bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy
Authors: Zhong Guanwen , Dubey Akshat , Tan Cheng , Mitra Tulika
Published: March 2019

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have been widely deployed in diverse application domains. There has been significant progress in accelerating both their training and inference using high-performance GPUs, FPGAs, and custom ASICs for datacenter-scale environments. The recent proliferation of mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have necessitated real-time, energy-efficient deep neural network inference on embedded-class, resource-constrained platforms. In this context, we present
Synergy
, an automated, hardware-software co-designed, pipelined, high-throughput CNN inference framework on embedded heterogeneous system-on-chip (SoC) architectures (Xilinx Zynq).
Synergy
leverages, through multi-threading, all the available on-chip resources, which includes the dual-core ARM processor along with the FPGA and the NEON Single-Instruction Multiple-Data (SIMD) engines as accelerators. Moreover,
Synergy
provides a unified abstraction of the heterogeneous accelerators (FPGA and NEON) and can adapt to different network configurations at runtime without changing the underlying hardware accelerator architecture by balancing workload across accelerators through work-stealing.
Synergy
achieves 7.3X speedup, averaged across seven CNN models, over a well-optimized software-only solution.
Synergy
demonstrates substantially better throughput and energy-efficiency compared to the contemporary CNN implementations on the same SoC architecture.
The Structure of the Nuclear Pore Complex (An Update)
Authors: Lin Daniel H. , Hoelz André
Published: March 2019

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) serves as the sole bidirectional gateway of macromolecules in and out of the nucleus. Owing to its size and complexity (∼1,000 protein subunits, ∼110 MDa in humans), the NPC has remained one of the foremost challenges for structure determination. Structural studies have now provided atomic-resolution crystal structures of most nucleoporins. The acquisition of these structures, combined with biochemical reconstitution experiments, cross-linking mass spectrometry, and cryo–electron tomography, has facilitated the determination of the near-atomic overall architecture of the symmetric core of the human, fungal, and algal NPCs. Here, we discuss the insights gained from these new advances and outstanding issues regarding NPC structure and function. The powerful combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches toward determining the structure of the NPC offers a paradigm for uncovering the architectures of other complex biological machines to near-atomic resolution.
Single-Cell Omics Analyses Enabled by Microchip Technologies
Authors: Deng Yanxiang , Finck Amanda , Fan Rong
Published: March 2019

Single-cell omics studies provide unique information regarding cellular heterogeneity at various levels of the molecular biology central dogma. This knowledge facilitates a deeper understanding of how underlying molecular and architectural changes alter cell behavior, development, and disease processes. The emerging microchip-based tools for single-cell omics analysis are enabling the evaluation of cellular omics with high throughput, improved sensitivity, and reduced cost. We review state-of-the-art microchip platforms for profiling genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics at single-cell resolution. We also discuss the background of and challenges in the analysis of each molecular layer and integration of multiple levels of omics data, as well as how microchip-based methodologies benefit these fields. Additionally, we examine the advantages and limitations of these approaches. Looking forward, we describe additional challenges and future opportunities that will facilitate the improvement and broad adoption of single-cell omics in life science and medicine.
Ultrafast Dynamic Microscopy of Carrier and Exciton Transport
Authors: Zhu Tong , Snaider Jordan M. , Yuan Long , Huang Libai
Published: March 2019

We highlight the recent progress in ultrafast dynamic microscopy that combines ultrafast optical spectroscopy with microscopy approaches, focusing on the application transient absorption microscopy (TAM) to directly image energy and charge transport in solar energy harvesting and conversion systems. We discuss the principles, instrumentation, and resolutions of TAM. The simultaneous spatial, temporal, and excited-state-specific resolutions of TAM unraveled exciton and charge transport mechanisms that were previously obscured in conventional ultrafast spectroscopy measurements for systems such as organic solar cells, hybrid perovskite thin films, and molecular aggregates. We also discuss future directions to improve resolutions and to develop other ultrafast imaging contrasts beyond transient absorption.
Optimal Regioselectivity Control in Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Terminal Olefins
Authors: Ghobadi Sajjad , Roper Thomas D. , Gupton B. Frank , Castano Carlos E.
Published: March 2019

Electrochemical Wacker oxidation of terminal olefins has been among the most interesting reactions from an industrial standpoint. However, the poor regioselectivity and contamination of products with palladium (Pd) catalysts have been the main drawbacks of its commercialization. Herein, rational preparation, as well as catalytic, structural, and electrochemical properties analysis of solid-supported Pd on graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) highly active catalysts for regioselective Wacker-type electrooxidation of terminal olefins is presented. The prepared catalysts improved by two orders of magnitude the electrocatalytic oxidation of 1-octene compared to the conventional homogeneously-catalyzed reactions. The control over oxidation regioselectivity via minimization of the cathodic reduction reaction was also confirmed.To be presented at: the 235th ECS Meeting, Dallas, TX. May 26-31, 2019. Symposium Selection:Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, and Photoelectrochemistry General Session 2Slot:Monday, 27 May 2019: 14:00-16:00Scheduled Time:15:20Final #:L01-1899
Cystatin C Is an Important Biomarker for Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yang Xubin , Lin Qiongyan , Li Xiaoshan , Wu Lin , Xu Wen , Zhu Yanhua , Deng Hongrong , Zhang Yao , Yao Bin
Published: March 2019

Background. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is closely related to increased mortality in patients with diabetes. Previous studies have proved that cystatin C (CysC) is an important predictor of both peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular events. However, whether CysC is also associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CysC and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients without renal dysfunction. Methods. A total of 161 type 2 diabetic patients with normal serum creatinine (less than 133 μmol/l) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 were recruited in our study. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction was determined by heart rate variability (HRV) measured by a 24-hour Holter monitor. Serum CysC was tested by particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay, and subjects were divided into three groups based on the tertiles of CysC. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association between different indexes, and the association of CysC with HRV indexes was assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Results. The HRV parameters were lower in the group with the highest CysC concentration than in the groups with lower levels of CysC (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between CysC and the HRV parameters, including SDNN (r=−0.31, P<0.001), SDANN (r=−0.25, P=0.002), and logLF (r=−0.18, P=0.023). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that CysC was independently correlated with SDNN (β=−24.11, P=0.015) and SDANN (β=−19.88, P=0.047) after adjusting for the confounding factors of gender, age, blood pressure, body mass index, eGFR, and hemoglobin A1c. Conclusions. Serum CysC levels are associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction; furthermore, CysC may be a reliable and convenient biomarker for detecting cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
Can Nonfibrotic Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Be Effectively Identified by Supersonic Shear Imaging?
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Lin Liwu , Xue Ensheng , Hong Dengke , Yang Yan , Xu Meifang , Chen Zhikui
Published: March 2019

Supersonic shear imaging (SSI) is a relatively new technique to measure the elasticity of target tissues based on the shear wave propagation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of SSI in discriminating nonfibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from the less severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), NASH with fibrosis, and the normal liver, as well as the relationship between various NAFLD pathologic or biochemical findings and SSI liver elasticity. Rabbits with NAFLD of different degrees were subjected to SSI for liver elasticity measurement. Plasma was collected for biochemical examinations, and liver tissues were harvested for pathologic assessment. Results showed that liver elasticity of rabbits with nonfibrotic NASH was significantly different from that of rabbits with simple steatosis, borderline, NASH with fibrosis, and normal liver (P<0.05) and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SSI for predicting nonfibrotic NASH and NASH with fibrosis were 0.997 and 0.967, respectively, and the optimal cutoff values were 10.17 kPa and 12.82 kPa, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that only fibrosis and inflammation were the independent factors affecting liver elasticity of NAFLD (P≤0.001), while inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning degeneration were all independently related to liver elasticity in rabbits without fibrosis (P<0.01). In addition, alanine aminotransferase was the only biochemical factor independently related to liver elasticity (P≤0.001). Our results indicate that SSI can effectively identify nonfibrotic NASH in rabbits based on the difference in liver elasticity and the difference is related to the various pathologic changes, including fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning degeneration.
Observational Application Comparing Problem-Based Learning with the Conventional Teaching Method for Clinical Acupuncture Education
Authors: Kim Yun Jin
Published: March 2019

Aim.Although the problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method was introduced in 1969, its rapid and widespread application in Malaysia started in 1979. This study aimed to evaluate satisfaction with PBL compared to that of conventional learning, using satisfaction surveys and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scores, of students learning clinical acupuncture at the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Xiamen University Malaysia.Method. The participants of this study (N=36) were registered for a bachelor’s degree program in TCM in 2016 and enrolled in the Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion course beginning in September 2018. The students were randomly allocated into two groups: PBL group and conventional group. A self-administered learning satisfaction survey and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scores were used for data collection. An independent samplet-test was used to compare the results between the two groups. Ap-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results.The results of the learning satisfaction survey and Rosenberg Self-Esteem scores were significantly better in the PBL group than in the conventional group (p<0.05).Conclusions.PBL appears to be more effective for clinical acupuncture education than the conventional teaching method. However, further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which PBL excels in clinical acupuncture education, as well as other related TCM fields.
Relations of the Algebra of Polynomial Integrodifferential Operators
Authors: Mialebama Bouesso Andre S. E. , Mobouale Wamba G.
Published: March 2019

We revisit the algebra of polynomial integrodifferential operators and we give a generalization of its relations. Generators of prime ideals of height 1, of the maximal ideal, and of the smallest ideal of In are discussed. A technique for obtaining a generating set for a given two-sided ideal of In is also discussed.
Salvianolic Acid A Protects the Kidney against Oxidative Stress by Activating the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats
Authors: Zhang Hong-feng , Wang Jia-hong , Wang Yan-li , Gao Cheng , Gu Yan-ting , Huang Jian , Wang Jin-hui , Zhang Zhou
Published: March 2019

Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a bioactive polyphenol extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae Bunge, which possesses a variety of pharmacological activities. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that SAA effectively attenuates kidney injury and inflammation in an established animal model of 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats. However, there has been limited research regarding the antioxidative effects of SAA on chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we examined the antioxidative effects and underlying mechanisms of SAA in 5/6Nx rats. The rats were injected with SAA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 28 days. Biochemical, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyses showed that SAA significantly increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) and lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4) in a dose-dependent manner in 5/6Nx rats and in H2O2-induced HK-2 cells in vitro. Moreover, SAA enhanced the activation of the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2) signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner and subsequently increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the kidney of 5/6Nx rats, which were consistent with those obtained in H2O2-induced HK-2 cells in vitro shown by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, SAA significantly increased the expression of intranuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins compared to HK-2 cells stimulated by LPS on the one hand, which can be enhanced by QNZ to some extent; on the other hand, SAA significantly lowered the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and ICAM-1 proteins compared to HK-2 cells stimulated by H2O2, which can be abrogated by ML385 to some extent. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SAA effectively protects the kidney against oxidative stress in 5/6Nx rats. One of the pivotal mechanisms for the protective effects of SAA on kidney injury was mainly related with its antioxidative roles by activating the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
An Improved Strong Tracking Kalman Filter Algorithm for the Initial Alignment of the Shearer
Authors: Chen Yuming , Li Wei , Xin Gaifang , Yang Hai , Xia Ting
Published: March 2019

The strap‐down inertial navigation system (SINS) is a commonly used sensor for autonomous underground navigation, which can be used for shearer positioning under a coal mine. During the process of initial alignment, inaccurate or time‐varying noise covariance matrices will significantly degrade the accuracy of the initial alignment of the shearer. To overcome the performance degradation of the existing initial alignment algorithm under complex underground environment, a novel adaptive filtering algorithm is proposed by the integration of the strong tracking Kalman filter and the sequential filter for the initial alignment of the shearer with complex underground environment. Compared with the traditional multiple fading factor strong tracking Kalman filter (MSTKF) method, the proposed MSTSKF algorithm integrates the advantage of strong tracking Kalman filter and sequential filter, and multiple fading factor and forgetting factor for east and north velocity measurement are designed in the algorithm, respectively, which can effectively weaken the coupling relationship between the different states and increase strong robustness against process uncertainties. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed MSTSKF method has better initial alignment accuracy and robustness than existing strong tracking Kalman filter algorithm.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Xiyanping Injection (Andrographolide Sulfonate) for Treatment of Adult Community Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective, Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Shi Honghao , Guo Wanjie , Zhu He , Li Meng , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Hu Hao , Han Sheng
Published: March 2019

Xiyanping injection (andrographolide sulfonate) has shown clinical effects on community acquired pneumonia. However, there is little known about the effectiveness and costs of combining Xiyanping injection with conventional treatment on adult community acquired pneumonia in daily practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of combining Xiyanping injection with conventional treatment for treatment of adult community acquired pneumonia by comparing with conventional treatment from a societal perspective. Using retrospective cohort method, this study demonstrates that Xiyanping injection combined with conventional treatment is superior to conventional treatment for patients using cephalosporins and antibiotics under the effectiveness index of length of hospital stay and is more cost-effective.
An Enhanced Evaluation Method of Sequential Probability Ratio Test
Authors: Gardonyi Gabor , Por Gabor , Samu Krisztian
Published: March 2019

Accurate event detection has high priority in many technical applications. Events in acquired data series, their duration, and statistical parameters provide useful information about the observed system and about its current state. This information can be used for condition monitoring, state identification, and many kinds of forecasting as well. In some cases background noise covers the events and simple threshold or power monitoring methods cannot be used effectively. A novel method called Scaled Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SSPRT) produces 2D array of data via special cumulative sum calculation. A peak determination algorithm has also been developed to find significant peaks and to store the corresponding data for further evaluation. The method provides straight information about the endpoints and possible duration of the detected events as well as shows their significance level. The new method also gives representative visual information about the structure of detected events. Application example for thermomechanical fatigue test monitoring and another for vibration based rotational speed estimation of a four‐cylinder internal combustion engine is discussed in this paper.
Equine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Release Extracellular Vesicles Enclosing Different Subsets of Small RNAs
Authors: Capomaccio Stefano , Cappelli Katia , Bazzucchi Cinzia , Coletti Mauro , Gialletti Rodolfo , Moriconi Franco , Passamonti Fabrizio , Pepe Marco , Petrini Stefano , Mecocci Samanta , Silvestrelli Maurizio , Pascucci Luisa
Published: March 2019

Background. Equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (e-AdMSC) exhibit attractive proregenerative properties strongly related to the delivery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that enclose different kinds of molecules including RNAs. In this study, we investigated small RNA content of EVs produced by e-AdMSC with the aim of speculating on their possible biological role. Methods. EVs were obtained by ultracentrifugation of the conditioned medium of e-AdMSC of 4 subjects. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed to assess their size and nanostructure. RNA was isolated, enriched for small RNAs (<200 nt), and sequenced by Illumina technology. After bioinformatic analysis with state-of-the-art pipelines for short sequences, mapped reads were used to describe EV RNA cargo, reporting classes, and abundances. Enrichment analyses were performed to infer involved pathways and functional categories. Results. Electron microscopy showed the presence of vesicles ranging in size from 30 to 300 nm and expressing typical markers. RNA analysis revealed that ribosomal RNA was the most abundant fraction, followed by small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs, 13.67%). Miscellaneous RNA (misc_RNA) reached 4.57% of the total where Y RNA, RNaseP, and vault RNA represented the main categories. miRNAs were sequenced at a lower level (3.51%) as well as protein-coding genes (1.33%). Pathway analyses on the protein-coding fraction revealed a significant enrichment for the “ribosome” pathway followed by “oxidative phosphorylation.” Gene Ontology analysis showed enrichment for terms like “extracellular exosome,” “organelle envelope,” “RNA binding,” and “small molecule metabolic process.” The miRNA target pathway analysis revealed the presence of “signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells” coherent with the source of the samples. Conclusion. We herein demonstrated that e-AdMSC release EVs enclosing different subsets of small RNAs that potentially regulate a number of biological processes. These findings shed light on the role of EVs in the context of MSC biology.
Interval‐Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making with Uncertain Weights
Authors: Jia Zhuosheng , Zhang Yingjun
Published: March 2019

The theory of interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) has been an impactful and convenient tool in the construction of advanced multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) models to counter the uncertainty in the developing complex decision support system. To satisfy much more demands from fuzzy decision making problems, we propose a method to solve the MAGDM problem in which all the information supplied by the decision makers is expressed as interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrices where each of the elements is characterized by an interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy number, and the information about the weights of both decision makers and attributes may be completely unknown or partially known. Firstly, we introduce a consensus‐based method to quantify the weights of all decision makers based on all interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrices. Secondly, we utilize the interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic (IVIFWA) operator to aggregate all interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrices into the collective one. Thirdly, we establish an optimization model to determine the weights of attributes depending on the collective decision matrix and the given attribute weight information. Fourthly, we adopt the weighted correlation coefficient of IVIFSs to rank all the alternatives from the perspective of TOPSIS via the collective decision matrix and the obtained weights of attributes. Finally, some examples are used to illustrate the validity and feasibility of our proposed approach by comparison with some existing models.
New Predictors of Early and Late Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Culprit Lesion
Authors: Homorodean Cãlin , Iancu Adrian Corneliu , Leucuţa Daniel , Bãlãnescu Şerban , Dregoesc Ioana Mihaela , Spînu Mihai , Ober Mihai , Tãtaru Dan , Olinic Maria , Bindea Dan , Olinic Dan
Published: March 2019

Objectives. The study evaluated the correlation between baseline SYNTAX Score, Residual SYNTAX Score, and SYNTAX Revascularization Index and long-term outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on an unprotected left main coronary artery lesion (UPLMCA). Background. Previous studies on primary PCI in UPLMCA have identified cardiogenic shock, TIMI 0/1 flow, and cardiac arrest, as prognostic factors of an unfavourable outcome, but the complexity of coronary artery disease and the extent of revascularization have not been thoroughly investigated in these high-risk patients. Methods. 30-day, 1-year, and long-term outcomes were analyzed in a cohort of retrospectively selected, 81 consecutive patients with STEMI, and primary PCI on UPLMCA. Results. Cardiogenic shock (p=0.001), age (p=0.008), baseline SYNTAX Score II (p=0.006), and SYNTAX Revascularization Index (p=0.046) were independent mortality predictors at one-year follow-up. Besides cardiogenic shock (HR 3.28, p<0.001), TIMI 0/1 flow (HR 2.17, p=0.021) and age (HR 1.03, p=0.006), baseline SYNTAX Score II (HR 1.06, p=0.006), residual SYNTAX Score (HR 1.03, p=0.041), and SYNTAX Revascularization Index (HR 0.9, p=0.011) were independent predictors of mortality at three years of follow-up. In patients with TIMI 0/1 flow, the presence of Rentrop collaterals was an independent predictor for long-term survival (HR 0.24; p=0.049). Conclusions. In this study, the complexity of coronary artery disease and the extent of revascularization represent independent mortality predictors at long-term follow-up.
Preoperative Sleep Disturbance Exaggerates Surgery-Induced Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Damage in Aged Mice
Authors: Ni Pengfei , Dong Hongquan , Zhou Qin , Wang Yiwei , Sun Menghan , Qian Yanning , Sun Jie
Published: March 2019

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is defined as new cognitive impairment (memory impairment and impaired performance) after surgery, especially in aged patients. Sleep disturbance is a common phenomenon before surgery that has been increasingly thought to affect patient recovery. However, little is known about the functional impact of preoperative sleep disturbance on POCD. Here, we showed that tibial fracture surgery induced cognitive deficit and production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, along with microglia and astrocyte activation, neuronal damage, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Preoperative sleep disturbance enhanced the surgery-induced neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, BBB disruption, and memory impairment 24 h after surgery. Taken together, these results demonstrated that preoperative sleep disturbance aggravated postoperative cognitive function in aged mice and the mechanism may be related to central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and neuronal damage.
Production of Soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand and Osteoprotegerin by Apical Periodontitis Cells in Culture and Their Modulation by Cytokines
Authors: Duka Miloš , Eraković Mile , Dolićanin Zana , Stefanović Dara , Čolić Miodrag
Published: March 2019

RANKL, a bone-destructive cytokine, and OPG, its osteoprotective counterpart, are expressed in periapical lesions (PLs), which represent hystopatological manifestations of apical periodontitis. However, their regulation in PLs has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, our aim was to study the production of RANKL and OPG and their modulation by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in PL cell cultures. Isolated PL cells were cultured alone or with addition of TNF-α, IFN-ϒ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, and IL- 33, respectively. The levels of RANKL and OPG in supernatants were measured by ELISA. The proportion of CD3+ (T cells) and CD19+/CD138+ (B cells/plasma cells) within isolated PLs was determined by immunocytochemistry. The levels of RANKL were higher in cultures of symptomatic PLs compared to asymptomatic PLs and PLs with the dominance of T cells (T-type lesions) over B cells/plasma cells (B-type lesions). A higher proportion of osteodestructive processes (RANKL/OPG ratio>1.0) were detected in symptomatic PLs. The production of RANKL was upregulated by IFN-ϒ and IL-17 and higher concentrations of IL-33. IL-10 and lower concentrations of IL-33 augmented the production of OPG. The addition of either RANKL or anti-RANKL antibody to the cultures did not modify significantly the production of OPG. In conclusion, this original PL cell culture model suggests that increased bone destruction through upregulated production of RANKL could be associated with exacerbation of inflammation in PLs with the predominance of Th1 and Th17 responses and increased secretion of IL-33. In contrast, IL-10 and lower levels of IL-33, through upregulation of OPG, may suppress osteolytic processes.
Perovskite Solar Cells Yielding Reproducible Photovoltage of 1.20 V
Authors: Alharbi Essa A. , Dar M. Ibrahim , Arora Neha , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Alzhrani Yahya A. , Yadav Pankaj , Tress Wolfgang , Alyamani Ahmed , Albadri Abdulrahman , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael
Published: March 2019

High photovoltages and power conversion efficiencies of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be realized by controlling the undesired nonradiative charge carrier recombination. Here, we introduce a judicious amount of guanidinium iodide into mixed-cation and mixed-halide perovskite films to suppress the parasitic charge carrier recombination, which enabled the fabrication of >20% efficient and operationally stable PSCs yielding reproducible photovoltage as high as 1.20 V. By introducing guanidinium iodide into the perovskite precursor solution, the bandgap of the resulting absorber material changed minimally; however, the nonradiative recombination diminished considerably as revealed by time-resolved photoluminescence and electroluminescence studies. Furthermore, using capacitance-frequency measurements, we were able to correlate the hysteresis features exhibited by the PSCs with interfacial charge accumulation. This study opens up a path to realize new record efficiencies for PSCs based on guanidinium iodide doped perovskite films.
Bithalamic Infarction (Artery of Percheron Occlusion) after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Afana Hatem B. , Abuhadrous Nidal M. M. , Elsharkawy Alaa Eldin
Published: March 2019

Bithalamic infarction resulting from occlusion of the artery of Percheron after cervical spine surgery is a rare pathological entity. Diagnosis and early detection are challenging. Prompt management may help to improve the outcome. We present a case of a 39-year-old male patient, smoker, diagnosed with multiple cervical disc herniations, who underwent Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) for C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6. During the 2-hour and 50-minute surgery, the patient was lying supine with his neck hyperextended. The intraoperative procedure was uneventful. During surgery, blood pressure ranged around 110 mmHg∖50 mmHg. At the end of surgery, the patient’s recovery from general anesthesia was normal with no delaying or complication; on next the day, patient developed a sudden loss of consciousness. Urgent brain computed tomography (CT) was normal; two days later, follow-up CT and CT Angiography (CTA) revealed bilateral thalamic infarction with right vertebral artery occlusion from its origin. Intraoperative surgical manipulation, hypotensive anesthesia, and prolonged neck hyperextension might have contributed to stroke in this patient. ACDF carries a potential risk for posterior circulation stroke. Artery of Percheron infarction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients developing a sudden loss of consciousness after ACDF. Vertebral artery thrombosis should be taken into account as an important possible cause of embolism.
Efeito de um período de polimento sobre o estado de humor de nadadores
Authors: Fortes Leonardo De Sousa , Ferreira Maria Elisa Caputo , Oliveira Saulo Fernandes Melo de , Vieira Lenamar Fiorese
Published: March 2019

Parece haver relação positiva entre o estado de humor e o desempenho esportivo. Todavia, embora pesquisadores ressaltem que o polimento pode acarretar melhora do humor, cabe destacar que tal adaptação necessita ser confirmada a partir de achados científicos. Pouco se sabe a respeito do efeito do polimento sobre o estado de humor de atletas. O objetivo foi analisar o efeito do polimento sobre o estado de humor de nadadores. Participaram 62 atletas de natação do sexo masculino, divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental (GE) e controle (GC). Ambos os grupos fizeram a mesma planificação de treinamento até a fase do polimento. Somente o GE realizou o polimento. O polimento teve duração de 3 semanas, adotando-se o método de polimento linear. A Escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS) foi preenchida pelos atletas antes do início da temporada e na última semana de cada mesociclo. Conduziu-se a análise multivariada de covariância (MANOVA) de medidas repetidas para comparar as subescalas da BRUMS entre os grupos em função do mesociclo. Os resultados apresentaram efeitos de tempo (F(4, 58) = 34,02, p = 0,001) e grupo (F(2, 60) = 28,91, p = 0,001). De maneira geral, os achados do presente estudo revelaram o aumento do chamado perfil “iceberg” após o polimento para o GE. Concluiu-se que o polimento foi eficaz para melhorar o estado de humor de nadadores, com destaque para o aumento do vigor e diminuição da raiva, fadiga e depressão.
Exercícios combinados em adultos com deficiência visual
Authors: Machado Rafaella Righes , Camillo Auriane Aparecida , Azambuja Cati Reckelberg , Pandolfo Kelly Christine Maccarini , Corazza Sara Teresinha , Santos Daniela Lopes dos
Published: March 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de exercícios físicos combinados no tempo de atividade física e qualidade de vida de adultos com deficiência visual (DV). Participaram nove adultos com DV com média de idade de 44,9±11,3 anos. Foi realizado um programa de treinamento com exercícios aeróbicos e de treinamento com pesos combinados em uma única sessão, duas vezes na semana, por um período de 12 semanas, em um Espaço de Atividades Físicas. O tempo de atividade física (TAF) foi avaliado por meio do IPAQ, versão curta e a qualidade de vida (QV) pelo WHOQOL – BREF abreviado na versão em português. Também foi aplicada uma Ficha Anamnética para caracterizar os participantes. As avaliações foram realizadas anteriormente o início do treinamento e ao término do mesmo. Foi utilizado o teste Shapiro–Wilk para verificar a normalidade dos resultados e o teste Wilcoxon para avaliar a diferença entre as médias obtidas antes e após o treinamento. Foram observadas melhoras estatisticamente significativas no TAF e nos domínios físico e psicológico da QV. Conclui-se que a prática de exercícios físicos combinados promove melhoras nos níveis de QV e TAF, possibilitando um estilo de vida mais ativo e maior independência para pessoas com DV.
educação física articulada ao currículo transdisciplinar:
Authors: Caselli Álvaro José , Ferraz Osvaldo Luiz
Published: March 2019

Este estudo de caso analisou a articulação da disciplina educação física a um currículo organizado por temas transdisciplinares, a partir do pressuposto de que as limitações da organização linear disciplinar não atendem às necessidades de uma escola imersa numa sociedade onde cada vez mais os aspectos econômicos, culturais, políticos, ambientais e científicos se mostram interdependentes. A revisão de literatura discutiu o desenvolvimento dos paradigmas da ciência e da indústria, conceitos de disciplina, currículo integrado, transdisciplinaridade e exemplos de currículo integrado e métodos globalizados. As entrevistas semiestruturadas e a observação participante revelaram dificuldades na compreensão dos conceitos essenciais, na elaboração de conexões entre o conteúdo disciplinar e unidades de investigação e na articulação do planejamento com questões que emergem do cotidiano. Foram identificados avanços, como o pensamento linear disciplinar dos professores dando lugar a uma visão integrada de educação e o modelo diretivo de ensino tornou-se mais construtivo e reflexivo.
Brazilian medals’ plan
Authors: Santos Neto Silvestre Cirilo dos , Franceschi Neto Virgílio , Bastos Flávia da Cunha , Haiachi Marcelo de Castro , Mataruna-dos-Santos Leonardo
Published: March 2019

Brazil hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016. After London 2012, the Ministry of Sport (Ministério do Esporte, ME) launched the Brazilian Medals’ Plan, which was only approved in 2013. It is a plan that seeks complementary support for teams and athletes that intend to compete in 2016. The objective of this article is to critically analyse the Brazilian Medals’ Plan through the lens of strategy. The guiding query of the project is how the Brazilian Medals’ Plan can be classified: as a strategic or an emergency plan. The method used is a narrative review via a critical analysis from the contextual point of view. A relationship was seen between the structuring of elite sports policy, continuity of the policy, and sporting success. In the document from the Ministry of Sport, it was not possible to identify what strategies are necessary to enter the Olympic “top ten” with the Brazilian Olympic Committee’s (Comitê Olímpico Brasileiro, COB) projection of obtaining 30 medals and the Paralympic target to reach the “top five” nations in the Games. It was concluded that the Brazilian Medals’ Plan 2016 is of an emergency nature, leaving the country without a long-term plan for elite sports.
Os comportamentos de risco para os transtornos alimentares atenuam a agilidade e a impulsão vertical em atletas de esportes de combate?
Authors: Fortes Leonardo De Sousa , Oliveira Saulo Fernandes Melo de , Mendonça Lilyan Carla Vaz , Oliveira Geraldo José Santos , Paes Pedro Pinheiro , Fonseca António Manuel Leal Ferreira Mendonça da
Published: March 2019

Desconhece-se a relação entre desempenho físico e comportamentos de risco para os transtornos alimentares (CRTA). O objetivo foi comparar a agilidade e a impulsão vertical entre atletas de esportes de combate do sexo masculino com e sem risco para os transtornos alimentares. Participaram 113 atletas com idade entre 12 e 36 anos. O Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) foi utilizado para avaliar CRTA. Utilizou-se o teste vai-e-vem (5 metros) para avaliar agilidade. O teste de impulsão vertical foi utilizado para avaliar a potência anaeróbia de membros inferiores. Conduziu-se análise multivariada de covariância (MANOVA) para comparar os testes motores em função das classificações dicotômicas do EAT-26. Os resultados indicaram diferença estatisticamente significante da impulsão vertical entre atletas com (Média=2,50m) e sem risco (Média=2,58m) para os transtornos alimentares (F(2, 111)=12,34; p=0,041). Os achados não apontaram diferenças para a agilidade entre atletas com (Média=20,57 segundos) e sem risco (Média=20,34 segundos) para os transtornos alimentares (F(2, 111)=2,57; p=0,22). Concluiu-se que os comportamentos de risco para transtornos alimentares estiveram relacionados com o menor desempenho na impulsão vertical em atletas de esportes de combate do sexo masculino, fato não replicado para a agilidade.
Caracterização dos passes realizados entre jogadores brasileiros no FIFA World Cup 2014
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Martins Fernando Manuel Lourenço , Kalamaras Dimitris , Oliveira Patrícia , Oliveira Joana , Mendes Rui Sousa
Published: March 2019

Uma das formas possíveis de cooperação entre companheiros de equipa no processo de construção atacante pode ser determinada pelo direcionamento dos passes. Considerando o exposto, este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as propriedades de interação presentes na rede de passes dos jogadores da seleção brasileira que disputaram o torneio FIFA World Cup 2014. Para o efeito aplicaram-se métricas para caracterização das propriedades gerais da rede, bem como, para identificação da centralidade do posicionamento tático dos jogadores. Métodos: Um total de 2159 passes distribuídos por 611 unidades de ataque em 7 jogos oficiais disputados pela seleção Brasileira de futebol no FIFA World Cup 2014 foram analisados no presente estudo. Foi possível verificar que os valores mais reduzidos de densidade da rede e total de conexões foram atingidos no 2º jogo (0,673) e os valores mais elevados foram alcançados no 7º jogo (0,791). No caso dos níveis de centralidade (out-degree), constatou-se que os maiores valores foram sempre atingidos por defensores ou pelo volante da equipa (médio defensivo). Quanto aos níveis de prestígio (in-degree) verificou-se que em 5 dos 7 jogos os maiores valores foram atingidos pelos defensores e nos restantes 2 foi o avançado o alvo da equipa. Resumidamente, o presente estudo identificou que os valores gerais da rede de passes foram relativamente estáveis ao longo dos jogos e que os defensores e médios foram determinante no processo de construção ofensiva, sendo que, o atacante foi o alvo principal da equipa para direcionar os passes.
Mindaugas e Radvilas
Authors: Almeida William Douglas de , Rubio Katia
Published: March 2019

Desde 1920, quando enviou uma delegação pela primeira vez aos Jogos Olímpicos, o Brasil já foi representado por 2.111 atletas. Parte deles nasceu fora do país e é brasileira nata, por questões de ancestralidade familiar, ou naturalizada. Este texto discorre sobre Radvilas Gorauskas, que nasceu na Lituânia, imigrou para o Brasil no fim da década de 1940 e atuou como pivô pela seleção brasileira de basquete nos Jogos Olímpicos de Munique, em 1972. Refere-se ainda a Mindaugas, irmão de Radvilas, também nascido na Lituânia e atleta da seleção brasileira de basquete, por meio de quem a história do membro olímpico da família pode ser resgatada. O objetivo desse artigo é recuperar a memória da carreira esportiva de Radvilas, contextualizando todo o processo de deslocamento e a imigração desencadeada pela Segunda Guerra Mundial da família Gorauskas. O método utilizado baseia-se nas narrativas biográficas, e a entrevista com Mindaugas é a principal referência para a realização do trabalho, além de objetos biográficos trazidos pelo entrevistado. Conclui-se que a recuperação de um universo informativo é possível quando um narrador ainda vivo compartilha suas memórias. A entrevista com Mindaugas revelou dados pouco ou nada conhecidos não apenas sobre o processo migratório da família Gorauskas para o Brasil, como também do basquetebol das décadas de 1960 e 1970.
TRACTATUS THEOLOGICO-POLITICUS: SPINOZA E SUAS HERESIAS
Authors: Teixeira Ravena Olinda
Published: March 2019

O presente texto tem como objetivo apontar algumas das razões pelas quais Spinoza foi considerado um herege. Acreditamos que as três principais razões que colaboraram para essa interpretação do seu pensamento estão contidas mais explicitamente no Tratado Teológico Político do que em sua principal obra filosófica, a Ética. Ademais, o Tratado Teológico Político teve maior alcance entre o vulgo, pois era o objetivo de Spinoza que a obra tivesse a maior repercussão possível e influenciasse no conflituoso cenário político e religioso de sua época, ao mesmo tempo em que a Ética permanecia confinada entre as mãos dos seus amigos e leitores mais próximos.
MÚLTIPLOS QUE CONSTITUEM A UNIDADE: OS CONCEITOS LEIBNIZIANOS DE SUBSTÂNCIA - DA NOÇÃO COMPLETA À MÔNADA EXPRESSIVA
Authors: Quirino André Gomes
Published: March 2019

Leibniz propôs mais de um conceito para descrever filosoficamente a substância. Ironia instrutiva, esta pluralidade que tem por fim uma explicação unificada da realidade culminou em uma definição dos componentes fundamentais do mundo – as mônadas – como unidades que abrigam a multiplicidade. Estas substâncias, bem como a sua função essencial de se exprimirem mutuamente, apenas se tornam plenamente inteligíveis quando observamos os conceitos anteriores, de que a filosofia madura de Leibniz herdou algumas intuições. (As quais, por sua vez, têm consequências sobre outras questões em voga no período pós-cartesiano, notadamente a do estatuto ontológico do corpo.) Guiando-nos pelas obras-chave do filósofo e físico alemão, procuraremos retraçar esse percurso intelectual, a fim não de esboçar um hipotético sistema seu, mas de unificar o tratamento que ele dispensou à unidade. Tal hipótese de leitura concorda fundamentalmente com aquela sustentada por Michel Fichant, mas traz pontuais acréscimos ou desacordos, que serão indicados neste artigo.
DO COMUM À COMUNIDADE: A VIDA EM SOCIEDADE NA ÉTICA IV
Authors: Mendes Ricardo Polidoro
Published: March 2019

No escólio da proposição IV18, ao falar rapidamente das soluções contra a impotência e inconstância humanas, Espinosa afirma a utilidade mútua entre dois homens no favorecimento de suas potências de agir como uma das soluções à servidão. Esse favorecimento é permitido pelas muitas coisas que os homens possuem em comum entre si, que, por sua vez, podem possibilitar tanto as relações de aumento de potência, na medida em que os homens conduzem-se pela razão, quanto as de diminuição, nas quais os homens estão submetidos às paixões, podendo ser contrários e danosos uns aos outros. No entanto, apesar da ambivalência dessas relações proporcionadas pelo comum, a utilidade da vida em sociedade ainda é afirmada como uma forma de favorecimento mútuo entre os homens na medida em que se conduzem pela razão e por meio da instituição da Civitas, que institui um meio termo entre a dimensão passional e a dimensão racional dos homens.
O PROBLEMA DO MONISMO EM ESPINOSA
Authors: Rusmando Luis Marcelo
Published: March 2019

A partir da exegese do próprio texto espinosano, objetivamos pôr em evidência a dificuldade que este gera acerca da conciliação entre o uno e o múltiplo ou diverso, isto é, entre a substância divina e seus atributos. Partiremos do raciocínio pelo qual, na Ética, Espinosa demonstra o monismo de sua filosofia, ou a existência de Deus, enquanto única substância, para logo criticar um dos seus pressupostos, a saber, a existência de Deus, enquanto substância que consiste de infinitos atributos. A nossa exegese, assim, concentrar-se-á nos argumentos e princípios que a Espinosa lhe permitem demonstrar ou justificar que a uma substância podem ser atribuídos mais de um atributo, e, destarte, que a uma substância absolutamente infinita devam ser atribuídos infinitos atributos. O problema que pretendemos evidenciar decorre do fato de que, de acordo com a exegese que propomos, os argumentos e princípios em questão parecem não cumprir com seu desígnio, nos deixando a dificuldade de compreender de que maneira, ao certo, Espinosa pode superar a autonomia dos atributos, posta por sua perseidade, de tal sorte a que eles, em lugar de serem concebidos como substâncias autônomas, devam ser ditos atributos de uma mesma e única substância. Longe de propormos uma solução para tal dificuldade, ou bem de analisar alguma das soluções que tem sido apresentadas pela tradição de comentadores, pretendemos expôr o problema, à luz daquilo que Espinosa expõe em sua obra-prima, a fim de que tal exposição possa servir de alavanca para a análise da difícil relação que a  filosofia espinosana estabelece entre a substância divina e seus atributos, incluindo o exame do que seja, ao certo, um atributo divino.