bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of engineered nanoparticles in soils and aquifers
Authors: Fazeli Sangani Mahmood , Owens Gary , Fotovat Amir
Published: September 2018

Transport and deposition behaviour of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in natural aquifers and soil systems is a key determinant of the fate of these materials in environmental systems. A growing number of experimental studies are being conducted worldwide to address transport and deposition of ENPs in porous media (PM). Here we comprehensively review the main mechanisms and factors affecting the mobility of the environmentally important ENPs in natural PM. A variety of different processes including those that promote mobility and result in elution from the PM and those that hinder their mobility and promote ENP retention can influence ENP’s mobility through soil and aquifer media. The most important contributing factors regarding ENP transport in PM include: the physicochemical properties of the ENP, the media, the hydrodynamics of the system, and the background solution characteristics. Results from several studies conducted on the most common and environmentally important ENPs have shown that under natural environmental conditions, different types of ENPs show different transport behaviour in soil and aquifer systems. Additionally, the importance of media matrix and mobile solution factors in governing mobility of ENPs varies from one type of ENP to another.
Entangled spacetime
Authors: Zizzi Paola
Published: September 2018

We illustrate the entanglement mechanism of quantum spacetime itself. We consider a discrete, quantum version of de Sitter universe with a Planck time-foliation, to which is applied the quantum version of the holographic principle (a Planckian pixel encodes one qubit rather than a bit). This results in a quantum network, where the time steps label the nodes.

The quantum fluctuations of the vacuum are the connecting links of the quantum network, while the total number of pixels (qubits) of a spatial slice are the outgoing links from a node n.

At each node n there are a couple of quantum gates, the Hadamard gate (H) and the controlled-not (CNOT) gate, plus a projector P. The Hadamard gate transforms virtual states (bits) into qubits, the projector P measures a qubit at the antecedent node, giving rise to a new bit, and the CNOT gate entangles a qubit at node n with the new bit at node n[Formula: see text]1.

We show that the above quantum-computational interpretation of spacetime entanglement has a geometrical counterpart. In fact, the quantum fluctuations of the metric on slice n are such that a tiny wormhole will connect one Planckian pixel of slice n with one of slice n[Formula: see text]1. By the quantum holographic principle, such a geometrical connection is spacetime entanglement.
On top local cohomology modules, Matlis duality and tensor products
Authors: Sadeghi M. Y. , Eghbali M. , Ahmadi-Amoli Kh.
Published: September 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be an ideal of a local ring [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] the cohomological dimension of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In the case that [Formula: see text], we first give a bound for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is complete. Later, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are examined. In the case [Formula: see text], the set [Formula: see text] is considered.
Lightlike hypersurfaces of metallic semi-Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Acet Bilal Eftal
Published: September 2018

In our paper, we introduce and study lightlike hypersurfaces of a metallic semi-Riemannian manifold. We examine some geometric properties of invariant lightlike hypersurfaces. We show that the induced structure on an invariant lightlike hypersurface is also metallic. We also define screen semi-invariant lightlike hypersurfaces, investigate integrability conditions for the distributions and give some examples.
Topological model for recombination of DNA and RNA
Authors: El-Sharkasy M. M.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this paper is to use topological concepts in the construction of flexible mathematical models in the field of biological mathematics. Also, we will build new topographic types to study recombination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Finally, we study the topographical properties of constructed operators and the associated topological spaces of DNA and RNA.
Bounds on the norm of Wigner-type random matrices
Authors: Erdős László , Mühlbacher Peter
Published: September 2018

We consider a Wigner-type ensemble, i.e. large hermitian [Formula: see text] random matrices [Formula: see text] with centered independent entries and with a general matrix of variances [Formula: see text]. The norm of [Formula: see text] is asymptotically given by the maximum of the support of the self-consistent density of states. We establish a bound on this maximum in terms of norms of powers of [Formula: see text] that substantially improves the earlier bound [Formula: see text] given in [O. Ajanki, L. Erdős and T. Krüger, Universality for general Wigner-type matrices, Prob. Theor. Rel. Fields 169 (2017) 667–727]. The key element of the proof is an effective Markov chain approximation for the contributions of the weighted Dyck paths appearing in the iterative solution of the corresponding Dyson equation.
The Glyoxylate Shunt, 60 Years On
Authors: Dolan Stephen K. , Welch Martin
Published: September 2018

2017 marks the 60th anniversary of Krebs’ seminal paper on the glyoxylate shunt (and coincidentally, also the 80th anniversary of his discovery of the citric acid cycle). Sixty years on, we have witnessed substantial developments in our understanding of how flux is partitioned between the glyoxylate shunt and the oxidative decarboxylation steps of the citric acid cycle. The last decade has shown us that the beautifully elegant textbook mechanism that regulates carbon flux through the shunt in E. coli is an oversimplification of the situation in many other bacteria. The aim of this review is to assess how this new knowledge is impacting our understanding of flux control at the TCA cycle/glyoxylate shunt branch point in a wider range of genera, and to summarize recent findings implicating a role for the glyoxylate shunt in cellular functions other than metabolism.
Ebola: Lessons on Vaccine Development
Authors: Feldmann Heinz , Feldmann Friederike , Marzi Andrea
Published: September 2018

The West African Ebola virus (EBOV) epidemic has fast-tracked countermeasures for this rare, emerging zoonotic pathogen. Until 2013–2014, most EBOV vaccine candidates were stalled between the preclinical and clinical milestones on the path to licensure, because of funding problems, lack of interest from pharmaceutical companies, and competing priorities in public health. The unprecedented and devastating epidemic propelled vaccine candidates toward clinical trials that were initiated near the end of the active response to the outbreak. Those trials did not have a major impact on the epidemic but provided invaluable data on vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and, to a limited degree, even efficacy in humans. There are plenty of lessons to learn from these trials, some of which are addressed in this review. Better preparation is essential to executing an effective response to EBOV in the future; yet, the first indications of waning interest are already noticeable.
Prolonged amino acid infusion into intrauterine growth-restricted fetal sheep increases leucine oxidation rates
Authors: Wai Sandra G. , Rozance Paul J. , Wesolowski Stephanie R. , Hay William W. , Brown Laura D.
Published: September 2018

Overcoming impaired growth in an intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetus has potential to improve neonatal morbidity, long-term growth, and metabolic health outcomes. The extent to which fetal anabolic capacity persists as the IUGR condition progresses is not known. We subjected fetal sheep to chronic placental insufficiency and tested whether prolonged amino acid infusion would increase protein accretion in these IUGR fetuses. IUGR fetal sheep were infused for 10 days with either mixed amino acids providing ~2 g·kg−1·day−1 (IUGR-AA) or saline (IUGR-Sal) during late gestation. At the end of the infusion, fetal plasma leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, and arginine concentrations were higher in the IUGR-AA than IUGR-Sal group ( P < 0.05). Fetal plasma glucose, oxygen, insulin, IGF-1, cortisol, and norepinephrine concentrations were similar between IUGR groups, but glucagon concentrations were fourfold higher in the IUGR-AA group ( P < 0.05). Net umbilical amino acid uptake rate did not differ between IUGR groups; thus the total amino acid delivery rate (net umbilical amino acid uptake + infusion rate) was higher in the IUGR-AA than IUGR-Sal group (30 ± 4 vs. 19 ± 1 μmol·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.05). Net umbilical glucose, lactate, and oxygen uptake rates were similar between IUGR groups. Fetal leucine oxidation rate, measured using a leucine tracer, was higher in the IUGR-AA than IUGR-Sal group (2.5 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 μmol·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.05). Fetal protein accretion rate was not statistically different between the IUGR groups (1.6 ± 0.4 and 0.8 ± 0.3 μmol·kg−1·min−1 in IUGR-AA and IUGR-Sal, respectively) due to variability in response to amino acids. Prolonged amino acid infusion into IUGR fetal sheep increased leucine oxidation rates with variable anabolic response.
Precision Medicine Approaches When Prostate Cancer Akts Up
Authors: Zhang Tian , George Daniel J. , Armstrong Andrew J.
Published: September 2018

Ipatasertib combined with abiraterone in PTEN-null prostate cancer improved progression-free survival in a randomized phase II study of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), providing clinical evidence of reciprocal activation between the Akt and androgen receptor (AR) pathways. These data revive the rationale for targeting PTEN loss in prostate cancer.

See related article by de Bono et al., p. 928
Validation of Raised Cord Blood Interleukin-16 in Perinatal Asphyxia and Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy in the BiHiVE2 Cohort
Authors: O’Sullivan Marc P. , Sikora Klaudia M. , Ahearne Caroline , Twomey Deirdre M. , Finder Mikael , Boylan Geraldine B. , Hallberg Boubou , Murray Deirdre M.
Published: September 2018

The role of inflammation is an important factor in the progression of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). We have previously shown that interleukin-16 (IL-16) is increased in infants with moderate and severe HIE and relates to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to validate IL-16 as a cord blood-based biomarker for HIE and to examine its relationship to long-term outcomes. The study sample consisted of 105 full-term infants who experienced perinatal asphyxia (PA) (with and without an encephalopathy) along with healthy, gestational age-matched newborn controls. Umbilical cord blood serum was processed and biobanked at delivery. Infants were assigned a modified Sarnat score at 24 h. Analysis of IL-16 cytokine cord blood levels was performed using the sandwich-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Cord blood-based IL-16 was increased in infants with PA and HIE relative to controls (p = 0.025). IL-16 was also increased in the HIE group relative to controls (p = 0.042). There was no significant difference in IL-16 across grades of HIE or in those with abnormal outcomes at 2 years of age. This study validates findings that cord blood-based IL-16 levels are increased in infants with PA, including those who go on to develop HIE.
Community Acquired Acute Kidney Injury in Mansoura Nephrology Dialysis Unit: One Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Abdelsalam Mostafa , Elnagar Sherouk Salah Eldin , Mohamed Ashraf H. , Tawfik Mona , Sayed Ahmed Nagy
Published: September 2018

Aim: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major health problem with poor patient prognosis. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, associated comorbidities, and outcomes of AKI patients. Methodology: A single-center prospective observational study. The patients were admitted in Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit over a period of 1 year from January to December, 2016. Patients were diagnosed as AKI or AKI in addition to chronic kidney disease according to the creatinine criteria of KDIGO 2013. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination, and full laboratory and pelvi-abdominal ultrasound investigations. The study outcomes were all-cause hospital mortality, and recovery of renal function. Predictors of mortality were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study was reviewed and approved by local Ethical Committee of IBR. Results: We evaluated 199 (96 males plus 103 females) aged between 18 and 88 years old. Dehydration was the commonest precipitating factor for AKI in our patients (68.8%) and Oliguria was the commonest symptom present in 47.7% of patients. Intravenous fluids were received by 79.9% of patients, 22.6% of patients received diuretics, and 33.7% received renal replacement therapy in the form of intermittent hemodialysis. Death occurred in 25 patients (13.16%) and 69 (36.32%) showed no renal recovery. Shock and sepsis were the most significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Community acquired AKI is a major health problem with high morbidity and mortality.
Low Interleukin 10 Production at Birth Is a Risk Factor for Atopic Dermatitis in Neonates with Bifidobacterium Colonization
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Campos-Alberto Eduardo , Morita Yoshinori , Yamaguchi Makoto , Toshimitsu Takayuki , Kimura Katsunori , Ikegami Shuji , Katsuki Toshiyuki , Kohno Yoichi , Shimojo Naoki
Published: September 2018

Background: Altered regulatory immune responses to microbial stimuli and intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria early in life may contribute to the development of allergic diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis [AD]). However, few reports have investigated these factors simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to analyze neonatal immune responses to microbial stimuli as well as intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria, in relation to the development of AD in a birth cohort. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited, and their infants were followed up until 7 months of age. Levels of interleukin (IL)-10 released from cord-blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) stimulated with heat-killed gram-positive bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and Lactobacillus-derived peptidoglycan were measured. Fecal Bifidobacterium counts at 4 days and 1 month were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The development of AD was determined by means of a questionnaire at 7 months of age. Results: The levels of released IL-10 were significantly lower in infants with AD (n = 17) than in infants without AD (n = 53) for all stimuli. In infants with fecal Bifidobacterium, the incidence of AD was inversely associated with the release of IL-10 from cord blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that impaired IL-10 production in response to microbial stimuli at birth may be associated with an increased risk of developing infantile AD, even in infants with early colonization of intestinal bifidobacteria.
Incidence and Predictors of Tracheobronchial Tuberculosis in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Multicentre, Large-Scale and Prospective Study in Southern China
Authors: Su Zhuquan , Cheng Yanqiuzi , Wu Zhilong , Zhang Peize , Chen Weisheng , Zhou Ziqing , Zhong Minglu , Luo Weizhan , Guo Wenliang , Li Shiyue
Published: September 2018

Background: Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) have a high risk of concomitant tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB), which commonly causes severe complications such as tracheobronchial stenosis. The prevalence and predictors of TBTB in China remain unclear due to the lack of prospective and large-scale studies. Objectives: To investigate the incidence of TBTB in PTB patients in southern China, and elucidate the predictors of TBTB and related tracheobronchial stenosis. Methods: We prospectively performed bronchoscopy in PTB patients to diagnose TBTB at four medical centres in southern China from September 2015 to August 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded and analysed to determine predictors of TBTB and related tracheobronchial stenosis. Results: A total of 345 (23.9%) of the 1,442 PTB patients undergoing bronchoscopy were diagnosed with TBTB. Female sex (OR 2.53), age < 50 years (OR 1.88), living in urban (OR 2.19), diabetes (OR 1.84), coughing (OR 2.61), and symptoms ≥4 weeks (OR 1.66) were predictors of PTB concomitant with TBTB. About 59.7% TBTB patients developed tracheobronchial stenosis, of which 23.3% cases presented severe airway narrowing. Female sex (OR 2.27), age < 50 years (OR 2.11), shortness of breath (OR 1.97), and symptoms ≥4 weeks (OR 1.71) were predictors of TBTB-related tracheobronchial stenosis. Conclusions: About 23.9% of PTB patients undergoing bronchoscopy present with TBTB in Guangdong province, southern China. Young and middle-aged females with symptoms persisting for ≥4 weeks (the main predictors of TBTB and related tracheobronchial stenosis) should receive bronchoscopy immediately when diagnosed with PTB.
Effects of Post-Surgical Parenteral Nutrition on Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jin Yanchun , Yong Chunming , Ren Keyu , Li Dan , Yuan Hao
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, we investigated the effect of post-surgical parenteral nutrition on patients with gastric cancer (GC) and its possible mechanism. Methods: A total of 108 patients were invited to assess for eligibility and 28 patients were excluded. The eighty patients were randomized to either a study group (1 L peripheral intravenous nutrition, 700 kcal) or a control group (1 L isotonic electrolyte solution). Parenteral nutrition was started on day 1 post-surgery and maintained for 4-8 days. Levels of albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB), hemoglobin (Hb) were measured before and after treatment. Self-rating Scale of Life Quality (SSLQ) and Quality of life (QoL) was assessed to analyze the patients’ quality of life. Psychological status was evaluated using both the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/D) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Immune function was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis of the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells. Results: Following post-surgical parenteral nutrition, the levels of ALB, PAB and Hb were significantly higher in the study group than those in the control group. QoL and SSLQ scores were also significantly increased, while HAD-A/D and PHQ-9 scores were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ cells, but not CD8+ cells, as well as the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly increased in the study group. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the control and study group prior to surgery. Conclusion: The results suggest that post-surgical parenteral nutrition can significantly improve the nutritional and psychological status, QoL, and immune function of patients treated surgically for GC.
Octreotide Alleviates Autophagy by Up-Regulation of MicroRNA-101 in Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Caco-2
Authors: Li Yuling , Wang Su , Gao Xingjuan , Zhao Ying , Li Yongwei , Yang Bin , Zhang Naili , Ma Lina
Published: September 2018

Background: Intestinal mucositis is a common side-effect after anti-cancer therapy, which may greatly restrict the therapeutic effects. We aimed to explore the functional role of octreotide (OCT) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced autophagy of human intestinal epithelial cells as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cell viability and expression of proteins related to autophagy, AMPK and the mTOR pathway in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells were determined by CCK-8 assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Effects of OCT on LPS-induced alterations as well as miR-101 expression were measured. Then, miR-101 was aberrantly expressed, and whether OCT alleviated LPS-induced autophagy through miR-101 was tested. Next, whether TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) was involved in the regulation of miR-101 in LPS-induced autophagy was studied. Effects of OCT on monolayer permeability and tight junction level were analyzed via measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and expression of tight junction proteins. Results: LPS reduced cell viability and increased autophagy through activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR pathway in Caco-2 cells. OCT alleviated LPS-induced alterations and repressed degradation of autophagosome. Then, we found that OCT affected autophagy through up-regulating miR-101 in LPS-treated cells. Moreover, miR-101-induced inactivation of AMPK and activation of the mTOR pathway in LPS-treated cells were reversed by inhibition of TAK1 phosphorylation. Finally, we found miR-101 was up-regulated in differentiated cells, and OCT protected the monolayer permeability and tight junction level. Conclusion: OCT repressed autophagy through miR-101-mediated inactivation of TAK1, along with inactivation of AMPK and activation of the mTOR pathway in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells.
Long Non-Coding RNA PVT1/miR-150/ HIG2 Axis Regulates the Proliferation, Invasion and the Balance of Iron Metabolism of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yunxiuxiu , Luo Xinxi , He Wenguang , Chen Guangcheng , Li Yanshan , Li Wenxin , Wang Xicheng , Lai Yu , Ye Yibiao
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: To investigate the biological roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of miRNA and mRNA. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression. CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis. Wounding-healing assay and Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration and invasion. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the target relationship. Quantichrom iron assay was performed to check uptake level of cellular iron. Results: PVT1 expression was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Function studies revealed that PVT1 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, PVT1 could directly bind to microRNA (miR)-150 and down-regulate miR-150 expression. Hypoxia-inducible protein 2 (HIG2) was found to be one target gene of miR-150, and PVT1 knockdown could inhibit the expression of HIG2 through up-regulating miR-150 expression. In addition, the expression of miR-150 was down-regulated, while the expression of HIG2 was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, inhibition of miR-150 could partly reverse the biological effects of PVT1 knockdown on proliferation, motility, apoptosis and iron metabolism in vitro, which might be associated with dysregulation of HIG2. In vivo results showed that PVT1 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and iron metabolism disorder by regulating the expression of miR-150 and HIG2. Conclusion: Taken together, the present study demonstrates that PVT1/miR-150/HIG2 axis may lead to a better understanding of HCC pathogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Chronic Microcystin-LR Exposure Induces Hepatocarcinogenesis via Increased Gankyrin in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: He Lixiong , Huang Yujing , Guo Qiaonan , Zeng Hui , Zheng Chuanfen , Wang Jia , Chen Ji-an , Wang Lingqiao , Shu Weiqun
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Our recent study indicated that the serum microcystin-LR (MC-LR) level is positively linked to the risk of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gankyrin is over-expressed in cancers and mediates oncogenesis; however, whether MC-LR induces tumor formation and the role of gankyrin in this process is unclear. Methods: We induced malignant transformation of L02 liver cells via 35 passages with exposure to 1, 10, or 100 nM MC-LR. Wound healing, plate and soft agar colony counts, and nude mice tumor formation were used to evaluate the tumorigenic phenotype of MC-LR-treated cells. Silencing gankyrin was used to confirm its function. We established a 35-week MC-LR exposure rat model by twice weekly intraperitoneal injection with 10 μg/kg body weight. In addition, 96 HCC patients were tested for tumor tissue gankyrin expression and serum MC-LR levels. Results: Chronic low-dose MC-LR exposure increased proliferation, mobility, clone and tumor formation abilities of L02 cells as a result of gankyrin activation, while silencing gankyrin inhibited the carcinogenic phenotype of MC-LR-treated cells. MC-LR also induced neoplastic liver lesions in Sprague-Dawley rats due to up-regulated gankyrin. Furthermore, a trend of increased gankyrin was observed in humans exposed to MC-LR. Conclusion: These results suggest that MC-LR induces hepatocarcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo by increasing gankyrin levels, providing new insight into MC-LR carcinogenicity studies.
Artemisinin-Daumone Hybrid Inhibits Cancer Cell-Mediated Osteolysis by Targeting Cancer Cells and Osteoclasts
Authors: Ma Gwang Taek , Lee Sun Kyoung , Park Kwang-Kyun , Park Junhee , Son Seung Hwa , Jung Mankil , Chung Won-Yoon 
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Bone metastasis of cancer cells decreases patient survival and quality of life. Hybridization via the covalent coupling of two bioactive natural products is a useful strategy for developing more potent anticancer agents by enhancing their bioavailability and avoiding drug resistance. Methods: The in vivo activities of artemisinin-daumone hybrid 15 (ARTD) were estimated in cancer cell-inoculated mice and ovariectomized mice. The viability, migration, and invasion of cancer cells were measured via MTT, wound-healing, and transwell invasion assays. ARTD-regulated transcription factors were detected with an RT2 profiler PCR array kit and Western blotting. Osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity were detected with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, a pit formation assay, gelatin zymography, and a cathepsin K ELISA assay. Results: ARTD blocked cancer-associated osteolysis more potently than artemisinin in mice with intratibially inoculated breast cancer or lung cancer cells. ARTD inhibited the viability, migration, and invasion of breast and lung cancer cells in the absence or presence of transforming growth factor-β1. ARTD treatment induced the expression of tumor suppressive activating transcription factor 3 and inhibited oncogenic E2F transcription factor 1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. ARTD inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorbing activity by reducing the secreted levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and cathepsin K. Furthermore, ARTD prevented estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Conclusion: ARTD may be a promising candidate for inhibiting cancer-induced bone destruction. The application of ARTD may be extended to patients with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure or postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Suppression of Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00652 Restores Sevoflurane-Induced Cardioprotection Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Targeting GLP-1R Through the cAMP/PKA Pathway in Mice
Authors: Zhang Shu-Bo  , Liu Tie-Jun , Pu Guo-Hua , Li Bao-Yong , Gao Xiao-Zeng , Han Xiao-Liang
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) are crucial for heart development and for adult heart structural maintenance and function. Herein, we performed a study to explore the effect of lncRNA LINC00652 (LINC00652) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by targeting GLP-1R through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway. Methods: Bioinformatics software was used to screen the long-chain non-coding RNAs associated with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and to predict target genes. The mRNA and protein levels of LINC00652, GLP-1R and CREB were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. In order to identify the interaction between LINC00652 and myocardial I/R injury, the cardiac function, the hemodynamic changes, the pathological changes of the myocardial tissues, the myocardial infarct size, and the apoptosis of myocardial cells of mice were measured. Meanwhile, the levels of serum IL-1β and TNF-α were detected. Results: LINC00652 was overexpressed in the myocardial cells of mice with myocardial I/R injury. GLP-1R is the target gene of LINC00652. We also determined higher levels of LINC00652 and GLP-1R in the I/R modeled mice. Additionally, si-LINC00652 decreased cardiac pathology, infarct size, apoptosis rates of myocardial cells, and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and increased GLP-1R expression cardiac function, normal hemodynamic index, and the expression and phosphorylation of GLP-1R and CREB proteins. Conclusion: Taken together, our key findings of the present highlight LINC00652 inhibits the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway by targeting GLP-1R to reduce the protective effect of sevoflurane on myocardial I/R injury in mice.
O truque do mestre
Authors: Rezende Gabriel Sampaio Souza Lima
Published: September 2018

Muito se escreveu sobre “Chega de saudade” (Jobim/Moraes), sua relação com a bossa nova e com a questão da modernização da música popular no Brasil. Mas,  sintomaticamente, pouco se discutiu a música propriamente dita. Sendo assim, releio algumas ideias apresentadas na literatura para elaborar formulações teóricas que me permitam construir uma interpretação da composição que articule modernização musical e modernização socioeconômica. Apesar de não se prender ao processo  empírico de emergência e consagração da canção, minha interpretação se ancora em fatos concretos ligados à polarização que se estabeleceu entre Tom Jobim e Jacob do Bandolim  em torno de “Chega de saudade”: nesses fatos estão as pistas para que se revele o truque do mestre.
O futuro do sambista e o sambista do futuro
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Paula Alves
Published: September 2018

Crianças e adolescentes participam, com as suas famílias, das atividades das escolas de samba, tendo, há décadas, espaços próprios: ala das crianças; escolinhas de  mestre-sala e porta- bandeira; baterias mirins, com a perspectiva de profissionalização e renovação nas próprias escolas; e escolas de samba mirins. Hoje há 16 escolas, majoritariamente derivadas das escolasmães, que fecham os desfiles na terça-feira, com mais de 25 mil participantes, e tentam inserir-se nas políticas sociais para a  juventude, para a promoção da cidadania e a revitalização do sentido de comunidade. Mantêm estreito laço com sua vizinhança, contribuem para a valorização da cultura  carioca e se apresentam como elemento fundamental do samba nas últimas décadas.
Inquietações de um viajante no apogeu do stalinismo
Authors: Alves Fabio Cesar
Published: September 2018

Este artigo pretende analisar o relato da viagem que Graciliano Ramos fez à União Soviética e democracias populares no início da década de 1950. Para isso, leva em  conta tanto os traços da realidade observada quanto as reações do próprio diarista, de modo a entender como o escritor militante foi capaz de criar uma forma literária  que põe em discussão, indiretamente, aspectos cruciais da autocracia stalinista, à época impulsionada pela vitória na Segunda Guerra Mundial e pelo IV Plano Quinquenal. O ensaio  recupera também parte da recepção crítica imediata da obra publicada em 1954 a fim de embasar as análises apresentadas.
Physical activity in the rural population of Pelotas, Brazil
Authors: Martins Rafaela Costa , Silva Inácio Crochemore Mohnsam da , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of physical activity in general and by domains of practice in the rural area of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as well as their associated factors. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study with adults living in the rural area of Pelotas. The questionnaire used to measure the prevalence of physical activity was the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Individuals who reported at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity were considered as active. The demographic, economic, labor, and crime safety aspects were evaluated as independent variables. Poisson regression was used for the crude and adjusted analyses. RESULTS: Final sample consisted of 1,447 individuals. Overall prevalence of physical activity was 83.7% (95%CI 81.3–86.2). Regarding the different domains, 74.9% (95%CI 71.3–78.6) of the participants reached the recommendations of physical activity specifically with work, 25.2% (95%CI 22.4–28.0) with transport, and 15.1% (95%CI 12.2–18.1) with leisure. Men were more active than women in all domains. Individuals with rural work were more active in work and transport. Crime variables were not associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of general physical activity was high, and was mostly practiced at work. On the other hand, leisure activities were not very prevalent and the associated factors varied in direction and magnitude according to the domains of physical activity evaluated.
Population-based study in a rural area
Authors: Gonçalves Helen , Tomasi Elaine , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Bielemann Renata Moraes , Machado Adriana Kramer Fiala , Ruivo Ana Carolina Oliveira , Bortolotto Caroline Cardozo , Jaeger Gustavo Pêgas , Xavier Mariana Otero , Fernandes Mayra Pacheco , Martins Rafaela Costa , Hirschmann Roberta , Silva Thais Martins da , Assunção Maria Cecília Formoso
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE: To describe the planning, sampling, operational aspects of the field, and the sample obtained during a research conducted in a rural area, specifying and discussing the main logistical difficulties unique to these places and the solutions adopted. METHODS: We carried out a population-based, cross-sectional survey between January and June 2016, with a representative sample of the population aged 18 years or over living in the rural area of Pelotas (approximately 22,000 individuals), State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related information, such as alcohol consumption, cigarette consumption, depressive symptoms, quality of diet, quality of life, physical activity, satisfaction with the health unit, overweight or obesity, and sleep problems. RESULTS: In the 720 domiciles sampled, 1,697 individuals were identified and 1,519 were interviewed (89.5%). The study initially drew 24 census tracts and proposed the visit to 42 households per tract; however, we need to adjust the method, such as decreasing the number of households per census tract (from 42 to 30) and identifying housing centers in each tract. The main reasons for these changes were difficulty accessing the area, large distances between households, misconceptions in the satellite data available (which did not fit the reality), and high cost of the field work. CONCLUSIONS: The previous detailed recognition of the research environment was crucial for decision making as the maps and territory had geographical inconsistencies. The strategies and techniques used in studies for the urban area are not applicable to the rural area given the outcomes observed in Pelotas. The decisions taken, keeping the methodological rigor, were essential to ensure the timely execution of the study with the financial resources available.
Political Inequality in 38 Countries: A Distributional Approach
Authors: Somma Nicolás M. , Bargsted Matías A.
Published: September 2018

This article presents a “distributional” approach for the study of political inequality of voice (hereinafterPIV) which complements the prevailing “categorical” approach. It measures distributionalPIVusing a country-level political Gini index based on the 2004ISSPsurvey applied to 38 countries. This measure indicates how evenly political voice – as measured by individual engagement in several political participation activities – is distributed among the adult population. The authors highlight three results: 1) there is considerable cross-national variation in the political Gini, which ranges from 0.33 (Canada and New Zealand) to 0.81 (Hungary); 2) the political Gini is modestly correlated with categorical measures ofPIV; 3) political inequality is statistically and substantively higher in countries with younger and less consolidated democratic institutions, in those with predominantly clientelistic rather than programmatic political competition, and in less socioeconomically developed countries, though this last association is less robust than the formers.
An annotated checklist of the Iranian Dasytidae and Rhadalidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea)
Authors: PLONSKI ISIDOR S. , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: September 2018

We herein provide an annotated checklist for the Iranian Dasytidae and Rhadalidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea). A total of 54 species and three subspecies of Dasytidae in 16 genera, four tribes and three subfamilies, and 11 species of Rhadalidae in five genera and three subfamilies are reported and discussed where necessary. Of these, 27 (sub-) species of Dasytidae (48%) and eight species of Rhadalidae (73%) are currently known only from Iran, and are here considered as endemic species. However, some species occurences are doubtful or need confirmation. One species (Dasytes xanthocnemus Kolenati, 1846) is reported from Iran for the first time. Furthermore, Danacea micans astrabadensis Pic, 1922 is resurrected from synonymy and given subspecific status.
Four new species and new synonymy in Stenocerus Schoenherr, 1826 (Coleoptera, Anthribidae, Anthribinae, Stenocerini)
Authors: LOPES MARCELA PAES DE A. M. , MERMUDES JOSÉ RICARDO M.
Published: September 2018

Three new species from Brazil, Stenocerus christus sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado), Stenocerus fratris sp. nov. (Espírito Santo, Santa Maria de Jetibá) and Stenocerus mesosternalius sp. nov. (Espírito Santo, Alegre, Fazenda Jerusalem), and a new species from Peru, Stenocerus similis sp. nov. (Mariscau, Juanjuí), are described and illustrated. Stenocerus paraguayensis Jordan, 1895 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of S. fulvitarsis (Germar, 1824). A key to all species of the genus Stenocerus is provided.
Caridean prawn (Crustacea, Decapoda) with description of a new species and an invasive crayfish from Yuelu mountain national park, Hunan, China
Authors: CHEN WEN-JIAN , CHEN QING-HUA , GUO ZHAO-LIANG
Published: September 2018

Yuelu mountain national park (5A scenic area) is a rare urban mountain scenic area. The major impacts from human activity are growing, such as largely unplanned tourist activity, urbanization, and accelerated the others responsible for environmental changes. It is unavoidable to have great pressure and influence on the diversity of fauna on the scenic area. In order to better understand the diversity of the decapod fauna in the Yuelu mountain national park, an intensive field survey has been carried out. A total of five species was collected, three species of atyid shrimps, Neocaridina palmata (Shen, 1948), N. yueluensis, new species, and Paracaridina longispina (Guo & He, 1992), one species of palaemonid prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan,1849), and an invasive crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). N. yueluensis is distiguished from congeners by the shorter rostrum, the stout carpus of first pereiopod and the stout chela of second pereiopod, not sexual dimorphism of the third and fourth pereiopods, the long appendix interna and arising from the inner border of appendix masculina, and the narrower scaphocerite.
Baikalobia elochinensis sp. n. (Plathelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola), a new species of endemic Baikal planarians: morphological and genetic comparison with the type species Baikalobia guttata (Gerstfeldt, 1858)
Authors: PORFIRIEV ANDREY , KOROLEVA АNASTASIA , Kiril’chik SERGEY , TIMOSHKIN ОLEG
Published: September 2018

Endemic freshwater planarians of the family Dendrocoelidae (Plathelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) are characteristic components of the Baikal fauna. Despite the long history of research on this group, new species and genera of Baikal planarians have been regularly described (Porfirieva, 1977; Timoshkin et al., 2004; Porfiriev et al., 2009; Porfiriev et al., 2011; Porfiriev and Timoshkin, 2013; Porfiriev and Timoshkin, 2015).
Hidden in plain sight: a morphological study revealing three new species of the skipper genus Drephalys Watson, 1893 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Brazil
Authors: SIEWERT RICARDO RUSSO , MADRUGA JANAÍNA , DOLIBAINA DIEGO RODRIGO , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS
Published: September 2018

Three new species of Drephalys Watson, 1893 from Brazil are described as follows: D. dracarys Madruga, Siewert, Mielke & Dolibaina, sp. n. from Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondônia states, D. electrinus Siewert, Madruga, Mielke & Dolibaina, sp. n. from Acre and Amazonas states, and D. citrinus Madruga, Siewert, Mielke & Casagrande, sp. n. from Amazonas state. Drephalys heraclides Bell, 1942 was reported for the first time from Brazil. To characterize the new species, illustrations of the male genitalia of D. heraclides, D. phoenice (Hewitson, 1867) and D. phoenicoides (Mabille & Boullet, 1919) are provided. Diagnosis, adult photos, illustration of the male genitalia and a geographical distribution map are provided for the new species.
MSWEP V2 Global 3-Hourly 0.1° Precipitation: Methodology and Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Beck Hylke E. , Wood Eric F. , Pan Ming , Fisher Colby K. , Miralles Diego G. , van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , McVicar Tim R. , Adler Robert F.
Published: September 2018

We present Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation, version 2 (MSWEP V2), a gridded precipitation P dataset spanning 1979–2017. MSWEP V2 is unique in several aspects: i) full global coverage (all land and oceans); ii) high spatial (0.1°) and temporal (3 hourly) resolution; iii) optimal merging of P estimates based on gauges [WorldClim, Global Historical Climatology Network-Daily (GHCN-D), Global Summary of the Day (GSOD), Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), and others], satellites [Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH), Gridded Satellite (GridSat), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42RT)], and reanalyses [European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) and Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55)]; iv) distributional bias corrections, mainly to improve the P frequency; v) correction of systematic terrestrial P biases using river discharge Q observations from 13,762 stations across the globe; vi) incorporation of daily observations from 76,747 gauges worldwide; and vii) correction for regional differences in gauge reporting times. MSWEP V2 compares substantially better with Stage IV gauge–radar P data than other state-of-the-art P datasets for the United States, demonstrating the effectiveness of the MSWEP V2 methodology. Global comparisons suggest that MSWEP V2 exhibits more realistic spatial patterns in mean, magnitude, and frequency. Long-term mean P estimates for the global, land, and ocean domains based on MSWEP V2 are 955, 781, and 1,025 mm yr−1, respectively. Other P datasets consistently underestimate P amounts in mountainous regions. Using MSWEP V2, P was estimated to occur 15.5%, 12.3%, and 16.9% of the time on average for the global, land, and ocean domains, respectively. MSWEP V2 provides unique opportunities to explore spatiotemporal variations in P, improve our understanding of hydrological processes and their parameterization, and enhance hydrological model performance.
Global Precipitation Measuring Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar Observations of Hailstorm Vertical Structure: Current Capabilities and Drawbacks
Authors: Mroz Kamil , Battaglia Alessandro , Lang Timothy J. , Tanelli Simone , Sacco Gian Franco
Published: September 2018

A statistical analysis of simultaneous observations of more than 800 hailstorms over the continental United States performed by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the ground-based Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) network has been carried out. Several distinctive features of DPR measurements of hail-bearing columns, potentially exploitable by hydrometeor classification algorithms, are identified. In particular, the height and the strength of the Ka-band reflectivity peak show a strong relationship with the hail shaft area within the instrument field of view (FOV). Signatures of multiple scattering (MS) at the Ka band are observed for a range of rimed particles, including but not exclusively for hail. MS amplifies uncertainty in the effective Ka reflectivity estimate and has a negative impact on the accuracy of dual-frequency rainfall retrievals at the ground. The hydrometeor composition of convective cells presents a large inhomogeneity within the DPR FOV. Strong nonuniform beamfilling (NUBF) introduces large ambiguities in the attenuation correction at Ku and Ka bands, which additionally hamper quantitative retrievals. The effective detection of profiles affected by MS is a very challenging task, since the inhomogeneity within the DPR FOV may result in measurements that look remarkably like MS signatures. The shape of the DPR reflectivity profiles is the result of the complex interplay between the scattering properties of the different hydrometeors, NUBF, and MS effects, which significantly reduces the ability of the DPR system to detect hail at the ground.
Atmospheric Response to SST Anomalies. Part I: Background-State Dependence, Teleconnections, and Local Effects in Winter
Authors: Thomson Stephen I. , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: September 2018

The atmospheric response to SST anomalies is notoriously difficult to simulate and may be sensitive to model details and biases, particularly in midlatitudes. Studies have suggested that the response is particularly sensitive to a model’s background wind field and its variability. The dependence on such factors has meant that it is difficult to know what responses, if any, are robust, and whether the system itself is sensitive or whether models themselves are failing. Our goal in this work is to better understand the geographical and seasonal dependence of the atmospheric response to SST anomalies, with particular attention to the role of the background state. We examine the response of an idealized atmospheric model to SST anomalies using two slightly different configurations of continents and topography. These configurations give rise to different background wind fields and variability within the same season and therefore give a measure of how robust a response is to small changes in the background state. We find that many of the midlatitude SST anomalies considered do not produce responses that are common across our model configurations, confirming that this problem is very sensitive to the background state. Local responses in the tropics, however, are much more robust. Some of the basic-state dependence seen in midlatitudes appears to be related to the structure of both the model’s modes of internal variability and the stationary wave field. In addition, midlatitude responses involving a significant amount of vertical temperature advection produce larger-scale responses, consistent with recent studies of atmospheric responses near strong western boundary currents.