bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coletivização das demandas como forma de tornar mais efetiva e célere a atuação dos Tribunais de Contas no exercício de suas competências
Authors: Barreto Ediara de Souza
Published: September 2018

Tendo em vista o incremento de funções atribuídas pela Constituição de 1988 ao Tribunal de Contas da União e, por simetria, aos Tribunais de Contas Estaduais e Municipais, bem como os problemas estruturais comumente verificados nestes órgãos, este artigo busca analisar a possibilidade de, quando possível, “coletivizar” as demandas que lhes são submetidas, exercendo-se a função fiscalizatória em face de representantes coletivos quando a natureza dos direitos ou interesses discutidos superar o plano meramente individual. Partindo do pressuposto de que os processos em trâmite perante os tribunais de contas enquadram-se no conceito de “litigação de interesse público” (public law litigation) e, por outro lado, são regidos pelo princípio do informalismo, entende-se não haver óbice à possibilidade aventada. Com isso, busca-se imprimir maior racionalidade ao exercício das competências constitucionais e legais atribuídas às Cortes de Contas, promovendo uma atuação mais efetiva, célere e apta a realizar de forma mais eficaz o resguardo ao erário público e a observância aos princípios da Administração Pública.
Acúmulo de Cargos e o Poder Disciplinar da Controladoria Geral de Disciplina
Authors: Mendes Jacob Stevenson de Santana Carvalho
Published: September 2018

Neste artigo, realiza-se uma análise crítica da inserção das polícias militares estaduais na Constituição Federal – de forma pioneira, em relação às demais forças policiais brasileiras – e do controle dessas forças militares realizado pela União, mediante o Exército Brasileiro. Faz-se ainda uma reflexão sobre a manutenção de seu status militar como imposição do governo central para um controle mais efetivo desses “exércitos estaduais”. Essa manutenção constitui fator de proteção do Pacto Federativo, principalmente para evitar que estados economicamente mais fortes possam representar uma ameaça à federação.
Consórcios Públicos em Saúde – Importância para Gestão Pública e a Melhoria do Acesso aos Serviços de Saúde
Authors: Silva Luciene Alice da , Oliveira Luciana da Silva Borges de , Nogueira Maria de Fátima Nepomuceno
Published: September 2018

O presente trabalho analisa o modelo de gestão consorciada interfederativa em saúde, que está sendo implantado de forma pioneira no Ceará, descreve as características, natureza jurídica, competências e áreas de atuação, prerrogativas e obrigações, processo de implantação, os aspectos mais relevantes da lei dos consórcios, impacto na saúde da população, mecanismos de controle, prestação de contas públicas e transparência da gestão.
O impacto da crise econômica nas finanças dos governos estaduais. Uma análise das receitas, despesas e resultados primários
Authors: Silva José Wesmey da
Published: September 2018

A crise financeira repercutiu na economia mundial de uma forma nunca vista, desde a crise de 1229. A Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal criou mecanismos para que o gestor público possa enfrentar problemas como este. A fixação de metas de resultados, o acompanhamento bimestral destas metas e a limitação de empenho são as principais ferramentas introduzidas pela Lei para que o gestor público possa proteger as finanças e assim manter o equilíbrio entre as receitas e despesas. Este artigo avalia os efeitos da recente crise econômica sobre as finanças dos estados da federação, mais precisamente sobre nas receitas, despesas e nos resultados primários.
O Controle, a Informação e a Educação como Instrumentos de Prevenção à Corrupção
Authors: Lourenço Luanda Maria de Figueiredo , Lourenço Leonardo de Figueiredo
Published: September 2018

O trabalho tem por objetivo conhecer o referencial teórico e as relações entre o interesse público e o interesse privado, sob a ótica dos princípios da administração pública, e o contexto em que se dá a corrupção, suas causas e consequências, as maneiras que a sociedade dispõe para se prevenir. O trabalho estuda o instituto “prevenção da corrupção”, sob o aspecto do controle, da educação e do acesso à informação como ferramenta de transparência pública. A pesquisa foi realizada lêvando- se em consideração as diversas opiniões assim como a confiabilidade das obras existentes sobre o tema, além de consultas realizadas na internet junto aos sítios oficiais de órgãos públicos, organizações não-governamentais e organismos internacionais.
A Natureza Jurídica do Abono de Permanência e o Limite de Gastos com Pessoal da IRF
Authors: Aguiar Simone Coêlho
Published: September 2018

Cuida-se de uma investigação acerca da natureza jurídica do abono de permanência, instituto inserido no ordenamento jurídico pátrio com o advento da Emenda Constitucional n.º 41, de 19 de dezembro de 2003, à Constituição Federal de 1988, cujo objetivo é, diante das várias interpretações existentes, identificar aquela que mais se adequa à finalidade buscada pelo legislador constituinte derivado em face da Lei Complementar n.º 101, de 04 de maio de 2000, comumente chamada de Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal – LRF, no que diz respeito ao limite de gastos com pessoal. O presente estudo analisará a EC/41 e os dispositivos legais da LRF pertinentes ao tema, além da jurisprudência afeta à matéria, para, em seguida, abordar as várias interpretações manifestadas sobre a natureza jurídica do instituto – se assistencial, remuneratória ou indenizatória –, e, ao final, indicar aquela tida como a mais adequada a conformar os elementos norteadores da norma constitucional reformadora e os preceitos da citada lei, a saber, o abono de permanência, por não ter cunho remuneratório, nos termos do art. 18, caput, LRF, não se enquadra como despesa com pessoal para fins de apuração do limite com gastos de pessoal.
O Princípio do Concurso Público e a Evolução dos Precedentes Jurisprudenciais
Authors: Augusto Humberto Bayma
Published: September 2018

O presente trabalho científico tem como escopo o exame didático dos recentes precedentes judiciais no tocante à nomeação dos candidatos aprovados em concurso público. Tais decisões consideradas históricas pela comunidade acadêmica acabam por mudar o entendimento há muito consolidado na cúpula do Judiciário brasileiro. Capitaneada pelo Tribunal da Cidadania, em seguida acompanhada pela 1ª Turma do Pretório Excelso, o direito à nomeação, antes considerado como mera expectativa de direito, passa a sofrer uma nova exegese, beneficiando assim os concursados aprovados, que passariam a ter o direito subjetivo à nomeação, sendo este ato administrativo vinculado ao edital. De sorte, analisa-se a repercussão dos citados julgados na sociedade e na Administração Pública brasileira, bem como sua adequação aos dispositivos constitucionais esculpidos nos art. 37, em seus incisos II, III e IV, além de uma evolução histórica do pensamento dessas Cortes, das Constituições brasileiras, bem como o posicionamento da doutrina abalizada sobre o presente tema.
A Relação entre Fiscalização e Desenvolvimento
Authors: Cusciano Dalton Tria
Published: September 2018

A constante correlação entre as expressões desenvolvimento e crescimento econômico torna míope o discurso de diversos economistas e juristas, que se preocupam apenas com fatores que influenciam o crescimento, acreditando ser o crescimento econômico o único caminho para o desenvolvimento. O caminho inverso, do desenvolvimento como fomentador do crescimento, em um contexto no qual os conceitos de desenvolvimento e crescimento são distintos é pouco trilhado, servindo este trabalho para iluminar tal linha teórica, apresentando um novo prisma sobre o papel do Tribunal de Contas no cenário nacional e sobre o conceito de desenvolvimento.
Controle Externo Social, Educação e Cidadania
Authors: Macedo Júnior Geraldo de Oliveira , Macedo Adriana Maria Bento
Published: September 2018

Dentre as muitas questões relativas à formação do cidadão, a educação para o exercício do controle externo social parece-nos, de longe, a mais significativa. Isso posto, pretendemos aqui estudar as conexões existentes entre o controle ex-terno social, a educação e a cidadania. Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico exploratório, no qual utilizamos o raciocínio indutivo. Como conclusão percebemos que, em grande medida, não há como descolar o controle externo social da educação e da cidadania, dados os profundos e sólidos laços que unem aquela função a estas categorias. Adicionalmente, com o intuito de responder, ainda que parcialmente, ao seguinte questionamento fundamental relativo à educação: como educar para o exercício do controle externo social? Proporemos algumas “linhas de ação” para a educação em controle externo social.
Educação Ambiental. Abordagem Sistêmica: A Constituição Federal e as Normas Infraconstitucionais
Authors: Cavalcante Maria Lailze Simões Albuquerque
Published: September 2018

O artigo aborda uma visão global da Educação Ambiental de forma sistêmica face à Magna Chartha e Leis de Proteção, ressaltando o caráter multidisciplinar e a importância da consciência ecológica/política às gerações presentes e futuras, conscientizando a relevância da cultura do conhecimento, das ações, das experiências, da postura crítica de cidadania, com o intuito de contribuir ao Direito Difuso a um meio ambiente saudável, como direito comum a todos. Necessário se faz com o estudo desse tema, resgatar uma nova ótica de desenvolvimento sustentável, buscando um ponto de equilíbrio entre o crescimento econômico e a preservação dos recursos naturais por meio de atividades de manejo florestal, reflorestamento, reciclagem de resíduos sólidos, o correto uso de agrotóxicos e a prática de conservação do solo, entre outros.
A Modalidade Licitatória do Pregão e sua Utilização para Contratação de Serviços de Engenharia
Authors: Cunha Bruno Santos
Published: September 2018

O presente artigo pretende analisar as circunstancias e os requisitos para a utilização da modalidade licitatória de pregão na contratação de serviços de engenharia. Para tal, traça-se um histórico do instituto do pregão, com foco nas alterações legislativas, regulamentares e jurisprudenciais que subsidiam, em tempos atuais, a utilização da referida modalidade no que toca as contratações de serviços de engenharia.
Pengaruh bising lalu lintas terhadap penurunan fungsi pendengaran pada juru parkir di kota Denpasar
Authors: Susilawati Ni Ketut , Sudana Wayan , Setiawan Eka Putra
Published: September 2018

Background: Noise pollution or noise is an unwanted sound which is disturbing to human beings.However small or soft the sound, if it is undesirable it is considered as noise. Noise induced hearingloss is a sensorineural hearing loss that is commonly encountered second to presbycusis. Purpose: Toknow the effect of traffic noise exposure on hearing impairment to the employees of the Parking DistrictCompany of the Denpasar city and to improve diagnostic detection on hearing impairment caused bynoise. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Parking District Company office. Thepopulations of this study were the employees of the Parking District Company. Samples of this study were the employees who were exposed to traffic noise and control samples were an employee who was unexposed. Samples were selected by simple random sampling. Results: From 40 parking attendants,27 persons (67.5%) aged above 35 years old. The parking attendants who had been working for ten to fifteen years were 36 persons (90%) and no history using ear protection when working. Seven persons(17.5%) had referred DPOAE upon examination with increase hearing threshold on audiogram result.In this study the parking attendants who had hearing deficit induced by noise were 7 persons (17.5%)and only one person (2.5%) in control group. There was a statistically significant effect of traffic noiseto hearing function deficit (p<0.05). Conclusion: Traffic noise has effect in hearing function deficit onthe parking attendants.ORLI Vol. 40 No. 2 Tahun 2010Key words: NIHL, parking attendant, audiometry, DPOAE.
Penanganan meningosil dan atresia koana bilateral
Authors: Perkasa Muhammad Fadjar
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: Atresia koana adalah tertutupnya satu atau kedua posterior kavum nasi oleh membranabnormal atau tulang. Hal ini dapat terjadi bersamaan dengan kelainan kongenital lainnya. Atresia koanabilateral menyebabkan keadaan darurat pada saat kelahiran. Angka kejadian atresia koana adalah 1 kasus per5000 - 8000 kelahiran. Kejadian pada perempuan dua kali lebih banyak daripada laki-laki. Tujuan: Membahassatu kasus bayi dengan atresia koana bilateral yang didiagnosis di ruang operasi, yang tidak terdeteksisebelumnya karena adanya meningosil. Kasus: Bayi perempuan 16 hari dengan meningosil dan atresia koanabilateral. Penatalaksanaan: Pasien menjalani koanoplasti transnasal dan pemasangan stent. Pasien sembuhdengan baik. Kesimpulan: Atresia koana dapat terjadi bersama dengan kelainan kongenital lainnya, sehinggamemerlukan pemeriksaan yang teliti karena atresia koana bilateral menyebabkan keadaan darurat danmemerlukan penanganan segera.Kata kunci : atresia koana, koanoplasti, stent.ABSTRACTBackground: Choanal atresia is a condition where one or both posterior nasal cavity is blocked byabnormal bony or soft tissue. This condition can occur concomitant with other congenital anomalies. Bilateralchoanal atresia causes emergency situation at birth. The incidence of choanal atresia is one case per 5000-8000births and are twice as much in females. Purpose: To discuss a case of bilateral choanal atresia which wasdiagnosed in the operating theatre, undetected previously because of the meningocele. Case: A baby girl 16 daysold with meningocele and bilateral choanal atresia. Management: The patient underwent transnasalchoanoplasty and stenting. The result was satisfactory. Conclusion: Choanal atresia can occure with othercongenital abnormalities, so careful examination is mandatory as bilateral choanal atresia needs promptmanagement.Keywords : choanal atresia, choanoplasty, stent
Non-AT1-receptor-mediated protective effect of angiotensin against acute ischaemic stroke in the gerbil
Authors: Dalmay François , Mazouz Hakim , Allard Julien , Pesteil Francis , Achard Jean Michel , Fournier Albert
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have shown that angiotensin II (Ang II), by mediating rapid recruitment of collateral circulation, has a protective effect in the setting of acute ischaemia. In an experimental model of acute cerebral ischaemia in the gerbil, Fernandez et al. have reported that the mechanism of the protective effect of Ang II is blood pressure (BP)-independent,1 and that the AT 1-receptor antagonist, losartan, but not the ACE inhibitor (ACE-I), enalapril, decreases mortality following unilateral carotid artery ligation. 2 The aim of this study was to examine the reproducibility of the respective effects of losartan and enalapril, and to verify that these differential effects are drug class-related. Acute cerebral ischaemia was induced in anaesthetised gerbils by unilateral carotid ligation. The effect of pretreatment with two different ACE-I (enalapril and lisinopril), and two different AT 1-receptor antagonists (losartan and candesartan), administered orally or intravenously, on mortality were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival curves at day three were analysed by a log-rank test. Pretreatment with both enalapril and lisinopril significantly decreased survival at day three compared with controls, while the AT1-receptor antagonists losartan and candesartan, despite similarly lowering BP, did not increase mortality. Coadministration of losartan and enalapril increased mortality to the same extent as enalapril alone. This study confirms that Ang II contributes to protective mechanisms against acute cerebral ischaemia through non AT1-receptor-mediated, BP-independent effects.
Effects of combination of low doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and diuretics on renal function in spontaneously hypertensive rats: comparison between acute and chronic treatment
Authors: Doucet Jean , Richard Vincent , Mulder Paul , Henry Jean-Paul , Schiavi Pierre , Guez David , Thuillez Christian
Published: September 2018

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of acute or chronic treatment with S5590, a combination of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril (0.76 mg/kg/day) and the diuretic indapamide (0.24 mg/kg/day) on renal function in spontaneously hypertensive rats with moderate renal injury.

Renal function was evaluated in conscious rats by clearance methods using labelled inulin and PAH, after catheterisation of the carotid artery, jugular vein and bladder.

Both acute and chronic treatment normalised renal vascular resistance, although the effect on blood pressure was more marked after chronic than after acute treatment. Although acute treatment with S5590 increased glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, chronic treatment did not affect these parameters. Diuresis and natriuresis were only slightly modified and the results suggest a marked renal vasodilatation.

In conclusion, the maintenance of renal function after chronic treatment, in a setting of normalisation of arterial pressure, suggest that such a combined treatment may exert marked renal functional protective effects in hypertension.
Effects of losartan treatment on T-cell activities and plasma leptin concentrations in primary hypertension
Authors: Sonmez Alper , Kisa Ucler , Uckaya Gokhan , Eyileten Tayfun , Comert Bilgin , Koc Bayram , Kocabalkan Fikri , Ozata Metin
Published: September 2018

Recent evidence shows that leptin may contribute to elevated blood pressure (BP) and interact with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and cellular immune systems. Altered T-cell activities and changes in T-cell subset ratios have also been reported in hypertension. However, little is known about the effects of AT1-receptor antagonism on T-cell activities and plasma leptin concentrations in primary hypertension. We have, therefore, investigated the relationship between leptin and T-cell activities and the effect of an AT1-receptor antagonist, losartan, in primary hypertension. Twenty recently-diagnosed and untreated young adults (11 males and 9 females, age; 39.9±7.6 years, range 23—49 years, BMI; 27.6±3.7 kg/m2) and 20 normotensive healthy, age-, sex- and BMI-matched controls were studied. The [3H]-thymidine uptakes of cultured lymphocytes were determined, both spontaneously and after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin. The tests were performed before and after three months of treatment with losartan. The results indicate that the blastogenic responses of T-cells to phytohaemagglutinin are significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (p=0.02). After normalisation of BP, T-cell responses were significantly reduced and were lower than in the controls (p=0.01). Pretreatment plasma leptin levels were significantly higher in hypertensives than in controls (p=0.01). However, losartan treatment had no significant effect on leptin concentrations; moreover, no correlation between leptin levels and T-cell activity was found. Our data show that plasma leptin levels and T-cell activity are markedly enhanced in untreated essential hypertension and that the alteration of T-cell activity is not related to plasma leptin levels. Antihypertensive treatment with losartan decreases T-cell activities but does not influence plasma leptin levels. We conclude that leptin levels are not affected by AT1-receptor blockade and are not related to T-cell activity.
Effects of telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide and their combination on blood pressure and renal excretory parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Wienen Wolfgang , Schierok Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2018

The effects of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) alone and in combination on blood pressure (BP) and renal excretory function were investigated in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after oral administration for five consecutive days. Four treatments were studied: vehicle (0.5% Natrosol™), telmisartan 3 mg/kg, HCTZ 10 mg/kg, and telmisartan 3 mg/kg+ HCTZ 10 mg/kg. The effects on BP and heart rate were studied in 40 SHRs (10 animals per group) using an implanted telemetry device. Renal excretory function was assessed in 76 SHRs (18 animals per group, of which nine were used for urine sampling and nine for blood sampling).

The telmisartan/HCTZ combination produced the greatest reductions in trough DBP (—44±1.5 mmHg), SBP (—60±1.9 mmHg) and mean BP (mBP; —53±1.7 mmHg) after five days of therapy (p<0.05 vs. vehicle and vs. telmisartan). Telmisartan monotherapy also decreased DBP, SBP and mBP significantly (p<0.05), but only minor BP fluctuations occurred in SHRs receiving HCTZ or vehicle. Telmisartan/HCTZ elevated heart rate by approximately 12 beats per minute (p<0.05 vs. control). Significant increases in urine volume and Na+, Cl—, K+, creatinine and glucose excretion were observed with HCTZ treatment (p<0.01). Telmisartan/HCTZ also promoted renal water and electrolyte excretion (p<0.01); the diuretic effect appeared to be greater with the combination than with HCTZ alone, and there was some attenuation of urinary K+ loss. Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels were observed only in HCTZ-treated SHRs. These results indicate that the antihypertensive efficacy of telmisartan in SHRs is augmented by co-administration with HCTZ. The combination did not affect renal excretory function, with the exception of an increase in blood urea nitrogen and a possible amelioration of HCTZ-related K+ depletion.
Effects of different durations of pretreatment with losartan on myocardial infarct size, endothelial function, and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Zhu Bo-qing , Sun Yi-ping , Sievers Richard E , Browne Amanda EM , Lee Randall J , Chatterjee Kanu , Parmley William W
Published: September 2018

A previous study by our group showed that 10 weeks of pretreatment with losartan reduced myocardial infarct size and arrhythmias in a rat model of ischaemia-reperfusion. However, the effect of a differing time course of pretreatment has not been investigated. 104 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to four groups: a control, and three treatment groups in which losartan (40 mg/kg/day) was administered in drinking water for one day, one week, and four weeks respectively. After different durations of pretreatment, the rats were subjected to 17 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 120 minutes of reperfusion. Haemodynamic variables were not significantly different between the four groups. Myocardial infarct size was unchanged after one day and one week of pretreatment (52±7, 57±6% vs. control 55±3%), but was significantly reduced by four weeks of pretreatment with losartan (38±6, p<0.05). Endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation was significantly increased by four weeks of pretreatment (-81±4 vs. -62±7%, p<0.05). As an indicator of ischaemia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in ischaemic myocardium were decreased after one and four weeks of pretreatment (0.75±0.05, 0.58±0.10 vs. 1.0, p<0.05, 0.01, respectively).

In conclusion, losartan has time-dependent cardiovascular protective effects. Four weeks of pretreatment with losartan decreased infarct size and VEGF, and improved endothelial dysfunction.
Effect of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies on Silage Corn Grown in Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Nilahyane Abdelaziz , Islam M. , Mesbah Abdel , Garcia y Garcia Axel
Published: September 2018

In water-scarce regions, high yield and improved water use efficiency (WUE) of crops can be obtained if water and nitrogen (N) are properly applied. While water and N have been the subject of research worldwide, studies are needed to advance our understanding on the complexity of their interaction. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Wyoming Powell Research and Extension Center in 2014 and 2015 growing seasons to determine the effect of irrigation water and N on growth, dry matter (DM) yield, and WUE of silage corn (Zea mays L.) grown under on-surface drip irrigation (ODI). The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in split-plot arrangement with three replications. Irrigation was the main treatment and included 100ETc (100% crop evapotranspiration), 80ETc, and 60ETc. Nitrogen was the sub-treatment and included 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg N ha−1 as urea-ammonium-nitrate solution Results showed that irrigation water, N, and application timing significantly affected growth and DM yield, especially at late vegetative and mid reproductive growth stages. At harvest (R4), no significant difference was observed between 180 kg N ha−1 and 270 kg N ha−1 on DM yield and WUE. However, significant differences of DM yield were observed between irrigation treatments, and 100ETc and 80ETc did not differ in WUE. Our findings suggest that 100ETc and 180 kg N ha−1 is the best combination for high yielding corn for silage grown in a semi-arid climate under ODI.
The Role of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases in Oxidative Stress Tolerance and Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus and Other Bacteria
Authors: Singh Vineet K. , Singh Kuldeep , Baum Kyle
Published: September 2018

Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRA1 and MSRB) are proteins overproduced in Staphylococcus aureus during exposure with cell wall-active antibiotics. Later studies identified the presence of two additional MSRA proteins (MSRA2 and MSRA3) in S. aureus. These MSR proteins have been characterized in many other bacteria as well. This review provides the current knowledge about the conditions and regulatory network that mimic the expression of these MSR encoding genes and their role in defense from oxidative stress and virulence.
Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in NRF2- and Sirtuin-Dependent Maintenance of Cellular Redox Balance
Authors: Corsello Tiziana , Komaravelli Narayana , Casola Antonella
Published: September 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has arisen as a critical gasotransmitter signaling molecule modulating cellular biological events related to health and diseases in heart, brain, liver, vascular systems and immune response. Three enzymes mediate the endogenous production of H2S: cystathione β-synthase (CBS), cystathione γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). CBS and CSE localizations are organ-specific. 3-MST is a mitochondrial and cytosolic enzyme. The generation of H2S is firmly regulated by these enzymes under normal physiological conditions. Recent studies have highlighted the role of H2S in cellular redox homeostasis, as it displays significant antioxidant properties. H2S exerts antioxidant effects through several mechanisms, such as quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), by modulating cellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx-1) or increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes (AOE), by activating the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2). H2S also influences the activity of the histone deacetylase protein family of sirtuins, which plays an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and during the aging process by modulating AOE gene expression. This review focuses on the role of H2S in NRF2 and sirtuin signaling pathways as they are related to cellular redox homeostasis.
Formation Control Algorithm of Multi-UAV-Based Network Infrastructure
Authors: Park Seongjoon , Kim Kangho , Kim Hyunsoon , Kim Hwangnam
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses the analysis and the deployment of the network infrastructure based on multiple Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). Despite the unprecedented potential to the mobility of the network infrastructure, there has been no effort to establish a mathematical model of the infrastructure and formation control strategies. We model the generic dynamics of the network infrastructure and derive the network throughput of the infrastructure. Through the parametrization of the model, we extract the generic factors of the network protocols and verify our model through the Network Simulator 3 (ns-3). By exploiting our network analysis model, we propose a novel formation control algorithm that determines the location of the UAVs to maximize the efficiency of the network. To achieve the objectives of the infrastructure, we define the formation-shaping effect as forces and elaborately design them using the generic factors. The formation algorithm continuously approaches to the optimized formation of a fleet of UAVs to enhance the overall throughput of the terrestrial devices. Our evaluations show that the algorithm guarantees remarkably higher throughput than the static formations. Through the dynamic transformation of the UAV formation, we believe that the multi-UAV-based network infrastructure could expand the boundary of the existing infrastructure while reducing the network traffic.
Volunteered Geographic Information for Enhanced Marine Environment Monitoring
Authors: Martinelli Massimo , Moroni Davide
Published: September 2018

The ability to detect and monitor oil spills at sea is becoming increasingly important due to the high demand of oil-based products. Remote sensing frameworks have been proven to give accurate results in case of major events; nonetheless, also medium and micro oil spills have their own importance, especially in protected areas that deserve special attention. In this paper, we propose a monitoring framework based on the collection of in situ observations and on their integration with remote sensing in order to fill out existing observational gaps. In particular, besides the data collected by special monitoring devices, in situ observations include volunteered geographical information as an additional source of valuable data. Oil spill sights, notified by volunteers through a specially-designed app, are integrated in the monitoring system and therein processed together with remote sensing data in order to proactively detect anomalous events and produce alerts. Field operational tests in two areas demonstrate the technical validity of the approach, while users’ reception testifies to its potential in raising people’s awareness on marine pollution.
A Theme Park Tourist Service System with a Personalized Recommendation Strategy
Authors: Yu Feng-Chi , Lee Pei-Chun , Ku Pei-Hsuan , Wang Sheng-Shih
Published: September 2018

In general, there exists numerous attractions installed in a theme park, and tourists in a theme park dynamically change their locations during a tour. Thus, a tourist may cope with the issues of selecting the attractions to visit while planning the tour route. This paper, based on the concept of location awareness, proposes a novel waiting time, called the personalized waiting time, to introduce a location-aware recommendation strategy. In addition, this paper presents an architecture of tourist service system using the proposed recommendation strategy to relieve the pressure on tourists and create the pleasant experience in their tours. The proposed location-based system consists of mobile app, ticket-reader, detecting/counting, and central subsystems, and the whole system was implemented in this study. We conducted numerous experiments and field testing results validated that the entire proposed system can correctly provide information, such as attraction introduction, recommended session time, estimated moving and waiting time, tour map, and the number of reservations. The system functions, including dynamical scheduling, attraction reservation, ticket verification, visitor detection, and visitor counting, also worked well.
Enhanced Thermochromic Properties of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2)/Glass Heterostructure by Inserting a Zr-Based Thin Film Metallic Glasses (Cu50Zr50) Buffer Layer
Authors: Kang Chaoyang , Zhang Cong , Yao Yingxue , Yang Yuanjun , Zong Haitao , Zhang Liwei , Li Ming
Published: September 2018

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) with reversible metal–insulator transition (MIT) is one of the most promising energy-efficient materials. Especially for VO2-based smart windows, the visible transmittance and solar modulation ability are the most critical parameters. However, VO2 thin films that are directly deposited onto glass substrates are of poor crystallinity and MIT performance, limiting the practical applications of VO2/glass heterostructures. In this paper, a buffer layer of Cu50Zr50 was introduced to build a novel Zr-based thin film metallic glass (VO2/Cu50Zr50/glass) with multilayer structures for thermochromic applications. It is observed that the insertion of a Cu50Zr50 buffer layer with appropriate thickness results in a clear enhancement of crystalline quality and MIT performance in the VO2/Cu50Zr50/glass thin films, compared with the single-layer VO2/glass thin films. Moreover, the VO2/Cu50Zr50/glass bi-layer films exhibit better optical performance with enhanced solar modulation ability (ΔTsol = 14.3%) and a high visible transmittance (Tvis = 52.3%), which represents a good balance between ΔTsol and Tvis for smart window applications.
Some Aspects of California Cyberpunk
Authors: Mosher Mike
Published: September 2018

This paper explores the rise and fall of Cyberpunk influences in California’s Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay area circa 1988–93, in prevalent technologies, industry, by artists and in enthusiastic magazines thriving there. Attentive to the Cyberpunk novelists, an animating spirituality of the time also looks to Timothy Leary and Marshall McLuhan.
The Impact of Cloud Radiative Effects on the Tropical Tropopause Layer Temperatures
Authors: Fu Qiang , Smith Maxwell , Yang Qiong
Published: September 2018

A single-column radiative-convective model (RCM) is a useful tool to investigate the physical processes that determine the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) temperature structures. Previous studies on the TTL using the RCMs, however, omitted the cloud radiative effects. In this study, we examine the impact of cloud radiative effects on the simulated TTL temperatures using an RCM. We derive the cloud radiative effects based on satellite observations, which show heating rates in the troposphere but cooling rates in the stratosphere. We find that the cloud radiative effect warms the TTL by as much as 2 K but cools the lower stratosphere by as much as −1.5 K, resulting in a thicker TTL. With (without) considering cloud radiative effects, we obtain a convection top of ≈167 hPa (≈150 hPa) with a temperature of ≈213 K (≈209 K), and a cold point at ≈87 hPa (≈94 hPa) with a temperature of ≈204 K (≈204 K). Therefore, the cloud radiative effects widen the TTL by both lowering the convection-top height and enhancing the cold-point height. We also examine the impact of TTL cirrus radiative effects on the RCM-simulated temperatures. We find that the TTL cirrus warms the TTL with a maximum temperature increase of ≈1.3 K near 110 hPa.
Sensitivity Study of WRF Numerical Modeling for Forecasting Heavy Rainfall in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rodrigo Channa , Kim Sangil , Jung Il
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to determine the predictability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with different model physics options to identify the best set of physics parameters for predicting heavy rainfall events during the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons. Two case studies were used for the evaluation: heavy precipitation during the southwest monsoon associated with the simultaneous onset of the monsoon, and a low pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal that produced heavy rain over most of the country, with heavy precipitation associated with the northeast monsoon associated with monsoon flow and easterly disturbances. The modeling results showed large variation in the rainfall estimated by the model using the various model physics schemes, but several corresponding rainfall simulations were produced with spatial distribution aligned with rainfall station data, although the amount was not estimated accurately. Moreover, the WRF model was able to capture the rainfall patterns of these events in Sri Lanka, suggesting that the model has potential for operational use in numerical weather prediction in Sri Lanka.
Serum VEGF Level Is Different in Adolescents Smoking Waterpipe versus Cigarettes: The Irbid TRY
Authors: Alomari Mahmoud A. , Al-Sheyab Nihaya A. , Khabour Omar F. , Alzoubi Karem H.
Published: September 2018

Waterpipe (Wp) use is associated with most devastating diseases and particularly popular among adolescents. Vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) is essential for generating new vessels. The effect of smoking tobacco on VEGF is controversial and unknown among adolescents. Therefore, the current study compared serum VEGF in adolescents smoking cigarettes (Cg) only (9.3%), Wp only (19.6%), and dual (Wp and Cg) (36.4%) versus nonsmokers (34.6%) in adolescents. A self-reported questionnaire and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to obtain smoking status and serum VEGF, respectively, in 475 (age: 14.6 ± 1.0 years) boys (n = 263) and girls (n = 212) from Irbid, Jordan. The analysis showed that smoking status (R2 = 0.021; p = 0.001) and gender (R2 = 0.035; p = 0.000) can predict VEGF. Furthermore, 2-way-ANCOVA revealed that VEGF was lower in the dual cohort versus the Cg (33.4%; p = 0.04) and nonsmoker (29.6%; p = 0.003) cohorts; VEGF in smokers, was lower (33.6%; p = 0.04) in the Wp versus nonsmokers in the boys but not the girls. These results are unique and suggest that smoking lowers VEGF, which might adversely affect vascular growth and function. This is alarming given that adolescents are still in the development stage and smoking, particularly Wp, is popular among them. Therefore, interventions targeting smoking among schoolchildren are urgently needed to avoid the negative effects of smoking, especially on vascular health.
Editorial of the Special Issue: Antisense Therapies
Authors: Popplewell Linda J.
Published: September 2018

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Seismic Vulnerability for RC Infilled Frames: Simplified Evaluation for As-Built and Retrofitted Building Typologies
Authors: Gaetani d’Aragona Marco , Polese Maria , Di Ludovico Marco , Prota Andrea
Published: September 2018

Several studies investigated the influence of infills on the response of reinforced concrete (RC) frames. However, possible shear brittle failures are generally neglected. The interaction between the infill panels and the surrounding frames can lead to anticipated brittle-type failures that should be considered in code-based assessment of lateral seismic capacity. This paper investigates, by means of simplified pushover analyses, on the effect of infills on the lateral seismic capacity explicitly considering possible brittle failures in unconfined beam-column joints or in columns. Archetype buildings representative of existing gravity load designed (GLD) RC frames of three different height ranges are obtained with a simulated design process and a sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate on the effect of infill consistency on the capacity. Moreover, possible alternative local retrofit interventions devoted to avoiding brittle failures are considered, evaluating their relative efficacy in case of different infill typologies. It is seen that for the considered existing GLD buildings, the attainment of life safety limit state is premature and happens before the damage limitation limit state. The capacity can be increased with application of local retrofit interventions. However, the retrofit efficacy varies depending on the infills consistency if the horizontal action transferred from the infills to the surrounding frame is not absorbed by the retrofit solution.
A Metal-Free Carbon-Based Catalyst: An Overview and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Thanasekaran Pounraj , Subburaj Thiruvengadam , Lin King-Chuen
Published: September 2018

Metal-free carbon porous materials (CPMs) have gained the intensive attention of scientists and technologists because of their potential applications, ranging from catalysis to energy storage. Various simple and facile strategies are proposed for the preparation of CPMs with well-controlled sizes, shapes, and modifications on the surface. The extraordinary tenability of the pore structure, the environmental acceptability, the unique surface and the corrosion resistance properties allow them to be suitable materials for a large panel of catalysis applications. This review briefly outlines the different signs of progresses made towards synthesizing CPMs, and their properties, including catalytic efficiency, stability, and recyclability. Finally, we make a comparison of their catalytic performances with other nanocomposites, and we provide an outlook on the expected developments in the relevant research works.
Comprehensive Analysis of Germline Variants in Mexican Patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Quezada Urban Rosalía , Díaz Velásquez Clara , Gitler Rina , Rojo Castillo María , Sirota Toporek Max , Figueroa Morales Andrea , Moreno García Oscar , García Esquivel Lizbeth , Torres Mejía Gabriela , Dean Michael , Delgado Enciso Iván , Ochoa Díaz López Héctor , Rodríguez León Fernando , Jan Virginia , Garzón Barrientos Víctor , Ruiz Flores Pablo , Espino Silva Perla , Haro Santa Cruz Jorge , Martínez Gregorio Héctor , Rojas Jiménez Ernesto , Romero Cruz Luis , Méndez Catalá Claudia , Álvarez Gómez Rosa , Fragoso Ontiveros Verónica , Herrera Luis , Romieu Isabelle , Terrazas Luis , Chirino Yolanda , Frecha Cecilia , Oliver Javier , Perdomo Sandra , Vaca Paniagua Felipe
Published: September 2018

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) represents 5–10% of all patients with breast cancer and is associated with high-risk pathogenic alleles in BRCA1/2 genes, but only for 25% of cases. We aimed to find new pathogenic alleles in a panel of 143 cancer-predisposing genes in 300 Mexican cancer patients with suspicion of HBOC and 27 high-risk patients with a severe family history of cancer, using massive parallel sequencing. We found pathogenic variants in 23 genes, including BRCA1/2. In the group of cancer patients 15% (46/300) had a pathogenic variant; 11% (33/300) harbored variants with unknown clinical significance (VUS) and 74% (221/300) were negative. The high-risk group had 22% (6/27) of patients with pathogenic variants, 4% (1/27) had VUS and 74% (20/27) were negative. The most recurrent mutations were the Mexican founder deletion of exons 9-12 and the variant p.G228fs in BRCA1, each found in 5 of 17 patients with alterations in this gene. Rare VUS with potential impact at the protein level were found in 21 genes. Our results show for the first time in the Mexican population a higher contribution of pathogenic alleles in other susceptibility cancer genes (54%) than in BRCA1/2 (46%), highlighting the high locus heterogeneity of HBOC and the necessity of expanding genetic tests for this disease to include broader gene panels.
Sensitization of Cancer Cells to Radiation and Topoisomerase I Inhibitor Camptothecin Using Inhibitors of PARP and Other Signaling Molecules
Authors: Matsuno Yusuke , Hyodo Mai , Fujimori Haruka , Shimizu Atsuhiro , Yoshioka Ken-ichi
Published: September 2018

Radiation and certain anticancer drugs damage DNA, resulting in apoptosis induction in cancer cells. Currently, the major limitations on the efficacy of such therapies are development of resistance and adverse side effects. Sensitization is an important strategy for increasing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. In this manuscript, we review possible sensitization strategies for radiation and anticancer drugs that cause DNA damage, focusing especially on modulation of damage repair pathways and the associated reactions.
Planetary Health: Are We Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Authors: Gagliano Monica
Published: September 2018

Planetary health, formally defined as the interdependent vitality of all natural and anthropogenic ecosystems—social, political, and otherwise—is a vast concept that has now entered the scientific lexicon. The problems associated with planetary ill-health—biodiversity losses, climate change, environmental degradation, and other problems of so-called “anthropocene syndrome”—are considered so enormous that they can immobilize us; we may feel environmental guilt, but that alone cannot save us or the planet. What is missing is environmental empathy, the nurturance of our capacity to recognize the planet and its many life forms as more than elusive entities to be objectified. Although experts in planetary health have called for a more sophisticated understanding of the psychological connections between humans and the natural world, these appeals are almost exclusively cordoned off from the taboos of science; applying concepts of “self” to non-human animals, and especially non-mammals, are generally proscribed. Here, I will personalize the planetary health concept by describing my research-based endeavors on the Great Barrier Reef—experiences that would change my scientific career and personal life forever. The small damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis, became the teacher; the student-in-me departed the reef with an education in environmental empathy, and a greater understanding of the urgency with which we must alter our teaching in ecology and other branches of science. Planetary health as a unifying, multidisciplinary effort generally lacks a narrative perspective in academia; I am hopeful that others will share their narrative perspectives and, in doing so, foster the growth of environmental empathy.
A Novel Electrolytic Plasma Spraying Preparation SiO2/SiC Coating on Carbon Fiber Fabric
Authors: Bu Aiming , Zhang Yongfu , Zhang Yuping , Chen Weiwei , Cheng Huanwu , Wang Lu , Wang Yuxin
Published: September 2018

A good quality of SiO2/SiC coating was successfully fabricated on carbon fiber fabric by a novel electrolytic plasma spraying method, where Na2SiO3·9H2O aqueous solution was used as an electrolyte. In this study, we discussed the effect of spraying distance on the coating. The microstructure and composition coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and XPS, respectively. An effective coating can be easily prepared within several tens of seconds through this approach by adjusting the spraying distance. Results show that the sample oxidation resistance temperature was up to 1000 °C while the spraying distance was 15 mm, and tensile strength increased by 73 MPa after heat treatment at 900 °C for 20 min. The study provides additional insights into the feasibility of modification of carbon fiber fabric. Meanwhile, this method can be expected to extend to the fabrication of other oxide coatings or the modification of the surfaces of other complicated and/or large-scale easily oxidized materials.
Winter Roost Tree Selection and Phenology of the Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) in Crimea
Authors: Kucherenko Volodymyr , Kalinovsky Pavel
Published: September 2018

The winter roost of the long-eared owl Asio otus in Crimea (South of Ukraine), located in Simferopol, is described. In 2015–2017, the number of long-eared owls varied on a convex curve, with the maximum reached at the end of November and in December. The birds exhibited a strong preference for roosting in conifers, where we recorded 89% of the owls. There was an inverse relationship between the mean of the maximum daily temperature (°C) and the number of owls in both seasons. The owls were not sensitive to abrupt but short-term temperature changes, but the temperature decrease curve caused practically synchronous changes in the dynamics of bird numbers. It was found that the number of owls significantly differed based on weather conditions in 16 trees. The proportion of owls sitting on coniferous trees increased with unfavourable weather, and the converse pattern was observed for deciduous trees.