bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus Strain Newman D2C Contains Mutations in Major Regulatory Pathways That Cripple Its Pathogenesis
Authors: Sause William E. , Copin Richard , O'Malley Aidan , Chan Rita , Morrow Brian J. , Buckley Peter T. , Fernandez Jeffrey , Lynch A. Simon , Shopsin Bo , Torres Victor J.
Published: September 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen that imposes a great burden on the health care system. In the development of antistaphylococcal modalities intended to reduce the burden of staphylococcal disease, it is imperative to select appropriate models of
S. aureus
strains when assessing the efficacy of novel agents. Here, using whole-genome sequencing, we reveal that the commonly used strain Newman D2C from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) contains mutations that render the strain essentially avirulent. Importantly, Newman D2C is often inaccurately referred to as simply “Newman” in many publications, leading investigators to believe it is the well-described pathogenic strain Newman. This study reveals that Newman D2C carries a stop mutation in the open reading frame of the virulence gene regulator,
agrA
. In addition, Newman D2C carries a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the global virulence regulator gene
saeR
that results in loss of protein function. This loss of function is highlighted by complementation studies, where the
saeR
allele from Newman D2C is incapable of restoring functionality to an
saeR
-null mutant. Additional functional assessment was achieved through the use of biochemical assays for protein secretion,
ex vivo
intoxications of human immune cells, and
in vivo
infections. Altogether, our study highlights the importance of judiciously screening for genetic changes in model
S. aureus
strains when assessing pathogenesis or the efficacy of novel agents. Moreover, we have identified a novel SNP in the virulence regulator gene
saeR
that directly affects the ability of the protein product to activate
S. aureus
virulence pathways.

IMPORTANCE
Staphylococcus aureus
is a human pathogen that imposes an enormous burden on health care systems worldwide. This bacterium is capable of evoking a multitude of disease states that can range from self-limiting skin infections to life-threatening bacteremia. To combat these infections, numerous investigations are under way to develop therapeutics capable of thwarting the deadly effects of the bacterium. To generate successful treatments, it is of paramount importance that investigators use suitable models for examining the efficacy of the drugs under study. Here, we demonstrate that a strain of
S. aureus
commonly used for drug efficacy studies is severely mutated and displays markedly reduced pathogenicity. As such, the organism is an inappropriate model for disease studies.
What does expert opinion in guidelines mean? a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Ponce Oscar J , Alvarez-Villalobos Neri , Shah Raj , Mohammed Khaled , Morgan Rebecca L , Sultan Shahnaz , Falck-Ytter Yngve , Prokop Larry J , Dahm Philipp , Mustafa Reem A , Murad Mohammad H
Published: September 2017

Guidelines often use the term expert opinion (EO) to qualify recommendations. We sought to identify the rationale and evidence type in EO recommendations. We searched multiple databases and websites for contemporary guidelines published in the last decade that used the term EO. We identified 1106 references, of which 69 guidelines were included (2390 recommendations, of which 907 were qualified as EO). A rationale for using EO designation was not provided in most (91%) recommendations. The most commonly cited evidence type was extrapolated from studies that did not answer guideline question (40% from randomised trials, 38% from observational studies and 2% from case reports or series). Evidence extrapolated from populations that were different from those addressed in the guideline was found in 2.5% of EO recommendations. We judged 5.6% of EO recommendations as ones that could have been potentially labelled as good practice statements. None of the EO recommendations were explicitly described as being solely dependent on the clinical experience of the panel. The use of EO as a level of evidence in guidelines remains common. A rationale for such use is not explicitly provided in most instances. Most of the time, evidence labelled as EO was indirect evidence and occasionally was very low-quality evidence derived from case series. We posit that the explicit description of evidence type, as opposed to using the label EO, may add clarity and transparency and may ultimately improve uptake of recommendations.
Prospective observational study to evaluate the performance of the BioSure HIV Self-Test in the hands of lay users
Authors: Saunders John , Brima Nataliya , Orzol Marzena , Phillips Laura , Milinkovic Ana , Carpenter Gary , Copas Andrew , Gilson Richard
Published: September 2017

Objectives

In order to assess whether the BioSure HIV Self-Test could be reliably performed by users at home and to determine whether they were able to perform and correctly interpret the test, we carried out an evaluation study among attendees at a sexual health service.

Methods

A prospective observational study of clinic attendees to determine their ability to follow the instructions, complete the test on themselves and correctly interpret the results. The evaluation included interpretation of three dummy (contrived) devices, chosen at random from a sample of 12 devices, to ensure that a sufficient number of all possible test outcomes were included.

Results

Two hundred participants were recruited. 97.0% (95% CI 93.5 to 98.9) conducted the test so as to achieve a valid result. 99.5% correctly identified the test result. Participants correctly interpreted the result of 94.0% (95% CI 91.4 to 95.9) of 586 contrived devices.

Conclusions

The majority of participants were able to follow the instructions and perform the test in order to get a valid result. Interpretation of the test results was good and the majority of participants were able to correctly read the result of their own and contrived tests. The availability of HIV self-tests will provide another option to increase access to testing particularly for those who may not wish or are unable to access clinical services.
Cattle as technological interventions: The gender effects of water demand in dairy production in Uganda
Authors: Ransom Elizabeth , Bain Carmen , Bal Harleen , Shannon Natasha
Published: September 2017

Smallholder dairy production dominates the country of Uganda, with over 90% of the national herd owned by smallholders. To reduce hunger, malnutrition, and raise families out of poverty agricultural development, interventions in Uganda have focused on increasing milk production through the introduction of improved dairy cow breeds. Development actors, such as the East Africa Dairy Development (EADD) program in Uganda, see crossbreed dairy cows as a key technological intervention for improving production. Drawing on a multi-method study (spatial analysis, surveys, and qualitative interviews) of dairy smallholders, our paper examines the gendered effects of the introduction of crossbreed dairy cows. To ensure peak performance, improved breeds require more inputs (e.g., water, feed, and medicine), which are labor and time intensive with specific gendered outcomes. Our findings reveal that both men and women identify fetching water as one of the greatest challenges in maintaining dairy cows, but women and children disproportionately fetch the water and women have higher reported rates of time poverty. Water quality is also an issue, with smallholders struggling to provide clean water to cows, and our basic water testing reveals water sources with high nitrate levels that can be harmful for children and dairy cows.
Optimal execution of limit and market orders with trade director, speed limiter, and fill uncertainty
Authors: Bulthuis Brian , Concha Julio , Leung Tim , Ward Brian
Published: September 2017

We study the optimal execution of market and limit orders with permanent and temporary price impacts as well as uncertainty in the filling of limit orders. Our continuous-time model incorporates a trade speed limiter and a trade director to provide better control on the trading rates. We formulate a stochastic control problem to determine the optimal dynamic strategy for trade execution, with a quadratic terminal penalty to ensure complete liquidation. In addition, we identify conditions on the model parameters to ensure optimality of the controls and finiteness of the associated value functions. For comparison, we also solve the schedule-following optimal execution problem that penalizes deviations from an order schedule. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the optimal market and limit orders over time.
Gastrointestinal Motility, Mucosal Mast Cell, and Intestinal Histology in Rats: Effect of Prednisone
Authors: Lima Maysa Bruno de , Gama Loyane Almeida , Hauschildt Andrieli Taise , Dall’Agnol Denize Jussara Rupolo , Corá Luciana Aparecida , Americo Madileine Francely
Published: September 2017

Our aim was to verify the effects of prednisone related to gastrointestinal motility, intestinal histology, and mucosal mast cells in rats. Two-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control group (vehicle) animals receiving saline 0.9% (n=7) or treated orally with 0.625 mg/kg/day of prednisone (n=7) or 2.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone (n=7) during 15 days. Mast cells and other histologic analyses were performed in order to correlate to gastric emptying, cecum arrival, and small intestine transit evaluated by Alternating Current Biosusceptometry. Results showed that prednisone in adult rats increased the frequency of gastric contractions, hastened gastric emptying, slowed small intestinal transit, and reduced mucosal mast cells. Histologically, the treatment with both doses of prednisone decreased villus height, whereas longitudinal and circular muscles and crypt depth were not affected. These findings indicate an impairment of intestinal absorption which may be linked to several GI dysfunctions and symptoms. The relationship between gastrointestinal motor disorders and cellular immunity needs to be clarified in experimental studies since prednisone is one of the most prescribed glucocorticoids worldwide.
Correlates of Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters in Patients with Diabetes: The Study on the Assessment of Determinants of Muscle and Bone Strength Abnormalities in Diabetes
Authors: Conti Francesco , Balducci Stefano , Pugliese Luca , D’Errico Valeria , Vitale Martina , Alessi Elena , Salerno Gerardo , Iacobini Carla , Menini Stefano , Bollanti Lucilla , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Objective. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) provides an estimate of bone mineral density (BMD) and also evaluates bone quality, which has been related to increased fracture risk in people with diabetes. This study aimed at assessing the correlates of calcaneal QUS parameters in diabetic subjects encompassing various degrees of micro and macrovascular complications and a wide-range of peripheral nerve function. Methods. Four hundred consecutive diabetic patients were examined by QUS to obtain values of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), the speed of sound (SOS), quantitative ultrasound index (QUI), and BMD. Results. Among surrogate measures of complications, sensory and motor nerve amplitude and heart rate response to cough test and standing correlated with QUS parameters at univariate analysis, together with age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, and renal function. Multivariate analysis revealed that BUA, SOS, QUI, and BMD were independently associated with age, male gender, hemoglobin A1c, BMI (or fat, but not fat-free mass), and somatic and autonomic nerve function parameters. Conclusions. These data indicate that peripheral nerve dysfunction is associated with worse QUS parameters, possibly contributing to increased fracture risk in diabetes. The positive relation of QUS measures with adiposity needs further investigation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01600924).
Systems Biology Genetic Approach Identifies Serotonin Pathway as a Possible Target for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Results from a Literature Search Review
Authors: Jagannathan Ram , Seixas Azizi , St-Jules David , Jagannathan Lakshmanan , Rogers April , Hu Lu , Jean-Louis Girardin , Sevick Mary Ann
Published: September 2017

Rationale. Overall validity of existing genetic biomarkers in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains unclear. The objective of this systematic genetic study is to identify “novel” biomarkers for OSA using systems biology approach. Methods. Candidate genes for OSA were extracted from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase search engines and DisGeNET database. The gene ontology (GO) analyses and candidate genes prioritization were performed using Enrichr tool. Genes pertaining to the top 10 pathways were extracted and used for Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results. In total, we have identified 153 genes. The top 10 pathways associated with OSA include (i) serotonin receptor interaction, (ii) pathways in cancer, (iii) AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetes, (iv) infectious diseases, (v) serotonergic synapse, (vi) inflammatory bowel disease, (vii) HIF-1 signaling pathway, (viii) PI3-AKT signaling pathway, (ix) regulation lipolysis in adipocytes, and (x) rheumatoid arthritis. After removing the overlapping genes, we have identified 23 candidate genes, out of which >30% of the genes were related to the genes involved in the serotonin pathway. Among these 4 serotonin receptors SLC6A4, HTR2C, HTR2A, and HTR1B were strongly associated with OSA. Conclusions. This preliminary report identifies several potential candidate genes associated with OSA and also describes the possible regulatory mechanisms.
Cascade Sliding Control for Trajectory Tracking of a Nonholonomic Mobile Robot with Adaptive Neural Compensator
Authors: Capraro Flavio , Rossomando Francisco Guido , Soria Carlos , Scaglia Gustavo
Published: September 2017

A design of sliding mode controllers (SMC) with adaptive capacity is presented. This control technique is formed by two cascaded SMC controllers, one of them having an adaptive neural compensator (ANC); both are put on a WMR (wheeled mobile robot). The mobile robot is divided into a kinematics and a dynamics structure; the first SMC controller acts only on the kinematic structure and the SMC with neural adaptive compensator on the other one. The dynamic SMC was designed applying an inverse dynamic controller and using the model dynamics of the WMR. The adaptive neural compensation (ANC) was used in order to reduce the control error caused by the dynamics variations but it conveys a residual approximation error, so a sliding part was designed to cancel such error. This technique allows achieving the control objective despite parameter variations and external disturbances that take place in the dynamics; on the other hand, the ANC can adjust its neural parameters to reduce the dynamics variations of the WMR and thus improve the trajectory tracking control. Problems of convergence and stability are treated and design rules based on Lyapunov’s theorem are given.
An Enhancement of Optimized Detection Rule of Security Monitoring and Control for Detection of Cyberthreat in Location-Based Mobile System
Authors: Park Wonhyung , Kang Byeong Ho
Published: September 2017

A lot of mobile applications which provided location information by using a location-based service are being developed recently. For instance, a smart phone would find my location and destination by running a program using a GPS chip in a device. However, the information leakage and the crime that misused the leaked information caused by the cyberattack of mobile information system occurred. So the interest and importance of information security are increasing. Also the number of users who has used mobile devices in Korea is increasing, and the security of mobile devices is becoming more important. Snort detection system has been used to detect and handle cyberattacks but the policy of Snort detection system is applied differently for each of the different kinds of equipment. It is expected that the security of mobile information system would be improved and information leakage would be blocked by selecting options through optimization of Snort detection policy to protect users who are using location-based service in mobile information system environment in this paper.
Rationale and Design of the First Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with Allogeneic Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cell Therapy in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Phase II Danish Multicentre Study
Authors: Kastrup Jens , Schou Morten , Gustafsson Ida , Nielsen Olav W. , Møgelvang Rasmus , Kofoed Klaus F. , Kragelund Charlotte , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Fabricius-Bjerre Andreas , Heitman Merete , Haack-Sørensen Mandana , Lund Lisbeth Drozd , Johansen Ellen Mønsted , Qayyum Abbas Ali , Mathiasen Anders Bruun , Ekblond Annette
Published: September 2017

Background. Ischemic heart failure (IHF) has a poor prognosis in spite of optimal therapy. We have established a new allogeneic Cardiology Stem Cell Centre adipose-derived stromal cell (CSCC_ASC) product from healthy donors. It is produced without animal products, in closed bioreactor systems and cryopreserved as an off-the-shelf product ready to use. Study Design. A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study with direct intramyocardial injections of allogeneic CSCC_ASC in patients with chronic IHF. A total of 81 patients will be randomised at 2 : 1 to CSCC_ASC or placebo. There is no HLA tissue type matching needed between the patients and the donors. Methods. The treatment will be delivered by direct injections into the myocardium. The primary endpoint is change in the left ventricle endsystolic volume at 6-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints are safety and changes in left ventricle ejection fraction, myocardial mass, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Other secondary endpoints are change in clinical symptoms, 6-minute walking test, and the quality of life after 6 and 12 months. Conclusion. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate safety and the regenerative efficacy of the allogeneic CSCC_ASC product from healthy donors in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study in patients with IHF.
Avoidance of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Early Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Intra-Articular Implantation of Autologous Activated Peripheral Blood Stem Cells versus Hyaluronic Acid: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Differential Effects of Growth Factor Addition
Authors: Turajane Thana , Chaveewanakorn Ukrit , Fongsarun Warachaya , Aojanepong Jongjate , Papadopoulos Konstantinos I.
Published: September 2017

In this randomized controlled trial, in early osteoarthritis (OA) that failed conservative intervention, the need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and WOMAC scores were evaluated, following a combination of arthroscopic microdrilling mesenchymal cell stimulation (MCS) and repeated intra-articular (IA) autologous activated peripheral blood stem cells (AAPBSCs) with growth factor addition (GFA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) versus IA-HA alone. Leukapheresis-harvested AAPBSCs were administered as three weekly IA injections combined with HA and GFA (platelet-rich plasma [PRP] and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [hG-CSF]) and MCS in group 1 and in group 2 but without hG-CSF while group 3 received IA-HA alone. Each group of 20 patients was evaluated at baseline and at 1, 6, and, 12 months. At 12 months, all patients in the AAPBSC groups were surgical intervention free compared to three patients needing TKA in group 3 (p<0.033). Total WOMAC scores showed statistically significant improvements at 6 and 12 months for the AAPBSC groups versus controls. There were no notable adverse events. We have shown avoidance of TKA in the AAPBSC groups at 12 months and potent, early, and sustained symptom alleviation through GFA versus HA alone. Differential effects of hG-CSF were noted with an earlier onset of symptom alleviation throughout.
Continuous Subcutaneous Recombinant Parathyroid Hormone (1–34) Infusion in the Management of Childhood Hypoparathyroidism Associated with Malabsorption
Authors: Saraff Vrinda , Rothenbuhler Anya , Högler Wolfgang , Linglart Agnès
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Hypoparathyroidism associated with malabsorption can be particularly challenging to manage due to limited and erratic intestinal absorption of calcium and vitamin D analogues, resulting in episodes of hypo- or hypercalcaemia. We evaluated the role of continuous subcutaneous recombinant parathyroid hormone (rhPTH 1–34) infusion (CSPI) in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption resistant to conventional therapy. Method: Four patients (8–13 years of age), with symptomatic hypocalcaemia resistant to conventional therapy, were started on CSPI (follow-up 3–8 years) in two paediatric endocrinology units in Europe. Results: Serum calcium normalized within 48 h of commencing treatment in all 4 patients. An average rhPTH 1–34 dose of 0.4 µg/kg/day resulted in a substantial reduction in symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hypo-/hypercalcaemia-related hospital admissions. An increased alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in the first 6 months on CSPI, indicating an increase in bone turnover. In 2 patients with elevated urinary calcium excretion before CSPI, this normalized in the first year on treatment. No significant side effects were noticed in the short or long term, with patient-reported preference of CSPI over conventional treatment. Conclusion: CSPI is a promising and effective treatment option for managing hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption.
Percutaneous Biliary Balloon Dilation: Impact of an Institutional Three-Session Protocol on Patients with Benign Anastomotic Strictures of Hepatojejunostomy
Authors: Czerwonko Matias E. , Huespe Pablo , Mazza Oscar , de Santibanes Martin , Sanchez-Claria Rodrigo , Pekolj Juan , Ciardullo Miguel , de Santibanes Eduardo , Hyon Sung Ho
Published: September 2017

Background: Percutaneous biliary balloon dilation (PBBD) stands as a safe, useful, and inexpensive treatment procedure performed on patients with benign anastomotic stricture of Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy (BASH). However, the optimal mode of application is still under discussion. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients admitted between 2008 and 2015 with diagnosis of BASH. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group I (n = 22), included patients treated after the implementation of an institutional protocol of 3 PBBD sessions within a fixed time interval and group II (n = 24) consisted of our historical control of patients who underwent one or 2 dilation sessions. Patency at one-year post procedure was assessed with the classification proposed by Schweizer. Symptomatic response to treatment was analyzed using the Terblanche classification. Results: Patients in group I exhibited more excellent/good results (90 vs. 50%, p = 0.003) and less poor results (5 vs. 42%, p = 0.005) according to the Schweizer classification and more grade I/excellent results according to Terblanche classification (p = 0.003). Additionally, group I showed lower serum total bilirubin (p = 0.001), direct bilirubin (p = 0.002), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.322), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.029), and alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.006). Conclusion: A protocol of 3 consecutive PBBD sessions within a fixed time interval may yield a high rate of patency, with a positive clinical, biochemical, and radiological impact on patients with BASH.
Correlation between Foot Arch Index and the Intensity of Foot, Knee, and Lower Back Pain among Pregnant Women in a South-Eastern Nigerian Community
Authors: Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla , Anyanwu Emeka Godson , Nwafor Ginika Gladys
Published: September 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the arch height index of pregnant women and its correlation with foot pain, anterior knee pain, and lower back pain. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and fifteen consenting pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional study. The arch height index was assessed from their foot prints, while pain intensity was rated on a numerical rating scale. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation was used to determine correlations between the variables at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 215 pregnant women, 123 (57.2%) and 127 (59.9%) had low arch heights on the right and left feet, respectively, and the mean arch height indices were 0.27 ± 0.71 for the right foot and 0.28 ± 0.07 for the left foot. The prevalence of foot, knee, and lower back pain was 65 (30.2%), 43 (20.0%), and 93 (43.3%), respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis did not reveal any significant relationship (p > 0.05) between foot pain and each of the right (r = -0.010, p = 0.886) and left (r = 0.004, p = 0.955) arch indices as well as between knee pain and each of the right (r = 0.042, p = 0.536) and left (r = 0.045, p = 0.515) arch indices. A similar trend was observed for the lower back, which also did not show any significant relationship to each of the right (r = 0.026, p = 0.703) and left (r = 0.097, p = 0.157) arch indices. Conclusion: The study participants had a high prevalence of low foot arches, indicating pes planus. Lower back pain was more common than foot and knee pain. The foot arch heights did not show any relationships between the intensities of foot, anterior knee, and lower back pain.
An in vitro Comparison of Bond Strength of Different Sealers/Obturation Systems to Root Dentin Using the Push-Out Test at 2 Weeks and 3 Months after Obturation
Authors: Yap Wai Ying , Che Ab Aziz Zeti Adura , Azami Noor Hayati , Al-Haddad Afaf Yahya , Khan Asfand Ali
Published: September 2017

Objective: To evaluate the push-out bond strength and failure modes of different sealers/obturation systems to intraradicular dentin at 2 weeks and 3 months after obturation compared to AH Plus®/gutta-percha. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 root slices from 60 single-canal anterior teeth were prepared and assigned to 5 experimental groups (n = 36 in each group), designated as G1 (AH Plus®/gutta-percha), G2 (TotalFill BC™ sealer/BC-coated gutta-percha), G3 (TotalFill BC™ sealer/gutta-percha), G4 (EndoREZ® sealer/EndoREZ®-coated gutta-percha), and G5 (EndoREZ® sealer/gutta-percha). Push-out bond strengths of 18 root slices in each group were assessed at 2 weeks and the other 18 at 3 months after obturation using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. An independent t test was used to compare the mean push-out bond strength for each group at 2 weeks and 3 months after obturation. Results: The mean push-out bond strengths of G4 and G5 were significantly lower than those of G1, G2, and G3 (p < 0.05) at both 2 weeks (G1: 1.46 ± 0.29 MPa, G2: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G3: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G4: 0.66 ± 0.31 MPa, G5: 0.74 ± 0.47 MPa) and 3 months after obturation (G1: 1.70 ± 1.05 MPa, G2: 3.69 ± 1.20 MPa, G3: 2.84 ± 0.83 MPa, G4: 0.14 ± 0.05 MPa, G5: 0.24 ± 0.10 MPa). The mean push-out bond strengths of G2 (3.69 ± 1.20 MPa) and G3 (2.84 ± 0.83 MPa) were higher at 3 months compared to 2 weeks after obturation (G2: 1.74 ± 0.43 MPa, G3: 1.33 ± 0.29 MPa). Conclusion: The TotalFill BC™ obturation system (G2) and the TotalFill BC™ sealer/gutta-percha (G3) showed comparable bond strength to AH Plus®. Their bond strength increased over time, whereas the EndoREZ® obturation system (G4) and EndoREZ sealer (G5) had low push-out bond strength which decreased over time.
Natureza e participação social, uma nova estética para o Desenho Urbano
Authors: Leite Maria Angela Faggin Pereira
Published: September 2017

As formas da paisagem são o resultado do equilíbrio entre múltiplas forças e processos temporais e espaciais. Em certa medida, a paisagem é um reflexo da visão social do sistema produtivo e transforma-se sempre que as teorias, princípios filosóficos ou necessidades que as criaram não são mais reais ou evidentes. Parece, assim, natural que o Paisagismo passe por transformações, tanto em relação ao seu referencial teórico, quanto em relação à sua atuação no campo do projeto. Entre essas transformações, a questão da modificação dos critérios de intervenção e dos padrões estéticos do projeto é discutida neste artigo
Apresentação
Authors: Ronca José Luiz Caruso , Zahn Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2017

Inauguração da "Sala Professor Luiz Anhaia Mello" equipada com móveis e equipamentos de áudio compatíveis com uma sala de conferências e de defesa de Teses e Dissertações. Apresentação do Prof. Brenno Cyrino Nogueira a respeito da vida e obra do homenageado, Prof. Anhaia Mello, fundador da FAUUSP Conferência do Prof. Charles Beylier sobre o pensamento do soció­ logo e antropólogo Roger Bastide, destacando a interpenetração de culturas. Seminário sobre a conferência. A inauguração, a conferência e o seminário como homenagem tanto ao ilustre antropologo francês, um dos fundadores da USP quanto aos sessenta anos desta universidade
A Informatização na Secretaria do Curso de Pós-Graduação da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo - FAUUSP
Authors: Ronca José Luiz Caruso
Published: September 2017

Histórico do curso de pós-graduação da FAUUSP - A Secretaria de Pós-Graduação: a Secretaria de Alunos e Docentes, a Secretaria de Teses e Disserta­ ções e a Secretaria da Comissão de Pós-Graduação. A informatização dos serviços da Secretaria. O Sistema de Gerenciamento de Pós-Graduação, (POSGRAD), o acompanhamento e controle da situação de todos os alunos, professores, departamentos, produção técnica e dados do curso. O Sistema de Controle de Circulação de Documentos da Secretaria (Protocolos). O Sistema de Cadastro de Decisões e Resoluções da Comissão de Pós-Graduação (ATAS). Situação e perspectivas
Arte Moderna, Trabalho e Resgate Humanístico do Cotidiano na Capela do Cristo Operário: São Paulo, 1951-1967
Authors: Claro Mauro , Szmerecsanyi Maria Irene
Published: September 2017

Através da Capela do Cristo Operário, este trabalho analisa uma tentativa de organização de trabalhadores fabris na periferia de São Paulo na década de 50. O projeto de ação social sediado na Capela instaurou-se em relação a três parâmetros: ao padrão estético do modernismo; à base política da auto-gestão da empresa capitalista; ao padrão moral do catolicismo na sua vertente socialhumanística do 2Q pós-guerra. As possibilidades abertas, para uma pesquisa acadêmica, pela inclusão direta e explícita da consideração estética num projeto social vão no sentido de ressaltar a importância das utopias do modernismo para a transformação do ambiente social.
Por uma Visão Estratégica dos Instrumentos Urbanísticos - Questão de Limiares
Authors: Puchala Rosa Maria
Published: September 2017

A prática de planejamento urbano no Brasil dispõe de alguns instrumentos de intervenção urbana de pouca eficácia diante dos múltiplos fatores interativos que atuam na dinâmica urbana. Os instrumentos jurídicos e institucionais disponíveis derivam da Constituição, a qual define as relações entre os agentes, Estado e sociedade, que exercem a intervenção urbana. Os instrum entos constitucionais devem ser revistos no sentido de superar as limitações do poder público no trato de bem comum ou interesse da sociedade, fator de racionalidade coletiva fundamental para a intervenção no desenvolvimento urbano
Computador: auxilio ou obstáculo na produção gráfica do Arquiteto
Authors: Naime Filho Walter
Published: September 2017

Nesse trabalho buscamos identificar algumas questões que devem ser consideradas na utilização de microcomputadores como ferramentas de trabalho na produção gráfica de arquitetos, pois não podemos esquecer que um objeto tridimensional no espaço pode ser interpretado pelo observador com diversas "percepções visuais" diferentes, decorrentes da diversificação de sua representação com auxílio do computador
Vila de Paranapiacaba, Alto da Serra: um patrimônio ambiental, tecnológico e arquitetônico
Authors: Minami Issao
Published: September 2017

A importância da ferrovia de São Paulo a Santos: como surgiu e os condicionantes do surgimento da "The São Paulo Railway Co. Ltd."; Vila de Paranapiacaba, Alto da Serra: os aspectos formais e referenciais, seu desenvolvimento de 1860 a 1946; Vila Martin Smith, no Alto da Serra, uma "Model Company Town"
Alguns dados sobre a participação do Engenheiro Samuel das Neves no plano de melhoramentos de São Paulo
Authors: Sampaio Maria Ruth Amaral de
Published: September 2017

Um dos profissionais que se destacaram em São Paulo na virada do século e nas primeiras décadas deste, foi o engenheiro agrônomo bahiano Samuel das Neves. Sua participação no desenvolvimento da cidade deu-se através de seu escritório técnico, que projetou e construiu centenas de prédios, desde residências simples ou de luxo, escolas, fábricas, escritórios, os primeiros prédios de apartamentos, hospitais e penitenciária. Sua atuação de maior repercussão foi no Plano de Melhoramentos de São Paulo a partir de 1910. Esse trabalho visa mostrar como Samuel das Neves representava os interesses de capitalistas da época, em especial o Conde de Prates, um dos maiores proprietários de terrenos no centro de São Paulo
Dificuldades do associativismo municipal em Minas Gerais: Reflexões a partir de um estudo de caso
Authors: Carvalho Aline Werneck Barbosa de
Published: September 2017

Considerações sobre uma estratégia de planejamento microregional implantada no estado de Minas Gerais no período 1974-1987, denominada associativismo municipal. Discussão das principais dificuldades que envolvem a execução desta estratégia numa porção específica do estado: A microregião da zona da mata norte
A casa como símbolo do self
Authors: Cossermelli Anna Paola
Published: September 2017

Neste trabalho, feito para a disciplina AUP-843 da pós-graduação, buscamos uma leitura da imagem simbólica da casa em relação a seus habitantes e à cidade como um todo
Plano Diretor: Um personagem a procura de seus autores
Authors: Costa Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2017

A tese de doutorado que se refere esse artigo, propunha-se estudar como o conceito de plano diretor evoluiu de 1975 a 1989, na ótica de planejadores que nesse período trabalhavam sobre o tema, tendo a cidade de São Paulo por objeto. Para tanto a tese percorre a seguinte trajetória: recupera o quadro de referências que aqueles planejadores dispunham ao iniciarem, no começo dos anos 80, a elaboração de um plano diretor: expõe o conceito de plano diretor adotado nessa ocasião e as premissas em que se apoiou; recupera as referências surgidas na década de 80 relativas ao contexto socioeconômico e político e às experiências de planejamento então realizadas; explicita as novas perspectivas que se abriam para o planejamento urbano estratégico e as condicionantes que este teria de atender em face dos impasses políticos que cercavam a produção do plano; expõe o conceito renovado de plano diretor emergente ao final da década. Complementarmente, a tese analisa o papel-chave do governante que assumisse, enquanto missão de estado a tarefa de promover a elaboração e instituição do plano diretor, entendido como obra coletiva amplamente socializada
A Fluvialidade no Rio Pinheiros: um projeto de estudo
Authors: Oseki Jorge Hajime
Published: September 2017

Este texto tratava originariamente de um projeto de estudos e reconstitui a trajetória teórica que representou a mudança da problemática da produção do ambiente construído para aquela da produção do espaço - na concepção lefebvriana - cujo conceito e exposição engloba além da crítica ao econômico, uma crítica ao político, ao cultural, ao cotidiano e ao urbano podendo, portanto, ser útil para esclarecer a dimensão natural e social do espaço e da paisagem
Considerações sobre o curso de Pós-Graduação da FAUUSP - 1973-1999
Authors: Katinsky Júlio Roberto
Published: September 2017

O curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da USP, iniciado em 1948, procurou por seus fundadores, Luís de Anhaia Mello, João Baptista Vilanova Artigas, Luís Cintra do Prado, apoiados em uma nova visão interdisciplinar da atividade do arquiteto, com o concurso distante, mas não desprezível do pensamento de Mário de Andrade e Lúcio Costa, estabelecer as preocupações técnicas e tecnológicas da indústria da construção e as sugestões dos artistas-cidadãos comprometidos com o ideário iluminista e libertário, como Boulléc, Durand, arquitetos, e Shiller e Goethe, poetas. Isso porque, desde o início, o ensino da arquitetura na graduação se caracterizou, nesses 50 anos na FAUUSP, pela ênfase da construção na "cidade” e na "utopia” da cidade, não naquela que existe, mas naquela proposta. O texto em questão sugere essas mesmas vertentes para orientar o curso de pós-graduação
O desejo pela verticalidade
Authors: Gonçalves Joana Carla Soares
Published: September 2017

Levantando as considerações preliminares da verticalidade, este trabalho coloca a polêmica que dita a inevitabilidade dos edifícios altos em centros urbanos, contextualizando o edifício alto ao longo da evolução da cultura arquitetônica. A história dos edifícios altos ao longo do século 20 foi acompanhada de ciclos econômicos marcados por períodos de crises e ascensões ao redor do mundo, partindo do continente americano nos anos 30, e alcançando a Ásia no final de década de 90. Extrapolando os limites físicos da torre, são ressaltados os efeitos sobre a economia. Certamente, a construção de torres e edifícios altos, mesmo antes da era medieval, e a realização dos arranha-céus da primeira metade do século, assim como a dos edifícios altos do modernismo e, finalmente, a conquista das torres superaltas das últimas décadas do século 20, carregam um desejo que ultrapassa a busca do lucro sobre a especulação do metro quadrado
A Importância do espaço no processo de ensino
Authors: Castro Fabiola Fiuza Malerbi de
Published: September 2017

0 espaço pode facilitar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem servindo de instrumento para a efetivação da relação professor-aluno. Como arquitetos, devemos fazer uma análise das variáveis componentes do espaço do ponto de vista da psicologia ambiental para aumentar a eficiência do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. 0 seguinte artigo enfatiza as relações professor-aluno, aluno-espaço e professor-espaço em pré-escolas, pontuando algumas das variáveis dos aspectos perceptuais e psicológicos do ambiente escolar
Notas sobre a sala São Paulo e a nova fronteira urbana da cultura
Authors: Wisnik Guilherme , Fix Mariana , Leite José Guilherme Pereira , Andrade Julia Pinheiro , Arantes Pedro
Published: September 2017

A antiga estação de trens Júlio Prestes, concebida para ser a porta de entrada da cidade do café, foi inaugurada apenas em 1938, depois da crise de 1929, e permaneceu esquecida por longo tempo. Somente agora, quando é convertida em uma moderna sala de concertos, a estação parece viver seu apogeu. Sede da nova Orquestra do Estado, modernizada pelo maestro Neschling, a Sala São Paulo é atualmente o maior símbolo das novas intervenções em cultura na cidade. Rodeada por uma zona urbana degradada, a chamada “ Cracolândia" a Sala São Paulo nasce como aparente sinal de civilização em meio à barbárie e pretende transformar todo seu entorno. Mais que isso, a sala é anunciada como o ponto de inflexão de uma “ grande virada” na área central: desencadeando, juntamente com outros investimentos culturais, um “ efeito dominó” de revalorização e retomada dos negócios imobiliários. As relações entre Estado e setor privado, entre alta cultura e mercado imobiliário, a disputa territorial que se configura com a tentativa de retomada do centro pelas elites e seu suposto projeto civilizatório permeiam a história da Sala São Paulo e são investigadas neste artigo
A Cidade do dissenso e da diferença
Authors: Pallamin Vera M. , Lima Zeuler
Published: September 2017

Este artigo foi apresentado no Simpósio Cities, Citizens and Citizenship in the Globalized Society, realizado na Universidade de Porto Rico, em 2000. Sua reflexão teórica, contemplando 0 tema no contexto das cidades americanas, oferece abertura para se pensar a situação de grandes cidades brasileiras no que se refere à transformação nas representações espaciais das cidades contemporâneas como cidades da diferença. A reivindicação pelo reconhecimento político da alteridade deve ser visto como parte do exercício da democracia e na redefinição do papel da cidadania, a qual situa os espaços urbanos no centro do problema. A argumentação é baseada em dois enfoques complementares. Por um lado, a relação entre cidade e cidadania deve ser revista de acordo com a transformação das fronteiras geográficas globais. Esta transformação desestabiliza 0 papel tradicional dos Estados nacionais e da política da identidade na definição de direitos de pertencimento, e concede às cidades um papel mais efetivo no conflito de pertencimento territorial, espacial e social. Por outro lado, 0 exercício de uma política da diferença deve alimentar a revisão da participação democrática. Por meio do reconhecimento da conflitante condição da alteridade e do problema do consenso, a prática dialógica do dissenso abre uma possibilidade de problematizar melhor a diferença na produção de espaços urbanos
Os agentes consumidores, produtores e apropriadores do espaço urbano na cidade de Curitiba durante vigência do Plano de urbanização de Curitiba
Authors: Silva Maclóvia Correa da
Published: September 2017

Este artigo foi criado a partir de pesquisas realizadas para a tese de doutorado defendida na Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo. Trata-se de um texto trabalhado basicamente com entrevistas e notícias jornalísticas para apreender a ação e as mudanças no campo de trabalho dos agentes imobiliários durante a implantação do Plano de Urbanização de Curitiba. À medida que a produção de moradias se expande na cidade de Curitiba, novas formas de aplicação do capital imobiliário são criadas e ocorrem transformações no uso do solo que provocam novos comportamentos dos agentes imobiliários. Estes agiram sem seguir uma regulamentação profissional ou mesmo uma política fundiária.
Argamassa Reforçada com Armadura Difusa de Aço
Authors: Nascimbeni José Eduardo Fairbanks
Published: September 2017

Apresenta métodos de ensaio, resultados e conclusões de experimentos controlados em corpos de prova e peças de argamassa reforçada com fibras de aço, como armadura difusa, São abordadas considerações teóricas sobre as condições gerais de ruptura e sobre as interferências fibra/matriz. Concluiu-se haver viabilidade técnica no uso do compósito, quanto à resistência à flexão
Maternal Serum B-Cell Activating Factor Levels
Authors: Stohl Hindi E. , Lee Richard H. , Manetta Joseph , Kikly Kristine , Korst Lisa M. , Stohl William
Published: September 2017

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early suppression of B-cell lymphopoiesis is necessary for a normal pregnancy. Dysregulation of factors critical to B-cell survival may result in pregnancy complications, including hypertension. In this prospective observational study at a single medical center, serum levels of BAFF (B-cell activating factor) were measured in pregnant participants at each trimester, at delivery, and postpartum and in nonpregnant controls at a single time point. Comparisons were made between nonpregnant and pregnant subjects and between time periods of pregnancy. First-trimester serum BAFF levels were further tested for association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study included 149 healthy pregnant women, 25 pregnant women with chronic hypertension, and 48 nonpregnant controls. Median first-trimester serum BAFF level (ng/mL) for healthy women (0.90) was lower than median serum BAFF levels for women with chronic hypertension (0.96;
P
=0.013) and controls (1.00;
P
=0.002). Serum BAFF levels steadily declined throughout pregnancy, with the median second-trimester level lower than the corresponding first-trimester level (0.77;
P
=0.003) and the median third-trimester level lower than the corresponding second-trimester level (0.72;
P
=0.025). The median first-trimester serum BAFF level was elevated in women who subsequently developed hypertension compared with women who remained normotensive (1.02 versus 0.85;
P
=0.012), with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.709. First-trimester serum BAFF level may be an early and clinically useful predictor of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The rediscovery of Billburttia vaginoides, with notes on the morphology, anatomy, traditional uses and conservation status of the genus Billburttia (Apieae, Apiaceae)
Authors: RAKOTONANDRASANA STÉPHAN R. , OSKOLSKI ALEXEI A. , TILNEY PATRICIA M. , KOTINA EKATERINA L. , VAN WYK BEN-ERIK
Published: September 2017

Recent field studies of the hitherto poorly known Madagascar-endemic genus Billburttia, including the rediscovery of the rare B. vaginoides, have resulted in a more complete understanding of the morphology, anatomy, ethnobotany and conservation status of the two aromatic shrubby species from Central Madagascar. Billburttia capensoides is relatively common and occurs in rocky places from Andringitra to Arivonimamo, while B. vaginoides is a rare species known only from around the Akaratra massif. The two species can easily be distinguished from one another by their habit (erect or spreading branches) and leaflet shape (obovate to linear-elliptic or filiform-linear). The leaves have numerous secretory canals; organic crystals occur in the epidermis, ground tissue and vascular bundles. Studies of fresh fruits confirmed the lack of wings, the position of the vascular bundles in the tips of the ribs and especially the reported presence of unusual acicular crystals in sheaf-like and spherical aggregates (not only in the epidermis, but also in groups close to the epidermis and around the vascular bundles). X-ray microanalysis showed that the crystals do not contain calcium, only carbon and oxygen, indicating that they are organic and precipitate during drying or fixation in alcohol. Updated descriptions of the morphology and anatomy are presented, together with a key to the species and notes on their traditional uses, conservation status and known geographical distributions.
ITCZ Breakdown and Its Upscale Impact on the Planetary-Scale Circulation over the Eastern Pacific
Authors: Yang Qiu , Majda Andrew J. , Khouider Boualem
Published: September 2017

The eastern Pacific (EP) intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is sometimes observed to break down into several vortices on the synoptic time scale. It is still a challenge for present-day numerical models to simulate the ITCZ breakdown in the baroclinic modes. Also, the upscale impact of the associated mesoscale fluctuations on the planetary-scale circulation is not well understood. Here, a simplified multiscale model for the modulation of the ITCZ is used to study these issues. A prescribed two-scale heating drives the planetary-scale circulation through both planetary-scale mean heating and eddy flux divergence of zonal momentum, where the latter represents the upscale impact of mesoscale disturbances. In an idealized scenario where the heating only varies on the mesoscale, key features of the ITCZ breakdown in the baroclinic modes are captured. The eddy flux divergence of zonal momentum is characterized by midlevel (low level) eastward (westward) momentum forcing at subtropical latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and opposite-signed midlevel momentum forcing at low latitudes. Such upscale impact of mesoscale fluctuations tends to accelerate (decelerate) planetary-scale zonal jets in the middle (lower) troposphere. Compared with deep heating, shallow heating induces stronger vorticity anomalies on the mesoscale and more significant eddy flux divergence of zonal momentum and acceleration–deceleration effects on the planetary-scale mean flow. In a more realistic scenario where the heating also varies on the planetary scale, the most significant zonal velocity anomalies are confined in the diabatic heating region.