bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel splice variants of the human kallikrein-related peptidases 11 (KLK11) and 12 (KLK12), unraveled by next-generation sequencing technology
Authors: Adamopoulos Panagiotis G. , Kontos Christos K. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: June 2018

Tissue kallikrein, kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs), and plasma kallikrein form the largest group of serine proteases in the human genome, sharing many structural and functional characteristics. In this study, we describe the molecular cloning of four novel splice variants of the human KLK11 and KLK12 genes, discovered by combining 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3′ RACE), next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, advanced bioinformatic analysis and Sanger sequencing. Expression analysis of these new transcripts in cell lines originating from 17 cancerous and two normal tissues revealed the expression pattern of each transcript. These novel KLK11 and KLK12 splice variants represent new potential cancer biomarkers.
Effect of Sodium Chloride and Processing Methods on Protein Aggregation, Physical-Chemical and Rheological Properties of Pork Batters
Authors: Kang Zhuang-Li , Hu Sheng-Jie , Zhu Dong-Yang , Ma Han-jun
Published: June 2018

The sodium chloride level and processing method significantly affected (p < 0.05) color, salt-soluble proteins (SSP) solubility, protein aggregation, texture and rheological properties. When increased sodium chloride, the L* value of raw batters, SSP solubility, protein aggregation, and formed firmer texture were increased (p < 0.05). At the same sodium chloride levels, the batters produced by beating process had higher L* value, SSP solubility, D3,2 value of SSP, and firmer texture than the chopping. Using the beating process, the cooked batters prepared with 1 % and 2 % sodium chloride had similar color, texture and the storage modulus (G’) value at 80 °C. The result of dynamic rheological exhibited that the temperature of protein denaturation was affected by sodium chloride contents and processing methods. In addition, the cooked batters formed uniform spongy-like structure when using the beating process. Overall, the use of beating process with 1 % sodium chloride is able to increase SSP solubility, protein aggregation, thus forming firmer gel texture.
Clinical heterogeneity and molecular profile of triple A syndrome: a study of seven cases
Authors: Singh Kanika , Puri Ratna Dua , Bhai Pratibha , Arya Archana Dayal , Chawla Garima , Saxena Renu , Verma Ishwar C.
Published: June 2018

Background

Triple A syndrome is characterized by achalasia, alacrima and adrenal insufficiency with neurological manifestations occurring later in the course of the disease. It occurs due to biallelic mutations in the AAAS gene which codes for the nuclear pore protein ALADIN. A number of other features have been reported over time in this heterogeneous and multisystemic disorder. Unlike other autosomal recessive disorders, triple A syndrome patients show a wide phenotypic variability both among different patients and family members harboring the same mutation(s). A gene-environment interaction has been thought to be a plausible cause.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of six families and seven patients presenting with triple A syndrome was carried out. The clinical, biochemical and molecular testing data were collected and correlated. The results of treatment and follow-up and genetic counseling of the families were obtained wherever feasible.

Results

Our cohort consisted mostly of children and displayed a wide phenotypic variability in the presenting symptoms ranging from hypoglycemic seizures at the severe end of the spectrum to insidious hyperpigmentation and delayed development. Neurological and autonomic features were present in a few patients, suggesting requirement of prolonged follow-up for these patients. A significant gap between the onset of symptoms and confirmatory diagnosis was noted, suggesting that a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosing this disorder. Sudden unexplained death was observed in siblings, and early diagnosis and treatment could help in preventing early mortality and improving the quality of life for these patients.

Conclusion

High index of suspicion for a potentially treatable disorder allows early appropriate intervention.
Renaming urban toponomy as a mean of redefining local identity: the case of street decommunization in Poland
Authors: Różycki Bartłomiej
Published: June 2018

During and after democratic transition in Poland, the decommunization of urban toponomy became an important aspect of symbolic changes. Although the general course of street renaming was similar in the whole country, the pace of these changes as well as scope of tolerance towards the symbols of the past varied. In this article, the cases of three major Polish cities are analyzed. In Kraków, its long and rich history constituted a background of local identity and certain level of autonomy in defining the symbolic landscape. Warsaw on the other hand was a city whose extraordinary experiences related to the World War II resulted in commemoration of a whole new set of myths and figures through the street names. What is more, its status of the country’s capital caused its identity to influence the canon of Polish history as a whole. This affected the third analyzed case, Wrocław, whose long history of links with German culture resulted in very little symbolic capital which would be compatible with this new patriotic canon. As a result, Wrocław accepted in its urban toponomy a vast number of symbols unrelated to its own memory, in the same time suppressing symbols linked to its local identity. Accepting external heritage turned out to be a strategy of avoiding conflict with the dominant narrative.1
The Role of Conceptual Integration in Christian Language on the Basis of the Use of THE LOST SHEEP IS HUMANITY Blend in Patristic Writings
Authors: Gomola Aleksander
Published: June 2018

The article investigates the role of conceptual integration in generating new theological meanings in early Christian texts. Its basic assumption is that metaphoricity and novelty of language of Christian doctrine and teaching in early Christian period should be regarded as a well attested case of linguistic creativity whose mechanisms are explained by Conceptual Blending Theory as proposed by Fauconnier and Turner. After a brief presentation of selected theological studies utilizing cognitive linguistic perspective and a brief discussion of basic notions of Conceptual Blending Theory, the article examines variants of the THE LOST SHEEP IS HUMANITY blend in selected patristic texts by Origen, Cyril of Alexandria, Pseudo-Macarius, Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa. The analysis of these variants shows that conceptual integration allowed these authors to create and develop a wide range of theological ideas representing many important aspects of Christian doctrine from soteriology, through ecclesiology to Christology. This in turn proves that cognitive linguistics may provide theologians with instruments of linguistic analysis that shed new light on many aspects of theological language and reasoning.
Product differentiation policy of the construction firm
Authors: Marichova Aneta
Published: June 2018

Usually, the possibility of product differentiation of the construction company is defined as restricted, limited. Product differentiation as a key element of product policy aims to create a sustainable competitive advantage in the minds of consumers, using tangible and intangible characteristics and product properties compared to the next strongest competitor. The ability of any company to differentiate their own product makes it distinct from competitors and gives the opportunity to control the market and build competitive advantages. The aim of the study is to prove: 1) The need to differentiate the product of the construction company, 2) Guidelines for differentiation of the construction product taking into accounts the specifics of the construction market, product and process.
Masahiro Mori’s Buddhist philosophy of robot
Authors: Kimura Takeshi
Published: June 2018

Masahiro Mori is a well-known Japanese robotics scholar whose notion of Uncanny Valley is worldly famous. Mori is also an initiator of the Robot Contest and a student of Buddhism and a practitioner of Zen. He constructs his original Buddhist philosophy of robotics throughout his career. His robotics work and his learning of Buddhism develop together side by side in an interesting intertwined manner. This paper will take up the issues such as the ethical personality, quality of minds, and experiences of engineers as key components in and for an “ethical design” of robots by examining Mori’s Buddhist philosophy of robotics. This paper is divided into four sections. After an introductory part, in the second section, we will explore Mori’s view of Zen as aspiritual source for technological creativity. In Section 3, we will examine his view into a robot-contest as a location of a realized teaching of Buddhism, especially, in relationship to the Diamond Sūtra, in order to see Mori’s educational contribution. In Section 4, we will examine how Mori became engaged to learn and practice Buddhism and came to the realization of Buddhahood in relation to robotics.
Experience based localization in wide open indoor environments
Authors: Gautam Rahul , Jain Harsh , Poply Mayank , Jain Rajkumar , Anand Mukul , Kala Rahul
Published: June 2018

This paper solves the problem of localization for indoor environments using visual place recognition, visual odometry and experience based localization using a camera. Our main motivation is just like a human is able to recall from its past experience, a robot should be able to use its recorded visual memory in order to determine its location. Currently experience based localization has been used in constrained environments like outdoor roads, where the robot is constrained to the same set of locations during every visit. This paper adapts the same technology to wide open maps like halls wherein the robot is not constrained to specific locations. When a robot is turned on in a room, it first uses visual place recognition using histogram of oriented gradients and support vector machine in order to predict which room it is in. It then scans its surroundings and uses a nearest neighbor search of the robot’s experience coupled with visual odometry for localization. We present the results of our approach test on a dynamic environment comprising of three rooms. The dataset consists of approximately 5000 monocular and 5000 depth images.
Interpretation of the DMT in Silts
Authors: Schnaid Fernando , Belloli Marcus V. A. , Odebrecht Edgar , Marchetti Diego
Published: June 2018

This paper describes a proposed testing procedure and interpretation method for the characterization of silts using the flat dilatometer test (DMT). This method aims to compensate for errors that are introduced by the partial-drainage conditions that take place around the DMT blade. In transient soils, the after-installation DMT readings change continuously with time because excess pore pressure dissipation. By monitoring the variation in A-readings, it is possible to extrapolate the results back to the origin to estimate an equivalent undrained A0 value. In addition, in seeking to obtain a closed-form solution for the membrane expansion problem in the elastic regime, a simple correction is introduced in the analysis where the B-reading is expressed in terms of average mean stresses that take place prior to expansion. Preliminary results in clay demonstrate that the method is effective and can be introduced in practice with minimal costs by considering simple adaptations to procedures originally developed for clay.
Conduzindo a Educação em Saúde na Educação Básica por meio da Anatomia Humana
Authors: Santos Mateus Casanova dos , Luiz Marina Borges
Published: June 2018

O presente ensaio reflexivo emerge das atividades desenvolvidas no projeto de extensão intitulado “Museu Anatômico Itinerante: anatomia humana e educação em saúde em diálogos escolares e científicos”. A experiência extensionista aconteceu numa escola na área rural de São Lourenço do Sul/RS e teve como objetivo dialogar com os saberes científicos e os escolares em educação em saúde, integrando a Anatomia Humana à formação escolar e a saúde na construção de práticas mais articuladas. Assim, utilizou-se de dispositivos com imagens tridimensionais sobre o corpo humano no processo saúde/doença, na salutogênese e abordando os temas sobre prevenção da dengue, saúde bucal, alimentação saudável, sexualidade, drogas e álcool. Dessa forma, a anatomia humana teve de ser previamente desenvolvida de forma detalhada e clara para que se conseguisse abranger as diferentes interfaces da temática Saúde de forma a responder as necessidades estudantis e escolares.
RISCO DE DROGADIÇÃO EM ESCOLARES: PROFESSORES COMO POTENCIAIS AGENTES DE PREVENÇÃO E PROMOÇÃO DE SAÚDE
Authors: Oliveira Luís Flávio Souza de , Moreira Betina Loitzenbauer da Rocha , Oliveira Elen Lemes de , Bofill Maria Aparecida De Medeiros , Machado Michel Mansur , Afonso Denise Herdy
Published: June 2018

O comércio ilegal e consumo de drogas atinge a comunidade escolar, fazendo com que seus docentes sintam necessidade de se instrumentalizarem para enfrentar esta problemática. A universidade possui responsabilidade social e potencial interlocução com a comunidade, de forma que o presente trabalho propôs encontros voltados a 40 docentes de uma escola municipal de Uruguaiana com o objetivo de atualizar e aprimorar o conhecimento, e discutir sobre a temática de drogadição entre agosto e novembro de 2017, através da aplicação das metodologias de análise de conteúdo, roda de conversa e exposições dialógicas. Como produto, foi possível constatar que o grupo de docentes demonstrou estar compromissado com sua profissão e seus desafios, mas sobretudo com a comunidade e seus estudantes, ainda, sensibilizado com a temática, disposto à busca sobre conhecimento de drogas e esclarecer-se sobre o fluxo de serviços de saúde da rede pública com vistas a possíveis encaminhamentos de seus estudantes. E, como a equipe executora, entende a necessidade de se trabalhar o público de estudantes e seus familiares ou responsáveis, bem como manter uma relação próxima aos profissionais da Estratégia da Saúde da Família do território, ao mesmo tempo que se percebe como ator no processo de cuidado.
O Cuidado com a vida
Authors: Michelon Francisca Ferreira
Published: June 2018

O tema deste número da Expressa Extensão coloca em pauta as diversas compreensões e aplicações que os autores tiveram para com os conceitos de cuidado e de vida. Parte dos textos apresenta relatos no âmbito da educação em saúde, descrevendo e analisando ações cuja finalidade é encontrar qualidade para o viver, resultado de uma busca consciente e tornada voluntária por meio do conhecimento. Parte dos textos dedica-se a registrar ações com a vida animal. Em todos, percebe-se que o termo cuidar soma o ato intencional de quem cuida ao desejo de ser cuidado. Nesse sentido, aquele que cuida da vida responde a uma demanda, direta ou não, consciente ou não.
CONSUMO E MODERNIDADE: REFLEXÕES EM TORNO DE ALGUMAS TEORIAS.
Authors: Tadeu Sylney Alves
Published: June 2018

O presente trabalho apresenta reflexões a respeito da complexidade das relações entre oindivíduo e sociedade, aliado ao apelo a um modelo de consumo inconsciente que cada vez maisintroduz no cotidiano dos indivíduos o despertar de sempre novas necessidades muitas vezesficticiosamente criadas pelas novas técnicas de marketing e de publicidade, submetendo estes a umesforço cada vez mais difícil de superar e capaz de produzir efeitos em seu próprio viver. Estasreflexões, em torno de algumas teorias buscam refletir sobre este fenômeno que ultrapassa o própriotempo gasto em conseguir recursos para satisfazer necessidades nem sempre necessárias.
LA REGULACIÓN DE LAS PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES EN EL DERECHO DEL CONSUMIDOR ARGENTINO
Authors: Barocelli Sérgio Sebastián
Published: June 2018

En el presente trabajo intentaremos caracterizar a las prácticas comerciales como todaconducta desplegada en el mercado por un proveedor de bienes y servicios. Analizaremos su rolen la sociedad de consumo, sus fuentes de regulación y la tipificación de los supuestos deprácticas comerciales abusivas.
TARIFA MÍNIMA DE ÁGUA MULTIPLICADA EM PELOTAS/RS: ENTENDIMENTOS E QUESTIONAMENTOS
Authors: Felippi Angelica
Published: June 2018

Considerando que no Município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, a partir da Lei Municipal no6.294/2015 passou a ser cobrado o consumo efetivo de água e o esgoto gerado, o trabalho tevecomo objetivo analisar a prática da tarifa mínima de água multiplicada em condomínios quepossuem apenas um único hidrômetro. A pesquisa envolveu a análise de quatro julgados acerca daposição do STJ frente a esse método de cobrança, bem como a análise de seis julgadosenvolvendo condomínios de Pelotas. A coleta de dados deu-se a partir da consulta junto ao sitehttp://www.tjrs.jus.br/site/ e http://www.stj.jus.br/sites/STJ/, durante o segundo semestre de 2016e primeiro semestre de 2017. Foram analisadas normas jurídicas do CDC que demonstram arelação de consumo existente quando da prestação de serviço público pelas pessoas jurídicas dedireito público. Disposições legais da Lei Municipal no 6.294/2015 igualmente foram analisadas.Assim, é possível trazer como resultado parcial a posição pacificada do STJ acerca da ilicitude dovalor cobrado com base na multiplicação da tarifa mínima de água pelo número de unidadesautônomas em condomínios que possuem apenas um único hidrômetro, assim como o fato de queantes da vigência da referida lei municipal o SANEP (autarquia municipal), em suas defesasjudiciais, persistia no argumento da legalidade de tal método ao aludir a legislação municipal ealegar a ausência de hidrômetro individualizado. Assim, resta o questionamento: a tarifa mínimamultiplicada ainda será questão enfrentada pelo SANEP no Judiciário após a Lei Municipal no6.294/2015? A pesquisa buscará ainda enfrentar essa questão.
UMA ANÁLISE DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DO TRIBUNAL DE JUSTIÇA DO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL QUANTO À RESPONSABILIDADE CIVIL DAS CONCESSIONÁRIAS DE ESTACIONAMENTO ROTATIVO FRENTE AO FURTO DE VEÍCULOS
Authors: Santos José Eduardo Teles
Published: June 2018

O presente estudo presta-se a analisar qual a orientação jurisprudencial do Tribunal deJustiça do estado do Rio Grande do Sul frente litígios que envolvem a responsabilização cível dasconcessionárias de estacionamento rotativo de vias públicas frente ao furto de veículos. É notórioque a crescente frota de veículos nas médias e grandes cidades brasileiras levou àsmunicipalidades a implementação dos estacionamentos rotativos e a delegação de suaadministração para empresas concessionárias. Em regra, o usuário estaciona seu veículo medianteremuneração e pode usufruir da vaga por determinado período de tempo. Porém, quando furtadosveículos que estão em vagas sob a administração das concessionárias, não tem havido qualquerresponsabilização às mesmas. A justiça gaúcha quando acionada pelos usuários tem decidido queas concessionárias de estacionamento rotativo são uma longa manus do município, apenasaplicando o poder de polícia administrativa para limitar o uso da vaga. Por outro lado, os usuáriosbuscam ressarcimento, visto que uma vez tendo remunerado a atividade entendem ser dever dasconcessionárias a guarda e vigilância dos veículos, acreditando que há, de fato, relação deconsumo. Diante desse impasse tem-se a nebulosa situação jurídica que ensejou a reflexão dotema à luz da doutrina e das normas pertinentes.
ALIMENTOS COM GLÚTEN E INFORMAÇÃO AOS CONSUMIDORES: A RELAÇÃO ENTRE O PRINCÍPIO DA INFORMAÇÃO DO CÓDIGO DE DEFESA DO CONSUMIDOR E A LEI N° 10.674/03
Authors: Lorena Letícia Francielly
Published: June 2018

O Código de Defesa do Consumidor, baseado em princípios como o da informação e datransparência, possibilita que direitos fundamentais resguardados pela Constituição Federal doBrasil sejam efetivamente respeitados, garantindo qualidade de vida a todos os membros dasociedade e proporcionando uma vida digna, bem-estar social e condições para o desenvolvimentode potencialidades dos seres humanos, independente de suas particularidades. Nesta perspectiva, aLei n. 10.674/03 busca aumentar a proteção jurídica dos portadores da Doença Celíaca nasrelações de consumo frente aos fornecedores, no que tange a informação de rótulos e embalagens.
A “HIPERVULNERABILIADE” COMO DESAFIO DO CONSUMIDOR IDOSO NO MERCADO DE CONSUMO
Authors: Schmitt Cristiano Heineck
Published: June 2018

A vulnerabilidade é uma marca inseparável do consumidor. Este agente do mercado passou a ser observado de forma distinta, a partir da década de sessenta, quando o mundo pôde perceber quão flagrante era a fragilidade deste sujeito, face a sua necessidade de bens e serviços essenciais, os quais são retirados do mercado de consumo. Desníveis variados circundam a relação de consumo, imprimindo uma vulnerabilidade ao consumidor, o que deve ser compensado por medidas protetivas, preventivas e reparatórias. Por outro lado, há grupos de consumidores que, diante de uma “hipervulnerbilidade”, demarcam a necessidade de adoção de deveres de cuidado, para que, de fato, não sejam espoliados por práticas abusivas construídas sob a perspectiva de uma fraqueza derivada da idade, por exemplo. Assim, surge a premissa de identificação do idoso como um consumidor hipervulnerável, e, acerca dos contrastes deste cenário, o presente artigo passa a investigar espaços onde esta vulnerabilidade resta agravada.
O DIREITO DO CONSUMIDOR E SEUS PRINCÍPIOS FUNDAMENTAIS
Authors: De Azevedo Fernando Costa
Published: June 2018

O presente artigo pretende analisar a importância dos princípios jurídicos que fundamentam a interpretação do Direito do Consumidor no Brasil, notadamente os de natureza constitucional em virtude da matriz constitucional do sistema jurídico de proteção aos direitos dos consumidores, verdadeiros reflexos da defesa do consumidor como direito/garantia fundamental da pessoa humana (CF, art. 5º, XXXI).
Chronometry on Spike-LFP Responses Reveals the Functional Neural Circuitry of Early Auditory Cortex Underlying Sound Processing and Discrimination
Authors: Banerjee Arpan , Kikuchi Yukiko , Mishkin Mortimer , Rauschecker Josef P. , Horwitz Barry
Published: June 2018

Animals and humans rapidly detect specific features of sounds, but the time courses of the underlying neural response for different stimulus categories is largely unknown. Furthermore, the intricate functional organization of auditory information processing pathways is poorly understood. Here, we computed neuronal response latencies from simultaneously recorded spike trains and local field potentials (LFPs) along the first two stages of cortical sound processing, primary auditory cortex (A1) and lateral belt (LB), of awake, behaving macaques. Two types of response latencies were measured for spike trains as well as LFPs: (1) onset latency, time-locked to onset of external auditory stimuli; and (2) selection latency, time taken from stimulus onset to a selective response to a specific stimulus category. Trial-by-trial LFP onset latencies predominantly reflecting synaptic input arrival typically preceded spike onset latencies, assumed to be representative of neuronal output indicating that both areas may receive input environmental signals and relay the information to the next stage. In A1, simple sounds, such as pure tones (PTs), yielded shorter spike onset latencies compared to complex sounds, such as monkey vocalizations (“Coos”). This trend was reversed in LB, indicating a hierarchical functional organization of auditory cortex in the macaque. LFP selection latencies in A1 were always shorter than those in LB for both PT and Coo reflecting the serial arrival of stimulus-specific information in these areas. Thus, chronometry on spike-LFP signals revealed some of the effective neural circuitry underlying complex sound discrimination.
Integration by Parts
Authors: Barany Michael J.
Published: June 2018

This paper accounts for the intercontinental elaboration of French mathematician Laurent Schwartz’s theory of distributions in the years immediately following World War II by tracing how mathematicians explained the theory to each other, advanced new interpretations, and reconciled existing ones. Situating distributions in mathematicians’ changing contexts of funding, travel, and publication, especially in connection with the postwar reconstruction of international science, I argue that wordplay and suggestive comparisons—often termed “abuses of language”—helped tie communities of scholars together across disparate geographies and fields of study. Material limits and linguistic ambiguity, here, offered important resources for asserting relevance and unity in a fragmented and heterogeneous discipline. I show in particular how reinterpretations and puns of the calculus technique of integration by parts helped advocates of Schwartz’s theory create a far-reaching community of students and researchers that was itself partially integrated—with distributions’ scholars believing themselves to be using a common theory while understanding and using that theory in considerably different (if sometimes mutually recognizable) ways. If exponents of modern mathematical research and pedagogy tend to emphasize settled theories and stabilized innovations, the history of these activities demands a converse emphasis on the variable and ongoing labor required to reconcile techniques and concepts—a labor that often hinges on theories’ instability, pliability, and susceptibility to play.
Successful use of cinacalcet to treat parathyroid-related hypercalcemia in two pediatric patients
Authors: Mogas E , Campos-Martorell A , Clemente M , Castaño L , Moreno-Galdó A , Yeste D , Carrascosa A
Published: June 2018

Two pediatric patients with different causes of hyperparathyroidism are reported. First patient is a 13-year-old male with severe hypercalcemia due to left upper parathyroid gland adenoma. After successful surgery, calcium and phosphate levels normalized, but parathormone levels remained elevated. Further studies revealed a second adenoma in the right gland. The second patient is a 13-year-old female with uncommon hypercalcemia symptoms. Presence of pathogenic calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) mutation was found, resulting in diagnosis of symptomatic familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Cinacalcet, a calcium-sensing agent that increases the sensitivity of the CASR, was used in both patients with successful results.

Learning points:

Hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition in pediatric patients. If not treated, it can cause serious morbidity.

Genetic tests searching for CASR or MEN1 gene mutations in pediatric patients with primary hyperparathyroidism should be performed.

Cinacalcet has been effective for treating different causes of hyperparathyroidism in our two pediatric patients.

Treatment has been well tolerated and no side effects have been detected.
Adrenal crisis in a 14-year-old boy 12 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Penger Theresa , Albrecht Andrea , Marx Michaela , Stachel Daniel , Metzler Markus , Dörr Helmuth G
Published: June 2018

We report on a boy of Albanian descent with the history of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). JMML was diagnosed at the age of 17 months and treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). At the age of 14.3 years, about 12 years after HSCT, he was hospitalized with an adrenal crisis. Hormone findings were consistent with primary adrenal insufficiency. Autoimmune adrenalitis was confirmed by positive autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase and adrenal tissue. Since autoimmune Hashimoto thyroiditis was already known from the age of 9 years, we assume that both diseases are part of the spectrum of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2. APS type 2 is a rare endocrine disease characterized by Addison’s disease along with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes.

Learning points:

Endocrine sequelae after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are common and can develop over a long period.

Primary adrenal insufficiency after HSCT is absolutely rare.

The combination of adrenal autoimmune disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis is consistent with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2.
Do aggressive variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma have worse clinical outcome than classic papillary thyroid carcinoma?
Authors: Song Eyun , Jeon Min Ji , Oh Hye-Seon , Han Minkyu , Lee Yu-Mi , Kim Tae Yong , Chung Ki-Wook , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee , Song Dong Eun , Kim Won Gu
Published: June 2018

Objective

Evidence for unfavorable outcomes of each type of aggressive variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (AV-PTC) is not clear because most previous studies are focused on tall cell variant (TCV) and did not control for other major confounding factors contributing to clinical outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study included 763 patients with classical PTC (cPTC) and 144 with AV-PTC, including TCV, columnar cell variant (CCV) and hobnail variants. Disease-free survival (DFS) and dynamic risk stratification (DRS) were compared after two-to-one propensity score matching by age, sex, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension.

Results

The AV-PTC group had significantly lower DFS rates than its matched cPTC group (HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12–4.16, P = 0.018). When TCV and CCV were evaluated separately, there was no significant differences in DFS and DRS between patients with TCV (n = 121) and matched cPTC. However, CCV group (n = 18) had significantly poorer DFS than matched cPTC group (HR = 12.19, 95% CI: 2.11–70.33, P = 0.005). In DRS, there were significantly more patients with structural incomplete responses in CCV group compared by matched cPTC group (P = 0.047). CCV was an independent risk factor for structural persistent/recurrent disease in multivariate analysis (HR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.66–11.00, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

When other clinicopathological factors were similar, patients with TCV did not exhibit unfavorable clinical outcome, whereas those with CCV had significantly poorer clinical outcome. Individualized therapeutic approach might be necessary for each type of AV-PTCs.
Corticosteroids and the brain
Authors: Joëls Marian
Published: June 2018

The brain is continuously exposed to varying levels of adrenal corticosteroid hormones such as corticosterone in rodents and cortisol in humans. Natural fluctuations occur due to ultradian and circadian variations or are caused by exposure to stressful situations. Brain cells express two types of corticosteroid receptors, i.e. mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, which differ in distribution and affinity. These receptors can mediate both rapid non-genomic and slow gene-mediated neuronal actions. As a consequence of these factors, natural (e.g. stress-induced) shifts in corticosteroid level are associated with a complex mosaic of time- and region-dependent changes in neuronal activity. A series of experiments in humans and rodents have revealed that these time- and region-dependent cellular characteristics are also reflected in distinct cognitive patterns after stress. Thus, directly after a peak of corticosteroids, attention and vigilance are increased, and areas involved in emotional responses and simple behavioral strategies show enhanced activity. In the aftermath of stress, areas involved in higher cognitive functions become activated allowing individuals to link stressful events to the specific context and to store information for future use. Both phases of the brain’s response to stress are important to face a continuously changing environment, promoting adaptation at the short as well as long term. We argue that a balanced response during the two phases is essential for resilience. This balance may become compromised after repeated stress exposure, particularly in genetically vulnerable individuals and aggravate disease manifestation. This not only applies to psychiatric disorders but also to neurological diseases such as epilepsy.
Impact of exercise on oocyte quality in the POLG mitochondrial DNA mutator mouse
Authors: Faraci Christine , Annis Sofia , Jin Joyce , Li Housaiyin , Khrapko Konstantin , Woods Dori C
Published: June 2018

The mtDNA ‘mutator’ mouse, also called the ‘POLG’ mouse, is a well-characterized model frequently used for studies of progeroid aging. Harboring a mutation in the proofreading domain of the mitochondrial polymerase, polymerase-γ (Polg), POLG mice acquire mtDNA mutations at an accelerated rate. This results in premature mitochondrial dysfunction and a systemic aging phenotype. Previous work has demonstrated that the progeroid phenotype in POLG is attenuated following endurance exercise, the only reported intervention to extend health span and lifespan of these mice. Herein, oocyte quality was evaluated in sedentary and exercised POLG mice. In mice homozygous for the Polg mutation, litter size is dramatically reduced as compared to heterozygous Polg mice. Following ovarian hyper-stimulation, oocytes were retrieved until 9 months of age in exercised and sedentary groups, with no oocytes ovulated thereafter. Although ovulated oocyte numbers were not impacted by exercise, we did find a modest improvement in both the ovarian follicle reserve and in oocyte quality based on meiotic spindle assembly, chromosomal segregation and mitochondrial distribution at 7 months of age in exercised POLG mice as compared to sedentary counterparts. Of note, analysis of mtDNA mutational load revealed no differences between exercised and sedentary groups. Collectively, these data indicate that exercise differentially influences somatic tissues of the POLG mouse as compared to oocytes, highlighting important mechanistic differences between mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms in the soma and the germline.
DIVERSITY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS SPP. IN FOOD AND DAIRY PRODUCTS: A FOODSTUFF SAFETY ASSESSMENT
Authors: R. Organji Sameer , H. Abulreesh Hussein , Elbanna Khaled , E. H. Osman Gamal , H. K. Almalki Meshal
Published: June 2018

The aim of the current work was to study the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. in different types of food products that are available to consumers, to assess its safety from a public health standpoint. A total of twenty food samples (raw milk, white cheese, raw minced meat, beef salami and salted fish) were purchased from the markets. Detection of Staphylococci was performed by selective plating on mannitol salt agar and Staphylococcus medium 110. Identification of presumptive isolates was achieved by phenotypical traits; API Staph System and 16S rRNA sequencing. Raw milk was found to have more diverse species of coagulase-negative staphylococci as well as MRSA. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species detected in cheese, beef salami and salted fish are the species that are usually involved in the ripening or fermentation process. In conclusion, we found low safety hazards associated with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species isolated from foodstuffs, the only exception is the ready-to-drink raw milk and raw minced meat which was found to be in low microbiological quality and its consumption must be avoided.
SOLID STATE FERMENTATION FOR ENZYME PRODUCTION FOR FOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: Hyseni Bahtir , Özhan Aytekin Ali , Nikerel Emrah
Published: June 2018

The use of enzymes for improved production and enhanced quality of industrial products in particular fermented foods, received considerable attention of both academic studies as well as industries. This in turn, triggered interest in re-evaluating alternative new or existing technologies in the field of enzyme production. Solid State Fermentation (SSF) is briefly defined as the fermentation with far less (to almost no) free water when compared to the submerged fermentation. The sufficient amount of the moisture is needed to maintain cellular growth. SSF exhibits interesting features, e.g. considerably less water use, therefore more environmentally friendly, easier to downstream, decreased overall process cost, improved product stability, larger portfolio of enzymes or locally very specific productivity rates owing to the heterogeneity of the substrate of generation of sub-populations.
This review lists and discusses the merits of the recent studies on the production of some of the well-studied enzymes in various industries, namely amylase, proteinase and pectinase via solid-state fermentation, vis-à-vis to various factors affecting the process e.g. moisture content, aeration rate, substrate particle size, temperature, and inoculum size. A separate focus is dedicated on the differences between submerged and solid state fermentation, not only from a fermentation unit operation but also from overall process design point-of-view. Lastly, we discuss the challenges in scale-up of SSF process and various reactor types.
Investigating the role of business marketing techniques in sales process
Authors: Adamashvili Nino , Fiore Mariantonietta
Published: June 2018

Purpose. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the role of the marketing strategies and to verify if adopting a set of marketing strategies matching the company’s operation to can be a successful way to generate growth in sales and loyal customers for all sized businesses.

Design/Method/Approach. This research consists of a systematic literature review of academic articles compatible with the marketing field topics. A hypothesis is designed based on a theoretical framework and two case studies are investigated. It is tested through applying examples of two renowned companies, Xerox and HubSpot, that adopted their preferred set of marketing techniques and gained higher profits and larger loyal customer segments.

Findings. Based on collected data and its analysis, it can be said that following correctly selected marketing techniques can lead to increased sales and loyal consumers.

Practical implications. Companies’ marketing policies about choosing marketing channels needs to carefully be monitored and updated in order to reach long-term successful effects.

Originality/Value. The negotiation process between buyer and seller is strict, long-term and complex in business. Subsequently, selling the product is not sufficient if the buyers do not get offered good quality services to leave them pleased and consequently loyal in the long term. Thus, this research analyses the positive impact marketing techniques can have in the sales processes and in the customer loyalty.

 Paper type – empirical.
Towards an understanding of organizational learning processes in development of competences
Authors: Takahashi Adriana
Published: June 2018

Purpose – to analyze the process of organizational learning in development of organizational competences in two educational institutions that offer Higher Technological Education Courses in Brazil.

Design/Method/Approach. As for the methodology, the nature of the research is exploratory, with a qualitative approach, and a multiple case study method.

Findings. The results made it possible to conclude that there was a learning process at the organizational level, as new knowledge and new practices had been institutionalized. Based on the data found in each case, it was possible to certify that some competences can be built and others eliminated, shaping the dynamic character of the process.

Theoretical implications. It was possible to corroborate the model used (Patriotta, 2003) and propose advances to it, towards an understanding of organizational learning processes in the development of organizational competences.

Practical implications. The manager can see competences in dynamics, changing over time and in the context of the organization, according to the events and changes in their objectives, intentions, and strategies.

Originality/Value. We found that organizational learning is the result of the acquisition of a competence that represents this process. Using a metaphor, it was found that the competences of an organization represent the 'DNA' of the organizational learning.

Research limitations/Future research. This paper analyzed two cases only and new case studies are needed to characterize more fully on these results.

 Paper type – empirical.
Wavelet denoising of partial discharge signals and their pattern classification using artificial neural networks and support vector machines
Authors: Guzmán Ian Carlo , Oslinger Jose Luis , Nieto Ruben Darío
Published: June 2018

Este artículo presenta dos enfoques de reconocimiento de patrones usando huellas dactilares de descargas parciales como características de entrada para llevar a cabo la clasificación de patrones de DP. Un perceptrón multicapa (MLP) basado en el algoritmo de propagación hacia atrás y una máquina de soporte vectorial fueron entrenados para reconocer tres tipos de patrones de DP. Los resultados experimentales demostraron que los algoritmos pueden arrojar altas tasas de reconocimiento. De otra parte, la trasformada wavelet discreta (DWT) fue utilizada para eliminar el nivel de ruido presente en las DP como una etapa previa al proceso de clasificación. Diferentes wavelets madre fueron probadas a diferentes niveles de descomposición con el objeto de encontrar parámetros wavelet apropiados para obtener una mejor relación señal-ruido (SNR) y menos distorsión después del proceso de filtrado.
Potencial de mitigación de proyectos de transporte activo: indicadores de atracción de viajes y emisiones CO2 en ciudades colombianas
Authors: Espinosa Mónica , Pacheco Jose , Franco Juan Felipe
Published: June 2018

El contexto global de cambio climático y los recientes compromisos internacionales del país en reducción de emisiones de gases efecto invernadero, son una oportunidad para incentivar proyectos en movilidad sostenible. En este estudio se estimaron indicadores de atracción de viajes y emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2) evitadas para medidas relacionadas con la promoción del uso de la bicicleta a nivel urbano. Los indicadores obtenidos se aplicaron en distintos escenarios para dos ciudades colombianas. De las medidas evaluadas, la construcción de ciclorrutas y bicicarriles es la que mayor atracción de viajes genera con 455 viajes/km de infraestructura–día. El potencial de reducción de emisiones de CO2 cambia significativamente entre las medidas estudiadas y con el tamaño de la ciudad, los resultados para este indicador estuvieron entre los 92 gCO2/viaje hasta 810 gCO2/viaje. Estos indicadores representan una herramienta simple y flexible para contar con una aproximación al potencial de mitigación del cambio climático de proyectos en transporte activo en el contexto de ciudades de América Latina. En particular cuando se requiera una evaluación ex-ante como requisito inicial para acceder a fondos de financiación.
Massive coronary artery air embolism due to an unusual cause
Authors: Tziatzios Ioannis , Didagelos Matthaios , Votsis Stefanos , Tziatzios Georgios , Hadjimiltiades Stavros
Published: June 2018

A 46-year-old man underwent angioplasty of a restenotic bifurcation lesion of the circumflex artery. The procedure required repeated balloon exchanges and during the last balloon inflation, no balloon was visualized. A test injection revealed a massive coronary air embolism due to expulsion of air that had accumulated in the guiding catheter shaft. The patient was rapidly resuscitated from electromechanical dissociation with intracoronary injection of adrenaline and atropine and forceful intracoronary saline injections. Inspection of the balloon revealed a defect and scratch marks at the junction of the wire part and shaft of the monorail balloon, a location that places the air leakage inside the guiding catheter. This is the first report of massive intracoronary air embolism due to an undetectable damage to the shaft of a balloon angioplasty catheter. Recognition of the problem and immediate intervention is vital in limiting the duration of cardiac dysfunction.
Diffusion of CCTs from Latin America to Asia: the Philippine 4Ps case
Authors: Howlett Michael , Ramesh M , Saguin Kidjie
Published: June 2018

Abstract The purpose of this study is to understand the role of international and domestic actors, ideas and processes in the diffusion of public policies. It argues that existing studies on the subject do not provide an adequate explanation of the mechanisms through which diffusion takes place, nor do they sufficiently address the roles of actors affecting the policy transfer process. We address these shortcomings by studying the diffusion of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs from Brazil and Mexico to the Philippines over the past decade. We use the concept of an ‘instrument constituency’ to delineate and trace the various actors and channels involved in the diffusion of CCTs. The case study shows that these groups of actors dedicated to the articulation, adoption and expansion of particular policy instruments are central players in transnational diffusion of policies and offer a robust explanation of the phenomenon.
MIGRATION GOVERNANCE IN SOUTH AMERICA: THE BOTTOM-UP DIFFUSION OF THE RESIDENCE AGREEMENT OF MERCOSUR
Authors: Braz Adriana Montenegro
Published: June 2018

Abstract This article offers a complementary explanation to the diffusion theory that focuses on the process of governance emergence from a top-down perspective. This complementary explanation analyzes the bottom-up processes of diffusion and tested them by studying the policy formulation process in the Mercosur Residence Agreement (RA) signed in 2002. Based on interviews with key actors, documents, and academic literature, this article concludes that the RA was mainly the result of Brazilian and Argentinian negotiations. Brazil needed to boost regional cooperation after the Mercosur crisis, and considered that a joint migration amnesty could have a positive impact on the trading bloc’s image. However, the Argentinian experience in migration issues allowed for a more coherent policy on the matter. Therefore, I maintain that the mode of interaction in the Residence Agreement negotiations was a bottom up diffusion process that allowed the regionalization of domestic policies.
CONDIÇÕES ESTRUTURAIS DO NACIONALISMO JAPONÊS RECENTE
Authors: Oda Ernani
Published: June 2018

Resumo Este artigo analisa o fortalecimento de discursos nacionalistas no Japão a partir da década de 1990, bem como suas repercussões internas e externas. Embora seja comum interpretar esse nacionalismo como um mecanismo psicológico de compensação para lidar com a “ansiedade” deflagrada pela crise econômica que passou a afetar a sociedade japonesa na época, este trabalho argumenta que podemos compreender melhor o fenômeno como o resultado de mudanças recentes nas condições estruturais mais amplas da sociedade japonesa. Serão discutidos dois fatores estruturais em particular: no âmbito interno, o cenário político-partidário japonês, e, no âmbito externo, a posição do Japão no contexto do leste asiático, tendo em vista especialmente sua interação com a China e com a Coreia do Sul.
RAYMUNDO FAORO E AS LINHAGENS DO PENSAMENTO POLÍTICO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Brito Leonardo Octavio Belinelli de
Published: June 2018

Resumo O artigo parte da hipótese formulada por Gildo Marçal Brandão sobre a existência de “linhagens do pen samento político brasileiro”, em especial a que denominou “idealismo constitucional”, composta por autores que iden tificariam na suposta centralização política e administrativa do Estado luso-brasileiro o cerne explicativo da má forma ção social brasileira; em consequência, proporiam medidas políticas descentralizadoras e economicamente liberalizan tes. Segundo Brandão, Raymundo Faoro seria um dos maio res exemplos desta linha de reflexão sobre o Brasil. Visando discutir essa tese, em termos sucintos argumentamos que há elementos na obra de Faoro que o aproximam desta linha de argumentação, mas há outros que dela o afastam, permi tindo reinterpretar o sentido da sua contribuição ao pensa mento político social e brasileiro e, por consequência, seu lugar nele.