bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weakly coupled gravity beyond general relativity
Authors: Camanho Xián O. , Edelstein José D. , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: November 2015

We explore four-dimensional (4D) weakly coupled gravity beyond general relativity in an on-shell language, focusing on the graviton three-point vertex. This admits a novel structure which can be attributed to a term cubic in the Riemann tensor. We consider a generalization of the Shapiro time delay experiment that involves polarized gravitons and show that the new vertex leads to causality violation. Fixing the problem demands the inclusion of an infinite tower of massive higher spin states. Perturbative string theory provides an example of this phenomenon, the only known so far. Interestingly enough, the same argument being applied to inflation suggests that stringy signatures may be hidden in the non-Gaussianities of the primordial gravity wave spectrum.
Topological spaces via phenotype–genotype spaces
Authors: El-Sharkasy M. M. , Badr M. S.
Published: November 2015

Researchers hope that establishing a notion of proximity using topology will help to clarify the biological processes underlying the evolution of living organisms. The simple model presented here, using RNA shapes, can carry over to more general and complex genotype–phenotype systems. Proximity is an important component of continuity, in both real-world and topological terms. Consequently, phenotype spaces provide an appropriate setting for modeling and investigating continuous and discontinuous evolutionary change.
Global dynamics of hepatitis C viral infection with logistic proliferation
Authors: Banerjee Sandip , Keval Ram , Gakkhar Sunita
Published: November 2015

A modified mathematical model of hepatitis C viral dynamics has been presented in this paper, which is described by four coupled ordinary differential equations. The aim of this paper is to perform global stability analysis using geometric approach to stability, based on the higher-order generalization of Bendixson’s criterion. The result is also supported numerically. An important epidemiological issue of eradicating hepatitis C virus has been addressed through the global stability analysis.
The Intracellular Dynamics of Circadian Clocks Reach for the Light of Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Millar Andrew J.
Published: November 2015

A major challenge for biology is to extend our understanding of molecular regulation from the simplified conditions of the laboratory to ecologically relevant environments. Tractable examples are essential to make these connections for complex, pleiotropic regulators and, to go further, to link relevant genome sequences to field traits. Here, I review the case for the biological clock in higher plants. The gene network of the circadian clock drives pervasive, 24-hour rhythms in metabolism, behavior, and physiology across the eukaryotes and in some prokaryotes. In plants, the scope of chronobiology is now extending from the most tractable, intracellular readouts to the clock's many effects at the whole-organism level and across the life cycle, including biomass and flowering. I discuss five research areas where recent progress might be integrated in the future, to understand not only circadian functions in natural conditions but also the evolution of the clock's molecular mechanisms.
Understanding the Physiology of FGF21
Authors: Fisher Ffolliott Martin , Maratos-Flier Eleftheria
Published: November 2015

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a peptide hormone that is synthesized by several organs and regulates energy homeostasis. Excitement surrounding this relatively recently identified hormone is based on the documented metabolic beneficial effects of FGF21, which include weight loss and improved glycemia. The biology of FGF21 is intrinsically complicated owing to its diverse metabolic functions in multiple target organs and its ability to act as an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factor. In the liver, FGF21 plays an important role in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation both in the fasted state and in mice consuming a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. FGF21 also regulates fatty acid metabolism in mice consuming a diet that promotes hepatic lipotoxicity. In white adipose tissue (WAT), FGF21 regulates aspects of glucose metabolism, and in susceptible WAT depots, it can cause browning. This peptide is highly expressed in the pancreas, where it appears to play an anti-inflammatory role in experimental pancreatitis. It also has an anti-inflammatory role in cardiac muscle. Although typically not expressed in skeletal muscle, FGF21 is induced in situations of muscle stress, particularly mitochondrial myopathies. FGF21 has been proposed as a novel therapeutic for metabolic complications such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. This review aims to interpret and delineate the ever-expanding complexity of FGF21 physiology.
The importance of decision onset
Authors: Teichert Tobias , Grinband Jack , Ferrera Vincent
Published: November 2015

The neural mechanisms of decision making are thought to require the integration of evidence over time until a response threshold is reached. Much work suggests that response threshold can be adjusted via top-down control as a function of speed or accuracy requirements. In contrast, the time of integration onset has received less attention and is believed to be determined mostly by afferent or preprocessing delays. However, a number of influential studies over the past decade challenge this assumption and begin to paint a multifaceted view of the phenomenology of decision onset. This review highlights the challenges involved in initiating the integration of evidence at the optimal time and the potential benefits of adjusting integration onset to task demands. The review outlines behavioral and electrophysiolgical studies suggesting that the onset of the integration process may depend on properties of the stimulus, the task, attention, and response strategy. Most importantly, the aggregate findings in the literature suggest that integration onset may be amenable to top-down regulation, and may be adjusted much like response threshold to exert cognitive control and strategically optimize the decision process to fit immediate behavioral requirements.
The time course of natural scene perception with reduced attention
Authors: Groen Iris I. A. , Ghebreab Sennay , Lamme Victor A. F. , Scholte H. Steven
Published: November 2015

Attention is thought to impose an informational bottleneck on vision by selecting particular information from visual scenes for enhanced processing. Behavioral evidence suggests, however, that some scene information is extracted even when attention is directed elsewhere. Here, we investigated the neural correlates of this ability by examining how attention affects electrophysiological markers of scene perception. In two electro-encephalography (EEG) experiments, human subjects categorized real-world scenes as manmade or natural (full attention condition) or performed tasks on unrelated stimuli in the center or periphery of the scenes (reduced attention conditions). Scene processing was examined in two ways: traditional trial averaging was used to assess the presence of a categorical manmade/natural distinction in event-related potentials, whereas single-trial analyses assessed whether EEG activity was modulated by scene statistics that are diagnostic of naturalness of individual scenes. The results indicated that evoked activity up to 250 ms was unaffected by reduced attention, showing intact categorical differences between manmade and natural scenes and strong modulations of single-trial activity by scene statistics in all conditions. Thus initial processing of both categorical and individual scene information remained intact with reduced attention. Importantly, however, attention did have profound effects on later evoked activity; full attention on the scene resulted in prolonged manmade/natural differences, increased neural sensitivity to scene statistics, and enhanced scene memory. These results show that initial processing of real-world scene information is intact with diminished attention but that the depth of processing of this information does depend on attention.
Aggregate Indices Method in Soil Quality Evaluation Using the Relative Soil Quality Index
Authors: Pham Ho Ngoc , Nguyen Hai Xuan , Nguyen Anh Ngoc , Tran Diep Ngoc
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a new approach to assess the soil quality by aggregate indices using the Relative Soil Quality Index (RSQI) proposed by Ho Ngoc Pham. RSQI is integrated from the individual indices into a simple formula for overall assessment of the soil quality. RSQI is different from other approaches. Particularly, the individual indices and the weighting factors of Pham are calculated from the analytical laboratory data and the environmental standards, respectively, and not self-regulated as in methods of some other authors. In this paper, the authors applied the RSQI to assess the Soil Environmental Quality of rice intensive cultivation areas through a case study in Haiduong province in 2013. The RSQI is calculated for sampling points in 12 districts and simulated the Soil Environmental Quality on GIS map. The results show that the Soil Environmental Quality of rice intensive cultivation areas in Haiduong is predominantly divided into three levels: good, moderate, and poor. According to the report of General Statistics Office for Haiduong province, rice intensive cultivation areas in 2013 achieved a relatively high average rice yield of 5.90 tonnes per hectare; it means actual soil properties are in line with results of the research.
Association of Polymorphic Variants of miRNA Processing Genes with Larynx Cancer Risk in a Polish Population
Authors: Osuch-Wojcikiewicz Ewa , Bruzgielewicz Antoni , Niemczyk Kazimierz , Sieniawska-Buccella Olga , Nowak Alicja , Walczak Anna , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: November 2015

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is one of the most prevalent types of head and neck cancer. An increasing interest has been focused on the role of microRNA (miRNAs) in LC development. The study group consisted of 135 larynx cancer patients and 170 cancer-free individuals. Nine polymorphisms of pre-miRNA processing genes, DROSHA (rs6877842), DGCR8 (rs3757, rs417309, and rs1640299), RAN (rs14035), XPO5 (rs11077), DICER1 (rs13078 and rs3742330) and TARBP2 (rs784567), were performed by TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. It was found that the frequency of the GT and the TT polymorphic variants of XPO5 gene were higher in LC patients than in controls (p<0.0001 and p=0.000183, resp.). In turn, the frequency of the CT genotype of RAN gene was higher in controls than in LC patients (p<0.0001). The TT and the AG of DICER1 gene (p=0.034697 for rs13078 and p=0.0004 for rs3742330) as well as the AG and the GG genotypes of TARBP2 gene (p=0.008335 and p<0.0001, resp.) were associated with higher risk of LC occurrence. Our data suggested that polymorphisms of miRNA processing genes might be useful as predictive factors for the LC development.
Mixed and Continuous Strategy Monitor-Forward Game Based Selective Forwarding Solution in WSN
Authors: Liao Hongmei , Ding Shifei
Published: November 2015

Wireless sensor networks are often deployed in unattended and hostile environments. Due to the resource limitations and multihop communication in WSN, selective forwarding attacks launched by compromised insider nodes are a serious threat. A trust-based scheme for identifying and isolating malicious nodes is proposed and a mixed strategy and a continuous strategy Monitor-Forward game between the sender node and its one-hop neighboring node is constructed to mitigate the selective dropping attacks in WSN. The continuous game will mitigate false positives on packet dropping detection on unreliable wireless communication channel. Simulation results demonstrate that continuous Monitor-Forward game based selective forwarding solution is an efficient approach to identifying the selective forwarding attacks in WSN.
Serological Evidence of Henipavirus among Horses and Pigs in Zaria and Environs in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Olaolu T. , Umoh Jarlath U. , Dzikwi Asabe A. , Olufemi Yemisi O.
Published: November 2015

Henipavirus is an emerging, zoonotic, and lethal RNA virus comprising Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), to which fruit bats are reservoir. Husbandry practices in Nigeria allow close contact between bat reservoir and animals susceptible to Henipavirus. This cross-sectional survey investigated antibodies reactive to Henipavirus sG antigen and associated risk factors in horses and pigs in Zaria, Nigeria. Using convenience sampling, 510 sera from horses (n=200) and pigs (n=310) were screened by an indirect Henipavirus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (CSIRO, Australia). Structured questionnaires were employed with questions on the demographics and management of the animals. Data were analysed using SPSS-17. 5. Seroprevalence was higher for horses managed intensively (21.1%); used for sports (25.5%); watered with pipe borne water (17.9%); fed commercial feed (22.3%); and fed in the pen (17.6%). Seroprevalence was higher for pigs managed intensively (58.1%); imported (69.5%); watered with pipe-borne water (31.3%); fed commercial feed (57.4%); fed in the pen (23.4%), and fed with feed prestored in a feed house (49.5%). Horses <5 years and pigs <6 months had higher seroprevalences of 18.1% and 21.3%, while the female horses and pigs had seroprevalences of 19.8% and 22.8%, respectively. Exotic horses and pigs revealed 25.5% and 55% and horses in Igabi and pigs in Giwa revealed 24.7% and 70.2% seroprevalence, respectively (P<0.05). There is a suggestive evidence of Henipavirus in horses and pigs in Zaria, Nigeria, with a huge public health implication. Local and exotic pigs and horses, pigs in Zaria and Sabon-Gari, and horses in Zaria, Sabon-Gari, and Kaduna North are associated with the seroprevalence of henipaviruses.
MicroRNA Profiles of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Differences in Glandular Non-native Epithelium
Authors: Drahos Jennifer , Schwameis Katrin , Orzolek Linda D. , Hao Haiping , Birner Peter , Taylor Phillip R. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Schoppmann Sebastian F. , Cook Michael B.
Published: November 2015

Background: The tissue specificity and robustness of miRNAs may aid risk prediction in individuals diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. As an initial step, we assessed whether miRNAs can positively distinguish esophageal adenocarcinoma from the precursor metaplasia Barrett's esophagus.

Methods: In a case–control study of 150 esophageal adenocarcinomas frequency matched to 148 Barrett's esophagus cases, we quantitated expression of 800 human miRNAs in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue RNA using NanoString miRNA v2. We tested differences in detection by case group using the χ2 test and differences in expression using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Bonferroni-corrected statistical significance threshold was set at P < 6.25E−05. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed for the most significant miRNAs using 5-fold cross-validation.

Results: We observed 46 distinct miRNAs significantly increased in esophageal adenocarcinoma compared with Barrett's esophagus, 35 of which remained when restricted to T1b and T2 malignancies. Three miRNAs (miR-663b, miR-421, and miR-502-5p) were detected in >80% esophageal adenocarcinoma, but <20% of Barrett's esophagus. Seven miRNAs (miR-4286, miR-630, miR-575, miR-494, miR-320e, miR-4488, and miR-4508) exhibited the most extreme differences in expression with >5-fold increases. Using 5-fold cross-validation, we repeated feature (miR) selection and case–control prediction and computed performance criteria. Each of the five folds selected the same top 10 miRNAs, which, together, provided 98% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that tissue miRNA profiles can discriminate esophageal adenocarcinoma from Barrett's esophagus. This large analysis has identified miRNAs that merit further investigation in relation to pathogenesis and diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Impact: These candidate miRNAs may provide a means for improved risk stratification and more cost-effective surveillance. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(3); 429–37. ©2015 AACR.
Schwann Cells Transplantation Improves Locomotor Recovery in Rat Models with Spinal Cord Injury: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Lei , Ge Yingbin , Tang Jian , Yuan Jinxia , Ge Dawei , Chen Hongtao , Zhang Hongxiu , Cao Xiaojian
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Schwann cells (SCs) which were demonstrated to be responsible for axonal myelination and ensheathing are widely studied and commonly used for cell transplantation to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). We performed this meta-analysis to summarize the effects of SCs versus controls for locomotor recovery in rat models of traumatic SCI. Methods: Studies of the BBB scores after transplantation of SCs were searched out from Pubmed, Cochrane Library Medline databases and analyzed by Review Manager 5.2.5. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled animal trials were selected with 283 rats enrolled. The studies were divided to different subgroups by different models of SCI, different cell doses for transplantation, different sources of SCs and different transplantation ways. The pooled results of this meta-analysis suggested that SCs transplantation cannot significantly improve the locomotor recovery at a short time after intervention (1 week after transplantation) in both impacted and hemi-sected SCI models. However, at a longer time after intervention (3, 5-7 and over 8 weeks after transplantation), significant improvement of BBB score emerged in SCs groups compared with control groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that SCs transplantation can significantly promote locomotor recovery regardless of in high or low doses of cells, from different sources (isolated from sciatic nerves or differentiated from bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)) and with or without scaffolding. Conclusion: SCs seem to demonstrate substantial beneficial effects on locomotor recovery in a widely-used animal models of SCI.
Microbiome and Gluten
Authors: Sanz Yolanda
Published: November 2015

Celiac disease (CD) is a frequent chronic inflammatory enteropathy caused by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals that carry disease susceptibility genes (HLA-DQ2/8). These genes are present in about 30-40% of the general population, but only a small percentage of carriers develops CD. Gluten is the key environmental trigger of CD, but its intake does not fully explain disease onset; indeed, an increased number of cases experience gluten intolerance in late adulthood after many years of gluten exposure. Consequently, additional environmental factors seem to be involved in CD. Epidemiological studies indicate that common perinatal and early postnatal factors influence both CD risk and intestinal microbiota structure. Prospective studies in healthy infants at risk of developing CD also reveal that the HLA-DQ genotype, in conjunction with other environmental factors, influences the microbiota composition. Furthermore, CD patients have imbalances in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis), which are not fully normalized despite their adherence to a gluten-free diet. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the disease can promote dysbiosis that aggravates CD pathogenesis, and dysbiosis, in turn, can initiate and sustain inflammation through the expansion of proinflammatory pathobionts and decline of anti-inflammatory mutualistic bacteria. Studies in experimental models are also contributing to understand the role of intestinal bacteria and its interactions with a predisposed genotype in promoting CD. Advances in this area could aid in the development of microbiome-informed intervention strategies that optimize the partnership between the gut microbiota and host immunity for improving CD management.
Primary Prevention of Celiac Disease: Environmental Factors with a Focus on Early Nutrition
Authors: Chmielewska Anna , Pieścik-Lech Małgorzata , Szajewska Hania , Shamir Raanan
Published: November 2015

Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder caused by ingestion of gluten. When diagnosed, it should be treated with a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet. Early infant feeding practices have been suggested as a means of preventing CD. In the last few decades, observational data have suggested that breastfeeding, especially at the time of introducing gluten into the infant's diet, as well as the time and mode of gluten first being given to a child could prevent or delay the occurrence of CD. As a result, recommendations advised that it is prudent to avoid both early (<4 months) and late (>7 months) introduction of gluten, and to introduce gluten gradually while the infant is still being breastfed, as this may reduce the risk of celiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and wheat allergy. Recently, the results of two large randomized trials have shown that breastfeeding in general, breastfeeding during gluten introduction, and early or delayed gluten introduction do not influence the total risk of CD in genetically predisposed individuals. Introducing gluten at 4 versus 6 months in very small amounts, or at 6 versus 12 months, resulted in similar rates of CD in these children. Thus, early feeding practices seem to have no impact on the risk of developing CD during childhood. In children without the genetic predisposition, the age and mode of gluten introduction do not influence the risk anyway.
Effect of Frozen Human Epidermis Storage Duration and Cryoprotectant on Barrier Function Using Two Model Compounds
Authors: Barbero Ana M. , Frasch H. Frederick
Published: November 2015

Skin is commonly stored frozen and then thawed prior to use for in vitro permeation experiments. Does frozen storage of skin alter its barrier property? Numerous studies have found contradictory answers to this question. In this study, the steady-state flux and lag time of diethyl phthalate (DEP) were measured for fresh human skin and skin frozen at -85°C for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months with 10% glycerol as a cryoprotective agent. No significant differences in steady-state flux were found between fresh and previously frozen samples (p = 0.6). For lag time, a significant (p = 0.002) difference was found among all groups, but comparisons with fresh skin were not significant. Does glycerol have a cryoprotective effect? The steady-state flux and lag time of DEP and caffeine were measured through human skin stored at -85°C for up to 12 months with and without 10% glycerol. No significant differences in steady-state flux or lag time were found between samples stored with or without glycerol for either DEP or caffeine (p ≥ 0.17). These findings support the use of frozen skin to measure the passive permeation of chemicals in studies unconcerned with viability and metabolism. Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.
Comparison between Fondaparinux and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Jianzhong , Zhang Xinlin , Zhang Jingmei , Li Peiwen , Xu Biao , Wang Shang , Jiang He , Shen Yu , Wang Kun
Published: November 2015

Objective: A number of studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but the findings were not consistent across these studies. Methods: Electronic databases and article references were searched for studies that assessed fondaparinux versus LMWH in ACS patients. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) with fondaparinux-based regimens both in randomized controlled trials (RCT; risk ratio, RR: 0.91, p = 0.04) and observational studies (RR: 0.85, p < 0.0001). Mortality decreased in fondaparinux-treated patients in RCT (RR: 0.84, p = 0.02), but not in observational studies (RR: 1.44, p = 0.64). For the analysis of myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent ischemia and stroke, none of the studies showed significant results. In addition, fondaparinux lowered the risk of major bleeding in RCT (RR: 0.62, p < 0.0001) and observational studies (RR: 0.65, p < 0.0001). The net clinical outcome also favored fondaparinux over LMWH in RCT (RR: 0.82, p < 0.0001) and observational studies (RR: 0.84, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Among ACS patients, a fondaparinux-based regimen presented advantages regarding MACE and major bleeding, and a net clinical benefit compared with LMWH, although the benefit is minimal regarding MACE. For death, MI, recurrent ischemia and stroke, fondaparinux has not shown significant benefits.
Novel Nonsense Mutation in the NLRP7 Gene Associated with Recurrent Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: Ito Yuki , Maehara Kayoko , Kaneki Eisuke , Matsuoka Kentaro , Sugahara Naoko , Miyata Tomoko , Kamura Hiromi , Yamaguchi Yuko , Kono Ayako , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Migita Ohsuke , Higashimoto Ken , Soejima Hidenobu , Okamoto Aikou , Nakamura Hitomi , Kimura Tadashi , Wake Norio , Taniguchi Takeshi , Hata Kenichiro
Published: November 2015

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the genetic and epigenetic features of recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM) in Japanese patients. Methods: Four Japanese isolated RHM cases were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing. Villi from RHMs were collected by laser microdissection for genotyping and DNA methylation assay of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms of PEG3 and H19 DMRs were used to confirm the parental origin of the variants. Results: A novel homozygous nonsense mutation in NLRP7 (c.584G>A; p.W195X) was identified in 1 patient. Genotyping of one of her molar tissue revealed that it was biparental but not androgenetic in origin. Despite the fact that the RHM is biparental, maternally methylated DMRs of PEG3, SNRPN and PEG10 showed complete loss of DNA methylation. A paternally methylated DMR of H19 retained normal methylation. Conclusions: This is the first Japanese case of RHM with a novel homozygous nonsense NLRP7 mutation and a specific loss of maternal DNA methylation of DMRs. Notably, the mutation was identified in an isolated case of an ethnic background that has not previously been studied in this context. Our data underscore the involvement of NLRP7 in RHM pathophysiology and confirm that DNA methylation of specific regions is critical.
Analysis of Genetic Damage in Lymphocytes of Former Uranium Processing Workers
Authors: Zölzer Friedo , Havránková Renata , Freitinger Skalická Zuzana , Rössnerová Andrea , Šrám Radim J.
Published: November 2015

The frequency of cells containing micronuclei (MN) and the presence of centromeres in these MN were analyzed in lymphocytes of 98 men from Southern Bohemia. Forty-six of them had worked at the uranium processing plant ‘MAPE Mydlovary' which was closed in 1991, and 52 men were controls from the same area. FISH using human pan-centromeric chromosome paint was employed to detect centromere-positive (CEN+) and -negative (CEN-) MN. A total of 1,000 binucleated cells (BNC) per participant were analyzed after cytochalasin B treatment. All BNC with MN (CEN+ or CEN-) were recorded. No differences were found between formerly exposed workers and the control group, neither in the total frequency of cells with MN per 1,000 BNC (mean levels ± SD, 9.1 ± 3.1 and 9.8 ± 2.5, respectively) nor in the percentage of CEN- MN, which were equal (50 ± 18 and 49 ± 17, respectively). Also, there was no difference between individuals living in the 3 villages closest to the uranium processing plant and those living further away. Considering the fact that effective doses of the workers at MAPE Mydlovary were overall similar to those of former uranium miners in whom higher frequencies of CEN- MN have been found more than 10 years after they had finished working underground, these results are somewhat surprising. A more detailed analysis of the exposures indicates that uranium miners received a greater percentage of their effective dose from the inhalation of radon and its daughters, whereas uranium processing workers received it from the incorporation of long-lived radioactive nuclides such as uranium. If, as has been suggested before, the higher level of DNA damage in miners is due to induced genomic instability, then this phenomenon may be related to radon exposure rather than exposure to uranium.
O documentário institucional de divulgação científica: a representação cinematográfica do Instituto Butantan
Authors: Xavier Priscila De Almeida
Published: November 2015

O artigo pretende pensar a relação que se faz entre Cinema e História, partindo de uma discussão dos tipos de análise que podem ser ponderadas para o campo do cinema documentário. Considerando também a questão dos gêneros institucional, científico e didático, a partir da representação que uma instituição de pesquisa científica faz de si, através do cinema. Para tal, propõe-se um exame do filme “La mort qui guette“ (Bélgica, 1952), pertencente ao arquivo permanente do Instituto Butantan, depositado na Cinemateca Brasileira, para fins de conservação.
História e cinema na escola
Authors: Tourinho Maria Antonieta , Vieira Rosane
Published: November 2015

Este texto relata, comenta e teoriza uma experiência na qual se buscou relacionar o cinema com o ensino de história. Essa experiência se concretizou no estágio curricular, etapa final da formação de professores, do curso de licenciatura em história da UFBA (Universidade Federal da Bahia). Os estagiários realizaram uma oficina sobre o tema no colégio Alberto Silva, localizado no município de Simões Filho. Com a intenção de fazer uma integração entre palavras e imagens, sem predomínio de umas sobre os outras, a biblioteca do colégio se transformou, todos os sábados pela manhã, em uma sala de cinema.
Narrativas interativas: imersão, participação e transformação no caso da nova tecnologia para games “kinect”
Authors: Busarello Raul Inácio , Bieging Patricia , Ulbricht Vânia Ribas
Published: November 2015

O desenvolvimento tecnológico faz surgir novas formas de interação e participação no ambiente digital, onde os games se apresentam como importante artifício. Uma narrativa digital deve permitir ao usuário vivenciar categorias estéticas que estimulem o processo de imersão. Com o objetivo de relacionar essas categorias com as atuais formas de interação dos games, realiza-se um estudo de caso acerca da tecnologia kinect, que proporciona ao usuário o controle dos conteúdos através do corpo e da voz.
Os filmes-diários de Jonas Mekas: as memórias de um homem que se filma
Authors: Ikeda Marcelo
Published: November 2015

O objetivo deste texto é examinar as relações entre memória, narrativa e estética no cinema de Jonas Mekas, especialmente em Walden: diaries, Notes and sketches (1969). A singularidade dos filmes-diários de Mekas se afasta do modelo de encenação da narrativa clássica, investindo numa relação orgânica entre o ato de viver e de filmar, como um processo tipicamente inacabado que revela suas “rasuras”, como cânticos ambíguos de celebração ao ato de viver.
Notas para pensar a onda dos filmes espíritas no Brasil
Authors: Cánepa Laura
Published: November 2015

Neste começo da segunda década do século XXI, o Brasil, país tido como a maior nação espírita do planeta, tem testemunhado uma onda de longas-metragens com temática espírita que movimenta grandes orçamentos e bilheterias, provocando interesse e debates entre os fiéis, os críticos de cinema e os observadores culturais. No entanto, na maior parte das discussões nos meios de comunicação, parece haver certa pressa  em diagnosticar o fenômeno como novidade, sem levar em conta a trajetória e mesmo uma possível tradição de filmes espíritas brasileiros — a partir da qual, parece-nos, o ciclo atual pode ser examinado. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo tem a intenção de discutir a possibilidade de falar-se de uma tradição de filmes espíritas brasileiros e, a partir dela, propõe alguns pressupostos de análise para os novos filmes que têm surgido a cada ano.
Uso do corpo como interface: reconciliação entre imersão e interatividade em jogos de videogame
Authors: Audi Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Este artigo visa investigar o uso do corpo como interface de comando na relação entre interatividade e imersão em jogos narrativos de videogame. A princípio o fato de o sistema exigir a participação do jogador chamaria a atenção para a artificialidade da ação, quebrando, assim, o transe imersivo. Uma forma de permitir a coexistência entre interatividade e imersão na mesma obra é utilizar o corpo do jogador como interface de comando. Por outro lado, pretende-se mostrar que mesmo consoles que não utilizam movimentos isomórficos podem criar ambientes imersivos, pois a imersão e o sentimento de posse do corpo virtual dependem, dentre outros elementos, da transparência da interface de comando, assim como de estímulos audiovisuais.
Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais: Smilacaceae
Authors: Andreata Regina Helena Potsch
Published: November 2015

O estudo da família Smilacaceae é parte do levantamento da Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A família está representada na área pelo gênero Smilax com seis espécies: S. elastica, S. fluminensis, S. hilariana, S. minarum, S. oblongifolia e S. staminea. São apresentadas chave para as espécies, descrições e ilustração das mesmas, bem como comentários sobre sua distribuição geográfica, fenologia e variabilidade.
Acanthaceae do Parque Estadual de Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Martinelli Isabel Gomide , Mello-Silva Renato
Published: November 2015

O estudo da família Acanthaceae é parte do levantamento da flora do Parque Estadual de Ibitipoca, situado em Minas Gerais, nos municípios de Santa Rita de Ibitipoca e Lima Duarte, a 21°40’-21°44’S e 43°52’-43°55’W. A família está representada na área por seis espécies, Mendoncia mollis, Ruellia geminiflora, Justicia monticola, J. beyrichii, J. dasyclados e J. sebastianopolitana. São apresentadas chaves para gêneros e espécies, além de descrições, ilustrações, e comentários sobre as espécies.
Abdominal Aortic Calcification Identified on Lateral Spine Images From Bone Densitometers Are a Marker of Generalized Atherosclerosis in Elderly Women
Authors: Lewis Joshua R. , Schousboe John T. , Lim Wai H. , Wong Germaine , Zhu Kun , Lim Ee M. , Wilson Kevin E. , Thompson Peter L. , Kiel Douglas P. , Prince Richard L.
Published: November 2015

Objective—

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is a low-cost, minimal radiation technique used to improve fracture prediction. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry machines can also capture single-energy lateral spine images, and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is commonly seen on these images.

Approach and Results—

We investigated whether dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry–derived measures of AAC were related to an established test of generalized atherosclerosis in 892 elderly white women aged >70 years with images captured during bone density testing in 1998/1999 and B-mode carotid ultrasound in 2001. AAC scores were calculated using a validated 24-point scale into low (AAC24 score, 0 or 1), moderate (AAC24 scores, 2–5), and severe AAC (AAC24 scores, >5) seen in 45%, 36%, and 19%, respectively. AAC24 scores were correlated with mean and maximum common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (
r
s
=0.12,
P
<0.001 and
r
s
=0.14,
P
<0.001). Compared with individuals with low AAC, those with moderate or severe calcification were more likely to have carotid atherosclerotic plaque (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.61;
P
<0.001 and prevalence ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.65–2.32;
P
<0.001, respectively) and moderate carotid stenosis (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–3.54;
P
=0.001 and adjusted prevalence ratio, 4.82; 95% confidence interval, 3.09–7.050;
P
<0.001, respectively). The addition of AAC24 scores to traditional risk factors improved identification of women with carotid atherosclerosis as quantified by
C
-statistic (+0.075,
P
<0.001), net reclassification (0.249,
P
<0.001), and integrated discrimination (0.065,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

AAC identified on images from a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry machine were strongly related to carotid ultrasound measures of atherosclerosis. This low-cost, minimal radiation technique used widely for osteoporosis screening is a promising marker of generalized extracoronary atherosclerosis.
An International Standard Set of Patient-Centered Outcome Measures After Stroke
Authors: Salinas Joel , Sprinkhuizen Sara M. , Ackerson Teri , Bernhardt Julie , Davie Charlie , George Mary G. , Gething Stephanie , Kelly Adam G. , Lindsay Patrice , Liu Liping , Martins Sheila C.O. , Morgan Louise , Norrving Bo , Ribbers Gerard M. , Silver Frank L. , Smith Eric E. , Williams Linda S. , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Value-based health care aims to bring together patients and health systems to maximize the ratio of quality over cost. To enable assessment of healthcare value in stroke management, an international standard set of patient-centered stroke outcome measures was defined for use in a variety of healthcare settings.

Methods—

A modified Delphi process was implemented with an international expert panel representing patients, advocates, and clinical specialists in stroke outcomes, stroke registers, global health, epidemiology, and rehabilitation to reach consensus on the preferred outcome measures, included populations, and baseline risk adjustment variables.

Results—

Patients presenting to a hospital with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were selected as the target population for these recommendations, with the inclusion of transient ischemic attacks optional. Outcome categories recommended for assessment were survival and disease control, acute complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes proposed for assessment at 90 days were pain, mood, feeding, selfcare, mobility, communication, cognitive functioning, social participation, ability to return to usual activities, and health-related quality of life, with mobility, feeding, selfcare, and communication also collected at discharge. One instrument was able to collect most patient-reported subdomains (9/16, 56%). Minimum data collection for risk adjustment included patient demographics, premorbid functioning, stroke type and severity, vascular and systemic risk factors, and specific treatment/care-related factors.

Conclusions—

A consensus stroke measure Standard Set was developed as a simple, pragmatic method to increase the value of stroke care. The set should be validated in practice when used for monitoring and comparisons across different care settings.
Role of Prestroke Vascular Pathology in Long-Term Prognosis After Stroke
Authors: Portegies Marileen L.P. , Bos Michiel J. , Hofman Albert , Heeringa Jan , Franco Oscar H. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Mortality after stroke remains high for years, mostly because of cardiovascular causes. Given that cardiovascular pathology plays an important role in causing the initial stroke, such prestroke pathology might also influence the prognosis after stroke. Within the population-based Rotterdam Study, we examined the proportion of deaths after stroke that are attributable to pre-existent cardiovascular risk factors before stroke (the population attributable risk).

Methods—

We examined 1237 patients with first-ever stroke and 4928 stroke-free participants (between 1990 and 2012), matched on age, sex, examination round, and stroke date (index date). Cardiovascular risk factors measured on ≈4 years before index date were used as determinants. Participants were continuously followed up for mortality (≈6 years) after the index date. We calculated separate and combined population attributable risk of hypertension, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, smoking, transient ischemic attack, and atrial fibrillation.

Results—

Nine hundred and nineteen patients with stroke and 2654 stroke-free participants died. The combined population attributable risk in patients with stroke was 27% (95% confidence interval, 14%–45%) and in stroke-free participants was 19% (95% confidence interval, 12%–29%). Population attributable risks of diabetes mellitus, smoking, and atrial fibrillation were higher in patients with stroke than in the reference group because of a higher prevalence of risk factors. In addition, people with atrial fibrillation and stroke had a higher hazard ratio for death than those with only atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions—

One quarter of deaths after stroke could theoretically be prevented with rigorous cardiovascular prevention and treatment, but this should preferably start before stroke occurrence. In addition, research into factors explaining the remaining deaths needs to be encouraged.
18S rRNA and COI haplotype diversity of Trichodorus obtusus from turfgrass in South Carolina
Authors: Shaver Bradly R. , Marchant Sergio , Martin S. Bruce , Agudelo Paula
Published: November 2015

The stubby-root nematode,Trichodorus obtusus, was recently identified on zoysiagrass in South Carolina, USA. In Florida,T. obtususcauses more damage than other stubby-root nematodes encountered in turfgrass. The objective of this study was to use morphological analysis, mitochondrial DNA (COI: cytochrome oxidase 1) and nuclear (18S rRNA) sequence data to study the genetic structure and haplotype diversity of populations recovered from turfgrasses in South Carolina. Numerous morphological differences were observed among populations. Three 18S haplotypes were shared among South Carolina and Florida populations, and six mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in South Carolina samples. Of the six COI haplotypes, four haplotypes were restricted to one population from St Augustinegrass. The lowest haplotype diversity was found in samples from zoysiagrass. Sequences of the COI mtDNA gene ofT. obtususwere published in GenBank and represent the first mtDNA sequences for the genusTrichodorus.
Intertextuality as a Means of Negotiating Authority, Status, and Place—Forms, Contexts, and Effects of Quotations of Christian Texts in Nineteenth-Century Missionary Correspondence from Yorùbáland
Authors: Nickel Sandra
Published: November 2015

From the early 1840s, Church Missionary Society agents were active in the Yorùbá mission in what today is Southwest Nigeria. Both European and African missionaries—often former slaves who had converted to Christianity—corresponded with the Society, and in their writing frequently used quotations from the Bible and other core Christian texts. These quotations were recontextualised (Fairclough 2003) in the missionaries’ writing and formed intertextual bonds (Blommaert 2005) between their correspondence and the original texts. For the missionaries these bonds provided solace and meaning in difficult situations, established their status and authority as proficient theologians in the face of their European audience, and explicitly linked them with the Christian narrative of ‘spreading the word’. Especially for the Yorùbá agents, this practice of creating intertextuality was a means of negotiating and affirming their African-Christian identity, thus establishing and expressing their new place in the Christian tradition.
Driving the Devil Out: Kenya’s Born-Again Election
Authors: Deacon Gregory
Published: November 2015

Neo-Pentecostal or born-again language and understandings are highly prominent in Kenya. They were especially visible during the general election of 2013 in which the victorious Jubilee coalition campaigned using a narrative according to which the nation was being washed clean of past sins, redeemed, and born again. This was attractive to and reflected the desires of Kenyans seeking to move beyond the horrors of the postelection violence that occurred in 2007-2008. This provides an invaluable lens for conceptualising current Kenyan understandings of African Christianity and how these relate to politics and contemporary socioeconomic conditions. More specifically, this paper argues that in 2013 a popular desire for health and wealth, and deference to authority came together with personal but abstract repentance and forgiveness narratives. This contributed to a peaceful election but restricted the means through which criticism might be voiced and helps to maintain structural inequality and impunity.
Giving Light to Narrative
Authors: Doherty Meghan C.
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the visual and verbal cross-pollination between the Philosophical Transactions and the Journal des Sçavans with a specific focus on the role of the visual as an open form of communication, which overcame the linguistic barriers implied by journals published in vernacular languages, rather than Latin. Studying the illustrated articles published in the two journals in 1666 highlights the ways in which the authors viewed the images as providing clarity to their prose and how the images provided access to useful information that was otherwise invisible.
Phylogeny and morphology of Premilcurensis gen. nov. (Pleosporales) from stems of Senecio in Italy
Authors: Tibpromma Saowaluck , PROMPUTTHA ITTHAYAKORN , PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , CAMPORESI ERIO CAMPORESI , YANG JUN-BO , BHAKALI ALI H. , MCKENZIE ERIC H. C. , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: November 2015

Premilcurensis senecionis gen. et and sp. nov. was collected on stems of Senecio sp. from Forlì-Cesena Province, Italy and is introduced in Phaeosphaeriaceae with the support of a unique combination of morphological characters and combined gene phylogenetic analyses. Premilcurensis is distinguished from other genera in Phaeosphaeriaceae in having fusiform to cylindrical, hyaline to yellow-green ascospores with 3–5 septa, and mucilaginous, wing-like appendages at the central septum. Phylogenies analyses show Premilcurensis as a distinct lineage from other genera in the family Phaeosphaeriaceae with high bootstrap support. A comprehensive description and micrographs of P. senecionis is provided and the new genus is compared with morphologically similar taxa.
From momentarity to perfective multiplicity. Different aspects of the aorist
Authors: Satoła-Staśkowiak Joanna
Published: November 2015

From momentarity to perfective multiplicity. Different aspects of the aoristThe aim of this work is a analysis of temporal meanings, and aspectual research. That problems raised in the article are analysed on concrete examples of past sentences translated from the Polish language into the Bulgarian language.
Automated extraction of lexical meanings from Polish corpora: potentialities and limitations
Authors: Piasecki Maciej
Published: November 2015

Automated extraction of lexical meanings from Polish corpora: potentialities and limitationsLarge corpora are often consulted by linguists as a knowledge source with respect to lexicon, morphology or syntax. However, there are also several methods of automated extraction of semantic properties of language units from corpora. In the paper we focus on emerging potentialities of these methods, as well as on their identified limitations. Evidence that can be collected from corpora is confronted with the existing models of formalised description of lexical meanings. Two basic paradigms of lexical semantics extraction are briefly described. Their properties are analysed on the basis of several experiments performed on Polish corpora. Several potential applications of the methods, including a system supporting expansion of a Polish wordnet, are discussed. Finally, perspectives on the potential further development are discussed.
Multilingual digital resources with Bulgarian language
Authors: Dimitrova Ludmila
Published: November 2015

Multilingual digital resources with Bulgarian languageThe paper presents in brief Bulgarian language resources as a part of multilingual digital resources developed in the frame of some international projects, among them parallel annotated and aligned corpora, comparable corpora, morpho-syntactic specifications for corpora annotation and dictionaries encoding, lexicons, lexical databases, and electronic dictionaries.