bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical decontamination of iPS cell-derived neural cell mixtures
Authors: Mao Di , Chung Xie Khim Watson , Andoh-Noda Tomoko , Qin Ying , Sato Shin-ichi , Takemoto Yasushi , Akamatsu Wado , Okano Hideyuki , Uesugi Motonari
Published: January 2018

Simple phosphorylation of an anticancer drug provides a safe, cost-effective, and chemically-defined tool for decontaminating hiPSC-derived neurons.
Intense excimer CPL of pyrenes linked to a quaternaphthyl
Authors: Takaishi Kazuto , Takehana Ryosuke , Ema Tadashi
Published: January 2018

(R,R,R)-Quaternaphthyl possessing multiple pyrenes emits CPL with high ΦFL and glum values both in solution and in the solid state.
A fluorescent microbead-based microfluidic immunoassay chip for immune cell cytokine secretion quantification
Authors: Cui Xin , Liu Ya , Hu Dinglong , Qian Weiyi , Tin Chung , Sun Dong , Chen Weiqiang , Lam Raymond H. W.
Published: January 2018

Quantitative and dynamic analyses of immune cell secretory cytokines are essential for precise determination and characterization of the “immune phenotype” of patients for clinical diagnosis and treatment of immune-related diseases.
A new ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting endogenous HClO in living cells
Authors: Zhang Li-Jie , Ning Jun-Ya , Miao Jun-Ying , Liu Jin-Ting , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: January 2018

A new benzimidazole-hemicyanine-based ratiometric fluorescent probe (ZBM-H) was developed, which showed high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting HClO.
Antibacterial and rechargeable surface functional nanofiber membrane for healthcare textile application
Authors: Yuan Qinwen , Lu Zhentan , Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Yuanli , Liu Ke , Wang Yuedan , Wang Wenwen , Liu Qiongzhen , Wang Dong
Published: January 2018

The membrane could create a clean environment for doctors and patients to prevent nosocomial cross infection and the activity could be recharged.
One-step synthesis of S,B co-doped carbon dots and their application for selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Zhao Chunxi , Jiao Yang , Zhang Lei , Yang Yaling
Published: January 2018

S,B co-doped carbon dots were synthesized, and their application in the detection of diethylstilbestrol.
Inhibition of miR-181a promotes midbrain neuronal growth through a Smad1/5-dependent mechanism: implications for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hegarty Shane V. , Sullivan Aideen M. , O’Keeffe Gerard W.
Published: January 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and is characterized by the progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Current PD treatments are symptomatic, wear off over time and do not protect against DA neuronal loss. Finding a way to re-grow midbrain DA (mDA) neurons is a promising disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for PD. However, reliable biomarkers are required to allow such growth-promoting approaches to be applied early in the disease progression. miR-181a has been shown to be dysregulated in PD patients, and has been identified as a potential biomarker for PD. Despite studies demonstrating the enrichment of miR-181a in the brain, specifically in neurites of postmitotic neurons, the role of miR-181a in mDA neurons remains unknown. Herein, we used cell culture models of human mDA neurons to investigate a potential role for miR-181a in mDA neurons. We used a bioninformatics analysis to identify that miR-181a targets components of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway, including the transcription factors Smad1 and Smad5, which we find are expressed by rat mDA neurons and are required for BMP-induced neurite growth. We also found that inhibition of neuronal miR-181a, resulted in increased Smad signalling, and induced neurite growth in SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, using embryonic rat cultures, we demonstrated that miR-181a inhibition induces ventral midbrain (VM) and cortical neuronal growth. These data describe a new role for miR-181a in mDA neurons, and provide proof of principle that miR-181a dysresgulation in PD may alter the activation state of signalling pathways important for neuronal growth in neurons affected in PD.
Impact of relay side information on the coverage region for the wireless relay channel with correlated noises
Authors: Boostanpour Jafar , Abed Hodtani Ghosheh
Published: January 2018

The discrete alphabet and memoryless relay channel (RC) with side information (SI) and its extension to the continuous alphabet Gaussian version with uncorrelated noises have been studied by Zaidi et al. Zhang et al. have studied a Gaussian RC with correlated noises and uninformed relay. Aggarwal et al. have analysed a coverage region for a RC without any SI and with uncorrelated noises. In this study, the authors have investigated the impact of SI on the coverage region as an important wireless performance factor for a wireless RC, and also derived the capacity upper and lower bounds for such a channel with SI and correlated noises. The results of this research include previous studies as special cases, and that under special circumstances, noise correlation can tighten the upper bound, and furthermore, SI enlarges the coverage region as expected intuitively. Mathematical derivations and numerical results are obtained to support the claims.
Performance studies on dielectric and physical properties of eco‐friendly based natural ester oils using semi‐conductive nanocomposites for power transformer application
Authors: Ramaian Thirugnanam Arun Ram Prasath , Maria Siluvairaj Willjuice Iruthayarajan , Karthik Radha
Published: January 2018

In recent years, the interests on ester‐based insulating oil as replacement of mineral oil in large power transformers are growing remarkable manner because of its environmental impact. Green insulating natural ester oil derived from natural sources results in higher biodegradability, fire resistant properties and so on. This research work presents the evaluation of dielectric and physical properties in natural ester oil like sunflower oil (SFO), rice bran oil and corn oil using semi‐conductive nanocomposites for different percentages of volume concentrations. The AC breakdown voltage (BDV), loss tangent, DC resistivity, viscosity, dielectric permittivity, flash point and fire point properties are examined as per ASTM and IEC standards. Astoundingly, it is found that use of nanocomposite fluids (NCFs) results enhanced BDV and fire point properties in SFO samples. Hence, ester oil‐based NCF serves as a compromising alternative insulation medium for power transformer application.
Empirical photometric calibration of the Gaia red clump: Colours, effective temperature, and absolute magnitude
Authors: Ruiz-Dern L. , Babusiaux C. , Arenou F. , Turon C. , Lallement R.
Published: January 2018

Context. Gaia Data Release 1 allows the recalibration of standard candles such as the red clump stars. To use those stars, they first need to be accurately characterised. In particular, colours are needed to derive interstellar extinction. As no filter is available for the first Gaia data release and to avoid the atmosphere model mismatch, an empirical calibration is unavoidable.

Aims. The purpose of this work is to provide the first complete and robust photometric empirical calibration of the Gaia red clump stars of the solar neighbourhood through colour–colour, effective temperature–colour, and absolute magnitude–colour relations from the Gaia, Johnson, 2MASS, Hipparcos, Tycho-2, APASS-SLOAN, and WISE photometric systems, and the APOGEE DR13 spectroscopic temperatures.

Methods. We used a 3D extinction map to select low reddening red giants. To calibrate the colour–colour and the effective temperature–colour relations, we developed a MCMC method that accounts for all variable uncertainties and selects the best model for each photometric relation. We estimated the red clump absolute magnitude through the mode of a kernel-based distribution function.

Results. We provide 20 colour versus G−Ks relations and the first Teff versus G−Ks calibration. We obtained the red clump absolute magnitudes for 15 photometric bands with, in particular, MKs = (−1.606 ± 0.009) and MG = (0.495 ± 0.009) + (1.121 ± 0.128)(G−Ks−2.1). We present a dereddened Gaia-TGAS HR diagram and use the calibrations to compare its red clump and its red giant branch bump with Padova isochrones.
Expansion patterns and parallaxes for planetary nebulae
Authors: Schönberner D. , Balick B. , Jacob R.
Published: January 2018

Aims.We aim to determine individual distances to a small number of rather round, quite regularly shaped planetary nebulae by combining their angular expansion in the plane of the sky with a spectroscopically measured expansion along the line of sight.

Methods.We combined up to three epochs ofHubbleSpace Telescope imaging data and determined the angular proper motions of rim and shell edges and of other features. These results are combined with measured expansion speeds to determine individual distances by assuming that line of sight and sky-plane expansions are equal. We employed 1D radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of nebular evolution to correct for the difference between the spectroscopically measured expansion velocities of rim and shell and of their respective shock fronts.

Results.Rim and shell are two independently expanding entities, driven by different physical mechanisms, although their model-based expansion timescales are quite similar. We derive good individual distances for 15 objects, and the main results are as follows: (i) distances derived from rim and shell agree well; (ii) comparison with the statistical distances in the literature gives reasonable agreement; (iii) our distances disagree with those derived by spectroscopic methods; (iv) central-star “plateau” luminosities range from about 2000L⊙to well below 10 000L⊙, with a mean value at about 5000L⊙, in excellent agreement with other samples of known distance (Galactic bulge, Magellanic Clouds, and K648 in the globular cluster M 15); (v) the central-star mass range is rather restricted: from about 0.53 to about 0.56M⊙, with a mean value of 0.55M⊙.

Conclusions.The expansion measurements of nebular rim and shell edges confirm the predictions of radiation-hydrodynamics simulations and offer a reliable method for the evaluation of distances to suited objects.
Exposed bright features on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko: distribution and evolution
Authors: Deshapriya J. D. P. , Barucci M. A. , Fornasier S. , Hasselmann P. H. , Feller C. , Sierks H. , Lucchetti A. , Pajola M. , Oklay N. , Mottola S. , Masoumzadeh N. , Tubiana C. , Güttler C. , Barbieri C. , Lamy P. L. , Rodrigo R. , Koschny D. , Rickman H. , Bertaux J.-L. , Bertini I. , Bodewits D. , Boudreault S. , Cremonese G. , Da Deppo V. , Davidsson B. J. R. , Debei S. , De Cecco M. , Deller J. , Fulle M. , Groussin O. , Gutierrez P. J. , Hoang H. V. , Hviid S. F. , Ip W. , Jorda L. , Keller H. U. , Knollenberg J. , Kramm R. , Kührt E. , Küppers M. , Lara L. , Lazzarin M. , Lopez Moreno J. J. , Marzari F. , Naletto G. , Preusker F. , Shi X. , Thomas N. , Vincent J.-B.
Published: January 2018

Context. Since its arrival at the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko in August 2014, the Rosetta spacecraft followed the comet as it went past the perihelion and beyond until September 2016. During this time there were many scientific instruments operating on board Rosetta to study the comet and its evolution in unprecedented detail. In this context, our study focusses on the distribution and evolution of exposed bright features that have been observed by OSIRIS, which is the scientific imaging instrument aboard Rosetta.

Aims. We envisage investigating various morphologies of exposed bright features and the mechanisms that triggered their appearance.

Methods. We co-registered multi-filter observations of OSIRIS images that are available in reflectance. The Lommel–Seeliger disk function was used to correct for the illumination conditions and the resulting colour cubes were used to perform spectrophotometric analyses on regions of interest.

Results. We present a catalogue of 57 exposed bright features observed on the nucleus of the comet, all of which are attributed to the presence of H2O ice on the comet. Furthermore, we categorise these patches under four different morphologies and present geometric albedos for each category.

Conclusions. Although the nucleus of 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko appears to be dark in general, there are localised H2O ice sources on the comet. Cometary activity escalates towards the perihelion passage and reveals such volatile ices. We propose that isolated H2O ice patches found in smooth terrains in regions, such as Imhotep, Bes, and Hapi, result from frost as an aftermath of the cessation of the diurnal water cycle on the comet as it recedes from perihelion. Upon the comet’s return to perihelion, such patches are revealed when sublimation-driven erosion removes the thin dust layers that got deposited earlier. More powerful activity sources such as cometary outbursts are capable of revealing much fresher, less contaminated H2O ice that is preserved with consolidated cometary material, as observed on exposed patches resting on boulders. This is corroborated by our albedo calculations that attribute higher albedos for bright features with formations related to outbursts.
Recent changes in distribution pattern of freshwater crayfish in Croatia − threats and perspectives
Authors: Maguire Ivana , Klobučar Göran , Žganec Krešimir , Jelić Mišel , Lucić Andreja , Hudina Sandra
Published: January 2018

Analysis of Croatian freshwater crayfish populations, aiming to gather new distributional data and complement previous surveys (2005–2011), was performed during 2014–2016, within the frame of Natura 2000 Integration Project. The research included different waterbodies across the whole of Croatia, harbouring both indigenous and non-indigenous crayfish species (ICS and NICS, respectively). Field work was conducted in 117 grid squares with dimensions 10 × 10 km, and up to four waterbodies were surveyed per grid square, making a total of 450 studied sites. Out of those, crayfish were not recorded in 368 sites. In the sites with crayfish presence (i.e., 82), the most frequently observed ICS was Astacus astacus (registered in 33 sites) followed by Austropotamobius pallipes (16 sites), Austropotamobius torrentium (12 sites), and Astacus leptodactylus (5 sites). Concerning NICS, the majority of records were for Orconectes limosus (13 sites), followed by Pacifastacus leniusculus (2 sites), whereas Procambarus fallax f. virginalis was registered in only one locality. Comparisons of obtained data with those from previous surveys showed that NICS are progressively spreading and displacing ICS, as recorded for A. leptodactylus that was almost completely displaced by O. limosus in waterbodies of the east Croatia. Existing ICS populations are under growing anthropogenic preassure, frequently fragmented and isolated. Moreover, this survey showed that in the last decade 55% of A. astacus and 67% of A. pallipes populations disappeared mainly as a consequence of anthropogenic influence onto their habitats. Further monitoring and conservation actions for ICS should be urgently applied to mitigate negative impacts of both NICS and anthropogenic influence.
Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized 4H-Chromenes via an Fe(OTf)3-Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of Phenols and Ketones
Authors: Li Hui-Jing , Wu Yan-Chao , Deng Kai , Huai Qi-Yong , Wang Jun-Hu , Yang Hui-Ru , Liu Ying
Published: January 2018

The iron(III) triflate catalyzed cyclization reaction of phenols and ketones is described; the reaction provides a direct approach to 4H-chromene derivatives. 4H-Chromene is an important structural fragment of many pharmaceuticals, natural products, and functional materials. The 4H-chromene synthetic protocol possesses many advantages, such as using readily available and inexpensive starting materials and a non-toxic catalyst, high selectivity, and operational simplicity, which offer­ attractive industrial prospects from the point of view of green and sustainable chemistry.
Oligodendrogliomas: a genética molecular e o desenvolvimento de estratégia terapêutica adjuvante
Authors: da Fonseca Clovis Orlando , da Gama Fischer Juliana de Saldanha , Masini Marcos , Futuro Débora , Caetano Regina , Gattass Cerli R. , Santos Thereza Q.
Published: January 2018

A incidência dos oligodendrogliomas tem aumentado provavelmente em razão do progresso na precisão de diagnóstico. Aproximadamente dois terços dos pacientes com a forma mais agressiva, oligodendroglioma anaplásico, mostram resposta substancial à quimioterapia com a associação procarbazina/lomustina/ vincristina (PCV). Entretanto, os resultados da quimioterapia com PCV para oligodendrogliomas anaplásicos recidivados têm sido limitados. A progressão anaplásica dos oligodendrogliomas resulta em grande número de células com ERK/MAPK ativadas. O monoterpeno álcool perílico demonstra atividades quimiopreventiva e quimioterápica em diversos modelos de tumores e sugere-se que estas possam estar associadas com a capacidade de inibir a farnesilação pós-traducional e a sinalização da Ras, assim como a cascata de sinalização por meio da RAF-MEK-ERK. Estudo do nosso grupo observou que pode estar atuando mediante a inibição da fosforilação da extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), uma proteína envolvida na cascata de transdução de sinal através da membrana e proliferação celular induzida pela proteína Ras. Este artigo discute a redução de oligodendroglioma anaplásico recidivado em paciente tratado durante nove meses com álcool perílico por via intranasal.
Abscessos do tronco cerebral: Apresentação de seis casos
Authors: Kirchhoff Daniel de Carvalho , Kirchhoff Dierk F. B. , Muoio Valeria
Published: January 2018

Estudo retrospectivo de seis casos de abscesso de tronco cerebral, atendidos num período de cinco anos em nosso Serviço. Foram levados em consideração: idade dos pacientes, sexo, comorbidades, sorologia para HIV, quadro clínico, tratamento realizado (craniotomia ou punção por estereotaxia), microorganismo identificado e resultado do tratamento.

Apresentamos, a seguir, a discussão dos casos e revisão da literatura.
Injeções epidurais de esteroides no tratamento da dor lombar
Authors: Joaquim Andrei F.
Published: January 2018

Contexto: Injeções de corticosteroides no espaço epidural (IEE) fazem parte do arsenal terapêutico no tratamento da dor lombossacral associada à radiculopatia, e sua utilização é crescente em todo o mundo. Objetivo: Revisão dos principais aspectos referentes ao tema, como indicações e contraindicações, eficácia, forma de uso (interlaminar, transforaminal ou sacral), drogas a serem utilizadas e complicações. Método: Pesquisa bibliográfica baseada em dados MedLine (National Library of Medicine), abrangendo o período de 1980 a 2008. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram epidural, steroid injection, lumbar or lumbosacral. Os artigos foram avaliados pelos resumos, selecionando-se também revisões bibliográficas e trabalhos pertinentes ao texto. Realizou-se, além disso, pesquisa manual de eventuais referências cruzadas relevantes de artigos selecionados não encontradas na base de dados e em livros-texto sobre o assunto. Conclusão: A injeção de esteroide no espaço epidural é uma alternativa terapêutica importante no tratamento da dor lombossacral associada à radiculopatia. Novos estudos bem desenhados com diagnósticos clínico e radiológico mais precisos, posologias e técnicas padronizadas podem auxiliar na seleção de subgrupos de pacientes que mais se beneficiarão com o procedimento.
Escrevendo resumos mais informativos
Authors: Paixão Oliveira Débora Moura da , Pereira Carlos Umberto
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Mostrar os principais achados da pesquisa sobre resumos estruturados e discutir suas limitações, bem como fornecer aos autores inexperientes ou iniciantes as recomendações mínimas necessárias para a construção de um resumo estruturado. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura médica sobre artigos relevantes. Resultados: Os resumos estruturados são tipicamente mais longos do que os tradicionais, mas são considerados mais informativos e acessíveis. Autores e leitores julgam ser mais úteis do que resumos tradicionais. Entretanto, existem críticas em relação ao uso de resumos estruturados e nem todos os periódicos os adotam. Conclusão: Os resumos estruturados exigem apresentação de achados de maneira sistemática, todavia são melhores que os tradicionais por serem adaptados para a maioria das investigações. A observação dos padrões dos resumos estruturados pode facilitar o processo de escrever, bem como a discussão das características dos resumos estruturados pode ser útil aos futuros autores.
Cavernomas da medula torácica: Considerações e relato de um caso-exemplo
Authors: Stávale Joaquim Marcos Augusto , Patriota Gustavo Cartaxo , Bianco André de Macedo
Published: January 2018

Os autores discutem o tratamento dos cavernomas da medula torácica e apresentam um caso como exemplo. Essas lesões são passíveis de ressecção cirúrgica preventiva de déficits neurológicos.
Hemodinâmica do vasoespasmo
Authors: Stávale Joaquim Marcos Augusto , Patriota Gustavo Cartaxo , Bianco André de Macedo
Published: January 2018

Os autores descrevem as alterações hemodinâmicas encefálicas que ocorrem na vigência do vasoespasmo após a hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurismas. O conhecimento dessas alterações facilita o entendimento das medidas terapêuticas.
Traumatismo cranioencefálico e sua associação com uso de canabinoides e cocaína: experiência de hospital universitário brasileiro
Authors: Vieira de Faria José Weber , Silva de Souza Cláudio Márcio , Nishioka Sérgio de Andrade , Arbex Guilherme Leonel , Alarcão Gustavo Gil , de Freitas Wender Barbosa
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou identificar aspectos da epidemiologia dos traumatismos cranioencefálicos (TCEs) moderados e graves dos pacientes admitidos no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, bem como sua associação com consumo de cocaína e canabinoides. Métodos: Para isso, foram coletados dados prospectivos sobre 139 vítimas assistidas nesse hospital, todas com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Os acidentes de transporte responderam pelo maior número de vítimas, seguidos daquelas pessoas que sofreram quedas acidentais. Resultados: Do total de pacientes avaliados, 84 (com casos de TCE moderado, grave e mesmo leve) tiveram amostra de urina coletada para detecção de maconha e cocaína. Os exames foram positivos para maconha em 8,2% dos pacientes e em 13,9% para cocaína. Conclusão: Não foram vistas diferenças significativas no tocante ao sexo e à idade, bem como à atividade realizada no momento do trauma. A maioria dos atendimentos desses pacientes, no entanto, se deu no período noturno. A alta frequência de consumo de substâncias ilícitas associada aos TCEs evidencia a importância de se incluírem esses dados quando da realização de estudos acerca desse tipo de traumatismo, bem como aponta para um problema de saúde pública.
Shwannoma unilateral do acústico em criança sem associação com neurofibromatose
Authors: Nai Gisele Alborghetti , Ferrari Antonio Fernandes , Naufal Rodrigo Ferrari , Prates Marcello Americano
Published: January 2018

Schwannomas do acústico representam 8% dos tumores intracranianos primários do adulto, havendo apenas 20 casos relatados em crianças sem associação com neurofibromatose. Aqueles que ocorrem em crianças geralmente são ricamente vascularizados, sendo preconizada por alguns autores a embolização da lesão antes da cirurgia. Relata-se e discute-se o terceiro caso da literatura nacional de schwannoma do acústico em uma criança sem associação com neurofibromatose. Paciente feminina, de 10 anos, apresentando ataxia, cefaleia e diminuição da acuidade auditiva à direita. A ressonância magnética (RM) mostrou massa tumoral no ângulo pontocerebelar direito sugestiva de meduloblastoma/ependimoma. A análise histopatológica do espécime cirúrgico fez o diagnóstico de schwannoma do acústico. Na investigação clínica, a criança não apresentava neurofibromatose. Embora seja raro em crianças sem associação com neurofibromatose, a hipótese de schwannoma não deve ser descartada em casos de diminuição da acuidade auditiva com RM demonstrando massa tumoral no ângulo pontocerebelar.
Abscesso extradural da coluna vertebral – Revisão de literatura
Authors: Pereira Carlos Umberto
Published: January 2018

O abscesso extradural da coluna vertebral tem sido considerado raro. Sua incidência é de 0,2 a 2 casos por 10.000 internações/ano. O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão sobre abscesso extradural da coluna vertebral, analisando causas, quadro clínico, exames de neuroimagens, tratamento e prognóstico. Trata-se de artigo de revisão baseado em levantamento nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed e SciELO, em que foram analisados os artigos mais relevantes a respeito desse assunto. Foram selecionados 66 artigos, nos quais são analisados fatores predisponentes, localização anatômica, quadro clínico, exames complementares, tratamento e prognóstico. Acomete mais indivíduos idosos e do sexo masculino. Os principais fatores predisponentes são: diabetes mellitus, pacientes imunodeprimidos e intervenções cirúrgicas na coluna vertebral. As condições clínicas pré-operatórias, intervenção cirúrgica precoce, antibioticoterapia apropriada e reabilitação intensiva são fatores determinantes no prognóstico em abscesso extradural da coluna vertebral.
Perioperative care in brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Pereira Oliveira Arthur Maynart , de Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , de Monaco Bernardo Assumpção , da Silva Lapa Jorge Dornellys , Matos Queiroz João Welberthon , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: January 2018

The authors provide a review of brain arteriovenous malformations, initially reviewing epidemiological and etiological aspects in addition to the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with bleeding. The emphasis of this review is directed to the clinical and care should be taken since the diagnosis of this pathology, intraoperative management on the viewpoint of the anesthesiologist to the potential complications that occur after resection of the lesion.
Aggressive giant cell glioblastoma with negative p53 expression: case report
Authors: da Cunha Marcelo Viana Rodrigues , Keith Julia , da Costa Leodante Batista
Published: January 2018

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common intrinsic brain tumor in adults, accounting for 67% of primary brain tumors. Giant cell glioblastoma (GCG) is a rare variation of GBM, occurring in less than 5% of the cases. GCG has been demonstrated to affect younger patients and have a more indolent course than traditional GBM with longer survival rates. Age, surgical resection, and genetic features are likely related with better prognosis. The presence of a p53 mutation is found in 75% of GCG with this more indolent behavior. We present a case of a 72 years-old female who presented with an extremely aggressive GCG without p53 expression who had an unusually rapid neurological deterioration and tumor regrowth after surgical excision.
Postoperative structural complications after microscopic transsphenoidal surgery of GH secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Vieira da Cunha Marcelo Lemos , Brunelli Pletz Ana Luiza , Biurrum Borba Luis Alencar , Boguszewski Cesar Luiz
Published: January 2018

Objective: Analyzing the rate of structural complications after transsphenoidal surgery for removal of growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas. Methods: Retrospective study of 58 patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal neurosurgery for GH secreting pituitary adenomas exeresis in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil, between 1998 and 2011 by the same neurosurgeon. The Criteria for diagnosis of complications were clinical. Results: Five (8,6%) of the 58 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery developed postoperative anatomical complications, which was due to sixth cranial nerve palsy (3,4%), surgical wound infection (1,7%) and CSF fistula (3,4%). Conclusion: The rate of postoperative complications observed in the present study is likely the literature review. There is a drop in the rate of complications with increasing experience of the neurosurgeon.
Hemorragia intracerebral supratentorial espontânea: aspectos determinantes para melhor prognóstico funcional
Authors: Daniel Zullo João Flávio , Fernandes Yvens Barbosa
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Detectar quais aspectos das hemorragias intracerebrais supratentoriais espontâneas lobares e de núcleos da base se correlacionam com melhor prognóstico funcional, além de analisar se os pacientes admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 (Escala de Coma de Glasgow – GCS) que atingiram melhor prognóstico funcional após 30 dias do íctus foram beneficiados pelo tratamento cirúrgico. Método: Sessenta e sete pacientes (18 a 80 anos) com hematomas intraparenquimatosos espontâneos lobares e de núcleos da base foram avaliados quanto a idade, nível de consciência à admissão hospitalar, profundidade da lesão, volume do hematoma, ausência de hemoventrículo, desvio de linha média (DLM), tempo entre íctus e cirurgia, além da opção de tratamento (cirúrgico ou conservador), sendo correlacionados com a evolução funcional em 30 dias após o íctus da hemorragia (Escala de Resultados de Glasgow – GOS), considerando-se melhor prognóstico funcional se GOS ≥ 3. Resultados: Nas hemorragias lobares, pacientes admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 e com volume do hematoma < 50 ml alcançaram bom prognóstico funcional (p < 0,001). Houve tendência a bom resultado se DLM ≤ 5 mm (p = 0,051), quando tratamento é cirúrgico (p = 0,098) e se não há hemoventrículo (p = 0,073). Nas hemorragias de núcleos da base, apenas pacientes admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 atingiram bom resultado funcional (p = 0,009). Pacientes admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 e que atingiram GOS ≥ 3 foram beneficiados quando volume do hematoma é menor que 50 ml (p = 0,048). Pacientes com hemorragias lobares admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 em deterioração neurológica tendem a ser beneficiados pela cirurgia. Conclusão: Todos os pacientes admitidos com GCS ≥ 9 têm melhor prognóstico funcional. Pacientes com hemorragias lobares e lesões menores que 50 ml também são significativamente favorecidos, além de existir tendência à melhor evolução quando operados, sem hemoventrículo e com DLM ≤ 5 mm. Se admitidos não comatosos (GCS ≥ 9), hematomas pequenos colaboram para melhor resultado funcional, e pacientes com hemorragias lobares em deterioração neurológica tendem a se beneficiar com a cirurgia.
Análise comparativa da avaliação da lordose lombar aferida na radiografia em ortostase e na ressonância magnética
Authors: Jaques Cristina Saade , de Gouvêa Lara Maria Miranda , Batista Júnior José Lucas , Junior Charbel Jacob , Cardoso Igor Machado , Fonseca Adroaldo Nobrega , Lourenço Rafael Burgomeister , Rezende Rodrigo
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Comparar os ângulos encontrados na radiografia em ortostase e na ressonância magnética (RM) em decúbito dorsal com coxim sobre os membros inferiores. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, de caráter descritivo, no qual se avaliou uma amostra de 100 pacientes, sendo 51 do sexo masculino, em que o grau de lordose lombar foi aferido por três examinadores independentes por meio da radiografia em ortostase e da RM em decúbito, com coxim, nos níveis de L1 a L5, de acordo com o método de Cobb. Resultados: A média dos valores encontrados na radiografia e na RM com coxim de L1 a L5 foi de 42,2° e 31,5°, respectivamente (p < 0,001), demonstrando que a angulação da lordose lombar aferida na RM subdimensiona a verdadeira angulação em 25%. Conclusão: A RM é insuficiente para a avaliação da lordose lombar, sendo de extrema importância a avaliação radiológica para avaliar a verdadeira angulação da lordose lombar.
Internações por traumatismo cranioencefálico em Sergipe, de 2000 a 2011
Authors: Viana Natália de Jesus , Bohland Anna Klara , Pereira Carlos Umberto
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico das vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) que tiveram internação hospitalar em instituições cobertas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS, de 2000 a 2011. Método: Pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. Utilizaram-se dados secundários provenientes do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH-SUS). Para o estudo, foram utilizados: taxa de internações por TCE por idade, sexo, ano, mês e duração da internação, óbitos hospitalares, diagnóstico secundário e valor da internação. Para fins de análise, foi utilizado o programa Tabwin. Resultados: O coeficiente de hospitalização em Sergipe variou de 22,8 a 38,1 por 100.000 habitantes e o coeficiente de mortalidade hospitalar foi de 4,5 por 100.000 habitantes por ano. As internações concentraram-se em homens (82,2%) e entre 20 a 39 anos (43,3%). A maior causa de internação e óbitos foram as causas cuja intenção é indeterminada (36,6% das internações e 42,4% dos óbitos), seguidas pelos acidentes de trânsito (33,2% e 32%, respectivamente). A letalidade hospitalar foi de 13,7%, sendo as agressões físicas e a faixa etária idosa as circunstâncias mais relacionadas ao óbito hospitalar. Conclusões: É necessário conhecer perfil da população acometida para traçar estratégias individuais e coletivas de prevenção desses agravos. O uso dos bancos de dados disponíveis é uma ferramenta valiosa nesse contexto.
Signaling pathways in cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Romero Flávio Ramalho , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: January 2018

Cerebral vasospasm is a deadly complication following the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. One new development in the experimental treatment of cerebral vasospasm is the looming target of signaling pathways. The pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm involves multiple signaling pathways in proliferation, inflammation, cell death, smooth muscle phenotype changes, vascular remodeling, and contraction. A review of all of these areas is beyond the scope of this article, and as such, three systems that mediate these vascular responses have been selected: the tyrosine kinase-MAP kinase pathway, the sphingosine-1-Rho myosin light chain kinase pathway and protein kinase C.
On drift wave instabilities excited by strong plasma gradients in toroidal plasmas
Authors: Chen Haotian , Chen Liu
Published: January 2018

Motivated by the recent global gyrokinetic simulations of electrostatic drift-wave instabilities in the strong plasma gradient region of toroidal plasmas [Fulton et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 042110 (2014); Xie et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 095001 (2017); Xie and Xiao, Phys. Plasmas 22, 090703 (2015)], we have carried out the corresponding analytical and numerical investigations in the case of ion temperature gradient driven modes. It is shown that, for sufficiently strong plasma gradients, the eigenmodes are slab-like and predominantly bounded by the plasma non-uniformities. Our results are qualitatively consistent with the simulation observations.
Generating one to four-wing hidden attractors in a novel 4D no-equilibrium chaotic system with extreme multistability
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zeng Yicheng , Li Zhijun , Wang Mengjiao , Xiong Le
Published: January 2018

By using a simple state feedback controller in a three-dimensional chaotic system, a novel 4D chaotic system is derived in this paper. The system state equations are composed of nine terms including only one constant term. Depending on the different values of the constant term, this new proposed system has a line of equilibrium points or no equilibrium points. Compared with other similar chaotic systems, the newly presented system owns more abundant and complicated dynamic properties. What interests us is the observation that if the value of the constant term of the system is nonzero, it has no equilibria, and therefore, the Shil'nikov theorem is not suitable to verify the existence of chaos for the lack of heteroclinic or homoclinic trajectory. However, one-wing, two-wing, three-wing, and four-wing hidden attractors can be obtained from this new system. In addition, various coexisting hidden attractors are obtained and the complex transient transition behaviors are also observed. More interestingly, the unusual and striking dynamic behavior of the coexistence of infinitely many hidden attractors is revealed by selecting the different initial values of the system, which means that extreme multistability arises. The rich and complex hidden dynamic characteristics of this system are investigated by phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and so on. Finally, the new system is implemented by an electronic circuit. A very good agreement is observed between the experimental results and the numerical simulations of the same system on the Matlab platform.
Hole-cyclotron instability in semiconductor quantum plasmas
Authors: Areeb F. , Rasheed A. , Jamil M. , Siddique M. , Sumera P.
Published: January 2018

The excitation of electrostatic hole-cyclotron waves generated by an externally injected electron beam in semiconductor plasmas is examined using a quantum hydrodynamic model. The quantum effects such as tunneling potential, Fermi degenerate pressure, and exchange-correlation potential are taken care of. The growth rate of the wave is analyzed on varying the parameters normalized by hole-plasma frequency, like the angle θ between propagation vector and B0∥ẑ, speed of the externally injected electron beam v0∥k, thermal temperature of the electron beam τ, external magnetic field B0∥ẑ that modifies the hole-cyclotron frequency, and finally, the semiconductor electron number density. The instability of the hole-cyclotron wave seeks its applications in semiconductor devices.
Investigation of the magnetic properties of Si-gradient steel sheet by comparison with 6.5%Si steel sheet
Authors: Hiratani T. , Zaizen Y. , Oda Y. , Yoshizaki S. , Senda K.
Published: January 2018

In this study, we investigated the magnetic properties of Si-gradient steel sheet produced by CVD (chemical vapor deposition) siliconizing process, comparing with 6.5% Si steel sheet. The Si-gradient steel sheet having silicon concentration gradient in the thickness direction, has larger hysteresis loss and smaller eddy current loss than the 6.5% Si steel sheet. In such a loss configuration, the iron loss of the Si-gradient steel sheet becomes lower than that of the 6.5% Si steel sheet at high frequencies. The experiment suggests that tensile stress is formed at the surface layer and compressive stress is formed at the inner layer in the Si gradient steel sheet. The magnetic anisotropy is induced by the internal stress and it is considered to affect the magnetization behavior of the Si-gradient steel sheet. The small eddy current loss of Si-gradient steel sheet can be explained as an effect of magnetic flux concentration on the surface layer.
Real-time and high accuracy frequency measurements for intermediate frequency narrowband signals
Authors: Tian Jing , Meng Xiaofeng , Nie Jing , Lin Liwei
Published: January 2018

Real-time and accurate measurements of intermediate frequency signals based on microprocessors are difficult due to the computational complexity and limited time constraints. In this paper, a fast and precise methodology based on the sigma-delta modulator is designed and implemented by first generating the twiddle factors using the designed recursive scheme. This scheme requires zero times of multiplications and only half amounts of addition operations by using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and the combination of the Rife algorithm and Fourier coefficient interpolation as compared with conventional methods such as DFT and Fast Fourier Transform. Experimentally, when the sampling frequency is 10 MHz, the real-time frequency measurements with intermediate frequency and narrowband signals have a measurement mean squared error of ±2.4 Hz. Furthermore, a single measurement of the whole system only requires approximately 0.3 s to achieve fast iteration, high precision, and less calculation time.
High-voltage microdischarge as a source of extreme density plasma
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: January 2018

The generation of non-equilibrium (cold) plasmas with the densities ∼1019–1020 cm−3 in a fully ionized state has been reported in several recent experimental studies. In this work, we simulate a high-voltage high-pressure nanosecond xenon microdischarge that provides an easily accessible source of such a fully ionized cold plasma. In our studies, we use self-consistent one-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo collisions model. We observe that the generation of a fully ionized plasma can be driven by the secondary electron emission from the cathode. Initially, secondary electrons propagate through the collisional sheath and generate the plasma with a density ∼1018 cm−3. Such a dense plasma generated in the vicinity of the cathode sheath makes sheath collisionless, which allows the acceleration of secondary electrons to keV energies. These energetic electrons are responsible for the generation of fully ionized plasma. We also obtain that accounting for the electron field emission allows faster generation of fully ionized plasma, although the main physical mechanisms remain unchanged.
Synergistic effects in threshold models on networks
Authors: Juul Jonas S. , Porter Mason A.
Published: January 2018

Network structure can have a significant impact on the propagation of diseases, memes, and information on social networks. Different types of spreading processes (and other dynamical processes) are affected by network architecture in different ways, and it is important to develop tractable models of spreading processes on networks to explore such issues. In this paper, we incorporate the idea of synergy into a two-state (“active” or “passive”) threshold model of social influence on networks. Our model's update rule is deterministic, and the influence of each meme-carrying (i.e., active) neighbor can—depending on a parameter—either be enhanced or inhibited by an amount that depends on the number of active neighbors of a node. Such a synergistic system models social behavior in which the willingness to adopt either accelerates or saturates in a way that depends on the number of neighbors who have adopted that behavior. We illustrate that our model's synergy parameter has a crucial effect on system dynamics, as it determines whether degree-k nodes are possible or impossible to activate. We simulate synergistic meme spreading on both random-graph models and networks constructed from empirical data. Using a heterogeneous mean-field approximation, which we derive under the assumption that a network is locally tree-like, we are able to determine which synergy-parameter values allow degree-k nodes to be activated for many networks and for a broad family of synergistic models.
Identification and characterization of chitinolytic bacteria isolated from a freshwater lake
Authors: Tran Dinh Minh , Sugimoto Hayuki , Nguyen Dzung Anh , Watanabe Takeshi , Suzuki Kazushi
Published: January 2018

To develop a novel type of biocontrol agent, we focus on bacteria that are characterized by both chitinase activity and biofilm development. Chitinolytic bacteria were isolated from sediments and chitin flakes immersed in the water of a sand dune lake, Sakata, in Niigata, Japan. Thirty-one isolates from more than 5100 isolated strains were examined chitinase activity and biofilm formation. Phylogenetic analysis of these isolates based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that most isolates belonged to the family Aeromonadaceae, followed by Paenibacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Neisseriaceae. The specific activity of chitinase of four selected strains was higher than that of a reference strain. The molecular size of one chitinase produced by Andreprevotia was greater than that of typical bacterial chitinases. The dialyzed culture supernatant containing chitinases of the four strains suppressed hyphal growth of Trichoderma reesei. These results indicate that these four strains are good candidates for biocontrol agents.
Rebound Effects of New Irrigation Technologies: The Role of Water Rights
Authors: Li Haoyang , Zhao Jinhua
Published: January 2018

We study how institutions such as water rights can complement new irrigation technologies in promoting the sustainability of U.S. agriculture. Using data from the Ogallala‐High Plains Aquifer region of Kansas, we find that water extraction moderately increases after adopting Low Energy Precise Application (LEPA) irrigation, and this rebound effect is in general higher for farmers with larger water rights. About half of the LEPA's rebound effects arise because adopters tend to irrigate more land and grow more water‐intensive crops, with the remaining half attributable to more intensive irrigation. Farmers with greater water rights use more water, with two‐thirds of the effects arising from irrigating larger land areas, and one‐third of the effects attributable to more intensive irrigation. A 10% reduction of water rights will reduce water use by 5% in the long run, and if the reduction targets the majority of the water rights, which lie between 100 and 500 AF, LEPA's rebound effect decreases by 15.4%. Finally, we find that farmers have an incentive to apply a small amount of water in order to preserve their water rights, but the associated water waste is insignificant.
Levinas and the Ethics of War and Peace
Authors: Shaw Joshua
Published: January 2018

This essay considers the role of war in Levinas’s philosophy and his philosophy’s place in the secondary literature on the ethics of war. It is argued that his understanding of war most closely matches just war theory, although it bears similarities as well to pacifist fears about the depersonalization that occurs in war. These comparisons are used to raise concerns about both Levinas’s philosophy and just war theory. Reading just war theory through the lens of his philosophy exposes the inability of just war theory to settle pacifist fears about wartime depersonalization. Conversely, reading Levinas through the lens of this debate reinforces the worry that there may be an unbridgeable gap between ethics and justice in his philosophy.
Levinas and German Idealism
Authors: Shuster Martin
Published: January 2018

This chapter looks at Emmanuel Levinas’s relationship to German Idealism, specifically the philosophy of Fichte and Hegel (and here, also Kant). It argues against the common suggestion that posits a stark dualism between, on one hand, Levinas as representative of ‘infinity,’ and, on the other hand, Hegel and German Idealism as representative ‘totality.’ Instead, this chapter shows how that dualism is too simplistic and does not cover the richness of the respective projects of these figures, especially when one takes stock of contemporary ‘nonmetaphysical’ readings of German Idealism. It is alternatively shown how all of these thinkers orient themselves around themes that come out of Kant, themes centering around the nature of self-consciousness (and—now leaving Kant behind—to what extent and how self-consciousness requires the presence of an/the other). Ultimately, the chapter does conclude with the idea that there are important differences between Levinas and German Idealism, but it is argued that these differences are quite distinct from what scholars have taken them to be; in light of this, some prospective paths forward are suggested.
Biosecurity and the Risk to Global Health
Authors: Enemark Christian
Published: January 2018

Global health is potentially diminished by practices of biosecurity aimed at safeguarding the health of human populations against selected infectious disease risks. Some diseases inspire so much government concern that they are accorded the status of security issues, and adopting a security-based rationale for prevention and response efforts can garner extra resources and stronger powers for risk-reduction purposes. However, such an approach can result in practices that are counterproductive from a health perspective. This chapter shows that biosecurity can endanger global health in at least four areas of policy concern: the development of defences against biological weapons, the management of security risks arising from laboratory research on pathogenic microorganisms, the prioritization of disease risks and response mechanisms as part of an agenda of global health security, and the use of national borders to contain transnational contagion.