bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of cytochrome P450 2C8 by 3-methylcholanthrene in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Utgikar Rucha , Riddick David S.
Published: April 2017

The marked induction of cytochromes P450 such as CYP1A1 caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) is often accompanied by suppression of other hepatic P450s. The molecular mechanisms, functional consequences, and human relevance of P450 downregulation by PAHs are poorly understood. MC suppresses mRNA levels for CYP2C8, an important human P450, in cultured human hepatocytes. To avoid hepatocyte lot-to-lot variability, we assessed CYP2C8 regulation by MC in HepaRG cells, a terminally differentiated human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line that maintains high P450 expression. MC strongly induced CYP1A1 mRNA levels and markedly downregulated CYP2C8 mRNA levels in HepaRG cells. Although MC also suppressed CYP2C8 mRNA levels in the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, basal CYP2C8 expression was extremely low. HepaRG cells appear to be an appropriate model system for studying the mechanisms and functional consequences of CYP2C8 downregulation by PAHs.
Heavy right-handed neutrino dark matter in left–right models
Authors: Dev P. S. Bhupal , Mohapatra Rabindra N. , Zhang Yongchao
Published: April 2017

We show that in a class of non-supersymmetric left–right extensions of the Standard Model (SM), the lightest right-handed neutrino (RHN) can play the role of thermal Dark Matter (DM) in the Universe for a wide mass range from TeV to PeV. Our model is based on the gauge group [Formula: see text] in which a heavy copy of the SM fermions is introduced and the stability of the RHN DM is guaranteed by an automatic [Formula: see text] symmetry present in the leptonic sector. In such models, the active neutrino masses are obtained via the type-II seesaw mechanism. We find a lower bound on the RHN DM mass of order TeV from relic density constraints, as well as a unitarity upper bound in the multi-TeV to PeV scale, depending on the entropy dilution factor. The RHN DM could be made long-lived by soft-breaking of the [Formula: see text] symmetry and provides a concrete example of decaying DM interpretation of the PeV neutrinos observed at IceCube.
Neutron stars in the laboratory
Authors: Graber Vanessa , Andersson Nils , Hogg Michael
Published: April 2017

Neutron stars are astrophysical laboratories of many extremes of physics. Their rich phenomenology provides insights into the state and composition of matter at densities which cannot be reached in terrestrial experiments. Since the core of a mature neutron star is expected to be dominated by superfluid and superconducting components, observations also probe the dynamics of large-scale quantum condensates. The testing and understanding of the relevant theory tend to focus on the interface between the astrophysics phenomenology and nuclear physics. The connections with low-temperature experiments tend to be ignored. However, there has been dramatic progress in understanding laboratory condensates (from the different phases of superfluid helium to the entire range of superconductors and cold atom condensates). In this review, we provide an overview of these developments, compare and contrast the mathematical descriptions of laboratory condensates and neutron stars and summarize the current experimental state-of-the-art. This discussion suggests novel ways that we may make progress in understanding neutron star physics using low-temperature laboratory experiments.
Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Timoshenko Beams
Authors: Chen Wei-Ren , Chang Heng
Published: April 2017

The vibration behavior of a functionally graded Timoshenko beam is investigated by applying the transformed-section method. The material properties of a functionally graded (FG) beam are assumed to vary across the thickness according to a simple power law. The cross section of FG beam with two constituents is first transformed into an equivalent cross section of the material on the top. Then, the lateral and longitudinal vibration equations of a homogeneous Timoshenko beam are separately applied to the beam with the transformed section. The bending natural frequencies of FG beam are evaluated using the Chebyshev collocation method, and the longitudinal natural frequencies are also obtained from the known closed-form solutions. Some of the analytical results are compared with the existing numerical data to validate the present model accuracy. Good agreement has been observed between the analytical and numerical data. The effects of aspect ratio, volume fraction, and boundary conditions on the free-vibration behavior of FG beam are discussed. The present analytical solutions provide an insight to the effects of various parameters on the vibration behavior of the beam. They also serve as benchmarks for testing the vibration results obtained by other analytical or approximate methods.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of porphyrin derivatives with suitable anchoring groups for DSSC applications
Authors: Sánchez-Bojorge Nora A. , Flores-Armendáriz Simón , Fuentes-Montero María E. , Ramos-Sánchez Victor H. , Zaragoza-Galán Gerardo , Rodríguez-Valdez Luz M.
Published: April 2017

In this contribution, different porphyrin derivatives were experimentally synthesized and theoretically analyzed using several electronic structure methods to study the geometrical and electronic properties of A4, trans-A2B[Formula: see text]and A3B porphyrins bearing several functional groups (–OH, –COOH, -3,5-di-[Formula: see text]Bu, –OCH2CH2CH2COOEt and –OMe) suitable to be employed as dyes in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). A4 (R [Formula: see text] -H, -OMe, -OH, -3,5-di-tert-butyl, –OCH2CH2CH2COOEt) and A3B (R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]–H; R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]–OH and R[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]-3,5-di-[Formula: see text]Bu) porphyrins were synthesized and characterized by UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopies for comparison. The geometrical parameters were analyzed in the ground state and gas phase using the semiempirical method PM6 and the DFT functionals M06-2X and B3LYP, in combination with the 6-31G(d), DZVP and TZVP basis set. For calculations of the electronic and excited state properties, CAM-B3LYP, M06-2X and HSE06, using SMD as solvation model, were applied. This study revealed that HSE06/DZVP protocol is the best methodology to simulate electronic spectra in these porphyrin derivatives. Indeed, whereas substituent groups did not significantly affect the geometrical structure of the porphyrin derivatives studied, they do influence their electronic structures, mainly in the LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy levels.
Synthesizable Standard Cell FPGA Fabrics Targetable by the Verilog-to-Routing CAD Flow
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Anderson Jason H.
Published: April 2017

In this article, we consider implementing field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) using a standard cell design methodology and present a framework for the automated generation of synthesizable FPGA fabrics. The open-source Verilog-to-Routing (VTR) FPGA architecture evaluation framework [Rose et al. 2012] is extended to generate synthesizable Verilog for its in-memory FPGA architectural device model. The Verilog can subsequently be synthesized into standard cells, placed and routed using an ASIC design flow. A second extension to VTR generates a configuration bitstream for the FPGA, where the bitstream configures the FPGA to realize a user-provided placed and routed design. The proposed framework and methodology makes possible the silicon implementation of a wide range of VTR-modeled FPGA fabrics. In an experimental study, area and timing-optimized FPGA implementations in 65nm TSMC standard cells are compared to a 65nm Altera commercial FPGA. In addition, we consider augmenting the generic standard-cell library from TSMC with a manually designed and laid-out FPGA-specific cell. We demonstrate the utility of the custom cell in reducing the area of the synthesized FPGA fabric.
Designing Vehicle Turning Restrictions Based on the Dual Graph Technique
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Qi Hongsheng , Wang Dianhai , Wang Zhong , Yang Jian
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the turning restriction design problem that optimizes the turning restriction locations so as to minimize the total system travel time under the assumption of asymmetric user equilibrium. We first transform a transportation network into a dual graph, where traffic turning movements are explicitly modeled as dual links. The dual transformation allows us to derive a link‐based formulation for the turning restriction design problem. Asymmetric user equilibrium is incorporated in the model as a set of nonlinear constraints. A dual‐based heuristic algorithm is employed to solve the problem, by sequentially solving a relaxed turning restriction design problem and a design updating problem.
Improving CKD Diagnosis and Blood Pressure Control in Primary Care: A Tailored Multifaceted Quality Improvement Programme
Authors: Humphreys John , Harvey Gill , Hegarty Janet
Published: April 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health issue. From 2009 to 2014, the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Greater Manchester (NIHR CLAHRC GM) in England ran 4 phased, 12-month quality improvement (QI) projects with 49 primary care practices in GM. Two measureable aims were set – halve undiagnosed CKD in participating practices using modelled estimates of prevalence; and optimise blood pressure (BP) control (<140/90 mm Hg in CKD patients without proteinuria; <130/80 mm Hg in CKD patients with proteinuria) for 75% of recorded cases of CKD. The 4 projects ran as follows: P1 = Project 1 with 19 practices (September 2009 to September 2010), P2 = Project 2 with 11 practices (March 2011 to March 2012), P3 = Project 3 with 12 practices (September 2012 to October 2013), and P4 = Project 4 with 7 practices (April 2013 to March 2014). Methods: Multifaceted intervention approaches were tailored based on a contextual analysis of practice support needs. Data were collected from practices by facilitators at baseline and again at project close, with self-reported data regularly requested from practices throughout the projects. Results: Halving undiagnosed CKD as per aim was exceeded in 3 of the 4 projects. The optimising BP aim was met in 2 projects. Total CKD cases after the programme increased by 2,347 (27%) from baseline to 10,968 in a total adult population (aged ≥18 years) of 231,568. The percentage of patients who managed to appropriate BP targets increased from 34 to 74% (P1), from 60 to 83% (P2), from 68 to 71% (P3), and from 63 to 76% (P4). In nonproteinuric CKD patients, 88, 90, 89, and 91%, respectively, achieved a target BP of <140/90 mm Hg. In proteinuric CKD patients, 69, 46, 48, and 45%, respectively, achieved a tighter target of <130/80 mm Hg. Analysis of national data over similar timeframes indicated that practices participating in the programme achieved higher CKD detection rates. Conclusions: Participating practices identified large numbers of “missing” CKD patients with comparator data showing they outperformed non-QI practices locally and nationally over similar timeframes. Improved BP control also occurred through this intervention, but overall achievement of the tighter BP target in proteinuric patients was notably less.
A Case of Paraneoplastic Cushing Syndrome Presenting as Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome
Authors: Brzezniak Christina E. , Vietor Nicole , Hogan Patricia E. , Oronsky Bryan , Thilagar Bennett , Ray Carolyn M. , Caroen Scott , Lybeck Michelle , Oronsky Neil , Carter Corey A.
Published: April 2017

Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors that mainly arise in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and bronchi. Bronchopulmonary carcinoids have been associated with Cushing syndrome, which results from ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion. We report the case of a 65-year-old man, a colonel in the US Air Force, with metastatic bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors treated on a clinical trial who was hospitalized for complaints of increasing thirst, polydipsia, polyuria, weakness, and visual changes. Decompensated hyperglycemia suggested a diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). Additional findings, which included hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, metabolic alkalosis, moon facies, and striae, raised a red flag for an ectopic ACTH syndrome. Elevated ACTH levels confirmed Cushing syndrome. Treatment with a fluid replacement and insulin drip resulted in immediate symptomatic improvement. Cushing syndrome should be considered in carcinoid patients with physical stigmata such as moon facies and striae. HHNS may be the presenting clinical feature in patients with impaired glucose metabolism.
Interpretation of the Fractional Excretion of Sodium in the Absence of Acute Kidney Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Schreuder Michiel F. , Bökenkamp Arend , van Wijk Joanna A.E.
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: The fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) may be helpful in establishing the cause of acute renal failure. This study was performed to determine the influence of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), sodium intake, and tubular function on FeNa in children without renal failure. Methods: In this single institute cross-sectional study, 24-h-urine collections from patients (4-18 years of age, GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were used when considered reliable, and analyzed to determine sodium excretion, creatinine clearance and FeNa. The influence of tubular function was studied in 5 patients with generalized tubular dysfunction. Results: Based on data from 761 patients, a multiple regression formula was designed based on GFR and sodium excretion that predicted over 80% of the variation in FeNa (R2 = 0.824, p < 0.001). Using this formula, the predicted FeNa was significantly lower than the measured FeNa in the children with tubular dysfunction. Conclusion: FeNa depends on GFR and sodium intake, and tubular function cannot be assessed without possessing adequate knowledge on all factors. Therefore, no normal range or cut-off value for FeNa to assess tubular function can be given, and doing so is a misapplication of this equation.
Associations between Pain and Quality of Life in Severe Dementia: A Norwegian Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rostad Hanne Marie , Puts Martine T.E. , Cvancarova Småstuen Milada , Grov Ellen Karine , Utne Inger , Halvorsrud Liv
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Many variables influence the quality of life in older adults with dementia. We aim to quantify how the relationship between pain and quality of life in nursing home residents with severe dementia can be explained by neuropsychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms, and activities of daily living. Methods: This article presents cross-sectional baseline data from a cluster randomised controlled trial. Results: The total and direct effects of pain on quality of life were statistically significant. Both neuropsychiatric and depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between pain and quality of life. Activities of daily living acted as a mediator only when modelled together with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Pain, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and depressive symptoms appear to be important factors that influence the quality of life for nursing home residents with severe dementia. Therefore, multidimensional interventions may be beneficial for maintaining or improving quality of life in this population.
Painful Leg Ulceration in a Poorly Controlled Hypertensive Patient: A Case Report of Martorell Ulcer
Authors: Malhi Harsimran Kaur , Didan Ali , Ponosh Stefan , Kumarasinghe Sujith Prasad
Published: April 2017

Martorell ulcer is a form of lower limb ulceration, preceded by a small area of excruciating pain. It often appears as a solitary lesion on the outer aspect of the lower limb, and is primarily associated with poorly controlled hypertension and diabetes. Treatment of the ulcer involves awareness and early correct diagnosis, adequate control of blood pressure, management of infection, and wound care. We describe a 77-year-old diabetic and hypertensive woman presenting with excruciating pain in her right lower lateral leg leading to a necrotic ulcer. Serial photographs of the evolution of the lesion and eventual healing of the ulcer are presented.
A Case of Subcutaneous Sarcoidosis Occurring along the Superficial Veins of the Forearms: A Distinctive Cutaneous Manifestation Masquerading Venous Tropic Action in the Underlying Systemic Disease
Authors: Koizumi Haruka , Oyama Noritaka , Hayakawa Yukinori , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: April 2017

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology, developing granulomas in any tissues and organs. Approximately 25% of sarcoidosis patients have cutaneous involvement with various clinical manifestations, which are categorized into specific or nonspecific diseases based on the histopathology; the former represents the typical sarcoid granulomas. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is one of the specific skin lesions and often affects extremities, to a much lesser extent with other anatomical sites. Herein, we report the case of an 82-year-old Japanese man with subcutaneous sarcoidosis whose skin nodules exclusively overlay the lines of superficial veins on the forearms. This rare clinical presentation was discussed with the literature reported thus far to access the underlying disease pathophysiology from the viewpoint of tropic response to the venous system in systemic sarcoidosis.
Cushing’s Syndrome, Cortisol, and Cognitive Competency: A Case Report
Authors: Oronsky Neil , Thilagar Bennett , Ray Carolyn M. , Caroen Scott , Lybeck Michelle M.C. , Ferry Lindsey , Voves Ronald A. , Oronsky Bryan
Published: April 2017

Glucocorticoids are associated with immunosuppression and neuropsychiatric complications. We describe the case of a carcinoid patient with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) and neurocognitive impairment due to ectopic ACTH production who developed sepsis and died because of his family’s decision to withdraw antibiotic treatment. This report is presented to illustrate the importance of advanced-care planning in patients with CS.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors with Renoprotective Effects
Authors: Satirapoj Bancha
Published: April 2017

Background: Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and accounts for 40-50% of patients requiring renal replacement therapy. The main pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy comprises glucose-dependent pathways, hemodynamic pathways, and genetic factors. Summary: Glucose-dependent pathways, known as advanced glycation, polyols, and protein kinase C activation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Current studies have indicated that intensified glycemic control retards the rate of development of albuminuria and impairs renal function in both patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. However, therapeutic options have substantially increased over the last decade, but have not yet been translated to remarkably reduce the incidence of ESRD from diabetic nephropathy. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of glucose-lowering agents with potential renoprotective effects. Key Message: SGLT2 inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic approach to prevent and improve nephropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes. The current data strongly support that SGLT2 inhibitors have renoprotective properties not only by improving glycemic control but also through hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic renal effects. This review focuses on the latest published data dealing with hypoglycemic agents and SGLT2 inhibitors regarding the progression of kidney disease.
Carbohydrate Counting during Pregnancy in Women with Type 1 Diabetes: Are There Predictable Changes That We Should Know?
Authors: Zagury Roberto Luís , Rodacki Melanie , Mello de Oliveira Larissa , Saunders Claudia , de Carvalho Padilha Patricia , Zajdenverg Lenita
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Carbohydrate counting (CC) is a helpful strategy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and the main parameters used in this method are the insulin to carbohydrate ratio (ICR) and the sensitivity factor (SF). Throughout pregnancy, a state of insulin resistance develops. Therefore, we hypothesized that ICR and SF change and our aim was to describe the pattern of modification of these parameters in pregnant women with T1DM on CC. Methods: This study followed 21 women with T1DM throughout pregnancy. Starting ICR was 1:15 and SF was calculated using the formula: 1,500/total daily insulin dose (TDID; for regular insulin) or 1,800/TDID (for ultra-rapid analogs). ICR was adjusted every 1-2 weeks according to self-monitoring of blood glucose. SF was recalculated every 1-2 weeks. Results: Throughout gestation there was a mean decrease in the ICR in breakfast, lunch and dinner of 8.2 (p < 0.0001), 7.7 (p = 0.003) and 7 (p = 0.005) grams per international units (g/IU), respectively. Mean SF reduction from first to third trimester was 10 mg/dL per IU (mg/dL/IU; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Women with T1DM in CC during pregnancy evolve with a progressive reduction in the ICR at every meal (mean of 8.2 g/IU for breakfast, 7.7 g/IU for lunch and 7 g/IU for dinner) and also in the SF (10 mg/dL/IU).
While Isolated Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Significantly Impacts Sleep Depth and Efficiency, Co-Morbid Restless Leg Syndrome Mainly Exacerbates Perceived Sleep Quality
Authors: Hardy De Buisseret Florent-Xavier , Mairesse Olivier , Newell Johan , Verbanck Paul , Neu Daniel
Published: April 2017

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement (PLM) disorder (PLMD) can affect sleep quality and interfere with daytime functioning. Whether the co-morbidity of RLS further worsens daytime symptoms, sleep architecture and quality in patients with PLMs, is not yet fully clarified. Methods: Sleep (polysomnography) and daytime symptoms of 47 drug-free patients, assigned to isolated PLMD or co-morbid RLS subgroups, were compared to controls in a retrospective cohort-study (n = 501). Associations between perceived sleep quality, fatigue, sleepiness, mood and sleep variables were explored descriptively. Results: Although co-morbid patients showed worsened sleep quality, both patient groups showed similar sleepiness and affective symptoms. While significantly differing from controls, patients presented similarly increased light sleep, decreased slow-wave sleep and lowered sleep efficiency. Altered sleep quality, fatigue and sleepiness were significantly correlated to decreased slow-wave sleep and sleep fragmentation. Affective symptoms, fatigue and perceived sleep quality also correlated to PLM index. Conclusions: Sleep structure and efficiency were similarly impacted in isolated PLMD and in co-morbid RLS. RLS mainly worsened perceived sleep quality. Given that systematic treatment for isolated PLMD is currently not recommended, such results may question whether no or different-from-RLS treatment strategies are compatible with optimal care.
MicroRNA-661 Enhances TRAIL or STS Induced Osteosarcoma Cell Apoptosis by Modulating the Expression of Cytochrome c1
Authors: Fan Lin , Zhu Chunyan , Qiu Rongmin , Zan Pengfei , Zheng Zhi , Xu Tianyang , Li Guodong
Published: April 2017

Aim: Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone malignancy that affects rapidly growing bones and is associated with a poor prognosis. Our previous study showed that cytochrome c1 (CYC1), a subunit of the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) of the mitochondrial electron chain, is overexpressed in human OS tissues and cell lines and its silencing induces apoptosis in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the modulation of CYC1 expression in OS and its role in the resistance of OS to apoptosis. Methods: qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, fow cytometry, and animal experiments were performed in this study. Results: MicroRNA (miR)-661 was identified as a downregulated miRNA in OS tissues and cells and shown to directly target CYC1. Ectopically expressed miR-661 inhibited OS cell growth, promoted apoptosis, and reduced the activity of mitochondrial complex III. miR-661 overexpression enhanced TRAIL or STS induced apoptosis and promoted the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which induced caspase-9 activation, and these effects were abolished by a caspase-3 inhibitor. Overexpression of CYC1 rescued the effects of miR-661 on sensitizing OS cells to TRAIL or STS induced apoptosis, indicating that the antitumor effect of miR-661 is mediated by the downregulation of CYC1. In vivo, miR-661 overexpression sensitized tumors to TRAIL or STS induced apoptosis in a xenograft mouse model, and these effects were attenuated by co-expression of CYC1. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that miR-661 plays a tumor suppressor role in OS mediated by the downregulation of CYC1, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying cell death resistance in OS.
Curriculum and Youth and Adult Education: Power/Knowledge Space
Authors: Raimann Elizabeth Gottschalg
Published: April 2017

Curriculum establishes which knowledge is prioritized, such as that regarding views on the world and humanity and which “truth” to proclaim. Curricular theory gives epistemological support to what the curriculum will do through the curricular policies that will make viable the curriculum proposal, through holdings and documents at the macro and micro level. In class the curriculum fulfills certain roles and relationships between teacher and students and validates some knowledge while invalidating others, including certain individuals and excluding others. We understand curriculum as a trajectory that involves the entire dynamic in and for the school, in order to produce identities and subjectivities. The objective of this study is to problematize the curriculum field, focusing specifically on the education of youth and adults from a post-critical viewpoint. From this perspective, Youth and Adult Education begins to be perceived as a form of education in terms of the cultural political field: a space of power/knowledge that produces different identities.
Six year-olds’ private speech during construction of writing in intersubjectivity
Authors: Cavaton Maria Fernanda Farah , Barbato Silviane
Published: April 2017

In this article we seek to analyze data on the use and functions of four six-years-olds’ private speeches prompted during free graphic production exercises, such as drawing and initial writing. Our study was developed from a cultural psychology perspective in which knowledge is constructed dialogically during teaching-learning activities in multimodal literacy processes. In addition, classroom interactions and problem solving involve social practices based on oral, visual and graphic modes of communication. We analyzed four 60-minute sessions filmed in a first grade1 classroom; three sessions involved recount children’s stories and one was a free writing session, all of which were led by the classroom teacher. In designating episodes as the units of analysis, we applied the categories developed by literature to analyze private speech and created another category from the indexes of the specific situations. The results indicated that the use of private speech functioned in order to organize drawing and spelling during free writing activities. In addition, the use of private speech acquired the following functions directed to generate knowledge in intersubjectivity: a) as a commentary of the social other; b) a commentary of the speaker himself directed to the social other; c) a private speech of the social other; d) an assessment commentary; e) private speeches in collective spelling; f) as present participants’ commentaries of agreement or disagreement.
Narration and Experience: Looking at an Education based on “Poor” Pedagogy – an Analysis based on a Learning-to-Write Situation
Authors: Leite César Donizetti Pereira
Published: April 2017

With an approach that designates the classroom as its central reference point and a concrete classroom situation as its starting point, this paper attempts to reflect a perspective that may suggest a teaching practice that leads to poor pedagogy. To achieve this, this paper will work on inverting the logic we frequently employ when thinking about education and school. From this perspective, some axes become central: (1) to produce a view about the idea of knowledge and learning, (2) an awareness of a certain notion of “to teach” and finally (3) starting from a focus on the type of childhood that creates a necessity of “infantilizing” pedagogy, or in other words, we must aim towards a “poor” pedagogy. I will address this through a study carried out with children in the initial stages of their education and literacy learning.
The “battle of the literacy methods” in Brazil: Contributions to methodize the debate
Authors: Mortatti Maria do Rosário Longo
Published: April 2017

With the objective of contributing to the debate on literacy methods in Brazil and as a result of documental research on the topic, this paper presents and renders problematic one of the most recent proposals for teaching literacy to children: that centered on the phonic method. The key characteristics of this new proposal will be analyzed, including their elements of error. The proposal will be compared with other literacy proposals and methods that have emerged over the course of the history of the teaching of reading and writing in elementary education in Brazil since the end of the nineteenth century.
O amigo americanista Entrevista com o professor Antonio Pedro Tota
Authors: Shirts Matthew
Published: April 2017

In an interview with the American journalist Matthew Shirts, Brazilian historian Antonio Pedro Tota discusses his books on Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller’s long relationship with Brazil and the cultural offensive of the United States in Brazil during the Second World War. Professor Tota goes on to explain how he became interested in the US history and why he thinks it is important for Brazilians to study it. He also com
América: a importância do olhar estrangeiro
Authors: Silva Carlos Eduardo Lins da
Published: April 2017

The documentary America, originally shown on Brazilian television in 1989, puts forward the argument according to which the United States’ best asset to solve its problems is the contribution foreigners have brought to it and can still bring. This is particularly relevant in these days, when President Donald Trump advocates exactly the opposite of that thesis as public policies for the US
Antibrasilianismo: doença infantil da historiografia brasileira
Authors: Meihy José Carlos Sebe Bom
Published: April 2017

This article addresses North American authors engaged in research concerning Brazil-specific issues in different realms of knowledge. The rejection befalling those so-called “Brazilianists”, usually regarded as “intruders”, compromises the analysis of their intellectual production on the grounds of North American scholarship. Overall ignorance of the context for their writing has been translated as an expression of academic nationalism, which should be refuted for its recurrent practice known as “anti-Brazilianism”. In historiographic terms, that perspective can be thought of as a childhood illness, compromising the perception of a few Brazilian writers claiming expert knowledge for themselves
Lanterna de luz mórbida - Érico Veríssimo e os problemas raciais nos Estados Unidos
Authors: Cortez-Minchillo Carlos
Published: April 2017

As of the 1940s, through his travel narratives, interviews and lectures, Érico Veríssimo became one of the most important interpreters of the United States for Brazilians. In His Excellency, the Ambassador and O Prisioneiro [The Prisoner], Veríssimo incorporates into fiction key issues of the North American reality, such as the “black problem”. In this article, we seek to analyze Veríssimo›s approach to racial tensions in the United States, especially in his two travel books to the United States, Gato Preto em Campo de Neve [Black Cat in a Field of Snow] and A Volta do Gato Preto [The Return of the Black Cat]. The central idea is that over the years Veríssimo refines his understanding of the American society and proposes a more complex and less optimistic view of the racial strife afflicting it
A outra América de Gilberto Freyre
Authors: Melo Alfredo Cesar
Published: April 2017

This article seeks to study the tense and ambivalent relationships established by Gilber to Freyre’s work with the sign “America”. On the one hand, we attempt to investigate how the initial perceptions created by the author of  The Masters and the Slaves  of the Brazilian and Nor th American cultures helped structure his famous interpretation of Brazil. On the other hand, we examine the way Freyre places Brazil in a lasting and old debate on the meaning of the two main civilizing projects existing in the Americas – the Anglo and Latin Americas
Vianna Moog e seu cotejo entre Brasil e Estados Unidos
Authors: Barreto Fernando de Mello
Published: April 2017

By revisiting Bandeirantes and Pioneers, written six decades ago, this article seeks to understand Vianna Moog’s motivation, as well as the errors and correctness in his comparisons between Brazil and the United States. It identifies in the author a heightened interest in racial prejudice, an issue that would undergo changes in both countries. It concludes by addressing the importance of Moog’s work at his time and the challenges for that comparison today
Turbellaria brasileiros (7)
Authors: Marcus Ernst
Published: April 2017

Este artigo não contém resumo.
Prevalence of Imaging Biomarkers to Guide the Planning of Acute Stroke Reperfusion Trials
Authors: Jiang Bin , Ball Robyn L. , Michel Patrik , Jovin Tudor , Desai Manisha , Eskandari Ashraf , Naqvi Zack , Wintermark Max
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

Imaging biomarkers are increasingly used as selection criteria for stroke clinical trials. The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of commonly studied imaging biomarkers in different time windows after acute ischemic stroke onset to better facilitate the design of stroke clinical trials using such biomarkers for patient selection.

Methods—

This retrospective study included 612 patients admitted with a clinical suspicion of acute ischemic stroke with symptom onset no more than 24 hours before completing baseline imaging. Patients with subacute/chronic/remote infarcts and hemorrhage were excluded from this study. Imaging biomarkers were extracted from baseline imaging, which included a noncontrast head computed tomography (CT), perfusion CT, and CT angiography. The prevalence of dichotomized versions of each of the imaging biomarkers in several time windows (time since symptom onset) was assessed and statistically modeled to assess time dependence (not lack thereof).

Results—

We created tables showing the prevalence of the imaging biomarkers pertaining to the core, the penumbra and the arterial occlusion for different time windows. All continuous imaging features vary over time. The dichotomized imaging features that vary significantly over time include: noncontrast head computed tomography Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score and dense artery sign, perfusion CT infarct volume, and CT angiography collateral score and visible clot. The dichotomized imaging features that did not vary significantly over time include the thresholded perfusion CT penumbra volumes.

Conclusions—

As part of the feasibility analysis in stroke clinical trials, this analysis and the resulting tables can help investigators determine sample size and the number needed to screen.
Parsing the Roles of the Frontal Lobes and Basal Ganglia in Task Control Using Multivoxel Pattern Analysis
Authors: Kehagia Angie A. , Ye Rong , Joyce Dan W. , Doyle Orla M. , Rowe James B. , Robbins Trevor W.
Published: April 2017

Cognitive control has traditionally been associated with pFC based on observations of deficits in patients with frontal lesions. However, evidence from patients with Parkinson disease indicates that subcortical regions also contribute to control under certain conditions. We scanned 17 healthy volunteers while they performed a task-switching paradigm that previously dissociated performance deficits arising from frontal lesions in comparison with Parkinson disease, as a function of the abstraction of the rules that are switched. From a multivoxel pattern analysis by Gaussian Process Classification, we then estimated the forward (generative) model to infer regional patterns of activity that predict Switch/Repeat behavior between rule conditions. At 1000 permutations, Switch/Repeat classification accuracy for concrete rules was significant in the BG, but at chance in the frontal lobe. The inverse pattern was obtained for abstract rules, whereby the conditions were successfully discriminated in the frontal lobe but not in the BG. This double dissociation highlights the difference between cortical and subcortical contributions to cognitive control and demonstrates the utility of multivariate approaches in investigations of functions that rely on distributed and overlapping neural substrates.
Multiple-object Tracking as a Tool for Parametrically Modulating Memory Reactivation
Authors: Poppenk Jordan , Norman Kenneth A.
Published: April 2017

Converging evidence supports the “nonmonotonic plasticity” hypothesis, which states that although complete retrieval may strengthen memories, partial retrieval weakens them. Yet, the classic experimental paradigms used to study effects of partial retrieval are not ideally suited to doing so, because they lack the parametric control needed to ensure that the memory is activated to the appropriate degree (i.e., that there is some retrieval but not enough to cause memory strengthening). Here, we present a novel procedure designed to accommodate this need. After participants learned a list of word–scene associates, they completed a cued mental visualization task that was combined with a multiple-object tracking (MOT) procedure, which we selected for its ability to interfere with mental visualization in a parametrically adjustable way (by varying the number of MOT targets). We also used fMRI data to successfully train an “associative recall” classifier for use in this task: This classifier revealed greater memory reactivation during trials in which associative memories were cued while participants tracked one, rather than five, MOT targets. However, the classifier was insensitive to task difficulty when recall was not taking place, suggesting that it had indeed tracked memory reactivation rather than task difficulty per se. Consistent with the classifier findings, participants' introspective ratings of visualization vividness were modulated by MOT task difficulty. In addition, we observed reduced classifier output and slowing of responses in a postreactivation memory test, consistent with the hypothesis that partial reactivation, induced by MOT, weakened memory. These results serve as a “proof of concept” that MOT can be used to parametrically modulate memory retrieval—a property that may prove useful in future investigation of partial retrieval effects, for example, in closed-loop experiments.
Validated flow cytometry allows rapid quantitative assessment of immune responses in amphibians
Authors: Burraco Pablo , Miranda Francisco , Bertó Alejandro , Vazquez Lola A. , Gomez-Mestre Ivan
Published: April 2017

Assessments of amphibian immune state have been commonly made through indirect methods like phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injections, or by direct methods like cell counts from blood smears. Here we validate a simple method to assess immune responses in amphibians by means of flow cytometry with a fluorescent lipophilic dye (3,3′ Dipentyloxacarbocyanine), which removes the need for specific antibodies. We experimentally altered the immunological state ofPelobates cultripestadpoles by exposing some to exogenous corticosterone. We then determined the immune state of each tadpole through both blood smears and flow cytometry. We found that both techniques showed similar patterns of the proportion of white blood cells. Once validated, flow cytometry also allowed quantitation of changes in absolute number of white cells. We discuss the suitability of both techniques attending to the accuracy of each technique, body size requirements, or the tractability in field studies.
Geometric morphometrics, scute patterns and biometrics of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the central Mediterranean
Authors: Casale Paolo , Freggi Daniela , Rigoli Alessandro , Ciccocioppo Amedeo , Luschi Paolo
Published: April 2017

We investigate for the first time allometric vs. non-allometric shape variation in sea turtles through a geometric morphometrics approach. Five body parts (carapace, plastron, top and lateral sides of the head, dorsal side of front flippers) were considered in a sample of 58 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) collected in the waters around Lampedusa island, Italy, the central Mediterranean. The allometric component was moderate but significant, except for the plastron, and may represent an ontogenetic optimization in the case of the head and flippers. The predominant non-allometric component encourages further investigation with sex and origin as potential explanatory variables. We also reported the variation of marginal and prefrontal scutes of 1497 turtles, showing that: variation of marginals is mostly limited to the two anteriormost scutes, symmetry is favored, asymmetry is biased to one pattern, and the variation of marginal and prefrontal scutes are linked. Comparisons with other datasets from the Mediterranean show a high variability, more likely caused by epigenetic factors. Finally, conversion equations between the most commonly used biometrics (curved and straight carapace length, carapace width, and weight) are often needed in sea turtle research but are lacking for the Mediterranean and are here estimated from a sample of 2624 turtles.
The Time Course of Audio-Visual Phoneme Identification: a High Temporal Resolution Study
Authors: Sánchez-García Carolina , Kandel Sonia , Savariaux Christophe , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: April 2017

Speech unfolds in time and, as a consequence, its perception requires temporal integration. Yet, studies addressing audio-visual speech processing have often overlooked this temporal aspect. Here, we address the temporal course of audio-visual speech processing in a phoneme identification task using a Gating paradigm. We created disyllabic Spanish word-like utterances (e.g., /pafa/, /paθa/, …) from high-speed camera recordings. The stimuli differed only in the middle consonant (/f/, /θ/, /s/, /r/, /g/), which varied in visual and auditory saliency. As in classical Gating tasks, the utterances were presented in fragments of increasing length (gates), here in 10 ms steps, for identification and confidence ratings. We measured correct identification as a function of time (at each gate) for each critical consonant in audio, visual and audio-visual conditions, and computed the Identification Point and Recognition Point scores. The results revealed that audio-visual identification is a time-varying process that depends on the relative strength of each modality (i.e., saliency). In some cases, audio-visual identification followed the pattern of one dominant modality (either A or V), when that modality was very salient. In other cases, both modalities contributed to identification, hence resulting in audio-visual advantage or interference with respect to unimodal conditions. Both unimodal dominance and audio-visual interaction patterns may arise within the course of identification of the same utterance, at different times. The outcome of this study suggests that audio-visual speech integration models should take into account the time-varying nature of visual and auditory saliency.
Two new species in Carex sect. Schoenoxiphium (Cyperaceae) from southern Africa
Authors: MÁRQUEZ-CORRO JOSÉ IGNACIO , MAGUILLA ENRIQUE , VILLAVERDE TAMARA , MARTÍN-BRAVO SANTIAGO , LUCEÑO MODESTO
Published: April 2017

Carex sect. Schoenoxiphium (18 spp.) is a monophyletic group that has its centre of diversity in eastern south Africa. We describe two new species from the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho on the basis of morphological characters. Both new species (C. badilloi and C. parvirufa) are closely related to C. ludwigii, C. kukkoneniana and C. pseudorufa.
A new species of Antrodia (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) from juniper forest of Uzbekistan
Authors: YUAN YUAN , GAFFOROV YUSUFJON , CHEN YUAN-YUAN , WU FANG
Published: April 2017

Antrodia uzbekistanica sp. nov. is described and illustrated from juniper trees in Uzbekistan based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. It is characterized by producing annual, resupinate basidiome with large pores (1–2 per mm), a dimitic hyphal structure with clamp connections on generative hyphae, hyaline, thin-walled and cylindric basidiospores (6.5–8 × 2.7–3 µm), the presence of thick-walled and cyanophilous chlamydospores, and by causing a typical brown rot of Juniperus seravschanica in arid and semi-arid regions of Uzbekistan. The new species resembles Antrodia sinuosa macroscopically, but this species differs by having smaller basidiospores (4–6 × 1–2 µm), lacking of chlamydospores, and growing on wood of Pinaceae species. In nuclear large subunit rDNA (nLSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) based phylogenies, the new species formed a distinct lineage in the Antrodia clade, and it is closely related to A. juniperina, which differs by having perennial, effused-reflexed basidiome with nodulose or round edged pilei, daedaleoid to labyrinthine pores, and larger and narrowly ellipsoid basidiospores (6.5–9 × 2.5–3.5 µm).
Sabal antillensis (Arecaceae): a new palmetto species from the Leeward Antilles
Authors: GRIFFITH M. PATRICK , FREITAS JOHN DE , BARROS MICHELLE , NOBLICK LARRY R.
Published: April 2017

A new species of palmetto, Sabal antillensis, native to Curaçao and Bonaire, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a pachycaulous habit, a compact crown of leaves, large seeds, and frequent fiber bundles in leaflet transection. Details on history, morphology, distribution, habitat, and conservation status are provided.
Aspidistra cadamensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from Central Vietnam
Authors: LÝ NGỌC-SÂM , TILLICH HANS-JUERGEN
Published: April 2017

The genus Aspidistra Ker Gawler (1822: 628) is represented in tropical and subtropical SE Asia by more than 160 species. It has the highest diversity in southern China and northern Vietnam (Tillich 2005, 2014, Tillich & Averyanov 2012, Vislobokov et al. 2013). In Vietnam, more than 50 species are known: many species have been discovered from the limestone regions in North Vietnam, while about 21 species are found from sandstone forests in Central and South Vietnam (Gagnepain 1934, Bogner & Arnautov 2004, Bräuchler & Ngoc 2005, Averyanov & Tillich 2012, 2013, 2016a, 2016b, Averyanov et al. 2016, Tillich 2005, 2014, Tillich & Averyanov 2008, Tillich et al. 2007, Leong-Škorničková et al. 2014, Vislobokov 2015, Vislobokov et al. 2013, 2014b, 2014c, 2016a, 2016b, Lý & Tillich 2016). During extensive floristic surveys in Central Vietnam in 2016, several interesting specimens of Aspidistra were collected by the first author. The critical examination of these specimens and study of literature for Aspidistra in Vietnam and neighbouring countries allowed to evidence several new taxa, two of which have been recently described: A. averyanovii Lý & Tillich (2016: 54) and A. parviflora Lý & Tillich (2016: 56). In the present paper, we describe a further new species from Cà Đam mountains, Quảng Ngãi Province, namely Aspidistra cadamensis.