bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-glycaemic index diet to improve glycaemic control and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: design and methods for a randomised, controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Chiavaroli Laura , Mirrahimi Arash , Ireland Christopher , Mitchell Sandra , Sahye-Pudaruth Sandhya , Coveney Judy , Olowoyeye Omodele , Maraj Tishan , Patel Darshna , de Souza Russell J , Augustin Livia S A , Bashyam Balachandran , Blanco Mejia Sonia , Nishi Stephanie K , Leiter Lawrence A , Josse Robert G , McKeown-Eyssen Gail , Moody Alan R , Berger Alan R , Kendall Cyril W C , Sievenpiper John L , Jenkins David J A
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) produces macrovascular and microvascular damage, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal failure and blindness. As rates of T2DM rise, the need for effective dietary and other lifestyle changes to improve diabetes management become more urgent. Low-glycaemic index (GI) diets may improve glycaemic control in diabetes in the short term; however, there is a lack of evidence on the long-term adherence to low-GI diets, as well as on the association with surrogate markers of CVD beyond traditional risk factors. Recently, advances have been made in measures of subclinical arterial disease through the use of MRI, which, along with standard measures from carotid ultrasound (CUS) scanning, have been associated with CVD events. We therefore designed a randomised, controlled, clinical trial to assess whether low-GI dietary advice can significantly improve surrogate markers of CVD and long-term glycaemic control in T2DM.

Methods and analysis

169 otherwise healthy individuals with T2DM were recruited to receive intensive counselling on a low-GI or high-cereal fibre diet for 3 years. To assess macrovascular disease, MRI and CUS are used, and to assess microvascular disease, retinal photography and 24-hour urinary collections are taken at baseline and years 1 and 3. Risk factors for CVD are assessed every 3 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol and consent form have been approved by the research ethics board of St. Michael's Hospital. If the study shows a benefit, these data will support the use of low-GI and/or high-fibre foods in the management of T2DM and its complications.

Trial Registration number

NCT01063374; Pre-results.
The impact of an inflammatory bowel disease nurse-led biologics service
Authors: Taylor Nicola S , Bettey Marion , Wright Julia , Underhill Caron , Kerr Sarah , Perry Kim , Cummings JR Fraser
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Southampton General Hospital provides inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) services for a population of 650 000. Biological agents have impacted hugely on IBD but are costly drugs requiring careful supervision. These challenges led us to develop a specialist nurse-led biologics service to improve patient care.

Method

A 2010 case note audit highlighted areas for improvement in monitoring biologics and follow-up. A business case was developed to establish an IBD nurse to ensure identification and appropriate screening, education and review of biologics patients. A gain share was agreed with the local Care Commissioning Group (CCG) and £60 000 invested. Outcomes were reaudited in 2014.

Results

Biologic use has grown rapidly from 90 patients in 2011 to 330 in 2014. All records are now kept in a centralised database. Infection screening improved from 79% to 100%. In 2014, 96% of patients had follow-up ≤4 months post-induction to assess response, but two patients were seen at 7 months. 80% were followed up again at 9–12 months (100% at 9–14 months), all with treatment decisions. The initial investment was recouped via commissioners funding 368 additional outpatient appointments and 35 colonoscopies. Savings represented 15% total yearly biologic costs.

Conclusions

The introduction of the IBD biologics nurse-led service resulted in significant gains in care quality and costs. The need for improved follow-up of patients on biologics reflects increased pressures on clinic resources across the country. With continued biologics expansion, the introduction of a biologics nurse has provided invaluable support to patients and the IBD team at Southampton General Hospital.
Pilot Analysis of the Motivation Assessment for Team Readiness, Integration, and Collaboration (Matricx) Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Mallinson Trudy , Lotrecchiano Gaetano R , Schwartz Lisa S , Furniss Jeremy , Leblanc-Beaudoin Tommy , Lazar Danielle , Falk-Krzesinski Holly J
Published: July 2016

Healthcare services and the production of healthcare knowledge are increasingly dependent on highly functioning, multidisciplinary teams, requiring greater awareness of individuals’ readiness to collaborate in translational science teams. Yet, there is no comprehensive tool of individual motivations and threats to collaboration that can guide preparation of individuals for work on well-functioning teams. This prospective pilot study evaluated the preliminary psychometric properties of the Motivation Assessment for Team Readiness, Integration, and Collaboration (MATRICx). We examined 55 items of the MATRICx in a sample of 125 faculty, students and researchers, using contemporary psychometric methods (Rasch analysis). We found that the motivator and threat items formed separate constructs relative to collaboration readiness. Further, respondents who identified themselves as inexperienced at working on collaborative projects defined the motivation construct differently from experienced respondents. These results are consistent with differences in strategic alliances described in the literature—for example, inexperienced respondents reflected features of cooperation and coordination, such as concern with sharing information and compatibility of goals. In contrast, the more experienced respondents were concerned with issues that reflected a collective purpose, more typical of collaborative alliances. While these different types of alliances are usually described as representing varying aspects along a continuum, our findings suggest that collaboration might be better thought of as a qualitatively different state than cooperation or coordination. These results need to be replicated in larger samples, but the findings have implications for the development and design of educational interventions that aim to ready scientists and clinicians for greater interdisciplinary work.
Flow changes in the posterior communicating artery related to flow-diverter stents in carotid siphon aneurysms
Authors: de Carvalho Fernando Mota , Caroff Jildaz , Pereira dos Santos Neto Elizeu , Chalumeau Vanessa , Abdel Khalek Hazem , Neki Hiroaki , Saliou Guillaume , Rouchaud Aymeric , Moret Jacques , Spelle Laurent
Published: July 2016

Background

Flow-diverter stent (FDS) placement for treatment of intracranial aneurysms can cause flow changes in the covered branches.

Objective

To assess the impact of the treatment of carotid siphon aneurysms with FDS on the posterior communicating artery (PComA) flow.

Materials and methods

Between February 2011 and January 2015, 125 carotid siphon aneurysms were treated with FDS. We retrospectively analyzed all cases with PComA ostial coverage. The circle of Willis anatomy was also studied as the flow changes in PComA postoperatively and during angiographic follow-up. Data from neurological examination were also collected.

Results

Eighteen aneurysms of the carotid siphon in 17 patients were treated with FDS covering the ostium of the PComA. Based on the initial angiography, patients were divided into two groups: the first with a P1/PComA size ratio >1 (10 cases) and the second with a ratio ≤1 (8 cases). Follow-up angiography (mean time of 10 months) showed 90% of PComA flow changes in group 1 but only 12.5% in group 2. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.002). Nevertheless, no patient had new symptoms related to these flow changes during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In our experience, covering the PComA by FDS when treating carotid siphon aneurysms appeared safe and the P1/PComA ratio is a good predictor of flow changes in PComA.
Combined endovascular coiling and intra-aneurysmal allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for intracranial aneurysms in a rabbit model: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Adibi Amin , Eesa Muneer , Wong John H , Sen Arindom , Mitha Alim P
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess the feasibility and efficacy of clinically translatable adjuvant mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) therapy in improving the healing of coiled aneurysms in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model.

Methods

Bone marrow-derived MSC populations were isolated from three rabbit donors in a serum-free environment and independently characterized to confirm their identity. Elastase-induced carotid aneurysms were created in nine New Zealand white rabbits. Each animal received one of the following treatments based on previous randomization: (1) coiling alone (control group); (2) coiling with an intra-aneurysmal injection of saline (vehicle group); and (3) coiling with an intra-aneurysmal injection of 5 million allogeneic MSCs (treatment group). The animals were followed for 4 weeks post-treatment, at the end of which blinded analyses of angiograms and histology were performed.

Results

Histological results in the treatment group showed improvements over the control and vehicle groups, although the improvement over the vehicle group was not significant. Intra-aneurysmal cell therapy with 5 million allogeneic MSCs did not result in any major adverse events. Angiographic results did not show any significant difference among groups.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study shows that adjuvant MSC therapy for intracranial aneurysms is feasible and may enhance histological improvement of coiled aneurysms at 4 weeks post-treatment.
Osteoporosis prevention among chronic glucocorticoid users: results from a public health insurance database
Authors: Trijau Sophie , de Lamotte Gaëlle , Pradel Vincent , Natali François , Allaria-Lapierre Véronique , Coudert Hervé , Pham Thao , Sciortino Vincent , Lafforgue Pierre
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Long-term glucocorticoid therapy is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. The management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) seems to be inadequate in many European countries.

Objective

To evaluate the rate of screening and treatment of GIOP.

Design

Information was collected from a national public health-insurance database in our geographic area of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur and in Corsica, from September 2009 through August 2011.

Patients

We identified participants aged 15 years and over starting glucocorticoid therapy (≥7.5 mg of prednisone equivalent per day during at least 90 days consecutive). This cohort was compared with an age-matched and sex-matched population that did not receive glucocorticoids.

Main outcome measures

Bone mass, prescription of bone antiresorptive medication and use of calcium and/or vitamin D treatment.

Results

We identified 32 812 patients who were prescribed glucocorticoid therapy, yielding 1% prevalence. Incidence of glucocorticoid therapy was 2.8/1000 inhabitants/year. Males represented 44%, the mean age was 58 years. The median prednisone-equivalent dose was 11 mg/day (IQR 9–18 mg/day). 8% underwent bone mass measurement. Calcium and/or vitamin D, and bisphosphonates were prescribed in 18% and 12%, respectively. Results were lower for the control population: 3% underwent bone mass measurement and 3% received bisphosphonate therapy. The rates of osteodensitometry and treatments were higher in women over 55 years of age than in men and women 55 years of age and younger, and also when glucocorticoid therapy was initiated by a rheumatologist versus other physician specialty.

Conclusions

The management of GIOP remains very inadequate, despite the availability of a statutory health insurance system. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the management of GIOP.
15 Years of Software Regression Testing Techniques — A Survey
Authors: Rosero Raúl H. , Gómez Omar S. , Rodríguez Glen
Published: July 2016

Software regression testing techniques verify previous functionalities each time software modifications occur or new characteristics are added. With the aim of gaining a better understanding of this subject, in this work we present a survey of software regression testing techniques applied in the last 15 years; taking into account its application domain, kind of metrics they use, its application strategies and the phase of the software development process where they are applied. From an outcome of 460 papers, a set of 25 papers describing the use of 31 software testing regression techniques were identified. Results of this survey suggest that at the time of applying a regression testing techniques, metrics like cost and fault detection efficiency are the most relevant. Most of the techniques were assessed with instrumented programs (experimental cases) under academic settings. Conversely, we observe a minimum set of software regression techniques applied in industrial settings, mainly, under corrective and maintenance approaches. Finally, we observe a trend using some regression techniques under agile approaches.
Regression Test Cases Prioritization Using Clustering and Code Change Relevance
Authors: Haraty Ramzi A. , Mansour Nashat , Moukahal Lama , Khalil Iman
Published: July 2016

Regression testing is important for maintaining software quality. However, the cost of regression testing is relatively high. Test case prioritization is one way to reduce this cost. Test case prioritization techniques sort test cases for regression testing based on their importance. In this paper, we design and implement a test case prioritization method based on the location of a change. The method consists of three steps: (1) clustering test cases, (2) prioritizing the clusters with respect to the relevance of the clusters to a code change, and (3) test case prioritization within each cluster based on metrics. We propose a metric for measuring test case importance based on Requirement Complexity, Code Complexity, and Code Coverage. To evaluate our method, we apply it on a launch interceptor problem program, and measure the inclusiveness and precision for clusters of test cases with respect to code change in specific test cases. Our results show that our proposed change-based prioritization method increases the likelihood of executing more relevant test cases earlier.
Design of Secure Software Architectures with Secure Connectors
Authors: Shin Michael E. , Gomaa Hassan , Pathirage Don , Baker Chase , Malhotra Bhavya
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the design of secure connectors that are used in the design of secure software architectures for distributed business applications. Mixing security concerns with business concerns in software architectures makes applications more complex. With the goal of making secure software architectures more maintainable and evolvable, the secure connectors proposed in this paper are designed separately from business application components by considering different communication patterns between the components as well as security services required by application components. Each secure connector encapsulates security relevant objects to provide application components with security services. In this paper, secure connectors are applied to design the software architectures of electronic commerce and automated teller machine applications.
Phase transition studies of the odd-mass 123−135Xe isotopes based on SU(1,1) algebra in IBFM
Authors: Jafarizadeh M. A. , Fouladi N. , Ghapanvari M. , Fathi H.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we have investigated the positive-parity states in the odd-mass transitional [Formula: see text]Xe isotopes within the framework of the interacting boson–fermion model. Two solvable extended transitional Hamiltonians which are based on SU(1,1) algebra are employed to provide an investigation of quantum phase transition (QPT) between the spherical and deformed gamma — unstable shapes along the chain of Xe isotopes. The low-states energy spectra and B(E2) values for these nuclei have been calculated and compared with the experimental data. The predicted excitation energies and B(E2) transition rates of the odd isotopes are found to agree well with the experimental data. We have also analyzed the critical behavior of even–odd Xe isotopes via Catastrophe Theory in combination with a coherent state formalism to generate energy surfaces and special isotopes which are the best candidates for the critical point are identified.
Studying temperature dependence of pairing gap parameter in a nucleus as a small superconducting system
Authors: Rahmatinejad A. , Razavi R. , Kakavand T.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we have taken the effect of small size of nucleus and static fluctuations into account in the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductivity calculations of [Formula: see text]Ti nucleus. Thermodynamic quantities of [Formula: see text]Ti have been extracted within the BCS model with the inclusion of the average value of the pairing gap square, extracted by the modified Ginzburg–Landau (MGL) method for small systems. Calculated values of the excitation energy and entropy within the MGL+BCS method improve the extracted results within the usual BCS model and show a smooth behavior around the critical temperature with a very good agreement with the semi-empirical values. The result of using MGL+BCS method for the heat capacity of [Formula: see text]Ti is compared with the corresponding semi-empirical values and the calculated values within the BCS, static path approximation (SPA) and Modified Pairing gap BCS (MPBCS) which is a method that was proposed in our previous publications. Both MGL+BCS and MPBCS avoid the discontinuity of the heat capacity curve, which is observed in the usual BCS method, and lead to an S-shaped curve with a good agreement with the semi-empirical results.
SCALE-FREE AND SMALL-WORLD PROPERTIES OF VAF FRACTAL NETWORKS
Authors: LI HAO , HUANG JIAN , LE ANBO , WANG QIN , XI LIFENG
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we investigate the vertical-affiliation-free (VAF) evolving networks whose node set is the basic squares in the process of generating the Sierpinski carpet and edge exists between any two nodes if and only if the corresponding basic squares intersect just on their boundary. Although the VAF networks gets rid of the hierarchial organizations produced naturally by the self-similar structures of fractals, we still prove that they are scale-free and have the small-world effect.
Age constraints of the glaciation in the Paraná Basin: evidence from new U–Pb dates
Authors: Cagliari Joice , Philipp Ruy Paulo , Buso Victoria Valdez , Netto Renata Guimarães , Klaus Hillebrand Peter , da Cunha Lopes Ricardo , Stipp Basei Miguel Angelo , Faccini Ubiratan Ferrucio
Published: July 2016

The absence of absolute dating in glacial deposits of the Paraná Basin prevents better understanding of the complete history of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age in Western Gondwana and the climatic change that took place in the late Carboniferous. In this study, new U–Pb radiometric ages date the topmost glacial deposits of the Itararé Group at 307.7 ± 3.1 Ma (Kasimovian−Moscovian) and the base of post-glacial deposits of the Rio Bonito Formation at 298.8 ± 1.9 Ma (Ghzelian−Asselian). Correlation of glacial and post-glacial deposits of the Paraná Basin with other southwestern Gondwana basins shows that the end of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age is asynchronous.

Supplementary material:
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon data and methods for the ash sample of the Itararé Group and the tonstein sample of the Rio Bonito Formation are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3278273
.
Mutational Landscape and Sensitivity to Immune Checkpoint Blockers
Authors: Chabanon Roman M. , Pedrero Marion , Lefebvre Céline , Marabelle Aurélien , Soria Jean-Charles , Postel-Vinay Sophie
Published: July 2016

Immunotherapy is currently transforming cancer treatment. Notably, immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) have shown unprecedented therapeutic successes in numerous tumor types, including cancers that were traditionally considered as nonimmunogenic. However, a significant proportion of patients do not respond to these therapies. Thus, early selection of the most sensitive patients is key, and the development of predictive companion biomarkers constitutes one of the biggest challenges of ICB development. Recent publications have suggested that the tumor genomic landscape, mutational load, and tumor-specific neoantigens are potential determinants of the response to ICB and can influence patients' outcomes upon immunotherapy. Furthermore, defects in the DNA repair machinery have consistently been associated with improved survival and durable clinical benefit from ICB. Thus, closely reflecting the DNA damage repair capacity of tumor cells and their intrinsic genomic instability, the mutational load and its associated tumor-specific neoantigens appear as key predictive paths to anticipate potential clinical benefits of ICB. In the era of next-generation sequencing, while more and more patients are getting the full molecular portrait of their tumor, it is crucial to optimally exploit sequencing data for the benefit of patients. Therefore, sequencing technologies, analytic tools, and relevant criteria for mutational load and neoantigens prediction should be homogenized and combined in more integrative pipelines to fully optimize the measurement of such parameters, so that these biomarkers can ultimately reach the analytic validity and reproducibility required for a clinical implementation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4309–21. ©2016 AACR.
Transcription of Inflammatory Cytokine TNFα is Upregulated in Retinal Angiogenesis under Hyperoxia
Authors: Feng Yuxi , Gross Shalini , Chatterjee Anupriya , Wang Yumei , Lin Jihong , Hammes Hans-Peter
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Hypoxia induces angiogenesis while hyperoxia promotes vasoregression in the retina. We investigated herein the effect of prolonged hyperoxia on retinal angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Methods: Vascular morphology was quantified in whole-mount retina from the mice subjected to the conventional OIR model (c-OIR) or the OIR model with prolonged hyperoxia (p-OIR). Expressions of genes related to angiogenesis were determined by real-time PCR. Results: p-OIR retinas showed few intraretinal neovascular tufts at the border of avascular zones, lacking preretinal neovascularization, whereas c-OIR retinas had numerous preretinal neovascularizations. p-OIR retinas demonstrated outgrowth of capillaries in the deep layers despite persistent hyperoxia and possess a larger avascular zone compared with the c-OIR retinas. The capillaries in the p-OIR retinas were well-formed in contrast to those in the c-OIR retinas. p-OIR retinas expressed significantly higher TNFα (∼4 fold) than c-OIR retinas. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, Erythropoietin, Angiopoietin 1 and 2 remained unchanged. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that TNFα transcription is increased in hyperoxia-promoted retinal angiogenesis, implicating it, in association with low VEGF levels, as a possible proponent in retinal angiogenesis under hyperoxia.
Inadequate Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intakes in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Data from a Seven-Day Weighed Dietary Record
Authors: Bovio Giacomo , Esposito Ciro , Montagna Giovanni , Brazzo Silvia , Esposito Vittoria , Torreggiani Massimo , Semeraro Luca , Cena Hellas
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: It is very important to assess the nutritional intake in patients on dialysis given the high prevalence of poor nutritional status of those in this population. The aim of this study was to assess nutrient intakes in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: A clinical cross-sectional study was conducted over 7 days on 14 dialysis patients (98 days) who were trained to keep a weighed food record and a 7-day food diary. Nutrient intake adequacy was compared with specific guidelines for Italians and dialysis patients. Results: The mean daily protein intake (0.92 ± 0.36 g/kg) and energy intake (EI; 25.3 ± 7.4 kcal/kg) were inadequate according to the European best practice guidelines (EBPG). The ratio of EI to resting energy expenditure was 1.22. Inadequate intakes, compared to the EBPG, were found for calcium (525 ± 162 mg/day) and iron (8.7 ± 2.1 mg/day). Dietary fiber (14.7 ± 8.7 g/day), niacin (14.4 ± 5.2 mg/day), thiamine (0.8 ± 0.3 mg/day) and riboflavin (1.1 ± 0.4 mg/day) were also inadequate according to the Italian recommended dietary allowances (LARN). HD patients did not display different nutrient intakes between the dialysis days and the interdialytic period. Overall, the percentage of days during which nutrient recommendations were not satisfied ranged from 16 to 100% depending on the nutrient. Conclusion: Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in HD and PD patients are largely inadequate compared to the EBPG. The weighed dietary record appears to be a useful and accurate tool for individual assessment of food intake in motivated patients. No nutrient intake differences were found between dialytic and interdialytic days in patients on HD.
O mito da liberdade de expressão em cinco notícias
Authors: Heller Bárbara
Published: July 2016

A censura, na contemporaneidade, é uma das formas de violência simbólica que ainda afeta cidadãos dos mais variados países e regimes políticos do planeta. Este artigo contempla cinco notícias veiculadas pela internet sobre mulheres vítimas de censura em 2014 e questiona se o silenciamento que lhes é imposto contribui para o apagamento de suas memórias. Para isso, recorremos a teóricos que relacionam História, Cultura e Comunicação como Beatriz Sarlo, Alain Touraine, Tzvetan Todorov, Venício Artur Lima, Walter Benjamin e Cristina Costa. A conclusão a que chegamos é que palavras, narrativas e memórias não desaparecem, apesar dos esforços – menos ou mais violentos – de silenciá-las
Dos modelos televisuais em vídeos na Web: desdobramentos midiáticos do programa de receita culinária
Authors: Oliveira Caroline Cavalcanti de
Published: July 2016

Este artigo apresenta reflexões relacionadas à percepção de modelos televisuais em vídeos concebidos para internet. Como estratégia de investigação, são analisados desdobramentos do texto de receita culinária no audiovisual através de sua observação na história da televisão e em vídeos produzidos para a Web. Para tanto, a pesquisa contemplou aspectos dos formatos adotados pelo programa de receita na TV e por vídeos com o tema em sites de compartilhamento, avaliando especialmente como vem se manifestando este conteúdo na Web sob influência de um paradigma televisual. Os textos de receita são interpretados neste estudo como produtos culturais, um recorte que ilustra debates envolvendo televisão e vídeo, mídia e internet, e tecnologias digitais.
The citizen at the forefront of news production: a perspective analysis
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda Vasques , Alves Marcelli
Published: July 2016

Henry Jenkins é uma das autoridades mais importantes no campo das pesquisas de mídia. Como professor na Universidade do Sul da Califórnia (UCS), nos Estados Unidos, realiza a pesquisa “Mídia, Ativismo e Políticas Participativas” (“Media, Activism, and Participatory Politics – MAPP”), relacionada a ambientes colaborativos, à juventude e especialmente à convergência midiática, tendo publicado diversos trabalhos sobre o tema. A entrevista foi realizada em julho de 2014 e ganha relevância neste momento em que os resultados do trabalho mencionado acima foram publicados na obra By any media necessary: the new youth activism
Pós-Modernidade, Entretenimento e Consumo Midiático: a Narrativa Intertextual Bad Blood
Authors: Bezerra Beatriz Braga , Covaleski Rogério
Published: July 2016

A partir dos conceitos de dialogismo, intertextualidade e alusionismo sobre a utilização de textos outros em discursos e conteúdos de entretenimento, o presente artigo se propõe a analisar tais narrativas contemporâneas averiguando a pertinência das referências inseridas em função do possível repertório cultural do público-alvo da artista. Para atingir esse objetivo, observaremos o videoclipe Bad Blood, da cantora Taylor Swift, destacando e refletindo sobre as tramas intertextuais dessa narrativa.
“Da porta da cozinha pra lá”: gênero e mudança social no filme Que horas ela volta?
Authors: Lana Lígia
Published: July 2016

O filme Que horas ela volta? (2015), de Anna Muylaert, narra a perturbação do cotidiano de uma família da elite paulistana depois da chegada da filha de sua empregada doméstica. Este artigo analisa os modos como o filme narra vivências íntimas, pessoais e emocionais de homens e mulheres no Brasil hoje, marcadas pelas mudanças sociais dos últimos dez anos. O artigo retoma estudos da antropologia sobre o trabalho doméstico e alguns aspectos históricos da constituição da família brasileira. No filme, a linguagem melodramática e a sugestão de um final feliz trazem um olhar benevolente para as transformações recentes do país. As conclusões sugerem que o empoderamento da mulher brasileira, celebrado pelo filme, precisa ser visto com cautela, já que, apesar da redução dos abismos econômicos no país, ainda permanecem entre nós intensas desigualdades sociais.
Cor e a construção cultural
Authors: Gomide Glória Itabirano
Published: July 2016

Historicamente, a cor sempre teve um papel de significação ideológica. Logo, cabe neste momento em que manifestações partidárias urgem nas ruas – normalmente em conclames pelas redes sociais – um estudo sobre sua representação. A proposta é, portanto estudar a origem e a psicodinâmica das cores; a cor como representação ideológica; as cores usadas como símbolos de patriotismo ou totalitarismo. Além disso, analisar a construção de um discurso sociocultural através da cor, refletindo também sobre como o azul-verde-amarelo se tornou uma conjunção camaleônica representante da cada manifestação política.Como observação final refletir, a quem pertence as cores da bandeira nacional, se é que elas têm dono.
Hegemonia e estereótipo no discurso da TV Revolta
Authors: Sena Ercio , Gusman Juliana
Published: July 2016

O artigo trabalha cinco postagens da TV Revolta, página com grande expressividade no Facebook, realizadas entre os dias 16 e 20 de outubro de 2015, momento em que foram refletidas manifestações sociais ancoradas em ideais conservadores. A partir da problematização dos embates existentes entre as culturas dominante e popular no Brasil, pretende-se analisar o conteúdo e o discurso da página relacionando-os ao pensamento hegemônico, a partir de cinco eixos temáticos. Para orientar a análise se propõe: 1 – a crítica à mulher; 2 – a apropriação dos símbolos nacionais; 3 – a criminalidade; 4 – a ridicularização da pobreza e 5 – a cultura da ralé. Dessa forma, procura-se sondar as relações entre esses discursos e estereótipos comuns que designam a cultura popular.
Poesia de cordel no Facebook: as potencialidades do suporte no caso do cordel "Política x Amizade"
Authors: Fonseca Maria Gislene Carvalho
Published: July 2016

Nossa proposta é analisar as potencialidades que o suporte do Facebook oferece ao dispositivo da poesia de cordel a partir do vídeo "Política x Amizade", de Bráulio Bessa, em que ele questiona o comportamento de disputa de ideias construído nas redes sociais, no contexto das eleições presidenciais de 2014. Para isso, utilizamos como referência as discussões de Muillaud (2001), aplicadas à poesia de cordel. Assim, nosso objetivo relacionar o conteúdo dos versos que discutem a polarização e os embates na rede, às potencialidades que o suporte Facebook oferece à poesia de cordel, o que nos leva a perceber que dispositivo e o conteúdo estão imbricados na produção de sentidos.
Novos olhares e desafios da complexidade na epistemologia projetual
Authors: Rocha Bruno Massara
Published: July 2016

No campo da arquitetura, contextos de complexidade vêm impondo limites severos às abordagens projetuais deterministas, centralizadoras e hierárquicas, demandando dos arquitetos uma revisão profunda nos seus métodos de pensamento e ação, além de habilidades cognitivas e operativas diferenciadas, que potencializem a emergência criativa, a adaptação constante, a integração com outras inteligências coletivas e um vínculo direto com a ação transformadora. Neste artigo, serão discutidas as principais características da complexidade no contexto projetual e apresentados os redirecionamentos epistemológicos que elas engendram para a prática criativa contemporânea. Considera-se que os principais desafios trazidos pela complexidade são a demanda pela adaptação, pela programação e pelo híbrido. O objetivo do artigo é trazer à tona novos direcionamentos conceituais para a prática criativa contemporânea, notadamente nas áreas de arquitetura, arte, design e computação.
S100A6 Regulates Endothelial Cell Cycle Progression by Attenuating Antiproliferative Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 1 Signaling
Authors: Lerchenmüller Carolin , Heißenberg Julian , Damilano Federico , Bezzeridis Vassilios J. , Krämer Isabel , Bochaton-Piallat Marie-Luce , Hirschberg Kristóf , Busch Martin , Katus Hugo A. , Peppel Karsten , Rosenzweig Anthony , Busch Hauke , Boerries Melanie , Most Patrick
Published: July 2016

Objective—

S100A6, a member of the S100 protein family, has been described as relevant for cell cycle entry and progression in endothelial cells. The molecular mechanism conferring S100A6’s proliferative actions, however, remained elusive.

Approach and Results—

Originating from the clinically relevant observation of enhanced S100A6 protein expression in proliferating endothelial cells in remodeling coronary and carotid arteries, our study unveiled S100A6 as a suppressor of antiproliferative signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 signaling. Discovery of the molecular liaison was enabled by combining gene expression time series analysis with bioinformatic pathway modeling in S100A6-silenced human endothelial cells stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor A. This unbiased approach led to successful identification and experimental validation of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 and protein inhibitors of activated signal transducers and activators of transcription as key components of the link between S100A6 and signal transducers and activators of transcription 1.

Conclusions—

Given the important role of coordinated endothelial cell cycle activity for integrity and reconstitution of the inner lining of arterial blood vessels in health and disease, signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 suppression by S100A6 may represent a promising therapeutic target to facilitate reendothelialization in damaged vessels.
Vascular Inflammation Evaluated by [
18
F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Is Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Honda Akihiro , Tahara Nobuhiro , Nitta Yoshikazu , Tahara Atsuko , Igata Sachiyo , Bekki Munehisa , Nakamura Tomohisa , Sugiyama Yoichi , Kaida Hayato , Kurata Seiji , Fujimoto Kiminori , Abe Toshi , Enomoto Mika , Adachi Hisashi , Narula Jagat , Yamagishi Sho-ichi , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: July 2016

Objective—

Endothelial dysfunction is an initial step in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, involvement of vascular inflammation in endothelial dysfunction is not fully investigated in humans because of the lack of diagnostic modality to noninvasively evaluate vascular inflammation. We assessed the relationship between endothelial function and vascular inflammation evaluated by [
18
F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomographic imaging.

Approach and Results—

We examined endothelial function and vascular inflammation by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and [
18
F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomographic imaging of carotid arteries, respectively, in 145 subjects (95 men and 50 women; mean age, 61.8±9.5 years) who underwent a risk-screening test for cardiovascular disease in Kurume University Hospital. Vascular inflammation was measured by blood-normalized standardized uptake value, known as a target:background ratio (TBR). We investigated whether absolute changes from baseline of %FMD after antihypertensive treatment for 6 months (Δ%FMD) were correlated with those of TBR in 33 drug-naive patients with essential hypertension. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio, 1.767 for 10-year increase), male sex (odds ratio, 0.434), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (odds ratio, 1.630 for 26-mg/dL increase), and TBR values (odds ratio, 1.759 for 0.2 increase) were independently associated with %FMD in 145 patients. There was an inverse correlation between Δ%FMD and ΔTBR; ΔTBR was a sole independent associate of Δ%FMD in hypertensive patients (
r
=−0.558;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The present study showed that vascular inflammation in the carotid arteries evaluated by [
18
F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography was one of the independent correlates of decreased %FMD, thus suggesting the association of vascular inflammation with endothelial dysfunction in humans.
Osteoclastogenic Differentiation of Macrophages in the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Takei Yuichiro , Tanaka Teruyoshi , Kent K. Craig , Yamanouchi Dai
Published: July 2016

Objective—

Arterial calcification is common and contributes to the pathogenesis of occlusive vascular disease. Similar to the dynamics of bone, it is a tightly controlled process that maintains a balance between osteogenesis and osteolysis. However, whether calcium homeostasis plays a role in the development of aneurysms has not been explored. We hypothesized that macrophages differentiate into osteoclasts in aneurysmal arteries and that protease byproducts contribute to aneurysm pathophysiology.

Approach and Results—

We performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses and showed that macrophages positive for several osteoclast markers, including tartrate acid phosphatase, occur in great numbers in the human aneurysmal aorta, but very few occur in the human stenotic aorta and none in the nondiseased human aorta. Moreover, in situ zymography showed elevated protease activity in these cells compared with undifferentiated macrophages. Tumor necrosis factor-α and calcium phosphate stimulated this osteoclastogenic differentiation process through nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and intracellular calcium signaling but not the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand. Inhibition of osteoclastogenic differentiation by bisphosphonate inhibits aneurysm development in a mouse model.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that differentiation of macrophages into osteoclasts contributes to the pathophysiology of aneurysmal disease.
Diabetes Mellitus Impairs Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Rats and Neurological Recovery in Middle-Aged Rats After Stroke
Authors: Zhang Li , Chopp Michael , Zhang Yanlu , Xiong Ye , Li Chao , Sadry Neema , Rhaleb Imane , Lu Mei , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease among the middle-aged and older population, which leads to an increase of stroke incidence and poor stroke recovery. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of DM on brain damage and on ischemic brain repair after stroke in aging animals.

Methods—

DM was induced in middle-aged rats (13 months) by administration of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Rats with confirmed hyperglycemia status 30 days after nicotinamide–streptozotocin injection and age-matched non-DM rats were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Results—

Middle-aged rats subjected to nicotinamide–streptozotocin injection became hyperglycemic and developed cognitive deficits 2 months after induction of DM. Histopathologic analysis revealed that there was sporadic vascular disruption, including cerebral microvascular thrombosis, blood–brain barrier leakage, and loss of paravascular aquaporin-4 in the hippocampi. Importantly, middle-aged DM rats subjected to stroke had exacerbated sensorimotor and cognitive deficits compared with age-matched non-DM ischemic rats during stroke recovery. Compared with age-matched non-DM ischemic rats, DM ischemic rats exhibited aggravated neurovascular disruption in the bilateral hippocampi and white matter, suppressed stroke-induced neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis, and impaired dendritic/spine plasticity. However, DM did not enlarge infarct volume.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that DM exacerbates neurovascular damage and hinders brain repair processes, which likely contribute to the impairment of stroke recovery.
Care Received by Elderly US Stroke Survivors May Be Underestimated
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Freedman Vicki A. , Feng Chunyang , Wing Jeffrey J. , Burke James F.
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies exploring stroke-related caregiving focused solely on informal caregiving and a relatively limited set of activities. We sought to determine whether, and at what cost, stroke survivors receive more care than matched controls using an expanded definition of caregiving and inclusion of paid caregivers.

Methods—

Data were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries. NHATS personnel conducted in-person interviews with respondents or proxies to determine the weekly hours of care received. We compared hours of assistance received between self-reported stroke survivors (n=892) and demography- and comorbidity-matched nonstroke controls (n=892). The annual cost of stroke caregiving was estimated using reported paid caregiving data and estimates of unpaid caregiving costs.

Results—

Of community-dwelling elderly stroke survivors, 51.4% received help from a caregiver. Stroke survivors received an average of 10 hours of additional care per week compared with demography- and comorbidity-matched controls (22.3 hours versus 11.8 hours;
P
<0.01). We estimate that the average annual cost for caregiving for an elderly stroke survivor is ≈$11 300 or ≈$40 billion annually, for all elderly stroke survivors, of which $5000 per person, or $18.2 billion annually, is specific to stroke.

Conclusions—

Although stroke survivors are known to require considerable caregiving resources, our findings suggest that previous assessments may underestimate hours of care received and hence costs.
Outcomes With Edoxaban Versus Warfarin in Patients With Previous Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Rost Natalia S. , Giugliano Robert P. , Ruff Christian T. , Murphy Sabina A. , Crompton Andrea E. , Norden Andrew D. , Silverman Scott , Singhal Aneesh B. , Nicolau José C. , SomaRaju Bhupathi , Mercuri Michele F. , Antman Elliott M. , Braunwald Eugene
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

Patients with atrial fibrillation and previous ischemic stroke (IS)/transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events despite anticoagulation. In this prespecified subgroup analysis, we compared warfarin with edoxaban in patients with versus without previous IS/TIA.

Methods—

ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 (Effective Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48) was a double-blind trial of 21 105 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to warfarin (international normalized ratio, 2.0–3.0; median time-in-therapeutic range, 68.4%) versus once-daily edoxaban (higher-dose edoxaban regimen [HDER], 60/30 mg; lower-dose edoxaban regimen, 30/15 mg) with 2.8-year median follow-up. Primary end points included all stroke/systemic embolic events (efficacy) and major bleeding (safety). Because only HDER is approved, we focused on the comparison of HDER versus warfarin.

Results—

Of 5973 (28.3%) patients with previous IS/TIA, 67% had CHADS
2
(congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack) >3 and 36% were ≥75 years. Compared with 15 132 without previous IS/TIA, patients with previous IS/TIA were at higher risk of both thromboembolism and bleeding (stroke/systemic embolic events 2.83% versus 1.42% per year;
P
<0.001; major bleeding 3.03% versus 2.64% per year;
P
<0.001; intracranial hemorrhage, 0.70% versus 0.40% per year;
P
<0.001). Among patients with previous IS/TIA, annualized intracranial hemorrhage rates were lower with HDER than with warfarin (0.62% versus 1.09%; absolute risk difference, 47 [8–85] per 10 000 patient-years; hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.92;
P
=0.02). No treatment subgroup interactions were found for primary efficacy (
P
=0.86) or for intracranial hemorrhage (
P
=0.28).

Conclusions—

Patients with atrial fibrillation with previous IS/TIA are at high risk of recurrent thromboembolism and bleeding. HDER is at least as effective and is safer than warfarin, regardless of the presence or the absence of previous IS or TIA.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00781391.
Complex Neural Network Models for Time-Varying Drazin Inverse
Authors: Wang Xue-Zhong , Wei Yimin , Stanimirović Predrag S.
Published: July 2016

Two complex Zhang neural network (ZNN) models for computing the Drazin inverse of arbitrary time-varying complex square matrix are presented. The design of these neural networks is based on corresponding matrix-valued error functions arising from the limit representations of the Drazin inverse. Two types of activation functions, appropriate for handling complex matrices, are exploited to develop each of these networks. Theoretical results of convergence analysis are presented to show the desirable properties of the proposed complex-valued ZNN models. Numerical results further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models.
Dynamic Signal Tracking in a Simple V1 Spiking Model
Authors: Lajoie Guillaume , Young Lai-Sang
Published: July 2016

This work is part of an effort to understand the neural basis for our visual system’s ability, or failure, to accurately track moving visual signals. We consider here a ring model of spiking neurons, intended as a simplified computational model of a single hypercolumn of the primary visual cortex of primates. Signals that consist of edges with time-varying orientations localized in space are considered. Our model is calibrated to produce spontaneous and driven firing rates roughly consistent with experiments, and our two main findings, for which we offer dynamical explanation on the level of neuronal interactions, are the following. First, we have documented consistent transient overshoots in signal perception following signal switches due to emergent interactions of the E- and I-populations. Second, for continuously moving signals, we have found that accuracy is considerably lower at reversals of orientation than when continuing in the same direction (as when the signal is a rotating bar). To measure performance, we use two metrics, called fidelity and reliability, to compare signals reconstructed by the system to the ones presented and assess trial-to-trial variability. We propose that the same population mechanisms responsible for orientation selectivity also impose constraints on dynamic signal tracking that manifest in perception failures consistent with psychophysical observations.