bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of 14 Strains of
Pseudomonas
Isolated from
Prunus
sp. Plants
Authors: Visnovsky Sandra B. , Lu Ashley , Panda Preetinanda , Taylor Robert , Pitman Andrew R.
Published: January 2018

We present here the draft genome sequences of 14
Pseudomonas
strains isolated from
Prunus
sp. plants in New Zealand and overseas. These new genomic data will be used to improve the detection of
Pseudomonas
strains found in imported plant material at the New Zealand border, improving the time involved in the process of biosecurity decision-making.
Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals the First Complete Genome Sequence of
Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus
from Uganda
Authors: Mbeyagala E. K. , Tukamuhabwa P. , Bisikwa J. , Holton T. , Mukasa S. B.
Published: January 2018

We present here the first complete genome sequence of
Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus
(CABMV) isolated from cowpea in Uganda and compare it with five CABMV complete genome sequences from Brazil (2), India (2), and Zimbabwe (1). It most resembled the genomes of two Brazilian isolates (MG-Avr and BR1) and one Indian isolate (RR3).
Genome Sequence of
Enterococcus mundtii
EM01, Isolated from
Bombyx mori
Midgut and Responsible for Flacherie Disease in Silkworms Reared on an Artificial Diet
Authors: de Diego-Diaz Beatriz , Treu Laura , Campanaro Stefano , da Silva Duarte Vinicius , Saviane Alessio , Cappellozza Silvia , Squartini Andrea
Published: January 2018

The whole genome sequence of
Enterococcus mundtii
strain EM01 is reported here. The isolate proved to be the cause of flacherie in
Bombyx mori
. To date, the genomes of 11 other
E. mundtii
strains have been sequenced. EM01 is the only strain that displayed active pathological effects on its associated animal species.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Fusarium fujikuroi
, a Fungus Adapted to the Fuel Environment
Authors: Radwan Osman , Gunasekera Thusitha S. , Ruiz Oscar N.
Published: January 2018

Fusarium fujikuroi
isolate FUS01 is highly adapted to grow in jet fuel with predicted genes involved in hydrocarbon catabolism and carbon assimilation. The draft genome size is estimated at 49 Mb containing 18,578 proteins with high similarity to that of
F. fujikuroi
isolate B14.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three
Moraxella osloensis
Strains Isolated from Human Skin
Authors: Lim Jae Yun , Hwang Ingyu , Ganzorig Munkhtsatsral , Huang Shir-Ly , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Lee Kyoung
Published: January 2018

Here, we present the complete whole-genome sequences of three
Moraxella osloensis
strains with octylphenol polyethoxylate-degrading abilities. These strains were isolated from human skin.
Cellular and Humoral Immunity Protect against Vaginal Zika Virus Infection in Mice
Authors: Scott Jason M. , Lebratti Tania J. , Richner Justin M. , Jiang Xiaoping , Fernandez Estefania , Zhao Haiyan , Fremont Daved H. , Diamond Michael S. , Shin Haina
Published: January 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV), which can cause devastating disease in fetuses of infected pregnant women, can be transmitted by mosquito inoculation and sexual routes. Little is known about immune protection against sexually transmitted ZIKV. In this study, we show that previous infection through intravaginal or subcutaneous routes with a contemporary Brazilian strain of ZIKV can protect against subsequent intravaginal challenge with a homologous strain. Both routes of inoculation induced high titers of ZIKV-specific and neutralizing antibody in serum and the vaginal lumen. Virus-specific T cells were recruited to and retained in the female reproductive tract after intravaginal and subcutaneous ZIKV infection. Studies in mice with genetic or acquired deficiencies in B and/or T cells demonstrated that both lymphocyte populations redundantly protect against intravaginal challenge in ZIKV-immune animals. Passive transfer of ZIKV-immune IgG or T cells significantly limited intravaginal infection of naive mice, although antibody more effectively prevented dissemination throughout the reproductive tract. Collectively, our experiments begin to establish the immune correlates of protection against intravaginal ZIKV infection, which should inform vaccination strategies in nonpregnant and pregnant women.

IMPORTANCE
The recent ZIKV epidemic resulted in devastating outcomes in fetuses and may affect reproductive health. Unlike other flaviviruses, ZIKV can be spread by sexual contact as well as a mosquito vector. While previous studies have identified correlates of protection for mosquito-mediated infection, few have focused on immunity against sexual transmission. As exposure to ZIKV via mosquito bite has likely occurred to many living in areas where ZIKV is endemic, our study addresses whether this route of infection can protect against subsequent sexual exposure. We demonstrate that subcutaneous ZIKV infection can protect against subsequent vaginal infection by generating both local antiviral T cell and antibody responses. Our research begins to define the immune correlates of protection for ZIKV infection in the vagina and provides a foundation for testing ZIKV vaccines against sexual transmission.
Quarter-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (Quarter-DMEK) for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy: 6 months clinical outcome
Authors: Zygoura Vasiliki , Baydoun Lamis , Ham Lisanne , Bourgonje Vincent J A , van Dijk Korine , Lie Jessica T , Dapena Isabel , Oellerich Silke , Melles Gerrit R J
Published: January 2018

Background/aim

To assess the clinical outcome of the first series of Quarter-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (Quarter-DMEK), a potential hybrid technique between ‘descemetorhexis only’ and conventional, circular DMEK.

Methods

Prospective interventional case series at a tertiary referral centre. Twelve eyes of 12 patients with central Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy underwent Quarter-DMEK, that is, transplantation of one quadrant of a full-diameter DMEK graft, and were evaluated for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD) and complications up to 6 months postoperatively.

Results

At 6 months postoperatively, all eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/40 (≥0.5), 11/12 (92%) of ≥20/25 (≥0.8) and 6/12 (50%) of ≥20/20 (≥1.0). Mean central ECD decreased from 2867 (±161) cells/mm2before to 1255 (±514) cells/mm2at 1 month, 1058 (±455) cells/mm2at 3 months and 968 (±427) cells/mm2at 6 months after surgery. Rebubbling was performed in 4/12 eyes (33%) within the first two months.

Conclusions

Quarter-DMEK may be a feasible procedure that allows for visual outcomes similar to conventional, circular DMEK. The relatively large drop in ECD within the first month may have resulted from more extensive endothelial cell migration and/or measurement error (at the graft edges). If longer-term outcomes would resemble those of conventional DMEK, Quarter-DMEK may potentially quadruple the availability of endothelial grafts.
Experimental whole-lake dissolved organic carbon increase alters fish diet and density but not growth or productivity
Authors: Koizumi Shuntaro , Craig Nicola , Zwart Jacob A. , Kelly Patrick T. , Ziegler Jacob P. , Weidel Brian C. , Jones Stuart E. , Solomon Christopher T.
Published: January 2018

Negative relationships between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and fish productivity have been reported from correlative studies across lakes, but to date there have not been experimental tests of these relationships. We increased the DOC concentration in a lake by 3.4 mg·L−1, using a before–after control–impact design, to quantify the effects on the productivity and population structure of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Greater DOC reduced the volume of the epilimnion, the preferred habitat of largemouth bass, resulting in increased bass density. The likelihood that adult bass had empty diets decreased despite this increase in bass density; diet composition also changed. There was no apparent change in bass growth or condition. Overall, there was no net change in largemouth bass productivity. However, changes in young of year and juvenile recruitment and feeding success suggest the possibility that future effects could occur. Our results are the first to examine the effects of an increase in DOC on fish productivity through a 5-year temporal lens, which demonstrates that the relationship between DOC and fish productivity is multidimensional and complex.
Phenomenology of inflationary models
Authors: olyaei Abbas
Published: January 2018

There are many inflationary models compatible with observational data. One can investigate inflationary models by looking at their general features, which are common in most of the models. Here we have investigated some of the single-field models without considering their origin in order to find the phenomenology of them. We have shown how to adjust the simple harmonic oscillator model in order to be in good agreement with observational data.
Enhanced gas recovery of an ageing field utilizing N
2
displacement: De Wijk Field, The Netherlands
Authors: Goswami Rajasmita , Seeberger Fritz C. , Bosman Geert
Published: January 2018

Enhancing recovery of the remaining gas in ageing fields presents a commercial opportunity. As such, NAM took the decision to apply on-site generated N
2
injection for the first time. The De Wijk gas field was selected based on size and geological setting, allowing the demonstration of N
2
flooding of depleted gas in diverse reservoir types, as well as testing the efficiency of residual gas sweeping in the watered-out reservoir. De Wijk is one of the oldest onshore natural gas fields in The Netherlands, having produced
c.
15 Bcm (billion cubic metres) of high calorific gas with a natural N
2
content of 5–11% for more than 60 years, bringing it close to the end of field life. Enhanced gas recovery in this field would extend the field life and that of the Ten Arlo gas-processing system, thereby also lengthening tail-end production of other connected fields. In De Wijk, the existing 35 wells were used as dedicated injectors and producers. The production rates from the latter are used to help better understand reservoir flow behaviour. Integration of geological analysis and available production data helped to implement the N
2
enhanced gas recovery technology in this mature field. Two processes of enhanced gas recovery were tested: a gas–gas displacement in the depleted gas leg (Nitrogen Assisted Depletion Drive: NADD); and gas displacing residual gas in the water leg (Nitrogen Enhanced Residual Gas: NERG). Observations after 1 year of N
2
injection showed that planned v. actual performance of the NADD technology is comparable with an increase in production of 100 000–160 000 Nm
3
/day (normal cubic metre per day). NERG application restored a watered-out well; however, further investigation of this application is required. It is demonstrated that a detailed geological understanding of, for example, permeable Rogenstein oolite intervals and the lateral connectivity of internal high-permeability streaks in Volpriehausen sandstones is crucial to the successful application of enhanced gas recovery techniques in such ageing fields.
The K-INBRE symposium: a 10-institution collaboration to improve undergraduate education
Authors: Velasquez Sarah E. , Abraham K. , Burnett Tim G. , Chapin Bridgett , Hendry William J. , Leung Sam , Madden Michael E. , Rider Virginia , Stanford John A. , Ward Robert E. , Chapes Stephen K.
Published: January 2018

The Kansas-IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) is an infrastructure-building program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Undergraduate education, through undergraduate research, is a key component of the program. The K-INBRE network includes 10 higher education institutions in Kansas and northern Oklahoma, with over 1,000 student participants in 16 yr. Since 2003, the K-INBRE has held an annual state-wide research symposium that includes national and regional speakers and provides a forum for undergraduates to give platform and poster presentations. The symposium is well attended by K-INBRE participants and has grown to a size of over 300 participants per year from all 10 K-INBRE schools. Two surveys were distributed to students and mentors to assess the impact of the symposium on student learning. Surveys (153) were distributed to students who participated in K-INBRE from 2013 through 2015 with a 51% response rate. Mentors were surveyed with a response of 111 surveys out of 161. Survey results indicate that students and mentors alike find the symposium to be beneficial and enriching of the student experience. Almost 80% of student respondents indicated that their participation in the symposium fostered appreciation of research. In short, the K-INBRE symposium provides a unique opportunity for students to gain experience in collecting, preparing, and communicating research in a professional environment. The collaborative experience of the annual K-INBRE symposium, the impact it has on student learning, and how it has influenced the research culture at our 10 institutions will be described.
Carbon Nanotubes-Based Digitally Programmable Current Follower
Authors: Tripathi S. K. , Ansari Mohd. Samar , Joshi Amit M.
Published: January 2018

The physical constraints of ever-shrinking CMOS transistors are rapidly approaching atomistic and quantum mechanical limits. Therefore, research is now directed towards the development of nanoscale devices that could work efficiently in the sub-10 nm regime. This coupled with the fact that recent design trend for analog signal processing applications is moving towards current-mode circuits which offer lower voltage swings, higher bandwidth, and better signal linearity is the motivation for this work. A digitally controlled DVCC has been realized using CNFETs. This work exploited the CNFET’s parameters like chirality, pitch, and numbers of CNTs to perform the digital control operation. The circuit has minimum number of transistors and can control the output current digitally. A similar CMOS circuit with 32 nm CMOS parameters was also simulated and compared. The result shows that CMOS-based circuit requires 418.6 μW while CNFET-based circuit consumes 352.1 μW only. Further, the proposed circuit is used to realize a CNFET-based instrumentation amplifier with digitally programmable gain. The amplifier has a CMRR of 100 dB and ICMR equal to 0.806 V. The 3 dB bandwidth of the amplifier is 11.78 GHz which is suitable for the applications like navigation, radar instrumentation, and high-frequency signal amplification and conditioning.
An Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Gangue Concrete as a Roadside Support Body Material for Backfilling Gob‐Side Entry Retaining
Authors: Gong Peng , Ma Zhanguo , Ni Xiaoyan , Zhang Ray Ruichong
Published: January 2018

Development of a safe and economical roadside support body (RSB) material is the key to successful backfilling gob‐side entry retaining (GER). By means of laboratory tests, this paper studied the effects of the water‐cement ratio, aggregate content, and age on the contractibility and resistance increasing speed, compressive strength, and postpeak carrying capacity of the concrete with gangues as an aggregate. It also discussed the rationality and adaptability of gangue concrete as a RSB material for backfilling GER. The experimental results show that the compressive strength of gangue concrete increases with age, and that the strength of gangue concrete demonstrates a nonlinear decreasing trend with the increase of the cementing material’s water‐cement ratio. The water‐cement ratio in the range of 0.46–0.60 has the most significant regulation effect on the strength of gangue concrete. Mixing with a certain amount of coal gangue enhances the postpeak carrying capacity of concrete, preventing the sample from impact failure. The field experimental results report that as a RSB material, gangue concrete can meet the design and application requirements of GER with gangue backfilling mining. A RSB material featuring high safety, high waste utilization rate, fast construction speed, and low costs is provided.
Pullback-Forward Dynamics for Damped Schrödinger Equations with Time-Dependent Forcing
Authors: She Lianbing , Li Yangrong , Wang Renhai
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with pullback dynamics for the weakly damped Schrödinger equation with time-dependent forcing. An increasing, bounded, and pullback absorbing set is obtained if the forcing and its time-derivative are backward uniformly integrable. Also, we obtain the forward absorption, which is only used to deduce the backward compact-decay decomposition according to high and low frequencies. Based on a new existence theorem of a backward compact pullback attractor, we show that the nonautonomous Schrödinger equation has a pullback attractor which is compact in the past. The method of energy, high-low frequency decomposition, Sobolev embedding, and interpolation are quite involved in calculating a priori pullback or forward bound.
Drugs Involved in Dyslipidemia and Obesity Treatment: Focus on Adipose Tissue
Authors: Dias Sofia , Paredes Sílvia , Ribeiro Laura
Published: January 2018

Metabolic syndrome can be defined as a state of disturbed metabolic homeostasis characterized by visceral obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and insulin resistance. The growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome will certainly contribute to the burden of cardiovascular disease. Obesity and dyslipidemia are main features of metabolic syndrome, and both can present with adipose tissue dysfunction, involved in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this syndrome. We revised the effects, and underlying mechanisms, of the current approved drugs for dyslipidemia and obesity (fibrates, statins, niacin, resins, ezetimibe, and orlistat; sibutramine; and diethylpropion, phentermine/topiramate, bupropion and naltrexone, and liraglutide) on adipose tissue. Specifically, we explored how these drugs can modulate the complex pathways involved in metabolism, inflammation, atherogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and adipogenesis. The clinical outcomes of adipose tissue modulation by these drugs, as well as differences of major importance for clinical practice between drugs of the same class, were identified. Whether solutions to these issues will be found in further adjustments and combinations between drugs already in use or necessarily in new advances in pharmacology is not known. To better understand the effect of drugs used in dyslipidemia and obesity on adipose tissue not only is challenging for physicians but could also be the next step to tackle cardiovascular disease.
ZP2495 Protects against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Mice through Improvement of Cardiac Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function: The Possible Involvement of AMPK‐FoxO3a Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Shuang , Wu Hao , Han Dong , Zhang Mingming , Li Na , Yu Weihua , Sun Dongdong , Sun Zhongchan , Ma Sai , Gao Erhe , Li Congye , Shen Min , Cao Feng
Published: January 2018

Coronary heart disease patients with type 2 diabetes were subject to higher vulnerability for cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of ZP2495 (a glucagon‐GLP‐1 dual‐agonist) on cardiac function and energy metabolism after myocardial I/R injury in db/db mice with a focus on mitochondrial function. C57BLKS/J‐lepr+/lepr+ (BKS) and db/db mice received 4‐week treatment of glucagon, ZP131 (GLP‐1 receptor agonist), or ZP2495, followed by cardiac I/R injury. The results showed that cardiac function, cardiac glucose metabolism, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiac mitochondrial morphology, and energetic transition were improved or ameliorated by ZP2495 to a greater extent than that of glucagon and ZP131. In vitro study showed that ZP2495, rather than glucagon, alleviated mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome C release, and mitochondria ROS generation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes subjected to high‐glucose and simulated I/R injury conditions, the effects of which were weaker in the ZP131 group. Furthermore, the expressions of Akt, FoxO3a, and AMPK phosphorylation were elevated by ZP2495 to a greater extent than that of ZP131. In conclusion, ZP2495 may contribute to the improvement of cardiac function and energy metabolism in db/db mice after myocardial I/R injury by improving mitochondrial function possibly through Akt/FoxO3a and AMPK/FoxO3a signal pathways.
A Pattern Analysis of Daily Electric Vehicle Charging Profiles: Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Desai Ranjit R. , Chen Roger B. , Armington William
Published: January 2018

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are considered one solution to reducing GHG emissions from private transport. Additionally, PEV adopters often have free access to public charging facilities. Through a pattern analysis, this study identifies five distinct clusters of daily PEV charging profiles observed at the public charging stations. Empirically observed patterns indicate a significant amount of operational inefficiency, where 54% of the total parking duration PEVs do not consume electricity, preventing other users from charging. This study identifies the opportunity cost in terms of GHG emissions savings if gasoline vehicles are replaced with potential PEV adopters. The time spent in parking without charging by current PEV users can be used by these potential PEV users to charge their PEVs and replace the use of gasoline. The results suggest that reducing inefficient station use leads to significant reductions in emissions. Overall, there is significant variability in outcomes depending on the specific cluster membership.
Evidence for the ISG15-Specific Deubiquitinase USP18 as an Antineoplastic Target
Authors: Mustachio Lisa Maria , Lu Yun , Kawakami Masanori , Roszik Jason , Freemantle Sarah J. , Liu Xi , Dmitrovsky Ethan
Published: January 2018

Ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like posttranslational modifications (PTM) regulate activity and stability of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. This implicates PTMs as antineoplastic targets. One way to alter PTMs is to inhibit activity of deubiquitinases (DUB) that remove ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins from substrate proteins. Roles of DUBs in carcinogenesis have been intensively studied, yet few inhibitors exist. Prior work provides a basis for the ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) as an antineoplastic target. USP18 is the major DUB that removes IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) from conjugated proteins. Prior work discovered that engineered loss of USP18 increases ISGylation and in contrast to its gain decreases cancer growth by destabilizing growth-regulatory proteins. Loss of USP18 reduced cancer cell growth by triggering apoptosis. Genetic loss of USP18 repressed cancer formation in engineered murine lung cancer models. The translational relevance of USP18 was confirmed by finding its expression was deregulated in malignant versus normal tissues. Notably, the recent elucidation of the USP18 crystal structure offers a framework for developing an inhibitor to this DUB. This review summarizes strong evidence for USP18 as a previously unrecognized pharmacologic target in oncology. Cancer Res; 78(3); 587–92. ©2018 AACR.
Mechanism of Periostin Production in Human Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Makita Kosuke , Mikami Yu , Matsuzaki Hirotaka , Miyashita Naoya , Takeshima Hideyuki , Noguchi Satoshi , Horie Masafumi , Urushiyama Hirokazu , Iikura Motoyasu , Hojo Masayuki , Nagase Takahide , Yamauchi Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

Background: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by airway remodeling, in which the bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) cells play an important role. Periostin, a biomarker that reflects Th2-driven inflammatory diseases such as asthma, may play an important role in the asthmatic airway. Although periostin is mainly produced in airway epithelial cells and fibroblasts after interleukin (IL)-13 stimulation, whether BSM cells produce periostin remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated periostin production in BSM cells and the mechanisms involved. Methods: Human BSM cells were cultured, and the effect of IL-13 stimulation on periostin production was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We evaluated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (STAT6), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and Akt after IL-13 stimulation. Furthermore, using ELISA, we evaluated the influence of several phosphorylation inhibitors on periostin production. Results: Periostin mRNA expression increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner after IL-13 stimulation; periostin production was induced 24 and 48 h after stimulation. IL-13 stimulation induced the phosphorylation of STAT6, ERK1/2, and Akt. IL-13-induced periostin production was attenuated by inhibiting STAT6 phosphorylation and strongly suppressed by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 phosphorylation or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation. Conclusions: BSM cells produced periostin after IL-13 stimulation, via the JAK/STAT6, ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt pathways. Understanding the mechanism of periostin production in BSM cells may help to clarify asthma pathogenesis.
Boiling and Pressure Cooking Impact on IgE Reactivity of Soybean Allergens
Authors: Cabanillas Beatriz , Cuadrado Carmen , Rodriguez Julia , Dieguez Maria Carmen , Crespo Jesus F. , Novak Natalija
Published: January 2018

Background: Soybean is one of the 8 foods that causes the most significant rate of food allergies in the USA and Europe. Thermal processing may impact on the allergenic potential of certain foods. We aimed to investigate modifications of the IgE-binding properties of soybean proteins due to processing methods that have been previously found to impact on the allergenicity of legumes such as peanut. Methods: Soybean seeds were subjected to different thermal processing treatments. To evaluate their impact on the IgE-binding capacity of soybean proteins, individual sera from 25 patients sensitized to soybean were used in in vitro immunoassays. Detection of specific soybean allergens in untreated and treated samples was carried out with specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. In vivo studies of skin prick testing (SPT) were also performed. Results: The IgE reactivity of soybean was resistant to boiling up to 30 min, and this treatment had a higher impact when applied for 60 min. Treatment that combined heat and pressure produced a fragmentation of proteins in both soluble and insoluble fractions that went along with a decreased capacity to bind IgE and reduced the SPT wheal size. However, allergens such as 7S globulins survived this treatment. Conclusions: Thermal-processing methods able to attenuate the capacity of soybean proteins to bind IgE may contribute to the improvement of food safety and could constitute a potential strategy for the induction of tolerance to soybean.
O PÚBLICO E O PRIVADO, AS PATENTES E A SAÚDE: ESTUDO DA FRAUDE DE FARMACÊUTICAS NA ITÁLIA COMPARADO À LEGISLAÇÃO BRASILEIRA
Authors: Rocha Cristianne Maria Famer , Petersen Letícia Lassen , Santos Lígia Daiane Fink dos
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo aborda os obstáculos à regulação econômica do comércio de medicamentos no Brasil. A delimitação temática recai sobre o caso italiano de prática de conluio por parte de duas empresas do ramo farmacêutico para fraudar o sistema de saúde e a existência de indícios da mesma prática no Brasil. A prática do crime contra a ordem econômica e financeira respingou na própria organização do sistema público de saúde italiano e as empresas foram consideradas culpadas pela prática criminosa. O caso retoma a discussão da necessidade de intervenção estatal na economia – do ponto de vista tanto da regulação do mercado quanto da fiscalização do que é efetivamente ofertado à população pelo comércio –, com vistas à promoção da dignidade da pessoa humana, o que inclui a proteção da saúde pelo Estado. A pesquisa tem por objetivo sistematizar o caso italiano de duplicidade no registro de patente, paralelamente abordando a regulação econômica do registro dos medicamentos no Brasil e a criminalização do conluio nessa seara, para, então, testar a hipótese de pesquisa de que a mesma conduta empresarial de duplo registro da patente também foi adotada no Brasil. O método hipotético dedutivo conduz a realização da pesquisa, oferecendo ao leitor a sistematização do caso escolhido e conceitos com base em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental (livros, jornais de repercussão internacional, revistas científicas, artigos científicos, bulas dos medicamentos envolvidos e legislação brasileira sobre a matéria) para, assim, dialogar acerca dos fatos.
ALGUMAS BATALHAS ESTÃO SENDO PERDIDAS. PERDEREMOS A GUERRA?
Authors: Dallari Sueli Gandolfi
Published: January 2018

Já conversamos neste espaço sobre as disputas ocorridas nos primeiros anosdesta década a respeito dos sistemas públicos universais de saúde e da chamada cobertura sanitária universal. O fato é que a saúde passou a ser tema de interesse na Assembleia Geral da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU).
Relação Médico-Paciente e Relação Perito-Periciando: diferenças e semelhanças
Authors: Silva Ângela Tartuce Gomes da , Maciel Daniele Pimentel , Framil Valéria M. S. , Gianvecchio Daniele Muñoz , Gianvecchio Victor A. P. , Muñoz Daniel Romero
Published: January 2018

Introdução: A relação médico-paciente é a base da Medicina e está fundamentada nos princípios da beneficência, não-maleficência, justiça e autonomia. A perícia médica surgiu diante da necessidade da aplicação de conhecimentos técnicos no âmbito do Direito. As diferenças entre essas duas atuações médicas é objeto de conflitos que dificultam a atuação do médico perito. Objetivo: Estabelecer as diferenças e semelhanças entre a relação médico-paciente e a relação perito-periciando. Material e Métodos: Revisão de literatura de artigos e periódicos em língua portuguesa na base de dados Scielo e em livros especializados sobre o assunto. Discussão: A relação médico-paciente se baseia em confiança mútua, estabelecimento de vínculo mútuo, busca por um resultado em comum: diagnóstico e tratamento; há coerência entre a comunicação verbal e não verbal, a anamnese constitui o principal método propedêutico, sendo os exames complementares solicitados para auxiliar o diagnóstico e há o compromisso com o sigilo profissional. Já a relação perito-periciando possui uma natureza investigativa, não havendo uma relação de confiança mútua, a finalidade é o esclarecimento da Justiça e o sigilo profissional não fica restrito ao binômio perito-periciando. A semelhança entre essas duas relações está relacionada à conduta do médico que deve ser pautada na técnica, no respeito, educação e abstenção de julgamentos morais e de valores, além da necessidade de atualização por parte do profissional. Conclusão: A relação médico-paciente e a relação perito-periciando apresentam características peculiaridades e algumas delas são inconfundíveis. Em ambas as situações observamos a importância da atuação médica como essência desta relação e suas consequentes implicações morais, jurídicas e éticas.
A função narrativa de María de Regla em Cecilia Valdés de Cirilo Villaverde
Authors: Eduardo Padula Francisco
Published: January 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a importante função narrativa que desempenha a personagem María de Regla na obra mais famosa de Cirilo Villaverde, Cecilia Valdés. Aparentemente secundária nos primeiros capítulos do romance, vamos nos dando conta de sua importância no decorrer da obra, especialmente nos capítulos VIII e IX da terceira parte quando relata às suas amas o porquê de Doña Rosa, mãe das jovens, mandá-la ao engenho La Tinaja. Faz alusão ainda, através de uma interessante técnica narrativa a qual não se inicia pelo início da história, à existência de outra meio-irmã que elas teriam. Essa meio irmã é justamente a personagem que dá título ao livro de Villaverde: Cecilia Valdes. Também assim, analisa-se o final da história quando María de Regla, ao querer ajudar seu marido que se encontrava preso, conta a verdadeira origem de Cecilia, jovem mãe que acabara de ter um filho de Leonardo, filho primogênito e dileto de Doña Rosa. Da resolução que toma a matriarca em casar seu filho e de sua morte no altar também há a interferência de María de Regla graças a uma interessante peripécia.
Bandeira de Santa Teresa. Ecos da obra de Teresa de Ávila em nove poemas de Manuel Bandeira
Authors: Ferreira Ana
Published: January 2018

O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar a hipótese de diálogo da obra do poeta brasileiro Manuel Bandeira com a da santa poeta espanhola Teresa de Ávila. Considerando a colaboração de Manuel Bandeira na tradução da obra de Santa Teresa de Ávila para o português, e a simultaneidade do erótico e o místico recorrente nos versos bandeirianos, buscamos revelar possíveis ecos da obra desta importante expressão da poesia religiosa do Siglo de Oro espanhol em nove poemas de Bandeira, integrantes de livros vários: de Carnaval, publicado em 1919, a Opus 10, de 1952. Na breve análise destes nove poemas de Manuel Bandeira, destacamos possíveis influências da obra de Santa Teresa, na forma, nos termos, símbolos, e até na cronologia, tendo em conta ainda a biografia do poeta modernista. Além da influência literária propriamente dita, Teresa de Ávila parece se desdobrar em objeto de desejo do sujeito lírico, constando em versos ao longo de toda a obra de Bandeira, em disposição que sugere etapas de uma longa relação amorosa.
Design and Verification of a New Monochromatic Thermal Emission Component for the I3RC Community Monte Carlo Model
Authors: Jones Alexandra L. , Di Girolamo Larry
Published: January 2018

The Intercomparison of 3D Radiation Codes (I3RC) community Monte Carlo model has been extended to include a source of photon emission from the surface and atmosphere, thereby making it capable of simulating scalar radiative transfer in a 3D scattering, absorbing, and emitting domain with both internal and external sources. The theoretical basis, computational implementation, verification of the internal emission, and computational performance of the resulting model, the “IMC+emission,” is presented. Thorough verification includes fundamental tests of reciprocity and energy conservation, comparison to analytical solutions, and comparison with another 3D model, the Spherical Harmonics Discrete Ordinate Method (SHDOM). All comparisons to fundamental tests and analytical solutions are accurate to within the precision of the simulations—typically better than 0.05%. Comparison cases to SHDOM were typically within a few percent, except for flux divergence near cloud edges, where the effects of grid definition between the two models manifest themselves. Finally, the model is applied to the established I3RC case 4 cumulus cloud field to provide a benchmark result, and computational performance and strong and weak scaling metrics are presented. The outcome is a thoroughly vetted, publicly available, open-source benchmark tool to study 3D radiative transfer from either internal or external sources of radiation at wavelengths for which scattering, emission, and absorption are important.
Future Caribbean Climates in a World of Rising Temperatures: The 1.5 vs 2.0 Dilemma
Authors: Taylor Michael A. , Clarke Leonardo A. , Centella Abel , Bezanilla Arnoldo , Stephenson Tannecia S. , Jones Jhordanne J. , Campbell Jayaka D. , Vichot Alejandro , Charlery John
Published: January 2018

A 10-member ensemble from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) is used to analyze the Caribbean’s future climate when mean global surface air temperatures are 1.5°, 2.0°, and 2.5°C above preindustrial (1861–1900) values. The global warming targets are attained by the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s respectively for RCP4.5. The Caribbean on average exhibits smaller mean surface air temperature increases than the globe, although there are parts of the region that are always warmer than the global warming targets. In comparison to the present (using a 1971–2000 baseline), the Caribbean domain is 0.5° to 1.5°C warmer at the 1.5°C target, 5%–10% wetter except for the northeast and southeast Caribbean, which are drier, and experiences increases in annual warm spells of more than 100 days. At the 2.0°C target, there is additional warming by 0.2°–1.0°C, a further extension of warm spells by up to 70 days, a shift to a predominantly drier region (5%–15% less than present day), and a greater occurrence of droughts. The climate patterns at 2.5°C indicate an intensification of the changes seen at 2.0°C. The shift in the rainfall pattern between 1.5°C (wet) and 2.0°C (dry) for parts of the domain has implications for regional adaptation pursuits. The results provide some justification for the lobby by the Caribbean Community and Small Island Developing States to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, as embodied in the slogan “1.5 to Stay Alive.”
Repeated lipopolysaccharide exposure modifies immune and sickness behaviour response in an animal model of chronic inflammation
Authors: Musaelyan Ksenia , Aldridge Steven , Du Preez Andrea , Egeland Martin , Zunszain Patricia A , Pariante Carmine M , Thuret Sandrine , Fernandes Cathy
Published: January 2018

Repeated lipopolysaccharide exposure is often used in longitudinal preclinical models of depression. However, the potential phenotypic differences from acute depression-mimicking effects are rarely described. This study compared chronic lipopolysaccharide administration of doses previously used in depression research to a new mode of escalating dose injections. Adult male BALB/c mice ( n=8/group) were injected intraperitoneally with either a single 0.83 mg/kg dose, a repeated 0.1 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide dose or a dose which escalated weekly from 0.33 to 0.83 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide for six weeks. The escalating lipopolysaccharide group demonstrated most features of sickness behaviour such as weight loss and reduction in food intake every week, whilst this effect was not sustained in other groups. Moreover, only in the escalating lipopolysaccharide group did most peripheral plasma cytokines levels, measured using Luminex multiplex technology, such as interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin-2 remain over three-fold elevated on the sixth week. In addition, exposure to escalating doses led to a reduction of neuroblast maturation in the dentate gyrus relevant for depression neurobiology. Therefore, this mode of injections might be useful in the studies attempting to replicate neurobiological aspects of the chronic inflammatory state observed in mood disorders.
The Hieratic Texts in the Tomb of Nakht the Gardener, at Thebes (No. 161) as Copied by Robert Hay
Authors: Quirke Stephen
Published: January 2018

Publication, with translation and commentary, of Hay's copies of the six groups of hieratic graffiti which he recorded in the tomb of Nakht.
A Demotic land Lease from Philadelphia: P. BM 10560
Authors: Martin Cary J.
Published: January 2018

Publication of P. BM 10560, a land lease from Philadelphia, dated to 190 bc. The commentary examines a number of issues relating to demotic instruments of lease, as well as providing a survey of the demotic papyri from Philadelphia. The text is unique among demotic leases in that it contains declarations by both parties and then a joint statement. This raises the question of who would have kept the text, and the author's conclusions point to the 'rbṱ, the Greek σνγγραϕoϕύλαξ, whose presence in native sources is confined to Philadelphia and Akoris.
The Tomb of Maya and Meryt: Preliminary Report on the Saqqâra Excavations, 1987–8
Authors: Martin Geoffrey T. , Raven Maarten J. , Aston Barbara Greene , Van Dijk Jacobus
Published: January 2018

During two seasons of work the EES-Leiden expedition excavated the tomb of Maya and Meryt. It is similar to the neighbouring tomb of Horemheb, except that the outer court is not furnished with a complete peristyle. The reveals of the pylon are decorated with reliefs to a height of 3.33 m, including scenes with Maya adoring Osiris, offering bearers, and an autobiographical text. The main courtyard appears to be unfinished. More reliefs were found in the inner court and on the reveals of the entrances to the cult chapel and flanking chapels. Some of these were recorded by Lepsius during his 1843 expedition, but some have since disappeared.

The substructure is on two levels. The upper was reused for late burials, but the lower is exclusively the burial complex of Maya and his wife. Three finely decorated rooms survive here, though much was pulled down or smashed by ancient plunderers. New light is thrown on the mortuary cult of the tomb owners, and among the surviving textual material is a new hymn to Osiris. Many objects and enormous quantities of closely contexted pottery, some with hieratic dockets, were recovered. The skeletal remains will be examined in a forthcoming season.
The Death of Niphururiya and its Aftermath
Authors: Bryce Trevor R.
Published: January 2018

The identity of the pharaoh called Niphururiya (or Nibhururiya) in the Hittite document commonly known as the ‘Deeds’ of Suppiluliuma is re-examined. Opinion is still largely divided between two candidates—Akhenaten and Tutankhamun; Smenkhkare has recently been suggested as a third possibility. The paper concentrates on three main factors: (1) important revisions to the chronology of Suppiluliuma's reign; (2) a re-examination of the identity of the pharaoh called Huriya in the Amarna letter EA41; (3) a consideration of the fragmentary document KUB XIX 20, a letter written by Suppiluliuma to Niphururiya's successor. These factors establish beyond doubt that Niphururiya was Tutankhamun. While it is clear from the Hittite records that Niphururiya/Tutankhamun died in late summer, evidence from Tutankhamun's tomb indicates that the pharaoh was not buried until the following spring. Thus, an unusually long delay between death and burial, considerably beyond the traditional 70-day period, is indicated. The paper concludes with a discussion of the reasons for this delay.
The Ox and the Donkey
Authors: Alcock Anthony
Published: January 2018

A parallel from the medieval Arabic The Thousand and One Nights is adduced to throw light on a Late Egyptian letter in which a workman contrasts the kindly treatment accorded the ox with the burdens heaped on the donkey.
Egyptian Law Courts in Pharaonic and Hellenistic Times
Authors: Allam S.
Published: January 2018

Against the background of the relatively well-documented judicial machine of the New Kingdom, a review of the much sparser evidence for the first millennium bc reveals a new terminology in documents from the reign of Psammetichus I onwards: instead of the old qnbt-councils, new idioms are used, apparently indicating real law courts (e.g. nȝ wpty. w, ‘the judges’; 'wi n wpy. t, ‘judgement house’). The consistent use of such terms implies a major reform of the judiciary. It is further argued that the Egyptian law courts appealed to during the Ptolemaic period were the natural continuation of this earlier system.
A Twenty-first Dynasty private reburial at Thebes
Authors: Dodson Aidan
Published: January 2018

The publication of a hieratic label in Durham, which deals with the early Twenty-first Dynasty reburial of a private person and mentions an embalmer named Neferrenpet, who appears to have been involved with a number of the reburial commissions of the period.
Coping Strategies That Mitigate Against Symptoms of Depression Among Latino Farmworkers
Authors: Terrazas Samuel R. , McCormick Adam
Published: January 2018

Latino farmworkers have a higher rate of depression when compared with other Latinos and the general adult population in the United States. Researchers have suggested oppressive labor policies, acculturation stressor, anti-immigrant polices and attitudes, and the dangers associated to farm work as culprits to high rates of depression among farmworkers. We examined the traits farmworkers reported that helped them mitigate symptoms of depression. Our sample consisted of 64 adult male and female farmworkers who lived in western Texas and worked in Eastern New Mexico. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R) and self-reports of symptoms of depression to assess for depression. We found that, among this sample, the rates of depression were similar to other studies and that farmworkers used cognitive restructuring strategies to mitigate symptoms of depression.
A novel design of a high-strength high-temperature graphite die
Authors: Yan Wentao , Jiang Dafa , Yuan Xiao , Zhou Bin , Lin Feng
Published: January 2018

Graphite die is a critical component in material processing, especially at high temperature. However, its strength is a bottleneck. In this study, we propose a novel, efficient, and economical solution to remarkably enhance the strength of graphite dies by employing the pre-stressed carbon fiber winding technology. An engineering application of a graphite die for hot pressing at 1273 K demonstrated the reliability and practicality: the original graphite die breaks under a punch pressure of 70 MPa and the carbon fiber wound graphite dies work well under a punch pressure up to 100 MPa. The finite element simulations illustrate that the 1-mm-thick layer of carbon fiber is able to reduce the maximum principal stress of the graphite die effectively from 130 MPa to 30 MPa. This is the first application of the pre-stressed carbon fiber winding technique to high-temperature components.
Association of CXCL13 serum level and ultrasonographic findings of joints in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and Jaccoud’s arthropathy
Authors: Ribeiro D Sá , Lins C F , Galvão V , Santos W G Dourado , Rosa G , Machicado V , Pedreira A L , da Fonseca E P , Souza A P Mota Duque , Baleeiro C , Ferreira L G , Oliveira I Silva de , Gama da Silva J P Cotrim , Atta A M , Santiago M B
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to perform an ultrasonography (US) analysis of hands and wrists in two groups of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with and without Jaccoud’s arthropathy, matched by age and disease duration and to correlate them with levels of CXCL13 clinical features, laboratory tests and disease activity score.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with SLE were enrolled, 32 with and 32 without Jaccoud’s arthropathy. Each patient underwent physical examination, laboratory tests (including CXCL13 by ELISA) and bilateral US. Synovial hypertrophy, tenosynovitis and erosions were evaluated according to a semiquantitative grading system with a 0–3 rating. US findings were correlated with serum levels of CXCL13, other serological parameters and disease activity index.

Results

Synovitis was found in 25/64 patients (39%) and tenosynovitis in 14/64 (22%). These findings were more frequent in SLE patients with Jaccoud’s arthropathy, particularly tenosynovitis ( p = 0.002) and synovitis ( p = 0.01). Median serum level of CXCL13 was 20.16 pg/ml in the whole population (23.21 pg/ml in the Jaccoud’s arthropathy group and 11.48 pg/ml in the group without). There was an association between the presence of disease activity and high level of CXCL13 ( p = 0.004). However, no association was found between high levels of CXCL13 and “arthritis” in SLEDAI, swollen joints on physical examination or synovitis on US.

Conclusions

US findings in joints of SLE patients with Jaccoud’s arthropathy confirm that synovitis and tenosynovitis are common in these patients. In addition, serum level of CXCL13 is associated with disease activity in SLE but does not seem to be a biomarker for arthritis in these patients.