bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fibronectin-Binding Protein Fnm Contributes to Adherence to Extracellular Matrix Components and Virulence of Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Somarajan Sudha R. , La Rosa Sabina Leanti , Singh Kavindra V. , Roh Jung H. , Höök Magnus , Murray Barbara E.
Published: September 2015

The interaction between bacteria and fibronectin is believed to play an important role in the pathogenicity of clinically important Gram-positive cocci. In the present study, we identified a gene encoding a predicted
f
ibro
n
ectin-binding protein of
Enterococcus faeciu

m

(
fnm
), a homologue of
Streptococcus pneumoniae pavA
, in the genomes of
E. faecium
strain TX82 and all other sequenced
E. faecium
isolates. Full-length recombinant Fnm from strain TX82 bound to immobilized fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner and also appeared to bind collagen type V and laminin, but not other proteins, such as transferrin, heparin, bovine serum albumin, mucin, or collagen IV. We demonstrated that the N-terminal fragment of Fnm is required for full fibronectin binding, since truncation of this region caused a 2.4-fold decrease (
P
< 0.05) in the adhesion of
E. faecium
TX82 to fibronectin. Deletion of
fnm
resulted in a significant reduction (
P
< 0.001) in the ability of the mutant, TX6128, to bind fibronectin relative to that of the wild-type strain;
in situ
reconstitution of
fnm
in the deletion mutant strain restored adherence. In addition, the Δ
fnm
mutant was highly attenuated relative to TX82 (
P
≤ 0.0001) in a mixed-inoculum rat endocarditis model. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Fnm affects the adherence of
E. faecium
to fibronectin and is important in the pathogenesis of experimental endocarditis.
What is a normal blood glucose?
Authors: Güemes Maria , Rahman Sofia A , Hussain Khalid
Published: September 2015

Glucose is the key metabolic substrate for tissue energy production. In the perinatal period the mother supplies glucose to the fetus and for most of the gestational period the normal lower limit of fetal glucose concentration is around 3 mmol/L. Just after birth, for the first few hours of life in a normal term neonate appropriate for gestational age, blood glucose levels can range between 1.4 mmol/L and 6.2 mmol/L but by about 72 h of age fasting blood glucose levels reach normal infant, child and adult values (3.5–5.5 mmol/L). Normal blood glucose levels are maintained within this narrow range by factors which control glucose production and glucose utilisation. The key hormones which regulate glucose homoeostasis include insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and growth hormone. Pathological states that affect either glucose production or utilisation will lead to hypoglycaemia. Although hypoglycaemia is a common biochemical finding in children (especially in the newborn) it is not possible to define by a single (or a range of) blood glucose value/s. It can be defined as the concentration of glucose in the blood or plasma at which the individual demonstrates a unique response to the abnormal milieu caused by the inadequate delivery of glucose to a target organ (eg, the brain). Hypoglycaemia should therefore be considered as a continuum and the blood glucose level should be interpreted within the clinical scenario and with respect to the counter-regulatory hormonal responses and intermediate metabolites.
Abolished ventilation and perfusion of lung caused by blood clot in the left main bronchus: auto-downregulation of pulmonary arterial blood supply
Authors: Afzelius P , Bergmann A , Henriksen JH
Published: September 2015

It is generally assumed that the lungs possess arterial autoregulation associated with bronchial obstruction. A patient with pneumonia and congestive heart failure unexpectedly developed frequent haemoptysis. High-resolution CT and diagnostic CT were performed as well as ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy with single-photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT. V/Q SPECT/CT demonstrated abolished ventilation due to obstruction of the left main bronchus and markedly reduced perfusion of the entire left lung, a condition that was completely reversed after removal of a blood clot. We present the first pictorially documented case of hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and flow shift in a main pulmonary artery due to a complete intrinsic obstruction of the ipsilateral main bronchus. The condition is reversible, contingent on being relieved within a few days.
Dysphagia aortica: a rare cause of dysphagia
Authors: Abdul Haziz Siti Rozana , Bickle Ian , Chong Vui Heng
Published: September 2015

Dysphagia is uncommon; however, it is considered a warning symptom, especially in the elderly population, and should prompt consideration of a neoplasm of the oesophagus. Dysphagia aortica is rare and often not considered in clinical practice. It is caused by any abnormality of the aorta that results in dysphagia. These include thoracic aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and even a tortuous aorta. Our case is of an elderly woman, in her early 70s, with a history of treated colorectal carcinoma and hypertension, who presented with progressive dysphagia to solid foods, which, on investigations, showed a tortuous aorta causing compressions of the oesophagus at multiple levels. She was managed with dietary adjustment and optimal control of blood pressure.
Comparing socially disadvantaged smokers who agree and decline to participate in a randomised smoking cessation trial
Authors: Bonevski Billie , Twyman Laura , Paul Chris , D'Este Catherine , West Robert , Siahpush Mohammad , Oldmeadow Christopher , Palazzi Kerrin , Bryant Jamie , Guillaumier Ashleigh
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This study examined sociodemographic, smoking and psychosocial characteristics associated with consent to participate in a smoking cessation trial for socially disadvantaged smokers.

Design

Baseline data were collected prior to seeking consent for the Call it Quits, a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

An Australian social and community service organisation. Sociodemographic, smoking and psychosocial characteristics were compared between smokers who agreed or declined to participate.

Participants

Of the 584 smokers invited to participate, 431 (74%) consented and 153 (26%) declined.

Results

Logistic regression modelling indicates the ORs of participation were twice as high for those reporting ‘high’ motivation to quit compared to the ‘moderate’ motivation group, and five times higher than the ‘low’ motivation group (p=0.007). The ORs of consenting were higher for those with a preference for gradual reduction in cigarettes in quit attempts compared with ‘no preference’. The ORs were lower for those reporting ‘don't know’ regarding their enjoyment of smoking compared to ‘not at all’ enjoying smoking, and reporting that fewer of their family or friends smoked compared to ‘most or all’.

Conclusions

This study is the first to examine the characteristics of socially disadvantaged smokers who consent or decline to participate in a smoking cessation trial. Low-income smokers who are motivated to quit, are not enjoying smoking, had family or friends who smoked, and who are interested in gradual cessation approaches may be more likely to participate in a smoking cessation trial.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN85202510.
Serum aminotransferase ratio is independently correlated with hepatosteatosis in patients with HCV: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Lin Ming-Shyan , Lin Huang-Shen , Chung Chang-Ming , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Mei-Yen , Chen Po-Han , Hu Jing-Hong , Chou Wen-Nan , Huang Jui-Chu , Huang Tung-Jung
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is significant in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers due to multiple mechanisms, and this worsens the progression of chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio correlates with the status of hepatosteatosis.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

Community-based annual examination in northern Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 1354 participants (age 20 years or over) were enrolled after excluding participants with HCV seronegative, laboratory or questionnaires loss, moderate alcohol consumption, liver cirrhosis, tumours and postlobectomy.

Outcome measures

Fatty liver was diagnosed according to echogenic findings. NAFLD included grades 1–3 fatty liver and high-degree NAFLD defined grades 2–3 fatty liver.

Results

580 males and 774 females with a mean age of 47.2 (SD=16.1) years were cross-sectionally studied. The participants with NAFLD have significantly higher levels of ALT/AST ratio, fasting glucose, triglyceride and systolic/diastolic blood pressure than non-NAFLD participants. The association between NAFLD and ALT/AST was significant even when adjusting for the metabolic syndrome (aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.65; p<0.001). In patients with a high degree of NAFLD, the ALT/AST ratio was still a significant predictor for hepatosteatosis (aOR 2.44; 95% CI 1.58 to 3.77; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The ALT/AST ratio could be a strong risk of hepatosteatosis in patients with chronic HCV infection.
A survey on parasite management by equine veterinarians highlights the need for a regulation change
Authors: Sallé Guillaume , Cabaret Jacques
Published: September 2015

Introduction

In‐depth knowledge of the use of anthelminthics in the field, especially by veterinarians, is required to design more sustainable parasite control strategies.

Materials and methods

An online survey was sent by e‐mail to 940 equine veterinary practitioners to describe their equine practice, their awareness about parasites and the management strategies they apply.

Results

Gastrointestinal parasites were generally considered (68%) as an issue of moderate importance. Drug efficacy failure was a minor or moderate issue for 47% and 48% of responders, respectively. Parasite management mostly relied on the use of systematic calendar treatments across a wide variety of horse owners (ie, riding schools, studs or hobby horse owners). Almost half of the practitioners (42%) never performed Faecal Egg Count (FEC) before drenching. Horse owners or their employees in charge of equines were reported to be the only person managing drenching in 59% of the collected answers. This was associated with the report of many off‐label uses of anthelmintics and the frequent buying of drugs using the internet.

Conclusions

Given the critical situation regarding anthelmintic resistance, it seems necessary for veterinarians to reclaim parasite management and prevention as a specific topic. Implementation of stricter regulations for use of anthelmintics, like the one applied in Denmark, may make parasitic management in equids more sustainable.
Sensitization of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin via stable cell line generation and overexpression of DFF40
Authors: Bagheri Fatemeh , Safarian Shahrokh , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohamadreza , Sheibani Nader
Published: September 2015

There are a number of reports demonstrating a relationship between the alterations in DFF40 expression and development of some cancers. Here, increased DFF40 expression in T-47D cells in the presence of doxorubicin was envisaged for therapeutic usage. The T-47D cells were transfected with an eukaryotic expression vector encoding the DFF40 cDNA. Following incubation with doxorubicin, propidium iodide (PI) staining was used for cell cycle distribution analysis. The rates of apoptosis were determined by annexin V/PI staining. Apoptosis was also evaluated using the DNA laddering analysis. The viability of DFF40-transfected cells incubated with doxorubicin was significantly decreased compared with control cells. However, there were no substantial changes in the cell cycle distribution of pIRES2-DFF40 cells incubated with doxorubicin compared to control cells. The expression of DFF40, without doxorubicin incubation, had also no significant effect on the cell cycle distribution. There was no DNA laddering in cells transfected with the empty pIRES2 vector when incubated with doxorubicin. In contrast, DNA laddering was observed in DFF40 transfected cells in the presence of doxorubicin after 48 h. Also, the expression of DFF40 and DFF45 was increased in DFF40 transfected cells in the presence of doxorubicin enhancing cell death. Collectively our results indicated that co-treatment of DFF40-transfected cells with doxorubicin can enhance the killing of these tumor cells via apoptosis. Thus, modulation of DFF40 level may be a beneficial strategy for treatment of chemo-resistant cancers.
On realizations of Pachner moves in 4d
Authors: Kashaev Rinat M.
Published: September 2015

The combinatorial structure of Pachner moves in four dimensions is analyzed in the case of a distinguished move of the type (3,3) and few examples of solutions are reviewed. In particular, solutions associated to Pontryagin self-dual locally compact abelian groups are characterized with remarkable symmetry properties which, in the case of finite abelian groups, give rise to a simple model of combinatorial TQFT with corners in four dimensions.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINA POWDER COATINGS BY A NEW MULTI-CHAMBER DETONATION SPRAYER
Authors: PROZOROVA M. S. , KOVALEVA M. G. , ARSEENKO M. YU. , YAPRYNTSEV M. N. , TYURIN YU. N. , KOLISNICHENKO O. V. , VASILIK N. YA. , SIROTA V. V. , PAVLENKO I. A. , MAMUNIN K. N.
Published: September 2015

The dense ceramic coatings based on alumina with hardness of 1100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]25 HV[Formula: see text] and porosity of less than 1% have been prepared by multi-chamber detonation sprayer (MCDS) with a barrel length of 500[Formula: see text]mm. The intermetallic compound of type FeAl was revealed in the area of the coating that adjoins the substrate.
Numerical methods for an optimal multiple stopping problem
Authors: Latifa Imène Ben , Bonnans Joseph Fréderic , Mnif Mohamed
Published: September 2015

This paper deals with numerical solutions to an optimal multiple stopping problem. The corresponding dynamic programing (DP) equation is a variational inequality satisfied by the value function in the viscosity sense. The convergence of the numerical scheme is shown by viscosity arguments. An optimal quantization method is used for computing the conditional expectations arising in the DP equation. Numerical results are presented for the price of swing option and the behavior of the value function.
A note on the Fourier coefficients of a Cohen–Eisenstein series
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Srilakshmi
Published: September 2015

We prove a formula for the coefficients of a weight [Formula: see text] Cohen–Eisenstein series of square-free level [Formula: see text]. This formula generalizes a result of Gross, and in particular, it proves a conjecture of Quattrini. Let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime number. For any elliptic curve [Formula: see text] defined over [Formula: see text] of rank zero and square-free conductor [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text], under certain conditions on the Shafarevich–Tate group [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] divides the class number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]
Limit distribution of class numbers for discriminants in progressions and fundamental discriminants
Authors: Raulf Nicole
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we determine the asymptotic behavior of moments of class numbers for discriminants in a given arithmetic progression and for fundamental discriminants in the case that the class numbers are ordered by the size of the regulator. Furthermore, we give the limit distribution of class numbers in these cases.
Liouville identities with two functions
Authors: Alaca Şaban , Doyle Greg
Published: September 2015

We express products of Lambert series as power series. We use these Lambert series-to-power series identities to obtain new Liouville identities with two functions. Many of the known Liouville identities follow from our new identities. We explore the relationships between Lambert series, new Liouville identities, and convolution sums. We then obtain recursive formulae for various convolution sums.
A primality criterion based on Lucas’ congruence
Authors: Meštrović Romeo
Published: September 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a prime. Back in 1878, Lucas proved that the congruence [Formula: see text] holds for any nonnegative integer [Formula: see text]. The converse statement was given in Problem 1494 of Mathematics Magazine proposed in 1997 by Deutsch and Gessel. In this note, we generalize this converse assertion as follows: If [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are integers such that [Formula: see text] for every integer [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is a prime and [Formula: see text] is a power of [Formula: see text].
Diophantine approximation of polynomials over 𝔽q[t] satisfying a divisibility condition
Authors: Yamagishi Shuntaro
Published: September 2015

Let [Formula: see text] denote the ring of polynomials over [Formula: see text], the finite field of [Formula: see text] elements. We prove an estimate for fractional parts of polynomials over [Formula: see text] satisfying a certain divisibility condition analogous to that of intersective polynomials in the case of integers. We then extend our result to consider linear combinations of such polynomials as well.
Inferring gene regulatory networks by PCA-CMI using Hill climbing algorithm based on MIT score and SORDER method
Authors: Aghdam Rosa , Alijanpour Mohsen , Azadi Mehrdad , Ebrahimi Ali , Eslahchi Changiz , Rezvan Abolfazl
Published: September 2015

Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is a challenging task in Bioinformatics. In this paper, an algorithm, PCHMS, is introduced to infer GRNs. This method applies the path consistency (PC) algorithm based on conditional mutual information test (PCA-CMI). In the PC-based algorithms the separator set is determined to detect the dependency between variables. The PCHMS algorithm attempts to select the set in the smart way. For this purpose, the edges of resulted skeleton are directed based on PC algorithm direction rule and mutual information test (MIT) score. Then the separator set is selected according to the directed network by considering a suitable sequential order of genes. The effectiveness of this method is benchmarked through several networks from the DREAM challenge and the widely used SOS DNA repair network of Escherichia coli. Results show that applying the PCHMS algorithm improves the precision of learning the structure of the GRNs in comparison with current popular approaches.
Lane Marking-Based Vehicle Localization Using Low-Cost GPS and Open Source Map
Authors: Lu Wenjie , Rodríguez F. Sergio A. , Seignez Emmanuel , Reynaud Roger
Published: September 2015

Autonomous Vehicle applications and Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) need scene understanding processes, allowing high-level systems to carry out decision. For such systems, the localization of a vehicle evolving in a structured dynamic environment constitutes a complex problem of crucial importance. However, the low accuracy of the global positioning system (GPS) system in urban environments makes its localization unreliable for further treatments. The combination of GPS data and additional sensors (WSS, IMU or Camera) can improve the localization precision. More and more, digital maps are also used in this process. Generally, these maps are customized or built for a specific application, asking high-cost to design and upgrade. In this paper, we propose a low-cost localization system based on camera, GPS and open map. Starting from the road marking, detected by a multi-kernel estimation method, a particle filter generates the samples taking advantage of lane markings to predict the most probable trajectory of the vehicle and the low-cost GPS position. Then, the accuracy of the localization is improved using an open map. This process was validated through several scenarios with a public database and our experimental platform.
Antique stone quarries in Turkey: a case study on tuffs in the Temple of Apollon Smintheus
Authors: Ergenç Duygu , Caner Saltık Emine N. , Topal Tamer
Published: September 2015

All types of stones have been used as building stones, depending on their durability, visual harmony with the intended construction and availability. In the Hellenistic period, as in other periods, tuff was preferred as a building stone due to its convenience – it was easy to extract, transport and use for building. In the present study, three ancient quarries that were the possible tuff sources for the Apollon Smintheus Temple in Çanakkale are investigated by comparing the durability properties of stones in the temple and in the quarries. These properties are determined using physical and physico-mechanical tests, comparing fresh and artificially weathered samples. Microstructural and elemental correlations were found using optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, methylene blue adsorption and X-ray fluorescence analyses. The results indicate that temple tuffs and two of three quarries have similar geological engineering and microstructural properties with the strong claim that those two quarries could have been the source of building stone for the temple.
Palynology, dacryoconarids and the lower Eifelian (Middle Devonian) Basal Choteč Event: case studies from the Prague and Appalachian basins
Authors: Brocke Rainer , Fatka Oldrich , Lindemann Richard H. , Schindler Eberhard , Ver Straeten Charles A.
Published: September 2015

During recent studies of the Basal Choteč Event (BCE) at its type locality (Na Škrábku Quarry at Choteč Village, Prague Basin of the Barrandian area, Czech Republic) and selected sections of time-equivalent strata in the Appalachian Basin (USA), palynomorphs and dacryoconarids have proven responsive to changing environmental conditions. To date, there have been no detailed reports of dacryoconarids from the Appalachian Basin (AB) and none of palynomorphs from Bohemia or elsewhere. Palynomorphs of the Barrandian area comprise a more or less monospecific assemblage of prasinophycean algae interpreted here to represent an ecological epibole. Mazuelloids and scolecodonts are also present, whereas acritarchs, spores and chitinozoans are accessory components. Prasinophytes also predominate in coeval strata of the Appalachian Basin's northern region, whereas a chitinozoan species and morphotypes possibly assignable to fungi abound in the central region. Scolecodonts and acritarchs are regionally variable throughout the interval. The former are rare in the central region of the basin but are ubiquitous and sometimes abundant in the northern region. Dacryoconarids of the Appalachian Basin are also regionally variable. The dacryoconarid fauna of the northern region, however, descended from a previous Emsian fauna that diversified during the BCE and subsequently functioned as the foundation of the upper Eifelian faunas, while dacryoconarids of the central region represent an incursion epibole of Old World forms that entered the basin at the onset of the event interval and became extinct at its close. Among the dacryoconarids there are key taxa that serve as excellent biostratigraphic markers to identify the BCE in the Appalachian Basin. In both the Prague and Appalachian basins, the BCE occurs near the maximum transgression of the Devonian Ic sequence. Additional faunal changes are found in the Appalachian Basin leading up to the main body of the event.
Safe Dynamic Reshaping of Reconfigurable MPSoC Embedded Systems for Self-Healing and Self-Adaption Purposes
Authors: Biedermann Alexander , Huss Sorin A. , Israr Adeel
Published: September 2015

Multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC) architectures are a huge challenge in embedded system design. This situation arises from the fact that available MPSoCs and related designs flows are not tailored to the specific needs of embedded systems. This work demonstrates how to provide self-healing properties in embedded MPSoC design. This is achieved by combining the features of a generic approach to create virtualizable MPSoCs out of off-the-shelf embedded processors with a methodology to derive system configurations, such as task-processor bindings, which are optimal in terms of safety and execution time. The virtualization properties enable a reshaping of the MPSoC at runtime. Thus, system configurations may be exchanged rapidly in a dynamic fashion. As a main result of this work, embedded multiprocessor systems are introduced, which dynamically adapt to changing operating conditions, possible module defects, and internal state changes. We demonstrate the figures of merit of such reconfigurable MPSoC embedded systems by means of a complex automotive application scenario mapped to an FPGA featuring a virtualizable array of eight soft-core processors.
Work-Efficient Matrix Inversion in Polylogarithmic Time
Authors: Sanders Peter , Speck Jochen , Steffen Raoul
Published: September 2015

We present an algorithm for inversion of symmetric positive definite matrices that combines the practical requirement of an optimal number of arithmetic operations and the theoretical goal of a polylogarithmic critical path length. The algorithm reduces inversion to matrix multiplication. It uses Strassen’s recursion scheme, but on the critical path it breaks the recursion early, switching to an asymptotically inefficient yet fast use of Newton’s method. We also show that the algorithm is numerically stable. Overall, we get a candidate for a massively parallel algorithm that scales to exascale systems even on relatively small inputs.
Multimodal Affect
Authors: Legde Katharina , Castillo Susana , Cunningham Douglas W.
Published: September 2015

Many tasks such as driving or rapidly sorting items can be best achieved by direct actions. Other tasks such as giving directions, being guided through a museum, or organizing a meeting are more easily solved verbally. Since computers are increasingly being used in all aspects of daily life, it would be of great advantage if we could communicate verbally with them. Although advanced interactions with computers are possible, a vast majority of interactions are still based on the WIMP (Window, Icon, Menu, Point) metaphor [Hevner and Chatterjee 2010] and are, therefore, via simple text and gesture commands. The field of affective interfaces is working toward making computers more accessible by giving them (rudimentary) natural-language abilities, including using synthesized speech, facial expressions, and virtual body motions. Once the computer is granted a virtual body, however, it must be given the ability to use it to nonverbally convey socio-emotional information (such as emotions, intentions, mental state, and expectations) or it will likely be misunderstood. Here, we present a simple affective talking head along with the results of an experiment on the multimodal expression of emotion. The results show that although people can sometimes recognize the intended emotion from the semantic content of the text even when the face does not convey affect, they are considerably better at it when the face also shows emotion. Moreover, when both face and text convey emotion, people can detect different levels of emotional intensity.
Personalization of Learning: Lessons from RTT-D Winners
Authors: Oliver Kevin , Kennedy Kathryn , Hibbard Laura , Swan Bonnie , Clark Tom , LaFrance Jason , Oglesby Jonathan
Published: September 2015

This article presents a synthesis of personalization of learning strategies as extracted from 16 school district proposals funded in the 2012 Race to the Top (RTT-D) federal grant program. Personalization of learning strategies fell into six overall themes: digital learning materials and courses, data and data systems, curriculum and teaching, repurposed learning facilities, human capital, and professional development. For each theme, the article offers a summary, exemplars from the district proposals, and additional recommended resources.
Vasodilator responses and endothelin-dependent vasoconstriction in metabolically healthy obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Schinzari Francesca , Iantorno Micaela , Campia Umberto , Mores Nadia , Rovella Valentina , Tesauro Manfredi , Di Daniele Nicola , Cardillo Carmine
Published: September 2015

Patients with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) do not present the cluster of metabolic abnormalities that define the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Whether MHO is associated with lower impairment of vasoreactivity than the MetS is unknown. For this purpose, forearm blood flow (FBF) responses were measured by strain-gauge plethysmography during the intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and/or the selective endothelin type A (ETA) receptor blocker BQ-123 in 119 obese individuals with MHO ( n = 34) or with the MetS ( n = 85) and in healthy lean controls ( n = 56). ACh and SNP caused a significant vasodilation in both obese and lean participants (all P < 0.001). However, the response to both agents was significantly lower in the obese than in the control group (both P < 0.001). Among the obese participants, the reactivity to ACh was higher in MHO than in MetS patients, whereas the responsiveness to SNP was equally impaired in both groups ( P = 0.45). Infusion of BQ-123 significantly increased FBF in obese patients ( P < 0001), but not in the lean participants; hence, FBF following ETA receptor blockade was higher in both obese groups than in controls (both P < 0.001). FBF response to BQ-123 was significantly higher in patients with the MetS than in those with MHO ( P = 0.007). In conclusion, patients with MHO have abnormal vascular reactivity, although their endothelial dysfunction is less pronounced than in patients with the MetS. These findings indicate that obesity is associated with vascular damage independent of those metabolic abnormalities underlying the MetS.
Decreased TNF Levels and Improved Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival in MMP‐2 Null Mice Suggest a Role for MMP‐2 as TNF Sheddase
Authors: De Groef Lies , Salinas-Navarro Manuel , Van Imschoot Griet , Libert Claude , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Moons Lieve
Published: September 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been designated as both friend and foe in the central nervous system (CNS): while being involved in many neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, their actions appear to be indispensable to a healthy CNS. Pathological conditions in the CNS are therefore often related to imbalanced MMP activities and disturbances of the complex MMP‐dependent protease network. Likewise, in the retina, various studies in animal models and human patients suggested MMPs to be involved in glaucoma. In this study, we sought to determine the spatiotemporal expression profile of MMP‐2 in the excitotoxic retina and to unravel its role during glaucoma pathogenesis. We reveal that intravitreal NMDA injection induces MMP‐2 expression to be upregulated in the Müller glia. Moreover, MMP‐2 null mice display attenuated retinal ganglion cell death upon excitotoxic insult to the retina, which is accompanied by normal glial reactivity, yet reduced TNF levels. Hence, we propose a novel in vivo function for MMP‐2, as an activating sheddase of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Given the pivotal role of TNF as a proinflammatory cytokine and neurodegeneration‐exacerbating mediator, these findings generate important novel insights into the pathological processes contributing to glaucomatous neurodegeneration and into the interplay of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the CNS.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Simpson's Paradox and Neoadjuvant Trials
Authors: Carey Lisa A.
Published: September 2015

The research article by Carey and colleagues, published in the April 15, 2007, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, described the relationship between response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and outcome by tumor subtype. Today neoadjuvant clinical trials are often designed to provide correlative data to help identify predictive biomarkers or to focus on poor-risk patients identified by residual disease after neoadjuvant treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 21(18); 4027–9. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Carey et al., Clin Cancer Res 2007;13(8) April 15, 2007;2329–34
Remyelination after Lysophosphatidyl Choline-Induced Demyelination Is Stimulated by Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Derived Oligoprogenitor Cell Transplantation
Authors: Nazm Bojnordi M. , Ghasemi H.H. , Akbari E.
Published: September 2015

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are a desirable cell source that may be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases given their capacity to differentiate into various types of cells. The current study aimed to investigate whether oligoprogenitor cell (OPC)-derived BMSCs have therapeutic benefits in an animal model of local demyelination. BMSCs were transdifferentiated into OPCs using a defined culture medium supplemented with a combination of inducers. The differentiation capacity of the BMSCs was evaluated at the end of the induction phase by assessing the expression levels of the glial-specific markers oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 and O4 surface antigen. Local demyelination was induced in the corpus callosum of adult female rats via direct injection of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) followed by engraftment of BMSC-generated OPCs. The rats were divided into sham control, vehicle control, and cell-transplanted groups. The changes in the extent of demyelination and the robustness of the remyelination event were assessed using Luxol Fast Blue staining and immunohistochemical analysis 1 week after LPC injection and 2 weeks after cell transplantation. Consequently, transplantation of OPCs into the demyelinated corpus callosum model resulted in differentiation of the cells into mature oligodendrocytes that were immunopositive for myelin basic protein. Furthermore, OPC transplantation mitigated demyelination and augmented remyelination relative to controls. These findings suggest that BMSC-derived OPCs can be utilized in therapeutic approaches for the management of demyelination-associated diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonist Transgenic Mice Have Increased Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Mass, Altered Glucose Homeostasis and No Change in White Adipose Tissue Cellular Senescence
Authors: Comisford Ross , Lubbers Ellen R. , Householder Lara A. , Suer Ozan , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , List Edward O. , Kopchick John J. , Berryman Darlene E.
Published: September 2015

Background: Growth hormone (GH)-resistant/deficient mice experience improved glucose homeostasis and substantially increased lifespan. Recent evidence suggests that long-lived GH-resistant/deficient mice are protected from white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction, including WAT cellular senescence, impaired adipogenesis and loss of subcutaneous WAT in old age. This preservation of WAT function has been suggested to be a potential mechanism for the extended lifespan of these mice. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine WAT senescence, WAT distribution and glucose homeostasis in dwarf GH receptor antagonist (GHA) transgenic mice, a unique mouse strain having decreased GH action but normal longevity. Methods: 18-month-old female GHA mice and wild-type (WT) littermate controls were used. Prior to dissection, body composition, fasting blood glucose as well as glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. WAT distribution was determined by weighing four distinct WAT depots at the time of dissection. Cellular senescence in four WAT depots was assessed using senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining to quantify the senescent cell burden, and real-time qPCR to quantify gene expression of senescence markers p16 and IL-6. Results: GHA mice had a 22% reduction in total body weight, a 33% reduction in lean mass and a 10% increase in body fat percentage compared to WT controls. GHA mice had normal fasting blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity; however, they exhibited impaired glucose tolerance. Moreover, GHA mice displayed enhanced lipid storage in the inguinal subcutaneous WAT depot (p < 0.05) and a 1.7-fold increase in extra-/intraperitoneal WAT ratio compared to controls (p < 0.05). Measurements of WAT cellular senescence showed no difference between GHA mice and WT controls. Conclusions: Similar to other mice with decreased GH action, female GHA mice display reduced age-related lipid redistribution and improved insulin sensitivity, but no change in cellular senescence. The similar abundance of WAT senescent cells in GHA and control mice suggests that any protection against generation of senescent cells afforded by decreased GH action, low insulin-like growth factor 1 and/or improved insulin sensitivity in the GHA mice may be offset by their severe adiposity, since obesity is known to increase senescence.
JOSÉ OSÓRIO DE OLIVEIRA E SUAS REFLEXÕES SOBRE A “MODERNA” LITERATURA BRASILEIRA
Authors: Souza Raquel S. Madanêlo
Published: September 2015

O objetivo deste texto é refletir sobre o conceito de literatura brasileira na obra do intelectual português José Osório de Oliveira, e sobre seu papel na divulgação dessa mesma literatura, no âmbito das relações luso-brasileiras e do intercâmbio que ele se propôs a estabelecer e incentivar entre Brasil e Portugal   – principalmente - a partir nas décadas de 30 e 40, do século XX.
Geografia e poesia lírica: considerações sobre a obra "A poética do espaço", de Gaston Bachelard
Authors: Silva Felipe Cabañas da
Published: September 2015

Este artigo tem como meta realizar uma leitura da obra “A poética do espaço”, do filósofo Gaston Bachelard, analisando especialmente suas possíveis contribuições a uma abordagem geográfica da poesia lírica. Tendo em vista que os estudos geográficos da literatura demonstram historicamente uma predileção pelo gênero romanesco, os geógrafos que pretendem pensar a poesia lírica devem buscar a integração de contribuições teóricas diversificadas. 
Reflexões sobre as posições epistemológicas de Richard Hartshorne em The Nature of Geography
Authors: Coscioni Fernando José
Published: September 2015

Este artigo pretende expor e analisar alguns aspectos da discussão teórico-metodológica sobre a natureza da ciência geográfica presentes na obra The Nature of Geography (1939) de Richard Hartshorne (1899-1992). Analisaremos a definição do propósito da Geografia formulada pelo autor e a reconstrução histórica que realiza na referida obra para edificar tal definição e posteriormente abordaremos algumas reflexões oferecidas por Hartshorne a respeito da relação entre os enfoques sistemático e regional na disciplina. A análise dessas questões será feita a partir de uma preocupação mais ampla com a compreensão do papel do autor na Geografia acadêmica do século XX e com a operação de mecanismos constitutivos do campo científico em sua obra.
Coordenação fina e escrita de crianças de 6 a 9 anos nascidas a termo e pré-termo
Authors: Garcia Natalia Barbosa Coronado , Magalhães Livia De Castro , Santos Jair Lício Ferreira
Published: September 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em investigar a relação entre coordenação fina e qualidade da escrita em escolares nascidos pré-termo e a termo. Quanto ao método, utilizou-se de descrição e comparação entre: grupo pré-termo – 28 escolares, com idade gestacional entre 32 e 36 semanas, peso ao nascer ≤ 2.500g, e o grupo a termo – 28 escolares nascidos com idade gestacional ≥ 37 semanas, peso ao nascer ≥ 2.500g, emparelhados por gênero, idade, sala escolar e condição socioeconômica. Os pais dos escolares de ambos os grupos responderam a questionários de desempenho motor e classificação econômica. O desempenho motor e a escrita foram examinados com a Avaliação da Coordenação e Destreza Motora (ACOORDEM) e os professores responderam a questionários para identificar déficits motores (DCDQ–Brasil), de atenção e aprendizagem (EDTAH). Sobre os resultados, constatou-se diferença significativa em alguns itens dos testes de escrita e coordenação fina, e pré-termos tenderam a desempenho inferior na escrita, coordenação fina e global e maior probabilidade de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade. Foi encontrada correlação entre o desempenho na escrita e alguns itens motores. Os resultados apontaram mais probabilidade a dificuldades motoras e na escrita entre escolares pré-termo, com implicações para assistência e educação dessas crianças.
Qualidade de vida, estresse e desempenho ocupacional de mães cuidadoras de crianças e adolescentes autistas
Authors: Estanieski Ingrid Ioost , Guarany Nicole Ruas
Published: September 2015

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a qualidade de vida, estresse e o desempenho ocupacional de mães cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de autismo. Para a pesquisa, foram utilizados quatro instrumentos: WHOQOL-Bref, a Escala de Estresse Percebido, a Medida Canadense de Desempenho Ocupacional e um questionário criado pela pesquisadora contendo dados socioeconômicos e sobre a criança/adolescente. Os dados do estudo sugerem que existe correlação entre as variáveis e que as mães cuidadoras possuem menor qualidade de vida, altos níveis de estresse e desempenho ocupacional baixo.
Perfil funcional de adultos com deficiência visual adquirida
Authors: Born Marina Menezes , Pereira Karla Da Silva , Nascimento Gabriela Cordeiro Corrêa do
Published: September 2015

A perda da visão pode ocorrer em qualquer fase da vida, acarretando impactos referentes ao enfrentamento da nova condição, à identidade do sujeito e ao desempenho de suas atividades cotidianas. Frente a isso, buscou-se verificar se é possível traçar o perfil funcional de adultos com deficiência visual adquirida que frequentam uma instituição de habilitação e reabilitação de pessoas com deficiência visual do município de Curitiba-PR, por meio de pesquisa documental, quantitativa, de caráter exploratório-descritivo. Para coleta e análise dos dados foi utilizado um roteiro baseado nos conceitos da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). Foram analisados 27 registros, sendo que 33,3%(ƒ=9) apontaram restrições no cuidado pessoal; 88,8% (ƒ=24), na vida doméstica; 7,4%(ƒ=2) no trabalho; 33,3% no lazer (ƒ=9); e 81,5% (ƒ=22) na mobilidade. Foi possível obter indícios do perfil funcional desses sujeitos, no entanto, para um perfil mais detalhado, os dados documentais mostraram-se insuficientes. Os resultados encontrados permitiram uma reflexão sobre o tema, propondo novos estudos nesta área.
O parque agroambiental como nova categoria de sistema de espaços livres
Authors: Queiroz Alessandra Natali , Queiroga Eugênio Fernandes , Merlin José Roberto
Published: September 2015

O presente artigo tem como tema o estudo de sistemas de espaços livres e a urbanização contemporânea na região de Limeira, integrante da Região Administrativa de Campinas - SP. De especial atenção é a configuração do território, como unidade de projeto para um “parque regional contemporâneo” ou, como se propôs chamar, “parque agroambiental”. O “parque agroambiental” não é uma solução simples, mas uma possibilidade de pensar e agir. Pode-se, por meio dele, ajustar o foco de leitura da realidade local, buscando-se mecanismos mais coerentes para nela atuar. Diferentemente de outras regiões de importantes recursos naturais, como a região metropolitana de São Paulo, o conceito do parque objetiva trabalhar uma área econômica e socialmente uniforme, onde a fauna e a flora são quase inexistentes, visto terem sido substituídas pela urbanização e pelas áreas destinadas à produção agrícola para o mercado global. O desafio aqui proposto é tornar o parque regional contemporâneo objeto de debate para políticas públicas de atendimento às necessidades sociais e ambientais. Podem ser práticas de lazer, esportes e/ou contemplativas, atividades culturais de identidade regional, de produção agrícola ou florestal, de conservação de ecossistemas, por meio das quais se definem diferentes níveis e escalas de intervenção e de acessibilidade aos lugares. Propõe-se o conceito de “parque agroambiental” como instrumento de planejamento regional e ambiental.
Por uma nova cultura de design: diversidade cultural e encontro com sentidos socioambientais
Authors: Riul Marília , Santos Maria Cecília Loschiavo dos
Published: September 2015

Este artigo aborda relações entre a produção do mundo artificial e questões socioculturais e ambientais, e faz uma reflexão que busca valorizar o diálogo entre os contextos do design profissional/ acadêmico e do design vernacular. Para tanto, utilizamos dados de uma pesquisa de doutorado em andamento, que, com o auxílio de técnicas da pesquisa etnográfica, documentou práticas e expressões materiais pertencentes a comunidades de pequenos agricultores e pescadores artesanais, situadas na região da Barra do Rio Mamanguape, no estado da Paraíba, Nordeste brasileiro. Ancorada na teoria correlata, a análise se concentrou na leitura dos sentidos embutidos no repertório de práticas e nos próprios artefatos identificados, em busca de elementos pertinentes à reflexão sobre a responsabilidade do design em relação a questões socioculturais e ambientais. Constatou-se que há uma série de práticas e sentidos a elas relacionada, que podem servir de base para projetos que visem dar ênfase às variáveis socioculturais e ambientais atinentes à produção do mundo artificial.
“Una via genuina a la verdadera filosofía”. Estatuto y rol de la crítica filosófica en el Über das Wesen der philosophischen Kritik
Authors: Palermo Sandra Viviana
Published: September 2015

El presente trabajo concentra su atención sobre el estatuto y el rol de la crítica filosófica en la reflexión hegeliana de los primeros años de Jena, con la intención de poner en evidencia que el concepto de philosophische Kritik puede ser leído como una suerte de «punto de crisis» de la concepción hegeliana de la filosofía, así como la misma se había presentado en la Diferencia entre los sistemas de filosofía de Fichte y de Schelling: dentro de una concepción en virtud de la cual lo Absoluto está ya presente, el espacio lógico para el constituirse del pasaje entre error y verdad se diluye. De ahí que si la crítica filosófica debe configurarse como propedéutica a la verdadera filosofía, como elevación del no saber al saber, este último no podrá constituirse como totalidad acabada y completa ya presente, ni tampoco como tal que deje fuera de sí el saber inadecuado o finito; es decir no podrá constituirse como monísticamente compacto.