bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac regeneration strategies: Staying young at heart
Authors: Tzahor Eldad , Poss Kenneth D.
Published: June 2017

The human heart is continually operating as a muscular pump, contracting, on average, 80 times per minute to propel 8000 liters of blood through body tissues each day. Whereas damaged skeletal muscle has a profound capacity to regenerate, heart muscle, at least in mammals, has poor regenerative potential. This deficiency is attributable to the lack of resident cardiac stem cells, combined with roadblocks that limit adult cardiomyocytes from entering the cell cycle and completing division. Insights for regeneration have recently emerged from studies of animals with an elevated innate capacity for regeneration, the innovation of stem cell and reprogramming technologies, and a clearer understanding of the cardiomyocyte genetic program and key extrinsic signals. Methods to augment heart regeneration now have potential to counteract the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
Inflammation and metabolism in tissue repair and regeneration
Authors: Eming Sabine A. , Wynn Thomas A. , Martin Paul
Published: June 2017

Tissue repair after injury is a complex, metabolically demanding process. Depending on the tissue’s regenerative capacity and the quality of the inflammatory response, the outcome is generally imperfect, with some degree of fibrosis, which is defined by aberrant accumulation of collagenous connective tissue. Inflammatory cells multitask at the wound site by facilitating wound debridement and producing chemokines, metabolites, and growth factors. If this well-orchestrated response becomes dysregulated, the wound can become chronic or progressively fibrotic, with both outcomes impairing tissue function, which can ultimately lead to organ failure and death. Here we review the current understanding of the role of inflammation and cell metabolism in tissue-regenerative responses, highlight emerging concepts that may expand therapeutic perspectives, and briefly discuss where important knowledge gaps remain.
Science reads for the summer of '17
Authors: Doppelt Martin C. , Frischkorn Kyle , Götz Charlotte , Kelly Sarah , Quinn Nicole F. , Ockert Ingrid , Bell Elizabeth A. , Bay Sarah , Jenney Andrea
Published: June 2017

From the far-off surface of Mars to the much closer—but no less mysterious—human brain (the frontier between your ears), this year's picks invite readers to jump into the scientific process feet first. Try your hand at home brewing with an archaeologist's guide to recreating ancient alcohols. Ride the CRISPR wave with an insider's overview of gene editing. Take your campfire stories to the next level with a collection of strange tales from nuclear history or a dramatic retelling of Earth's real-life apocalypses. What insect threw the federal government into chaos in 1793? How did religion lead early researchers to a "Russian nesting doll" theory of reproduction? Which well-known chemist once paid a quarter of a million dollars for a portrait with his chem­istry equipment? Find out in the reviews that follow.
Gearing up molecular rotary motors
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Credi Alberto
Published: June 2017

A light- and heat-driven molecular machine achieves locked, synchronous motion
Decoding the evolution of species
Authors: Cooper Kimberly L.
Published: June 2017

Mutations in protein-coding regions are implicated in the evolution of a flightless cormorant
Development of a One-Step Multiplex PCR Assay for Differential Detection of Major Mycobacterium Species
Authors: Chae Hansong , Han Seung Jung , Kim Su-Young , Ki Chang-Seok , Huh Hee Jae , Yong Dongeun , Koh Won-Jung , Shin Sung Jae
Published: June 2017

The prevalence of tuberculosis continues to be high, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection has also emerged worldwide. Moreover, differential and accurate identification of mycobacteria to the species or subspecies level is an unmet clinical need. Here, we developed a one-step multiplex PCR assay using whole-genome analysis and bioinformatics to identify novel molecular targets. The aims of this assay were to (i) discriminate between the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) and NTM using
rv0577
or RD750, (ii) differentiate
M. tuberculosis
(
M. tuberculosis
) from MTBC using RD9, (iii) selectively identify the widespread
M. tuberculosis
Beijing genotype by targeting
mtbk_20680
, and (iv) simultaneously detect five clinically important NTM (
M. avium
,
M. intracellulare
,
M. abscessus
,
M. massiliense
, and
M. kansasii
) by targeting IS
1311
, DT1,
mass_3210
, and
mkan_rs12360
. An initial evaluation of the multiplex PCR assay using reference strains demonstrated 100% specificity for the targeted
Mycobacterium
species. Analytical sensitivity ranged from 1 to 10 pg for extracted DNA and was 10
3
and 10
4
CFU for pure cultures and nonhomogenized artificial sputum cultures, respectively, of the targeted species. The accuracy of the multiplex PCR assay was further evaluated using 55 reference strains and 94 mycobacterial clinical isolates. Spoligotyping, multilocus sequence analysis, and a commercial real-time PCR assay were employed as standard assays to evaluate the multiplex PCR assay with clinical
M. tuberculosis
and NTM isolates. The PCR assay displayed 100% identification agreement with the standard assays. Our multiplex PCR assay is a simple, convenient, and reliable technique for differential identification of MTBC,
M. tuberculosis
,
M. tuberculosis
Beijing genotype, and major NTM species.
Multimethod Longitudinal HIV Drug Resistance Analysis in Antiretroviral-Therapy-Naive Patients
Authors: Nanfack Aubin J. , Redd Andrew D. , Bimela Jude S. , Ncham Genesis , Achem Emmanuel , Banin Andrew N. , Kirkpatrick Allison R. , Porcella Stephen F. , Agyingi Lucy A. , Meli Josephine , Colizzi Vittorio , Nádas Arthur , Gorny Miroslaw K. , Nyambi Phillipe N. , Quinn Thomas C. , Duerr Ralf
Published: June 2017

The global intensification of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lead to increased rates of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) mutations in treated and also in ART-naive patients. ART-naive HIV-1-infected patients from Cameroon were subjected to a multimethod HIVDR analysis using amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and longitudinal next-generation sequencing (NGS) to determine their profiles for the mutations K103N, Y181C, K65R, M184V, and T215F/Y. We processed 66 ART-naive HIV-1-positive patients with highly diverse subtypes that underlined the predominance of CRF02_AG and the increasing rate of F2 and other recombinant forms in Cameroon. We compared three resistance testing methods for 5 major mutation sites. Using Sanger sequencing, the overall prevalence of HIVDR mutations was 7.6% (5/66) and included all studied mutations except K65R. Comparing ARMS-PCR with Sanger sequencing as a reference, we obtained a sensitivity of 100% (5/5) and a specificity of 95% (58/61), caused by three false-positive calls with ARMS-PCR. For 32/66 samples, we obtained NGS data and we observed two additional mismatches made up of minority variants (7% and 18%) that might not be clinically relevant. Longitudinal NGS analyses revealed changes in HIVDR mutations in all five positive subjects that could not be attributed to treatment. In one of these cases, superinfection led to the temporary masking of a resistant virus. HIVDR mutations can be sensitively detected by ARMS-PCR and sequencing methods with comparable performances. Longitudinal changes in HIVDR mutations have to be considered even in the absence of treatment.
Cytomegalovirus Late Protein pUL31 Alters Pre-rRNA Expression and Nuclear Organization during Infection
Authors: Westdorp Kristen N. , Sand Andrea , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Terhune Scott S.
Published: June 2017

The replication cycle of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) leads to drastic reorganization of domains in the host cell nucleus. However, the mechanisms involved and how these domains contribute to infection are not well understood. Our recent studies defining the CMV-induced nuclear proteome identified several viral proteins of unknown functions, including a protein encoded by the UL31 gene. We set out to define the role of UL31 in CMV replication. UL31 is predicted to encode a 74-kDa protein, referred to as pUL31, containing a bipartite nuclear localization signal, an intrinsically disordered region overlapping arginine-rich motifs, and a C-terminal dUTPase-like structure. We observed that pUL31 is expressed with true late kinetics and is localized to nucleolin-containing nuclear domains. However, pUL31 is excluded from the viral nuclear replication center. Nucleolin is a marker of nucleoli, which are membrane-less regions involved in regulating ribosome biosynthesis and cellular stress responses. Other CMV proteins associate with nucleoli, and we demonstrate that pUL31 specifically interacts with the viral protein, pUL76. Coexpression of both proteins altered pUL31 localization and nucleolar organization. During infection, pUL31 colocalizes with nucleolin but not the transcriptional activator, UBF. In the absence of pUL31, CMV fails to reorganize nucleolin and UBF and exhibits a replication defect at a low multiplicity of infection. Finally, we observed that pUL31 is necessary and sufficient to reduce pre-rRNA levels, and this was dependent on the dUTPase-like motif in pUL31. Our studies demonstrate that CMV pUL31 functions in regulating nucleolar biology and contributes to the reorganization of nucleoli during infection.

IMPORTANCE
Nucleolar biology is important during CMV infection with the nucleolar protein, with nucleolin playing a role in maintaining the architecture of the viral nuclear replication center. However, the extent of CMV-mediated regulation of nucleolar biology is not well established. Proteins within nucleoli regulate ribosome biosynthesis and p53-dependent cellular stress responses that are capable of inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, and they are proposed targets for cancer therapies. This study establishes that CMV protein pUL31 is necessary and sufficient to regulate nucleolar biology involving the reorganization of nucleolar proteins. Understanding these processes will help define approaches to stimulate cellular intrinsic stress responses that are capable of inhibiting CMV infection.
Pace of Coreceptor Tropism Switch in HIV-1-Infected Individuals after Recent Infection
Authors: Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Hunter James , Léda Ana Rachel , Zukurov Jean Paulo Lopes , Samer Sadia , Camargo Michelle , Galinskas Juliana , Kallás Esper Georges , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos , Janini Luiz Mario , Sucupira Maria Cecilia , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie
Published: June 2017

HIV-1 entry into target cells influences several aspects of HIV-1 pathogenesis, including viral tropism, HIV-1 transmission and disease progression, and response to entry inhibitors. The evolution from CCR5- to CXCR4-using strains in a given human host is still unpredictable. Here we analyzed timing and predictors for coreceptor evolution among recently HIV-1-infected individuals. Proviral DNA was longitudinally evaluated in 66 individuals using Geno2pheno
[coreceptor]
. Demographics, viral load, CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell counts, CCR5Δ32 polymorphisms, GB virus C (GBV-C) coinfection, and HLA profiles were also evaluated. Ultradeep sequencing was performed on initial samples from 11 selected individuals. A tropism switch from CCR5- to CXCR4-using strains was identified in 9/49 (18.4%) individuals. Only a low baseline false-positive rate (FPR) was found to be a significant tropism switch predictor. No minor CXCR4-using variants were identified in initial samples of 4 of 5 R5/non-R5 switchers. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with an FPR of >40.6% at baseline presented a stable FPR over time whereas lower FPRs tend to progressively decay, leading to emergence of CXCR4-using strains, with a mean evolution time of 27.29 months (range, 8.90 to 64.62). An FPR threshold above 40.6% determined by logistic regression analysis may make it unnecessary to further determine tropism for prediction of disease progression related to emergence of X4 strains or use of CCR5 antagonists. The detection of variants with intermediate FPRs and progressive FPR decay over time not only strengthens the power of Geno2pheno in predicting HIV tropism but also indirectly confirms a continuous evolution from earlier R5 variants toward CXCR4-using strains.

IMPORTANCE
The introduction of CCR5 antagonists in the antiretroviral arsenal has sparked interest in coreceptors utilized by HIV-1. Despite concentrated efforts, viral and human host features predicting tropism switch are still poorly understood. Limited longitudinal data are available to assess the influence that these factors have on predicting tropism switch and disease progression. The present study describes longitudinal tropism evolution in a group of recently HIV-infected individuals to determine the prevalence and potential correlates of tropism switch. We demonstrated here that a low baseline FPR determined by the Geno2pheno
[coreceptor]
algorithm can predict tropism evolution from CCR5 to CXCR4 coreceptor use.
Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Targets Nucleosome Assembly Protein NAP1L1 To Control the Innate Cellular Response
Authors: Çevik Recep Emrah , Cesarec Mia , Da Silva Filipe Ana , Licastro Danilo , McLauchlan John , Marcello Alessandro
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA hepatotropic virus. Despite cellular defenses, HCV is able to replicate in hepatocytes and to establish a chronic infection that could lead to severe complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. An important player in subverting the host response to HCV infection is the viral nonstructural protein NS5A, which, in addition to its role in replication and assembly, targets several pathways involved in the cellular response to viral infection. Several unbiased screens identified nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1) as an interaction partner of HCV NS5A. Here we confirmed this interaction and mapped it to the C terminus of NS5A of both genotype 1 and 2. NS5A sequesters NAP1L1 in the cytoplasm, blocking its nuclear translocation. However, only NS5A from genotype 2 HCV, and not that from genotype 1, targets NAP1L1 for proteosome-mediated degradation. NAP1L1 is a nuclear chaperone involved in chromatin remodeling, and we demonstrated the NAP1L1-dependent regulation of specific pathways involved in cellular responses to viral infection and cell survival. Among those, we showed that lack of NAP1L1 leads to a decrease of RELA protein levels and a strong defect of IRF3 TBK1/IKKε-mediated phosphorylation, leading to inefficient RIG-I and Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) responses. Hence, HCV is able to modulate the host cell environment by targeting NAP1L1 through NS5A.

IMPORTANCEViruses have evolved to replicate and to overcome antiviral countermeasures of the infected cell. Hepatitis C virus is capable of establishing a lifelong chronic infection in the liver, which could develop into cirrhosis and cancer. Chronic viruses are particularly able to interfere with the cellular antiviral pathways by several different mechanisms. In this study, we identified a novel cellular target of the viral nonstructural protein NS5A and demonstrated its role in antiviral signaling. This factor, called nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1), is a nuclear chaperone involved in the remodeling of chromatin during transcription. When it is depleted, specific signaling pathways leading to antiviral effectors are affected. Therefore, we provide evidence for both a novel strategy of virus evasion from cellular immunity and a novel role for a cellular protein, which has not been described to date.
Necrotising coronaritis with fatal outcome
Authors: Schweizer Lisa , Fischer Nadja , Fehr Thomas , Schneiter Stephan
Published: June 2017

A 56-year-old woman presented with acute onset of typical chest pain. She was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Although significant obstructive coronary artery disease was ruled out by coronary angiography, cardiac MRI showed transmural necrosis of the lateral free wall with extensive microvascular obstruction consistent with ischaemic heart disease. Within 48 hours after initial presentation, the patient suddenly arrested due to pulseless electrical activity with futile resuscitation efforts. Autopsy revealed myocardial perforation with extensive haematothorax due to pericardial laceration, caused by the mechanical chest compressions. Eventually, histology identified diffuse necrotising coronary vasculitis as a rare cause of ischaemic heart disease.
Cardiogenic shock from coronary vasculitis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Raghunathan Vikram , Pelcovits Aryeh , Gutman Daniel , Carino Gerardo
Published: June 2017

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic vasculitis characterised by necrotising inflammatory changes in small-sized and medium-sized vessels and granuloma formation. It most commonly involves the kidneys and respiratory tract, but it can present with widespread manifestations involving any organ system. Rarely, it causes coronary vasculitis which can precipitate a severe cardiomyopathy. Here, we report a patient who presented in cardiogenic shock requiring vasopressors and was found to have extensive myocardial ischaemia secondary to coronary vasculitis. Further investigation led to a diagnosis of GPA, and he responded to treatment with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis.
Diagnosis of Lyme-associated uveitis: value of serological testing in a tertiary centre
Authors: Bernard Alexia , Kodjikian Laurent , Abukhashabh Amro , Roure-Sobas Chantal , Boibieux Andre , Denis Philippe , Broussolle Christiane , Seve Pascal
Published: June 2017

Aims

To determine the frequency and clinical presentation of Lyme disease in patients with uveitis and to assess the value ofBorrelia burgdorferiserological testing.

Methods

Retrospective study on all patients with uveitis who were referred to our tertiary hospital were serologically tested for Lyme in our laboratory between 2003 and 2016. Screening consisted of determiningB. burgdorferiserum IgG and IgM by ELISA method. The patient’s serology was considered as positive if the ELISA-positive result in IgM and/or IgG was confirmed by an immunoblot positive in IgM and/or IgG. Lyme-associated uveitis was diagnosed based on serological results as well as response to antibiotics and exclusion of other diagnosis.

Results

Of the 430 patients with uveitis (60% women, mean age 49 years) fulfilling inclusion criteria, 63 (14.7%) had an ELISA-positive serology, confirmed by immunoblot for 34 patients (7.9%). The diagnosis of Lyme-associated uveitis was finally retained in seven patients (1.6%). These patients reported either a previous exposure including tick bite or forest walks (n=5), symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease (n=5) and resistance to local and/or systemic steroids (n=7). Among the remaining 27 positive patients, 22 had other established aetiologies and 5 other were unclassified.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence ofB. burgdorferiamong our patients with uveitis was 7.9% compared with 6 to 8.5% in the general French population which leads to a low predictive value of serological testing. Its use should be reserved for patients with unexplained uveitis, an exposure history, systemic findings suggestive of Lyme disease and steroids resistance.
Fen restoration: defining a reference ecosystem using paleoecological stratigraphy and present-day inventories
Authors: Bérubé Vicky , Rochefort Line , Lavoie Claude
Published: June 2017

Choosing past and present-day indicators could strengthen the reference ecosystem used for ecological restoration projects. Based on the paleoecological analysis of four peat cores and the characterization of 13 contemporary natural sites, the reference ecosystem for minerotrophic peatlands in southeastern Canada is composed of two broad categories of plant assemblages described as tall-sedge and Sphagnum–Thuja/brown moss. In paleoecological peat profiles, tall-sedge communities were found at the transition between aquatic and terrestrial, and were associated with high graminoid production, riverine peatlands, and elevated water table in the present-day analyses. Sphagnum–Thuja communities resemble the present-day vegetation found in natural basin type peatlands. Except for Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ., these communities, with high taxonomical diversity, contain more generalist species from boreal peatland vegetation, such as Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd, Thuja occidentalis L., Linnaea borealis L., and Maianthemum trifolium L. They grow in dryer or shady habitats such as hummocks or forest understory. The importance of brown mosses was revealed by paleoecological analysis. Overall, findings from both approaches are complementary: paleoecological stratigraphy informs us about past ecosystem dynamics, while present-day inventories allow us to define current plant communities and their major environmental characteristics. The range of variability of vegetation and environmental variables found in these studies are essential tools for fen restoration projects.
Myrcene, an Aromatic Volatile Compound, Ameliorates Human Skin Extrinsic Aging via Regulation of MMPs Production
Authors: Hwang Eunson , Ngo Hien T. T. , Park Bom , Seo Seul-A , Yang Jung-Eun , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: June 2017

Myrcene is an aromatic volatile compound that is commercially well-known as a flavor ingredient in the food industry and a fragrance in the soap and detergent industry. Given the worldwide interest in natural antiphotoaging products, we investigated the protective effects of myrcene in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). NHDFs were subjected to 144[Formula: see text]mJ/cm2of UVB irradiation. The expression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor (TGF-[Formula: see text]1) and type I procollagen were examined. We showed that myrcene decreased the production of ROS, MMP-1, MMP-3, and IL-6, and increased TGF-[Formula: see text]1 and type I procollagen secretions. Furthermore, myrcene treatment (0.1–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M) dramatically reduced the activation of MAPK-related signaling molecules such as p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK and AP-1 including p-c-Jun and p-c-Fos. Our data indicate that myrcene has a potential protective effect on UVB-induced human skin photoaging. Therefore, myrcene might have applications in the skincare industry.
How Ordinary Consumers Make Complex Economic Decisions: Financial Literacy and Retirement Readiness
Authors: Lusardi Annamaria , Mitchell Olivia S.
Published: June 2017

This paper explores who is financially literate, whether people accurately perceive their own economic decision-making skills, and where these skills come from. Self-assessed and objective measures of financial literacy can be linked to consumers’ efforts to plan for retirement in the American Life Panel, and causal relationships with retirement planning examined by exploiting information about respondent financial knowledge acquired in school. Results show that those with more advanced financial knowledge are those more likely to be retirement-ready.
The geology of geomechanics: petroleum geomechanical engineering in field development planning
Authors: Addis M. A.
Published: June 2017

The application of geomechanics to oil and gas field development leads to significant improvements in the economic performance of the asset. The geomechanical issues that affect field development start at the exploration stage and continue to affect appraisal and development decisions all the way through to field abandonment. Field developments now use improved static reservoir characterization, which includes both the mechanical properties of the field and the initial stress distribution over the field, along with numerical reservoir modelling to assess the dynamic stress evolution that accompanies oil and gas production, or fluid injection, into the reservoirs.

Characterizing large volumes of rock in the subsurface for geomechanical analysis is accompanied by uncertainty resulting from the low core sampling rates of around 1 part per trillion (ppt) for geomechanical properties and due to the remote geophysical and petrophysical techniques used to construct field models. However, some uncertainties also result from theoretical simplifications used to describe the geomechanical behaviour of the geology.

This paper provides a brief overview of geomechanical engineering applied to petroleum field developments. Select case studies are used to highlight how detailed geological knowledge improves the geomechanical characterization and analysis of field developments. The first case study investigates the stress regimes present in active fault systems and re-evaluates the industry's interpretation of Andersonian stress states of faulting. The second case study discusses how the stress magnitudes and, potentially, stress regimes can change as a result of production and pore pressure depletion in an oil or gas field. The last case study addresses the geomechanical characterization of reservoirs, showing how subtle changes in geological processes are manifested in significant variations in strength. The studies presented here illustrate how the timely application of petroleum geomechanical engineering can significantly enhance field development, including drilling performance, infill drilling, completion design, production and recovery.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Status among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Biset Ayalew Mohammed , Adugna Horsa Boressa
Published: June 2017

Background. Even though health professionals (HPs) need special consideration for hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, this is not widely implemented in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to determine the vaccination status of health professionals against hepatitis B virus infection, to identify barriers to vaccination and to identify factors associated with vaccination status. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to 15, 2016. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 21. A test of association was done using binary logistic regression and P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Out of 286 HPs included in the study 28.7% received full course vaccination against HBV. The most frequently mentioned reasons for not being vaccinated against HBV are unavailability of the vaccine (58.2%) and its cost (18.5%). Age, marital status, level of education, and type of profession have significant association with vaccination status. Conclusion. HBV coverage among HPs in Gondar University Hospital (GUH) is inadequate. This is mostly due to unavailability of the vaccine and its cost. Vaccination status significantly varies based on level of education, type of profession, age, and marital status. We recommend making vaccines available and accessible.
A Deep Morphological Characterization and Comparison of Different Dental Restorative Materials
Authors: Condò R. , Cerroni L. , Pasquantonio G. , Mancini M. , Pecora A. , Convertino A. , Mussi V. , Rinaldi A. , Maiolo L.
Published: June 2017

Giomer is a relatively new class of restorative material with aesthetics, handling and physical properties of composite resins, and benefits of glass ionomers: high radiopacity, antiplaque effect, fluoride release, and recharge. To verify the superior properties of Giomers, in this study, a deep morphological characterization has been performed with an in vitro comparative study among a Giomer (Beautifil® II by Shofu Dental Corporation, Osaka, Japan), a Compomer (Dyract Extra by Dentsply, Caulk, Germany), glass ionomer cement (Ketac fil plus by 3M ESPE), and a composite resin (Tetric Evoceram by Ivoclar). In particular, mechanical and optical properties and ageing effects have been compared to investigate materials similarities and differences. Indentation tests, UV-Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and weight loss after storage in saliva or sugary drink have been carried out to analyze materials behavior in real conditions. The results confirm the high quality of Giomer material and indicate possible improvements in their usage.
Parafoveal OCT Angiography Features in Diabetic Patients without Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Goudot Mathilde M. , Sikorav Anne , Semoun Oudy , Miere Alexandra , Jung Camille , Courbebaisse Blandine , Srour Mayer , Freiha Joseph G. , Souied Eric H.
Published: June 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the capacity of OCT angiography (OCTA) for detecting infraclinical lesions in parafoveal capillaries in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods. This prospective observational cross-sectional case-control study analyzed the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) on macular OCTA scans (3 × 3 mm) centered on the fovea. We compared 22 diabetic patients (34 eyes included) without DR diagnosis on color fundus photographs, with 22 age- and gender-matched nondiabetic controls (40 eyes included). Qualitative analysis concerned morphological ischemic capillary alterations. Quantitative analysis measured foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size, parafoveal capillary density, and enlargement coefficient of FAZ between SCP and DCP.Results. Neither the qualitative nor quantitative parameters were significantly different between both groups. No microaneurysms or venous tortuosity was observed in any of the analyzed images. On the SCP, the mean FAZ area was 0.322 ± 0.125 mm2in diabetic patients and 0.285 ± 0.150 mm2in controls,P=0.31. On the DCP, the mean FAZ area was 0.444 ± 0.153 mm2in cases and 0.398 ± 0.138 mm2in controls,P=0.20.Conclusion. OCTA did not detect infraclinical qualitative or quantitative differences in parafoveal capillaries of diabetic patients without DR in comparison with nondiabetic controls.
Emodin: One Main Ingredient of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule Reverses Chemoresistance of Lung Cancer Cells Through Inhibition of EMT
Authors: Ying Yuan , Qingwu Liao , Mingming Xue , Zhenju Song , Chaoyang Tong , Zhengang Tao
Published: June 2017

Background: Chemoresistance has become a an important worldwide problem to cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanism of drug resistance is the key to solve this problem and improve the survival of the patient. Doxorubicin and its analogues are widely used as antitumor drugs but many doxorubicin resistant cases have been identified in recent years. Doxorubicin (Dox) resistance is a very serious phenomenon in lung cancer treatment. As we could show previously, Shufeng Jiedu Capsule (SFJDC) can effectively reverse H69AR cells resistance to Dox, thus, the present study was designed to explore the mechanism underlying the effects of the main ingredient Emodin on chemosensitivity of H69AR cells to Dox. Methods: First, the growth inhibition rate of lung cancer cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) was determined by MTT. Then, the resistance-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of H69AR cells was examined by western blot and the effect of Emodin on Twist, Snail or Slug was assayed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The activation of NF-kappa B was assayed by Western blot. Proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of H69AR cells induced by Twist, Snail and Slug were also assayed by flow cytometry and transwell chamber. Results: The results showed that after administration of Dox (10µM) with different concentrations of Emodin, the cells exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition action to H69AR cells at 48 hours. H69AR induced the expression of Twist, Snail, and Slug when compared with Dox-sensitive H69 cells. The expression of Twist, Snail, and Slug can be effectively inhibited by combination of Dox and Emodin. The reversal of resistance was associated with the inhibition of NF-kappa B. Twist, Snail and Slug promoted proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited apoptosis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Emodin can effectively reverse the resistance of H69AR to Dox, an effect paralleled by inhibition of EMT, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion.
Aron e a baleia: um Jonas na teoria das relações internacionais?
Authors: Passos Rodrigo Duarte Fernandes dos
Published: June 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é situar parte do debate da teoria das relações internacionais envolvendo “tradicionalistas” ou “clássicos” versus “behavioristas” ou “modernos”, tendo como ponto de partida a teoria de Raymond Aron, à luz de parâmetros da Filosofia da Ciência formulados por Popper e Kuhn
Para compreender as políticas públicas: uma leitura introdutória
Authors: Penko Caio
Published: June 2017

O campo de saber das políticas públicas tem se consagrado como lócus de discussão de notória centralidade para debater grandes questões sociais, econômicas e ambientais que perpassam entre as mais diversas problemáticas, tais como a área da educação, saúde, habitação, entre outras, que exemplificam a importância da abordagem adotada pelo estudo das políticas públicas para se compreender com mais clareza os limites e possibilidades de intervenção do Estado. É neste cenário que a professora da Universidade de São Paulo, Dra. Marta M. Assumpção Rodrigues, se propõe a traçar os caminhos de seu livro intitulado Políticas Públicas, editado pela Publifolha em 2010 – Coleção Folha Explica. Dito isso, a presente resenha tem como objetivo primordial apresentar brevemente as características centrais da publicação em questão, tratando do panorama histórico-institucional e teórico do campo das políticas públicas, contemplando as diversas interfaces que tal empreitada requer
O horário eleitoral gratuito na televisão e o padrão das coligações em eleições majoritárias municipais
Authors: Dantas Humberto
Published: June 2017

O Horário Eleitoral Gratuito é uma forma de financiamento de campanhas que, segundo a Ciência Política, tem peso significativo no estabelecimento das estratégias dos partidos políticos. Assim, com vistas a aumentar seus respectivos tempos de exposição no rádio e na televisão, os partidos se coligam. O argumento é bastante verificável nos planos estaduais e federal. Mas e nos municípios? Em cidades com retransmissora das três maiores empresas de TV do Brasil - Globo, Record e SBT - os partidos se comportam de forma diferente no que diz respeito à presença local, lançamento de candidatos e estabelecimento de alianças eleitorais? O presente artigo parte da hipótese central de que sim, existem diferenças estratégicas que diferenciam as 163 cidades onde as antenas das principais emissoras estão instaladas das demais
Desvendando os Mistérios do Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson: o Retorno
Authors: Paranhos Ranulfo , Figueiredo Filho Dalson Britto , Rocha Enivaldo Carvalho da , Silva Júnior José Alexandre Da , Neves Jorge Alexandre Barbosa , Santos Manoel Leonardo Wanderley Duarte
Published: June 2017

O principal objetivo desse trabalho é aprofundar a discussão a respeito do conceito de correlação de Pearson. Para tanto, apresentamos as suas propriedades, aplicações e limites. Metodologicamente, utilizamos simulação básica para demonstrar como a presença de outliers pode tanto ocultar correlações reais quanto forjar associações inexistentes. Além disso, discutimos os perigos analíticos das correlações espúrias. Com esse artigo esperamos facilitar não só a interpretação, mas também a utilização da técnica de correlação na Ciência Política
A utilização das plataformas de redes sociais nas prefeituras do Estado da Paraíba
Authors: Santos Rodolpho Raphael de Oliveira
Published: June 2017

A sociedade vive um novo tempo com a proliferação dos sites de redes sociais. Nesse sentido, há um envolto nesta dinâmica e ao mesmo tempo um processo de metanóia que proporciona a reconfiguração do modelo de comunicação governamental a partir da web. Tal modelo faz com que a administração pública se torne ainda mais transparente e ao mesmo tempo eficaz, proporcionando assim, o cumprimento dos anseios sociais pela democratização e transparência das informações. Este artigo tem como objetivo verificar e analisar a estrutura de comunicação governamental das prefeituras do Estado da Paraíba no Facebook e, portanto, como disponibilizam informação e dialogam com a sociedade por meio deste canal. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, com coleta de dados documental. Tais análises evidenciam dados no que se refere à forma que as assessorias conduzem a comunicação em virtude da falta de planejamento e diversos outros fatores, suscitando assim, um vácuo no processo de democratização da informação
Using Hadoop MapReduce for Parallel Genetic Algorithms: A Comparison of the Global, Grid and Island Models
Authors: Ferrucci Filomena , Salza Pasquale , Sarro Federica
Published: June 2017

The need to improve the scalability of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) has motivated the research on Parallel Genetic Algorithms (PGAs), and different technologies and approaches have been used. Hadoop MapReduce represents one of the most mature technologies to develop parallel algorithms. Based on the fact that parallel algorithms introduce communication overhead, the aim of the present work is to understand if, and possibly when, the parallel GAs solutions using Hadoop MapReduce show better performance than sequential versions in terms of execution time. Moreover, we are interested in understanding which PGA model can be most effective among the global, grid, and island models. We empirically assessed the performance of these three parallel models with respect to a sequential GA on a software engineering problem, evaluating the execution time and the achieved speedup. We also analysed the behaviour of the parallel models in relation to the overhead produced by the use of Hadoop MapReduce and the GAs' computational effort, which gives a more machine-independent measure of these algorithms. We exploited three problem instances to differentiate the computation load and three cluster configurations based on 2, 4, and 8 parallel nodes. Moreover, we estimated the costs of the execution of the experimentation on a potential cloud infrastructure, based on the pricing of the major commercial cloud providers. The empirical study revealed that the use of PGA based on the island model outperforms the other parallel models and the sequential GA for all the considered instances and clusters. Using 2, 4, and 8 nodes, the island model achieves an average speedup over the three datasets of 1.8, 3.4, and 7.0 times, respectively. Hadoop MapReduce has a set of different constraints that need to be considered during the design and the implementation of parallel algorithms. The overhead of data store (i.e., HDFS) accesses, communication, and latency requires solutions that reduce data store operations. For this reason, the island model is more suitable for PGAs than the global and grid model, also in terms of costs when executed on a commercial cloud provider.
Umbrellas of Conservative Belief: Explaining the Success of Evangelical Congregations in the Netherlands
Authors: Vermeer Paul , Scheepers Peer
Published: June 2017

Dutch society is characterized by a high degree of religious dis-affiliation and non-affiliation and most religious communities are facing hard times in the Netherlands. But there are also exceptions. Against the contemporary current of ongoing secularization, some religious communities seem to thrive like never before and even attract new members. But why is that? Why do some religious communities succeed in retaining and also attracting new members while others fail? This article focuses on successful evangelical congregations in the Netherlands and tries to account for their relative success. On the basis of a subcultural identity theory, it is argued that the success of evangelical congregations is largely due to the fact that they offer protective umbrellas of conservative belief in an otherwise very secular context. This line of thought is substantiated with empirical findings from a current research project into thriving evangelical congregations in the Netherlands. The article closes with some theoretical reflections on the future of evangelicalism in contemporary Dutch society.
The International Economy of Children’s Rights: Issues in Translation
Authors: I’Anson John , Quennerstedt Ann , Robinson Carol
Published: June 2017

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (uncrc) is an international legal text that necessitates multiple translations into national policy contexts if it is to become mobilised within professional practice. The aim of this paper is to foreground this process of translation and to identify some of the limitations inherent within present mobilisations of the uncrc. On the basis of this diagnosis, we then raise a series of ethical considerations that might inform a more critical and open-ended approach.

We characterise current approaches to mobilising the uncrc as an international economy of rights and we represent this diagrammatically. This economy, we contend, involves multiple translations of the uncrc text into a series of performative demands to which adults become accountable in situations of professional practice with children and young people.

We then critically analyse this economy as presently instituted and point to a number of inherent limitations. We argue that a failure to address the issue of translation from legal text to relational practice has led to a technical resolution. The potential challenge of the uncrc as an authoritative text of critique is further weakened by the promotion of a consensus thinking that privileges agreement over the complexities associated with ethical thinking. In the light of this critique, the paper identifies new lines of questioning to inform debate concerning how a children’s rights agenda might be refracted differently in future.
The Best Interests of the Child in Cases of Migration
Authors: Kalverboer Margrite , Beltman Daan , van Os Carla , Zijlstra Elianne
Published: June 2017

The best interests of the child principle has a legal base in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2013, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child published guidelines on the implementation of the best interests of the child in General Comment No. 14. Together with the Best Interest of the Child Method, which is developed by Zijlstra et al. (2012), this framework offers a valuable tool for decision-making processes concerning children, in particular, in this review’s context, in migration procedures. In the assessment of the best interests of children who are forcibly migrated, special attention has to be given to risk factors associated with the different phases in the migration process that may harm their mental health, well-being and development. This requires knowledge based on academic studies and
the involvement of professionals who have knowledge of children’s mental health and development.
On the status of Rossmaessleria scherzeri scherzeri (Zelebor in Pfeiffer & Zelebor, 1867) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae)
Authors: NEIBER MARCO T.
Published: June 2017

The genus Rossmaessleria Hesse, 1907, belonging to a mainly North African radiation of land snails assigned to the tribe Otalini (Helicidae: Helicinae, see Razkin et al. 2015 and Neiber & Hausdorf 2015) has recently been subject to two independent revisions (Walther et al. 2016; Torres Alba et al. 2016). Torres Alba et al. (2016) provided a detailed re-description of the type species of Rossmaessleria, R. scherzeri (Zelebor in Pfeiffer & Zelebor, 1867), including an anatomical investigation. Additionally, Torres Alba et al. (2016) provided new data on several Moroccan taxa belonging to the genus, e.g. R. tetuanensis (Kobelt, 1881) and R. olcesei (Pallary, 1899). Walther et al. (2016) revised the taxa included in Rossmaessleria on the basis of an examination of all available type material and newly collected specimens and described several, conchologically distinct new taxa. These authors also examined genital anatomy, conducted phylogenetic analyses on the basis of mitochondrial sequences and used species delimitation approaches based on their molecular data, concluding that several conchologically distinct lineages can be recognized in Rossmaessleria, but that anatomical and genetic differentiation does not support the recognition of distinct species in the genus. This result was further corroborated by the presence, although infrequent, of conchologically intermediate forms between some of the Rossmaessleria taxa. Accordingly, Walther et al. (2016) recognized only a single species, R. scherzeri, with 11 subspecies, which are geographically restricted to isolated limestone ranges or outcrops in the western parts of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco (ten subspecies) and to the Rock of Gibraltar, from where the nominotypical subspecies was described (Zelebor in Pfeiffer & Zelebor 1867).
Bores Observed during IHOP_2002: The Relationship of Bores to the Nocturnal Environment
Authors: Haghi Kevin R. , Parsons David B. , Shapiro Alan
Published: June 2017

This study documents atmospheric bores and other convergent boundaries in the southern Great Plains’ nocturnal environment during the IHOP_2002 summer campaign. Observational evidence demonstrates that convective outflows routinely generate bores. Statistically resampled flow regimes, derived from an adaptation of hydraulic theory, agree well with observations. Specifically, convective outflows within the observed environments are likely to produce a partially blocked flow regime, which is a favorable condition for generating a bore. Once a bore develops, the direction of movement generally follows the orientation of the bulk shear vector between the nose of the nocturnal low-level jet and a height of 1.5 or 2.5 km AGL. This relationship is believed to be a consequence of wave trapping through the curvature of the horizontal wind with respect to height. This conclusion comes after analyzing the profile of the Scorer parameter. Overall, these findings provide an impetus for future investigations aimed at understanding and predicting nocturnal deep convection over this region.
Spectroscopic Methods for Quantifying Gabapentin: Framing the Methods without Derivatization and Application to Different Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Fonseca Frederico , Brito de Barros Ricardo , Ilharco Laura M. , Garcia Ana R.
Published: June 2017

This work aimed at analyzing the performance of direct spectroscopic methods for the quantification of gabapentin (GABAp), given the lack of previous studies, in comparison with the more reviewed and complex derivatization techniques, discussing their susceptibility to the pharmaceutical formulations. All of the methods analyzed showed high selectivity for this pharmaceutical analyte, with recoveries close to 100%. Absorption spectroscopy without derivatization yielded better sensitivity and lower limits of detection and quantification of gabapentin in aqueous solution (AqSol method) when compared with other solvents, such as acidic solution or ethanol/water mixture. Derivatization with sodium hypochlorite presented the highest precision, whereas derivatization with vanillin exhibited the highest accuracy. The best method for GABAp quantification in terms of highest sensitivity, lowest limits of detection, and quantification, and also with good precision and accuracy, proved to be fluorescence with derivatization by 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan. The effect of the pharmaceutical formulation (nature of excipients) was tested for the most robust and sensitive methods, with and without derivatization, on capsules of five commercial brands. Recoveries in the range of 97.9–101.5% proved that there are no matrix interfering effects. Although not presenting the best performance in all the parameters evaluated, the AqSol method, due to its simplicity, proved to be suitable for the quantification of GABAp in capsules and tables containing the molecule as the active ingredient.