppressors in colorectal cancer.
Authors: Laczmanska Izabela , Sasiadek Maria M
Published: March 2019

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation processes catalyzed by numerous kinases and phosphorylases are essential for cell homeostasis and may lead to disturbances in a variety of vital cellular pathways, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, and thus to complex diseases including cancer. As over 80 % of all oncogenes encode protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which can reverse the effects of tyrosine kinases, are very important tumor suppressors. Alterations in tyrosine kinase and phosphatase genes including point mutations, changes in epigenetic regulation, as well as chromosomal aberrations involving regions critical to these genes, are frequently observed in a variety of cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in humans. CRCs occur in a familial (about 15 % of all cases), hereditary (about 5%) and sporadic (almost 75-80 %) form. As genetic-environmental interrelations play an important role in the susceptibility to sporadic forms of CRCs, many studies are focused on genetic alterations in such tumors. Mutational analysis of the tyrosine phosphatome in CRCs has identified somatic mutations in PTPRG, PTPRT, PTPN3, PTPN13 and PTPN14. The majority of these mutations result in a loss of protein function. Also, alterations in the expression of these genes, such as decreased expression of PTPRR, PTPRO, PTPRG and PTPRD, mediated by epigenetic mechanisms have been observed in a variety of tumors. Since cancer is a social and global problem, there will be a growing number of studies on alterations in the candidate cancer genes, including protein kinases and phosphatases, to determine the origin, biology and potential pathways for targeted anticancer therapy.
Purification and characterization of a heteromultimeric glycoprotein from Artocarpus heterophyllus latex with an inhibitory effect on human blood coagulation.
Authors: Siritapetawee Jaruwan , Thammasirirak Sompong
Published: March 2019

Plant latex has many health benefits and has been used in folk medicine. In this study, the biological effect of Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) latex on human blood coagulation was investigated. By a combination of heat precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography, a heat stable heteromultimeric glycoprotein (HSGPL1) was purified from jackfruit milky latex. The apparent molecular masses of the monomeric proteins on SDS/PAGE were 33, 31 and 29 kDa. The isoelectric points (pIs) of the monomers were 6.63, 6.63 and 6.93, respectively. Glycosylation and deglycosylation tests confirmed that each subunit of HSGPL1 formed the native multimer by sugar-based interaction. Moreover, the multimer of HSGPL1 also resisted 2-mercaptoethanol action. Peptide mass fingerprint analysis indicated that HSGPL1 was a complex protein related to Hsps/chaperones. HSGPL1 has an effect on intrinsic pathways of the human blood coagulation system by significantly prolonging the activated partial thrombin time (APTT). In contrast, it has no effect on the human extrinsic blood coagulation system using the prothrombin time (PT) test. The prolonged APTT resulted from the serine protease inhibitor property of HSGPL1, since it reduced activity of human blood coagulation factors XI(a) and α-XII(a).
Prostate specific antigen levels after acute myocardial infarction.
Authors: Açıkgöz Şerefden , Can Murat , Doğan Sait Mesut , Mungan Görkem , Aydın Mustafa , Kelek Serdar , Sümbüloğlu Vildan
Published: March 2019

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), a member of kallikrein family, is a specific serine protease of prostatic tissue. In some case reports, changes in PSA levels after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been reported. In this study we evaluated variations in PSA levels post-AMI. Twenty-six male patients who had PSA levels within reference limits were included in the study. The diagnosis of AMI was confirmed by clinical findings, ECG (electrocardiogram) and cardiac marker studies. Serum total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) levels were measured at days 0 (day of admission), 1, 2 and 3 after AMI. PSA/albumin ratio was also calculated in order to evaluate the effect of dilution. A statistical analysis of the results of all patients revealed significant decrease in tPSA levels and tPSA/Albumin ratio at day 2 when compared to days 0 and 3, which showed a similar pattern. Changes of fPSA and fPSA/ Albumin ratio according to days were not found significant. In only four patients we found increased levels of tPSA and increased fPSA levels in three of them. These patients displayed severe problems such as renal failure, cardiac failure, ventricular aneurysm and cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest. The lower tPSA levels on day 2 suggest that tPSA can be eliminated rapidly from the circulation on days 1 and 2, probably through the formation of complexes of tPSA with acute phase proteins.
Proteomic analysis of plasma profiles in children with recurrent bone fractures.
Authors: Rusińska Agnieszka , Świątkowska Maria , Koziołkiewicz Wiktor , Skurzyński Szymon , Golec Joanna , Chlebna-Sokół Danuta
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study is proteomic analysis of the plasma profile in children with recurrent bone fractures. The study involved 16 children: 6 patients with recurrent low-energy fractures and normal bone mass and 10 with osteogenesis imperfecta. In the analysis of the protein profile, the two-dimensional protein electrophoresis was used (Ettan DALT II, Amersham Bioscience). The images of protein gels were compared with controls. The protein spots with changed expression were cut from the gel and the amino acid sequence was analyzed with the mass spectrometry method (Q-Tof Premier(TM) API MASS SPECTROMETR, Waters) for protein identification. The most prevalent protein with changed expression, with respect to controls, was haptoglobin observed in 6 patients with a severe form of osteogenesis imperfecta. Increased haptoglobin concentration in these patients was confirmed by the ELISA method. Peptides corresponding to alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and serum amyloid P-component, apolipoprotein A-I, and transthyretin were detected in one, two and three children, respectively.
1) The results show increased haptoglobin which may be suggestive of an inflammatory component taking part in the course of osteogenesis imperfecta. 2) Further studies to explain the possible relationship of this protein with increased bone fragility are necessary.
Clinical parameters of inflammatory bowel disease in children do not correlate with four common polymorphisms of the transforming growth factor β1 gene.
Authors: Liberek Anna , Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka Joanna , Kloska Anna , Świderska Joanna , Kmieć Zbigniew , Łuczak Grażyna , Wierzbicki Piotr , Liberek Tomasz , Marek Krzysztof , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna , Sikorska-Wiśniewska Grażyna , Kamińska Barbara , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: March 2019

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a cytokine affecting cell proliferation and development, which also has an immunomodulatory activity. Correlations between polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene and clinical parameters of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were reported previously in adults. Here, we tested whether such correlations occur in pediatric patients suffering from IBD. One hundred and four pediatric IBD patients were involved in this study. Among them, 36 were diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (CD) and 68 were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). The control group consisted of 103 children, in which IBD was excluded. TGF-β1 levels were determined in plasma and intestinal mucosa samples. The presence of the TGF β1 protein and the amount of TGF β1 mRNA were estimated in intestinal mucosa by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription Real-Time PCR, respectively. Four common polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene were investigated: -800G/A, -509C/T, 869T/C and 915G/C. No significant correlation between TGF-β1 genotypes and (i) TGF-β1 levels in plasma and tissue samples, (ii) TGF-β1 gene expression efficiency in intestinal mucosa, (iii) IBD clinical parameters and (iv) inflammatory activity could be detected in children suffering from IBD. We conclude that, contrary to previous suggestions, the four common polymorphisms of the TGF-β1 gene do not influence the susceptibility to or clinical parameters of IBD in the tested population of children.
Two pathogenic mutations located within the 5'-regulatory sequence of the GJB1 gene affecting initiation of transcription and translation.
Authors: Kabzińska Dagmara , Kotruchow Katarzyna , Ryniewicz Barbara , Kochański Andrzej
Published: March 2019

In contrast to mutations in the coding sequences of a genes involved in the pathogenesis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), little is known about CMT phenotypes resulting from a DNA variants located in regulatory sequences of a given " CMT gene". Charcot-Marie-Tooth type X1 disease (CMTX1) is caused by mutations in the GJB1 gene coding for an ion channel known as connexin, with a molecular mass of 32 kDa (Cx32). Only 0.01% of the GJB1 gene mutations have been reported in its 5' regulatory sequence. Pathogenic mutations occured in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) are extremely rarely reported in human genetic disorders. To the best of our knowledge, in this study we report for the first time in an Eastern European population, two CMTX1 families in which two pathogenic mutations in the 5' regulatory sequence of the GJB1 gene (c.-529T>C and -459C>T) have been found. The two mutations identified in our study disturb the 5' UTR sequence in two different ways, by affecting the transcription factor SOX10 binding site (c.-529T>C) and by the disrupting IRES element of GJB1 gene (c.-459C>T). These regions are responsible for transcription (SOX10) and initiation of translation (IRES), respectively. On the basis of our findings that, in contrast to the most DNA sequence variants reported in untranslated regulatory regions of genes, the c.-459C>T and c.-529T>C mutations remain pathogenic in the context of different ethnic background.
Human hAtg2A protein expressed in yeast is recruited to preautophagosomal structure but does not complement autophagy defects of atg2Δ strain.
Authors: Romanyuk Daria , Polak Anna , Maleszewska Agnieszka , Sieńko Marzena , Grynberg Marcin , Żołądek Teresa
Published: March 2019

Yeast Atg2, an autophagy-related protein, is highly conserved in other fungi and has two homologues in humans, one of which is hAtg2A encoded by the hATG2A/KIAA0404 gene. Region of homology between Atg2 and hAtg2A proteins comprises the C-terminal domain. We used yeast atg2D strain to express the GFP-KIAA0404 gene, its fragment or fusions with yeast ATG2, and study their effects on autophagy. The GFP-hAtg2A protein localized to punctate structures, some of which colocalized with Ape1-RFP-marked preautophagosomal structure (PAS), but it did not restore autophagy in atg2Δ cells. N-terminal fragment of Atg2 and N-terminal fragment of hAtg2A were sufficient for PAS recruitment but were not sufficient to function in autophagy. Neither a fusion of the N-terminal fragment of hAtg2A with C-terminal domain of Atg2 nor a reciprocal fusion were functional in autophagy. hAtg2A, in contrast to yeast Atg2, did not show interaction with the yeast autophagy protein Atg9 but both Atg2 proteins showed interaction with Atg18, a phospholipid-binding protein, in two-hybrid system. Moreover, deletion of ATG18 abrogated PAS recruitment of hAtg2A. Our results show that human hAtg2A can not function in autophagy in yeast, however, it is recruited to the PAS, possibly due to the interaction with Atg18.
Influence of elastin-derived peptides, glucose, LDL and oxLDL on nitric oxide synthase expression in human umbilical artery endothelial cells.
Authors: Garczorz Wojciech , Francuz Tomasz , Gmiński Jan , Likus Wirginia , Siemianowicz Krzysztof , Jurczak Teresa , Strzałka-Mrozik Barbara
Published: March 2019

Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Elastin-derived peptides (EDP), hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and oxidized LDL have a proven proatherosclerotic potential. Nitric oxide generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS; EC 1.14.13.39) is an important vasorelaxant. Here we studied the influence of those proatherosclerotic factors on eNOS gene and protein expression in artery-derived endothelial cells. Human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAEC) were incubated with or without: glucose (270 mg/dl), LDL (200 mg/dl), oxidized LDL (oxLDL 25 mg/dl) or κ-elastin (0.5 and 2.5 µg/ml). Gene expression was assessed by real time RT-PCR, whilst the eNOS protein by ELISA. In cells incubated with 2.5 µg/ml of κ-elastin, a 31 % increase of eNOS mRNA expression was observed, but the protein level remained unchanged. OxLDL, LDL and glucose decreased the eNOS protein level by 74 %, 37 % and 29 %, respectively. OxLDL decreased eNOS mRNA by 42 %. LDL non-significantly decreased eNOS mRNA expression. An elevated glucose level did not affect the eNOS mRNA expression. Hyperglycemia and an elevated level of LDL, particularly oxLDL, decreased the level of eNOS protein in endothelial cells. As κ-elastin did not decrease the expression of eNOS gene in HUAEC, the proatherogenic properties of elastin-derived peptides are unlikely to be due to their influence on eNOS.
Conformational destabilization of Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase induced by lysine modification and calcium depletion.
Authors: Tan Cheau Yuaan , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Binti Raja Abdul , Kadir Habsah Abdul , Tayyab Saad
Published: March 2019

Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase (BLA) was chemically modified using 100-fold molar excess of succinic anhydride over protein or 0.66 M potassium cyanate to obtain 42 % succinylated and 81 % carbamylated BLAs. Size and charge homogeneity of modified preparations was established by Sephacryl S-200 HR gel chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Conformational alteration in these preparations was evident by the larger Stokes radii (3.40 nm for carbamylated and 3.34 nm for succinylated BLAs) compared to 2.43 nm obtained for native BLA. Urea denaturation results using mean residue ellipticity (MRE) as a probe also showed conformational destabilization based on the early start of transition as well as ΔG(D)(H(2)O) values obtained for both modified derivatives and Ca-depleted BLA. Decrease in ΔG(D)(H(2)O) value from 5,930 cal/mol (for native BLA) to 3,957 cal/mol (for succinylated BLA), 3,336 cal/mol (for carbamylated BLA) and 3,430 cal/mol for Ca-depleted BLA suggested reduced conformational stability upon modification of amino groups of BLA or depletion of calcium. Since both succinylation and carbamylation reactions abolish the positive charge on amino groups (both α- and ε- amino), the decrease in conformational stability can be ascribed to the disruption of salt bridges present in the protein which might have released the intrinsic calcium from its binding site.
Polskie przyimki pierwotne a przypadki analityczne w węgierskiej perspektywie porównawczej
Authors: Stefańczyk Wiesław T.
Published: March 2019

Artykuł jest próbą synchronicznego ujęcia polskiego przypadka, który – oprócz konstrukcji syntetycznych jak possessivus czy partitivus, zresztą nielicznych – jest zasadniczo strukturą dwuelementową, składającą się z dwu konstytutywnych elementów, tj. przyimka oraz implikowanej przezeń końcówki, np. w Gdańsk-u. Jeśli przyjąć za podstawę porównania języki bezprzyimkowe, jak np. węgierski czy estoński, odpowiednikiem owej struktury, tj. przyimka, najczęściej pierwotnego i końcówki fleksyjnej, jest syntetyczny przypadek wyrażany wyłącznie za pomocą jednego morfemu aglutynacyjnego, por. węg. Varsó-ban ‘w Warszawie’, est. Varsovi-s ‘w Warszawie’.
Aspekt polskiego czasownika jako problem przekładu oraz wyzwanie dla uczących się i nauczających języka polskiego jako obcego
Authors: Terka Beata
Published: March 2019

Artykuł dotyczy zagadnienia słowiańskiego aspektu polskiego czasownika w ujęciu kontrastywnym. Podstawę analizy materiałowej stanowi przekład polsko-niemiecki i niemiecko-polski, a jej systematyczne i kompletne przeprowadzenie umożliwia nowa perspektywa badawcza, którą otwiera kognitywne ujęcie omawianego zagadnienia. Szczególne znaczenie mają tu konkluzje R. Grzegorczykowej i V. Lehmanna dotyczące kognitywnej prymarności lub sekundarności danego partnera w ramach opozycji aspektowej. Płynące z analizy materiału wnioski zogniskowane są wokół następujących problemów: repertuaru wykładników aspektu w języku bezaspektowym, relewancji omawianej kategorii w języku polskim, rzeczywistego udziału kontekstu w wyrażaniu znaczenia opozycji dokonaności : niedokonaności oraz znaczenia wykładnika kognitywnego dla rozpoznawania aspektu. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań mogą znaleźć zastosowanie nie tylko w praktyce translatorskiej, ale także w glottodydaktyce polonistycznej. Stanowią dobry punkt wyjścia do ponownego otwarcia dyskusji na temat sposobów nauczania aspektu w grupach niesłowiańskich oraz prezentacji omawianego zagadnienia w podręcznikach i innych materiałach dydaktycznych do języka polskiego jako obcego.
Tekstowe realizacje wzorca gatunkowego życzeń pisanych przez osoby z dysfunkcją słuchu – perspektywa surdoglottodydaktyczna
Authors: Jachimowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2019

W artykule zwrócono uwagę na sposoby realizacji wzorca gatunkowego życzeń przez osoby z dysfunkcją słuchu. Zaobserwowano odstępstwa od wzorca kanonicznego na poziomie struktury oraz deformacje na płaszczyźnie językowej. Sformułowano wniosek, iż niski poziom sprawności językowej oraz niewystarczająca do sprawnego komunikowania się kompetencja genologiczna wynikają z niedostatecznego opanowania przez badanych systemu językowego oraz niskiej świadomości wyznaczników gatunkowych. Ma to związek z metodami nauczania języka narodowego, nieprzystającymi do potrzeb edukacyjnych osób z zaburzeniami słuchu.