bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Analysis of Glucocorticoid-Responsive Transcripts in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Region of Male Rats
Authors: Itoi Keiichi , Motoike Ikuko , Liu Ying , Clokie Sam , Iwasaki Yasumasa , Uchida Katsuya , Sato Tatsuya , Aguilera Greti
Published: October 2018

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for stress adaptation, acting centrally and in the periphery. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a major regulator of adrenal GC synthesis, is produced in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), which contains multiple neuroendocrine and preautonomic neurons. GCs may be involved in diverse regulatory mechanisms in the PVH, but the target genes of GCs are largely unexplored except for the CRF gene (Crh), a well-known target for GC negative feedback. Using a genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified transcripts that changed in response to either high-dose corticosterone (Cort) exposure for 12 days (12-day high Cort), corticoid deprivation for 7 days (7-day ADX), or acute Cort administration. Among others, canonical GC target genes were upregulated prominently by 12-day high Cort. Crh was upregulated or downregulated most prominently by either 7-day ADX or 12-day high Cort, emphasizing the recognized feedback effects of GC on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Concomitant changes in vasopressin and apelin receptor gene expression are likely to contribute to HPA repression. In keeping with the pleotropic cellular actions of GCs, 7-day ADX downregulated numerous genes of a broad functional spectrum. The transcriptome response signature differed markedly between acute Cort injection and 12-day high Cort. Remarkably, six immediate early genes were upregulated 1 hour after Cort injection, which was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and semiquantitative in situ hybridization. This study may provide a useful database for studying the regulatory mechanisms of GC-dependent gene expression and repression in the PVH.
Hypoxia-ischemia alters distribution of lysosomal proteins in rat cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Troncoso M. , Bannoud N. , Carvelli L. , Asensio J. , Seltzer A. , Sosa M. A.
Published: October 2018

Neuronal excitotoxicity induced by glutamatergic receptor overstimulation contributes to brain damage. Recent studies have shown that lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) is involved in ischemia-associated neuronal death. In this study we evaluated the effect of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), as a model of excitotoxicity, on the lysosomal integrity throughout the distribution of the lysosomal proteins cathepsin D and prosaposin. Rat pups (7 days old) of the Wistar Kyoto strain were submitted to HI and they were euthanized 4 days after treatment and the cerebral cortex (Cx) and hippocampus (HIP) were processed for immunohistochemistry or immunoblotting. Treatment induced an increase of gliosis and also a redistribution of both prosaposin and cathepsin D (as intermediate and mature forms), into the cytosol of the HIP and Cx. In addition, HI induced a decrease of LAMP-1 in the membranous fraction and the appearance of a reactive band to anti-LAMP-1 in the cytosolic fraction, suggesting a cleavage of this protein. From these results, we propose that the abnormal release of Cat D and PSAP to the cytosol is triggered as a result of LAMP-1 cleavage in HI animals, which leads to cell damage. This could be a common mechanism in pathological conditions that compromises neuronal survival and brain function.
A sample preparation workflow for adipose tissue shotgun proteomics and proteogenomics
Authors: Khudyakov Jane I. , Deyarmin Jared S. , Hekman Ryan M. , Pujade Busqueta Laura , Maan Rasool , Mody Melony J. , Banerjee Reeti , Crocker Daniel E. , Champagne Cory D.
Published: October 2018

Animals with large adipose stores, such as marine mammals, may provide insights into evolution and function of this multifunctional tissue in health and disease. In the absence of sequenced genomes, molecular information can be rapidly obtained by proteomics and transcriptomics, but their application to adipose tissue is hindered by low nucleic acid and protein yields. We sequenced and compared proteomes isolated from blubber of four elephant seals using phenol and guanidine thiocyanate (Qiazol) or detergent (sodium deoxycholate) buffer. Qiazol recovered more subcellular proteins such as metabolic enzymes, in addition to extracting RNA, facilitating proteogenomic analyses of small lipid-rich tissue biopsies. We also compared proteomics data analysis platforms and found that de novo peptide sequencing improved protein identification sensitivity compared to database search alone. We report sample preparation and data analysis workflows for proteogenomics and a proteome of elephant seal blubber containing 2,678 proteins, including many of interest for further functional studies.
PWP1 promotes nutrient-responsive expression of 5S ribosomal RNA
Authors: Liu Ying , Cerejeira Matos Rita , Heino Tapio I. , Hietakangas Ville
Published: October 2018

PWP1 is a chromatin binding protein with an important role in animal growth control downstream of mTOR-mediated nutrient sensing. PWP1 has been shown to control tissue growth by promoting the transcription of 5.8S, 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). Concomitantly with Pol I, RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) contributes to ribosome biogenesis by transcribing 5S rRNA in the nucleoplasm. Pol III activity is also closely controlled by nutrient-dependent signaling, however, how the activities of Pol I and Pol III are coordinated in response to nutrient-derived signals remains insufficiently understood. Experiments in Drosophila larvae and human cells reported here show that PWP1 associates with the chromatin at the 5S rDNA loci and is needed for nutrient-induced expression of 5S rRNA. Similar to the Pol I target rDNAs, PWP1 epigenetically maintains 5S rDNA in a transcription competent state. Thus, as a common regulator of Pol I and Pol III, PWP1 might contribute to coordinated control of ribosomal gene expression in response to nutrition.
Plag1andPlagl2have overlapping and distinct functions in telencephalic development
Authors: Adnani Lata , Dixit Rajiv , Chen Xingyu , Balakrishnan Anjali , Modi Harshil , Touahri Yacine , Logan Cairine , Schuurmans Carol
Published: October 2018

The Plag gene family has three members; Plagl1/Zac1, which is a tumour suppressor gene, and Plag1 and Plagl2, which are proto-oncogenes. All three genes are known to be expressed in embryonic neural progenitors, and Zac1 regulates proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration in the developing neocortex. Here we examined the functions of Plag1 and Plagl2 in neocortical development. We first attempted, and were unable to generate, E12.5 Plag1;Plagl2 double mutants, indicating that at least one Plag1 or Plagl2 gene copy is required for embryonic survival. We therefore focused on single mutants, revealing a telencephalic patterning defect in E12.5 Plagl2 mutants and a proliferation/differentiation defect in Plag1 mutant neocortices. Specifically, the ventral pallium, a dorsal telencephalic territory, expands into the ventral telencephalon in Plagl2 mutants. In contrast, Plag1 mutants develop normal regional territories, but neocortical progenitors proliferate less and instead produce more neurons. Finally, in gain-of-function studies, both Plag1 and Plagl2 reduce neurogenesis and increase BrdU-uptake, indicative of enhanced proliferation, but while Plagl2 effects on proliferation are more immediate, Plag1 effects are delayed. Taken together, we found that the Plag proto-oncogenes genes are essential regulators of neocortical development and although Plag1 and Plagl2 functions are similar, they do not entirely overlap.
Zebrafish knock-ins swim into the mainstream
Authors: Prykhozhij Sergey V. , Berman Jason N.
Published: October 2018

The zebrafish is an increasingly popular model organism for human genetic disease research. CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches are currently used for multiple gene-editing purposes in zebrafish, but few studies have developed reliable ways to introduce precise mutations. Point mutation knock-in using CRISPR/Cas9 and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) is currently the most promising technology for this purpose. Despite some progress in applying this technique to zebrafish, there is still a great need for improvements in terms of its efficiency, optimal design of sgRNA and ssODNs and broader applicability. The papers discussed in this Editorial provide excellent case studies on identifying problems inherent in the mutation knock-in technique, quantifying these issues and proposing strategies to overcome them. These reports also illustrate how the procedures for introducing specific mutations can be straightforward, such that ssODNs with only the target mutation are sufficient for generating the intended knock-in animals. Two of the studies also develop interesting point mutant knock-in models for cardiac diseases, validating the translational relevance of generating knock-in mutations and opening the door to many possibilities for their further study.
Diet and ambient temperature interact to shape plasma fatty acid composition, basal metabolic rate, and oxidative stress in great tits
Authors: Andersson Martin N. , Nilsson Johan , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Isaksson Caroline
Published: October 2018

Diet and ambient temperature affect animal physiology, survival and reproductive success. However, knowledge of how these environmental factors interact to shape physiological processes and life-history traits of birds and other animals is largely lacking. By exposing adult great tits (Parus major) to two contrasting diets (saturated or unsaturated fatty acids; SFA and UFA, respectively) and ambient temperatures (3°C versus 20°C) that the birds encounter in nature, we investigated the effects of these two factors on several physiological parameters. Our results show that diet and ambient temperature interact to affect the composition of plasma fatty acids, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and oxidative stress, which are thought to affect the life-history and survival of individuals. Specifically, birds provided the SFA-rich diet had higher mass-specific BMR and oxidative stress (levels of lipid peroxidation) after exposure to low compared to high ambient temperature, whereas the opposite pattern was evident for the UFA-provided birds. Surprisingly, the SFA-provided birds had higher relative levels of monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the UFA-provided birds at low ambient temperature, whereas the opposite, and expected, pattern was found at the high temperature. Although the present study focuses on the physiological implications of the diet×temperature interaction, our results might also be important for the leading theories of ageing, which currently do not take interactions between environmental factors into account. In addition, the present results are important for wildlife management due to anthropogenic feeding of wild animals across variable and changing climatic conditions.
Choice, Consideration Sets, and Attribute Filters
Authors: Kimya Mert
Published: October 2018

It is well known that decision makers do not always consider all of the available alternatives when making a choice. When the alternatives have attributes, these attributes provide a natural way to form the consideration set. I assume a procedure in which the decision maker uses the relative ranking of the alternatives on each attribute to reduce the size of the choice set. I provide a characterization of the procedure and illustrate how to identify the underlying preference and consideration set. The model explains certain choice anomalies such as the attraction and the compromise effects. (JEL C78, D11)
Trading across Borders in Online Auctions
Authors: Krasnokutskaya Elena , Terwiesch Christian , Tiererova Lucia
Published: October 2018

We invoke the insights from the auction literature to study trade in services using data from an online market for programming support. We find that the observed clustering of trade between countries can be rationalized through a model featuring endogenous sorting of sellers who are heterogeneous in both quality and costs across projects offered by buyers who differ in outside option and willingness to pay for quality. To accommodate the possibility of such an outcome we extend a single-auction entry model to a setting where sellers choose among multiple projects. This feature plays an important role in explaining the data and understanding the effects of various trade policies. (JEL D44, F14, L15, L86)
Cartels Uncovered
Authors: Hyytinen Ari , Steen Frode , Toivanen Otto
Published: October 2018

How many cartels are there, and how long do they live? The answers to these questions are important in assessing the need for competition policy. We present a Hidden Markov Model that takes into account that often it is not known whether a cartel exists or not. We take the model to data from a period of legal cartels—Finnish manufacturing industries 1951–1990. Our estimates suggest that once born, cartels are persistent; by the end of the period, almost all industries were cartelized. (JEL D43, K21, L12, L13, L41, L60)
Factors affecting length of stay after percutaneous biliary interventions
Authors: Roy Mayank , Kyaw Tun Jimmy , Banerjee Abhirup , Mohandas Shailesh , Abraham Ajit T , Hutchins Robert R , Bhattacharya Satyajit , Renfrew Ian , Low Deborah , Fotheringham Tim , Kocher Hemant M
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the factors affecting the length of hospital stay (LOS) after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone PTBD with or without stenting at a UK specialist centre between 2005 and 2016 was conducted.

Results:

692 patients underwent 1976 procedures over 731 clinical episodes for which, the median age was 65 (range 18–100) years, and the median Charlson Index was 3. PTBD was performed for malignant (n = 563) and benign strictures (n = 60), stones (n = 62), and bile leaks (n = 46). The median LOS was 13 (range 0–157) days, and the median interprocedure duration was 9 (range 0–304) days. The median number of procedures per patient was 2 and the median number of days required to complete a set of procedures for a patient (TBID) ranged from 0 to 557 days, with a median of 16 (interquartile range: 8–32) days. Patients with biliary leak had the highest LOS. Biliary stents were mostly placed at the second stage at a median of 6 (range 0–120) days from the first procedure day. Placement of a biliary stent in the first stage of the procedure was associated with shorter LOS (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Biliary stenting at index procedure reduces LOS, although it is not always technically possible. Patients with bile leak managed with PTBD have longer LOS.

Advances in knowledge:

This study provides data which can help in appropriate consenting, better planning, and efficient resource utilization for patients undergoing PTBD.
Use and effectiveness of the Individual Development Plan among postdoctoral researchers: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vanderford Nathan L. , Evans Teresa M. , Weiss L. Todd , Bira Lindsay , Beltran-Gastelum Jazmin
Published: October 2018

The individual development plan (IDP) is a career planning tool that aims to assist PhD trainees in self-assessing skills, exploring career paths, developing short- and long-term career goals, and creating action plans to achieve those goals. The National Institutes of Health and many academic institutions have created policies that mandate completion of the IDP by both graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Despite these policies, little information exists regarding how widely the tool is used and whether it is useful to the career development of PhD trainees. Herein, we present data from a multi-institutional, online survey on the use and effectiveness of the IDP among a group of 183 postdoctoral researchers. The overall IDP completion rate was 54% and 38% of IDP users reported that the tool was helpful to their career development. Positive relationships with one’s advisor, confidence regarding completing training, trainees’ confidence about their post-training career, and a positive experience with institutional career development resources are associated with respondents’ perception that the IDP is useful for their career development. We suggest that there is a need to further understand the nuanced use and effectiveness of the IDP in order to determine how to execute the use of the tool to maximize trainees’ career development.
Model of entrepreneurship competence as a basis for the development of entrepreneurship education
Authors: Venesaar Urve , Täks Marge , Arro Grete , Malleus Elina , Loogma Krista , Mädamürk Kaja , Titov Eneken , Toding Martin
Published: October 2018

Artikli eesmärk on kirjeldada ja empiiriliselt põhjendada ettevõtluspädevuse mudelis sisalduvate alapädevuste valikut, et luua alus ettevõtlusõppe arendamiseks ning toetada õppijate ettevõtluspädevuse arengut ja toimetulekut nii töös (sh ettevõtluses) kui ka igapäevaelus. Ettevõtluspädevuse mudel hõlmab 14 alapädevust, mis on jaotatud enesejuhtimise, väärtust loova mõtlemise, sotsiaalsete olukordade lahendamise ja äriideede elluviimise valdkonnaks. Kõrgkooliõpilaste (N = 1479) hulgas tehtud uuringust ilmneb, et seosed alapädevuste vahel on ootuspärased ja vastavad teoreetilistele eeldustele. See lubab arvata, et alapädevused moodustavad terviku ning on usaldusväärseks aluseks õppija ettevõtluspädevuse arendamisele ja toetamisele. Artikkel soodustab diskussiooni ettevõtluspädevuse ja selle arendamise võimaluste üle, pakkudes ühtlasi välja lähtekoha ettevõtlusõppe arendamiseks Eesti haridussüsteemis.
 Summary
Ettevõtluse paradokside tervikkäsitlus: "Entrepreneurship in theory and practice: Paradoxes in play"
Authors: Mets Tõnis
Published: October 2018

Suna Løwe Nielseni, Kim Klyveri, Majbritt Rostgaard Evaldi ja Torben Bageri raamat "Entrepreneurship in theory and practice: Paradoxes in play" on hea sissejuhatus valdkonda. See mitte üksnes ei paku teoreetilist vaatenurka distsipliinile, vaid ka suunab lugejat kriitiliselt analüüsima ettevõtluse pakutavaid võimalusi ning avardab kaasuste ja paradokside kaudu ettevõtja mõtteviisi, soodustades selle rakendamist ettevõtlusprotsessis. Sellisena on raamat väärtuslik nii üliõpilasele kui ka valdkonna professionaalile, kelleks magistriõppe läbinu peaks kujunema.
Contribution to the bryophyte flora of Svalbard: hepatics of Barents Island
Authors: Konstantinova Nadezhda , Savchenko Anatoliy
Published: October 2018

The annotated list of hepatics of Barents Island (Svalbard archipelago) was compiled based on the collections by Savchenko, literature data and Arne Frisvoll’s collection in TRH. A total of 35 species, three subspecies and four varieties are recorded for Barents Island. Fifteen taxa are listed as new for Barents Island and four taxa are listed as new for Svalbard, including Lophozia silvicola, Lophozia subapiculata, Preissia quadrata subsp. hyperborea and Lophoziopsis excisa var. elegans. A new combination Trilophozia quinquedentata var. turgida is made. Annotations to the species include distribution, description of habitats, and some morphological characteristics of the studied specimens. Peculiarities of the hepatic flora of the island and the distribution in Svalbard are discussed.
Las visiones estratégicas de los emprendedores sociales aplicadas en el Business Model Social: propuesta de una tipología
Authors: Ramírez Alvarez Monica Liliana
Published: October 2018

Este artículo busca en mostrar las visiones estratégicas de los emprendedores sociales aplicadas en el Business Model Social, alrededor de una tipología articulada sobre tres grandes evoluciones que pertenecen al campo teórico: la primera aparición es relativa al emprendimiento por medio de la escuela de la innovación social y la corriente de la intención estratégica (IS) como herramienta de análisis para aprehender la diversidad estratégica de la empresa social, la cual cuenta con objetivos en el estudio de escogencias estratégicas de las organizaciones sociales. La segunda aparición concierne a la movilidad de los recursos (Resource Based View «RBV») de las empresas sociales y la tercera aparición son las escogencias estratégicas de las organizaciones sociales en el análisis de las visiones estratégicas de los dirigentes. La combinación de estos enfoques es articulada una tipología de ocho categorías o escenarios de Business Model Social. Un análisis cualitativo exploratorio fundado sobre el estudio de caso social, más particularmente ha sido seleccionada las asociaciones con fin lucrativo que buscan a la vez el beneficio económico y la realización de los objetivos sociales. Finalmente, ilustramos esta tipología sobre los factores predominantes de éxito en las organizaciones sanitarias y sociales que comprueba ser fuente de ventajas competitivas.
Speech and the dental interface
Authors: Hyde Amy C , Moriarty Lynne , Morgan Annie G , Elsharkasi Lamis M , Deery Chris
Published: October 2018

This article outlines how sounds are produced and how speech and language develop, in the child. The assessment of speech by a speech and language therapist is briefly described. It then discusses the evidence for an impact of occlusion, and the loss or absence of teeth on speech. In summary, there is a possibility that the loss, absence or malalignment of teeth may affect speech, but unfortunately the evidence base is weak.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental care professionals should understand the development of speech and how dental health potentially affects speech.
Primary failure of eruption or mechanical failure of eruption?
Authors: Sharma Geetanjali , Kneafsey Louise , Ashley Paul , Noar Joseph
Published: October 2018

Failure of eruption (FOE) of first and second permanent molars is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.01% in the case of the first permanent molar and 0.06% in the case of the second. 1 When there is failure of eruption of a permanent molar, the following differential diagnoses should be considered in addition to tooth impaction: primary failure of eruption (PFE) (Type I/Type II) and mechanical failure of eruption (MFE) owing to ankylosis. Limited studies have proposed protocols for the management of failure of eruption (FOE) of permanent molars with no clear consensus or guidelines.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Making an early distinction between MFE and PFE is important in the management of patients with failure of eruption of permanent molars since they dictate different treatment modalities. This paper reviews the clinical characteristics of FOE of permanent molars to aid the clinician in diagnosis and subsequent management of this rare and challenging condition.
Clinical Pharmacogenetics for Precision Medicine: Successes and Setbacks
Authors: Chambliss Allison B , Marzinke Mark A
Published: October 2018

Background

Pharmacogenetics is a key component in the delivery of therapeutics to maximize pharmacologic efficacy and minimize toxicity. There are numerous identified gene–drug pairs that demonstrate the utility of pharmacogenetics testing for drug or dose selection. Although some of these pairs have translated into clinical use, pharmacogenetic testing has not yet made its way into routine clinical practice at many institutions.

Content

This review provides an overview of clinically actionable pharmacogenetics in precision medicine. Examples of successfully implemented gene–drug pairs, along with common testing methodologies and guidelines for application, are discussed. Remaining barriers to widespread clinical implementation are also examined.

There is a recognized role for genotyping in the guidance of therapeutic drug regimens and the prevention of adverse drug reactions. Evidence-based guidelines are available to aid in the selection of treatment upon pharmacogenetics testing for established gene–drug pairs. Multidisciplinary clinical collaboration and clinical decision support tools will be critical for widespread adoption, and financial reimbursement barriers remain.
Predicting consumer intention to purchase clothing products made from sustainable fabrics
Authors: Yoo Jeong-Ju , Divita Lorynn , Kim Hye-Young
Published: October 2018

The goal of this study is to investigate the differential influences of environmental concern and fashion opinion leadership on consumer intention to purchase clothing products made of sustainable fabrics. In doing so, this study examines the mediating role of environmental attitude towards clothing consumption. The data were collected from 122 US college students with an average age of 21.4. The majority of the participants were female (83.6 per cent) and Caucasian (64.5 per cent). A weighted least squares hierarchical regression analysis was used for the data analysis. The results suggested that fashion opinion leadership was a more powerful determinant than environmental concern in predicting consumer intention to purchase clothing products made of sustainable fabrics. However, environmental attitude towards clothing consumption did not serve as a significant mediator. These findings provide beneficial insight for fast fashion retailers mainly targeting fashion opinion leaders. Managerial implications are discussed to delineate how fast fashion retailers can benefit from sustainable production and retailing strategies.
Notes on wearer–worn attachments: Learning to wear
Authors: Valle-Noronha Julia , Niinimäki Kirsi , Kujala Sari
Published: October 2018

Previous literature in person–product attachment has identified factors in long-term relationships responsible for the strengthening of bonds between users and products, stimulating longevity in use. Interested in further understanding the matter in the realm of fashion, this study investigates how relationships between individuals and the clothes they wear evolve over time. It identifies motivators behind the increase and decrease in the overall quality of wearer–worn relationships in regard to four dimensions: comfort, frequency of use, visuality and versatility. In order to achieve this aim, an adaptation of the UX curve method is used. The method was employed with a group of ten participants, wearers of specific clothing production, namely experimental fashion, in contrast with commercial fashion pieces. The study findings contribute to the literature on person–product attachment and highlight ‘learning to wear’ as an engaging experience encouraging stronger relations with clothes. In the discussion, the article proposes future endeavours to understand wearing practices aiming at more engaging designs.
La gamificación en la universidad española. Una perspectiva educomunicativa
Authors: Peñalva Sheila , Aguaded Ignacio , Torres-Toukoumidis Ángel
Published: October 2018

Los estudiantes están creciendo en una sociedad tecnificada y, por ello, desarrollan distintas capacidades cognitivas que resulta imprescindible comprender y atender. Esta realidad ha obligado a los educadores a reconfigurar sus estrategias pedagógicas para una audiencia en la que los alumnos son prosumidores. El objetivo nuclear del estudio nos ha obligado a indagar cómo los docentes de las universidades españolas perciben y aplican el método del juego en sus clases para obtener óptimos resultados en la enseñanza-aprendizaje. Los resultados del informe de investigación se han basado en una metodología cuantitativa para analizar el panorama universitario actual y medir la aplicación de la gamificación en la docencia universitaria española. La muestra quedó constituida por 60 profesores en Comunicación y Educación procedentes de diversas universidades españolas. Pese a las propuestas metodológicas por el cambio de paradigma en la enseñanza, los datos obtenidos demuestran que sigue predominado un sistema anclado en una evaluación numérica, donde no prima la adquisición de competencias de aprendizaje. Dados los resultados, al aprendizaje lúdico aún le queda un largo camino para llegar a implementarse en las aulas como método de enseñanza.
Estudo experimental da fluidodinâmica em leito de jorro de misturas binárias de partículas de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e de inertes
Authors: Silva Bruno Rafael dos Santos , Macedo Albert Santos , Resende Filho Paulo Eduardo , Prado Manoel Marcelo do
Published: October 2018

Neste trabalho, a fluidodinâmica de misturas binárias de partículas de bagaço de cana e de polipropileno em leito de jorro foi investigada experimentalmente sob uma ampla faixa de condições operacionais. Os efeitos do tamanho e umidade de partículas de bagaço, da razão de mistura inerte/bagaço sobre os parâmetros fluidodinâmicos do leito foram examinados. A queda de pressão máxima e a de mínimo jorro atingiram valores que variaram de 2621 a 3582 Pa, e de 54 a 196 Pa, respectivamente. Já a vazão de mínimo jorro variou de 0,0093 a 0,0111 m3 s-1. As quedas de pressão máxima e de mínimo jorro foram significativamente influenciadas pelo teor de umidade e proporção volumétrica de bagaço na mistura binária, enquanto a vazão de mínimo jorro mostrou-se praticamente independente das condições operacionais empregadas. A análise estatística reforçou os resultados obtidos, representando uma ferramenta útil para indicar num trabalho futuro as condições operacionais óptimas.
Estimação de parâmetros cinéticos da reação de cura do sistema DGEBA – mPDA
Authors: Lima Walber Alves Cruz , Andrade Leonardo Souza , Oliveira Williams Silva , Pagano Rogério Luz , Santana Pedro Leite , Calado Veronica Maria de Araujo
Published: October 2018

A estimação de parâmetros é um campo bastante importante na área de engenharia, visto sua relação com o desenvolvimento de modelos matemáticos capazes de representar situações práticas como o projeto, a otimização e o controle dos processos químicos. A reação de cura para produção de materiais compósitos, caracterizada pela grande liberação de energia em moderadas e altas temperaturas, configura-se como um desses processos. Este estudo objetivou a determinação de parâmetros cinéticos de quatro modelos consagrados na literatura, sendo dois mecanicistas e dois empíricos, a partir de dados experimentais isotérmicos e não isotérmicos da reação da resina epóxi diglicidil éter de bisfenol-A (DGEBA) com o agente endurecedor m-fenileno diamina (m-PDA). As condições isotérmicas adotadas foram nas temperaturas de 354,5 K, 364,5 K, 374,5 K e 384,5 K, já as não isotérmicas utilizaram taxas de aquecimento de 2,5 K s-1, 5 K s-1 e 10 K s-1, aplicando a técnica de DSC (Calorimetria diferencial de varredura). Os modelos foram solucionados pela sub-rotina DASSL, estimando os parâmetros por meio do programa ESTIMA, o qual consiste no algoritmo determinístico de Gauss-Newton para encontrar o valor mínimo da função objetivo de mínimos quadrados e no algoritmo heurístico Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) para estimação dos parâmetros dos modelos propriamente dita. Os valores dos parâmetros mostraram-se em concordância com as faixas comumente relatadas na literatura para todos os modelos. O Modelo de Horie foi o que apresentou resultados mais satisfatórios, principalmente, devido à sua simplicidade e o menor número de parâmetros que descrevem a cinética da reação.
Simulação de escoamento bifásico aplicando a técnica da fluidodinâmica computacional
Authors: Andrade Silva Savio Sayanne , Santos de Jesus Lucas Fernando , De Santana Pedro Leite , Pagano Rogerio Luz , Silva Antonio Santos
Published: October 2018

Escoamentos bifásicos podem ser encontrados nas mais diferentes áreas da indústria química, alimentícia, de conversão energética, processamento de materiais, bem como nas de petróleo e gás. Nesta última em particular, em setores como produção e transporte, esses escoamentos percorrem grandes distâncias em trechos ascendente ou descendente, resultando em modificações nas propriedades da mistura. O correto entendimento do comportamento dessa mistura em cada trecho do escoamento é de fundamental importância para que problemas relacionados com a garantia do escoamento possam ser previstos e antecipados, assegurando também viabilidade técnica e econômica do campo petrolífero. Devido aos recentes avanços tecnológicos em áreas como modelagem e simulação, aplicações de técnicas alternativas como a fluidodinâmica computacional (CFD) vêm sendo valia nessas investigações, devido principalmente ao seu baixo custo financeiro quando comparado com a construção de aparatos experimentais. Diante deste contexto, este trabalho teve como finalidade a aplicação da técnica de fluidodinâmica computacional para a reprodução do escoamento bifásico presente em tubulações industriais, tendo como base a implementação de um modelo algébrico interfacial (AIAD).
Desenvolvimento de um sistema alternativo de irrigação para pequenos produtores do semiárido
Authors: Leite Daniel Carvalho , Júnior Genival Barros , Oliveira Rosa Honorato
Published: October 2018

O processo de produção de mudas de alface no semiárido exige dos produtores o uso de sistemas de irrigação que, por muitas vezes, torna-se inviável devido às condições socioeconômicas do produtor e de escassez de água, demandando a busca por tecnologias que superem tais condições. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar um sistema alternativo de irrigação para produção mudas de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) no semiárido brasileiro, testando-se um sistema de sub irrigação com cinco espessuras de um condutor hidráulico, em ambiente protegido, no período de março a maio de 2011, onde foram utilizados seis tratamentos, sendo uma testemunha irrigada por aspersão e cinco outros irrigados por sub irrigação com diferentes espessuras de um condutor hidráulico (areia lavada com 2,5 cm ; 5,0 cm; 7,5 cm; 10,0 cm e 12,5 cm de altura), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Cada repetição foi constituída por 32 recipientes plásticos de 150 ml, onde foram semeadas e conduzidas as mudas de alface. Avaliou-se os parâmetros altura média de plântulas, número médio de folhas por planta, massa fresca e massa seca da parte aérea e de raiz, volume de água consumido pelas plantas e eficiência no uso da água. O sistema alternativo, conduzido com sub irrigação, se mostrou eficiente na utilização da água em comparação ao irrigado por aspersão. O condutor hidráulico de 12,5 cm de espessura proporcionou as melhores respostas para altura de plântulas, massa fresca e massa seca da parte aérea, volume de água consumido pelas plantas e eficiência no uso da água.
Oxidative stress in mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to gamma radiation
Authors: Silva Luanna Ribeiro Santos , Augusto Ricielle Lopes , Siqueira Williams Nascimento de , Pereira Dewson Rocha , Silva Edvane Borges da , Melo Ana Maria Mendonça de Albuquerque
Published: October 2018

Ionizing radiation can cause biological changes in different organisms such as mollusks from Biomphalaria glabrata species, in which alterations could be observed in the reproductive system of the specimens, prejudicing fertility and fecundity. As the changes may occur due to the lipid peroxidation caused by the action of free radicals on the gonads, the objective of this work was to evaluate the oxidative damage caused by the exposure of B. glabrata mollusks to different doses of 60Co gamma radiation. In addition, efforts were carried out to standardize a sensitive and low-cost technique for detecting negative effects caused by high doses of ionizing radiation. For this, each mollusk group (n = 10) was submitted to 0 (control), 10, 15, 20 and 25 Gy (gammacell 60Co, dose rate 3.53 kGy/h). The TBARS method was applied for the quantification of lipid peroxidation of the gonads of the mollusks after 24 and 48 h. ANOVA, followed by the mean comparison (Tukey) at the 5% of significance level (p<0.05), indicated high concentrations of TBARS in the gonads after 24 h. Otherwise, after 48 h, differences for TBARS concentrations were not significant, determining that the action of free radicals from ionizing radiation on cell membranes mainly occurred within 24 h after irradiation. Therefore, the TBARS assay could be applied for detecting oxidative stress caused by short exposure of B. glabrata to ionizing radiation.
Avaliação da qualidade de cápsulas de losartana potássica manipuladas no município de Lagarto-SE
Authors: Silva Carla Maria Lima , Lima Bruno Santos , Cruz Erica dos Santos , Matos Isabella Gonçalves , Andrade Valléria Matos , De Carvalho Yasmim Maria Barbosa Gomes , Lima Claudio Moreira , Serafini Mairim Russo
Published: October 2018

A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) é uma condição clínica multifatorial caracterizada por níveis elevados e sustentados da pressão arterial. Um dos mecanismos para controle da HAS é por meio do bloqueio dos receptores de angiotensina II (AII). A losartana potássica (LP), exemplo clássico de antagonistas dos receptores do subtipo AT1, é um dos fármacos mais utilizados para o tratamento da HAS. As formulações obtidas em farmácias magistrais devem apresentar qualidade suficiente para garantir a eficácia do tratamento e segurança do paciente. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de cápsulas de LP manipuladas em três diferentes farmácias de Lagarto – SE. As cápsulas de LP (50 mg) foram obtidas em três diferentes farmácias (A, B e C) e os ensaios realizados foram: determinação de peso médio, desintegração e dissolução. Todas as cápsulas manipuladas foram aprovadas nos ensaios realizados, com exceção das cápsulas da farmácia B que foram reprovadas no teste de peso médio. Dessa forma, os resultados garantem uma boa credibilidade as farmácias magistrais, uma vez que, a maioria das amostras foram aprovadas de acordo com os critérios determinados pela farmacopeia brasileira ou pela referência adotada em determinada análise.
Avaliação de desempenho de um conjunto motor e ventilador de um evaporador de NH3
Authors: Acunha Junior Ivoni Carlos , Galarça Marcelo Moraes , Rebelato Marcos Muller , Rodrigues Jonathan freitas , Carrir Fabio Luiz da Costa
Published: October 2018

O consumo de energia das plantas frigoríficas, em geral, é o mais significativo nos processos de produção e armazenamento de alimentos refrigerados. Os motores dos ventiladores de evaporadores tem grande contribuição, tanto no consumo energético, quanto no acréscimo da taxa de calor nas câmaras frigoríficas. Técnicas como a utilização de inversores de frequência para acionamento destes motores tendem a atenuar estes impactos referentes ao consumo e calor gerado no interior de câmaras frigoríficas. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de um conjunto motor e ventilador de um evaporador de NH3 em duas condições de operação sob diferentes rotações, impostas por um inversor de frequência utilizado para acionamento. Os ensaios foram realizados com frequências de 20 a 60 Hz com incrementos de 5 Hz. As amostras foram obtidas a partir de medições de velocidade de ar, medições da variação de pressão provocada pelo feixe tubular e pelo aletamento do evaporador e medições do consumo de energia. O melhor desempenho do evaporador ocorre quando o mesmo opera com a vedação em suas frestas. A utilização de inversor de frequência promoveu uma redução significativa, de até 90% no consumo energético, do motor do ventilador operando na frequência de 20 Hz, em relação à condição nominal de operação de 60 Hz. Esta forma de operação acarretará em economia de energia nas ocasiões em que não houver demanda da capacidade máxima de refrigeração e na redução do calor gerado no interior das câmaras.
Sprint-Specific Training in Youth: Backward Running vs. Forward Running Training on Speed and Power Measures in Adolescent Male Athletes
Authors: Uthoff Aaron , Oliver Jon , Cronin John , Harrison Craig , Winwood Paul
Published: October 2018

Uthoff, A, Oliver, J, Cronin, J, Harrison, C, and Winwood, P. Sprint-specific training in youth: Backward running vs. forward running training on speed and power measures in adolescent male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1113–1122, 2020—This study compared the effects of 2 sprint-specific training programs against the natural development of speed, power, and stiffness in a group of adolescent male athletes. Forty-three male adolescents (aged 13–15 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training groups; backward running training (BRT = 26), or forward running training (FRT = 17). A physical education class (n = 24) of similar age constituted a control (CON) group. Both training groups performed running sessions matched for distance and intensity biweekly for 8 weeks. Parametric and magnitude-based inferences were used to analyze within group (pre-post measures) and between group (gain scores) for 10-m, 10- to 20-m, and 20-m sprint times, vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and vertical leg stiffness. Both running groups significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in all performance tests from pre-training to post-training, with effect sizes ranging from −1.25 to 0.63. When the groups were compared, the BRT and FRT groups improved significantly (p ≤ 0.01) on all sprint performances and stiffness relative to the CON group. The BRT group demonstrated favorable effects for 10-m and 20-m sprint performances (effect size [ES] = −0.47 and −0.26, respectively) and CMJ height (ES = 0.51) compared with the FRT group. These results demonstrate that forward and backward sprint-specific training programs enhance speed and power measures more than natural development in adolescent male athletes. Furthermore, the greater training responses in sprint performance and CMJ ability indicate that BRT is a useful tool for improving concentric strength and power and may be classified as a sprint-specific training method.
Carbon Management in an Emissions-Intensive Industry in a Developing Economy: Cement Manufacturing in Indonesia
Authors: Panjaitan Togar W. S. , Dargusch Paul , Aziz Ammar A. , Wadley David
Published: October 2018

Around 600 Mt carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emission originates from energy production and consumption in Indonesia annually. Of this output, 40 Mt CO2e comes from cement production. This makes the cement industry a key sector to target in Indonesia’s quest to reduce its emissions by 26% by 2020. Substantial opportunities exist for the industry to reduce emissions, mainly through clinker substitution, alternative fuels, and the modernization of kiln technologies. However, most of these abatement options are capital intensive and considered as noncore business. Due to this, the private sector is unlikely to voluntarily invest in emission reduction unless it saves money, improves revenue, enhances the strategic position of the firm, or unless governments provide incentives or force adoption through regulatory and policy controls. In this study, we review the profile of the Indonesian cement industry and assess the carbon management and climate policy actions available to reduce emissions. The case highlights opportunities for improved carbon management in emission-intensive industries in developing countries.
Growing Gardens Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Strategic Expansion of Anchorage, Alaska’s Community Garden System
Authors: Donovan Shannon
Published: October 2018

Anchorage’s community gardening program is administered by the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation program and part of their mission is to provide “a food system where locally produced, affordable, and nutritious food is available to all”. The demand for access to community gardens far outweighs the supply raising the question, how can the city of Anchorage strategically and sustainably expand their community garden system? To explore this question, the Municipality of Anchorage partnered with the University of Alaska Anchorage to better understand how expanding community gardens can bridge a gap in the local food system and increase access to fresh foods by the city’s most vulnerable and diverse individuals. To do this, we developed a multi-faceted needs assessment that included a community survey, stakeholder workshop, and key informant interviews. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges of expanding Anchorage’s community gardens and offers expansion strategies that balance the needs of the community’s diverse populations with the city’s community gardening mission. The findings of this study show that to sustainably meet the needs of diverse audiences, community garden expansion efforts should focus on 1) making new gardens accessible by identifying safe, convenient, and functional locations; 2) building gardener capacity through education and outreach programs; and 3) strengthening partnerships with other community organizations to share resources and capabilities. The methods used and the associated findings revealed through this study can be adapted and applied in other cities looking to develop a sustainable and strategic model for community gardening.
ATM deficiency promotes progression of CRPC by enhancing Warburg effect
Authors: Xu Lingfan , Ma Enze , Zeng Tao , Zhao Ruya , Tao Yulei , Chen Xufeng , Groth Jeff , Liang Chaozhao , Hu Hailiang , Huang Jiaoti
Published: October 2018

ATM is a well-known master regulator of double strand break (DSB) DNA repair and the defective DNA repair has been therapeutically exploited to develop PARP inhibitors based on the synthetic lethality strategy. ATM mutation is found with increased prevalence in advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ATM mutation-driving disease progression are still largely unknown. Here, we report that ATM mutation contributes to the CRPC progression through a metabolic rather than DNA repair mechanism. We showed that ATM deficiency generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing promoted CRPC cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. ATM deficiency altered cellular metabolism and enhanced Warburg effect in CRPC cells. We demonstrated that ATM deficiency shunted the glucose flux to aerobic glycolysis by upregulating LDHA expression, which generated more lactate and produced less mitochondrial ROS to promote CRPC cell growth. Inhibition of LDHA by siRNA or inhibitor FX11 generated less lactate and accumulated more ROS in ATM-deficient CRPC cells and therefore potentiated the cell death of ATM-deficient CRPC cells. These findings suggest a new therapeutic strategy for ATM-mutant CRPC patients by targeting LDHA-mediated glycolysis metabolism, which might be effective for the PARP inhibitor resistant mCRPC tumors.
Follicle rupture during ovulation with an emphasis on recent progress in fish models
Authors: Takahashi Takayuki , Hagiwara Akane , Ogiwara Katsueki
Published: October 2018

Ovulation, which is induced by the ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, is a dynamic process that results in a discharge of one or more fertilizable oocytes from the ovarian follicle into the ovarian cavity or into the abdominal cavity. Follicle rupture is a core event of the ovulatory process and has been the subject of intensive investigation. Many studies have been performed in various vertebrate animals that focused on proteolysis during ovulation. Despite much effort, the proteases responsible for follicle rupture in ovulation have not yet been identified for mammalian species. However, studies conducted using the teleost medaka have recently provided valuable information about the follicle rupture process. Follicle rupture during medaka ovulation is accomplished by a two-step extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrolysis mechanism involving two distinct protease systems, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator-1 (Plau1)/plasmin and the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system. In the 24-h spawning cycle of the fish, the former protease system is activated first, and the latter subsequently becomes active. Proteolytic activities of these systems are regulated by their intrinsic inhibitors. The endocrine regulation of the rupture was examined by investigating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 15 (Mmp15), which is the only LH-inducible protease among those involved in the rupture process. At least two transcription factors, classical nuclear progestin receptor and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, play critical roles in the expression of the protease transcript. This review also summarizes studies addressing follicle rupture during ovulation conducted using other teleost models to understand the current status of teleost ovulation studies.