bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Lumican in Ocular Disease
Authors: Amjadi Shahriar , Mai Kelly , McCluskey Peter , Wakefield Denis
Published: July 2013

Lumican is keratan sulfate proteoglycan of the small leucine rich proteoglycan family. Through studies in animal models lumican has been found to be critical in maintaining corneal clarity. It maintains ordered collagen fibrils which are vital in keeping the cornea transparent. It may also be important in primary open angle glaucoma influencing aqueous outflow. Lumican deficiency in mice results in increased axial length with fibromodulin deficiency and thinner sclerae. There is evidence suggesting that this characteristic may be pertinent in humans and lumican gene polymorphisms could be related to high myopia. Lumican plays a fundamental role in inflammation and wound healing. It localises macrophages to the site of corneal injury and recruits neutrophils in lipopolysaccharide-induced keratitis in mice. It has also been shown to bind lipopolysaccharide which may be critical in inflammatory diseases such as uveitis. Lumican is also important in wound healing revealing decreased synthesis in scar tissue and mediating Fas-Fas ligand interactions. It is present in human placenta and amniotic membrane suggesting that it may ensure viable amniotic membrane grafts. Lumican may also be involved in the formation of posterior capsular opacification following cataract surgery. Research into the pivotal role of lumican in the pathogenesis of ocular disease has resulted in greater understanding of the key role which proteoglycans play in human disease.
Calibration of the Performance of Bidirectional Shaker Table in Centrifuge Model Tests Using Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Hongjun , Zhong Hong , Zhang Xuedong , Zhang Yanyi , Hou Yujing
Published: July 2013

Great concern for the safety of high rock-fill dams which are being or to be built in the southwestern area of China with high seismicity is attracted. In order to obtain an in-depth knowledge of the mechanism of seismic-induced damage and reasonable assessment of the seismic design for rock-fill dams, comprehensive dynamic centrifuge tests which can simulate and reproduce strictly the action process of strong earthquake should be conducted. Thus, the performance and accuracy of test device have become a key problem. In the present research, refined calibration of bidirectional shaker table, which can be actuated in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously and placed on the swing bucket, was achieved via the distributed sensor network used in a centrifuge model test. The seismic input at the dam site and transmission along the dam axis were obtained by the five pairs of accelerometers. The extensive usage of the sensor networks technology in physical model test in centrifuge has significantly promoted the calibration of performance of bidirectional shaker table and would thus enable further insight into the dynamic response of rock-fill dam.
Relationship between the Prevalence of Ectoparasites and Associated Risk Factors in Free-Range Pigs in Kenya
Authors: Kagira John Maina , Kanyari Paul Njuki , Maingi Ndicho , Githigia Samuel Maina , Ng'ang'a Chege , Gachohi John
Published: July 2013

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites and possible risk factors in free-range pigs from 135 farms of Busia District, Kenya. Three hundred and six pigs were examined for presence of external parasites using standard parasitological methods. Data on management practices including housing and history of acaricide spraying were also collected. The ectoparasites found in the pigs were Haematopinus suis (96.1%), Sarcoptes scabiei (63.7%), and ticks (29.7%). The tick species included Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (70%), Boophilus decoloratus (31%), and Amblyomma variegatum (12%). The occurrence of the infestations was associated with age, being highest in sows (S. scabiei) and finishers (ticks and H. suis). Male pigs had highest prevalences of H. suis and ticks, while female pigs had highest prevalence of S. scabiei. The prevalence of the parasitic infestations was significantly () associated with their origin being either lower (H. suis and S. scabiei) or higher (ticks) in pigs originating from divisions with high rainfall. Housed pigs had significantly () lower prevalence of H. suis and ticks than those from households without pig housing. It is concluded that the free-range pigs have high prevalence of ectoparasites, and effective control strategies focussing on improved animal husbandry and acaricide use should be implemented.
The Prevalence of Frontal Cells and Their Relation to Frontal Sinusitis: A Radiological Study of the Frontal Recess Area
Authors: Eweiss Ahmed Z. , Khalil Hisham S.
Published: July 2013

Background. The frontal recess area represents a challenge to ENT surgeons due to its narrow confines and variable anatomy. Several types of cells have been described in this area. The agger nasi cells are the most constant ones. The frontal cells, originally classified by Kuhn into 4 types, have been reported in the literature to exist in 20%–41% of frontal recesses.Aim of the Study. To identify the prevalence of frontal recess cells and their relation to frontal sinus disease.Methods. Coronal and axial CT scans of paranasal sinuses of 70 patients admitted for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were reviewed to identify the agger nasi, frontal cells, and frontal sinus disease. Data was collated for right and left sides separately.Results. Of the 140 sides reviewed, 126 (90%) had agger nasi and 110 (78.571%) had frontal cells. 37 frontal sinuses were free of mucosal disease, 48 were partly opacified, and 50 were totally opacified. There was no significant difference found in frontal sinus mucosal disease in presence or absence of frontal cells or agger nasi.Conclusions. The current study shows that frontal cells might be underreported in the literature, as the prevalence identified is noticeably higher than previous studies.
Congenital Liver Cyst in a Neonatal Calf
Authors: Nogradi Nora , Heller Meera C. , Vaughan Betsy
Published: July 2013

Congenital serous cysts attached to the liver capsule are usually small and multiple, but can be solitary, grow extremely large, and become symptomatic. They are considered rare incidental findings during laparotomies or necropsies and thier occurrence is well described in the human literature, with limited reports from the veterinary literature. This report describes the ante-mortem diagnosis and successful surgical removal of a large congenital liver cyst in a neonatal calf.
JNK1/2 Activation by an Extract from the Roots ofMorus albaL. Reduces the Viability of Multidrug-Resistant MCF-7/Dox Cells by Inhibiting YB-1-Dependent MDR1 Expression
Authors: Choi Youn Kyung , Cho Sung-Gook , Choi Hyeong Sim , Woo Sang-Mi , Yun Yee Jin , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: July 2013

Cancer cells acquire anticancer drug resistance during chemotherapy, which aggravates cancer disease. MDR1 encoded from multidrug resistance gene 1 mainly causes multidrug resistance phenotypes of different cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that JNK1/2 activation by an extract from the root ofMorus albaL. (White mulberry) reduces doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7/Dox cell viability by inhibiting YB-1 regulation ofMDR1gene expression. When MCF-7 or MCF-7/Dox cells, where MDR1 is highly expressed were treated with an extract from roots or leaves ofMorus albaL., respectively, the root extract from the mulberry (REM) but not the leaf extract (LEM) reduced cell viabilities of both MCF-7 and MCF-7/Dox cells, which was enhanced by cotreatment with doxorubicin. REM but not LEM further inhibited YB-1 nuclear translocation and its regulation ofMDR1gene expression. Moreover, REM promoted phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and JNK1/2 inhibitor, SP600125 and rescued REM inhibition of both MDR1 expression and viabilities in MCF-7/Dox cells. Consistently, overexpression of JNK1, c-Jun, or c-Fos inhibited YB-1-dependent MDR1 expression and reduced viabilities in MCF-7/Dox cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that REM-activated JNK-cJun/c-Fos pathway decreases the viability of MCF-7/Dox cells by inhibiting YB-1-dependentMDR1gene expression. Thus, we suggest that REM may be useful for treating multidrug-resistant cancer cells.
On an Optimal -Control Problem in Coefficients for Linear Elliptic Variational Inequality
Authors: Kupenko Olha P. , Manzo Rosanna
Published: July 2013

We consider optimal control problems for linear degenerate elliptic variational inequalities with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. We take the matrix-valued coefficients in the main part of the elliptic operator as controls in . Since the eigenvalues of such matrices may vanish and be unbounded in , it leads to the “noncoercivity trouble.” Using the concept of convergence in variable spaces and following the direct method in the calculus of variations, we establish the solvability of the optimal control problem in the class of the so-called -admissible solutions.
Early Endoscopy Can Shorten the Duration of Hospitalization in Suspected Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Guan Hong-Lin , Lin Hsin-Yi , Lee Yi-Kung , Hsu Chen-Yang , Su Yung-Cheng
Published: July 2013

Background. Endoscopic treatment in patients with acute variceal hemorrhage should be performed within 12 hours, but the recommendation is based on the experts’ opinion. Objective. Our study investigated if time to endoscopy was a significant factor that could alter the outcomes of patients with suspected variceal hemorrhage. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay and the mortality. The secondary outcomes were complications during observation periods. Methods. Patients were included if variceal hemorrhage was suspected in the emergency department. Patients were further divided into early (receiving endoscopy within 12 hours) and delayed groups (receiving endoscopy after 12 hours), and each patient was matched using a standard propensity score greedy-matching algorithm. The primary and secondary outcomes were compared accordingly. Results. 1442 patients met our inclusion criteria and therefore were enrolled for further analysis. In the Cox regression model, log time to endoscopy was not a significant factor. In the propensity score assignment, 566 patients (283 in each group) were further selected into the subcohort (P value = 0.8001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a discharge benefit favoring the early endoscopy over the control group. The mortality rates and complications were not statistically different between the two groups (P value = 0.0045). Conclusion. Early endoscopy before 12 hours in patients with suspected variceal hemorrhage could result in shorter length of hospitalization without increasing the mortalities and complications. The results would help emergency physicians in decisions making when these patients are encountered.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller Design for Projective Synchronization of Different Chaotic Systems with Uncertain Terms and External Bounded Disturbances
Authors: Cang Shijian , Wang Zenghui , Chen Zengqiang
Published: July 2013

Synchronization is very useful in many science and engineering areas. In practical application, it is general that there are unknown parameters, uncertain terms, and bounded external disturbances in the response system. In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode controller is proposed to realize the projective synchronization of two different dynamical systems with fully unknown parameters, uncertain terms, and bounded external disturbances. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proven that the proposed control scheme can make two different systems (driving system and response system) be globally asymptotically synchronized. The adaptive global projective synchronization of the Lorenz system and the Lü system is taken as an illustrative example to show the effectiveness of this proposed control method.
The Effect of Nanofluid Volume Concentration on Heat Transfer and Friction Factor inside a Horizontal Tube
Authors: Hussein Adnan M. , Sharma K. V. , Bakar R. A. , Kadirgama K.
Published: July 2013

The additives of solid nanoparticles to liquids are significant enhancement of heat transfer and hydrodynamic flow. In this study, the thermal properties of three types of nanoparticles (Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2) dispersed in water as a base fluid were measured experimentally. Forced convection heat transfer turbulent flow inside heated flat tube was numerically simulated. The heat flux around flat tube is 5000 W/m2 and Reynolds number is in the range of 5 × 103 to 50 × 103. CFD model by finite volume method used commercial software to find hydrodynamic and heat transfer coefficient. Simulation study concluded that the thermal properties measured and Reynolds number as input and friction factor and Nusselt number as output parameters. Data measured showed that thermal conductivity and viscosity increase with increasing the volume concentration of nanofluids with maximum deviation 19% and 6%, respectively. Simulation results concluded that the friction factor and Nusselt number increase with increasing the volume concentration. On the other hand, the flat tube enhances heat transfer and decreases pressure drop by 6% and −4%, respectively, as compared with circular tube. Comparison of numerical analysis with experimental data available showed good agreement with deviation not more than 2%.
New Strategies in Pediatric Gliomas: Molecular Advances in Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas as a Model
Authors: Raabe Eric , Kieran Mark W. , Cohen Kenneth J.
Published: July 2013

Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) account for more brain tumors in children than any other histologic subtype. While surgery, chemotherapy and radiation remain the mainstay of upfront treatment, recent advances in molecular interrogation of pLGG have shown a small number of recurring genetic mutations in these tumors that might be exploited therapeutically. Notable findings include abnormalities in the RAS/MAP kinase pathway such as NF-1 loss or BRAF activation and mTOR activation. Recent identification of activating re-arrangements in c-MYB and MYBL1 in pediatric diffuse astrocytoma also provide candidates for therapeutic intervention. Targeting these molecularly identified pathways may allow for improved outcomes for patients as pediatric oncology moves into the era of biology-driven medicine. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4553–8. ©2013 AACR.
DNA Methylation of the SLC16A3 Promoter Regulates Expression of the Human Lactate Transporter MCT4 in Renal Cancer with Consequences for Clinical Outcome
Authors: Fisel Pascale , Kruck Stephan , Winter Stefan , Bedke Jens , Hennenlotter Jörg , Nies Anne T. , Scharpf Marcus , Fend Falko , Stenzl Arnulf , Schwab Matthias , Schaeffeler Elke
Published: July 2013

Purpose: The monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) is a metabolic target in tumor biology because it mediates lactate transport across membranes resulting in antiapoptotic effects. Cell experiments support the importance of MCT4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we assessed the prognostic potential of MCT4 expression in ccRCC and its epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation as novel predictive marker for patient outcome using independent ccRCC cohorts.

Experimental Design: MCT4 protein expression was quantified in 207 ccRCC and corresponding nontumor tissues. Data of an independent ccRCC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed on MCT4 mRNA (n = 482) and DNA methylation (n = 283) level. The findings on MCT4 expression and DNA methylation in the SLC16A3 promoter were validated in a third cohort (n = 64). Promoter activity assays were conducted in four RCC cell lines.

Results: MCT4 protein expression was upregulated (P < 0.0001) in ccRCC and showed significant association with cancer-related death. Upregulation of MCT4 mRNA expression (P < 0.00001) was confirmed in the TCGA cohort. Single CpG sites correlated inversely with mRNA expression and were associated with overall survival in Kaplan–Meier analyses [HR = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.64; P[log-rank] = 1.23e−04]. Promoter activity studies confirmed MCT4 regulation by DNA methylation. The significant correlation between MCT4 protein and gene expression or DNA methylation at single CpG sites was validated in a third cohort. Again, higher methylation at individual CpG sites was associated with prolonged survival [HR = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01–0.40; P[log-rank] = 6.91e−05].

Conclusion: We identified SLC16A3 promoter DNA methylation as a novel epigenetic mechanism for MCT4 regulation in ccRCC with first evidence of a biological rationale for prognosis and clinical outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 5170–81. ©2013 AACR.
BMN 673, a Novel and Highly Potent PARP1/2 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Human Cancers with DNA Repair Deficiency
Authors: Shen Yuqiao , Rehman Farah L. , Feng Ying , Boshuizen Julia , Bajrami Ilirjana , Elliott Richard , Wang Bing , Lord Christopher J. , Post Leonard E. , Ashworth Alan
Published: July 2013

Purpose: PARP1/2 inhibitors are a class of anticancer agents that target tumor-specific defects in DNA repair. Here, we describe BMN 673, a novel, highly potent PARP1/2 inhibitor with favorable metabolic stability, oral bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic properties.

Experimental Design: Potency and selectivity of BMN 673 was determined by biochemical assays. Anticancer activity either as a single-agent or in combination with other antitumor agents was evaluated both in vitro and in xenograft cancer models.

Results: BMN 673 is a potent PARP1/2 inhibitor (PARP1 IC50 = 0.57 nmol/L), but it does not inhibit other enzymes that we have tested. BMN 673 exhibits selective antitumor cytotoxicity and elicits DNA repair biomarkers at much lower concentrations than earlier generation PARP1/2 inhibitors (such as olaparib, rucaparib, and veliparib). In vitro, BMN 673 selectively targeted tumor cells with BRCA1, BRCA2, or PTEN gene defects with 20- to more than 200-fold greater potency than existing PARP1/2 inhibitors. BMN 673 is readily orally bioavailable, with more than 40% absolute oral bioavailability in rats when dosed in carboxylmethyl cellulose. Oral administration of BMN 673 elicited remarkable antitumor activity in vivo; xenografted tumors that carry defects in DNA repair due to BRCA mutations or PTEN deficiency were profoundly sensitive to oral BMN 673 treatment at well-tolerated doses in mice. Synergistic or additive antitumor effects were also found when BMN 673 was combined with temozolomide, SN38, or platinum drugs.

Conclusion: BMN 673 is currently in early-phase clinical development and represents a promising PARP1/2 inhibitor with potentially advantageous features in its drug class. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 5003–15. ©2013 AACR.
Delayed Lung Liquid Absorption after Cesarean Section at Term
Authors: Martelius Laura , Janér Cecilia , Süvari Liina , Helve Otto , Lauerma Kirsi , Pitkänen Olli , Andersson Sture
Published: July 2013

Background: Delayed postnatal removal of lung liquid may result in respiratory distress, which is more common in infants born by cesarean section. Vertical artefacts (B-lines) arising from the lung surface in lung ultrasound have been shown to correlate with the liquid content of the lungs. Objectives: We studied whether lung ultrasound could be used for the assessment of postnatal lung liquid in healthy term infants born vaginally and by cesarean section. Methods: Lung ultrasound was performed 1, 3 and 24 h after birth to 22 vaginally born infants and 20 infants born by elective cesarean section. The abundance of B-lines was scored for each infant and time point by two independent observers blinded to the mode of delivery and time point on the examination on a five-step scale. Results: In both groups, a significant decrease in abundance of B-lines, indicative of lung liquid absorption, was observed during the first 24 h. 3 h after birth cesarean section was associated with significantly higher lung liquid content than vaginal delivery. Conclusion: The noninvasive bedside ultrasound method for estimation of lung liquid is a promising tool for the early identification of infants at risk for pulmonary maladaptation.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome Complicated by Unilateral Pleural Effusion
Authors: Mitamura Yasutaka , Takahara Masakazu , Ito Takamichi , Nakano Misa , Moroi Yoichi , Furue Masutaka
Published: July 2013

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with pleural effusion is extremely rare. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for spreading erythema on his trunk and extremities, as well as dyspnea. One year before admission, he had visited us with a 1-year history of erythema and purpura on his legs and occasional fever. Given the diagnosis of APS, we initiated a combination therapy of aspirin and warfarin, but the skin lesions had gradually worsened. A biopsy specimen revealed marked thrombosis in the dermal and subcutaneous small vessels. In addition, chest X-ray and computed tomography demonstrated a large pleural effusion in the left lung. He underwent repeated drainage of the pleural effusion but the effusion recurred. We added oral prednisolone 30 mg daily to his prior anticoagulant therapy. The skin lesions and pleural effusion rapidly improved and disappeared without any complication. Corticosteroids might be a choice of treatment for intractable pleural effusion in APS patients.
Cultura afro-brasileira e diversidade
Authors: Arakaki Letícia Augusta
Published: July 2013

Este depoimento se refere à minha experiência como aluna/professora a partir da participação em "espaço de criação" desenvolvido pela professora Nilce da Silva, cujo tema abordado foi a questão da cultura afro-brasileira e a diversidade. Relato aqui um pouco do trabalho que foi desenvolvido com as crianças relacionando a questão da diversidade étnico-racial, cultural e social, visando a valorização da história, das contribuições africanas para a cultura brasileira e da identidade dos afrodescendentes.
Tocando de ouvido: os ecos do construtivismo na alfabetização pela realização de um projeto desenvolvido com alfabetizadores
Authors: Gurgel Paulo , Jesus Iracema de , Nogueira Ivana de Deus
Published: July 2013

Neste trabalho apresentamos uma proposta de extensão passível de ser adaptada a programas de formação de professoras alfabetizadoras. Associado ao nosso trabalho como membros integrantes do Laboratório de Epistemologia Genética da UFBa, este programa foi construído utilizando como fonte de dados um estudo de caso que teve como seu objeto os discursos de cinco professoras de escolas da rede municipal de educação da cidade de Salvador. Procedendo a uma análise de conteúdos destes discursos tomando como referência os conceitos de saberes docentes e conhecimentos universitários (TARDIF, 2002), propomos um elenco de temas que consideramos necessários compor o repertório mínimo de saberes universitários necessários ao ensino de práticas de alfabetização cientificamente referenciadas.
Uma intervenção psicopedagógica em um aluno portador de agnesia do corpo caloso com o uso de software livre
Authors: Correia Celise Monteiro França , Tarcia Rita Maria Lino , Natel Maria Cristina
Published: July 2013

Este estudo de caso se refere à utilização de softwares livres educacionais junto a uma criança portadora de agnésia do corpo caloso, um caso de inclusão em uma escola particular. São levadas em consideração as implicações da doença no desenvolvimento do aluno, bem como o uso consciente da informática, mais precisamente de softwares livres educacionais na promoção do desenvolvimento de suas habilidades
O papel do texto na aula de língua sob uma perspectiva interacionista
Authors: Wittke Cleide Inês
Published: July 2013

A realidade do ensino de língua materna mostra que essa prática escolar não tem atingido os resultados almejados: que o aluno se expresse com segurança, clareza e naturalidade, tanto na modalidade falada quanto na escrita. Tal constatação reflete a necessidade urgente de redimensionar o objeto de estudo, bem como sua metodologia. Tendo como base teórica as orientações dos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCNs, 1998, 1999) e de vários estudos direcionados nessa perspectiva, tais como os de Geraldi (1991, 2006), Possenti (2002), Kleiman (1996, 2006), Neves (2003), Antunes (2003, 2007, 2009), citando apenas alguns, o presente artigo visa a problematizar a questão, não apontando fórmulas prontas, mas possibilidades de solução a serem efetuadas nas aulas de português. Definindo a língua e seu ensino como uma prática frequente de interação verbal, vemos o texto (mais especificamente os diferentes gêneros textuais, que circulam em diversas instâncias sociais) como objeto de estudo e propomos diferentes estratégias de leitura, análise linguística e produção textual como método para trabalhar a língua. Defendemos que o ensino e a aprendizagem de língua precisam funcionar como um constante trabalho de desconstruir e construir textos, enfim, como um exercício permanente de comunicação. E o ensino de gramática deve ser contextualizado, ou seja, mais do que identificar e classificar, o aluno precisa perceber o efeito de sentido que cada elemento linguístico produz, no contexto em que atua.
A colaboração entre escola, família e comunidade segundo Deslandes
Authors: Gravel Élisabeth
Published: July 2013

Este depoimento trata da importância de Rollandes Deslandes, professora da Universidade do Quebec em Trois Rivières no que diz respeito à relação escola família e comunidade para o sucesso no aprendizado dos alunos.
Cartas pessoais entre crianças brasileiras, portuguesas e angolanas
Authors: Arena Dagoberto Buim , Santos Sonia Oliveira , Miller Stela
Published: July 2013

Este artigo analisa os resultados de dados obtidos pela realização, entre 2008 e 2009, de projeto de extensão e de pesquisa relativo à troca de cartas internacionais entre professores e alunos de escolas de ensino fundamental das cidades de Garça e Marília, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com uma escola na cidade de Azaruja, em Portugal e outra na cidade de Luanda, Angola. Foi desenvolvido por equipe de alunos e professores da UNESP de Marília, com a finalidade de promover o intercâmbio por meio de cartas pessoais, para que os alunos, entre 8 e 9 anos de idade, pudessem se apropriar da língua escrita, no caso a portuguesa, e compreendê-la como instrumento impregnado da cultura. A escolha desse gênero, no universo do gênero epistolar, foi feita por propiciar a participação do outro na configuração de relações dialógicas de construção de enunciados, tomadas como referência em uma concepção bakhtiniana de linguagem. Teve como objetivos (1) apontar, nas cartas trocadas, entre professores, e entre os alunos portugueses, brasileiros e angolanos, nos primeiros anos escolares, os indícios de assunção de condutas linguísticas de autoria que poderiam sinalizar o início da autonomia no uso da modalidade escrita de linguagem, ou indícios de condutas de submissão; (2) revelar os instrumentos linguísticos de teor cultural utilizados na construção de enunciados indicadores dos costumes de cada povo, entre eles os que constituem os fazeres escolares. Para a geração dos dados foram utilizados princípios de pesquisa-ação, que possibilitaram a ação direta, junto aos professores brasileiros, e indireta, no caso dos docentes estrangeiros. Da análise do corpus da pesquisa - cartas trocadas entre professores e alunos – constata-se que a apropriação da língua como um ato discursivo em realização no seio das relações humanas faz da velha correspondência pessoal um instrumento poderoso de evolução no domínio da língua escrita.
Alfabetização: um desafio para um novo tempo
Authors: Santana Fabiana Castelo Branco de
Published: July 2013

Diante da sociedade atual em que a escola precisa estar apta para formar indivíduos prontos para assumirem novos saberes, o conceito de alfabetização supera a definição de ser apenas a aquisição da técnica de decifração e codificação dos signos linguísticos. Nesse sentido, ser alfabetizado apresenta-se como a possibilidade de utilização de tais conhecimentos em benefício de formas de expressão e comunicação em um determinado contexto cultural. Por conseguinte, este artigo traz um embate entre duas concepções de ensino antagônicas; a empirista, observada através da experiência de estágio, e a construtivista, defendida neste trabalho. A partir daí, é realizada uma reflexão deste confronto, vislumbrando iniciativas pedagógicas que valorizem a criança como sujeito de sua própria aprendizagem.
A aplicação das TICs no ensino do mandarim nas escolas secundárias da Malásia
Authors: Peng Chew Fong
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar a aplicação das TICs no ensino e aprendizagem do mandarim nas escolas secundárias da Malásia. O estudo envolve 31 professores e 90 alunos de algumas escolas secundárias da Malásia. Um questionário é usado e os dados coletados são processados usando o programa SPSS. As respostas são analisadas através da média e do desvio padrão para mostrar as opiniões dos professores e dos estudantes, os fatores influentes e os efeitos das aplicações das TICs no ensino e aprendizagem de mandarim nas escolas secundárias da Malásia. As estatísticas inferenciais, como a maneira única ANOVA, são realizadas para ver as diferenças no uso da aplicação das TICs baseado na experiência social dos entrevistados. Os resultados mostraram que ambos os professores e os alunos se deram conta da importância da aplicação CALL no ensino de mandarim. A maioria dos entrevistados concordaram que a aplicação das TICs produz mais efeitos positivos ao ajudar os professores durante o processo de ensino e aprendizado de mandarim. Contudo, em aplicar CALL no ensino de mandarim, os professores têm várias coações. Os resultados mostram a existência de uma diferença significante entre a frequência de usar CALL e a eficácia da aplicação de CALL no ensino de mandarim e as perspectivas e problemas dos professores.
Importance of Cerebral Artery Recanalization in Patients With Stroke With and Without Neurological Improvement After Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Kharitonova Tatiana V. , Melo Teresa P. , Andersen Grethe , Egido Jose A. , Castillo José , Wahlgren Nils
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Recanalization status after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with ischemic stroke is a reference point to proceed with a rescue reperfusion intervention, although early neurological improvement (NI) may preclude endovascular procedures. We aimed to evaluate the importance of restoration of blood flow at the arterial occlusion site in subgroups of patients with stroke stratified by early NI after IVT.

Methods—

The following patients were recruited from the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register: (1) with baseline vessel occlusion documented by computed tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and follow-up angioimaging between 22 and 36 hours after IVT available; and (2) with dense cerebral artery sign on admission CT scan and results of follow-up CT reported. Recanalization at 24 hours was defined as absence of vessel occlusion or as resolution of dense cerebral artery sign on follow-up 22- to 36-hour imaging. NI was assessed at 2 hours and 24 hours after IVT and was defined as improvement by 20% from baseline National Institute of Health Stroke scale score. Primary outcome measure was independence, defined as modified Rankin scale score 0 to 2 after 3 months.

Results—

Of 28136 cases registered between December 2003 and November 2009, 5324 cases (19%) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with both NI at 2 hours post-treatment and vessel recanalization had the best chances to achieve independence at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio, 15.8; 95% confidence interval, 12.5–20.0), followed by those who had NI despite persistent occlusion (adjusted odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.6–6.1); and those without NI despite recanalization (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–3.3).

Conclusions—

Recanalization of an occluded artery in acute stroke is associated with favorable functional outcome both in patients with and without NI after IVT. In future evaluations of mechanical thrombectomy and other additional strategies, recanalization should be considered in patients with persisting occlusion after IVT even after significant NI.
Taming Neonatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury by Intranasal Delivery of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1
Authors: Yang Dianer , Sun Yu-Yo , Lin Xiaoyi , Baumann Jessica M. , Warnock Mark , Lawrence Daniel A. , Kuan Chia-Yi
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-1), a ≈50-kDa serine protease inhibitor, markedly reduces the extravascular toxicity of tissue-type plasminogen activator in experimental hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury of newborns. However, the current treatment with PAI-1 requires intracerebroventricle injection to cross the blood–brain barrier, which is an invasive procedure of limited clinical potential. Thus, we tested whether intranasal administration of PAI-1 can bypass blood–brain barrier and mitigate neonatal HI brain injury.

Methods—

Rat pups were subjected to HI, with or without lipopolysaccharide pre-exposure, followed by intranasal delivery of a stable-mutant form of PAI-1 (CPAI).

Results—

Immunoblotting showed that CPAI sequentially entered the olfactory bulbs and cerebral cortex after intranasal delivery and reduced ≈75% of brain atrophy in HI or lipopolysaccharide-sensitized HI injury. Mechanistically, CPAI attenuated HI-induced plasminogen activators and lipopolysaccharide/HI-induced nuclear factor-κB signaling, neuroinflammation, and blood–brain barrier permeability.

Conclusions—

Intranasal delivery of CPAI is an effective treatment of experimental HI brain injury of newborns. Clinical application of this experimental therapy merits further investigation.
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I-Iomazenil Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Visualizes Recovery of Neuronal Integrity by Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Therapy in Rat Infarct Brain
Authors: Saito Hisayasu , Magota Keiichi , Zhao Songji , Kubo Naoki , Kuge Yuji , Shichinohe Hideo , Houkin Kiyohiro , Tamaki Nagara , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

This study was aimed to assess whether
123
I-iomazenil (IMZ) single photon emission computed tomography can serially monitor the effects of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation on neuronal integrity in infarct brain of rats.

Methods—

The BMSCs were harvested from green fluorescent protein–transgenic rats and were cultured. The rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Their motor function was serially quantified throughout the experiments. The BMSCs or vehicle was stereotactically transplanted into the ipsilateral striatum at 7 days after the insult. Using small-animal single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography apparatus, the
123
I-IMZ uptake was serially measured at 6 and 35 days after the insult. Finally, fluorescence immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the distribution of engrafted cells and their phenotypes.

Results—

The distribution of
123
I-IMZ was markedly decreased in the ipsilateral neocortex at 6 days postischemia. The vehicle-transplanted animals did not show a significant change at 35 days postischemia. However, BMSC transplantation significantly improved the distribution of
123
I-IMZ in the peri-infarct neocortex as well as motor function. The engrafted BMSCs were densely distributed around cerebral infarct, and some of them expressed neuronal nuclear antigen and γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor.

Conclusions—

The present findings strongly suggest that the BMSCs may enhance functional recovery by improving the neuronal integrity in the peri-infarct area, when directly transplanted into the infarct brain at clinically relevant timing.
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I-IMZ single photon emission computed tomography may be a promising modality to scientifically prove the beneficial effects of BMSC transplantation on the host brain in clinical situation.
The Association Between Stroke, Depression, and 5-Year Mortality Among Very Old People
Authors: Hornsten Carl , Lövheim Hugo , Gustafson Yngve
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Depression after stroke has been associated with increased mortality, but little is known about this association among very old people.

Methods—

A population-based study among people ≥85 years of age was conducted in northern Sweden and Finland, comprising cross-sectional assessments and subsequent survival data. The 452 individuals who had completed the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 assessment were selected. Depression was defined as a score of ≥5 on the geriatric depression scale.

Results—

Of those with a history of stroke, 38 of 88 (43.2%) people were depressed, and 11 of the 38 (28.9%) were treated with antidepressants, compared with 91 of 364 (25.0%) depressed (
P
=0.001) and 17 of 91 (18.7%) treated with antidepressants among those without stroke. Having a history of stroke and ongoing depression was associated with increased 5-year mortality compared with having only stroke (hazard ratio, 1.90; confidence interval, 1.15–3.13), having only depression (hazard ratio, 1.59; confidence interval, 1.03–2.45), and compared with having neither stroke nor depression (hazard ratio, 2.50; confidence interval, 1.69–3.69). Having only stroke without depression did not increase mortality compared with having neither stroke nor depression.

Conclusions—

A history of stroke was associated with increased mortality among very old people but only among those who were also depressed. Depression seemed to be underdiagnosed and undertreated.
A new species of Fissarcturus Brandt, 1990 (Isopoda, Valvifera, Antarcturidae) from the Southern Ocean, off the South Sandwich Islands
Authors: NICKEL JUDITH M. , BRANDT ANGELIKA
Published: July 2013

A new antarcturid species, Fissarcturus dorotheae sp. nov., from the Southern Ocean is described. During the ANDEEP II expedition in March 2002, specimens of the new species were collected aboard the RV Polarstern off the South Sandwich Islands. The new species is most similar to Fissarcturus sandwichi Brandt, 2007, but can be easily distinguished from it by the absence of the cauliflower-like spination, the number of articles of the antennal flagellum as well as the coxal spination. It also can be differentiated from F. sandwichi by the spinulation of the supraocular spines, the tubercular-like spination of the cephalothorax and the absence of tubercles and denticulate spines on the pereopods. The new species differs from all other species of the genus by the strong spinulated frontally bent supraocular spines and the weakly pronounced dorsal spination. A distribution map of all known Fissarcturus species is provided.
Model Projections of the Changes in Atmospheric Circulation and Surface Climate over North America, the North Atlantic, and Europe in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Lau Ngar-Cheung , Ploshay Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2013

The impacts of climate change on the North America–North Atlantic–Europe sector are studied using a coupled general circulation model: the Climate Model, version 3 (CM3) and a high-resolution atmosphere-only model, the High Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM)—both developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. The CM3 experiment is conducted under two climate change scenarios for the 1860–2100 period. The sea surface temperature (SST) forcing prescribed in the “time slice” integrations with HiRAM is derived from observations for the 1979–2008 period and projection by CM3 for the 2086–95 period.

The wintertime response in the late twenty-first century is characterized by an enhancement of the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation in sea level pressure (SLP) and poleward and eastward displacements of the Atlantic jet stream and storm track. The forcing pattern due to eddy vorticity fluxes in the perturbed storm track matches well with the response pattern of the SLP field in the late twenty-first century. The model results suggest that the above circulation changes are linked to the gradient of the altered SST forcing in the North Atlantic.

In summer, the projected enhancement of convection over the eastern tropical Pacific is accompanied by a wave train spanning the North America–North Atlantic–Europe sector. This quasi-stationary circulation pattern is associated with diminished storm track activity at 40°–50°N and an eddy forcing pattern similar to the summertime SLP response in the late twenty-first century.
Future Climate in the Tibetan Plateau from a Statistical Regional Climate Model
Authors: Zhu Xiuhua , Wang Weiqiang , Fraedrich Klaus
Published: July 2013

The authors use a statistical regional climate model [Statistical Regional Model (STAR)] to project the Tibetan Plateau (TP) climate for the period 2015–50. Reanalysis datasets covering 1958–2001 are used as a substitute of observations and resampled by STAR to optimally fit prescribed linear temperature trends derived from the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM) simulations for phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) under the representative concentration pathway 2.6 (RCP2.6) and RCP4.5 scenarios. To assess the related uncertainty, temperature trends from carefully selected best/worst ensemble members are considered. In addition, an extra projection is forced by observed temperature trends in 1958–2001. The following results are obtained: (i) Spatial average temperature will increase by 0.6°–0.9°C; the increase exceeds 1°C in all months except in boreal summer, thus indicating a reduced annual cycle; and daily minimum temperature rises faster than daily maximum temperature, resulting in a narrowing of the diurnal range of near-surface temperature. (ii) Precipitation increase mainly occurs in early summer and autumn possibly because of an earlier onset and later withdrawal of the Asian summer monsoon. (iii) Both frost and ice days decrease by 1–2 days in spring, early summer, and autumn, and the decrease of frost days on the annual course is inversely related to the precipitation increase. (iv) Degree-days increase all over the TP with peak amplitude in the Qaidam Basin and the southern TP periphery, which will result in distinct melting of the local seasonal frozen ground, and the annual temperature range will decrease with stronger amplitude in south TP.
Application of a Dynamic-Stochastic Approach to Short-Term Forecasting of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Komarov V. S. , Lavrinenko A. V. , Lomakina N. Ya. , Il’in S. N.
Published: July 2013

A two-dimensional, dynamic-stochastic model presented in this study is used for short-term forecasting of vertical profiles of air temperature and wind velocity orthogonal components in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The technique of using a two-dimensional dynamic-stochastic model involves preliminary estimation of its coefficients using the Kalman filter (KF) algorithm and observations at only one measuring station. The results obtained can be useful for aviation meteorology, mobile meteorological systems deployed in regions uncovered or rarely covered by meteorological observations, and devices with limited computational resources. In addition, they can be useful for wind-power and pollutant dispersion applications. Two cases of experiments with real observations using a radiometer and sodar (Doppler radar) deployed in the region of Tomsk, Russia, and data of more frequent (4 times a day) radiosonde observations in the region of Omsk (station 28698) are examined. The forecast period of numerical weather prediction (NWP) for all cases considered in this study ranged from 0.5 to 6 h. The results obtained demonstrate higher forecast quality in comparison with the persistence forecast.
A combined laboratory and field evaluation of the Cholestech LDX and CardioChek PA point-of-care testing lipid and glucose analysers
Authors: Whitehead Simon J , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau
Published: July 2013

Background

Combined lipid and glucose point-of-care testing (POCT) devices could facilitate widespread population screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes as part of the NHS Vascular Risk Assessment and Management Program (NHS Health Checks). An evaluation of the Cholestech LDX and CardioChek PA POCT analysers was performed in collaboration with the Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Methods

Intra-/inter-batch imprecision, between-analyser variation and the effect of haematocrit and ascorbic acid assay interference were investigated. Accuracy of the POCT capillary whole blood total cholesterol (TC), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glucose measurements was estimated by comparison with those from the laboratory analysis of paired venous samples. POCT usability and clinical governance were also assessed.

Results

The LDX exhibited lower intra- and inter-batch imprecision and external quality assessment (EQA) scheme between-analyser variation for the measurement of TC, HDL-C and glucose when compared to the CardioChek. Ascorbic acid negatively interfered in all three assays on both POCT analysers and results reported by the CardioChek were influenced by the specimen haematocrit. The LDX displayed closer agreement with the laboratory methods for the measurement of TC and HDL-C but both the LDX and the CardioChek displayed positive bias for the measurement of glucose.

Conclusions

POCT has clear advantages for delivering NHS Health Checks over the laboratory-based approach although device performance does differ. Users should also be aware of the potential clinical governance and interference issues associated with these devices.
Elevated pregnancy-associated plasma protein A predicts myocardial dysfunction and death in severe sepsis
Authors: Zhang Zhaocai , Dai Haiwen , Yu Yihua , Yang Jidong , Chen Jin , Wu Liang
Published: July 2013

Background

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) is an emerging biomarker used in various medical fields but has yet to be evaluated in critical care medicine. This study evaluates the value of PAPPA as a biomarker in predicting myocardial dysfunction and 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

Methods

Serum concentrations of PAPPA and traditional cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured on admission in 118 severely septic patients. The value of PAPPA for the diagnosis of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction (SRMD) and for the prediction of 28-day mortality was subsequently evaluated using statistical methods.

Results

PAPPA was elevated (≥4.5 ng/mL) in 76 (64.4%) patients; patients with elevated PAPPA were more likely to have SRMD (76.3% vs. 38.1%, P < 0.001). By comparison of the area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristics analysis, PAPPA had comparable value (AUC 0.661, P = 0.003) to conventional biomarkers (BNP: AUC 0.699, P < 0.001; cTnI: AUC 0.647, P = 0.007) in the diagnosis of SRMD and offered superior value (AUC 0.771, P < 0.001) over them (all AUC<0.7, P > 0.05) in the prediction of 28-day death. Increased PAPPA (≥5.4 ng/mL) was associated with lower 28-day survival (χ2 = 19.78, P < 0.001) and independently predicted 28-day mortality in septic patients.

Conclusions

Serum PAPPA concentration frequently increases in patients with severe sepsis and appears to be associated with SRMD. PAPPA can be used as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of SRMD and the prediction of outcomes in critically ill patients.