bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate-Immersed Solvothermal Synthesis of Ordered SiO2/Ag Arrays as Catalytic SERS Substrates
Authors: Liu Chang , Su Qianqian , Li Li , Sun Jie , Dong Jian , Qian Weiping
Published: April 2018

In this work, we designed a simple substrate-immersed solvothermal route for the one-step synthesis of novel ordered SiO2/Ag arrays, employing SiO2 colloidal crystals as templates and alcohol as reducing agent. The Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited in situ onto SiO2 colloidal crystals, which exhibited high surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity and uniform SERS intensity. It was found that ordered SiO2/Ag arrays could rapidly scavenge the absorbed-Nile blue A (NBA) molecules from the surfaces with the assistance of H2O2, while the SERS signals of NBA decreased sharply and almost completely disappeared within four minutes. This can be attributed to the superior catalytic activity of Ag nanoparticles. After five times of re-immersion and re-absorbing process of NBA, the substrates could still keep [Formula: see text] 74.8% SERS intensity versus the original. The high activity and durability of the as-prepared SiO2/Ag SERS substrate endow them as a promising candidate for trace detection.
Analysis of within-host CHIKV dynamics models with general incidence rate
Authors: Elaiw Ahmed M. , Alade Taofeek O. , Alsulami Saud M.
Published: April 2018

In this paper we study the stability analysis of two within-host Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) dynamics models. The incidence rate between the CHIKV and the uninfected monocytes is modeled by a general nonlinear function. The second model considers two types of infected monocytes (i) latently infected monocytes which do not generate CHIKV and (ii) actively infected monocytes which produce the CHIKV particles. Sufficient conditions are found which guarantee the global stability of the positive steady states. Using the Lyapunov function, we established the global stability of the steady states of the models. The theoretical results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
InfoClean
Authors: Chiang Fei , Gairola Dhruv
Published: April 2018

Data quality has become a pervasive challenge for organizations as they wrangle with large, heterogeneous datasets to extract value. Given the proliferation of sensitive and confidential information, it is crucial to consider data privacy concerns during the data cleaning process. For example, in medical database applications, varying levels of privacy are enforced across the attribute values. Attributes such as a patient’s country or city of residence may be less sensitive than the patient’s prescribed medication. Traditional data cleaning techniques assume the data is openly accessible, without considering the differing levels of information sensitivity. In this work, we take the first steps toward a data cleaning model that integrates privacy as part of the data cleaning process. We present a privacy-aware data cleaning framework that differentiates the information content among the attribute values during the data cleaning process to resolve data inconsistencies while minimizing the amount of information disclosed. Our data repair algorithm includes a set of data disclosure operations that considers the information content of the underlying attribute values, while maximizing data utility. Our evaluation using real datasets shows that our algorithm scales well, and achieves improved performance and comparable repair accuracy against existing data cleaning solutions.
Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase deficiency impairs the autophagic response early during myocardial infarction
Authors: Thrasher Patsy R. , Scofield Stephanie L. C. , Dalal Suman , Crawford Claire C. , Singh Mahipal , Singh Krishna
Published: April 2018

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) is activated in response to DNA damage. We have previously shown that ATM plays a critical role in myocyte apoptosis and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we tested the hypothesis that ATM deficiency results in autophagic impairment in the heart early during MI. MI was induced in wild-type (WT) and ATM heterozygous knockout (hKO) mice by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Structural and biochemical parameters of the heart were measured 4 h after left anterior descending artery ligation. M-mode echocardiography revealed that MI worsens heart function, as evidenced by reduced percent ejection fraction and fractional shortening in both groups. However, MI-induced increase in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and volumes were significantly lower in hKO hearts. ATM deficiency resulted in autophagic impairment during MI, as evidenced by decreased microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II increased p62, decreased cathepsin D protein levels, and increased aggresome accumulation. ERK1/2 activation was only observed in WT-MI hearts. Activation of Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was lower, whereas activation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was higher in hKO-MI hearts. Inhibition of ATM using KU-55933 resulted in autophagic impairment in cardiac fibroblasts, as evidenced by decreased light chain 3-II protein levels and formation of acidic vesicular organelles. This impairment was associated with decreased activation of Akt and AMPK but enhanced activation of GSK-3β and mTOR in KU-55933-treated fibroblasts. Thus, ATM deficiency results in autophagic impairment in the heart during MI and cardiac fibroblasts. This autophagic impairment may occur via the activation of GSK-3β and mTOR and inactivation of Akt and AMPK.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) plays a critical role in myocyte apoptosis and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we provide evidence that ATM deficiency results in autophagic impairment during MI. Further investigation of the role of ATM in autophagy post-MI may provide novel therapeutic targets for patients with ataxia telangiectasia suffering from heart disease.
Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired during submaximal isometric handgrip in patients with heart failure
Authors: Caldas J. R. , Panerai R. B. , Salinet A. M. , Seng-Shu E. , Ferreira G. S. R. , Camara L. , Passos R. H. , Galas F. R. B. G. , Almeida J. P. , Nogueira R. C. , de Lima Oliveira M. , Robinson T. G. , Hajjar L. A.
Published: April 2018

The incidence of neurological complications, including stroke and cognitive dysfunction, is elevated in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. We hypothesized that the cerebrovascular response to isometric handgrip (iHG) is altered in patients with HF. Adults with HF and healthy volunteers were included. Cerebral blood velocity (CBV; transcranial Doppler, middle cerebral artery) and arterial blood pressure (BP; Finometer) were continuously recorded supine for 6 min, corresponding to 1 min of baseline and 3 min of iHG exercise, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction, followed by 2 min of recovery. The resistance-area product was calculated from the instantaneous BP-CBV relationship. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) was assessed with the time-varying autoregulation index estimated from the CBV step response derived by an autoregressive moving-average time-domain model. Forty patients with HF and 23 BP-matched healthy volunteers were studied. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was 38.5% (interquartile range: 0.075%) in the HF group. Compared with control subjects, patients with HF exhibited lower time-varying autoregulation index during iHG, indicating impaired dCA ( P < 0.025). During iHG, there were steep rises in CBV, BP, and heart rate in control subjects but with different temporal patterns in HF, which, together with the temporal evolution of resistance-area product, confirmed the disturbance in dCA in HF. Patients with HF were more likely to have impaired dCA during iHG compared with age-matched control subjects. Our results also suggest an impairment of myogenic, neurogenic, and metabolic control mechanisms in HF. The relationship between impaired dCA and neurological complications in patients with HF during exercise deserves further investigation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings provide the first direct evidence that cerebral blood flow regulatory mechanisms can be affected in patients with heart failure during isometric handgrip exercise. As a consequence, eventual blood pressure modulations are buffered less efficiently and metabolic demands may not be met during common daily activities. These deficits in cerebral autoregulation are compounded by limitations of the systemic response to isometric exercise, suggesting that patients with heart failure may be at greater risk for cerebral events during exercise.
Glucose, insulin, and the carotid body chemoreceptors in humans
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K.
Published: April 2018

Known primarily for its oxygen-sensing capabilities, the carotid body chemoreceptors have recently been implicated, primarily by work in animal models, in the pathophysiology of a number of metabolic conditions. The research presented in this brief review highlights translational work conducted at the Mayo Clinic between 2010 and 2017 in healthy humans and discusses key areas for future work in disease populations.
FAR2 is associated with kidney disease in mice and humans
Authors: Backer Grant , Eddy Sean , Sheehan Susan M. , Takemon Yuka , Reznichenko Anna , Savage Holly S. , Kretzler Matthias , Korstanje Ron
Published: April 2018

Mesangial matrix expansion is an important process in the initiation of chronic kidney disease, yet the genetic factors driving its development are unknown. Our previous studies have implicated Far2 as a candidate gene associated with differences in mesangial matrix expansion between mouse inbred strains. Consistent with the hypothesis that increased expression of Far2 leads to mesangial matrix expansion through increased production of platelet-activating factor precursors, we show that FAR2 is capable of mediating de novo platelet-activating factor synthesis in vitro and driven by the transcription factor NKX3.2. We demonstrate that knockdown of Far2 in mice delays the progression of mesangial matrix expansion with at least six months (equivalent to ~15 yr in human). Furthermore, we show that increased FAR2 expression in human patients is associated with diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and IgA nephropathy. Taken together, these results highlight FAR2’s role in the development of mesangial matrix expansion and chronic kidney disease.
HIF1 mediates a switch in pyruvate kinase isoforms after myocardial infarction
Authors: Williams Allison Lesher , Khadka Vedbar , Tang Mingxin , Avelar Abigail , Schunke Kathryn J. , Menor Mark , Shohet Ralph V.
Published: April 2018

Alternative splicing of RNA is an underexplored area of transcriptional response. We expect that early changes in alternatively spliced genes may be important for responses to cardiac injury. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is a key transcription factor that rapidly responds to loss of oxygen through alteration of metabolism and angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to investigate the transcriptional response after myocardial infarction (MI) and to identify novel, hypoxia-driven changes, including alternative splicing. After ligation of the left anterior descending artery in mice, we observed an abrupt loss of cardiac contractility and upregulation of hypoxic signaling. We then performed RNA sequencing on ischemic heart tissue 1 and 3 days after infarct to assess early transcriptional changes and identified 89 transcripts with altered splicing. Of particular interest was the switch in Pkm isoform expression (pyruvate kinase, muscle). The usually predominant Pkm1 isoform was less abundant in ischemic hearts, while Pkm2 and associated splicing factors (hnRNPA1, hnRNPA2B1, Ptbp1) rapidly increased. Despite increased Pkm2 expression, total pyruvate kinase activity remained reduced in ischemic myocardial tissue. We also demonstrated HIF1 binding to PKM by chromatin immunoprecipitation, indicating a direct role for HIF1 in mediating this isoform switch. Our study provides a new, detailed characterization of the early transcriptome after MI. From this analysis, we identified an HIF1-mediated alternative splicing event in the PKM gene. Pkm1 and Pkm2 play distinct roles in glycolytic metabolism and the upregulation of Pkm2 is likely to have important consequences for ATP synthesis in infarcted cardiac muscle.
ME1 Regulates NADPH Homeostasis to Promote Gastric Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Lu Yun-Xin , Ju Huai-Qiang , Liu Ze-Xian , Chen Dong-Liang , Wang Yun , Zhao Qi , Wu Qi-Nian , Zeng Zhao-lei , Qiu Hai-Bo , Hu Pei-Shan , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Dong-Sheng , Wang Feng , Xu Rui-Hua
Published: April 2018

Genomic alterations of tumor suppressorsoften encompass collateral protein-coding genes that create therapeutic vulnerability to further inhibition of their paralogs. Here, we report that malic enzyme 2 (ME2) is frequently hemizygously codeleted with SMAD4 in gastric cancer. Its isoenzyme ME1 was upregulated to replenish the intracellular reducing equivalent NADPH and to maintain redox homeostasis. Knockdown of ME1 significantly depleted NADPH, induced high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ultimately cell apoptosis under oxidative stress conditions, such as glucose starvation and anoikis, in ME2-underexpressed cells. Moreover, ME1 promoted tumor growth, lung metastasis, and peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer in vivo. Intratumoral injection of ME1 siRNA significantly suppressed tumor growth in cell lines and patient-derived xenograft–based models. Mechanistically, ME1 was transcriptionally upregulated by ROS in an ETV4-dependent manner. Overexpression of ME1 was associated with shorter overall and disease-free survival in gastric cancer. Altogether, our results shed light on crucial roles of ME1-mediated production of NADPH in gastric cancer growth and metastasis.

Significance: These findings reveal the role of malic enzyme in growth and metastasis.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/8/1972/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(8); 1972–85. ©2018 AACR.
Resistance to Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: García-Alonso Sara , Ocaña Alberto , Pandiella Atanasio
Published: April 2018

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) are multicomponent molecules constituted by an antibody covalently linked to a potent cytotoxic agent. ADCs combine high target specificity provided by the antibody together with strong antitumoral properties provided by the attached cytotoxic agent. At present, four ADCs have been approved and over 60 are being explored in clinical trials. Despite their effectiveness, resistance to these drugs unfortunately occurs. Efforts to understand the bases underlying such resistance are being carried out with the final purpose of counteracting them. In this review, we report described mechanisms of resistance to ADCs used in the clinic along with other potential ones that may contribute to resistance acquisition. We also discuss strategies to overcome resistance to ADCs. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2159–65. ©2018 AACR.
Mitotic Exit Dysfunction through the Deregulation of APC/C Characterizes Cisplatin-Resistant State in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Belur Nagaraj Anil , Kovalenko Olga , Avelar Rita , Joseph Peronne , Brown Annalyn , Surti Arshia , Mantilla Sandra , DiFeo Analisa
Published: April 2018

Purpose: Acquired resistance to cisplatin is a major barrier to success in treatment of various cancers, and understanding mitotic mechanisms unique to cisplatin-resistant cancer cells can provide the basis for developing novel mitotic targeted therapies aimed at eradicating these cells.

Experimental Design: Using cisplatin-resistant models derived from primary patient epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, we have explored the status of mitotic exit mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant cells.

Results: We have uncovered an unexpected role of long-term cisplatin treatment in inducing mitotic exit vulnerability characterized by increased spindle checkpoint activity and functional dependency on Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) for mitotic exit in the presence of anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) dysfunction in a cisplatin-resistant state. Accordingly, PLK1 inhibition decreased the survival of cisplatin-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo and exacerbated spindle checkpoint response in these cells. APC/CCDC20 inhibition increased sensitivity to pharmacologic PLK1 inhibition, further confirming the existence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant cells. In addition, we uncovered that resistance to volasertib, PLK1 inhibitor, is due to maintenance of cells with low PLK1 expression. Accordingly, stable PLK1 downregulation in cisplatin-resistant cells induced tolerance to volasertib.

Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant state, suggesting that understanding APC/C functions in cisplatin-resistant state could provide a basis for developing novel mitotic exit–based therapies to eradicate cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Our results also show that PLK1 downregulation could underlie emergence of resistance to PLK1-targeted therapies in cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4588–601. ©2018 AACR.
Induced Telomere Damage to Treat Telomerase Expressing Therapy-Resistant Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Sengupta Satarupa , Sobo Matthew , Lee Kyungwoo , Senthil Kumar Shiva , White Angela R. , Mender Ilgen , Fuller Christine , Chow Lionel M.L. , Fouladi Maryam , Shay Jerry W. , Drissi Rachid
Published: April 2018

Brain tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and often are associated with long-term sequelae among survivors of current therapies. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify actionable targets and to develop more effective therapies. Telomerase and telomeres play important roles in cancer, representing attractive therapeutic targets to treat children with poor-prognosis brain tumors such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), high-grade glioma (HGG), and high-risk medulloblastoma. We have previously shown that DIPG, HGG, and medulloblastoma frequently express telomerase activity. Here, we show that the telomerase-dependent incorporation of 6-thio-2′deoxyguanosine (6-thio-dG), a telomerase substrate precursor analogue, into telomeres leads to telomere dysfunction–induced foci (TIF) along with extensive genomic DNA damage, cell growth inhibition, and cell death of primary stem-like cells derived from patients with DIPG, HGG, and medulloblastoma. Importantly, the effect of 6-thio-dG is persistent even after drug withdrawal. Treatment with 6-thio-dG elicits a sequential activation of ATR and ATM pathways and induces G2–M arrest. In vivo treatment of mice bearing medulloblastoma xenografts with 6-thio-dG delays tumor growth and increases in-tumor TIFs and apoptosis. Furthermore, 6-thio-dG crosses the blood–brain barrier and specifically targets tumor cells in an orthotopic mouse model of DIPG. Together, our findings suggest that 6-thio-dG is a promising novel approach to treat therapy-resistant telomerase-positive pediatric brain tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1504–14. ©2018 AACR.
Caspase-1 from Human Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Can Promote T Cell–Independent Tumor Proliferation
Authors: Zeng Qi , Fu Juan , Korrer Michael , Gorbounov Mikhail , Murray Peter J. , Pardoll Drew , Masica David L. , Kim Young J.
Published: April 2018

Immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) are characterized by their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. To better define their T cell–independent functions within the tumor, sorted monocytic CD14+CD11b+HLA-DRlow/– MDSCs (mMDSC) from squamous cell carcinoma patients showed upregulated caspase-1 activity, which was associated with increased IL1β and IL18 expression. In vitro studies demonstrated that mMDSCs promoted caspase-1–dependent proliferation of multiple squamous carcinoma cell lines in both human and murine systems. In vivo, growth rates of B16, MOC1, and Panc02 were significantly blunted in chimeric mice adoptively transferred with caspase-1 null bone marrow cells under T cell–depleted conditions. Adoptive transfer of wild-type Gr-1+CD11b+ MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice reversed this antitumor response, whereas caspase-1 inhibiting thalidomide-treated MDSCs phenocopied the antitumor response found in caspase-1 null mice. We further hypothesized that MDSC caspase-1 activity could promote tumor-intrinsic MyD88-dependent carcinogenesis. In mice with wild-type caspase-1, MyD88-silenced tumors displayed reduced growth rate, but in chimeric mice with caspase-1 null bone marrow cells, MyD88-silenced tumors did not display differential tumor growth rate. When we queried the TCGA database, we found that caspase-1 expression is correlated with overall survival in squamous cell carcinoma patients. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that caspase-1 in MDSCs is a direct T cell–independent mediator of tumor proliferation. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(5); 566–77. ©2018 AACR.
High Concentration of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protects Primary Astrocytes from Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yuqian , Qin Yuxia , Guo Tingwen , Tang Chuanxi , Liu Liyun , Gao Dianshuai
Published: April 2018

Background: Studies have shown that astrocytes play an important role in a variety of biological processes, so damage to astrocytes can cause a series of related diseases. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has always been considered a protective factor for dopamine neurons. However, it remains unclear whether GDNF has a protective effect on glial cells, especially astrocytes. In this study, we put forward the hypothesis that a high concentration of GDNF in the microenvironment of astrocytes exerts an inhibitory effect on the apoptosis of astrocytes by DNA-damaging reagents. Methods: We isolated, purified, and identified primary astrocytes from neonate rats. Astrocytes were exposed to mitoxantrone (MTN, a DNA-damaging compound) for 24 h. The effects of MTN on astrocytes were tested by Hoechst 33342 staining, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry assay. One of the concentrations of MTN was applied to construct an apoptotic model of astrocytes. The astrocytes were then treated with GDNF together with a selected concentration of MTN for 24 h. The cell viability, cell nucleus morphology, and apoptosis ratio of the cells was assessed by Hoechst 33342 staining, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), quantitative PCR analysis, and KEGG pathway mapping were performed to examine the genes involved in the procedure. Finally, Western blot analysis was applied to confirm the expression levels of the proteins of interest. Results: Hoechst 33342 staining revealed a one-tenth change in the percentage of Hoechst-positive cells after the addition of 500 ng/mL GDNF combined with 1,000 nM MTN for 24 h. The viability of the cells treated the same as described above was 1.4-fold that of the control group. Flow cytometry assays indicated that the apoptotic rates were 17.67, 8.67, and 4.34% for 0, 200, and 500 ng/mL GDNF, respectively. Birc2, Birc3, and Gadd45b were linked to the antiapoptotic process induced by GDNF in astrocytes. Western blot analysis confirmed the elevated expression of Birc2 and Gadd45b. Conclusions: Our studies revealed that GDNF has a noticeable antiapoptotic effect on gene-injured astrocytes. This may provide critical clues for the treatment of a series of diseases in which damaged astrocytes are involved.
PANORAMA ATUAL DA COBERTURA ARBÓREA DA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Locatelli Marcela Minatel , Arantes Bruna Lara , Silva Filho Demóstenes Ferreira da , Polizel Jefferson Lordello , Franco Maria De Assunção Ribeiro
Published: April 2018

Nas cidades, cada vez mais, espaços vegetados são substituídos por asfalto e construções, principalmente nas regiões centrais, acarretando diversos problemas na estrutura da cidade e na preservação da biodiversidade urbana. O presente estudo teve como objetivo quantificar a cobertura arbórea da cidade de São Paulo/SP, discutindo suas implicações na paisagem urbana. Foi quantificado a cobertura arbórea de um trecho amostral da cidade de São Paulo/SP, através de imagens de Satélite Wordview 2 e software QuantumGIS, gerando o Índice de Vegetação (TVI) por distrito. A partir do TVI foram obtidas a área e a porcentagem de vegetação de cada distrito no software Fragstats. Os mais arborizados são: Cachoeirinha, Tremembé, Mandaqui, Vila Andrade, e Morumbi; e os menos são: Limão, Santa Cecília, Cambuci, Sé e Brás. Somente dois distritos apresentam uma porcentagem de vegetação ideal prevista pela literatura. A cobertura arbórea parece estar associada ao nível de renda da região, sendo que os bairros nobres apresentam, em geral, maior porcentagem vegetação. Foi apresentado um cenário ambiental para a área de estudo, visando o aumento da porcentagem de cobertura arbórea e a conexão dos espaços vegetados existentes.
AVALIAÇÃO DO ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE TRÊS GRAMADOS ORNAMENTAIS EM ILHA SOLTEIRA–SP: UM ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Oliveira Nathália Batista de , Oliveira João Francisco Veroneze de , Santos Patrick Luan Ferreira dos , Gazola Raíssa Pereira Dinalli , Monteiro de Castilho Regina Maria
Published: April 2018

Os gramados são de grande importância para o meio ambiente, podendo ser utilizados para diversos fins, contudo, para que apresentem visual agradável é necessário que sejam muito bem cuidados tanto no momento da implantação como depois, na manutenção. Sendo assim, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o estado nutricional de gramados ornamentais, analisando, em laboratório, as quantidades de macro e micronutrientes no solo e nas folhas da grama esmeralda (Zoysia japonica Steud.). O estudo foi conduzido na cidade de Ilha Solteira – SP, no mês de maio de 2016, em três lugares, sendo duas residências e uma instituição de ensino particular. Foram avaliados a necessidade de adubação, bem como o índice de conteúdo de clorofila (ICC) com um clorofilômetro manual e sua relação com os macro e micronutrientes foliares. Com base nos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que os gramados avaliados apresentaram boas condições nutricionais. Nestes, a adubação de manutenção nem sempre é necessária, caso os restos provenientes do corte da grama esmeralda não sejam retirados. O clorofilômetro pôde indicar, de forma mais rápida e prática, a necessidade de fertilização, podendo ser utilizado por empresas de manutenção paisagística para saber a hora certa de adubação.
A prática de individualização de crânios e de decapitação na região de Lagoa Santa durante o Holoceno Inicial (Brasil)
Authors: Strauss Andre , Oliveira Rodrigo Elias
Published: April 2018

Por mais envoltos que estivessem em práticas cruéis de flagelação humana, os europeus ficaram fascinados com os costumes ameríndios que envolviam a remoção e a exibição de partes do corpo humano, especialmente quando a prática da decapitação ou individualização de crânios estava presente. Na América do Sul, o caso mais antigo de decapitação é relatado na região andina com ca. 3000 AP no sítio Ásia 1 (Peru). Uma vez que quase todos os outros casos arqueológicos da América do Sul também ocorreram nos Andes (por exemplo, Nazca, Moche, Huari e Tiahuanaco), assumiu-se que a decapitação foi um fenômeno andino, tanto em suas origens como em sua expressão mais inequívoca. Esta contribuição tem como objetivo avaliar as evidências disponíveis sobre a decapitação na América do Sul e relatar a descoberta no Brasil de diversos casos de crânios individualizados, que estão datados em torno de 9000-9500 cal BP (intervalo de 95,4%). Escavados no abrigo da Lapa do Santo, em Lagoa Santa (MG), esses casos de crânios individualizados incluem a decapitação mais antiga do Novo Mundo, implicando uma reavaliação da origem e da dispersão geográfica desse fenômeno no continente.
Madeiras históricas em embarcações tradicionais do baixo rio São Francisco
Authors: Melo Júnior João Carlos Ferreira de , Barros Cláudia Franca de
Published: April 2018

Embarcações tradicionais estão diretamente ligadas à história do rio São Francisco e de suas comunidades ribeirinhas, sendo este um dos maiores rios navegáveis que permitiram a colonização da região Nordeste do Brasil. Este estudo objetivou conhecer as madeiras utilizadas na construção de embarcações do baixo rio São Francisco, gerando subsídios para melhor compreender as relações de uso de recursos florestais destinados à carpintaria naval tradicional. Foram estudadas quatro embarcações pertencentes ao acervo do Museu Nacional do Mar, São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina. A coleta das madeiras históricas foi realizada com auxílio de trado de incremento para posterior produção de lâminas histológicas e descrição anatômica. A identificação das madeiras foi realizada por comparação com coleção de referência. Foram identificadas onze espécies de madeiras usadas de forma mista na construção dos componentes das embarcações. São elas: Apuleia leiocarpa (Fabaceae), Astronium graveolens (Anacardiaceae), Brosimum gaudichaudii (Moraceae), Dalbergia nigra (Fabaceae), Hymenaea courbaril (Fabaceae), Manilkara dardanoi (Sapotaceae), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Anacardiaceae), Paubrasilia echinata (Fabaceae), Sextonia rubra (Lauraceae), Tabebuia aurea (Bignoniaceae) e Terminalia glabrencens (Combretaceae). O conhecimento sobre as madeiras e seu emprego tecnológico imprimem à construção de embarcações tradicionais um rico significado cultural que integra pessoas e árvores na paisagem do rio São Francisco.
Electrical Substrates Driving Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Huntjens Peter R. , Ploux Sylvain , Strik Marc , Walmsley John , Ritter Philippe , Haissaguerre Michel , Prinzen Frits W. , Delhaas Tammo , Lumens Joost , Bordachar Pierre
Published: April 2018

Background:

The predictive value of interventricular versus intraventricular dyssynchrony for response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains unclear. We investigated the relative importance of both ventricular electrical substrate components for left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic function.

Methods and Results:

First, we used the cardiovascular computational model CircAdapt to characterize the isolated effect of intrinsic interventricular and intraventricular activation on CRT response (ΔLVdP/dt
max
). Simulated ΔLVdP/dt
max
(range: 1.3%–26.5%) increased considerably with increasing interventricular dyssynchrony. In contrast, the isolated effect of intraventricular dyssynchrony in either the LV or right ventricle was limited (ΔLVdP/dt
max
range: 12.3%–18.3% and 14.1%–15.7%, respectively). Effects of activation during biventricular pacing on ΔLVdP/dt
max
were small. Second, electrocardiographic imaging–derived activation characteristics of 51 CRT candidates were used to personalize ventricular activation in CircAdapt. The individualized models were subsequently used to assess the accuracy of ΔLVdP/dt
max
prediction based on the electrical data. The model-predicted ΔLVdP/dt
max
was close to the actual value in patients with left bundle branch block (measured−simulated: 2.7±9.0%) when only intrinsic interventricular dyssynchrony was personalized. Among patients without left bundle branch block, ΔLVdP/dt
max
was systematically overpredicted by CircAdapt (measured−simulated: 9.2±7.1%). Adding intraventricular activation to the model did not improve the accuracy of the response prediction.

Conclusions:

Computer simulations revealed that intrinsic interventricular dyssynchrony is the dominant component of the electrical substrate driving the response to CRT. Intrinsic intraventricular dyssynchrony and any dyssynchrony during biventricular pacing play a minor role in this respect. This may facilitate patient-specific modeling for prediction of CRT response.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01270646.
Specific Pharmacological Profile of A
2A
Adenosine Receptor Predicts Reduced Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Paganelli Franck , Resseguier Noémie , Marlinge Marion , Laine Marc , Malergue Fabrice , Kipson Nathalie , Armangau Pauline , Pezzoli Nicolas , Kerbaul Francois , Bonello Laurent , Mottola Giovanna , Fenouillet Emmanuel , Guieu Régis , Ruf Jean
Published: April 2018

Background

The rapid and reliable exclusion of myocardial revascularization is a major unmet clinical need in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (
CAD
) and non‐contributive electrocardiography and troponin. Non‐invasive tests have high rates of false positives and negatives, and there is no biomarker to assess myocardial ischemia. The presence of spare adenosine A
2A
receptors (A
2

A
R

)—characterized by a high dissociation constant/half maximal effective concentration (

K
D

/
EC
50
) ratio—expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (
PBMC
) has been associated with ischemia during exercise stress testing in patients with
CAD
. In this work, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of spare A
2

A
R

versus fractional flow reserve (
FFR
) in patients with suspected
CAD
.

Methods and Results

Sixty patients with suspected
CAD
, but non‐contributive electrocardiography and troponin, were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. The binding (

K
D

), functional response (cyclic adenosine monophosphate [
cAMP
] production;
EC
50
) on
PBMC
A
2

A
R

were compared with
FFR
results. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 (group 1) with normal coronary angiography (n=13) or stenosis <20% (n=4); 21 with
CAD
and non‐significant
FFR
(group 2); and 22 with
CAD
and significant
FFR
(group 3). Median

K
D

/
EC
50
was 6‐fold higher in group 3 (4.20; interquartile range: 2.81–5.00) than group 2 (0.66; interquartile range: 0.47–1.25) and 7‐fold higher than group 1 (0.60; interquartile range: 0.30–0.66).

Conclusions

In patients with suspected
CAD
and non‐contributive electrocardiography and troponin, the absence of spare A
2

A
R

on
PBMC
may help to rule out myocardial ischemia.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
03218007.
TÜRKİYE’DE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME VE KARBON SALINIMI İLİŞKİSİ: ENGLE-GRANGER EŞBÜTÜNLEŞME ANALİZİ (1960 - 2013)
Authors: KÜLÜNK İbrahim
Published: April 2018

Bu çalışmada, 1960-2013 dönemi
Türkiye’de ekonomik büyüme ve karbon salınımı ilişkisi incelenmiştir.
Engle-Granger eşbütünleşme testi ile kişi başına GSYH ve kişi başı
karbondioksit salınımı oranları kullanılarak yapılan eşbütünleşme testi
sonucunda uzun dönemde ekonomik büyüme ve karbondioksit salınımı arasında
ilişki olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Aynı zamanda ilişkinin yönü hakkında bilgi
edinmek amacıyla uygulanan Granger nedensellik testi sonucunda karbon
salınımından ekonomik büyüme doğru bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir.
OMBUDSMANLIK MEKANİZMASININ GELİŞİMİ: AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ VE TÜRKİYE BAĞLAMINDA DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ÖZEKİCİOĞLU Seda
Published: April 2018

Tarihsel süreç içinde, yöneten
tarafta yer alan iktidar ile yönetilen halk arasındaki sorunlara ilişkin yaşanan
gelişmeler, kamu kesiminin denetlenmesini bir ihtiyaç haline getirmiştir. Özellikle
1950’lerden sonra kamu kesiminde hesap verebilirlik ve mali saydamlık ilkelerinin
artan önemi, kamu kesiminde denetim yöntemlerinin çeşitlenmesini sağlamıştır. Denetim
alanındaki gelişmelere paralel olarak kurulan Ombudsmanlık Kurumu, vatandaşların
bilgi edinme hakkını karşılama ve kamu kaynaklarının verimli, etkin ve tutumlu
kullanılması adına kamu kurum ve kuruluşlarının denetlenmesi görevini yerine
getirmektedir.  

            Ombudsmanlık
Kurumu, Türkiye’de kamu yönetiminin daha iyi konuma taşınması ile birlikte
Avrupa Birliği Uyum Süreci için de önem arz eden bir kimliğe sahiptir. Bu
bağlamda çalışmada, ombudsmanlık mekanizmasının tarihsel gelişimine; Avrupa
Birliği ve Türkiye’de Ombudsmanlık Kurumu’nın işleyişine ve Türkiye’de
ombudsmanlık mekanizmasının daha etkin işleyebilmesi için bazı önerilere yer
verilmektedir.
Joint Estimation of Effective Brain Wave Activation Modes Using EEG/MEG Sensor Arrays and Multimodal MRI Volumes
Authors: Galinsky Vitaly L. , Martinez Antigona , Paulus Martin P. , Frank Lawrence R.
Published: April 2018

In this letter, we present a new method for integration of sensor-based multifrequency bands of electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography data sets into a voxel-based structural-temporal magnetic resonance imaging analysis by utilizing the general joint estimation using entropy regularization (JESTER) framework. This allows enhancement of the spatial-temporal localization of brain function and the ability to relate it to morphological features and structural connectivity. This method has broad implications for both basic neuroscience research and clinical neuroscience focused on identifying disease-relevant biomarkers by enhancing the spatial-temporal resolution of the estimates derived from current neuroimaging modalities, thereby providing a better picture of the normal human brain in basic neuroimaging experiments and variations associated with disease states.
Manipulus Guttiferarum, I. Caraipa pilosa (Calophyllaceae), a new species from the Parú massif, Venezuelan Guayana
Authors: GRANDE ALLENDE JOSÉ RAMÓN , CABRAL FERNANDA NUNES
Published: April 2018

In this paper we describe and illustrate Caraipa pilosa, a new species from the Venezuelan Guayana endemic to the Parú massif, morphologically similar to C. aracaensis, a species endemic to Serra do Aracá in Amazonas, Brazil. These two species have similar leaf type (conspicuously coriaceous, the margins revolute and with conspicuous pubescence on the abaxial leaf surface), but in Caraipa pilosa the trichomes are longer (≤1 mm) than in C. aracaensis (≤0.1 mm) and present in young stems, upper leaf surface (especially in young leaves), inflorescence axes, sepals, ovaries, and fruits. Also, in Carapia pilosa, leaf blades are consistently larger than in C. aracaensis. Caraipa pilosa is only known from the montane forest of Cerro Parú, and its conservation status is Least Concern (LC, following the IUCN Red List categories).
New synonyms and lectotypifications in the genus Maytenus (Celastroideae, Celastraceae) and a new name for the illegitimate Maytenus nemorosa from Brazil
Authors: BIRAL LEONARDO , LOMBARDI JULIO ANTONIO
Published: April 2018

Resulting from our taxonomic study of the genus Maytenus, we were faced with the necessity to synonymize three species: M. lagoensis with M. gonoclada; M. andicola with M. apurimacensis; and M. longipes with M. sieberiana. Lectotypes are elected when appropriate for these species and comments about the synonyms and lectotypifications are provided. We also propose a new name—Maytenus fugax—for M. nemorosa Biral & Lombardi, later homonym of M. nemorosa (Ecklon & Zeyher) Marais.
The type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) deposited in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. Contribution I. Family Halictidae, genus Lasioglossum Curtis, 1833
Authors: ASTAFUROVA YULIA V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU.
Published: April 2018

The type specimens of Lasioglossum Curtis, 1833 deposited in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg) are reviewed. Primary types of 69 taxa are illustrated and detailed information is provided (taxa include 33 described by F. Morawitz; 16 by P. Blüthgen; 15 by Yu. Pesenko (one of them with N. Davydova); four by E. Eversmann; and one by T.D.A. Cockerell). Lectotypes are designated here for the following eleven nominal taxa: Halictus anguliceps Morawitz, 1893, H. corvinus Morawitz, 1877, H. debilis Morawitz, 1893, H. glabriusculus Morawitz, 1872, H. gussakovskii Blüthgen, 1929, H. hyalinipennis Morawitz, 1876, H. morbillosus orientis Cockerell, 1924, H. popovi Blüthgen, 1931, H. porcus Morawitz, 1872, H. puncticollis Morawitz, 1872, and H. truncaticollis Morawitz, 1877.
Biliary ascariasis presenting with gangrenous perforation of the gall bladder: report of a case and brief review of literature
Authors: Sharma Ankush , Jariwala Priyansh , Kaur Navneet
Published: April 2018

The most common cause of gallbladder perforation is calculous cholecystitis. Rarer causes include trauma, iatrogenic injuries, biliary stasis and gall bladder ischemia. We report a case of gall bladder gangrene with perforation, secondary to extensive ascariasis.

A 45-year-old woman presented with acute intestinal obstruction and jaundice. She had abdominal distension and right hypochondrial tenderness. Abdominal radiography showed dilated bowel loops and ultrasonogram showed worms in the small intestine and biliary tree. On exploration, a bolus of worms 2 feet proximal to the ileocaecal junction was found causing obstruction. Worms were also present in the bile duct and gallbladder causing gangrene and perforation. She underwent cholecystectomy, bile-duct exploration and enterotomy. However, she died on the third postoperative day of overwhelming sepsis.

Enteric complications of ascaris leading to bowel obstruction are well-known. Hepatobiliary complications such as cholangitis and obstructive jaundice are rare. However, such an extreme degree of infestation leading to gangrene and perforation of the gall bladder is extremely rare.
Dual drainage total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a rare mixed variant
Authors: Siddharth Ch Bharat , Yadav Mayank , Bhoje Amol , Hote Milind P
Published: April 2018

The mixed type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is the least common variant, occurring in approximately 5% of all patients. Dual drainage through a common venous confluence is much rarer. Computed tomography to delineate the exact pulmonary venous anatomy is a must in such cases. Correct preoperative recognition and intraoperative confirmation to check the drainage of all 4 pulmonary veins is essential in all cases of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. We report the case of an adult patient with dual drainage to coronary sinus and left vertical vein to innominate vein.
The Role of Managers in Employee Wellness Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Passey Deborah G. , Hammerback Kristen , Huff Aaron , Harris Jeffrey R. , Hannon Peggy A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate managers’ barriers and facilitators to supporting employee participation in the Washington State Wellness program.

Design:

Exploratory sequential mixed methods.

Setting:

Four Washington State agencies located in Olympia and Tumwater, Washington.

Participants:

State employees in management positions (executive, middle, and line), whose job includes supervision of subordinates and responsibility for the performance and conduct of a subunit or group.

Methods:

We interviewed 23 managers and then used the results to create a survey that was fielded to all managers at the 4 agencies. The survey response rate was 65% (n = 607/935).

Analysis:

We used qualitative coding techniques to analyze interview transcripts and descriptive statistics to summarize survey data. We used the Total Worker Health framework to organize our findings and conclusions.

Results:

Managers support the wellness program, but they also face challenges with accommodating employees’ participation due to workload, scheduling inflexibility, and self-efficacy to discuss wellness with direct reports. About half the managers receive support from the manager above them, and most have not received training on the wellness program.

Conclusion:

Our findings point to several strategies that can strengthen managers’ role in supporting the wellness program: the provision of training, targeted messages, formal expectations, and encouragement (from the manager above) to support employees’ participation.
Exploration of Relationship between FDI and GDP: A Comparison between India and Its Neighbouring Countries
Authors: Sengupta Pooja , Puri Roma
Published: April 2018

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have been a trigger for accelerating economic growth in a number of countries. The pattern of FDI flows into India and its neighbourhood has been varied and so has been its impact on the economic growth in each of the countries. Although a lot of research has been carried out to establish causality between FDI and economic growth, the results are sometimes varied and conflicting. This study attempted to study the pattern of FDI into the Indian subcontinent and India’s neighbours, such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and explore the causality between FDI and gross domestic product (GDP). The results showed that the different economic policies of the respective countries had a role to play in explaining the difference in the quantum of the flow and there is an association between FDI and GDP, and in all the cases, FDI is instrumental in enhancing the economic growth of the countries included in the study.
A case of Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) bite
Authors: Wong Oi Fung , Cheung Wing Hang , Fung Hin Tat , Lam Shing Kit Tommy , Chan Wing Lun William
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

A variety of exotic reptiles are kept as “pets” and the ownership of these animals is rising in Hong Kong. Two lizard species are known to be venomous: the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) and the Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum). Both of them are native to the North America but are traded in the pet markets. Bites from these lizards are capable of causing severe envenomation in humans.

Case presentation:

A 41‐year‐old man presented to the emergency department after bitten by his exotic pet. His right hand was bitten by a Gila monster resulting in local swelling and intense pain. The local envenomation lasted for about 12 hours and then gradually improved.

Discussion:

Bite by Gila monster could result in local and systemic envenomation. Local envenomation includes intense pain of the injured site, edema and paraesthesia. Systemic envenomation including hypotension and airway edema occurs in severe envenomation.

Conclusion:

With the increasing popularity of keeping exotic pets in Hong Kong, envenomation by exotic venomous animals may be encountered by the emergency physicians. Knowledge about the potential envenomation effects of these exotic animals is essential for proper management of the patients.
The application of supercritical CO2 in nuclear engineering: A review
Authors: Qi Houbo , Gui Nan , Yang Xingtuan , Tu Jiyuan , Jiang Shengyao
Published: April 2018

Due to its advantages of low critical pressure and temperature, stability, non-toxic, abundant reserves and low cost, supercritical CO2 becomes one of the most common supercritical fluids in modern researches and industries. This paper presents an overview focusing on the researches of supercritical CO2 in nuclear engineering and prospects its applications in the field of nuclear industry. This review includes the recent progresses of supercritical CO2 research as: (1) energy conversion material in both recompression cycle and Brayton cycle and its applicability in Generation IV reactors; (2) reactor core coolant in the Echogen power system and reactors at MIT, Kaist and Japan, and other applications, e.g. hydrogen production. Based on the rapid progress of research, the supercritical CO2 is considered to be the most promising material in nuclear industries.