bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infiltration of a facultative ant–plant mutualism by the introduced Argentine ant: effects on mutualist diversity and mutualism benefits
Authors: LUDKA JOHN , LEVAN KATHERINE E. , HOLWAY DAVID A.
Published: April 2015

1. Ant–plant mutualisms have been the focus of considerable empirical research, but few studies have investigated how introduced ants affect these interactions. Using 2 years of survey data, this study examines how the introduced Argentine ant [Linepithema humile (Mayr)] differs from native ants with respect to its ability to protect the extrafloral nectary‐bearing coast barrel cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) in Southern California.

2. Eighteen native ant species visited cacti in uninvaded areas, but cacti in invaded areas were primarily visited by the Argentine ant. The main herbivore of the coast barrel cactus present at the study sites is a leaf‐footed bug (Narnia wilsoni).

3. Herbivore presence (the fraction of surveys in which leaf‐footed bugs were present on individual cacti) was negatively related to ant presence (the fraction of surveys in which ants were present on individual cacti). Compared with cacti in uninvaded areas, those in invaded areas were less likely to have herbivores and when they did had them less often.

4. Seed mass was negatively related to herbivore presence, and this relationship did not differ for cacti in invaded areas versus those in uninvaded areas.

5. Although the Argentine ant might provide superior protection from herbivores, invasion‐induced reductions in ant mutualist diversity could potentially compromise plant reproduction. The cumulative number of ant species on individual cacti over time was lower in invaded areas and was associated with a shortened seasonal duration of ant protection and reduced seed mass. These results support the hypothesis that multiple partners may enhance mutualism benefits.
Natural reversal of tooth discoloration and pulpal response to testing following removal of a miniscrew implant for orthodontic anchorage: a case report
Authors: Qin Y. J. , Zhang G. D. , Zhang Y. , Ping Y. F. , Zhao C. Y.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To highlight the reversal of signs suggesting pulpal necrosis following removal of a mini‐implant without endodontic intervention.

A 23‐year‐old woman presented with a class III malocclusion, with crowded and malformed teeth and excessive gingival display. During orthodontic treatment, a Tomas orthodontic miniscrew was placed between the root apices of the maxillary central incisors. This was carried out by an orthodontic specialist who had treated more than 700 patients (with more than 2000 mini‐implants) over the past 9 years. After 2 weeks of treatment, the right maxillary central incisor discoloured and did not respond to electrical pulp tests (EPT) but was sensitive to endo‐ice. The miniscrew was removed under local anaesthesia. Teeth 11 and 21 were fixed with ligation wire, and glass–ionomer cement (GIC) was added to the occlusal surfaces of the first and second maxillary molars to heighten the occlusion and disclude the maxillary anterior teeth. After 4 months, the colour and pulp reactions to EPT and endo‐ice of tooth 11 returned to normal. Because the use of a miniscrew had appeared to damage the pulp, subsequent a conservative orthodontic treatment using, traditional ‘J’ hooks was used and achieved satisfactory results. After 23 months of orthodontic treatment, the treatment was complete and a 15‐month follow‐up showed a successful outcome.
The philosophy and practice of training and development: the case of the Jordanian electricity sector
Authors: Ensour Waed Abdel Razzaq , Kharabsheh Radwan Alyan
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to gain an understanding of training and development (T&D) as a philosophy and practice in Jordanian electricity companies and to explore factors that shape T&D. Data were gathered through in‐depth interviews, observation and document analysis. Results indicate that T&D was interpreted in terms of learning, was development focused and emphasized a utilitarian outlook. The T&D role was perceived as being ‘instrumental’, showing an inclination towards a functionalist philosophical perspective. T&D activities were found to have a reactive role, designed to meet particular or short‐term needs. Findings support the general argument proposed in the human resource development literature about the role of T&D philosophy in guiding actions, but also indicate that the way of thinking about T&D is shaped through the prism of ‘situation needs’ and T&D ‘utility’. Furthermore, this study argues that the perceptions, understanding and application of T&D are shaped in the crucible of industry and organizational internal specification.
Travailleurs et mouvements sociaux dans le monde en développement: il faut revoir le champ des relations professionnelles
Authors: SEN Ratna , LEE Chang‐Hee
Published: April 2015

Dans un contexte de déclin des institutions traditionnelles des relations professionnelles dans les économies postfordistes, les auteurs examinent les mouvements qui apparaissent face à la mondialisation pour défendre les travailleurs des pays en développement, notamment en Asie. Depuis les luttes identifiées comme marxiennes en Chine jusqu'aux formes les plus variées de représentation et de protestation observées en Inde, ces mouvements appellent une approche plus inclusive des relations professionnelles, dans la pratique comme dans la recherche. L'avenir sera façonné par la rencontre des réformes venant du sommet et des mouvements sociaux spontanés qui comblent le vide existant en matière de représentation.
Trust and truth: uncertainty in health care practice
Authors: Tyreman Stephen
Published: April 2015

Uncertainty is the ubiquitous presence across health care. It is usually understood in terms of decision making, ‘knowing’ the correct diagnosis or understanding how the human body works. Using the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Georges Canguilhem and Tim Ingold, I outline a story of journeying and habitation, and argue that while uncertainty for practitioners may be about enhancing theoretical knowledge, for patients it is about knowing how to act in a taken‐for‐granted and largely unconscious way in a world that has become uncertain, and in which the main tool of action, the human body, no longer functions with the certainty it once had. In this situation, the role of the practitioner is first and foremost to recognize the uncertainty that has emerged in the patient's ‘habitation’ and to reassure them by enabling them to have a new or restored confidence in their body so that they can act with certainty.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease predicts type 2 diabetes mellitus, but not prediabetes, in Xi'an, China: a five‐year cohort study
Authors: Ming Jie , Xu Shaoyong , Gao Bin , Liu Guocai , Ji Yufei , Yang Fan , Jia Yunan , Fang Yujie , Ji Qiuhe
Published: April 2015

Background & Aims

Emerging studies have focused the association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but the results were inconsistent. In addition, few studies have put focus on the association between NAFLD and the risk of prediabetes. We aimed to investigate whether NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography could predict the risk of future T2DM and prediabetes in Chinese population.

Methods

The population‐based cohort study held in Xi'an, Northwestern China, was based on China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Survey. During a follow‐up of 5 years, 508 healthy subjects were included as study sample. NAFLD was determined by abdominal ultrasonography. T2DM and prediabetes were diagnosed based on oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

Of 508 subjects, 97 (19.1%) were diagnosed as NAFLD and 411 (80.9%) were as non‐NAFLD; 20 (3.9%) developed diabetes and 85 (16.7%) developed prediabetes during follow‐up. The incidence of diabetes and prediabetes in the NAFLD group was 20.6 and 51.6 per 1000 person‐years, respectively, whereas that in non‐NAFLD group was 4.9 and 29.2 per 1000 person‐years respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the multivariable‐adjusted relative risk (RR) of T2DM and prediabetes in the NAFLD group was 4.462 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.855–10.734, P < 0.001] and 1.642 (95% CI: 0.965–2.793, P = 0.067), respectively, compared with non‐NAFLD group.

Conclusions

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was a significant predictor for future diabetes, but not for prediabetes, in Xi'an, China. More cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Factors Related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in College Men
Authors: Ratanasiripong Nop Thodsama
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To examine the vaccination rate and identify factors influencing HPV vaccination among college men.

Design and Sample

This cross‐sectional study, guided by Theory of Planned Behavior, was conducted with a convenience sample of college males (18–26 years of age). A web‐based survey was sent to 3,300 students attending a public university in California.

Measures

The questionnaire used in the study—HPV/HPV vaccine‐related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors—was adapted from a prior study conducted among college women. Demographic and sexual history information was also obtained.

Results

Four hundred and ten respondents were qualified for analysis. HPV vaccination rate was approximately 11.8%. Overall, young men had quite low HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge. Both nonvaccinees (n = 48) and vaccinees (n = 141) had positive attitudes toward the HPV vaccine, including mandating vaccination. Knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine were not directly associated with the outcomes of vaccination status and intention. Both outcomes could be predicted by the attitude toward getting vaccinated against HPV. Intention was also predicted by subjective norm.

Conclusion

Interventions to increase the vaccination rate should focus on creating positive attitude toward getting vaccinated against HPV through behavioral beliefs. Increasing the subjective norm will be beneficial.
Right‐frontal cortical asymmetry predicts increased proneness to nostalgia
Authors: Tullett Alexa M. , Wildschut Tim , Sedikides Constantine , Inzlicht Michael
Published: April 2015

Nostalgia is often triggered by feelings—such as sadness, loneliness, or meaninglessness—that are typically associated with withdrawal motivation. Here, we examined whether a trait tendency to experience withdrawal motivation is associated with nostalgia proneness. Past work indicates that baseline right‐frontal cortical asymmetry is a neural correlate of withdrawal‐related motivation. We therefore hypothesized that higher baseline levels of right‐frontal asymmetry would predict increased proneness to nostalgia. We assessed participants' baseline levels of frontal cortical activity using EEG. Results supported the hypothesis and demonstrated that the association between relative right‐frontal asymmetry and increased nostalgia remained significant when controlling for the Big Five personality traits. Overall, these findings indicate that individuals with a stronger dispositional tendency to experience withdrawal‐related motivation are more prone to nostalgia.
Evidence on feasibility and effective use of mHealth strategies by frontline health workers in developing countries: systematic review
Authors: Agarwal Smisha , Perry Henry B. , Long Lesley‐Anne , Labrique Alain B.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Given the large‐scale adoption and deployment of mobile phones by health services and frontline health workers (FHW), we aimed to review and synthesise the evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile‐based services for healthcare delivery.

Methods

Five databases – MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Google Scholar and Scopus – were systematically searched for relevant peer‐reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2013. Data were extracted and synthesised across three themes as follows: feasibility of use of mobile tools by FHWs, training required for adoption of mobile tools and effectiveness of such interventions.

Results

Forty‐two studies were included in this review. With adequate training, FHWs were able to use mobile phones to enhance various aspects of their work activities. Training of FHWs to use mobile phones for healthcare delivery ranged from a few hours to about 1 week. Five key thematic areas for the use of mobile phones by FHWs were identified as follows: data collection and reporting, training and decision support, emergency referrals, work planning through alerts and reminders, and improved supervision of and communication between healthcare workers. Findings suggest that mobile based data collection improves promptness of data collection, reduces error rates and improves data completeness. Two methodologically robust studies suggest that regular access to health information via SMS or mobile‐based decision‐support systems may improve the adherence of the FHWs to treatment algorithms. The evidence on the effectiveness of the other approaches was largely descriptive and inconclusive.

Conclusions

Use of mHealth strategies by FHWs might offer some promising approaches to improving healthcare delivery; however, the evidence on the effectiveness of such strategies on healthcare outcomes is insufficient.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CAVERNOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE OBSTRUCTED PORTAL VEIN IN SMALL ANIMALS
Authors: Specchi Swan , Pey Pascaline , Ledda Gianluca , Lustgarten Meghann , Thrall Donald , Bertolini Giovanna
Published: April 2015

In humans, the process of development of collateral vessels with hepatopetal flow around the portal vein in order to bypass an obstruction is called “cavernous transformation of the portal vein.” The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional, multicentric study was to describe presumed cavernous transformation of the portal vein in small animals with portal vein obstruction using ultrasound and multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT). Databases from three different institutions were searched for patients with an imaging diagnosis of cavernous transformation of the portal vein secondary to portal vein obstruction of any cause. Images were retrieved and reanalyzed. With MDCT‐angiography, two main portoportal collateral pathways were identified: short tortuous portoportal veins around/inside the thrombus and long portoportal collaterals bypassing the site of portal obstruction. Three subtypes of the long collaterals, often coexisting, were identified. Branches of the hepatic artery where involved in collateral circulation in nine cases. Concomitant acquired portosystemic shunts were identified in six patients. With ultrasound, cavernous transformation of the portal vein was suspected in three dogs and one cat based on visualization of multiple and tortuous vascular structures corresponding to periportal collaterals. In conclusion, the current study provided descriptive MDCT and ultrasonographic characteristics of presumed cavernous transformation of the portal vein in a sample of small animals. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein could occur as a single condition or could be concurrent with acquired portosystemic shunts.
Structural Analysis of Aquaculture Nets: Comparison and Validation of Different Numerical Modeling Approaches
Authors: Moe-Føre Heidi , Christian Endresen Per , Gunnar Aarsæther Karl , Jensen Jørgen , Føre Martin , Kristiansen David , Fredheim Arne , Lader Pål , Reite Karl-Johan
Published: April 2015

The performance of three different numerical methods were compared and evaluated against data from physical model tests of nets subjected to a static load due to water currents. A parameter study of a simplified net cage model subjected to a steady flow was performed by all methods, varying the net solidity and the flow velocity. The three numerical methods applied models based on springs, trusses, or triangular finite elements. Hydrodynamic load calculations were based on the drag term in Morison's equation and the cross-flow principle. Different approaches to account for wake effects were applied. In general, the presented numerical methods should be able to calculate loads and deformations within acceptable tolerance limits for low to intermediate current flow velocities and net solidities, while numerical analyses of high solidity nets subjected to high current velocities tend to overpredict the drag loads acting on the structure. To accurately estimate hydrodynamic loads and structural response of net structures with high projected solidity, new knowledge and methods are needed.
Imaging a moving lung tumor with megavoltage cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Gayou Olivier , Colonias Athanasios
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

Respiratory motion may affect the accuracy of image guidance of radiation treatment of lung cancer. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image spans several breathing cycles, resulting in a blurred object with a theoretical size equal to the sum of tumor size and breathing motion. However, several factors may affect this theoretical relationship. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tumor motion on megavoltage (MV)‐CBCT images, by comparing target sizes on simulation and pretreatment images of a large cohort of lung cancer patients.

Methods:

Ninety‐three MV‐CBCT images from 17 patients were analyzed. Internal target volumes were contoured on each MV‐CBCT dataset [internal target volume (ITVCB)]. Their extent in each dimension was compared to that of two volumes contoured on simulation 4‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) images: the combination of the tumor contours of each phase of the 4D‐CT (ITV4D) and the volume contoured on the average CT calculated from the 4D‐CT phases (ITVave). Tumor size and breathing amplitude were assessed by contouring the tumor on each CBCT raw projection where it could be unambiguously identified. The effect of breathing amplitude on the quality of the MV‐CBCT image reconstruction was analyzed.

Results:

The mean differences between the sizes of ITVCB and ITV4D were −1.6 ± 3.3 mm (p < 0.001), −2.4 ± 3.1 mm (p < 0.001), and −7.2 ± 5.3 mm (p < 0.001) in the anterior/posterior (AP), left/right (LR), and superior/inferior (SI) directions, respectively, showing that MV‐CBCT underestimates the full target size. The corresponding mean differences between ITVCB and ITVave were 0.3 ± 2.6 mm (p = 0.307), 0.0 ± 2.4 mm (p = 0.86), and −4.0 ± 4.3 mm (p < 0.001), indicating that the average CT image is more representative of what is visible on MV‐CBCT in the AP and LR directions. In the SI directions, differences between ITVCB and ITVave could be separated into two groups based on tumor motion: −3.2 ± 3.2 mm for tumor motion less than 15 mm and −10.9 ± 6.3 mm for tumor motion greater than 15 mm. Deviations of measured target extents from their theoretical values derived from tumor size and motion were correlated with motion amplitude similarly for both MV‐CBCT and average CT images, suggesting that the two images were subject to similar motion artifacts for motion less than 15 mm.

Conclusions:

MV‐CBCT images are affected by tumor motion and tend to under‐represent the full target volume. For tumor motion up to 15 mm, the volume contoured on average CT is comparable to that contoured on the MV‐CBCT. Therefore, the average CT should be used in image registration for localization purposes, and the standard 5 mm PTV margin seems adequate. For tumor motion greater than 15 mm, an additional setup margin may need to be used to account for the increased uncertainty in tumor localization.
Moon-forming impact left scars in distant asteroids
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: April 2015

Planetary collision dated through analysis of meteorites.
Dawn of the dog
Authors: Grimm David
Published: April 2015

An unprecedented collaboration may solve one of the greatest mysteries of domestication.
The evolution of evolution
Eternal Ephemera Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond
Niles Eldredge
Columbia University Press, 2015. 398 pp.
Authors: Endersby Jim
Published: April 2015

Looking back at the theories that shaped modern evolutionary biology
Escape by dilution
Authors: Middelburg Jack J.
Published: April 2015

Dissolved organic matter in much of the deep ocean is too dilute to be consumed by microbes

[Also see Report by

Arrieta
et al.

]
Dogs hijack the human bonding pathway
Authors: MacLean Evan L. , Hare Brian
Published: April 2015

Oxytocin facilitates social connections between humans and dogs

[Also see Report by

Nagasawa
et al.

]
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Characterizations of Pichinde Viral Nucleoprotein Exoribonuclease Functions
Authors: Huang Qinfeng , Shao Junjie , Lan Shuiyun , Zhou Yanqin , Xing Junji , Dong Changjiang , Liang Yuying , Ly Hinh
Published: April 2015

Arenaviruses cause severe hemorrhagic fever diseases in humans, and there are limited preventative and therapeutic measures against these diseases. Previous structural and functional analyses of arenavirus nucleoproteins (NPs) revealed a conserved DEDDH exoribonuclease (RNase) domain that is important for type I interferon (IFN) suppression, but the biological roles of the NP RNase in viral replication and host immune suppression have not been well characterized. Infection of guinea pigs with Pichinde virus (PICV), a prototype arenavirus, can serve as a surrogate small animal model for arenavirus hemorrhagic fevers. In this report, we show that mutation of each of the five RNase catalytic residues of PICV NP diminishes the IFN suppression activity and slightly reduces the viral RNA replication activity. Recombinant PICVs with RNase catalytic mutations can induce high levels of IFNs and barely grow in IFN-competent A549 cells, in sharp contrast to the wild-type (WT) virus, while in IFN-deficient Vero cells, both WT and mutant viruses can replicate at relatively high levels. Upon infection of guinea pigs, the RNase mutant viruses stimulate strong IFN responses, fail to replicate productively, and can become WT revertants. Serial passages of the RNase mutants
in vitro
can also generate WT revertants. Thus, the NP RNase function is essential for the innate immune suppression that allows the establishment of a productive early viral infection, and it may be partly involved in the process of viral RNA replication.

IMPORTANCE
Arenaviruses, such as Lassa, Lujo, and Machupo viruses, can cause severe and deadly hemorrhagic fever diseases in humans, and there are limited preventative and treatment options against these diseases. Development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs depends on a better mechanistic understanding of the conserved arenavirus proteins in viral infection. The nucleoprotein (NPs) of all arenaviruses carry a unique exoribonuclease (RNase) domain that has been shown to be critical for the suppression of type I interferons. However, the functional roles of the NP RNase in arenavirus replication and host immune suppression have not been characterized systematically. Using a prototype arenavirus, Pichinde virus (PICV), we characterized the viral growth and innate immune suppression of recombinant RNase-defective mutants in both cell culture and guinea pig models. Our study suggests that the NP RNase plays an essential role in the suppression of host innate immunity, and possibly in viral RNA replication, and that it can serve as a novel target for developing antiviral drugs against arenavirus pathogens.
Mathematical modelling in tobacco control research: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Feirman Shari , Donaldson Elisabeth , Pearson Jennifer , Zawistowski Grace , Niaura Ray , Glasser Allison , Villanti Andrea C
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Tobacco control researchers have recently become more interested in systems science methods and mathematical modelling techniques as a means to understand how complex inter-relationships among various factors translate into population-level summaries of tobacco use prevalence and its associated medical and social costs. However, there is currently no resource that provides an overview of how mathematical modelling has been used in tobacco control research. This review will provide a summary of studies that employ modelling techniques to predict tobacco-related outcomes. It will also propose a conceptual framework for grouping existing modelling studies by their objectives.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review that is informed by Cochrane procedures, as well as guidelines developed for reviews that are specifically intended to inform policy and programme decision-making. We will search 5 electronic databases to identify studies that use a mathematical model to project a tobacco-related outcome. An online data extraction form will be developed based on the ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices. We will perform a qualitative synthesis of included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study. An initial paper, published in a peer-reviewed journal, will provide an overview of our findings. Subsequent papers will provide greater detail on results within each study objective category and an assessment of the risk of bias of these grouped studies.
Compassion and diversity: are we getting it right?
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: April 2015

Peter Jones believes that the veterinary profession could be doing more to look after its members at a personal level
Stability and failure mass of unsaturated heterogeneous slopes
Authors: Le Thi Minh Hue , Gallipoli Domenico , Sánchez Marcelo , Wheeler Simon
Published: April 2015

Rainfall infiltration in an unsaturated soil slope induces loss of suction (and even positive pore-water pressures), which can eventually lead to failure. This paper investigates the probability and the size of failure of an unsaturated slope with spatially variable void ratio, subjected to a constant intensity rainfall. The random finite element method is employed in conjunction with a Monte Carlo simulation to stochastically evaluate the factor of safety and the size of the sliding mass. The results indicate that the mean value and the variability of these two quantities depend on both correlation length and coefficient of variation of the void ratio field. This dependency is more prominent during the transient regime than at steady states. Notably, the factor of safety in some cases can be low but the corresponding sliding mass is relatively small, while in other instances, the factor of safety might remain large though the associated sliding mass is very sizeable. The correlation between the factor of safety and the size of the sliding mass shifts from positive to negative as the rainfall progresses. A simple quadrant plot is suggested to assess the risk associated with slope failure, taking into account both the factor of safety and the size of failure, rather than the factor of safety alone as it is usually the case. The study also demonstrates an application of a numerical approach to assess stability of geostructures composed of complex multiphase materials such as unsaturated soils or frozen soils.
Antimicrobial activities of Marcgraviaceae species and isolation of a naphthoquinone from Marcgravia nervosa (Marcgraviaceae)
Authors: Carballo-Arce Ana Francis , Ta Chieu Anh Kim , Rocha Marco Eduardo do Nascimento , Liu Rui , Harmsen Irene , Mogg Christopher D. , Otárola-Rojas Marco , Garcia Mario , Sanchez-Vindas Pablo , Poveda Luis , Subramaniam Rajagopal , Smith Myron L. , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora Coelho , Figueiredo Maria Raquel , Durst Tony , Arnason John T.
Published: April 2015

The Marcgraviaceae is a neotropical plant family of lianas and shrubs distributed throughout Central and South America, mainly in evergreen and semi-evergreen tropical forests. In this study, extracts of 12 Marcgraviaceae species were assessed for inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) in Chromobacterium violaceum, bacterial biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, and fungal growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Six species showed promising inhibitory activities in at least one of the three bioassays (Marcgravia nervosa Triana & Planch., Marcgravia polyantha Delp., Marcgravia schippii Standl., Marcgraviastrum subsessile (Benth.) Bedell, Schwartzia brasiliensis (Choisy) Bedell ex Gir-Cañas, and Schwartzia costaricensis (Gilg.) Bedell). Analyses of the crude extract of the leaves of Marcgravia nervosa using HPLC–APCI–MS showed the presence of five pentacyclic triterpenes: ursolic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), α–amyrin (4), β–amyrin (5), lupeol (6). Bioassay-guided fractionation of this plant resulted in the isolation and identification of 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) as the active principle with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 85–100 μmol·L−1 against Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 (haploid) and BY4743 (diploid).
Seesaw models with minimal flavor violation
Authors: He Xiao-Gang
Published: April 2015

In this talk, [Talk given at the International Conference on Massive Neutrinos, Singapore, 9–13 February 2015.] I discuss implementation of minimal flavor violation (MFV) in seesaw models based on work appeared in arXiv:1401.2615,1 arXiv:1404.44362 and arXiv:1411.6612.3 Phenomenological implications on flavor-changing interactions related to leptons are studied by considering some effective dimension-six operators. We also comment on how one of the new effective operators can induce flavor-changing dilepton decays of the Higgs boson.
Multi-cations doped LiVPO4F cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Rui , Sun Xiaofei , Xu Youlong , Teng Feng , Sun Gongyu , Chen Yanjun , Chen Guogang
Published: April 2015

The multi-cations doped LiVPO 4 F , nominally Li 0.97 Cr 0.01 V 0.95 Al 0.01 Nb 0.02 PO 4 F 0.97, is prepared by Chromium ( Cr ) doping on lithium site and Al – Nb co-doping on vanadium site via a conventional carbothermal reduction (CTR) route. The crystallographic lattice volume, particle size and morphology are not obviously changed comparing with un-doped LiVPO 4 F . However, the high rate and lifetime cycling performances are noticeably improved although the capacities at very low currents are slightly decreased. The reversible capacity at 1/10 C, 1 C, 2 C and 4 C of the pristine LiVPO 4 F is 143 mA h g-1, 99 mA h g-1, 86 mA h g-1 and 70 mA h g-1, respectively, while that of the doped counterpart is 138 mA h g-1, 102 mA h g-1, 95 mA h g-1 and 82 mA h g-1, respectively. The capacity retention after 100 galvanostatic cycles at 1.5 C is enhanced from 85.4% to 90.9% by such multi-cations doping. Moreover, the initial coulombic efficiency is significantly increased from 81.8% to 90.3% as well.
Acute sleep fragmentation induces tissue-specific changes in cytokine gene expression and increases serum corticosterone concentration
Authors: Dumaine Jennifer E. , Ashley Noah T.
Published: April 2015

Sleep deprivation induces acute inflammation and increased glucocorticosteroids in vertebrates, but effects from fragmented, or intermittent, sleep are poorly understood. Considering the latter is more representative of sleep apnea in humans, we investigated changes in proinflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β1) cytokine gene expression in the periphery (liver, spleen, fat, and heart) and brain (hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus) of a murine model exposed to varying intensities of sleep fragmentation (SF). Additionally, serum corticosterone was assessed. Sleep was disrupted in male C57BL/6J mice using an automated sleep fragmentation chamber that moves a sweeping bar at specified intervals (Lafayette Industries). Mice were exposed to bar sweeps every 20 s (high sleep fragmentation, HSF), 120 s (low sleep fragmentation, LSF), or the bar remained stationary (control). Trunk blood and tissue samples were collected after 24 h of SF. We predicted that HSF mice would exhibit increased proinflammatory expression, decreased anti-inflammatory expression, and elevated stress hormones in relation to LSF and controls. SF significantly elevated IL-1β gene expression in adipose tissue, heart (HSF only), and hypothalamus (LSF only) relative to controls. SF did not increase TNF-α expression in any of the tissues measured. HSF increased TGF-β1 expression in the hypothalamus and hippocampus relative to other groups. Serum corticosterone concentration was significantly different among groups, with HSF mice exhibiting the highest, LSF intermediate, and controls with the lowest concentration. This indicates that 24 h of SF is a potent inducer of inflammation and stress hormones in the periphery, but leads to upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the brain.
Quantifying feedforward control: a linear scaling model for fingertip forces and object weight
Authors: Lu Ying , Bilaloglu Seda , Aluru Viswanath , Raghavan Preeti
Published: April 2015

The ability to predict the optimal fingertip forces according to object properties before the object is lifted is known as feedforward control, and it is thought to occur due to the formation of internal representations of the object's properties. The control of fingertip forces to objects of different weights has been studied extensively by using a custom-made grip device instrumented with force sensors. Feedforward control is measured by the rate of change of the vertical (load) force before the object is lifted. However, the precise relationship between the rate of change of load force and object weight and how it varies across healthy individuals in a population is not clearly understood. Using sets of 10 different weights, we have shown that there is a log-linear relationship between the fingertip load force rates and weight among neurologically intact individuals. We found that after one practice lift, as the weight increased, the peak load force rate (PLFR) increased by a fixed percentage, and this proportionality was common among the healthy subjects. However, at any given weight, the level of PLFR varied across individuals and was related to the efficiency of the muscles involved in lifting the object, in this case the wrist and finger extensor muscles. These results quantify feedforward control during grasp and lift among healthy individuals and provide new benchmarks to interpret data from neurologically impaired populations as well as a means to assess the effect of interventions on restoration of feedforward control and its relationship to muscular control.
The Association between Serum Cytokines and Damage to Large and Small Nerve Fibers in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Magrinelli Francesca , Briani Chiara , Romano Marcello , Ruggero Susanna , Toffanin Elisabetta , Triolo Giuseppa , Peter George Chummar , Praitano Marialuigia , Lauriola Matteo Francesco , Zanette Giampietro , Tamburin Stefano
Published: April 2015

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a frequent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and may involve small and large peripheral nerve fibers. Recent evidence suggests a role of cytokines in DPN. The paper is aimed at exploring whether the serum concentration of cytokines is associated with small and large nerve fiber function and with neuropathic pain (NP). We recruited a group of 32 type 2 DM patients who underwent serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) dosage as well as electrodiagnostic and quantitative sensory testing (QST) assessment to explore damage to large and small nerve fibers. Raised serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 correlated with markers of large nerve fiber sensory and motor axonal damage. Raised IL-10 serum level was associated with signs of motor nerve demyelination. No differences were found in pain characteristics and electrodiagnostic and QST markers of small nerve fiber function in relation to cytokines serum levels. IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels were associated with large nerve fiber damage but not to small fibers function or NP. IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines might play a role in the pathogenesis of nerve fiber damage or represent a compensatory or neuroprotective mechanism.
Evaluation of High Sensitive Troponin in Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Barassi Alessandra , Pezzilli Raffaele , Morselli-Labate Antonio Maria , Dozio Elena , Massaccesi Luca , Ghilardi Francesca , Damele Clara Anna Linda , Colpi Giovanni Maria , Melzi d’Eril Gian Vico , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano Marco
Published: April 2015

Background.Evidence is accumulating in favour of a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery diseases. We investigated the presence of cardiac injury in patients who have had arteriogenic and nonarteriogenic ED using the hs-Tn levels.Methods.The diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function 5-questionnaire (IIF-5) and patients were classified as arteriogenic (A-ED,n=40), nonarteriogenic (NA-ED,n=48), and borderline (BL-ED,n=32) patients in relation to the results of echo-color-Doppler examination of cavernous arteries. The level of hs-TnT and hs-TnI was measured in 120 men with a history of ED of less than one year with no clinical evidence of cardiac ischemic disease.Results.The levels of both hs-TnT and hs-TnI were within the reference range and there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between patients of the three groups. The hs-CRP values were higher in A-ED men compared with NA-ED (P=0.048) but not compared with BL-ED (P=0.136) and negatively correlated with IIF-5 (r=-0.480;P=0.031).Conclusions.In ED patients of the three groups the measurement of hs-Tn allows us to exclude the presence of cardiac involvement at least when the history of ED is less than one year and the men are without atherosclerotic risk factors.
Neuralgia of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve in a Patient with Posttonsillectomy Scarring: Recovery after Local Infiltration of Procaine—Case Report and Pathophysiologic Discussion
Authors: Fischer L. , Ludin S. M. , Puente de la Vega K. , Sturzenegger M.
Published: April 2015

We describe a patient with a three-year history of severe progressive left-sided glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) that failed to adequately respond to various drug therapies. The application of lidocaine spray to the posterior pharyngeal wall provided no more than short-term relief. Apart from a large hypertrophic tonsillectomy scar on the left side all clinical and radiologic findings were normal. In terms of therapeutic local anaesthesia, the hypertrophic tonsillectomy scar tissue was completely infiltrated with the local anaesthetic (LA) procaine 1%. The patient has been almost completely pain-free ever since, and the lidocaine spray is no longer needed. Six weeks after the first treatment a repeat infiltration of the tonsillectomy scar led to the complete resolution of all symptoms. The patient has become totally symptom-free without the need to take any medication now for two and a half years. This is the first report of a successful therapeutic infiltration of a tonsillectomy scar using an LA in a patient with GPN that has been refractory to medical treatment for several years. A possible explanation may be that the positive feedback loop maintaining neurogenic inflammation is disrupted and “sympathetically maintained pain” resolved by LA infiltration.
A aplicação judicial das normas da Organização Mundial da Saúde no Brasil: in dubio pro salute
Authors: Ventura Deisy De Freitas Lima , Balbinot Rachelle Amália Amália Agostini
Published: April 2015

A empresa Acumuladores Ajax Ltda., uma das maiores fabricantes de baterias automotivas do Brasil, violou ao longo das últimas décadas normas de segurança no trabalho, ambientais e sanitárias, promovendo a contaminação do ar e do solo em áreas residenciais próximas à sua fábrica, localizada no município de Bauru (SP). O chamando “caso Ajax” possui, além da esfera administrativa, ao menos três frentes judiciais: a cível, a trabalhista e a fiscal. O caso Ajax chegou ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça sob a forma de um recurso relativo à execução fiscal de uma multa aplicada à empresa. O acórdão daí resultante evoca, entre outros, um tema raramente discutido no meio jurídico brasileiro, qual seja o alcance do direito da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) no Brasil. Em 2002, um inquérito epidemiológico indicou que 314 crianças residentes no entorno da fábrica apresentavam taxas de plumbemia (presença de chumbo no sangue) superiores às que a OMS considera “aceitável”. A empresa argumentou que o padrão da OMS não encontra respaldo na legislação brasileira. O relator do processo, Ministro Herman Benjamin, afirmou que, na ausência ou na manifesta desatualização dos padrões brasileiros, a contaminação e o consequente dano se caracterizam quando se constata o desrespeito aos padrões de instituições internacionais das quais o Brasil seja membro ou partícipe, aplicando o princípio in dubio pro salute. Segundo o relator, é dever do juiz fazer prevalecer a norma que melhor assegure a saúde, seja ela branda ou dotada de sanção, seja ela internacional ou interna.
Palavras-chave
Teoria e prática da participação na Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar
Authors: Trettel Daniela Batalha , Leão Lidiane Nascimento
Published: April 2015

Partindo da premissa de que SUS e saúde privada são realidades que se inter-relacionam, este artigo trata da experimentação de modelos participativos na regulação dos planos de saúde pela Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANS). Primeiramente, no campo teórico, analisou-se bibliografia e legislação referentes ao tema. Na segunda parte do trabalho, de caráter prático, analítico e opinativo, focou-se no exame da Agenda Regulatória 2011-2012 e da participação dos representantes dos usuários de planos de saúde em sua implantação – em especial das organizações de defesa do consumidor. Para tanto, foram consultadas no site da agência informações sobre mecanismos de participação utilizados na discussão da agenda, atas de reuniões, listas de presença etc. O período de pesquisa se encerra em junho de 20122. Evidenciou-se, entre outras conclusões, que a capacidade de incidência dos representantes de usuários de planos de saúde na agência ainda é pequena. Por fim, apresentaram-se sugestões para o aprimoramento da participação na ANS.
Tradução e Práticas Político-culturais
Authors: Rodrigues Cristina Carneiro
Published: April 2015

Neste artigo analisa-se a oposição entre tradução naturalizadora e tradução identificadora, a partir de duas concepções divergentes. A primeira, veiculada por Campos (3), Reiβ (12) e Vermeer (15), é de que a escolha entre uma ou outra direção seria ideologicamente neutra. A segunda, defendida por Venuti (13, 14) e Meschonnic (7), de que se trata de uma opção ideologicamente engajada. As relações feitas por Reiβ entre as duas direções de tradução e os conceitos de equivalência dinâmica e correspondência formal, propostos por Nida (11), são empregadas para problematizar a oposição e mostrar como a tradução é uma prática político-social relacionada ao imperialismo cultural - questão ocultada pelas teorias de tradução tradicionais.
Púchkin, Tradutor de Gonzaga
Authors: Schnaiderman Boris
Published: April 2015

A tradução ou paráfrase de um poema de Gonzaga para o russo, por Púchkin, feita, segundo indica, a partir de uma versão francesa livre, despertou interesse de estudiosos na Rússia e no Brasil. O presente artigo aborda o conhecimento mais amplo que se tem atualmente do contato de Púchkin com a poesia de Gonzaga.
Tradução: Uma Transparência do Tradutor
Authors: Tagnin Stella E. O. , Camargo Sidney
Published: April 2015

Os autores aplicam o modelo de Juliane House (2) para a avaliação da qualidade de uma tradução a um texto de divulgação e sua tradução para o português no âmbito da auto-ajuda. De acordo com o modelo, uma tradução deve ser um texto semântica e pragmaticamente equivalente ao texto-fonte, equivalência essa assegurada desde que ambos os textos tenham a mesma função. A aplicação do modelo permitiu determinar a função interpessoal do texto-fonte, avaliar em que medida a tradução mantém essa função e até mesmo traçar um perfil pessoal bastante preciso do tradutor.
Profil morpho-syntaxique et lexico-sémantique de la terminologie des espaces protégés du Brésil
Authors: Barros Lídia Almeida
Published: April 2015

Neste trabalho apresentamos alguns resultados dos estudos que desenvolvemos sobre a terminologia do campo conceitual "unidades de conservação do Brasil". Analisamos certos aspectos relativos à estrutura morfossintática e léxico-semântica das unidades que compõem esse conjunto terminológico. Nosso objetivo principal é identificar um modelo específico de termo desse campo nocional.
Indicadores de qualidade para a avaliação de traduções no âmbito da didática
Authors: Stolze Radegundis
Published: April 2015

A avaliação de traduções visa medir a qualidade dos textos traduzidos. Contudo, o tradutor que tenta formular a tradução, o cliente que paga por ela e o professor de tradução que tem de avaliar o processo de aprendizagem têm perspectivas diferentes em relação à qualidade. A avaliação em sala de aula baseia-se na análise estática do texto, ao passo que o cliente tem um interesse prospectivo pelas traduções, já que sua intenção é usá-las funcionalmente a fim de atender seus próprios interesses. O tradutor, por sua parte, emprega uma estratégia dinâmica na busca de uma formulação adequada. Essas três perspectivas acerca da qualidade de traduções podem ser reunidas sob um modelo único das categorias tradutórias.
Haroldo de Campos e o sujeito da tradução monstruosa
Authors: Magalhães Célia Maria
Published: April 2015

Estudos que analisam o discurso de Haroldo de Campos (Souza, 1986; Bassnet, 1993; Vieira, 1994) e que versam sobre a tradução observam que o autor, tendo a antropofagia como um dos suportes teóricos para o seu projeto de escritura, estende para a sua prática tradutória a filosofia de devoração, transformando as imagens encontradas no texto original num pre-texto para elucidar o processo de tradução no contexto da literatura brasileira. Esses estudos analisam a metáfora de Haroldo, da tradução como vampirização, presente no posfácio de Deus e o Diabo no Fausto de Goethe, como estreitamente relacionada ao ato antropofágico de devoração do outro visando à renovação. Deixam de lado, entretanto, outras interpretações possíveis daquela imagem. Este trabalho propõe uma leitura da metáfora da vampirizição, focalizando a noção de monstro, a figura do vampiro no Fausto de Goethe e a relação dos temas do vampiro e do Fausto como elementos norteadores da referida metáfora. A tradução como vampirização, ou o tradutor como vampiro, são aqui analisados como construções discursivas que, embora contribuam para uma desejada visibilidade do tradutor e sua afirmação como sujeito da tradução, podem, entretanto, representar a ambigüidade e a contaminação das relações lingüísticas interculturais. O monstro e a monstruosidade como construções discursivas para o tradutor e a tradução anunciam um sujeito inevitavelmente contaminado pelo desejo ambivalente de anular e simultaneamente dar vida eterna ao co-criador da obra.
Pesquisa sobre o exercício de tradução em sala
Authors: Kiralay Donald C.
Published: April 2015

A despeito dos cerca de 50 anos de pesquisa em tradução e de prática na formação de tradutores, os métodos sistemáticos, de base empírica, empregados na formação de tradutores profissionais, representam um campo de estudos ainda a ser explorado. Este artigo procura traçar o esboço de uma abordagem "construtivista" para a formação do tradutor, ilustrada na aplicação a uma classe experimental de prática de tradução na Universidade de Mainz, Alemanha. A abordagem do construtivismo social adotada neste artigo, e baseada em parte no trabalho de Lev Vygotsky, concebe a aprendizagem essencialmente como um processo ativo de produção de sentido, levado a cabo em colaboração com outros membros de uma comunidade. As implicações dessa perspectiva epistemológica alternativa pressupõem a necessidade de uma mudança no papel dos professores: da posição autoritária de quem transfere conhecimentos à adoção da atitude de um facilitador que, através de uma interação cooperativa, auxilia os alunos a construírem, eles mesmos, o conhecimento. Nesse sentido, são estabelecidas ligações com a abordagem desconstrutivista defendida por Rosemary Arrojo no Brasil, com vistas ao fomento de uma cooperação internacional no desenvolvimento de abordagens sistemáticas adequadas à formação do tradutor.