bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxic conditioning in blood vessels and smooth muscle tissues: effects on function, mechanisms, and unknowns
Authors: Almohanna Asmaa M. , Wray Susan
Published: April 2018

Hypoxic preconditioning, the protective effect of brief, intermittent hypoxic or ischemic episodes on subsequent more severe hypoxic episodes, has been known for 30 yr from studies on cardiac muscle. The concept of hypoxic preconditioning has expanded; excitingly, organs beyond the heart, including the brain, liver, and kidney, also benefit. Preconditioning of vascular and visceral smooth muscles has received less attention despite their obvious importance to health. In addition, there has been no attempt to synthesize the literature in this field. Therefore, in addition to overviewing the current understanding of hypoxic conditioning, in the present review, we consider the role of blood vessels in conditioning and explore evidence for conditioning in other smooth muscles. Where possible, we have distinguished effects on myocytes from other cell types in the visceral organs. We found evidence of a pivotal role for blood vessels in conditioning and for conditioning in other smooth muscle, including the bladder, vascular myocytes, and gastrointestinal tract, and a novel response in the uterus of a hypoxic-induced force increase, which helps maintain contractions during labor. To date, however, there are insufficient data to provide a comprehensive or unifying mechanism for smooth muscles or visceral organs and the effects of conditioning on their function. This also means that no firm conclusions can be drawn as to how differences between smooth muscles in metabolic and contractile activity may contribute to conditioning. Therefore, we have suggested what may be general mechanisms of conditioning occurring in all smooth muscles and tabulated tissue-specific mechanistic findings and suggested ideas for further progress.
Profiling analysis of 17β-estradiol-regulated lncRNAs in mouse thymic epithelial cells
Authors: Wei Chaonan , Guo Dongguang , Li Ying , Zhang Kaizhao , Liang Guan , Li Ying , Ma Yongjiang , Liu Jilong , Li Yugu
Published: April 2018

Thymus is the primary organ for T cell differentiation and maturation. Many studies have demonstrated that estrogen plays a crucial role in thymic epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation during thymic involution. LncRNAs are involved in various biological processes; however, estrogen-mediated lncRNA expression in TECs has not been yet reported. To address this question, the mouse medullary thymic epithelial cell line 1 (MTEC1) was treated with 17β-estradiol (E2). By using CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, we found that E2 was able to inhibit viability and proliferation of MTEC1 cells. The expression profiles of lncRNAs in MTEC1 cells with or without E2 treatment were then measured by RNA-Seq, and a total of 962 lncRNAs and 2,469 mRNAs were shown to be differentially expressed. The reliability of RNA-Seq was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the potential function of lncRNAs. According to gene ontology (GO) analysis, differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly related to cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these lncRNAs were associated with several pathways, namely immunological activity, metabolism and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In conclusion, our study provided a novel direction for studying the relationship between lncRNAs and E2 in the thymus.
Aerobic Exercise Increases Meteorin-Like Protein in Muscle and Adipose Tissue of Chronic High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Bae Ju Yong
Published: April 2018

Upregulated meteorin-like (Metrnl) protein in peripheral tissues because of exercise-induced increases in intramuscular Metrnl may effectively alleviate obesity by improving metabolism in whole-body tissues. The objective was to analyse the effects of regular treadmill exercise on Metrnl levels in muscle and peripheral tissues of chronic high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese mice. Forty-eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were first divided equally into normal-diet (CO) and high-fat diet (HF) groups. Following 16 weeks of a HFD, each group was again split equally into control (CO, HF) and training groups (COT, HFT). The HFT group expressed significantly higher phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), AMPK activity, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α) in muscle tissue than the HF group (p<0.05). Similar to muscle energy sensing network protein levels, the HFT group also expressed significantly higher muscle, plasma, and adipose tissue Metrnl (p<0.05). Moreover, regular exercise increased acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX-1) and monoglyceride lipase (MGL) expression in adipose tissue (p<0.05) and significantly decreased abdominal fat mass (p<0.05). This study suggests that exercise-induced muscle Metrnl effectively reduces fat accumulation through the increase of Metrnl in adipose tissue, which may be a therapeutic target for chronic obesity.
Paclitaxel Plasma Concentration after the First Infusion Predicts Treatment-Limiting Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Hertz Daniel L. , Kidwell Kelley M. , Vangipuram Kiran , Li Feng , Pai Manjunath P. , Burness Monika , Griggs Jennifer J. , Schott Anne F. , Van Poznak Catherine , Hayes Daniel F. , Lavoie Smith Ellen M. , Henry N. Lynn
Published: April 2018

Purpose: Paclitaxel exposure, specifically the maximum concentration (Cmax) and amount of time the concentration remains above 0.05 μmol/L (Tc>0.05), has been associated with the occurrence of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this study was to validate the relationship between paclitaxel exposure and peripheral neuropathy.

Experimental Design: Patients with breast cancer receiving paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 × 12 weekly doses were enrolled in an observational clinical study (NCT02338115). Paclitaxel plasma concentration was measured at the end of and 16–26 hours after the first infusion to estimate Cmax and Tc>0.05. Patient-reported peripheral neuropathy was collected via CIPN20 at each dose, and an 8-item sensory subscale (CIPN8) was used in the primary analysis to test for an association with Tc>0.05. Secondary analyses were conducted using Cmax as an alternative exposure parameter and testing each parameter with a secondary endpoint of the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy–induced treatment disruption.

Results: In 60 subjects included in the analysis, the increase in CIPN8 during treatment was associated with baseline CIPN8, cumulative dose, and relative dose intensity (P < 0.05), but neither Tc>0.05 (P = 0.27) nor Cmax (P = 0.99). In analyses of the secondary endpoint, cumulative dose (OR = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–1.80; P = 0.0008) and Tc>0.05 (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06–3.01; P = 0.029) or Cmax (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.45–5.20; P = 0.002) were associated with peripheral neuropathy–induced treatment disruption.

Conclusions: Paclitaxel exposure is predictive of the occurrence of treatment-limiting peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving weekly paclitaxel for breast cancer. Studies are warranted to determine whether exposure-guided dosing enhances treatment effectiveness and/or prevents peripheral neuropathy in these patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3602–10. ©2018 AACR.
Metronomic Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Montagna Emilia , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Cancello Giuseppe , Sangalli Claudia , Pagan Eleonora , Iorfida Monica , Mazza Manuelita , Mazzarol Giovanni , Dellapasqua Silvia , Munzone Elisabetta , Goldhirsch Aaron , Colleoni Marco
Published: April 2018

Background: Few data are available on the benefit of metronomic cyclophosphamide, capecitabine, and vinorelbine as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Methods: This phase II study assessed the safety and efficacy of metronomic oral chemotherapy with vinorelbine 40 mg orally 3 times a week, cyclophosphamide 50 mg daily, and capecitabine 500 mg 3 times a day (VEX regimen) in untreated metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients. The biopsy of the metastatic site had to be triple-negative, independent of the hormone receptor expression of the primary tumor. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP). Secondary endpoints included assessment of safety and clinical benefit (objective response rate plus stable disease rate at ≥24 weeks). Results: 25 patients were included, and 22 were evaluable for both efficacy and toxicities (median age, 66 years). Median TTP was 6.4 months (95% confidence interval 3.6-12.6). The most common grade 1-2 toxicities were nausea, diarrhea, leuko-/neutropenia, and reversible liver enzyme alteration. Grade 3 events included hand and foot syndrome (9%). Conclusion: The VEX regimen demonstrated activity and was relatively well tolerated when given as first-line therapy in selected metastatic breast cancer patients with triple-negative disease.
Immunotherapy of Esophageal Cancer: Current Status, Many Trials and Innovative Strategies
Authors: Alsina Maria , Moehler Markus , Lorenzen Sylvie
Published: April 2018

The majority of patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced disease and chemotherapy is the mainstay of palliation. However, efficacy is limited by the development of chemotherapy resistance and treatment options beyond first- and second-line treatment are scarce. Immunotherapy is a novel treatment option that has shown encouraging efficacy in several types of cancer, also in esophageal cancer. In esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC), early phase evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibitors has yielded promising results, however, results from phase 3 trials are currently still lacking. Besides checkpoint inhibitors, other immunogenic approaches e.g. peptide vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapy and oncolytic viruses are under development. This review describes the biological rational for immunotherapy and provides first accumulating data on its use in advanced esophageal cancer, with a focus on ESCC.
Removal of Procalcitonin and Selected Cytokines during Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis Using High Cutoff Hemofilters in Patients with Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Kade Grzegorz , Literacki Sławomir , Rzeszotarska Agnieszka , Niemczyk Stanisław , Lubas Arkadiusz
Published: April 2018

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) using high cutoff (HCO) hemofilters on the removal of procalcitonin (PCT), and other inflammatory markers in the treatment of patients during septic shock with acute kidney injury (AKI). Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients with septic shock and AKI were included in the study. Before and after the 24-h HCO-CVVHD, PCT, native C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-12, interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-α) in serum and effluent were assessed. Results: After the HCO-CVVHD serum concentrations of PCT, CRP and selected cytokines were significantly lower. The decrease in PCT was bigger than in CRP (p = 0.007). The change in PCT concentration was significantly influenced by PCT and IL-17 clearances (R2 = 0.525; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In contrast to the native CRP, monitoring of PCT during HCO-CVVHD is less useful because it reflects the clearance of this marker and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of the method.
Clostridium Tyrobutyricum Protect Intestinal Barrier Function from LPS-Induced Apoptosis via P38/JNK Signaling Pathway in IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Xiao Zhiping , Liu Lujie , Tao Wenjing , Pei Xun , Wang Geng , Wang Minqi
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: The intestinal mucosa forms a physical and metabolic barrier against the diffusion of pathogens, toxins, and allergens from the lumen into the circulatory system. Early weaning, a critical phase in swine production, can compromise intestinal barrier function through mucosal damage and alteration of tight junction integrity Maintenance of intestinal barrier function plays a pivotal role in optimum gastrointestinal health. In this study, we investigated the effects of Clostridium tyrobutyricum (C.t) on intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the underlying mechanisms involved in intestinal barrier protection. Methods: A Transwell model of IPEC-J2 cells was used to imitate the intestinal barrier. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate apoptosis. Real-time PCR was used to detect apoptosis-related genes and the downstream genes of the p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. Western blotting was used to measure the expressions of tight junction proteins and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Results: C.t efficiently maintained trans-epithelium electrical resistance values and intestinal permeability after LPS-induced intestinal barrier disruption. The expressions of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin) were promoted when IPEC-J2 cells were treated with C.t. Fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry revealed that C.t qualitatively and quantitatively inhibited LPS-induced cell apoptosis. C.t also increased the relative expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and decreased that of the apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3/-8. Moreover, the protective effect of C.t on damaged intestinal cell models was associated with suppression of p38 and JNK phosphorylation, negative regulation of the relative expressions of downstream genes including AP-1, ATF-2, ELK-1, and p53, and activation of Stat3 expression. Conclusions: These findings indicate that C.t may promote intestinal integrity, suggesting a novel probiotic effect on intestinal barrier function.
Rapamycin Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging by Suppressing the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Qin Dengke , Ren Runjian , Jia Chuanlong , Lu Yongzhou , Yang Qingjian , Chen Liang , Wu Xinyuan , Zhu Jingjing , Guo Yu , Yang Ping , Zhou Yiqun , Zhu Ningwen , Bi Bo , Liu Tianyi
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation alters multiple molecular pathways in the skin, thereby inducing skin photoaging. Murine dermal fibroblasts (MDFs) were subjected to a series of 4 sub-cytotoxic UVB doses (120 mJ/cm2), resulting in changes in cell shape, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, extracellular matrix variations, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and alterations in major intracellular antioxidant and cellular autophagy levels. Rapamycin (RAPA) is a new macrolide immunosuppressive agent that is primarily used in oncology, cardiology, and transplantation medicine and has been found to extend the lifespan of genetically heterogeneous mice. Several studies have shown that RAPA may have anti-aging effects in cells and organisms. Thus, in this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of RAPA against the photoaging process using a well-established cellular photoaging model. Methods: We developed a stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model through repeated exposure of MDFs to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. The cells were cultured in the absence or presence of RAPA for 48 h. Senescent phenotypes were assessed by examining cell viability, cell morphology, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) expression, cell cycle progression, intracellular ROS production, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) synthesis and degradation, extracellular matrix (ECM) component protein expression, alterations in major intracellular antioxidant levels, and the cellular autophagy level. Results: Compared with the UVB group, pretreatment with RAPA (5 µM) significantly decreased the staining intensity and percentage of SA-β-gal-positive cells and preserved the elongated cell shape. Moreover, cells pretreated with RAPA showed inhibition of the reduction in the type I collagen content by blocking the UVB-induced upregulation of MMP expression. RAPA also decreased photoaging cell cycle arrest and downregulated p53 and p21 expression. RAPA application significantly attenuated irradiation-induced ROS release by modulating intracellular antioxidants and increasing the autophagy level. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that RAPA elicited oxidative damage in vitro by reducing ROS accumulation in photoaged fibroblasts. The anti-aging effect can be attributed to the maintenance of normal antioxidant and cellular autophagy levels. However, determination of the definitive mechanism requires further study.
Sumoylation Negatively Regulates CSR1-Dependent Prostate Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Luo Hua-Rong , Liu Ying , Wan Xiao-Dong , Li Jun-Liang , Wu Min , Zhang Qi-Min , Wu Deng-Long , Zhao Xin , Wang Tian-Ru
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: SUMOylation is a dynamic process and reversed by the activity of SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs) family. SENP1, a member of this family, is highly expressed and plays oncogenic roles in diverse cancers including prostate cancer. However, the SENP1-transgenic mice exhibit aberrant transformation of the mouse prostate gland but do not develop cancer. Cellular Stress Response 1 (CSR1) is a tumor suppressor gene and frequently deleted in prostate cancers. Overexpression of CSR1 in prostate cancer cells inhibits colony formation, anchorage-independent growth and induces cell death. Methods: The relationship between CSR1 and SENP1 were determined by immunoprecipitation-based proteomics screen and verified by GST-pull down assay. In vivo SUMOylation assay was used to detect the direct effect of SENP1 in the regulation of CSR1. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–based gene editing was used to generate Senp1–/– and CSR1–/– PC3 cells. FACS assay was used to determine the apoptosis ratio of cells after transfection. Results: CSR1 is SUMOylated at K582 and rapid ubiquitinated and degradated in prostate cancer cells. SENP1 interacts with and deSUMOylates CSR1 to prevent its degradation and enhances CSR1-dependent prostate cancer cell death. Conclusion: Thus, our data indicates that CSR1 is a critical SUMOylated substrate of SENP1 that might partially explain the controversial roles of SENP1 in prostate cancer development.
A New Design of a CPW-Fed Dual-Band Monopole Antenna for RFID Readers
Authors: Hamraoui Ahmed El , Abdelmounim EL Hassane , Zbitou Jamal , Bennis Hamid , Latrach Mohamed
Published: April 2018

This paper comes with a new dual-band planar monopole antenna fed by Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) line designed for RFID readers and it operates at 2.45 GHz, 5.80 GHz. This antenna is designed with reasonable gain, low profile and low cost production. The designed antenna based on theoretical equations is simulated and validated by using ADS from Agilent technologies and CST Microwave Studio electromagnetic solvers. A parametric study of the proposed antenna has been carried out by optimizing some critical parameters. The antenna has a total area of 35×38 mm2 and mounted on an FR4 substrate with dielectric permittivity constant 4.4 and thickness of 1.6 mm and loss tangent 0.025. The comparison between simulation and measurement results permits to validate the final achieved antenna structure in the desired RFID frequencies bands. Details of the proposed antenna design and both simulated and experimental results are described and discussed
Bat-Cluster: A Bat Algorithm-based Automated Graph Clustering Approach
Authors: Boulouard Zakaria , El Haddadi Amine , Bouhafer Fadwa , El Haddadi Anass , Koutti Lahcen , Dousset Bernard
Published: April 2018

Defining the correct number of clusters is one of the most fundamental tasks in graph clustering. When it comes to large graphs, this task becomes more challenging because of the lack of prior information. This paper presents an approach to solve this problem based on the Bat Algorithm, one of the most promising swarm intelligence based algorithms. We chose to call our solution, “Bat-Cluster (BC).” This approach allows an automation of graph clustering based on a balance between global and local search processes. The simulation of four benchmark graphs of different sizes shows that our proposed algorithm is efficient and can provide higher precision and exceed some best-known values.
Tool Use Learning for a Real Robot
Authors: Wicaksono Handy , Sammut Claude
Published: April 2018

A robot may need to use a tool to solve a complex problem. Currently, tool use must be pre-programmed by a human. However, this is a difficult task and can be helped if the robot is able to learn how to use a tool by itself. Most of the work in tool use learning by a robot is done using a feature-based representation. Despite many successful results, this representation is limited in the types of tools and tasks that can be handled. Furthermore, the complex relationship between a tool and other world objects cannot be captured easily. Relational learning methods have been proposed to overcome these weaknesses [1, 2]. However, they have only been evaluated in a sensor-less simulation to avoid the complexities and uncertainties of the real world. We present a real world implementation of a relational tool use learning system for a robot. In our experiment, a robot requires around ten examples to learn to use a hook-like tool to pull a cube from a narrow tube.
Service Request Scheduling based on Quantification Principle using Conjoint Analysis and Z-score in Cloud
Authors: Paul Rajan R. Arokia
Published: April 2018

Service request scheduling has a major impact on the performance of the service processing design in a large-scale distributed computing environment like cloud systems. It is desirable to have a service request scheduling principle that evenly distributes the workload among the servers, according to their capacities. The capacities of the servers are termed high or low relative to one another. Therefore, there is a need to quantify the server capacity to overcome this subjective assessment. Subsequently, a method to split and distribute the service requests based on this quantified server capacity is also needed. The novelty of this research paper is to address these requirements by devising a service request scheduling principle for a heterogeneous distributed system using appropriate statistical methods, namely Conjoint analysis and Z-score. Suitable experiments were conducted and the experimental results show considerable improvement in the performance of the designed service request scheduling principle compared to a few other existing principles. Areas of further improvement have also been identified and presented.
Web Server-based Distributed Machine Socialization System
Authors: Kim Changsu , Kim Hankil , Lee Jongwon , Jung Hoekyung
Published: April 2018

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of offering services that are useful to users, such as Google's Nest, through machine socialization between parts and devices in specific spaces such as automobiles, homes, and factories. The existing inter - device collaboration system is a centralized system using router, and it controls collaboration between devices by building OpenWrt and web server on router. However, due to the limited hardware resources on the router, it generates network traffic congestion as the number of requests from the client increases or the number of clients connected to the server increases. In this paper, we propose a distributed machine collaboration system based on web server using inter - device collaboration algorithm. The study of Micro Controller Unit (MCU) has reduced the traffic incidence by solving the request sent to the router from each device by oneself.
Utilizing ECG Waveform Features as New Biometric Authentication Method
Authors: Shdefat Ahmed Younes , Joo Moon-Il , Choi Sung-Hoon , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: April 2018

In this study, we are proposing a practical way for human identification based on a new biometric method. The new method is built on the use of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal waveform features, which are produced from the process of acquiring electrical activities of the heart by using electrodes placed on the body. This process is launched over a period of time by using a recording device to read and store the ECG signal. On the contrary of other biometrics method like voice, fingerprint and iris scan, ECG signal cannot be copied or manipulated. The first operation for our system is to record a portion of 30 seconds out of whole ECG signal of a certain user in order to register it as user template in the system. Then the system will take 7 to 9 seconds in authenticating the template using template matching techniques. 44 subjects‟ raw ECG data were downloaded from Physionet website repository. We used a template matching technique for the authentication process and Linear SVM algorithm for the classification task. The accuracy rate was 97.2% for the authentication process and 98.6% for the classification task; with false acceptance rate 1.21%.
A Novel Three Phase Multilevel Inverter with Single Dc Link For Induction Motor Drive Applications
Authors: Ramesh A. , Sekhar O. Chandra , Siva Kumar M.
Published: April 2018

All industrial drives need a controlled output and it can be achieved by controlling the input supply. In this regard, the inverter circuit plays an important role in the applications of industrial drives. The industrial drives are operated at high rated power and the conventional inverters cannot be applicable for high power demands because of the large dV/dt (rate of change of voltage) and more switching losses. Therefore, multilevel inverters are introduced for high power-medium voltage applications. For all AC drives the MLIs are reliable in operation. This MLI topology also reduces the harmonics and bearings stress of a motor with low dV/dt. In most applications multilevel inverters are used because we can get more number of voltage levels. To increase the number of voltage levels, circuit needs to have more switches. But, we have to optimize the switch count and switching operations. The power level of the inverter is limited due to high currents and stress. In this paper, we proposed a new circuit topology which enables the switches to be active at different voltage levels, causes reduction of the switching losses and also increases the efficiency of the inverter. In this we have presented two configurations for an eleven level MLI for three phase induction motor drive application. In this an individual DC source is connected for each bridge circuit of each phase in one configuration and only one common DC link is used for three phases in another configuration. With this the size, cost and complexity could be decreased. In both the configurations the controlled output of the inverter is connected to the induction motor drive. The circuits are modeled using Matlab/simulink software and corresponding output waveforms are analyzed for both configurations.
A 60 GHz CMOS Power Amplifier for Wireless Communications
Authors: Vu Tuan Anh
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a 60 GHz power amplifier (PA) suitable for wireless communications. The two-stage wideband PA is fabricated in 55 nm CMOS. Measurement results show that the PA obtains a peak gain of 16 dB over a -3 dB bandwidth from 57 GHz to 67 GHz. It archives an output 1 dB compression point (OP1dB) of 4 dbm and a peak power added efficiency (PAE) of 12.6%. The PA consumes a total DC power of 38.3 mW from a 1.2 V supply voltage while its core occupies a chip area of 0.45 mm2.
“Cinema como evento”: atrações de palco e tela no cineteatro Santa Helena em São Paulo (1927)
Authors: Araújo Luciana Corrêa de
Published: April 2018

Este artigo investiga as atividades no Teatro Santa Helena, em São Paulo, ao longo de 1927, quando esse cineteatro esteve à frente das estratégias de programação empreendidas pelo consórcio firmado entre a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer e a Empresas Reunidas, principal cadeia exibidora da cidade. São abordados aspectos relacionados às práticas e à recepção cinematográficas, com particular atenção aos programas mistos envolvendo atrações de palco e tela, de maneira a compreender a sala de cinema enquanto espaço privilegiado na articulação de relações intermidiáticas entre cinema, teatro, música e outras práticas artísticas e culturais.
Sobre a vida multiespécie
Authors: Süssekind Felipe
Published: April 2018

O artigo a seguir apresenta uma discussão sobre a ideia de uma vida mult iespécie, através de dois passos. O primeiro deles se refere a um questionamento do dispositivo antropocêntrico que opera no pensamento antropológico, discutindo seu processo recorrente de delimitação da vida humana como uma vida qualificada, polít ica, em detrimento da vida animal como desqualificada, mecânica. O segundo passo indica elementos constitutivos de um pensamento ecológico que não se subordina ao tipo de reducionismo presente na oposição clássica entre cultura e natureza. A partir desses dois passos, o termo multiespécie é discutido em função do diagnóstico do esgotamento do aparato conceitual fundado no exclusivismo do humano e na ideia da natureza como um pano de fundo para as ações humanas.
Entre parceiros e companheiros: por uma releitura política de Os parceiros do Rio Bonito, de Antonio Candido
Authors: Gimenes Max Luiz
Published: April 2018

Os parceiros do Rio Bonito é a tese de doutorado em Sociologia de Antonio Candido, defendida em outubro de 1954 na antiga Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras da Universidade de São Paulo. Na época, ele era assistente da cadeira de Sociologia II da Faculdade, ocupada então por Fernando de Azevedo, que o orientou e a quem o livro é dedicado. Em se tratando de um trabalho consagrado como “clássico” da tradição intelectual brasileira, é compreensível que continue a ser lido, relido, comentado e reeditado, mesmo depois de passado mais de meio século desde quando foi publicado pela primeira vez. Afinal, “um clássico é um livro que nunca terminou de dizer aquilo que tinha para dizer”, como tão bem definiu Ítalo Calvino.
Five new species of the leafhopper genus Thagria Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) from China
Authors: WANG XIU-DAN , ZHANG YA-LIN
Published: April 2018

Five new species of genus Thagria are described, illustrated and photographed: T. gansuensis sp. nov., T. menglana sp. nov., T. melanoloma sp. nov., T. incurvata sp. nov., and T. crena sp. nov.
Critical review of type specimens deposited in the Malacological collection of the biological institute/Ufrj, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA CLÉO DILNEI DE CASTRO , PIMENTA ALEXANDRE DIAS , FIGUEIRA RAQUEL MEDEIROS ANDRADE , ABSALÃO RICARDO SILVA
Published: April 2018

The Malacological Collection of the Biological Institute of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro figures as an important repository of specimens, containing c.a. 21,000 lots, most of them collected at deep sea of southeast Brazil. A critical review of literature and types deposited in this collection revealed the existence of 191 lots containing type specimens (23 holotypes and 168 paratypes), corresponding to 129 nominal species divided in three classes: Gastropoda (109 names, subdivided in 62 Caenogastropoda; 32 Heterobranchia and 15 Vetigastropoda), Bivalvia (17 names subdivided in 10 Protobranchia; 6 Heterodonta and 1 Pteriomorphia), and Scaphopoda (3 names). For each species, an updated list of data is provided, including the collecting location (revised or corrected, when necessary), number of specimens actually present (i.e., physically found in the collection), nomenclatural acts (if needed) and any other specific issue concerning particular species. It is beyond the scope of this study to discuss classifications or promote subjective judgment on taxonomy at any level for names treated here.
Gephyrocharax machadoi, a new species of Stevardiinae (Characiformes: Characidae) from the Rio Paraguai basin, central Brazil
Authors: FERREIRA KATIANE M. , FARIA ÉRIKA DE , RIBEIRO ALEXANDRE C. , SANTANA JÚLIO C. O. , QUAGIO-GRASSIOTO IRANI , MENEZES NAÉRCIO A.
Published: April 2018

Gephyrocharax machadoi, new species, is described from tributaries of the rio Sepotuba, upper rio Paraguai basin, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners, except Gephyrocharax major, by presenting two modified scales on the ventral caudal-fin lobe (pouch scales): a larger, sexually dimorphic scale, slightly superior and anterior in position, followed by a smaller, posterior and ventrally placed accessory scale (vs. a single modified pouch scale without ventrally placed accessory scales). Gephyrocharax machadoi differs from G. major by presenting a gap (more conspicuous in mature males than in mature females) between the second and third ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (vs. second and third ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays near each other or fused distally); premaxilla with tricuspid teeth (vs. tetra- to pentacuspid teeth); and body depth 21.5–25.4% of SL (vs. 25.9–36.8% in SL). Spermiogenesis and spermatozoa morphology are also described.
A new dirivultid copepod (Siphonostomatoida) from hydrothermal vent fields of the Izu-Bonin Arc in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: UYENO DAISUKE , WATANABE HIROMI K , SHIMANAGA MOTOHIRO
Published: April 2018

A new species of dirivultid copepod (Siphonostomatoida) is described from hydrothermal vents in a volcanic seamount in Izu-Bonin Arc, western part of North Pacific Ocean. The copepod was collected during the research cruise NT13-09 using the R/V Natsushima with the ROV Hyper-Dolphin in April 2013. The type series of the new species was collected from the populations of Paralvinella spp. (Annelida: Alvinellidae) on an active vent chimney at the depth of 795 m. Stygiopontius senokuchiae n. sp. is most closely related to S. teres Humes, 1996 but clearly distinguished from the latter species by the possession of the following characters: the basis of leg 1 with an attenuated inner process; the genital double somite with a conical process lateral to the genital opening; and caudal rami without distal process. The findings of the copepod in the present study represents the first record of nominal species of the Dirivultidae from Japanese waters and a record of the shallowest depth of the genus. A key to species of the genus Stygiopontius from Western Pacific is provided.
Large-Scale Environmental Characteristics of MJOs that Strengthen and Weaken over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Burleyson Casey D. , Hagos Samson M. , Feng Zhe , Kerns Brandon W. J. , Kim Daehyun
Published: April 2018

The characteristics of Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) events that strengthen and weaken over the Maritime Continent (MC) are examined. The real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) index is used to assess changes in global MJO amplitude over the MC. The MJO weakens at least twice as often as it strengthens over the MC, with weakening MJOs being twice as likely during El Niño compared to La Niña years and the reverse for strengthening events. MJO weakening shows a pronounced seasonal cycle that has not been previously documented. During the Northern Hemisphere (NH) summer and fall the RMM index can strengthen over the MC. MJOs that approach the MC during the NH winter typically weaken according to the RMM index. This seasonal cycle corresponds to whether the MJO crosses the MC primarily north or south of the equator. Because of the seasonal cycle, weakening MJOs are characterized by positive sea surface temperature and moist-static energy anomalies in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) of the MC compared to strengthening events. Analysis of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) MJO index (OMI) shows that MJO precipitation weakens when it crosses the MC along the equator. A possible explanation of this based on previous results is that the MJO encounters more landmasses and taller mountains when crossing along the equator or in the SH. The new finding of a seasonal cycle in MJO weakening over the MC highlights the importance of sampling MJOs throughout the year in future field campaigns designed to study MJO–MC interactions.
Authoritarian Gridlock? Understanding Delay in the Chinese Legislative System
Authors: Truex Rory
Published: April 2018

Legislative gridlock is often viewed as a uniquely democratic phenomenon. The institutional checks and balances that produce gridlock are absent from authoritarian systems, leading many observers to romanticize “authoritarian efficiency” and policy dynamism. A unique data set from the Chinese case demonstrates that authoritarian regimes can have trouble passing laws and changing policies—48% of laws are not passed within the period specified in legislative plans, and about 12% of laws take more than 10 years to pass. This article develops a theory that relates variation in legislative outcomes to the absence of division within the ruling coalition and citizen attention shocks. Qualitative analysis of China’s Food Safety Law, coupled with shadow case studies of two other laws, illustrates the plausibility of the theoretical mechanisms. Division and public opinion play decisive roles in authoritarian legislative processes.
A viable model for out-of-plane compressive and shear properties of Z-pin reinforced composite sandwich panels
Authors: Virakthi Ananth , Kwon Soonwook , Lee Sung W
Published: April 2018

This paper attempts at developing a computational-analytical model to represent the behavior of Z-pin reinforced X-Cor composite sandwich panels under out-of-plane compression and shear loading. Parameters important in representing the behavior of the individual components of the sandwich are identified. The softening of Z-pins under compression from geometric and material imperfections, densification of the foam, and pin-facesheet interface strengths are incorporated into the model. For validation, the values of the parameters are obtained from experiments performed in house, and then for comparison, they are used to estimate the stiffness and strength of the specimens with experimentally obtained results reported in an open literature. Good correlation using these parameters across different specimens has implications on development of a predictive methodology for the behavior of Z-pin reinforced sandwich materials under compression and shear.
Human tRNA-Derived Small RNAs Modulate Host–Oral Microbial Interactions
Authors: He X. , Li F. , Bor B. , Koyano K. , Cen L. , Xiao X. , Shi W. , Wong D.T.W.
Published: April 2018

Coevolution of the human host and its associated microbiota has led to sophisticated interactions to maintain a delicate homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that in addition to small molecules, peptides, and proteins, small regulatory noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) might play an important role in cross-domain interactions. In this study, we revealed the presence of diverse host transfer RNA–derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) among human salivary sRNAs. We selected 2 tsRNAs (tsRNA-000794 and tsRNA-020498) for further study based on their high sequence similarity to specific tRNAs from a group of Gram-negative oral bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key oral commensal and opportunistic pathogen. We showed that the presence of F. nucleatum triggers exosome-mediated release of tsRNA-000794 and tsRNA-020498 by human normal oral keratinocyte cells. Furthermore, both tsRNA candidates exerted a growth inhibition effect on F. nucleatum, likely through interference with bacterial protein biosynthesis, but did not affect the growth of Streptococcus mitis, a health-associated oral Gram-positive bacterium whose genome does not carry sequences bearing high similarity to either tsRNA. Our data provide the first line of evidence for the modulatory role of host-derived tsRNAs in the microbial-host interaction.
Stressful Life Events and Depressive Symptomatology Among Basque Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Attachment Representations
Authors: Aliri Jone , Muela Alexander , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Balluerka Nekane , Aritzeta Aitor , Soroa Goretti
Published: April 2018

The occurrence of stressful life events is a risk factor for psychopathology in adolescence. Depression is a problem of notable clinical importance that has a negative psychosocial impact on adolescents and which has considerable social, educational, and economic costs. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stressful life events and depressive symptomatology in adolescence, taking into account the effect that attachment representations may have on this relation. Participants were 1653 adolescents (951 girls) aged between 13 and 18 years. The sample was selected by means of a random sampling procedure based on the availability of schools to participate. Data were collected at two time points: attachment and stressful life events were assessed first, and symptoms of depression were evaluated eight to nine months later. Two time points were used in order to better analyze the mediating role of attachment security. Stressful life events were recorded using the Inventory of Stressful Life Events, attachment was evaluated by the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (mother, father, and peer versions), and depressive symptomatology was assessed through the Children’s Depression Scale. In all cases, the Basque version of these scales was used. The results indicated that attachment to parents was a mediating variable in the relationship between stressful life events and depressive symptomatology. Contrary to what we expected, the results indicate that stressful life events did not have a negative effect on peer attachment, and neither did the latter variable act as a mediator of the relationship between stressful life events and depressive symptoms. It can be concluded that attachment-based interventions may be especially useful for reducing depression symptoms among adolescents. The findings also suggest a role for interventions that target parent–child attachment relationships.
Black American College Students Report Higher Memory of Love for Mothers in Childhood Than White Students
Authors: Patihis Lawrence , Jackson Corai E. , Diaz Jonathan C. , Stepanova Elena V. , Herrera Mario E.
Published: April 2018

Cultural differences between Black and White individuals in the South are connected to the inequitable history of the United States. We wondered if these cultural differences would translate to a particularly precious aspect of life: memories of love felt in childhood toward one’s parents. Some past studies have shown that Whites score higher on parental attachment measures to parents than Blacks, while other studies show no significant differences. However, no previous study has ever measured memory of feelings of love in relation to differences between ethnicities. In this study, Black ( n = 124) and White ( n = 125) undergraduates self-reported the strength and frequency of their past feelings of love toward their mother and father in first, sixth, and ninth grade as well as their current feelings of love. Results suggested that Black students reported feeling more love for their mothers in first, sixth, and ninth grades compared to White students. These findings were not explained when we statistically adjusted for age, gender, socioeconomic status, education levels, income, number of years spent living with mother or father, stress, or personality. Therefore, this relationship may be explained by unmeasured or unmeasurable cultural differences. The direction of this effect was in the opposite direction from what we expected based on past attachment research. Given the inequities in U.S. history and the current discussions around ethnicity and race in the United States, the finding that Blacks reported higher remembered feelings of love for their mothers in childhood is intriguing and worthy of dissemination and discussion.
Medium-Term Health of Seniors Following Exposure to a Natural Disaster
Authors: Labra Oscar , Maltais Danielle , Gingras-Lacroix Gabriel
Published: April 2018

The article aims to describe the medium-term impacts of a major earthquake event (Chile, February 27, 2010) on 26 seniors. The authors adopted a qualitative study approach. Data obtained using the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) show the presence of manifestations of posttraumatic stress in the majority of respondents. In addition, data collected in interviews demonstrated a progressive deterioration of the health of respondents over a period of 4 years following the disaster. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of material loss, emotional stress, and postdisaster health complications. These impacts are exacerbated by low economic status. Furthermore, broader research is necessary involving elderly living in poverty who have survived natural disasters and others without such experiences, in order to better identify and differentiate between health complications associated with exposure to disaster events and those linked more strictly with natural aging processes.
Item Parameter Estimation With the General Hyperbolic Cosine Ideal Point IRT Model
Authors: Joo Seang-Hwane , Chun Seokjoon , Stark Stephen , Chernyshenko Olexander S.
Published: April 2018

Over the last decade, researchers have come to recognize the benefits of ideal point item response theory (IRT) models for noncognitive measurement. Although most applied studies have utilized the Generalized Graded Unfolding Model (GGUM), many others have been developed. Most notably, David Andrich and colleagues published a series of papers comparing dominance and ideal point measurement perspectives, and they proposed ideal point models for dichotomous and polytomous single-stimulus responses, known as the Hyperbolic Cosine Model (HCM) and the General Hyperbolic Cosine Model (GHCM), respectively. These models have item response functions resembling the GGUM and its more constrained forms, but they are mathematically simpler. Despite the apparent impact of Andrich’s work on ensuing investigations, the HCM and GHCM have been largely overlooked by applied researchers. This may stem from questions about the compatibility of the parameter metric with other ideal point estimation and model-data fit software or seemingly unrealistic parameter estimates sometimes produced by the original joint maximum likelihood (JML) estimation software. Given the growing list of ideal point applications and variations in sample and scale characteristics, the authors believe these HCMs warrant renewed consideration. To address this need and overcome potential JML estimation difficulties, this study developed a marginal maximum likelihood (MML) estimation algorithm for the GHCM and explored parameter estimation requirements in a Monte Carlo study manipulating sample size, scale length, and data types. The authors found a sample size of 400 was adequate for parameter estimation and, in accordance with GGUM studies, estimation was superior in polytomous conditions.
Authoritarian capitalism, authoritarian movements and authoritarian communication
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: April 2018

Paolo Gerbaudo’s book The Mask and the Flag: Populism, Citizenism and Global Protest, whose approach is reflected in his Crosscurrents piece in the issue of Media, Culture & Society at hand, is a response to these societal, political and academic challenges. This CrossCurrents comment asks, I ask, the following: Why is it that right-wing authoritarian populism in recent times has become much more popular than left-wing movements? How do right-wing authoritarian movements communicate? Why is it that right-wing political communication strategies seem to garner and result in mass support? The critical theory of authoritarianism advanced by the Frankfurt School and related authors on fascism, Nazism, and the authoritarian personality help us to critically analyse the communication of authoritarianism. In this context, particularly the works by Franz Leopold Neumann, Erich Fromm, Theodor W. Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, Leo Löwenthal, and Willhelm Reich are relevant.