bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding of Human Movements Based on Deep Brain Local Field Potentials Using Ensemble Neural Networks
Authors: Islam Mohammad S. , Mamun Khondaker A. , Deng Hai
Published: October 2017

Decoding neural activities related to voluntary and involuntary movements is fundamental to understanding human brain motor circuits and neuromotor disorders and can lead to the development of neuromotor prosthetic devices for neurorehabilitation. This study explores using recorded deep brain local field potentials (LFPs) for robust movement decoding of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Dystonia patients. The LFP data from voluntary movement activities such as left and right hand index finger clicking were recorded from patients who underwent surgeries for implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes. Movement-related LFP signal features were extracted by computing instantaneous power related to motor response in different neural frequency bands. An innovative neural network ensemble classifier has been proposed and developed for accurate prediction of finger movement and its forthcoming laterality. The ensemble classifier contains three base neural network classifiers, namely, feedforward, radial basis, and probabilistic neural networks. The majority voting rule is used to fuse the decisions of the three base classifiers to generate the final decision of the ensemble classifier. The overall decoding performance reaches a level of agreement (kappa value) at about0.729±0.16for decoding movement from the resting state and about0.671±0.14for decoding left and right visually cued movements.
Cholesterol Granuloma in the Maxillary Sinus: Are Endodontically Treated Teeth Involved in Its Etiopathogenesis?
Authors: de Freitas Filho Silas Antonio Juvencio , Esteves Gilberto Gallo , Oliveira Denise Tostes
Published: October 2017

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a tissue reaction in response to the accumulation of cholesterol crystals rarely found in the maxillary sinus. The etiopathogenesis of maxillary sinus CG remains unclear. We reviewed the literature and added two new reports of cholesterol granuloma in maxillary sinus related to endodontically treated maxillary posterior teeth. The first report refers to a 45-year-old woman diagnosed with rhinitis, who was submitted to endodontic retreatment of maxillary molar, and subsequently showed maxillary sinus opacity with cystic appearance. The second case describes a young adult woman, who presented a cystic mass in maxillary sinus after endodontic treatment, in close association with the apex of the maxillary right second premolar. Both patients were treated by a classic Caldwell-Luc surgery and the microscopic analyses revealed maxillary sinus CG. In the following, the authors discuss the probable involvement of endodontically treated maxillary posterior teeth in the etiopathogenesis of maxillary sinus CG.
A Smoothing Algorithm for a New Two‐Stage Stochastic Model of Supply Chain Based on Sample Average Approximation
Authors: Yang Liu , Xiong Yao , Tong Xiao-jiao
Published: October 2017

We construct a new two‐stage stochastic model of supply chain with multiple factories and distributors for perishable product. By introducing a second‐order stochastic dominance (SSD) constraint, we can describe the preference consistency of the risk taker while minimizing the expected cost of company. To solve this problem, we convert it into a one‐stage stochastic model equivalently; then we use sample average approximation (SAA) method to approximate the expected values of the underlying random functions. A smoothing approach is proposed with which we can get the global solution and avoid introducing new variables and constraints. Meanwhile, we investigate the convergence of an optimal value from solving the transformed model and show that, with probability approaching one at exponential rate, the optimal value converges to its counterpart as the sample size increases. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and analysis.
A Framework for Extension of Dynamic Finite Element Formulation to Flexural Vibration Analysis of Thin Plates
Authors: Elahi Mohammad M. , Hashemi Seyed M.
Published: October 2017

Dynamic Finite Element formulation is a powerful technique that combines the accuracy of the exact analysis with wide applicability of the finite element method. The infinite dimensionality of the exact solution space of plate equation has been a major challenge for development of such elements for the dynamic analysis of flexible two-dimensional structures. In this research, a framework for such extension based on subset solutions is proposed. An example element is then developed and implemented in MATLAB® software for numerical testing, verification, and validation purposes. Although the presented formulation is not exact, the element exhibits good convergence characteristics and can be further enriched using the proposed framework.
Influence of Digestion Procedure and Residual Carbon on Manganese, Copper, and Zinc Determination in Herbal Matrices by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Adamczyk-Szabela Dorota , Anielak Piotr , Wolf Wojciech M.
Published: October 2017

Mineralization to the complete oxidation of sample carbon component does not always assure the best analyte recovery. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of silicon in the investigated plant sample and especially in the certified reference material for which Si content is scarcely given by the providers. During mineralization without addition of the hydrofluoric acid, the residual carbon may block silica surfaces and increase availability of an analyte for its spectral determination in the solution. This issue is of particular relevance because standard protocols for digestion of plant matrices often do not support hydrofluoric acid addition. Several procedures recommended for decomposition of herbal plants were applied for the respective certified reference material and examined in detail. Manganese, copper, and zinc contents were analyzed in all samples by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, the residual carbon was determined in all mineralizates. Silicon content was analyzed by the X-ray fluorescence method. The best recoveries were observed for samples characterized by relatively high residual carbon.
Liveness-Based RRT Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Motion Planning
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Fubin , Xu Demin , Dai Jiguo
Published: October 2017

Motion planning is a crucial, basic issue in robotics, which aims at driving vehicles or robots towards to a given destination with various constraints, such as obstacles and limited resource. This paper presents a new version of rapidly exploring random trees (RRT), that is, liveness-based RRT (Li-RRT), to address autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) motion problem. Different from typical RRT, we define an index of each node in the random searching tree, called “liveness” in this paper, to describe the potential effectiveness during the expanding process. We show that Li-RRT is provably probabilistic completeness as original RRT. In addition, the expected time of returning a valid path with Li-RRT is obviously reduced. To verify the efficiency of our algorithm, numerical experiments are carried out in this paper.
Acute Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Grignola Juan C. , Domingo Enric
Published: October 2017

The role of the left ventricle in ICU patients with circulatory shock has long been considered. However, acute right ventricle (RV) dysfunction causes and aggravates many common critical diseases (acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and postoperative cardiac surgery). Several supportive therapies, including mechanical ventilation and fluid management, can make RV dysfunction worse, potentially exacerbating shock. We briefly review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and recommendations to guide management of acute RV dysfunction in ICU patients. Our aim is to clarify the complex effects of mechanical ventilation, fluid therapy, vasoactive drug infusions, and other therapies to resuscitate the critical patient optimally.
Suspended Load Path Tracking Control Strategy Using a Tilt-Rotor UAV
Authors: Santos M. A. , Rego B. S. , Raffo G. V. , Ferramosca A.
Published: October 2017

This work proposes a control strategy to solve the path tracking problem of a suspended load carried by a tilt-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Initially, the equations of motion for the multibody mechanical system are derived from the load’s perspective by means of the Euler-Lagrange formulation, in which the load’s position and orientation are chosen as degrees of freedom. An unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is designed for nonlinear state estimation of all the system states, assuming that available information is provided by noisy sensors with different sampling rates that do not directly measure the load’s attitude. Furthermore, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed for path tracking of the suspended load with stabilization of the tilt-rotor UAV when parametric uncertainties and external disturbances affect the load, the rope’s length and total system mass vary during taking-off and landing, and the desired yaw angle changes throughout the trajectory. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to corroborate the good performance of the proposed strategy.
Regulation of Leukocyte Recruitment to the Spleen and Peritoneal Cavity during Pristane-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Li Yu , Wu Junping , Xu Long , Wu Qi , Wan Zhen , Li Li , Yu Hongzhi , Li Xue , Li Kuan , Zhang Qiuyang , Hou Zhili , Sun Xin , Chen Huaiyong
Published: October 2017

Chronic inflammation is associated with an increased number of leukocytes in the spleen, which are then redirected to the site of inflammation. However, it remains unknown how leukocyte recruitment is regulated. Herein, chronic inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pristane into mice. Leukocytes in the spleen or in the peritoneal cavity were quantified by flow cytometry. We found that the loss of IL-6 decreased macrophage recruitment to the spleen and the peritoneal cavity during pristane-induced inflammation. The loss of TNFαdelayed the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages to the spleen and inhibited the recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, B cells, and T cells. The recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages into the spleen or peritoneal cavity was largely inhibited in the absence of LTα. The loss of TNFαreceptor 1/2 resulted in reduced recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells into the spleen, but only neutrophil recruitment was inhibited in the peritoneal cavity. Similarly, a lack of B cells significantly impeded the recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells to the spleen. However, only macrophage recruitment was inhibited in the absence of T cells in the spleen. These data provide insight into the development of chronic inflammation induced by noninfectious substances.
PP2A Inactivation Mediated by PPP2R4 Haploinsufficiency Promotes Cancer Development
Authors: Sents Ward , Meeusen Bob , Kalev Petar , Radaelli Enrico , Sagaert Xavier , Miermans Eline , Haesen Dorien , Lambrecht Caroline , Dewerchin Mieke , Carmeliet Peter , Westermarck Jukka , Sablina Anna , Janssens Veerle
Published: October 2017

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) complexes counteract many oncogenic kinase pathways. In cancer cells, PP2A function can be compromised by several mechanisms, including sporadic mutations in its scaffolding A and regulatory B subunits or more frequently through overexpression of cellular PP2A inhibitors. Here, we identify a novel genetic mechanism by which PP2A function is recurrently affected in human cancer, involving haploinsufficiency of PPP2R4, a gene encoding the cellular PP2A activator PTPA. Notably, up to 70% of cancer patients showed a heterozygous deletion or missense mutations in PPP2R4. Cancer-associated PTPA mutants exhibited decreased abilities to bind the PP2A-C subunit or activate PP2A and failed to reverse the tumorigenic phenotype induced by PTPA suppression, indicating they function as null alleles. In Ppp2r4 gene-trapped (gt) mice showing residual PTPA expression, total PP2A activity and methylation were reduced, selectively affecting specific PP2A holoenzymes. Both PTPAgt/gt and PTPA+/gt mice showed higher rates of spontaneous tumors, mainly hematologic malignancies and hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. These tumors exhibited increased c-Myc phosphorylation and increased Wnt or Hedgehog signaling. We observed a significant reduction in lifespan in PTPA+/gt mice compared with wild-type mice. In addition, chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis was accelerated in PTPA+/gt compared with wild-type mice. Our results provide evidence for PPP2R4 as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor gene, defining a high-penetrance genetic mechanism for PP2A inhibition in human cancer. Cancer Res; 77(24); 6825–37. ©2017 AACR.
Cathepsin B Is Dispensable for Cellular Processing of Cathepsin B-Cleavable Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Caculitan Niña G. , dela Cruz Chuh Josefa , Ma Yong , Zhang Donglu , Kozak Katherine R. , Liu Yichin , Pillow Thomas H. , Sadowsky Jack , Cheung Tommy K. , Phung Qui , Haley Benjamin , Lee Byoung-Chul , Akita Robert W. , Sliwkowski Mark X. , Polson Andrew G.
Published: October 2017

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) are designed to selectively bind to tumor antigens via the antibody and release their cytotoxic payload upon internalization. Controllable payload release through judicious design of the linker has been an early technological milestone. Here, we examine the effect of the protease-cleavable valine-citrulline [VC(S)] linker on ADC efficacy. The VC(S) linker was designed to be cleaved by cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease. Surprisingly, suppression of cathepsin B expression via CRISPR-Cas9 gene deletion or shRNA knockdown had no effect on the efficacy of ADCs with VC(S) linkers armed with a monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) payload. Mass spectrometry studies of payload release suggested that other cysteine cathepsins can cleave the VC(S) linker. Also, ADCs with a nonprotease-cleavable enantiomer, the VC(R) isomer, mediated effective cell killing with a cysteine-VC(R)-MMAE catabolite generated by lysosomal catabolism. Based on these observations, we altered the payload to a pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine dimer (PBD) conjugate that requires linker cleavage in order to bind its DNA target. Unlike the VC-MMAE ADCs, the VC(S)-PBD ADC is at least 20-fold more cytotoxic than the VC(R)-PBD ADC. Our findings reveal that the VC(S) linker has multiple paths to produce active catabolites and that antibody and intracellular targets are more critical to ADC efficacy. These results suggest that protease-cleavable linkers are unlikely to increase the therapeutic index of ADCs and that resistance based on linker processing is improbable. Cancer Res; 77(24); 7027–37. ©2017 AACR.
Expression of Angiogenic and Inflammatory Factors in Choroidal Neovascularisation-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Ehlken Christoph , Guichard Maria-Magdalena , Schlunck Günther , Bühler Anima D. , Martin Gottfried , Agostini Hansjürgen T.
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Anti-angiogenic treatment is well established in the management of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but not sufficient in all patients. The characterisation of factors driving this chronic disease could serve to identify additional treatment options. The purpose of this study was to assess gene expression patterns and distinct changes in cells derived from surgically extracted choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) membranes. Materials and Methods: The expression of >11,000 genes was analysed by means of a microarray in cells cultured from 2 late-stage CNV membranes compared to primary human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and ARPE-19 cells. A pathway analysis was performed to identify gene expression patterns associated with exudative AMD. Results: The analysis revealed significant alterations in gene sets associated with inflammatory processes in CNV-derived cells, involving the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors IL6, C3, and C5, and downregulation of anti-inflammatory complement factor B and complement factor I. Factors associated with angiogenesis, such as VEGFA or ANGPT2, were not significantly regulated in the 2 RPE-derived cell lines. Conclusion: In late-stage CNV membrane-derived RPE, gene expression was shifted towards a pro-inflammatory state. Angiogenesis-associated factors were regulated differently in the 2 CNV-derived RPE membranes. While inflammation seems to be continuously stimulated by RPE associated with late exudative AMD, this appears not to be the case with regard to angioregulatory mechanisms.
Providing Personalised Nutrition: Consumers' Trust and Preferences Regarding Sources of Information, Service Providers and Regulators, and Communication Channels
Authors: Poínhos Rui , Oliveira Bruno M.P.M. , van der Lans Ivo A. , Fischer Arnout R.H. , Berezowska Aleksandra , Rankin Audrey , Kuznesof Sharron , Stewart-Knox Barbara , Frewer Lynn J. , de Almeida Maria D.V.
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Personalised nutrition has potential to revolutionise dietary health promotion if accepted by the general public. We studied trust and preferences regarding personalised nutrition services, how they influence intention to adopt these services, and cultural and social differences therein. Methods: A total of 9,381 participants were quota-sampled to be representative of each of 9 EU countries (Germany, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, and Norway) and surveyed by a questionnaire assessing their intention to adopt personalised nutrition, trust in service regulators and information sources, and preferences for service providers and information channels. Results: Trust and preferences significantly predicted intention to adopt personalised nutrition. Higher trust in the local department of health care was associated with lower intention to adopt personalised nutrition. General practitioners were the most trusted of service regulators, except in Portugal, where consumer organisations and universities were most trusted. In all countries, family doctors were the most trusted information providers. Trust in the National Health Service as service regulator and information source showed high variability across countries. Despite its highest variability across countries, personal meeting was the preferred communication channel, except in Spain, where an automated internet service was preferred. General practitioners were the preferred service providers, except in Poland, where dietitians and nutritionists were preferred. The preference for dietitians and nutritionists as service providers highly varied across countries. Conclusion: These results may assist in informing local initiatives to encourage acceptance and adoption of country-specific tailored personalised nutrition services, therefore benefiting individual and public health.
Reading First Coordinates from the Nephrogenic Zone in Human Fetal Kidney
Authors: Minuth Will W.
Published: October 2017

While substantial information is available on organ anlage and the primary formation of nephrons, molecular mechanisms acting during the late development of the human kidney have received an astonishing lack of attention. In healthy newborn babies, nephrogenesis takes place unnoticed until birth. Upon delivery, morphogenetic activity in the nephrogenic zone decreases, and the stem cell niches aligned beyond the organ capsule vanish by an unknown signal. However, this signal also plays a key role in preterm and low birth weight babies. Although they are born in a phase of active nephrogenesis, pathological findings illustrate that they evolve to a high incidence oligonephropathy and prematurity of renal parenchyma. Different extra- and intrauterine influences seem to be responsible, but independent from chemical nature, all of them culminate in the nephrogenic zone. One assumes that the marred development is caused either by an overshoot of metabolites, misleading signaling of morphogens, unbalanced synthesis of extracellular matrix or restricted contact between mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells. Even more surprising is that there is only a few vague morphological information of the nephrogenic zone in the human fetal kidney available and ultrastructural data is severely lacking. On this account, the first coordinates were determined by optical microscopy and morphometry. Without claiming to be complete, generated results made it possible to create schematic illustrations true to scale for orientation. It will help graduating students, young pediatricians, pathologists, and scientists working in the field of biomedicine to interpret professionally the nephrogenic zone and contained niches.
Hemodiafiltration Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Maduell Francisco , Varas Javier , Ramos Rosa , Martin-Malo Alejandro , Pérez-Garcia Rafael , Berdud Isabel , Moreso Francesc , Canaud Bernard , Stuard Stefano , Gauly Adelheid , Aljama Pedro , Merello Jose Ignacio
Published: October 2017

Background: The majority of studies suggesting that online hemodiafiltration reduces the risk of mortality compared to hemodialysis (HD) have been performed in dialysis-prevalent populations. In this report, we conducted an epidemiologic study of mortality in incident dialysis patients, comparing post-dilution online hemodiafiltration and high-flux HD, with propensity score matching (PSM) used to correct indication bias. Methods: Our study cohort comprised 3,075 incident dialysis patients treated in 64 Spanish Fresenius Medical Care clinics between January 2009 and December 2012. The primary outcome of this study was to investigate the impact of the type of renal replacement on all-cause mortality. An analysis of cardiovascular mortality was defined as the secondary outcome. To achieve these objectives, patients were followed until December 2016. Patients were categorized as high-flux HD patients if they underwent this treatment exclusively. If >90% of their treatment was with online hemodiafiltration, then the patient was grouped to that modality. Results: After PSM, a total of 1,012 patients were matched. Compared with patients on high-flux HD, those on online hemodiafiltration received a median replacement volume of 23.45 (interquartile range 21.27–25.51) L/session and manifested 24 and 33% reductions in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (all-cause mortality hazards ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.62–0.94 [p = 0.01]; and cardiovascular mortality HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–0.90 [p = 0.008]). Conclusions: This study shows that post-dilution online hemodiafiltration reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared to high-flux HD in an incident HD population.
Nogo-B Promotes Angiogenesis in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy via VEGF/PI3K/Akt Pathway in an Autocrine Manner
Authors: Zhang Yuelu , Wang Liang , Zhang Yuechan , Wang Mo , Sun Qinglei , Xia Fangzhou , Wang Ruobing , Liu Lin
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Nogo-B, a conservative protein of endoplasmic reticulum, is a member of the reticulon family of proteins. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the major concerning problem of diabetic retinopathy. This study explored the role of Nogo-B in the regulation of angiogenesis in PDR patients and primary human retinal endothelial cells (HRMECs). Methods: Nogo-B was down-regulated through the use of Lentivirus-NogoB-RNAi, the effects of Nogo-B on angiogenesis under high glucose stimulation were evaluated via CCK-8 assay, wound closure assay, transwell assay, and tube formation assay. Expression of Nogo-B, VEGF, PI3K and Akt were determined by western blotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co-culture systerm was used to explore cell communication. Results: Nogo-B was highly enriched in ocular tissues of PDR patients and in HRMECs exposed to high glucose. Down-regulation of Nogo-B attenuated high glucose induced cell migration and tube formation in HRMECs. Mechanistically, in comparison with the negative control group, Lentivirus-NogoB-RNAi group had exhibited reduced VEGF secretion, weakened PI3K and Akt activation. Besides, high glucose treatment promoted the secretion of Nogo-B and presented as a “long-term memory”. Conclusions: These data collectively indicated that Nogo-B promoted angiogenesis in HRMECs via VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway in an autocrine manner.
Luteolin Promotes Cell Apoptosis by Inducing Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Zhijia , Zhang Huainian , Cai Xiaoyan , Fang Wei , Chai Dong , Wen Ying , Chen Hongsheng , Chu Fujiang , Zhang Yongli
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Luteolin, a flavonoid from traditional Chinese medicine, shows anti-cancer activity in many cancer cells, including HCC. However, the mechanism underlying the action of luteolin in HCC, especially its role in regulating cell autophagy, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of luteolin in regulating cell autophagy and the role of autophagy in luteolin-induced apoptosis. Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) was used to investigate cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to detect cell apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate autophagy. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect apoptosis- and autophagy-related mRNAs and proteins. Results: Luteolin reduced the viability of SMMC-7721 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner, and induced significant G0/G1-phase arrest. In addition, the results of flow cytometry analysis and Hoechst 33342 staining showed that luteolin treatment increased the number of apoptotic cells obviously, and the results of qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that luteolin treatment increased caspase 8 and decreased bcl-2 at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, luteolin increased the number of intracellular autophagosomes, promoted LC3B-I conversion to LC3B-II, and increased Beclin 1 expression. Finally, co-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine weakened the effects of luteolin on cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Luteolin induced apoptosis in human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells, partially via autophagy. Thus, luteolin could be used as a regulator of autophagy in HCC treatment.
Price transmission mecanism: an analysis of the brazilian melon exportations
Authors: Souza Severino Félix de , Silva Jorge Luiz Mariano da , Lima João Ricardo Ferreira de , Guedes João Paulo Martins
Published: October 2017

As condições ambientais consentiram ao Brasil o posto de grande produtor de frutas tropicais. Este artigo verifica a transmissão de preços do melão entre o Brasil, Estados Unidos e União Europeia, entre 2003 a 2013. A partir da análise de dados de séries temporais, a relação entre os preços baseou-se em estimações de um modelo vetorial autorregressivo (VAR) e também no teste de causalidade de Granger, respectivamente. Os resultados mostram que os preços do mercado interno não sofrem influência dos demais e influenciam o mercado da União Europeia, exercendo cada vez mais impacto nas oscilações do mercado internacional afetando expectativas de produção e comercialização dos produtores.
Proposing a new measure of distance in the gravity setting: evidence from Latin America
Authors: Mejia Juan Felipe , Hassan Andrés Ramírez
Published: October 2017

O modelo de gravidade é uma ferramenta de trabalho que tem sido amplamente usada no comércio internacional. No entanto, uma questão empírica que surge com frequência está relacionada com a conceptualiza- ção e a medição de um índice de distância económica. Na configuração de gravidade padrão, o uso de proxies para os custos do comércio para quantificar e analisar a distância é um método comumente usado. Nós construímos o nosso índice usando Análise de factores Múltiplos. Esta técnica resume, em apenas um factor, informações relacionadas com as variáveis geográficas, culturais, políticas e ecocômicas que possam afetar o comércio internacional entre os países. Estas estimativas indicam que os sinais dos fatores de carga na Análise de factores Múltiplos são intuitivamente plausivel, e exercícios de painel de dados dão resultados sensíveis robustos.
Duas notas sobre a formação de professores na perspectiva psicanalítica
Authors: Palhares Odana , Bastos Marise Bartolozzi
Published: October 2017

O objetivo do artigo é o de discutir o tema da formação de professores partindo das reflexões críticas ao modelo prescritivo pautado em teorias pedagógicas normativas. Diante das propostas de formação que vêm sendo discutidas por teóricos da educação e da sociologia, a psicanálise comparece trazendo questões que visam elucidar o lugar do sujeito nessas proposições das práticas pedagógicas advertindo que a acepção psicanalítica de sujeito-efeito é totalmente distinta da concepção psicológica de sujeito-protagonista que vigora no campo educativo. São apresentados dois projetos de pesquisas em andamento que investigam modelos de formação docente pautados em grupos de escuta de professores na educação inclusiva e nas creches.
Da vibração ao encontro com o outro: psicanálise, música e autismo
Authors: Souza Marina Batista , Soares da Silva Mae , Rodrigues Sandro , Tavares Alexandra Avelar , Sousa Karen , Santos Socorro
Published: October 2017

O estudo, partindo do princípio de que o ritmo permeia a estruturação psíquica, investigou os efeitos de um ateliê musical como formador de laço entre crianças autistas e seus semelhantes. O ateliê, com encontros semanais, era formado por crianças de dois a quatro anos. Foram interventores: psicólogas, psicanalistas, uma professora de música, uma fonoaudióloga e estudantes de psicologia da Universidade Ceuma. Os resultados foram descritos por meio de um estudo de caso, discutido sob o referencial da psicanálise. Conclui-se que a linguagem musical pode auxiliar no estabelecimento de vínculos, sendo esta linguagem não ameaçadora e intrusiva.
A condição do ser falante no nó borromeano
Authors: Capanema Carla Almeida , Vorcaro Ângela Maria Resende
Published: October 2017

Este artigo aborda a condição do ser falante como um nó borromeano de três círculos representativos do Real, do Simbólico e do Imaginário, interrogando a estruturação sincrônica da constituição subjetiva e apontando “cortes reais” da experiência psíquica que possibilitam novas condições de organização para o sujeito. A partir do achatamento do nó borromeano, procurou-se detalhar seus campos de “ex-sistência” e gozos, além de articular a inibição, o sintoma e a angústia às nominações imaginária, simbólica e real como quarto elo
Rede urbana, rede bancária e aspectos da topologia do sistema financeiro
Authors: Fresca Tânia Maria
Published: October 2017

Como se realiza o sistema bancário numa rede urbana regional? Mantém as mesmas tendências do sistema nacional ou responde a particularidades da rede urbana? A topologia do sistema financeiro é diferente da que se apresenta na escala nacional? Essas são algumas das questões que norteiam este trabalho. Num momento em que o sistema bancário sofre mudanças importantes, com expansão das redes controladas pelo capital privado nacional e internacional, em que aumenta a exclusão de cidades sem agências e postos de atendimento e em que serviços bancários ampliam-se segundo redes geográficas de comunicação e informação, verifica-se a expansão do sistema cooperativo de crédito. Vinculado à financeirização da produção agrícola, esse sistema de crédito ocupou áreas de forte produção de commodities, cuja realização precisa de agências bancárias.
cGMP-Elevating Compounds and Ischemic Conditioning Provide Cardioprotection Against Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury via Cardiomyocyte-Specific BK Channels
Authors: Frankenreiter Sandra , Bednarczyk Piotr , Kniess Angelina , Bork Nadja I. , Straubinger Julia , Koprowski Piotr , Wrzosek Antoni , Mohr Eva , Logan Angela , Murphy Michael P. , Gawaz Meinrad , Krieg Thomas , Szewczyk Adam , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Ruth Peter , Lukowski Robert
Published: October 2017

Background:

The nitric oxide–sensitive guanylyl cyclase/cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I signaling pathway can afford protection against the ischemia/reperfusion injury that occurs during myocardial infarction. Reportedly, voltage and Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channels of the BK type are stimulated by cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I, and recent ex vivo studies implicated that increased BK activity favors the survival of the myocardium at ischemia/reperfusion. It remains unclear, however, whether the molecular events downstream of cGMP involve BK channels present in cardiomyocytes or in other cardiac cell types.

Methods:

Gene-targeted mice with a cardiomyocyte- or smooth muscle cell–specific deletion of the BK (CMBK or SMBK knockouts) were subjected to the open-chest model of myocardial infarction. Infarct sizes of the conditional mutants were compared with litter-matched controls, global BK knockout, and wild-type mice. Cardiac damage was assessed after mechanical conditioning or pharmacological stimulation of the cGMP pathway and by using direct modulators of BK. Long-term outcome was studied with respect to heart functions and cardiac fibrosis in a chronic myocardial infarction model.

Results:

Global BK knockouts and CMBK knockouts, in contrast with SMBK knockouts, exhibited significantly larger infarct sizes compared with their respective controls. Ablation of CMBK resulted in higher serum levels of cardiac troponin I and elevated amounts of reactive oxygen species, lower phosphorylated extracellular receptor kinase and phosphorylated AKT levels and an increase in myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, CMBK was required to allow beneficial effects of both nitric oxide–sensitive guanylyl cyclase activation and inhibition of the cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterase-5, ischemic preconditioning, and postconditioning regimens. To this end, after 4 weeks of reperfusion, fibrotic tissue increased and myocardial strain echocardiography was significantly compromised in CMBK-deficient mice.

Conclusions:

Lack of CMBK channels renders the heart more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury, whereas the pathological events elicited by ischemia/reperfusion do not involve BK in vascular smooth muscle cells. BK seems to permit the protective effects triggered by cinaciguat, riociguat, and different phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and beneficial actions of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning by a mechanism stemming primarily from cardiomyocytes. This study establishes mitochondrial CMBK channels as a promising target for limiting acute cardiac damage and adverse long-term events that occur after myocardial infarction.
First fossil representatives of Pharaxonothinae Crowson (Coleoptera: Erotylidae): indirect evidence for cycads existence in Baltic amber forest
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: October 2017

A new species of Erotylidae, Cycadophila (s. str.) mumia sp. nov., the first fossil representative of the subfamily Pharaxo-nothinae, is described and illustrated from Eocene Baltic amber. A second closely related specimen is reported but not described as new due to poor preservation in amber. The occurrence of representatives of the Recent cycad-specialized genus in Baltic amber can indirectly indicate the presence of their host plants (Cycadales: Cycadophyta: Cycadopsida) in the Eocene amber forest.
Evidence that Recent Warming is Reducing Upper Colorado River Flows
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M. , Pederson Gregory T. , Woodhouse Connie A. , McAfee Stephanie
Published: October 2017

The upper Colorado River basin (UCRB) is one of the primary sources of water for the western United States, and increasing temperatures likely will elevate the risk of reduced water supply in the basin. Although variability in water-year precipitation explains more of the variability in water-year UCRB streamflow than water-year UCRB temperature, since the late 1980s, increases in temperature in the UCRB have caused a substantial reduction in UCRB runoff efficiency (the ratio of streamflow to precipitation). These reductions in flow because of increasing temperatures are the largest documented temperature-related reductions since record keeping began. Increases in UCRB temperature over the past three decades have resulted in a mean UCRB water-year streamflow departure of −1306 million m3 (or −7% of mean water-year streamflow). Additionally, warm-season (April through September) temperature has had a larger effect on variability in water-year UCRB streamflow than the cool-season (October through March) temperature. The greater contribution of warm-season temperature, relative to cool-season temperature, to variability of UCRB flow suggests that evaporation or snowmelt, rather than changes from snow to rain during the cool season, has driven recent reductions in UCRB flow. It is expected that as warming continues, the negative effects of temperature on water-year UCRB streamflow will become more evident and problematic.
Connecting the Failure of K Theory inside and above Vegetation Canopies and Ejection–Sweep Cycles by a Large-Eddy Simulation
Authors: Banerjee Tirtha , De Roo Frederik , Mauder Matthias
Published: October 2017

Parameterizations of biosphere–atmosphere interaction processes in climate models and other hydrological applications require characterization of turbulent transport of momentum and scalars between vegetation canopies and the atmosphere, which is often modeled using a turbulent analogy to molecular diffusion processes. Simple flux–gradient approaches (K theory) fail for canopy turbulence, however. One cause is turbulent transport by large coherent eddies at the canopy scale, which can be linked to sweep–ejection events and bear signatures of nonlocal organized eddy motions. The K theory, which parameterizes the turbulent flux or stress proportional to the local concentration or velocity gradient, fails to account for these nonlocal organized motions. The connection to sweep–ejection cycles and the local turbulent flux can be traced back to the turbulence triple moment . In this work, large-eddy simulation is used to investigate the diagnostic connection between the failure of K theory and sweep–ejection motions. Analyzed schemes are quadrant analysis and complete and incomplete cumulant expansion methods. The latter approaches introduce a turbulence time scale in the modeling. Furthermore, it is found that the momentum flux and sensible heat flux need different formulations for the turbulence time scale. Accounting for buoyancy in stratified conditions is also deemed important in addition to accounting for nonlocal events to predict the correct momentum or scalar fluxes.
A Recent Shift in the Monsoon Centers Associated with the Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Jin-Yi
Published: October 2017

The tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO) is conventionally considered to involve transitions between the Indian and Australian summer monsoons and the interactions between these two monsoons and the underlying Indo-Pacific Oceans. Here it is shown that, since the early 1990s, the TBO has evolved to mainly involve the transitions between the western North Pacific (WNP) and Australian monsoons. In this framework, the WNP monsoon replaces the Indian monsoon as the active Northern Hemisphere TBO monsoon center during recent decades. This change is found to be caused by stronger Pacific–Atlantic coupling and an increased influence of the tropical Atlantic Ocean on the Indian and WNP monsoons. The increased Atlantic Ocean influence damps the Pacific Ocean influence on the Indian summer monsoon (leading to a decrease in its variability) but amplifies the Pacific Ocean influence on the WNP summer monsoon (leading to an increase in its variability). These results suggest that the Pacific–Atlantic interactions have become more important to the TBO dynamics during recent decades.
Early home literacy and adolescents’ online reading behavior in comparative perspective
Authors: Notten Natascha , Becker Birgit
Published: October 2017

Online reading behavior can be regarded as a ‘new’ form of cultural capital in today’s digital world. However, it is unclear whether ‘traditional’ mechanisms of cultural and social reproduction are also found in this domain, and whether they manifest uniformly across countries at different stages of development. This article analyzes whether the early home literacy environment has an impact on informational online reading behavior among adolescents and whether this association varies between countries with different levels of digitalization and educational expansion. Data from the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) were used for the empirical analyses. The results of regression models with country-fixed effects indicate a positive association between literacy activities in early childhood and informational online reading at age 15. This association was quite stable across countries. These findings are discussed in light of cultural and social reproduction theory and digital divide research.
Introduction
Authors: Kings Graham
Published: October 2017

An introduction to the four articles commissioned by the author for this special edition on refugees, which mentions Calvin’s status as a refugee and the recent address by Bishop Grant Lemarquand at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Cult books revisited
Authors: Lebacqz Karen
Published: October 2017

In Fabricated Man, Paul Ramsey railed against humans ‘playing God’, argued that our embodied nature sets limits on what we may ethically do and established covenant fidelity as a basis for bioethics. Subsequent works in the field have been constrained to respond to his challenges and perspective. This essay notes seven major themes that continue to influence the field of bioethics.
The equal marriage debate
Authors: Brown David
Published: October 2017

This essay argues that the churches should abandon their current role in administering state marriage legislation and instead focus on how through prayers of blessing they might encourage and celebrate in a truly inclusive way all forms of human relationship (sexual or otherwise) that can lead to the development and flourishing of human beings.
New directions in early Christian hermeneutics and distanciation
Authors: Sargent Benjamin
Published: October 2017

Distanciation is arguably the most important hermeneutical issue concerning the interpretation of the Bible in the Church today. After describing some recent contributions to the problem of distanciation, this article seeks to explore distanciation theologically with the help of hermeneutical insights from research into the earliest Christian interpretation of the Bible: the use of Scripture in the New Testament.
Comfort, Christ and man’s best friend
Authors: Holt Nicole , Walker Peter
Published: October 2017

This article has been designed to provide a theological context for already existing research in the field of therapy dogs and their religious utilization. It also aims to set the scene for future research concerning the relationship between dogs and Christianity and between health, wellbeing and spirituality. This article argues the strengths of comfort companions and maintains that even through the potential ethical concerns, such practices show a resurgence in innovative thought and practice which aims to address psychological and physiological dimensions to the human condition which might be addressed through natural means, rather than medication. Dogs are already making their way into Christian churches and wider spiritual practices, so it may not be long before ‘comfort dogs’ arrive from America.
Elements of Memorable Food, Drink, and Culinary Tourism Experiences
Authors: Stone Matthew J. , Soulard Joelle , Migacz Steven , Wolf Erik
Published: October 2017

This study identified elements leading to memorable food, drink, or culinary experiences while traveling. More than 1,000 respondents in four countries described their most memorable food or drink travel experience. Qualitative analysis found five general elements leading to memorable food travel experiences: food or drink consumed, location/setting, companions, the occasion, and touristic elements (e.g., novelty, authenticity). While these elements were frequently mentioned together, a single element (e.g., extraordinary view or entrée) was sufficient to create a memorable experience. The broad array of memorable experiences ranged from gourmet to simple, intentional to serendipitous. While local or authentic foods were often mentioned, many experiences included foods that were not local. In general, elements leading to memorable culinary tourism experiences were more specific than those for memorable tourism experiences, and a memorable destination was not required for a memorable food/drink experience. Tourism providers can use these elements to better create their destination’s culinary story.
Rethinking the Individualism-Holism Debate
Authors: Herfeld Catherine
Published: October 2017

Rethinking the Individualism-Holism Debate edited by Julie Zahle and Finn Collin is reviewed. Each of the contributions contained in the volume is summarized. The review concludes by assessing the volume’s usefulness for bringing clarity into the debate in the light of the editors’ self-set goal of rethinking the individualism-holism debate as one of the more important yet confused debates in philosophy of the social sciences.
Living Too Long? Exploring Attitudes Toward Reaching 100 Years Old
Authors: Ribeiro Oscar , Canedo Sofia , Cerqueira Margarida , Nascimento Ana , Teixeira Laetitia
Published: October 2017

Objective

This study analyses the relationship between pro- and anti-longevity attitudes, attitudes toward centenarians, and the wish to reach 100 years of age in a sample of community dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants ( N = 137) completed a questionnaire on attitudes toward life-extension and an aging semantic differential using centenarians as an attitudinal target. Sociodemographic information, perceived health status, and information on knowing a centenarian were also obtained. A cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups (leaning anti-longevity group vs. leaning prolongevity group), and their associations with personal attributes were tested using logistic regression models.

Results

Most respondents said they would wish to reach 100 years old (54.7%) and presented a leaning positive attitude toward centenarians (52.6%). Holding a negative attitude toward centenarians rather than any other attribute increases the odds of having more negative attitudes toward life extension.

Conclusion

Results stress the importance of social views on extreme longevity in shaping life extension attitudes.
A fuzzy logic model for prediction of tensile properties of epoxy/glass fiber/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Daneshpayeh Sajjad , Tarighat Amir , Ghasemi Faramarz Ashenai , Bagheri Mohammad Sadegh
Published: October 2017

The object of this work is to study and predict the tensile properties (tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break) of ternary nanocomposites based on epoxy/glass fiber/nanosilica using the fuzzy logic (FL). Two factors in three levels including glass fiber at 0, 5, and 10 wt% and nanosilica at 0, 0.5, and 1 wt% were chosen for adding to an epoxy matrix. From FL surfaces, it was found that the glass fiber content had a main role in the tensile properties of nanocomposites. The high levels of glass fiber content led to a significant increase in the elastic modulus and generally, the presence of glass fiber decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break. Also, addition of the nanosilica content resulted in an increased elastic modulus but decreased the elongation at break of nanocomposites. Finally, an FL model was obtained for each tensile property.