bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Origins of the Assyrian King List
Authors: Valk Jonathan
Published: August 2018

The Assyrian King List (AKL) is central to the reconstruction of Assyrian and broader Near Eastern history and chronology. Because of AKL’s significance, locating its original moment of composition has far-reaching historiographical implications. There is no scholarly consensus on the dating of AKL, but a closer look at the internal evidence of AKL indicates a firm, fifteenth century terminus post quem for the creation of AKL, while the bilingual tablet fragment BM 98496 establishes the thirteenth century reign of Tukulti-Ninurta I as a secure terminus ante quem. Within this temporal range, it is possible to trace the genesis of AKL to the reign of Aššur-uballiṭ I. This period witnessed great change in Assyria, and the nature of this change provides an ideal historical, political, and ideological context for the production of AKL. No other moment in Assyrian history offers so compelling a conjunction of political motives and historical circumstances for AKL’s composition.
Re-establishing normal diet following high fat-diet-induced obesity reverses the altered salivary composition in Wistar rats
Authors: Lasisi Taye Jemilat , Shittu Shehu-Tijani Toyin , Alada Akinola Rasak
Published: August 2018

Background

Obesity has been implicated in impaired salivary secretion. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of diet-induced obesity on salivary secretion and how re-feeding with normal diet would affect changes in salivary secretion associated with diet-induced obesity.

Methods

Weaning rats weighing 55–65 g were randomly divided into three groups (control, diet-induced obese, re-fed obese) of seven rats each. The diet-induced obese group was fed a high-fat diet for 15 weeks, whereas the re-fed obese group received normal diet for another 15 weeks following the 15 weeks of high-fat diet. After treatment, blood and stimulated saliva samples were collected for the analyses of total protein, electrolytes, amylase, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), leptin and ghrelin. Tissue total protein, nitric oxide level, expressions of Na+/K+-ATPase, muscarinic (M3) receptor and aquaporin 5 in the submandibular glands were determined. Data were presented as mean±SEM and compared using independent student t-test and ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test.

Results

Results indicated increases in the levels of salivary calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate and leptin, whereas the levels of salivary amylase and ghrelin showed reduction in the obese group compared with the control. Most of these changes were reversed in the re-fed obese group. There were no significant differences in salivary lag time, flow rate, levels of tissue total protein, nitric oxide and the relative expressions of M3 receptor, Na++/K+-ATPase and aquaporin 5 in the submandibular glands between the obese and control groups.

Conclusions

Diet-induced obesity lead to some changes in salivary factors which were reversed by returning to normal diet.
Comparative study on wear behavior of as cast and spray cast hypereutectic Al-Si alloy
Authors: Goudar Dayanand M. , Alavandi Mehabubsubahani R. , Khaji Saiyad Hasan S. , Rudrakshi G.B. , Srivastava V.C.
Published: August 2018

The microstructure characteristics and wear behavior of a spray-deposited (SD) and the hot compressed Al-28Si alloys were investigated and the results were compared with corresponding SD and as-cast alloys. The microstructure, hardness and wear properties of the spray-deposited alloy was studied using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness measurement and wear tests. The microstructures of the SD alloy were composed of refined and uniformly distributed primary silicon (Si) and the formation a fine eutectic phase at the inter particle boundaries of an equiaxed grain morphology of the aluminum (Al) matrix. The decrease in the porosity level and further refinement of primary Si and eutectic Si phases in the hot pressed alloy. The wear tests indicate that the hot pressed spray formed alloy showed good wear resistance compared to both the SD and as-cast alloys. The improvement in the wear behavior is discussed in the light of microstructure evolution by the spray-deposition process. The worn surfaces were characterized by SEM-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Impact of Non-linear Radiation on MHD Non-aligned Stagnation Point Flow of Micropolar Fluid Over a Convective Surface
Authors: K. Anantha Kumar , V. Sugunamma , N. Sandeep
Published: August 2018

We aimed at examining the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) radiative non-aligned stagnation point motion of non-Newtonian liquid over a stretched surface. The heat transfer mechanism is investigated in the presence of variable heat sink/source, non-linear Rosseland approximation and Biot number. Appropriate transmutations are exploited to metamorphose the flow equations into ODEs. The acquired non-linear ODEs are highly coupled. These are tackled with the consecutive implication of fourth-order Runge–Kutta and shooting techniques. The variations of flow governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, micro-rotation and temperature plus the measure of heat transport, couple stress coefficient and friction factor are thoroughly explained using plots and tables. Outcomes stipulate that increasing the values of the stretching ratio parameter causes the thermal field to decline and the velocity field to inflate. Also, an upsurge in the micropolar parameter produces an increase in the rate of heat transport but an opposite outcome is detected with the couple stress coefficient. To the best of our knowledge the non-orthogonal stagnated motion of micropolar liquid with radiation as non-linear and variable heat source/sink has never before been scrutinized.
SWNT Saturable Absorption Application in Telecom Wavelength Range
Authors: Poureslami Ali , Salehi Alireza
Published: August 2018

The current study investigated saturable absorption of a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) layer in the optical spectral range. Initially, a glass substrate was covered with an SWNT layer several μm in width to determine its attenuation properties in the optical telecom spectrum. The spectral response of the broadband source (BBS) was 1260 to 1640 nm, linear and non-gradient. Attenuation behavior in the narrow spectrum sources depended on optical power variation. Saturation absorption occurred at the peak of optical power. This characteristic was observed for laser diodes with wavelengths of 1310 and 1550 nm. The EDFA optical amplifier showed saturable absorption. This property can be applied to increase side mode suppression ratio 7 dB in laser diodes and improve optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) 8 dB in optical amplifiers.
Chlorobenzene hydrodechlorination on bimetallic catalysts prepared by laser electrodispersion of NiPd alloy
Authors: Golubina Elena V. , Rostovshchikova Tatiana N. , Lokteva Ekaterina S. , Maslakov Konstantin I. , Nikolaev Sergey A. , Egorova Tolganay B. , Gurevich Sergey A. , Kozhevin Vladimir M. , Yavsin Denis A. , Yermakov Anatoly Ye.
Published: August 2018

NiPd bimetallic systems were for the first time synthesized by laser electrodispersion (LED) of the Ni77Pd23 alloy target followed by the deposition of produced bimetallic particles on a TEM copper grid and alumina granules. Selective area energy-dispersive analysis confirms the bimetallic nature of NiPd particles deposited on a TEM copper grid. Their mean size is 1.0 nm according to TEM. XPS data demonstrate that under deposition on alumina granules (total metal content of 0.005 wt.%), nickel in bimetallic particles nearly completely oxidizes to Ni2+ species predominantly in the form of aluminate. At the same time major part of palladium (84%) exists in Pd0 but oxidizes to Pd2+ (80%) during 6 months storage in air. Both metals are deposited on the external surface of alumina granules and localized in the same areas. In situ reduction of both metals by H2 in the catalytic cell of XPS spectrometer is hindered. Nickel is not reduced even at 450°C, confirming the formation of NiAlOx, whereas palladium is reduced at higher temperatures compared to a similar monometallic catalyst. Nevertheless, NiPd/Al2O3 catalyst is more efficient in gas-phase chlorobenzene hydrodechlorination at 150–350°C than Ni/Al2O3 and even Pd/Al2O3, and much more stable. The difference may be caused by the formation of new active sites due to the contact between Pd0 and NiAlOx-modified support, and the protective action of spinel reacting with HCl by-product.
A multi-class extension of the mean field Bolker–Pacala population model
Authors: Bessonov Mariya , Molchanov Stanislav , Whitmeyer Joseph
Published: August 2018

We extend our earlier mean field approximation of the Bolker–Pacala model of population dynamics by dividing the population into N classes, using a mean field approximation for each class but also allowing migration between classes as well as possibly suppressive influence of the population of one class over another class. For

N
≥
2

{N\geq 2}

, we obtain one symmetric nontrivial equilibrium for the system and give global limit theorems. For

N
=
2

{N=2}

, we calculate all equilibrium solutions, which, under additional conditions, include multiple nontrivial equilibria. Lastly, we prove geometric ergodicity regardless of the number of classes when there is no population suppression across the classes.
Investigation of a hybrid piezo-electromagnetic energy harvester
Authors: Rajarathinam Murugesan , Ali Shaikh Faruque
Published: August 2018

A hybrid energy harvester combining piezoelectric and electromagnetic transduction mechanisms is designed to scavenge vibration energy. The system comprises of a cantilever beam, a piezoelectric harvester and a magnetic mass hung through a spring at the free end. The beam with piezoelectric harvests electrical energy due to the strain induced in the piezoelectric patch. The hung mass oscillates in and out a solenoid to harvest energy due to electromagnetic induction. The system can generate power from any vertically oscillating vibrating host structure. This paper studies the power harvested from the hybrid harvester under harmonic excitation using experimental and analytical evaluations. Comparisons are made with the standalone piezoelectric and electromagnetic harvester under the same excitation environment. The study shows that the present hybrid harvester can harvest energy at a broad range of frequencies. Furthermore few parametric studies are carried out for understanding the device performance. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed hybrid energy harvester is compared with the existing hybrid energy harvester.
Ceramic Waste Powder for Eco-Friendly Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)
Authors: Aly Sama T. , El-Dieb Amr S. , Taha Mahmoud Reda
Published: August 2018

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) was developed in the 1980s in Japan and has since received wide attention and use in the construction industry worldwide. Numerous investigations have been conducted on SCC to establish comprehensive knowledge of its mixture requirements and performance. The use of high powder content, mostly cement, is one of the SCC mixture’s requirements, although it is not desirable, as it will increase the cost and has other negative environmental effects. The use of industrial solid waste materials such as slag, fly ash, and limestone powder as fillers in SCC has proven to be a successful way of solid waste recycling without impairing SCC properties. Ceramic waste powder (CWP) produced during the manufacture of ceramic tiles is dumped in landfills and will cause soil, air, and groundwater pollution which pose a serious problem on the society. The use of CWP as a partial replacement of portland cement in SCC can convert the landfilled waste material to a valuable ingredient and will also contribute to the reduction in the overall energy consumption and CO2 emission accompanying the production of portland cement. In this study, the utilization of CWP, in large quantities, as a partial cement replacement in making SCC will be evaluated. Its effect on hardened concrete properties, durability characteristics, and microstructure development is studied. It is found that CWP can be used successfully to partially replace cement in large quantities to produce eco-friendly SCC.
Creating Tensile Fractures in Colorado Shale Using an Unconfined Fast Heating Test
Authors: Li Biao , Wong Ron C. K.
Published: August 2018

Under a high heating rate, thermally induced pore pressure is readily developed in low-permeability soft mudrocks, such as clay shale. Thermally induced pore pressure may lead to tensile fracturing in soft mudrocks and pose severe issues for thermal projects that include thermal heavy oil recovery and radioactive waste disposal. This article presents experimental investigations on the possibility of creating tensile fractures in a clay shale (Colorado shale) sample using a fast heating test. An unconfined fast heating test was conducted on a Colorado shale sample, which was retrieved from an overburdened shale formation above oil sand reservoirs in the Cold Lake area in Alberta, Canada. X-ray computed tomography scanning was applied to observe the thermally induced tensile fracturing behavior. A fully coupled thermal-hydromechanical finite element analysis was performed to examine the thermally induced pore pressure development in the sample. Experimental work indicates that Colorado shale loses its integrity when the sample’s pore pressure is higher than its tensile strength. The generated fractures in Colorado shale are almost parallel to shale’s intrinsic bedding plane.
Fatigue Characteristics of Coal Specimens under Cyclic Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Yang Y. J. , Duan H. Q. , Xing L. Y. , Deng L.
Published: August 2018

To investigate the fatigue failure of coal under uniaxial stress, multilevel cyclic loading tests on cylindrical coal specimens were conducted in a laboratory using the MTS815.02 rock-mechanics test system (MTS Systems Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN). Specimens were tested for as many as 1,500 loading cycles under each cyclic loading session. From these tests, the following conclusions can be drawn. The peak stress of cyclic loading has a significant effect on the coal specimen’s fatigue behavior. When the peak stress of cyclic loading is less than the coal fatigue strength, the coal specimen’s deformation stops increasing after a certain number of loading cycles, and the number of acoustic emission (AE) counts is low. When the peak stress of cyclic loading exceeds the coal fatigue strength, the axial, circumferential, and volumetric strains and the energy dissipation exhibit the same progression through three phases: a primary phase, a steady phase, and an acceleration phase. The region division of the three phases of the strain and energy dissipation evolution is coincident. The AE activity also exhibits three phases: an active, a quiet, and a very active phase. In the very active phases, numerous AE signals exist when the stress is at its peak, but no AE signals exist near the stress minima. Coal specimens that are subjected to conventional uniaxial compression tests and specimens that are deformed by cyclic loading tests fail in very different ways. The former specimens fail mainly because of a single inclined shear plane, whereas the latter specimens are reduced to a mound of small fragments.
A Functional Bleeding Test Apparatus for Concrete
Authors: Gökçe H. Süleyman , Andiç-Çakır Özge
Published: August 2018

Bleeding is one important indicator that is related to the physical and mechanical properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Standards generally prefer methodologies that are similar to one another to measure the bleeding of fresh concrete. The preferred test apparatus used in the standards is troublesome because it requires a manual test procedure and repeated measurements until final setting of the fresh concrete. The functional bleeding test apparatus presented in this study will ease test performance and eliminate the faults caused by the test procedure and the experimenter.
An Experimental Validation on Adaptive Controllers in Tracking and Smoothening of Wind Power for a Variable-Speed System
Authors: Pragaspathy S. , Anand B.
Published: August 2018

The ever-increasing demand for conventional energy sources has driven society toward more research and development in alternate energy resources and the importance of a sustainable environment. Among renewable resources, wind energy plays a prominent role as a source of electrical energy and has emerged as one of the leading green energy technologies with an annual average growth rate of 30 % across the globe. Though the impact has a clear vision when compared to previous decades, its aftereffect concerning the quantity and quality of power output receives a significant amount of interest on the wind energy scenario. This article presents an advanced control strategy to extract possible peak power and to explore fluctuation as less controlled output for a permanent magnet synchronous generator–based variable-speed wind turbine system through adaptive peak power tracking controllers. A substantial voltage of ripple magnitude is derived to suppress the double line frequency ripples that exist between the dc-dc and dc-ac converters. The significant harmonic disorders are analyzed using Fast Fourier Transformation, and the elimination of the same is ensured by introducing appropriate harmonic trap filters. The output power is exercised accordingly with the help of a standalone energy storage unit and thereby power management is performed for the proposal. The control strategy ensures the appropriate selection of power source selection controllers, and the analysis reveals the prominent working of a standalone energy storage system in the typical area of requirements. The experimental validation is made with the prototype model from the laboratory experimentation, which is identical to the simulation platform.
TGFB1-driven mesenchymal stem cell-mediated NIS gene transfer
Authors: Schug Christina , Urnauer Sarah , Jaeckel Carsten , Schmohl Kathrin A , Tutter Mariella , Steiger Katja , Schwenk Nathalie , Schwaiger Markus , Wagner Ernst , Nelson Peter J , Spitzweg Christine
Published: August 2018

Based on their excellent tumor-homing capacity, genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are under investigation as tumor-selective gene delivery vehicles. Transgenic expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in genetically engineered MSCs allows noninvasive tracking of MSC homing by imaging of functional NIS expression as well as therapeutic application of 131I. The use of tumor stroma-activated promoters can improve tumor-specific MSC-mediated transgene delivery. The essential role of transforming growth factor B1 (TGFB1) and the SMAD downstream target in the signaling between tumor and the surrounding stroma makes the biology of this pathway a potential option to better control NIS expression within the tumor milieu. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by a synthetic SMAD-responsive promoter (SMAD-NIS-MSCs). Radioiodide uptake assays revealed a 4.9-fold increase in NIS-mediated perchlorate-sensitive iodide uptake in SMAD-NIS-MSCs after TGFB1 stimulation compared to unstimulated cells demonstrating the successful establishment of MSCs, which induce NIS expression in response to activation of TGFB1 signaling using a SMAD-responsive promoter. 123I-scintigraphy revealed significant tumor-specific radioiodide accumulation and thus NIS expression after systemic application of SMAD-NIS-MSCs into mice harboring subcutaneous tumors derived from the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HuH7, which express TGFB1. 131I therapy in SMAD-NIS-MSCs-treated mice demonstrated a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival. Making use of the tumoral TGFB1 signaling network in the context of MSC-mediated NIS gene delivery is a promising approach to foster tumor stroma-selectivity of NIS transgene expression and tailor NIS-based gene therapy to TGFB1-rich tumor environments.
CHI3L1 results in poor outcome of ovarian cancer by promoting properties of stem-like cells
Authors: Lin Han-Wei , Chiang Ying-Cheng , Sun Nai-Yun , Chen Yu-Li , Chang Chi-Fang , Tai Yi-Jou , Chen Chi-An , Cheng Wen-Fang
Published: August 2018

The role of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in ovarian cancer and the possible mechanisms were elucidated. CHI3L1 is a secreted glycoprotein and associated with inflammation, fibrosis, asthma, extracellular tissue remodeling and solid tumors. Our previous study showed CHI3L1 could be a potential prognostic biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer and could protect cancer cells from apoptosis. Therefore, clinical data and quantitation of CHI3L1 of ovarian cancer patients, tumor spheroid formation, side-population assays, Aldefluor and apoptotic assays, ELISA, RT-PCR, immunoblotting and animal experiments were performed in two ovarian cancer cells lines, OVCAR3 and CA5171, and their CHI3L1-overexpressing and -knockdown transfectants. High expression of CHI3L1 was associated with poor outcome and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer patients. The mRNA expression of CHI3L1 in CA5171 ovarian cancer stem-like cells was 3-fold higher than in CA5171 parental cells. CHI3L1 promoted the properties of ovarian cancer stem-like cells including generating more and larger tumor spheroids and a higher percentage of ALDH+ in tumor cells and promoting resistance to cytotoxic drug-induced apoptosis. CHI3L1 could induce both the Akt (essential) and Erk signaling pathways, and then enhance expression of β-catenin followed by SOX2, and finally promote tumor spheroid formation and other properties of ovarian cancer stem-like cells. OVCAR3 CHI3L1-overexpressing transfectants were more tumorigenic in vivo, whereas CA5171 CHI3L1-knockdown transfectants were not tumorigenic in vivo. CHI3L1 critically enhances the properties of ovarian cancer stem-like cells. CHI3L1 or CHI3L1-regulated signaling pathways and molecules could be potential therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.
DDR1 regulates thyroid cancer cell differentiation via IGF-2/IR-A autocrine signaling loop
Authors: Vella Veronica , Nicolosi Maria Luisa , Cantafio Patrizia , Massimino Michele , Lappano Rosamaria , Vigneri Paolo , Ciuni Roberto , Gangemi Pietro , Morrione Andrea , Malaguarnera Roberta , Belfiore Antonino
Published: August 2018

Patients with thyroid cancers refractory to radioiodine (RAI) treatment show a limited response to various therapeutic options and a low survival rate. The recent use of multikinase inhibitors has also met limited success. An alternative approach relies on drugs that induce cell differentiation, as the ensuing increased expression of the cotransporter for sodium and iodine (NIS) may partially restore sensitivity to radioiodine. The inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway has shown some efficacy in this context. Aggressive thyroid tumors overexpress the isoform-A of the insulin receptor (IR-A) and its ligand IGF-2; this IGF-2/IR-A loop is associated with de-differentiation and stem-like phenotype, resembling RAI-refractory tumors. Importantly, IR-A has been shown to be positively modulated by the non-integrin collagen receptor DDR1 in human breast cancer. Using undifferentiated human thyroid cancer cells, we now evaluated the effects of DDR1 on IGF-2/IR-A loop and on markers of cell differentiation and stemness. DDR1 silencing or downregulation caused significant reduction of IR-A and IGF-2 expression, and concomitant increased levels of differentiation markers (NIS, Tg, TSH, TPO). Conversely, markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Vimentin, Snail-2, Zeb1, Zeb2 and N-Cadherin) and stemness (OCT-4, SOX-2, ABCG2 and Nanog) decreased. These effects were collagen independent. In contrast, overexpression of either DDR1 or its kinase-inactive variant K618A DDR1-induced changes suggestive of less differentiated and stem-like phenotype. Collagen stimulation was uneffective. In conclusion, in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, DDR1 silencing or downregulation blocks the IGF-2/IR-A autocrine loop and induces cellular differentiation. These results may open novel therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer.
Inhibition of Notch signaling attenuates pituitary adenoma growth in Nude mice
Authors: Zubeldía-Brenner Lautaro , De Winne Catalina , Perrone Sofía , Rodríguez-Seguí Santiago A , Willems Christophe , Ornstein Ana María , Lacau-Mengido Isabel , Vankelecom Hugo , Cristina Carolina , Becu-Villalobos Damasia
Published: August 2018

Preclinical and clinical studies support that Notch signaling may play an important oncogenic role in cancer, but there is scarce information for pituitary tumors. We therefore undertook a functional study to evaluate Notch participation in pituitary adenoma growth. Tumors generated in Nude mice by subcutaneous GH3 somatolactotrope cell injection were treatedin vivowith DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, thus inactivating Notch signaling. This treatment led to pituitary tumor reduction, lower prolactin and GH tumor content and a decrease in angiogenesis. Furthermore,in silicotranscriptomic and epigenomic analyses uncovered several tumor suppressor genes related to Notch signaling in pituitary tissue, namelyBtg2,Nr4a1,Men1,Zfp36andCnot1.Gene evaluation suggested thatBtg2,Nr4a1andCnot1may be possible players in GH3 xenograft growth.Btg2mRNA expression was lower in GH3 tumors compared to the parental line, and DAPT increased its expression levels in the tumor in parallel with the inhibition of its volume.Cnot1mRNA levels were also increased in the pituitary xenografts by DAPT treatment. And theNr4a1gene was lower in tumors compared to the parental line, though not modified by DAPT. Finally, because DAPTin vivomay also be acting on tumor microenvironment, we determined the direct effect of DAPT on GH3 cellsin vitro. We found that DAPT decreases the proliferative, secretory and migration potential of GH3 cells. These results position selective interruption of Notch signaling as a potential therapeutic tool in adjuvant treatments for aggressive or resistant pituitary tumors.
Efficacy of targeting bone-specific GIP receptor in ovariectomy-induced bone loss
Authors: Mabilleau Guillaume , Gobron Benoit , Mieczkowska Aleksandra , Perrot Rodolphe , Chappard Daniel
Published: August 2018

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has been recognized in the last decade as an important contributor of bone remodelling and is necessary for optimal bone quality. However, GIP receptors are expressed in several tissues in the body and little is known about the direct vs indirect effects of GIP on bone remodelling and quality. The aims of the present study were to validate two new GIP analogues, called [d-Ala2]-GIP-Tag and [d-Ala2]-GIP1–30, which specifically target either bone or whole-body GIP receptors, respectively; and to ascertain the beneficial effects of GIP therapy on bone in a mouse model of ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Both GIP analogues exhibited similar binding capacities at the GIP receptor and intracellular responses as full-length GIP1–42. Furthermore, only [d-Ala2]-GIP-Tag, but not [d-Ala2]-GIP1–30, was undoubtedly found exclusively in the bone matrix and released at acidic pH. In ovariectomized animals, [d-Ala2]-GIP1–30but not [d-Ala2]-GIP-Tag ameliorated bone stiffness at the same magnitude than alendronate treatment. Only [d-Ala2]-GIP1–30treatment led to significant ameliorations in cortical microarchitecture. Although alendronate treatment increased the hardness of the bone matrix and the type B carbonate substitution in the hydroxyapatite crystals, none of the GIP analogues modified bone matrix composition. Interestingly, in ovariectomy-induced bone loss, [d-Ala2]-GIP-Tag failed to alter bone strength, microarchitecture and bone matrix composition. Overall, this study shows that the use of a GIP analogue that target whole-body GIP receptors might be useful to improve bone strength in ovariectomized animals.
Minor role of mature adipocyte mineralocorticoid receptor in high-fat diet-induced obesity
Authors: Feraco A , Armani A , Urbanet R , Nguyen Dinh Cat A , Marzolla V , Jaisser F , Caprio M
Published: August 2018

Obesity is a major risk factor that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression is increased in the adipose tissue of obese patients and several studies provide evidence that MR pharmacological antagonism improves glucose metabolism in genetic and diet-induced mouse models of obesity. In order to investigate whether the lack of adipocyte MR is sufficient to explain these beneficial metabolic effects, we generated a mouse model with inducible adipocyte-specific deletion of Nr3c2 gene encoding MR (adipo-MRKO). We observed a significant, yet not complete, reduction of Nr3c2 transcript and MR protein expression in subcutaneous and visceral adipose depots of adipo-MRKO mice. Notably, only mature adipocyte fraction lacks MR, whereas the stromal vascular fraction maintains normal MR expression in our mouse model. Adipo-MRKO mice fed a 45% high-fat diet for 14 weeks did not show any significant difference in body weight and fat mass compared to control littermates. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed that mature adipocyte MR deficiency did not improve insulin sensitivity in response to a metabolic homeostatic challenge. Accordingly, no significant changes were observed in gene expression profile of adipogenic and inflammatory markers in adipose tissue of adipo-MRKO mice. Moreover, pharmacological MR antagonism in mature primary murine adipocytes, which differentiated ex vivo from WT mice, did not display any effect on adipokine expression. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the depletion of MR in mature adipocytes displays a minor role in diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunctions.
Systems Biology Approaches-based Biomarkers Discovery for Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Huang Qiang , Ren Yongqiang , Li Hui , Qiao Youjin , Lin Mingshan
Published: August 2018

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) faces great challenges in early diagnosis and effective drug treatment. Recent developments in systems biology approaches allow high-throughput screening of novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the currently available AAD biomarkers identified in the context of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic profiles, and highlight the benefits of using a combination of these findings for a better understanding of the molecular nature of this life-threatening disease. This review also provides a reference for future studies that employ a comprehensive, multiple-level approach at the single-cell level to decipher the underlying molecular pathophysiology of AAD.
Synchronous or Staged Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting? Propensity score matched study
Authors: Hempe Sebastian , Moza Ajay , Goetzenich Andreas , Tewarie Lachmandath , Bleilevens Christian , Autschbach Rüdiger , Schnoering Heike , Zayat Rashad
Published: August 2018

Background: The optimal treatment strategy in patients presenting with hemodynamically significant carotid artery disease who are to undergo cardiac surgery, remains controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the outcome data of patients receiving synchronous or staged coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 3173 patients underwent CABG surgery in our institution, of whom 323 received CABG and CEA either as synchronous (N = 307) or as staged (N = 16) procedures. Patients´ characteristics, peri- and postoperative data were collected from our digital medical database. Propensity score matching was used to match each patient from the staged group to two appropriate patients (1:2 matching) from the synchronous group (synchronousmatched).

Results: The overall incidence of ischemic stroke (IS) and transitory ischemic attack (TIA) was 4.9% and 5.6%, respectively. No hemorrhagic stroke was noted in both groups. Incidence of IS did not differ significantly between matched groups (P = 1.000). Significantly higher rates of postoperative neurological complications, such as TIA and delirium, were found in the synchronousmatched group (P = .041 and P = .043, respectively) compared with the staged group. Additionally, there were more postoperative respiratory insufficiencies in the synchronousmatched group (P = .043). Thirty days mortality did not differ significantly between the matched groups.

Conclusion: In this experience combined with the data given in literature, our findings suggest a possible superiority of the staged CABG/CEA approach. Large, randomized studies are required to verify our findings and to establish applicable guidelines.
Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Lima Tatiana de Araujo , Beyrer Chris , Golub Jonathan E. , Mota Jurema Corrêa da , Malta Monica Siqueira , Silva Cosme Marcelo Furtado Passos da , Bastos Francisco I.
Published: August 2018

Abstract: Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.
Apontamentos sobre os desafios (ainda) atuais da atenção básica à saúde
Authors: Cecilio Luiz Carlos de Oliveira , Reis Ademar Arthur Chioro dos
Published: August 2018

Consolidou-se no Brasil, nas últimas décadas, a proposta de criação de uma extensa rede de atenção básica à saúde como a principal porta de entrada para um sistema público de saúde universal. Partindo do reconhecimento dos consistentes avanços conseguidos em tal direção, o presente artigo apresenta quatro apontamentos sobre alguns desafios para a consolidação de tal projeto: (1) por que adotar “atenção básica em saúde” em contraposição ao uso hegemônico e consagrado de “atenção primária em saúde?”; (2) a disjunção ou o descompasso entre a formulação da política e sua implementação real, o que aponta para a necessária revisão do processo de formulação da Política Nacional de Atenção Básica (PNAB), centralizado e definidor de regras, rotinas e lógicas padronizadas para todo o país sem considerar suas dimensões continentais, a heterogeneidade e grande diversidade de municípios; (3) o isolamento da atenção básica à saúde e sua inserção periférica em relação ao sistema de saúde, o que aponta para a necessidade de arranjos de coordenação do cuidado mais complexos, que não fiquem sob ordenação e responsabilidade apenas da atenção básica à saúde; e (4) a insuficiência de gestores, gerentes e trabalhadores preparados e aderidos a um projeto transformador do modelo assistencial vigente no nosso país.
Impacto do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro e da Lei Seca na mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito
Authors: Abreu Débora Regina de Oliveira Moura , Souza Eniuce Menezes de , Mathias Thais Aidar de Freitas
Published: August 2018

Resumo: O objetivo foi analisar o impacto do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (CTB) e da Lei Seca na mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito no Estado do Paraná, Brasil, no período de 1980 a 2014. Estudo ecológico de séries temporais das taxas de mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito de residentes de 15 a 49 anos por sexo, idade e categorias das vítimas, com dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. O estudo da tendência foi realizado por meio do modelo de regressão linear segmentada e pelo procedimento iterativo de Cochrane-Orcutt. O pressuposto de independência dos resíduos foi verificado por correlogramas e teste de Box-Pierce. Em todo o período, as maiores taxas de mortalidade foram observadas para sexo masculino, motociclistas e faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos de idade. Após a implantação do CTB, houve redução de 9,69 óbitos, por ano, para todas as categorias de acidentes de trânsito (p < 0,001), de 6,90 para pedestres (p = 0,001) e de 1,96 para ocupantes de veículo (p < 0,001). Quanto à faixa de etária, o maior impacto na mortalidade foi observado de 15 a 19 anos para pedestres (p < 0,001) e entre 20 a 29 anos para todas as categorias (p < 0,001). Após a Lei Seca, os dados apresentaram variabilidade e as tendências não foram significativas. Entretanto, houve diminuição da mortalidade para a categoria geral e pedestre. Para as categorias de motociclista e veículo, houve estabilização das taxas. Os resultados mostram impacto nas taxas de mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito após a implantação do CTB e da Lei Seca, com posterior aumento destas. Evidencia-se a demanda por efetividade na fiscalização das leis e avanço nas políticas públicas para que não haja retrocesso no já realizado.
Formação Paideia para o Apoio Matricial: uma estratégia pedagógica centrada na reflexão sobre a prática
Authors: Viana Mônica Martins de Oliveira , Campos Gastão Wagner de Sousa
Published: August 2018

A pesquisa analisou a utilização do Método Paideia na formação de profissionais que utilizam Apoio Matricial em Curitiba (Paraná), Uberlândia (Minas Gerais) e Campinas (São Paulo), Brasil. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um processo de formação (Curso de Especialização), segundo a estratégia Paideia, com 18 meses de duração, para profissionais do Apoio Matricial. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, que se inspira na pesquisa-ação, na pesquisa-intervenção e na avaliação por triangulação de métodos. Na produção dos dados, foram utilizados as estratégias de observação em campo com registro em diário de campo, a entrevista semiestruturada por meio de questionário e o grupo focal. Para os dados obtidos com os questionários, foi feita uma análise descritiva. Já os dados qualitativos obtidos por meio da observação participante e dos grupos focais foram analisados por meio da construção de narrativas. O estudo apontou que a Formação Paideia favoreceu mudanças no processo de trabalho e na prática clínica das equipes investigadas. Observou-se, contudo, que a plena utilização da metodologia de Apoio Matricial é fortemente influenciada pelo contexto institucional, pelos modelos de gestão e de atenção, sendo constatada diferença importante entre os campos conforme o grau de democratização e de apoio da gestão a mudanças organizacionais.
Integração regional em cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, no âmbito da saúde
Authors: Aikes Solange , Rizzotto Maria Lucia Frizon
Published: August 2018

Resumo: Pesquisa de campo que objetivou identificar a integração em quatro cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, os determinantes no deslocamento de estrangeiros nas fronteiras e os entraves existentes para a sua efetivação. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com informantes-chave, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo do tipo temática para o tratamento dos mesmos. Os resultados mostram que as assimetrias de estrutura, recursos, oferta e qualidade da rede de atenção à saúde são determinantes para as circulações transfronteiriças; as experiências de integração se limitam basicamente a ações emergenciais de vigilância em saúde; constituição de grupos de trabalho com pouca resolutividade, dependentes de iniciativas pessoais, não institucionalizadas; o subfinanciamento público é fator de restrição do acesso aos serviços de saúde. Destaca-se o protagonismo do gestor municipal nas regiões de fronteira e a necessidade de seu reconhecimento como ator político internacional.
Epidemiological and geographical characterization of leprosy in a Brazilian hyperendemic municipality
Authors: Marciano Lucia Helena Soares Camargo , Belone Andréa de Faria Fernandes , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Coelho Neusa Maria Broch , Ghidella Cássio César , Nardi Susilene Maria Tonelli , Miranda William Cabral , Barrozo Ligia Vizeu , Lastória Joel Carlos
Published: August 2018

Abstract: This study aimed to identify the distribution pattern of leprosy in a hyperendemic municipality in Brazil and determine its relationship with the clinico-epidemiological situation over 11 years. The geographic information system, MapInfo, spatial scan statistics and the Moran I index were used to analyze new cases. The digital cartographic base was used to map clusters of new paucibacillary and multibacillary cases and cases in minors under 15 years old. Socioeconomic indicators are shown using the choropleth mapping technique. A reduction in the detection coefficient, increases in high-risk spatial clusters, marked changes in the distribution of high-risk and low-risk clusters, and high-risk clusters of minors under 15 years old were observed from 2006 to 2010, showing recent illness, the presence of active foci, and overlapping of high-risk clusters of multibacillary infection in minors under 15 years old. Leprosy remains a public health problem in Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso State; the high-risk areas require an intensification of control measures and active search strategies to detect new cases.
JOVENS, MIDIATIZAÇÃO DA LEITURA E NARRATIVAS DE SENTIDO: IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A ESCOLA
Authors: Sousa Cirlene Cristina de , Maçaneiro Marcial
Published: August 2018

RESUMO: Partindo de uma pesquisa de campo, os autores tecem uma análise sobre a midiatização da leitura e a preferência juvenil por narrativas mitológicas, hoje reeditadas em livros, filmes e séries televisivas, com suas extensões online. A análise destaca os novos suportes e protocolos de leitura entre os jovens; a diversidade e interação disponibilizadas pela leitura midiatizada; os efeitos da midiatização nos modos de ler dos jovens; e a relação de sentido entre as obras épico-mitológicas e a condição juvenil contemporânea. O artigo se encerra com indicações para a educação escolar: a oferta de mediadores entre textos e jovens-alunos da parte da escola, a relação entre novas tecnologias de comunicação e a pedagogia, a importância do ofício da lição na relação com os jovens-alunos midiatizados.
FORMAÇÃO PARA A DOCÊNCIA NOS ANOS INICIAIS NA ALEMANHA
Authors: Devechi Catia Piccolo Viero , Weller Wivian
Published: August 2018

RESUMO: O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a reorganização dos cursos de formação para a docência nos anos iniciais no Estado da Renânia do Norte-Vestfália na Alemanha a partir das orientações de Bolonha e da implementação das normas educacionais sancionadas pela KMK em 2004. Analisa documentos normativos e as propostas curriculares atuais dos cursos de duas universidades (UDE e WWU) e dados produzidos por meio de entrevistas narrativas realizadas em 2017 com professores dos Institutos de Ciências da Educação e com coordenadores dos Centros de Formação Docente das mesmas universidades. Com base na análise dos dados, constatamos que os projetos pedagógicos dos cursos se organizam em conformidade com os documentos normativos do Estado NRW, com os acordos realizados em âmbito nacional e com as orientações do processo de Bolonha. O foco é preparar o futuro docente com as competências necessárias para o trabalho na escola primária. Tais propósitos orientadores, apesar de críticas recebidas, foram incorporados nos cursos de bacharelado e mestrado com o objetivo de formar profissionais crítico-reflexivos que correspondam às demandas do sistema educacional. Os cursos demonstram, claramente, os seus alicerces na profissionalização da área de ensino para a educação básica.
Plano de Negócios Circular: instrumento de ensino de empreendedorismo e desenvolvimento do perfil empreendedor
Authors: Ferreira Flavio Mangili , Pinheiro Camila Roberta Muniz Serra
Published: August 2018

Resumo Em função da necessidade de inovação e criação de valor para as organizações, o ensino do empreendedorismo tem se tornado presente nas instituições de ensino contemporâneas. Nesse contexto, desenvolver instrumentos que proporcionem um ambiente favorável ao aprendizado voltado ao assunto torna-se necessário. O Plano de Negócios é um instrumento que pode ser utilizado no ensino de empreendedorismo, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento do perfil empreendedor em professores e alunos de diversas áreas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o Plano de Negócios Circular como metodologia ativa para ensino do empreendedorismo durante a Oficina Construindo um Plano de Negócios. Por meio de uma pesquisa aplicada, utilizando o método qualitativo com objetivo exploratório durante estudo de campo, as análises demonstraram a versão do Plano de Negócios Circular apresentada neste trabalho. Foram analisadas 10 Oficinas Construindo um Plano de Negócios na mesma instituição de ensino, com 160 participantes desenvolvendo 48 ideias de negócios elaboradas por grupos com 3 pessoas, em média. As autoavaliações de aprendizagem respondidas pelos participantes, bem como a avaliação das respostas dos alunos sobre o Plano de Negócios Circular construído durante as oficinas, pelos professores, demonstram que a metodologia ativa contribui para o desenvolvimento do perfil empreendedor, a partir de competências, diferentes conhecimentos, habilidades, atitudes e valores. Futuras pesquisas possibilitarão o aprimoramento dessa metodologia ativa e melhorias no ensino do empreendedorismo, bem como contribuirão para o desenvolvimento do perfil empreendedor.
Low energy reserves are associated with fasting susceptibility in Neotropical nectar bats Glossophaga soricina
Authors: Amaral T. S. , Pinheiro E. C. , Freitas M. B. , Aguiar L. M. S.
Published: August 2018

Abstract Neotropical nectar-feeding bats consume large amounts of sugar and use most of their energy-rich diet directly from the bloodstream, suggesting an adaptation towards lower body energy reserves. Here we tested the hypothesis that bats Glossophaga soricina spare the energy costs of storing energy reserves, even if this would represent a risky susceptibility during fasting. Blood glucose concentrations in 18 h fasted bats showed a 40% decrease. Breast muscle and adipose tissue lipids, as well as carcass fatty acids and liver glycogen, were also decreased following fasting. The inability to keep normoglycemia following a short-term fasting (i.e. 28 h) confirm that nectar bats invest little on storing energy reserves and show a severe fasting susceptibility associated to this pattern. Our study also support the general hypothesis that evolutionary specializations towards nectar diets involve adaptations to allow a decreased body mass, which reduces the energy costs of flight while increases foraging time.