bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transglycosylation Properties of a Novelα-1,4-Glucanotransferase fromBacteroides thetaiotaomicronand Its Application in Developing anα-Glucosidase-Specific Inhibitor
Authors: Choi Hye-Jeong , Ko Dam-Seul , Kim Na-Ri , Choung Woo-Jae , Koo Ye-Seul , Jeong Da-Woon , Shim Jae-Hoon
Published: December 2018

In this study,α-glucanotransferase fromBacteroides thetaiotaomicronwas expressed inEscherichia coliand characterized. Conserved amino-acid sequence alignment showed thatBacteroides thetaiotaomicron α-glucanotransferase (BtαGTase) belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 77. The enzyme exhibited optimal catalytic activity at 60°C and pH 3.0. BtαGTase catalyzed transglycosylation reactions that produced only glycosyl or maltosyl transfer products, which are preferable for the generation of transglycosylated products with high yield. The 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) glycosylation product G1-DNJ was generated using BtαGTase, and the inhibitory effect of G1-DNJ was analyzed. A kinetic study of inhibition revealed that G1-DNJ inhibitedα-glucosidase to a greater extent than did DNJ but did not show any inhibitory effects towardsα-amylase, suggesting that G1-DNJ is a potential candidate for the prevention of diabetes.
Impact of Cosmic-Ray Physics on Dark Matter Indirect Searches
Authors: Gaggero Daniele , Valli Mauro
Published: December 2018

The quest for the elusive dark matter (DM) that permeates the Universe (and in general the search for signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model at astronomical scales) provides a unique opportunity and a tough challenge to the high energy astrophysics community. In particular, the so-called DMindirect searches—mostly focused on a class of theoretically well-motivated DM candidates such as the weakly interacting massive particles—are affected by a complex astrophysical background of cosmic radiation. The understanding and modeling of such background require a deep comprehension of an intricate classical plasma physics problem, i.e., the interaction between high energy charged particles, accelerated in peculiar astrophysical environments, and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in the interstellar medium of our galaxy. In this review we highlight several aspects of this exciting interplay between the most recent claims of DM annihilation/decay signatures from the sky and the galactic cosmic-ray research field. Our purpose is to further stimulate the debate about viable astrophysical explanations, discussing possible directions that would help breaking degeneracy patterns in the interpretation of current data. We eventually aim to emphasize how a deep knowledge on the physics of CR transport is therefore required to tackle the DM indirect search program at present and in the forthcoming years.
Physical Properties and Precipitate Microstructures of Cu-Hf Alloys at Different Processing Stages
Authors: Li Mingmao , Zhang Leqing , Zhu Mingbiao , Wang Hang , Wei Haigen
Published: December 2018

The microstructural evolution and hardness and physical properties of a Cu-Hf alloy at the different processing stages were investigated using hardness, conductivity and tensile measurements, metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that the electrical conductivity of these alloys was above 80% IACS after aging at 450°C, and the hardness and conductivity of the Cu-0.9Hf alloy were 180 HV0.5 and 80% IACS, respectively. The softening temperature of the Cu-0.15Hf alloy is 525°C, and the softening temperature of Cu-0.4Hf and Cu-0.9Hf alloys is 550°C. The precipitated Hf-containing phase exhibited a short rod-like structure, the size of which increased with aging time at a slow rate and resulted in the size of ~20 nm after aging at 450°C for 300 min.
Combination of Gonadal Dysgenesis and Monosomy X with a Novo Translocation (13,14)
Authors: Latrech Hanane , Madar Houssein , Gaouzi Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Turner syndrome is a common sex chromosome disorder characterized by complete or partial absence of an X chromosome. The spectrum of its clinical features and cytogenetics are various. We report new chromosomal formula revealed by DSD and associated with translocation (13,14). To our knowledge, this is the first case of 45X, t(13;14) de novo translocation as a variation of Turner syndrome in a patient with this clinical presentation.
Combination of Proteasome and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Overcomes the Impact of Gain-of-Function p53 Mutations
Authors: Meng Xiangbing , Yang Shujie , Li Yujun , Li Yiyang , Devor Eric J. , Bi Jianling , Wang Xinhao , Umesalma Shaikamjad , Quelle Dawn E. , Thiel William H. , Thiel Kristina W. , Leslie Kimberly K.
Published: December 2018

Mutations in the “guardian of the genome” TP53 predominate in solid tumors. In addition to loss of tumor suppressor activity, a specific subset of missense mutations confers additional oncogenic properties. These “gain-of-function” (GOF) mutations portend poor prognosis across cancer types regardless of treatment. Our objective in this study was to identify novel therapeutic opportunities to overcome the deleterious effects of GOF TP53 mutants. Using gynecologic cancer cell lines with known TP53 mutational status, we established that treatment with a proteasome inhibitor induced cell death in cells with two recurrent GOF TP53 mutations (R175H and R248Q), and addition of a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) enhanced this effect. By contrast, p53-null cancer cells were relatively resistant to the combination. Proteasome inhibition promoted apoptosis of cells with TP53 GOF mutations, potentially through induction of the unfolded protein response. In line with the reported hyperstabilization of GOF p53 protein, cells treated with HDACi exhibited reduced levels of p53 protein. Together, these data form the basis for future clinical studies examining therapeutic efficacy in a preselected patient population with GOF TP53 mutations.
Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans Extract Suppresses Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Hwang Lakkyong , Ko Il-Gyu , Jin Jun-Jang , Kim Sang-Hoon , Kim Chang-Ju , Jeon Jung Won , Han Jin Hee
Published: December 2018

Background. Sciatic nerve injury develops from a variety of pathological causes, including traumatic injury and neuroinflammatory disorders, which are accompanied by pathological changes that have a critical impact on neuropathic pain and locomotor activity. Extracts of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans (SSM) are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide range of neuropathic diseases, including lower back pain, peripheral neuropathy, and sciatic nerve injury. Although SSM shows anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticonvulsant activities, its diverse mechanisms of action remain unclear. Thus, the present study examined the effects of SSM in vitro and in vivo. Methods. To estimate the anti‐inflammatory effects of SSM, inflammatory conditions were induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells, and inflammatory‐related factors were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting analyses. Sciatic nerve crush injury (SNCI) was induced in rats using a surgical clip instrument. The effects of SSM in the SNCI model were evaluated in behavioral tests by calculating the sciatic functional index (SFI) and measuring thermal hyperalgesia sensitivity and by monitoring inflammatory factors expression in western blotting analyses. Results. We observed the anti‐inflammatory effects of SSM treatment both in vitro and in vivo. The PGE2 and NO production were suppressed by SSM. Protein analyses indicated that expression of NF‐κB and degradation of IκBα were suppressed by SSM treatment. In addition, the levels of iNOS, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and COX‐2 expression were reduced by SSM treatment in RAW 264.7 cells and in the SNCI‐induced animals. In behavioral studies, SSM treatment enhanced the SFI and improved the thermal sensitivity test results. Conclusions. Our results suggest that SSM suppresses the production of inflammatory factors via the NF‐κB pathway and accelerates the morphological and functional recovery of the peripheral nervous system. Hence, SSM may be a useful therapeutic candidate for treatment of neuropathic pain diseases.
Effect of Red Light Rhinophototherapy on Nasal Patency in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Wang Jing-Jie
Published: December 2018

Purpose. The effect of red light rhinophototherapy (RLRPT) on nasal patency in patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was investigated. Materials and Methods. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups, with patients in one group given one treatment session of RLRPT, followed by medical treatment. Those in the second group were treated with medical treatment only. The rhinitis symptoms were evaluated both before and 30 minutes after RLRPT and 2 days later. The nasal patency was objectively measured through the use of both active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry before and 30 minutes after RLRPT. Results. All rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, significantly improved 30 minutes after a single RLRPT treatment, but worsened again, particularly for sneezing, 2 days later. Nasal resistance slightly decreased 30 minutes after RLRPT. The first minimal cross-sectional area did not change after RLRPT, but the second minimal cross-sectional area with the volume of the nasal cavity between 2.0 and 5.0 cm from the tip of the nosepiece significantly lessened. Conclusions. This study showed that RLRPL did not objectively improve patient’s nasal patency. Registration Number. The trial is registered with NCT03752645.
Phenolic Rich Fractions from Mycelium and Fruiting Body of Ganoderma lucidum Inhibit Bacterial Pathogens Mediated by Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Protein Leakage and Modulate Hypoxic Stress in HEK 293 Cell Line
Authors: Mishra Jigni , Joshi Anivesh , Rajput Rakhee , Singh Kaushlesh , Bansal Anju , Misra Kshipra
Published: December 2018

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) fungus (Family Ganodermataceae) is widely used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, and many Asian countries on account of its numerous medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, energy enhancing, and immunostimulatory. This broad spectrum of therapeutic effects exhibited by G. lucidum is ascribed to its abundance in several classes of chemical constituents, namely, carbohydrates, flavonoids, minerals, phenolics, proteins, and steroids which possess substantial bioactivities. The aim of the current study was to prepare phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) from aqueous extract of the Indian variety of G. lucidum mycelium and fruiting body. These fractions were assessed for their antioxidant capacity by TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ABTS [2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid] assays. Quantification of flavonoids and nucleobases present in the fractions was carried out by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The antibacterial activity of the fractions was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial mechanism of action of the PRFs was established to be generation of reactive oxygen species and leakage of proteins within bacterial cells. Additionally, the protective effect of the PRFs in counteracting hypoxia was observed in HEK 293 cell lines.
Oxidative Stress in Cardiac Tissue of Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: The Effects of Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Gramlich Yves , Daiber Andreas , Buschmann Katja , Oelze Matthias , Vahl Christian-Friedrich , Münzel Thomas , Hink Ulrich
Published: December 2018

Background. Obesity is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors and is associated with oxidative stress and myocardial dysfunction. We hypothesized that obesity affects cardiac function and morbidity by causing alterations in enzymatic redox patterns. Methods. Sixty‐one patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were included in the study. Excessive right atrial myocardial tissue emerging from the operative connection to the extracorporeal circulation was harvested. Patients were assigned to control (n = 19, body mass index (BMI): <25 kg/m2), overweight (n = 25, 25 kg/m2 < BMI < 30 kg/m2), or obese (n = 17, BMI: >30 kg/m2) groups. Oxidative enzyme systems were studied directly in the cardiac muscles of patients undergoing CABG who were grouped according to BMI. Molecular biological methods and high‐performance liquid chromatography were used to detect the expression and activity of oxidative enzymes and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results. We found increased levels of ROS and increased expression of ROS‐producing enzymes (i.e., p47phox, xanthine oxidase) and decreased antioxidant defense mechanisms (mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, heme oxygenase‐1, and eNOS) in line with elevated inflammatory markers (vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1) in the right atrial myocardial tissue and by trend also in serum (sVCAM‐1 and CCL5/RANTES). Conclusion. Increasing BMI in patients undergoing CABG is related to altered myocardial redox patterns, which indicates increased oxidative stress with inadequate antioxidant compensation. These changes suggest that the myocardium of obese patients suffering from coronary artery disease is more susceptible to cardiomyopathy and possible damage by ischemia and reperfusion, for example, during cardiac surgery.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Selected Genes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dudzińska Ewa , Gryzinska Magdalena , Kocki Janusz
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complicated, multifunctional disorder characterized by chronic, recurring inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of the study was to determine single nucleotide polymorphism in fragments of the genes CARD15/NOD2 and DLG5 in patients from the Lublin Voivodeship. Patients and Methods. The study was carried out in Lublin (Poland) in 2016. 27 individuals participated in the research. The research group comprised 9 patients with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and 9 with ulcerative colitis, aged 20 to 48, and 9 healthy volunteers. Results. No SNPs were confirmed for the CARD15/NOD2 gene fragment, but a substitution (T>C) was found in the DLG5 gene in a Crohn’s disease patient. Conclusion. Absence of extraintestinal symptoms in patients with Crohn’s disease may be associated with the absence of CARD15/NOD2 SNPs. The study suggests that SNPs (T>C substitution) affect the function of the DLG5 protein and thus play a role in the development of IBD, in particular Crohn’s disease. The analysis presented is a pilot study due to the small number of samples.
Baseline Serum Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with All-Cause Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ye Ziliang , Lu Haili , Long Manyun , Li Lang
Published: December 2018

Background. Whether serum uric acid (UA) is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 2296 patients with ACS. Curve-fitting and Cox proportional-hazard regression models with a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used. Results. During a mean follow-up of 246.31 ± 49.16 days, 168 (7.32%) patients died from all causes. Patients were divided into two groups [the high-UA group (n=566) and the low-UA group (n=1730)] based on the serum UA threshold value (5.6 mg/dl) identified through curve fitting. Fifty-three (9.36%) patients died in the high-UA group, and 115 (6.65%) patients died in the low-UA group. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P=0.031). Univariate analysis showed that the risk of all-cause mortality in the high-UA group was significantly greater than that in the low-UA group (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.04). This difference persisted after adjustment for baseline characteristics, medical history, and medication history (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.87). Conclusions. Our study demonstrated that elevated serum UA (>5.6 mg/dl) is associated with all-cause mortality in ASC patients after PCI.
Dopamine Receptor D5 is a Modulator of Tumor Response to Dopamine Receptor D2 Antagonism
Authors: Prabhu Varun V. , Madhukar Neel S. , Gilvary Coryandar , Kline C. Leah B. , Oster Sophie , El-Deiry Wafik S. , Elemento Olivier , Doherty Faye , VanEngelenburg Alexander , Durrant Jessica , Tarapore Rohinton S. , Deacon Sean , Charter Neil , Jung Jinkyu , Park Deric M. , Gilbert Mark R. , Rusert Jessica , Wechsler-Reya Robert , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Batchelor Tracy T. , Wen Patrick Y. , Oster Wolfgang , Allen Joshua E.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is a G protein–coupled receptor antagonized by ONC201, an anticancer small molecule in clinical trials for high-grade gliomas and other malignancies. DRD5 is a dopamine receptor family member that opposes DRD2 signaling. We investigated the expression of these dopamine receptors in cancer and their influence on tumor cell sensitivity to ONC201.

Experimental Design:

The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to determine DRD2/DRD5 expression broadly across human cancers. Cell viability assays were performed with ONC201 in >1,000 Genomic of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer and NCI60 cell lines. IHC staining of DRD2/DRD5 was performed on tissue microarrays and archival tumor tissues of glioblastoma patients treated with ONC201. Whole exome sequencing was performed in RKO cells with and without acquired ONC201 resistance. Wild-type and mutant DRD5 constructs were generated for overexpression studies.

Results:

DRD2 overexpression broadly occurs across tumor types and is associated with a poor prognosis. Whole exome sequencing of cancer cells with acquired resistance to ONC201 revealed a de novo Q366R mutation in the DRD5 gene. Expression of Q366R DRD5 was sufficient to induce tumor cell apoptosis, consistent with a gain-of-function. DRD5 overexpression in glioblastoma cells enhanced DRD2/DRD5 heterodimers and DRD5 expression was inversely correlated with innate tumor cell sensitivity to ONC201. Investigation of archival tumor samples from patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with ONC201 revealed that low DRD5 expression was associated with relatively superior clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

These results implicate DRD5 as a negative regulator of DRD2 signaling and tumor sensitivity to ONC201 DRD2 antagonism.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of p27Kip1 Correlates with Palbociclib Responsiveness in Breast Cancer Tumor Cells Grown in Explant Culture
Authors: Gottesman Susan R.S. , Somma Jonathan , Tsiperson Vladislav , Dresner Lisa , Govindarajulu Usha , Patel Priyank , Blain Stacy W.
Published: December 2018

Cdk4-targeting drugs, such as palbociclib, are approved for metastatic ER/PR+, Her2− breast cancer. However, other than loss of retinoblastoma, which is very rare in this subset, there are no biomarkers to predict response. Cyclin D or cdk4 levels are not by themselves indicative, because p27Kip1 is required for cyclin D–cdk4 complex activation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p27, including modification on residue Y88 (pY88), activates DK4–p27, and the pY88 level correlates with palbociclib responsiveness in cell lines. We developed dual IHC staining for p27 and pY88, and found that benign breast epithelium was negative, while breast cancer biopsies (of varied hormonal status) could be stratified for pY88 status. Lack of pY88 suggested that DK4 was inactive, and that these samples would not have the target required for palbociclib response. Tumor resection material was grown in explant culture, treated with palbociclib, and stained with Ki67 as a marker of response. Explants from the no pY88 group were nonresponsive, while explants from the low or high pY88 group responded to drug.

Implications:

Use of the pY88 biomarker, as a surrogate for cdk4 activity, may identify patients responsive to cdk4-targeting drugs and expand use of this therapy.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/17/3/669/F1.large.jpg.
Short-Term Steroid Regimen for Adult Steroid-Sensitive Minimal Change Disease
Authors: Ozeki Takaya , Katsuno Takayuki , Hayashi Hiroki , Kato Sawako , Yasuda Yoshinari , Ando Masahiko , Tsuboi Naotake , Hagiwara Daisuke , Arima Hiroshi , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: December 2018

Background: In pediatric patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, recent trials have revealed that a 2-month, short-term steroid regimen is not inferior to an extended steroid course. However, the optimal duration of initial steroid therapy for adult steroid-sensitive minimal change disease (MCD) remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-month, short-term steroid regimen in the treatment of adult steroid-sensitive MCD patients. Method: This was a prospective observational study. Adult patients with steroid-sensitive MCD (n = 35) who were initiated on a short-term steroid regimen between January 2015 and June 2016 were included. The details of the regimen are as follows: (1) prednisolone was administered at an initial dose of 0.8–1.0 mg/kg/day and continued for 4–6 weeks and (2) dosage was reduced to 0.5–0.6 mg/kg/alternate day and continued for 4 weeks. Control patients (n = 140), who were treated using conventional steroid administration, were selected from our previous adult MCD cohort. All patients fulfilled the following criteria: biopsy-proven MCD, age ≥20 years, first episode of nephrotic syndrome, and attainment of complete remission within 4 weeks. The following parameters of patients who received short-term treatment regimen and control patients were compared: any relapse and frequent relapse, adverse events caused by steroid treatment and cumulative steroid dose. Results: Throughout the observation period (median: 17.3 months), 24 (68.6%) patients in the short-term group developed at least one relapse. The short-term regimen showed earlier occurrence of any relapse than the conventional regimen (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.45; 95% CI 1.51–3.97; p < 0.001), but there was no difference in frequent relapse (aHR 1.31; 95% CI 0.43–3.99; p = 0.63). None of the patients showed any symptoms of adrenal insufficiency after discontinuation of corticosteroids. The cumulative steroid dose during the observational period was significantly lower in the short-term group than in the conventional group. Conclusions: The short-term steroid regimen may represent an effective treatment option that ensures lower steroid exposure when treating adult steroid-sensitive MCD patients.
Expression Profiles of microRNAs in Drug-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines Using microRNA Sequencing
Authors: Hu Shousen , Yuan Yongliang , Song Zhizhen , Yan Dan , Kong Xiangzhen
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Drug resistance remains a main obstacle to the treatment of non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to identify the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines. Methods: The expression profiles of miRNAs in drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines were examined using miRNA sequencing, and the common dysregulated miRNAs in these cell lines were identified and analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Results: A total of 29 upregulated miRNAs and 36 downregulated miRNAs were found in the drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines, of which 26 upregulated and 36 downregulated miRNAs were found to be involved in the Ras signaling pathway. The expression levels, survival analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve of the dysregulated miRNAs based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database for lung adenocarcinoma showed that hsa-mir-192, hsa-mir-1293, hsa-mir-194, hsa-mir-561, hsa-mir-205, hsa-mir-30a, and hsa-mir-30c were related to lung cancer, whereas only hsa-mir-1293 and hsa-mir-561 were not involved in drug resistance. Conclusion: The results of this study may provide novel biomarkers for drug resistance in NSCLC and potential therapies for overcoming drug resistance, and may also reveal the potential mechanisms underlying drug resistance in this disease.
Palhetas de oboé: confecção, materiais e ferramentas
Authors: Cicolani Josiane Cristina , Machado Simone Gorete
Published: December 2018

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo orientar o aluno iniciante nos estudos de oboé para a confecção das próprias palhetas e manuseio das ferramentas necessárias para esse fim. Será abordado um breve histórico do instrumento e seus antecessores, expondo a evolução dos primeiros oboés até os modelos atuais. Também serão abordados temas como a origem das canas, região onde são cultivadas, e procedimentos realizados, desde a cana in natura até o processo final da raspagem. Outros tópicos do trabalho incluirão: moldagem e amarração das canas, tipos de raspagens com abordagem detalhada na raspagem alemã e as ferramentas necessárias para todos os procedimentos pelos quais se chega ao final do processo em que a palheta esteja funcionando com equilíbrio, ressonância e flexibilidade.
A dupla verdade na estética de Hanslick
Authors: Silva Rafael Alexandre da
Published: December 2018

O texto Il Bello musicale, de Eduard Hanslick, que é referência, no que tange à estética musical como um todo, até os dias atuais, possui contradições de pensamento, algumas das quais revisitadas pelo seu autor no curso da vida bibliográfica de sua obra, mas que, ao invés de serem de fato problemáticas de um ponto de vista teórico, transparecem uma dupla verdade no pensamento de Hanslick. Ao se analisar os textos e as modificações feitas pelo autor, bem como a origem dos conceitos utilizados por Hanslick em seu trabalho, partindo de uma abordagem metalinguística dos conceitos por ele utilizados, e observando-se as terminologias, metáforas e analogias por ele empregadas, é possível notar a evolução de duas linhas de pensamento que coexistem: uma de caráter analítico que, de fato, baseia o célebre formalismo hanslickiano, e que faz coincidir o plano dos conteúdos musicais com o plano gramático-sintático da música, restando, assim, a “pura forma”; e a outra insere, por outro lado, a estética musical de Hanslick em uma tradição de atribuição de conteúdos musicais por meio de analogias e metáforas já incorporadas pela própria teoria musical enquanto única possibilidade de se falar sobre música, haja vista a necessidade de se tratar de uma linguagem (a música) através de outra (a língua). Por fim, essa dualidade, aparentemente contraditória, pode ser explicada também através do conceito de semântica atribuída por direito, desenvolvido por Gyorg Lukács, no qual, devido à natureza puramente sonora da música, tal dualidade se dissolveria na necessidade de tratá-la, por direito de uso, ao mesmo tempo, tanto de um ponto de vista formalista quanto conteudista, donde os significados se dão por atribuições de sentidos que estão além da própria música, e que são necessários à reflexão estética sobre música.
A ideologia do cânone e a morte da criatividade
Authors: Silva Alexandre Guilherme Montes
Published: December 2018

Nesse pequeno artigo são abordados alguns conceitos importantes sobre o cânone e suas características. Também o conceito de criatividade e sua ressignificação articulada pelo novo capitalismo artista. Na conclusão evidenciam-se os contrastes entre os dois conceitos principais aqui descritos: o cânone e a criatividade.
Evidence-Based Performance Measures and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Yilong , Li Zixiao , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Wang Chunxue , Wang Chunjuan , Peterson Eric D. , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Smith Sidney C. , Bettger Janet , Wang David , Li Hao , Xian Ying , Wang Yongjun
Published: December 2018

Background:

Stroke is the leading cause of death in China. Despite the wide dissemination of evidence-based guidelines, data about adherence to these in routine clinical practice are scarce. We conducted a study using a nationwide registry to evaluate the implementation of evidence-based stroke performance indicators and associated guidelines, for patients with an ischemic stroke in China.

Methods and Results:

The China National Stroke Registry is a prospective cohort study, including 12 416 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke from 132 hospitals across China, for 1 year beginning September 2007. Twelve performance indicators were selected to evaluate the quality of stroke care. Multivariable Cox models were used to determine the association between optimal compliance and clinical outcomes. Conformity with performance measures ranged from a median of 6.5% for the use of intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) to 81.8% for early use of antithrombotics. The optimal compliance with all in-hospital measures was associated with 1-year death after admission (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.55–0.79). The optimal compliance with all discharge measures was associated with the 1-year death after discharge (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44–0.69), 1-year stroke recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70–0.93), and favorable functional outcomes (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2) (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16).

Conclusions:

Adherence to evidence-based ischemic stroke care measures in China revealed substantial gaps, and select measures were associated with improved outcomes. These findings support the need for ongoing quality measurement and improvement in stroke care in China.
Myocardial Revascularization Trials
Authors: Ruel Marc , Falk Volkmar , Farkouh Michael E. , Freemantle Nick , Gaudino Mario F. , Glineur David , Cameron Duke E. , Taggart David P.
Published: December 2018

This article reviews the context and evidence of recent myocardial revascularization trials that compared percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary artery bypass grafting for the treatment of left main and multivessel coronary artery disease. We develop the rationale that some of the knowledge synthesis resulting from these trials, particularly with regard to the claimed noninferiority of percutaneous coronary intervention beyond nondiabetic patients with low anatomic complexity, may have been affected by trial design, patient selection based on suitability for percutaneous coronary intervention, and end point optimization favoring percutaneous coronary intervention over coronary artery bypass grafting. We provide recommendations that include holding a circumspect interpretation of the currently available evidence, as well as suggestions for the collaborative design and conduct of future clinical trials in this and other fields.
The Impact on Student Achievement of Replacing Principals in District of Columbia Public Schools
Authors: Walsh Elias , Dotter Dallas
Published: December 2018

The 2007 Public Education Reform Amendment Act led to 39 percent of the principals in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) being dismissed before the start of the 2008–09 school year, and additional principal exits over the next few years. We measure the impact of replacing these principals on schoolwide student achievement by measuring the changes in achievement that occurred when principals were replaced, and comparing these changes to achievement in comparison schools within DCPS that kept the same principal. We find that after a new principal's third year in a school, average schoolwide achievement increased by 4 percentile points (0.09 standard deviations) compared with how students in the school would have achieved had DCPS not replaced the previous principal. For students in grades 6 to 8, the gains were larger and statistically significant in both math and reading.
Rediscovered syntypes of Procrangonyx japonicus, with nomenclatural consideration of some crangonyctoidean subterranean amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Allocrangonyctidae, Niphargidae, Pseudocrangonyctidae)
Authors: NAKANO TAKAFUMI , TOMIKAWA KO , GRYGIER MARK J.
Published: December 2018

Two missing syntypes of the Japanese subterranean amphipod Procrangonyx japonicus (Uéno, 1930), the type species of Procrangonyx Schellenberg, 1934, were rediscovered in the collections of the Kyoto University Museum. The morphology of uropod 3, which has been considered the principal diagnostic character of the genus, is redescribed on the basis of one of the syntypes, and the nomenclatural history of the generic names Procrangonyx and Eocrangonyx Schellenberg, 1937 (corrected from 1936) for some Far-Eastern subterranean amphipod species is reviewed. Owing to confusion between the terms “type fixation” and “type designation”—the latter being just one means of accomplishing the former—the view that Procrangonyx is unavailable and invalid has prevailed in recent literature. Procrangonyx was indeed proposed after 1930 with no type species “designation”, but under Articles 67.2.1 and 68.3 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Eucrangonyx japonicus Uéno, 1930 was “fixed” as its type species by monotypy in the original publication. Since a diagnosis of the genus was also provided in the same work, Procrangonyx is available under Article 13.3 of the Code. However, because endopodal segmentation of uropod 3 proves to be variable in P. japonicus, doubt is thrown on the taxonomic distinctness of Procrangonyx vis à vis Pseudocrangonyx Akatsuka & Komai, 1922. Additionally, the publication dates of Allocrangonyx Schellenberg, 1937 and Niphargus foreli speziae Schellenberg, 1937 are corrected from 1936.
The first Taeniolinum from the Andes Mountains and Colombia (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha)
Authors: TULANDE-M ESTEBAN , PRADO CÉSAR CAMILO , TRIANA HERNÁN DARÍO
Published: December 2018

Taeniolinum neusicus sp. n. is described based on 148 specimens collected at the eastern Colombian Andes. Detailed data on environmental and biological preferences are included in the description. The validity of characters such as the number of labral teeth and the clypeal setae to separate Taeniolinum species is also evaluated.
A new species of Yunnanilus (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Sichuan, southwest China
Authors: DU LI-NA , HOU MIAN , CHEN XIAO-YONG , YANG JUN-XING
Published: December 2018

A new species of Yunnanilus is described from Tuojiang River, Sichuan, China. The new species, Yunnanilus jiuchiensis, can be distinguished from other species of Yunnanilus by the following combination of characters: processus dentiformis absent; body covered with scarce scales; lateral-line incomplete, as long as half the length of the pectoral-fin length, with 6–11 pores; eye diameter larger than interorbital width; and caudal-peduncle length less than its depth.
Pneumolabyrinth and Recurrent Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo After Traumatic Stapes Fracture
Authors: Comacchio Francesco , Guidetti Giorgio , Guidetti Riccardo , Mion Marta
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

The development of pneumolabyrinth without previous head trauma is a rare event; the associated symptoms may be nonspecific, and they can simulate various cochleo-vestibular pathological entities. The aim of the present study is to describe one of these rare occurrences, characterized by a peculiar onset.

Methods:

We report a case of stapes fracture secondary to ear pick penetration into the middle ear with a pneumolabyrinth that caused a recurrent paroxysmal positional vertigo (PPV) mimicking a canalolithiasis.

Results:

The patient developed a profound left sensorineural hearing loss and an intractable PPV with “migrant” features. A pneumolabyrinth was visualized with high-resolution computed tomography. A perilymphatic fistula (PLF) with stapes fracture was found while performing an explorative tympanotomy. After the surgical treatment of the PLF, the patient no longer complained of vestibular symptoms.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the fifth case of traumatic pneumolabyrinth simulating a canalolithiasis without previous history of temporal bone trauma and/or middle ear surgery. A pneumolabyrinth should be suspected in case of patients presenting recurrent intractable PPV after ear trauma.
Nondestructive Chemical Analysis of the Iron-Containing Protein Ferritin Using Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Hartmann Carolin , Elsner Martin , Niessner Reinhard , Ivleva Natalia P.
Published: December 2018

Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular iron storage protein of animals, plants, and bacteria. The cavity of this protein acts like a reaction chamber for natural formation and storage of nano-sized particles via biomineralization. Knowledge of the chemical composition and structure of the iron core is highly warranted in the fields of nano technologies as well as biomolecules and medicine. Here, we show that Raman microspectroscopy (RM) is a suitable nondestructive approach for an analysis of proteins containing such nano-sized iron oxides. Our approach addresses: (1) synthesis of suitable reference materials, i.e., ferrihydrite, maghemite and magnetite nanoparticles; (2) optimization of parameters for Raman spectroscopic analysis; (3) comparison of Raman spectra from ferritin with apoferritin and our reference minerals; and (4) validation of Raman analysis by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy as two independent complementary approaches. Our results reveal that the iron core of natural ferritin is composed of the iron(III) hydroxide ferrihydrite (Fe2O3 ∙ 0.5 H2O).
Rappresentazioni licenziose nei componimenti poetici di Domenico Tempio: Il versante maschile
Authors: Monzone Chiel
Published: December 2018

L’organo virile in poesia non risulta per forza volgare. Al di là del lessico usato e delle situazioni descritte, esso può avere altri significati. Come nel caso del settecentesco Domenico Tempio, autore catanese essenzialmente dialettale. In certi suoi testi, il membro è espressione del maschio; è veicolo di un istinto basilare del corpo; è manifestazione, al contempo, di una “predominanza” nell’ambito del rapporto carnale e di un “imperio” sulla donna. Soprattutto, la rappresentazione del sesso dell’uomo mostra, una volta di più e in un ulteriore modo, le qualità di letterato di Tempio, che non fu quel compositore esclusivamente osceno com’è stato da sempre “etichettato”.
Job Satisfaction in the Canadian Public Service: Mitigating Toxicity With Interests
Authors: McGrandle Jocelyn
Published: December 2018

During the 2015 Canadian federal election, political parties were polarized over the issue of job satisfaction in the public service. Critics and public service unions argued that there was a toxic environment under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau promised, if elected, to remedy this toxicity. Therefore, the job satisfaction of federal employees was a campaign promise of the now elected Liberals. Improving job satisfaction is not simple, as there are many competing factors impacting it. This study measures job satisfaction of Canadian public servants in 2014 and concludes that job satisfaction remained fairly high across the board, even under Stephen Harper, and that by far the strongest predictor of job satisfaction is how well employees’ interests match their job, followed by the relationship with their immediate supervisor, relationships with colleagues, and skills. Thus, human resource management policies are essential in improving job satisfaction.
Ethnicity, Gender, and Oil: Comparative Dynamics in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Vallejo Ivette , Cielo Cristina , García Fernando
Published: December 2018

During the past decade, Ecuador’s Alianza PAÍS socialist government, primarily under the leadership of Rafael Correa, was committed to moving toward a post-neoliberal economy and implementing a “New Amazon” free of poverty, with expanded infrastructure and services, as part of the redistribution of oil revenues. However, in sites of state development projects, gender hierarchies and territorial dispossession in fact became more acute. Analysis of two place-based indigenous political ecologies—one in the central Amazon, where the state licensed new oil blocks in Sapara territory to a Chinese company in 2016, and the other in the Kichwa community of Playas de Cuyabeno in the northern Amazon, where the state company PetroAmazonas has operated since the 1970s—shows how women have reconfigured their ethnic and gender identities in relation to oil companies and the state in the context of rising and falling oil prices and in doing so reinforced or challenged male leaders’ positions in the internal structures of their communities and organizations.

Durante la última década, el gobierno socialista de Alianza PAÍS de Ecuador, principalmente bajo el liderazgo de Rafael Correa, se comprometió a avanzar hacia una economía posneoliberal e implementar una “Nueva Amazonía” libre de pobreza, con infraestructura y servicios ampliados, como parte de la redistribución de los ingresos petroleros. Sin embargo, en los sitios de proyectos estatales de desarrollo, las jerarquías de género y el despojo territorial de hecho se hicieron más agudos. Análisis de dos ecologías políticas indígenas basadas en el lugar—una en la Amazonía central, donde el estado otorgó licencias de nuevos bloques petroleros en el territorio de Sapara a una compañía china en 2016, y la otra en la comunidad Kichwa de Playas de Cuyabeno, en el norte de la Amazonía, donde la compañía estatal PetroAmazonas ha operado desde la década de 1970—muestra cómo las mujeres han reconfigurado sus identidades étnicas y de género en relación con las compañías petroleras y el estado en el contexto del alza y la caída de los precios del petróleo y, al hacerlo, refuerzan o desafían las posiciones de los líderes masculinos en la estructura interna de sus comunidades y organizaciones.
After Decolonization: Changes in the Urban Landscape of Platô in Praia, Cape Verde
Authors: Górny Krzysztof , Górna Ada
Published: December 2018

This article addresses colonial built heritage in the urban landscape of Platô, Praia’s historical center. It is based on field work conducted by the authors in 2017. The aim of this article is to define the extent and rate of change in the urban landscape of Platô, from Cape Verde’s independence in 1975 to 2017. The authors focus mainly on the following traces of material colonial built heritage: architecture, streets, symbolic elements and public spaces, while simultaneously describing their immaterial dimensions. The analysis is preceded by a historical overview, which includes the stages of Praia’s spatial development. The authors argue that the colonial legacy in the urban landscape of Platô is constantly changing in functionality and meaning, and is progressively disappearing due to rapid social, economic, and political changes combined with a lack of adequate measures on the part of the country’s authorities to preserve its colonial built heritage.
The Impact of Environmental Pollution on Ethnic Unrest in Xinjiang: A Uyghur Perspective
Authors: Baranovitch Nimrod
Published: December 2018

Since the early 1990s, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been one of the most restive areas in China, and in recent years, following the July 2009 Urumchi riots, it has experienced frequent incidents of severe ethnic violence. A large body of scholarship has attempted to explain the sources of Uyghur discontent and pointed to various factors, including cultural and religious repression, unemployment, discrimination, and the mass migration of Han Chinese settlers into the region. This article proposes that environmental degradation, a factor that so far has received little attention in the research that focuses on ethnic tension in Xinjiang, is another important contributing factor. Focusing on air and water pollution in Xinjiang, but also addressing other types of environmental degradation, the article examines the attitudes of Uyghurs toward the phenomenon and shows how their perceptions have affected and been affected by their tense relationship with the Chinese government and the Han Chinese settlers in the region.
Alpha Is Not the False Alarm Rate: An Activity to Dispel a Common Statistical Misconception
Authors: Thompson W. Burt
Published: December 2018

When a psychologist announces a new research finding, it is often based on a rejected null hypothesis. However, if that hypothesis is true, the claim is a false alarm. Many students mistakenly believe that the probability of committing a false alarm equals alpha, the criterion for statistical significance, which is typically set at 5%. Instructors should take specific steps to dispel this belief because it leads students to misinterpret statistical test results and it reinforces the more general misconception that results can be interpreted in isolation, without reference to theory or prior research. In the present study, students worked with a web app that shows how the false alarm rate is a function of the prior probability of an effect, statistical power, and alpha. Quiz scores suggest the activity helps correct the misconception, which can improve how students conduct and interpret research.
A Comparison of Two In-Class Anxiety Reduction Exercises Before a Final Exam
Authors: Clinton Virginia , Meester Stacy
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this quasi-experiment is to test two different methods for helping students reduce anxiety before an exam. Students in two introductory psychology courses ( N = 111) engaged in either a focused breathing exercise or an expressive writing exercise before their final exam. Results indicated that, compared with previous exam performance, both focused breathing and expressive writing improved performance for students with high levels of trait test anxiety. However, there was no effect on final exam performance for either method for students with low levels of trait test anxiety. Both the exercises appeared to reduce state anxiety for students, although the reduction was greater for students with high levels of trait test anxiety. These findings can be used to assist students who struggle with trait test anxiety.
Status survey on enema reduction of paediatric intussusception in China
Authors: Tang Xiao Bing , Zhao Jia Yu , Bai Yu Zuo
Published: December 2018

Objective

Intussusception is a common paediatric abdominal emergency in infants. The first-line treatment of choice in uncomplicated paediatric intussusception is enema reduction. The study aim was to provide an overview of the current national practice of enema reduction of paediatric intussusception in China.

Methods

A questionnaire on enema reduction of paediatric intussusception was sent to respondents (members of the Pediatric Anorectal Group, the Neonatal Group, the Society of Pediatric Surgery and the China Medical Association).

Results

Data from 128 questionnaires were analysed. Of these, 78.1% (100/128) reported the use of fluoroscopy, 17.2% (22/128) use of ultrasound monitoring, 78.9% (101/128) use of air and 17.9% (23/128) use of normal saline. A total of 78.9% (101/128) reported a success rate of 90%, 25.8% (33/128) reported that a paediatric surgeon managed the reduction, 18.8% (24/128) that a radiologist managed the reduction and 44.5% (57/128) that a paediatric surgeon and radiologist jointly managed the reduction.

Conclusions

There is large variation in the techniques of enema reduction of intussusception in China. Fluoroscopy-guided air enema reduction is mainly used. Enema reduction of uncomplicated cases of paediatric intussusception in China lacks standardization of equipment and personnel involvement.