bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El cuerpo en la filosofía de Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Firenze Antonino
Published: January 2017

El propósito de esta contribución es exponer los elementos esenciales de la filosofía del cuerpo de Merleau-Ponty. En un primer momento describiré la función trascendental del cuerpo como cogito tácito planteada en Phénoménologie de la perception, para a continuación poner de relieve la profundización ontológica que, con respecto a ésta, se esboza en Le visible et l’invisible. En efecto, en este contexto tardío, la comprensión de la corporeidad (lo visible) depende constitutivamente de su vínculo con el pensamiento (lo invisible). Mostraré que este quiasmo de visible e invisible remite de modo original al principio de productividad inmanente a la carne del mundo en cuanto que dimensión ontológica fundamental.
El cuerpo en el arte como metáfora de la violencia
Authors: Capriles Sandner Claudia Alejandra
Published: January 2017

El cuerpo del hombre contemporáneo se expresa por medio de un discurso en constante transformación y las expresiones escénicas son manifestaciones para su análisis e interpretación. El cuerpo sintetiza en sus procesos de creación elementos substanciales de la violencia y deja al descubierto a un sujeto fragilizado que arrastra heridas como producto de sus vivencias. La violencia ha dado paso a la culpa y la vergüenza, emociones morales que han marcado profundamente al ser contemporáneo.
¿Espacio de aparición sin dimensión corporal? Identidad y violencia en H. Arendt
Authors: Varela Manograsso Agustina Belén
Published: January 2017

Este artículo analiza la temática del cuerpo en la obra de Hannah Arendt, desde la vinculación a su comprensión de la violencia y la identidad individual. Si, por un lado, la filósofa construye una teoría de "lo político" en términos de espacio de aparición y revelación de la identidad personal, el cuerpo, en principio, parece quedar relegado al ámbito privado que ella considera como un espacio de ocultamiento, ligado a la compulsión de la necesidad y de la(s) violencia(s) prepolítica(s). Tomando en consideración las tensiones que esta distinción plantea, exploraré posibles vías que su misma obra ofrece para trascenderlas y que permiten repensar sus aportaciones a los estudios contemporáneos sobre el cuerpo, así como sus conexiones con la identidad y la violencia.
“Yo soy mi cuerpo.” La concepción henryana del ego como emergencia de una subjetividad corporal desde la inmanencia radical y patética de la Vida
Authors: Teba de la Fuente Víctor
Published: January 2017

En su radicalización de la fenomenología, Michel Henry (1922-2002) identifica la esencia del aparecer, condición de posibilidad de la manifestación de lo real, con la autorrevelación de la Vida en el espacio de la inmanencia radical y patética. Desde este esquema y siguiendo el pensamiento de Maine de Biran, Henry propone una concepción del “yo” como “cuerpo subjetivo”, sentido y vivenciado como poder de acción y pasividad radical en la que se produce la autoafección de la Vida. Esta interpretación de la subjetividad plantea unas implicaciones espirituales, éticas y políticas que abren la reflexión filosófica a nuevos campos de investigación.
Presentación
Authors: Costa Delgado Jorge , Hoyos Sánchez Inmaculada , Moreno Pestaña José Luis
Published: January 2017

El cuerpo concita creciente interés en las ciencias humanas y en la filosofía. Aunque sería un error creer que el interés filosófico por el cuerpo procede de una moda pasajera. El cuerpo acompaña la reflexión filosófica desde sus inicios: al hilo de una polémica, Platón comparó a la filosofía con la gimnasia y condenó como cosméticos a los pseudosaberes. Una teoría de la salud, y pegada a ella, una división sexual del trabajo, pero también una reflexión acerca de la belleza, subyace a la argumentación platónica. Esos tres planos (conocimiento, política y estética) en lo que al cuerpo atañe, imponen una reflexión específica. Tal fue el objetivo de nuestro VII Congreso de la Sociedad Académica de Filosofía que se celebró del 27 al 29 de mayo de 2015 en la Universidad de Cádiz. Porque, efectivamente, la epistemología, la ética y la estética, desde Aristóteles a Judith Butler pasando por Spinoza y Gabriel Marcel, reflexionando sobre las neurociencias, sobre el aborto o sobre el rock, construyeron y construyen filosofías del cuerpo: a veces en diálogo, otras en confrontación. Sobre todas ellas, y sobre las que se formularon allí mismo, versan las aportaciones que tiene ante sí el lector.
La modernidad o el drama de la identidad: máscara, lenguaje y memoria en Persona, de Ingmar Bergman.
Authors: Vázquez Couto David
Published: January 2017

Persona (1966), de Ingmar Bergman, especula sobre la ausencia de una esencia, vana promesa de una idea velada tras el individuo convertido en imagen de sí mismo. Discernir el ser del parecer y el pensar del decir entre los reflejos que se pierden por el tenebroso terreno del lenguaje, despierta la conciencia del abismo comunicativo que condena al hombre a una soledad perpetua. El hombre, actor y espectador de la vida, construye el relato de su existencia siguiendo las frágiles huellas de la memoria. Persona es el conflicto entre el rostro y la máscara; el drama moderno de la identidad encerrada en la imagen que disimula la verdad de la nada.
La familia neoasiria en la historiografía moderna.
Authors: González Torres Angel Luis
Published: January 2017

En este artículo nos encontramos con un tema de desarrollo de la familia en el Imperio Neoasirio, centrándose el autor en el aspecto de los enfoques de la historiografía y centrándose en el aspecto de la mujer en la familia Neoasiria y también en la educación de los escribas.

En este artículo nos encontramos con un tema de desarrollo de la familia en el Imperio Neoasirio, centrándose el autor en el aspecto de los enfoques de la historiografía y centrándose en el aspecto de la mujer en la familia Neoasiria y también en la educación de los escribas.
El sol en las civilizaciones antiguas.
Authors: Sen Montero Felipe
Published: January 2017

Este articulo trataremos de desarrollar el tema sobre El Sol en las Civilizaciones antiguas, centrándonos básicamente en Egipto, China, Japón, India, Grecia, Roma y Culturas americanas.

Este articulo trataremos de desarrollar el tema sobre El Sol en las Civilizaciones antiguas, centrándonos básicamente en Egipto, China, Japón, India, Grecia, Roma y Culturas americanas.
Clásicos de la filosofía de la historia: H. I. Marrou y "El conocimiento de la historia".
Authors: Llorach Asunción Ana Rufina
Published: January 2017

En este texto hablaremos sobre la figura de Henri-Irénée Marrou y su desarrollo investigador a lo largo de su vida, ejemplo claros los tenemo en su tesis doctoral: “San Agustín y el fin de la cultura antigua e Historia de la educación en la Antigüedad” y en su defensa de la filosofía de la Historia por la necesidad de reflexionar sobre los fundamentos del conocimiento.

En este texto hablaremos sobre la figura de Henri-Irénée Marrou y su desarrollo investigador a lo largo de su vida, ejemplo claros los tenemo en su tesis doctoral: “San Agustín y el fin de la cultura antigua e Historia de la educación en la Antigüedad” y en su defensa de la filosofía de la Historia por la necesidad de reflexionar sobre los fundamentos del conocimiento.
La historia como ciencia. A propósito del prólogo que Ortega y Gasset escribe para la edición castellana de la obra de Hegel.
Authors: Pérez Mulero Pedro
Published: January 2017

En este texto se basa en entender al pensador Hegel desde su filosofía y comprender su visión de la historia, a partir de lo expuesto en el prologo realizado por Ortega y Gasset en: La definición de la realidad histórica, «la filosofía de la historia» 22 de Hegel y la historiología.

En este texto se basa en entender al pensador Hegel desde su filosofía y comprender su visión de la historia, a partir de lo expuesto en el prologo realizado por Ortega y Gasset en: La definición de la realidad histórica, «la filosofía de la historia» 22 de Hegel y la historiología.
Estrategias didácticas y recomendaciones para la defensa oral de los Trabajos Fin de Grado y Fin de Máster
Authors: Onieva Lopez Juan Lucas
Published: January 2017

La defensa oral de los TFG y TFM será el tema que desarrollaremos en este artículo y que, con el objetivo de ayudar al alumnado y al profesorado sobre esta cuestión, analizaremos las diferentes planillas de evaluación que utilizan las universidades y las que recomiendan diferentes especialistas. También consideraremos aquellos sentimientos que ahogan a los estudiantes en este tipo de escenarios y propondremos pensamientos, ideas y estrategias para realizar una buena exposición. Para ello, ofreceremos una serie de recursos y propuestas para que los alumnos y docentes afronten con éxito la defensa de este tipo de trabajos.
Teaching conceptions and approaches: do qualitative results support survey data?
Authors: Monroy Fuensanta , González-Geraldo José-Luis
Published: January 2017

This study examined preservice teachers’ teaching conceptions and approaches measured quantitatively and qualitatively in order to identify any convergence of findings. Additionally, any changes in conceptions and approaches towards a student- or teacher-centred orientation upon completion of a training course were compared. Method: Preservice teachers completed a scale on approaches to teaching and answered open-ended questions on teaching before and after an initial teacher training programme. Results and conclusions: Inconsistencies in the results suggest that research on teaching and learning should use a combination of techniques in order to ensure that phenomena are accurately examined so that appropriate educational decisions are made.
Isoform-specific subcellular localization and function of protein kinase A identified by mosaic imaging of mouse brain
Authors: Ilouz Ronit , Lev-Ram Varda , Bushong Eric A , Stiles Travis L , Friedmann-Morvinski Dinorah , Douglas Christopher , Goldberg Jeffrey L , Ellisman Mark H , Taylor Susan S
Published: January 2017

Protein kinase A (PKA) plays critical roles in neuronal function that are mediated by different regulatory (R) subunits. Deficiency in either the RIβ or the RIIβ subunit results in distinct neuronal phenotypes. Although RIβ contributes to synaptic plasticity, it is the least studied isoform. Using isoform-specific antibodies, we generated high-resolution large-scale immunohistochemical mosaic images of mouse brain that provided global views of several brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebellum. The isoforms concentrate in discrete brain regions, and we were able to zoom-in to show distinct patterns of subcellular localization. RIβ is enriched in dendrites and co-localizes with MAP2, whereas RIIβ is concentrated in axons. Using correlated light and electron microscopy, we confirmed the mitochondrial and nuclear localization of RIβ in cultured neurons. To show the functional significance of nuclear localization, we demonstrated that downregulation of RIβ, but not of RIIβ, decreased CREB phosphorylation. Our study reveals how PKA isoform specificity is defined by precise localization.
Embodied Making, Creative Cognition and Memory
Authors: Gulliksen Marte Sørebø
Published: January 2017

This article revisits previous research on the maker’s experience when working with materials, and discusses this in light of new research on creative cognition and the neurobiological basis of making. It is one in a series of four articles, which draw on neurobiological knowledge to expand our understanding of the woodcarver’s experience. The aim of this article is to present and discuss one element of the creative cognition of the woodcarver: memory. It reviews the basics of the nervous system and its function, cognition, and attention. I argue that one of the reasons why the woodcarver cherishes the experience of carving is that he or she can recall and relive many details in the memory of it. I will specifically discuss the role of the hippocampus in storing and recollecting declarative episodic memories. The article concludes with a short discussion of why this knowledge is useful in understanding the woodcarver’s experience and, in turn, if – and, if so, why – woodcarving could be an important activity in which to engage in the twenty-first century.
Upregulation of NOXA by 10-Hydroxycamptothecin plays a key role in inducing fibroblasts apoptosis and reducing epidural fibrosis
Authors: Dai Jihang , Sun Yu , Yan Lianqi , Wang Jingcheng , Li Xiaolei , He Jun
Published: January 2017

The fibrosis that develops following laminectomy or discectomy often causes serious complications, and the proliferation of fibroblasts is thought to be the major cause of epidural fibrosis. 10-Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) has been proven to be efficient in preventing epidural fibrosis, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. NOXA is a significant regulator of cell apoptosis, which has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of fibrosis. We performed a series of experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, to explore the intrinsic mechanism of HCPT that underlies the induction of apoptosis in fibroblasts, and also to investigate whether HCPT has positive effects on epidural fibrosis following laminectomy in rats. Fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and stimulated by varying concentrations of HCPT (0, 1, 2, 4 µg/ml) for various durations (0, 24, 48, 72 h); the effect of HCPT in inducing the apoptosis of fibroblasts was investigated via Western blots and TUNEL assay. Our results showed that HCPT could induce apoptosis in fibroblasts and up-regulate the expression of NOXA. Following the knockdown of NOXA in fibroblasts, the results of Western blot analysis showed that the level of apoptotic markers, such as cleaved-PARP and Bax, was decreased. The results from the TUNEL assay also showed a decreased rate of apoptosis in NOXA-knocked down fibroblasts. For the in vivo studies, we performed a laminectomy at the L1-L2 levels in rats and applied HCPT of different concentrations (0.2, 0.1, 0.05 mg/ml and saline) locally; the macroscopic histological assessment, hydroxyproline content analysis and histological staining were performed to evaluate the effect of HCPT on reducing epidural fibrosis. The TUNEL assay in epidural tissues showed that HCPT could obviously induce apoptosis in fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Also, immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of NOXA increased as the concentrations of HCPT increased. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that upregulation of NOXA by HCPT plays a key role in inducing fibroblast apoptosis and in reducing epidural fibrosis. These findings might provide a potential therapeutic target for preventing epidural fibrosis following laminectomy.
Palladium‐catalyzed reductive homocoupling of aryl sulfonates via cleavage of C─O bond at room temperature
Authors: Zhong Shuangling , Chen Mengxin , Liu Ge , Sun Chenggang , Liu Wencong
Published: January 2017

Palladium‐catalyzed reductive homocoupling of aryl sulfonates has been successfully achieved under mild conditions. This transformation is a new method for the homocoupling reaction of aryl sulfonates at room temperature via the cleavage of C─O bonds, thus providing an alternative synthesis of symmetric biaryls. The reported reductive homocoupling reaction is tolerant of many common functional groups regardless of electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing nature, making this newly developed transformation important for complementing Ullmann coupling.

Experimental Section.

Typical procedure for the products.
Tuning the Interfacial Chemistry of Redox‐Active Polymer for Bifunctional Probing
Authors: Aralekallu Shambhulinga , Thimmappa Ravikumar , Gaikwad Pramod , Devendrachari Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli , Kottaichamy Alagar Raja , Shafi Shahid Pottachola , Lokesh Koodlur Sannegowda , Sánchez Julio , Thotiyl Musthafa Ottakam
Published: January 2017

Redox‐active conducting polymers are ubiquitous in sensing devices, owing to their good conductivity, ease of synthesis, and processability. The necessity of proton transfer during their redox energy modulations projected them as universal pH sensors, owing to Nernstian dependence of electromotive force (EMF) on the pH. Here, we show that the pH‐dependent Nernstian EMF of redox‐active conducting polymeric interfaces becomes universal only with a cation‐selective ionomer cover, without which the interface transforms depending on the chemistry of the conjugate base, owing to the dependency of the polymer's redox energy on the nature of the conjugate base. For an uncovered redox‐active polymer, galvanostatic intermittent titration (GITT) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) studies demonstrate a clear distinction in the kinetics of psuedocapacitive charge injection between spherical and tetrahedral anions, leading to a multifunctional ion‐sensing probe. Nonetheless, for a polymer with a cation‐selective ionomer cover, GITT and EQCM measurements demonstrate a unified response, irrespective of the nature of the conjugate bases, owing to rectified cationic transport, leading to a universal pH sensor. A bifunctional ion‐sensing meter is constructed by coupling the redox‐active polymer probe with a non‐polarizable interface and it can signal the end user the cation concentration and the type of conjugate base in a single measurement.
2D Heterostructures Derived from MoS2‐Templated, Cobalt‐Containing Conjugated Microporous Polymer Sandwiches for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Yuan Kai , Zhuang Xiaodong , Hu Ting , Shi Lei , Sfaelou Stavroula , Polnick Ulrike , Forster Michael , Pichler Thomas , Riedl Thomas , Feng Xinliang , Chen Yiwang , Scherf Ullrich
Published: January 2017

Owing to their unique structure and intriguing properties, 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have attracted tremendous attention. Chemical surface functionalization of TMDs can be used to tune their properties and broaden their application perspective. Unfortunately, covalent functionalization of TMDs into sandwich‐type hybrid materials remains challenging, owing to the chemically rather inert basal plane and the poor solution processability of TMDs. Herein, we report an efficient approach for the preparation of MoS2‐templated, cobalt‐containing conjugated microporous polymer sandwiches (MoS2−Co−MP), starting from basal‐plane‐functionalized MoS2. The resulting MoS2−Co−CMP hybrids can easily be converted into MoS2‐cored, hierarchically porous carbon materials (MoS2−Co−C) of high specific surface area through direct pyrolysis. The MoS2−Co−C 2D materials exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity, approaching the performance of commercial Pt/C catalysts. Moreover, MoS2−Co−C shows a promising electrochemical energy storage capability, with a high capacitance value up to 288 F g−1 coupled with remarkable cycle stability. Such a promising performance can be attributed to synergistic effects between the MoS2 template and the graphitized, hierarchically porous carbon shells with a homogeneous distribution of nitrogen centres as well as probable involvement of catalytically active Co−N or/and Co−N−C structural motifs.
Photoredox‐Catalysed Decarboxylative Alkylation of N‐Heteroarenes with N‐(Acyloxy)phthalimides
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Min , Shang Rui , Fu Ming‐Chen , Fu Yao
Published: January 2017

An iridium photoredox catalyst in combination with either a stoichiometric amount of Brønsted acid or a catalytic amount of Lewis acid is capable of catalyzing regioselective alkylation of N‐heteroarenes with N‐(acyloxy)phthalimides at room temperature under irradiation. A broad range of N‐heteroarenes can be alkylated using a variety of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary carboxylates. Mechanistic studies suggest that an IrII/IrIII redox catalytic cycle is responsible for the observed reactivity.
Incorporating food web dynamics into ecological restoration: a modeling approach for river ecosystems
Authors: Bellmore J. Ryan , Benjamin Joseph R. , Newsom Michael , Bountry Jennifer A. , Dombroski Daniel
Published: January 2017

Restoration is frequently aimed at the recovery of target species, but also influences the larger food web in which these species participate. Effects of restoration on this broader network of organisms can influence target species both directly and indirectly via changes in energy flow through food webs. To help incorporate these complexities into river restoration planning, we constructed a model that links river food web dynamics to in‐stream physical habitat and riparian vegetation conditions. We present an application of the model to the Methow River, Washington, USA, a location of on‐going restoration aimed at recovering salmon. Three restoration strategies were simulated: riparian vegetation restoration, nutrient augmentation via salmon carcass addition, and side channel reconnection. We also added populations of nonnative aquatic snails and fish to the modeled food web to explore how changes in food web structure mediate responses to restoration. Simulations suggest that side channel reconnection may be a better strategy than carcass addition and vegetation planting for improving conditions for salmon in this river segment. However, modeled responses were strongly sensitive to changes in the structure of the food web. The addition of nonnative snails and fish modified pathways of energy through the food web, which negated restoration improvements. This finding illustrates that forecasting responses to restoration may require accounting for the structure of food webs, and that changes in this structure, as might be expected with the spread of invasive species, could compromise restoration outcomes. Unlike habitat‐based approaches to restoration assessment that focus on the direct effects of physical habitat conditions on single species of interest, our approach dynamically links the success of target organisms to the success of competitors, predators, and prey. By elucidating the direct and indirect pathways by which restoration affects target species, dynamic food web models can improve restoration planning by fostering a deeper understanding of system connectedness and dynamics.
Physical environmental controls on riparian root profiles associated with black poplar (Populus nigra L.) along the Tagliamento River, Italy
Authors: Holloway James V. , Rillig Matthias C. , Gurnell Angela M.
Published: January 2017

Tree roots contribute to the resistance of riparian sediments to physical deformation and disintegration. Understanding reinforcement by roots requires information on root distributions within riparian soils and sediments. Continuous‐depth models or curves have been proposed to describe vertical root density variations, providing useful indicators of the types of function that may be appropriate to riparian trees, but have generally been estimated for terrestrial species or broad vegetation types rather than riparian species or environments.

We investigated vertical distributions of roots >0.1 mm diameter of a single riparian tree species (Populus nigra L.) along the middle reaches of a single river (Tagliamento River, Italy), where Populus nigra dominates the riparian woodland. Root density (hundreds m−2) and root area ratio (RAR in cm2 m−2) were measured within 10 cm depth increments of 24 excavated bank profiles across nine sites. Sediment samples, extracted from distinct strata within the profiles, were analysed for moisture content, organic matter content and particle size. Statistical analyses identified two groups of wetter and drier profiles and five sediment types.

Following loge‐transformation of root density and RAR, linear regression analysis explored their variation with depth and, using dummy variables, any additional influence of moisture and sediment type. Significant linear regression relationships were estimated between both root density and RAR and depth which explained only 15% and 8% of the variance in the data. Incorporating moisture and then sediment characteristics into the analysis increased the variance explained in root density to 29% and 36% and in RAR to 14% and 26%.

We conclude that riparian tree root density and RAR are highly spatially variable and are poorly explained by depth alone. Complex riparian sedimentary structures and moisture conditions are important influences on root distributions and so need to be incorporated into assessments of the contribution of roots to river bank reinforcement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medicated Intrauterine Devices to Improve Bleeding Events
Authors: Hefnawi F. , Yacout M. M. , Hosni M. , El‐Sheika Z. , Hassanein M.
Published: January 2017

In an attempt to find an IUD that will cause a minimum amount of blood loss, while continuing to be effective and easily retained, we are studying 4 medicated IUDs: a copper‐bearing Lippes Loop, a Copper‐T‐200, a progesterone‐releasing U‐coil, and a tranexamic‐acid‐releasing Lippes Loop. Inert devices of the same shape and size are used as controls. This is a comparison of the findings on menstrual blood loss and changes in bleeding patterns for patients using the plain and copper‐bearing Lippes Loops. Preliminary results for the progesterone‐releasing U‐coil and the tranexamic‐acid‐releasing Lippes Loop are also given, but studies of these devices are not yet complete.
A Comparison of the Clip and Ring Techniques for Laparoscopic Sterilization of Postabortion and Postpartum Patients
Authors: Lean T. H. , Vengadasalam D. , Cole Lynda Painter
Published: January 2017

The spring‐loaded clip and the tubal ring techniques of laparoscopic female sterilization are compared for case of performance, safety and effectiveness at the Kandang Kerbau Hospital in Singapore. The two techniques were randomly assigned to 299 postpartum patients and 300 postabortion patients. The assigned procedure could not be performed for two of the ring cases and three of the clip cases. Bleeding and equipment problems made laparotomy necessary in two clip cases and equipment problems caused a change in technique in the other clip case. Hydrosalpinx and adhesions were responsible for a change to laparotomy in the two ring cases. Surgical difficulties, chiefly the result of equipment problems, were significantly higher for both postpartum and postabortion clip procedures. Complications and complaints reported immediately after surgery and at the 7‐ to 21‐day follow‐up visit were low for all four groups. For both postabortion and postpartum patients, six‐ and 12‐month data show that pregnancy rates are significantly higher for patients sterilized with the clip than with tubal rings.
Midtrimester Abortion With Prostaglandin and Hypertonic Saline—A Comparative Study
Authors: Bhatt R. V. , Pachauri Saroj , Koshy Elizabeth , Chauhan Lalji , Mulgaonkar Veena
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted in Baroda, India, to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of intraamniotic prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and 20% saline augmented with intravenous oxytocin for terminating 200 pregnancies of 14 to 20 weeks' gestation. While there was no method failure among the group treated with saline, ten method failures were reported for patients treated with the PGF2α. The rate of incomplete abortions was significantly lower for the group treated with saline (19.4%) than it was for the group treated with the PGF2α (33.7%). The administration of oxytocin after fetal expulsion did not reduce the rate of incomplete abortion. The mean instillation‐to‐abortion time was significantly lower with saline than with PGF2α. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and excessive bleeding (<200 ml) during the procedure was significantly higher for patients treated with PGF2α than for those treated with saline.
Variable X Chromosomal Abnormalities in Patients with Stigmata of Turner Syndrome
Authors: Verma Ram S. , Khan Farida , Dosik Harvey
Published: January 2017

Four cases with suspected sex chromosomal abnormalities and clinical features and endocrine data typical of Turner syndrome are presented. Chromosome preparations made from skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood and multiple banding techniques employed to map the genes of their X chromosomes showed variable results. A review of the literature also revealed conflicting findings regarding the mapping of genes on the X chromosome. Despite different cytogenetic findings, the clinical features of the four cases presented were quite similar.
The History of Pregnancies That Occur Following Female Sterilization
Authors: Chi I‐cheng , Gardner Stephen D. , Laufe Leonard E.
Published: January 2017

Data on 208 pregnancies occurring among 20 749 women following sterilization were collected by the International Fertility Research Program and the histories of these pregnancies from conception to termination were analyzed. In the laparoscopic series, the operator's failure to interrupt the tube by electrocoagulation or a tubal occlusion device was the major reason reported for sterilization failure. In the culdoscopic series, operator error or device deficiency were the major reasons for failure. About three quarters of pregnancies in this study were conceived within the first year following sterilization and were confirmed during the first trimester. The rate of ectopic pregnancy occurring in this series was higher than the rate reported for nonsterilized women and was especially high when electrocoagulation was used.
Active Management of High‐Risk Pregnancy
Authors: Bhattacharyya Mina , Companywalla R. , Shinde S. , Purandare V. N.
Published: January 2017

Sixty patients with previous stillbirths were given active antepartum, intrapartum and early postnatal care. A majority (75%) had a history of repeated stillbirths, and responsible pathology was detected in 55% of the cases. In the present pregnancy, 90% of the patients suffered complications, each of which was diagnosed and treated. Most of the group were hospitalized. Tests for serial urinary estrogens were done for 75% of the women. Other special assessments of maturity with amniotic fluid, oxytocin challenges and fetal monitoring were carried out in selected cases. After confirming maturity and degree of antepartum stress, labor was induced when appropriate. There was liberal recourse to cesarean section (18.3%), but no maternal mortality. Overall fetal salvage was 75%.
Dietary Iron Intake of Pregnant Nigerian Women with Anemia
Authors: Ogunbode O. , Akinyele I. O. , Hussain M. A.
Published: January 2017

The daily dietary iron intake of nine pregnant Nigerian women with confirmed iron deficiency anemia was determined. The daily dietary iron intake from hospital meals served to ten other pregnant women was also assessed to serve as a control. The mean daily iron intake of the group of anemic patients on home diet was 14.6 mg (range of individual means = 847–25.28 mg), whereas the group of patients served hospital meals had a mean daily dietary iron intake of 36.92 mg (range of individual means = 25.09–46.47 mg). It is, therefore, clear that the etiology of iron deficiency in the patients studied was mainly dietary. Thus, our pregnant patients, many of whom are on diets similar to those of the group studied, should receive iron supplements during pregnancy.
Endocrinologic Basis of Electrochemical Vaginal Potential in Estrous Cycle of Rats
Authors: Bruzzone M. E. , Angelo S. , Zipper J. , Wheeler R. G.
Published: January 2017

This sequel to an earlier report on the correlation of vagino‐oral voltage measurements in rats with their estrous cycles deals with the endocrinologic activation of these voltages. The normally sinusoidal voltages, positive during estrus and negative during diestrus, were absent in spayed rats but were restored with a single intraperitoneal injection of 5 μg or more of 17β‐estradiol or with 0.1 mg of adrenaline injected subcutaneously every 12 hours. Estrogen antagonists, drugs that inhibit catecholamine synthesis or adrenergic β blockers, totally inhibit the negative potential recorded during estrus. Vaginal estrous potentials in the rat reflect an important reproductive state possibly linked to sexual behavior (heat) or to ovulation. Triggering of the cyclic potential by adrenaline without estrogenic medication suggests that adrenaline belongs to the group of sexual‐specific hormones.
A low‐protein diet induces body weight loss and browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue through enhanced expression of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)
Authors: Pérez‐Martí Albert , Garcia‐Guasch Maite , Tresserra‐Rimbau Anna , Carrilho‐Do‐Rosário Alexandra , Estruch Ramon , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Martínez‐González Miguel Ángel , Lamuela‐Raventós Rosa , Marrero Pedro F. , Haro Diego , Relat Joana
Published: January 2017

Scope

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of obesity. Since FGF21 production is regulated by various nutritional factors, we analyze the impact of low protein intake on circulating levels of this growth hormone in mice and in a sub cohort of the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial. We also describe the role of hepatic FGF21 in metabolic adaptation to a low‐protein diet (LPD).

Methods and results

We fed control and liver‐specific Fgf21 knockout (LFgf21KO) mice a LPD. This diet increased FGF21 production by inducing its overexpression in liver, and this correlated with a body weight decrease without changes in food intake. The LPD also caused FGF21‐dependent browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), as indicated by an increase in the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). In a subgroup of 78 individuals from the PREDIMED trial, we observed an inverse correlation between protein intake and circulating FGF21 levels.

Conclusion

Our results reinforce the involvement of FGF21 in coordinating energy homeostasis under a range of nutritional conditions. Moreover, here we describe an approach to increase the endogenous production of FGF21, which if demonstrated functional in humans, could generate a treatment for obesity.
Dual‐energy CT quantitative imaging: a comparison study between twin‐beam and dual‐source CT scanners
Authors: Almeida Isabel P. , Schyns Lotte E. J. R. , Öllers Michel C. , van Elmpt Wouter , Parodi Katia , Landry Guillaume , Verhaegen Frank
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To assess image quality and to quantify the accuracy of relative electron densities (ρe) and effective atomic numbers (Zeff) for three dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners: a novel single‐source split‐filter (i.e., twin‐beam) and two dual‐source scanners.

Methods

Measurements were made with a second generation dual‐source scanner at 80/140Sn kVp, a third‐generation twin‐beam single‐source scanner at 120 kVp with gold (Au) and tin (Sn) filters, and a third‐generation dual‐source scanner at 90/150Sn kVp. Three phantoms with tissue inserts were scanned and used for calibration and validation of parameterized methods to extract ρe and Zeff, whereas iodine and calcium inserts were used to quantify Contrast‐to‐Noise‐Ratio (CNR). Spatial resolution in tomographic images was also tested.

Results

The third‐generation scanners have an image resolution of 6.2, ~0.5 lp/cm higher than the second generation scanner. The twin‐beam scanner has low imaging contrast for iodine materials due to its limited spectral separation. The parameterization methods resulted in calibrations with low fit residuals for the dual‐source scanners, yielding values of ρe and Zeff close to the reference values (errors within 1.2% for ρe and 6.2% for Zeff for a dose of 20 mGy, excluding lung substitute tissues). The twin‐beam scanner presented overall higher errors (within 3.2% for ρe and 28% for Zeff, also excluding lung inserts) and also larger variations for uniform inserts.

Conclusions

Spatial resolution is similar for the three scanners. The twin‐beam is able to derive ρe and Zeff, but with inferior accuracy compared to both dual‐source scanners.
Participation restrictions in ambulatory amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: Physical and psychological factors
Authors: Van Groenestijn Annerieke C. , Schröder Carin D. , Kruitwagen‐Van Reenen Esther T. , Van Den Berg Leonard H. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M.A.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of participation restrictions in ambulatory patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to identify physical and psychological contributory factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, self‐reported participation restrictions of 72 ambulatory ALS patients were assessed using the social health status dimension (SIPSOC) of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP‐68). Associations between SIPSOC and physical functioning, psychological factors, and demographic factors were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses.

Results

Ninety‐two percent of the patients reported participation restrictions; 54.9% could be explained by physical functioning; psychological factors accounted for 8.1% of the variance. Lung capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and helplessness were independently associated with participation restrictions.

Conclusions

Ambulatory ALS patients have participation restrictions, which may be influenced if early ALS care is directed toward lung capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and feelings of helplessness. Muscle Nerve 56: 912–918, 2017
Targeted Fluoro Positioning for the Discovery of a Potent and Highly Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Riedl Rainer
Published: January 2017

The incorporation of fluorine atoms into functional molecules is of wide interest in synthetic organic chemistry as well as cognate disciplines. In particular, in medicinal chemistry, there is a strong desire to positively influence the physicochemical molecular properties of drug compounds by introducing fluorine into biologically active molecules. Here, we present targeted fluoro positioning as the key design principle of converting a weak matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) inhibitor into a very potent (IC50=6 nm) and highly selective (selectivity factors of >1000 over MMP‐1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14) inhibitor with excellent plasma and microsomal stability, and no binding to the hERG channel (hERG: human ether‐a‐go‐go related gene).
PACMANS: A bioinformatically informed algorithm to predict, design, and disrupt protease‐on‐protease hydrolysis
Authors: Ferrall‐Fairbanks Meghan C. , Barry Zachary T. , Affer Maurizio , Shuler Marc A. , Moomaw Ellen W. , Platt Manu O.
Published: January 2017

Multiple proteases in a system hydrolyze target substrates, but recent evidence indicates that some proteases will degrade other proteases as well. Cathepsin S hydrolysis of cathepsin K is one such example. These interactions may be uni‐ or bi‐directional and change the expected kinetics. To explore potential protease‐on‐protease interactions in silico, a program was developed for users to input two proteases: (1) the protease‐ase that hydrolyzes (2) the substrate, protease. This program identifies putative sites on the substrate protease highly susceptible to cleavage by the protease‐ase, using a sliding‐window approach that scores amino acid sequences by their preference in the protease‐ase active site, culled from MEROPS database. We call this PACMANS, Protease‐Ase Cleavage from MEROPS ANalyzed Specificities, and test and validate this algorithm with cathepsins S and K. PACMANS cumulative likelihood scoring identified L253 and V171 as sites on cathepsin K subject to cathepsin S hydrolysis. Mutations made at these locations were tested to block hydrolysis and validate PACMANS predictions. L253A and L253V cathepsin K mutants significantly reduced cathepsin S hydrolysis, validating PACMANS unbiased identification of these sites. Interfamilial protease interactions between cathepsin S and MMP‐2 or MMP‐9 were tested after predictions by PACMANS, confirming its utility for these systems as well. PACMANS is unique compared to other putative site cleavage programs by allowing users to define the proteases of interest and target, and can also be employed for non‐protease substrate proteins, as well as short peptide sequences.
Repeat measurements of uterine artery pulsatility index, mean arterial pressure and serum placental growth factor at 12, 22 and 32 weeks in prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Andrietti S. , Carlucci S. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate the potential value of repeat measurements of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at 12, 22 and 32 weeks' gestation in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) developing after 32 weeks.

Methods

Data were derived from prospective screening for adverse obstetric outcomes in women attending their routine hospital visit at 11–13, 19–24 and/or 30–34 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF were measured. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the a‐priori risk from maternal factors with UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF multiples of the median values. The performance of screening for PE developing after the 30–34‐week visit by UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF measured at 11–13, 19–24 and 30–34 weeks and their combinations was examined.

Results

Screening at 30–34 weeks by UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF detected, at a 10% false‐positive rate, 79%, 86% and 92% of preterm PE and 42%, 50% and 56% of term PE. The addition of biomarker values at 11–13 and/or 19–24 weeks was not associated with any improvement in the detection rate of preterm PE; in the case of term PE, there was a marginal (< 2%) improvement in detection for UtA‐PI and MAP and a modest improvement of about 5% for PlGF.

Conclusion

Measurements of UtA‐PI, MAP and PlGF in the first and/or second trimester have a small or no effect on improving the prediction of PE provided by screening in the early third trimester. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Building confidence in climate model projections: an analysis of inferences from fit
Authors: Baumberger Christoph , Knutti Reto , Hirsch Hadorn Gertrude
Published: January 2017

Climate model projections are used to inform policy decisions and constitute a major focus of climate research. Confidence in climate projections relies on the adequacy of climate models for those projections. The question of how to argue for the adequacy of models for climate projections has not gotten sufficient attention in the climate modeling community. The most common way to evaluate a climate model is to assess in a quantitative way degrees of ‘model fit’; that is, how well model results fit observation‐based data (empirical accuracy) and agree with other models or model versions (robustness). However, such assessments are largely silent about what those degrees of fit imply for a model's adequacy for projecting future climate. We provide a conceptual framework for discussing the evaluation of the adequacy of models for climate projections. Drawing on literature from philosophy of science and climate science, we discuss the potential and limits of inferences from model fit. We suggest that support of a model by background knowledge is an additional consideration that can be appealed to in arguments for a model's adequacy for long‐term projections, and that this should explicitly be spelled out. Empirical accuracy, robustness and support by background knowledge neither individually nor collectively constitute sufficient conditions in a strict sense for a model's adequacy for long‐term projections. However, they provide reasons that can be strengthened by additional information and thus contribute to a complex non‐deductive argument for the adequacy of a climate model or a family of models for long‐term climate projections. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e454. doi: 10.1002/wcc.454

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Dietary fatty acids influence the growth and fatty acid composition of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Dreassi Elena , Cito Annarita , Zanfini Assunta , Materozzi Lara , Botta Maurizio , Francardi Valeria
Published: January 2017

Fat is the second most abundant component of the nutrient composition of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that represents also an interesting source of PUFA, especially n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids, involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the possibility of modifying the fat content and the FA composition of yellow mealworms through feeding and how this would be influenced by developmental stages, pupal sex, and generation with the future aim of applying this coleopteran as a diet supplement for human health. Growth rate and cumulative mortality percentage on the different feeding substrates were also evaluated to select the optimal conditions for a mass‐raising of this insect species. Despite the different fat content in the six different breeding substrates used, T. molitor larvae and pupae contained a constant fat percentage (>34% in larvae and >30% in pupae). A similar total fat content was found comparing larvae and male and female pupae of the second generation to those of the first generation. On the contrary, FA composition differed both in larvae and pupae reared on the different feeding substrates. However, the exemplars reared on the diets based on 100% bread and 100% oat flour showed SFA, PUFA percentages, and an n‐6/n‐3 ratio more suitable for human consumption; the diet based on beer yeast, wheat flour, and oat flour resulted in a contemporary diet that most satisfied the balance between a fat composition of high quality and favorable growth conditions.
Evidence-based medicine in the era of social media: Scholarly engagement through participation and online interaction
Authors: Chan Teresa , Trueger N. Seth , Roland Damian , Thoma Brent
Published: January 2017

The integration of new knowledge into clinical practice continues to lag behind discovery. The use of Free Open Access Medical education (FOAM) has disrupted communication between emergency physicians, making it easy for practicing clinicians to interact with colleagues from around the world to discuss the latest and highest impact research. FOAM has the potential to decrease the knowledge translation gap, but the concerns raised about its growing influence are 1) research that is translated too quickly may cause harm if its findings are incorrect; 2) there is little editorial oversight of online material; and 3) eminent online individuals may develop an outsized influence on clinical practice. We propose that new types of scholars are emerging to moderate the changing landscape of knowledge translation: 1)critical clinicianswho critically appraise research in the same way that lay reviewers critique restaurants; 2)translational teachersadept with these new technologies who will work with researchers to disseminate their findings effectively; and 3)interactive investigatorswho engage with clinicians to ensure that their findings resonate and are applied at the bedside. The development of these scholars could build on the promise of evidence-based medicine by enhancing the appraisal and translation of research in practice.