bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of Habanero Java Programs using Computation Graphs
Authors: Nakade Radha , Mercer Eric
Published: November 2015

The Habanero Java (HJ) programming model is designed to provide several correctness guarantees such as deadlock freedom and determinism in the absence of data races. Model checking tools like Java Pathfinder (JPF) can be used to detect data races in HJ programs. But, as the program size increases, data race detection becomes expensive because of the state space explosion. We present a new method of data race detection in HJ programs with the help of computation graphs. A computation graph represents the execution of a program in the form of a directed acyclic graph. For structurally deterministic programs, analyzing the graph on a single schedule is enough for data race detection.
Report on the First International i* Teaching Workshop (iStarT)
Authors: Horkoff Jennifer , Lockerbie James , Franch Xavier , Yu Eric , Mylopoulos John
Published: November 2015

The i* Framework, facilitating goal-oriented information systems modeling, has received much attention in research since its introduction. As the i* and related frameworks (e.g., GRL and Tropos) have been in existence for more than 20 years, researchers around the world have accumulated experience in teaching such languages, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, to students with a wide variety of backgrounds. It is our aim to begin to collect and share these experiences. As such, we organized the first International iStar Teaching Workshop (iStarT'15), a focused workshop covering topics related to i* and goal-oriented pedagogy held at the Conference on Advanced Information Systems Engineering (CAiSE'15). In this report we summarize the presentations, discussion and future plans made as part of iStarT'15.
Multi-item auctions defying intuition?
Authors: Daskalakis Constantinos
Published: November 2015

The best way to sell
n
items to a buyer who values each of them independently and uniformly randomly in [
c, c
+1] is to bundle them together, as long as
c
is large enough. Still, for any
c
, the grand bundling mechanism is never optimal for large enough
n
, despite the sharp concentration of the buyer's total value for the items as
n
grows. Optimal multi-item mechanisms are rife with unintuitive properties, making multi-item generalizations of Myerson's celebrated mechanism a daunting task. We survey recent work on the structure and computational complexity of revenue-optimal multi-item mechanisms, providing structural as well as algorithmic generalizations of Myerson's result to multi-item settings.
Behavioral mechanism design
Authors: Easley David , Ghosh Arpita
Published: November 2015

Incentives are more likely to elicit desired outcomes when they are based on accurate models of agent behavior. A growing literature---from behavioral economics, as well as online user studies---suggests, however, that people do not quite behave like standard economic agents in a variety of environments, both online and offline. What consequences might such differences have for the optimal design of these environments?

In this note, we summarize our results from Easley and Ghosh [2015] which explores this question of behavioral design---how departures from standard economic models of agent behavior affect mechanism design---via the problem of the optimal choice of contract structure in crowdsourcing markets where workers make decisions according to prospect theory preferences [Kahneman and Tversky 1979] rather than classical expected utility theory: we show that a principal might indeed choose a fundamentally different kind of mechanism---an output-contingent contest versus a 'safe', output-independent, fixed-payment scheme---and do better as a result, if he accounts for deviations from the standard economic models of decision-making that are typically used in theoretical design.
Structure, Regulation, and Functional Diversity of Microvilli on the Apical Domain of Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sauvanet Cécile , Wayt Jessica , Pelaseyed Thaher , Bretscher Anthony
Published: November 2015

Microvilli are actin-based structures found on the apical aspect of many epithelial cells. In this review, we discuss different types of microvilli, as well as comparisons with actin-based sensory stereocilia and filopodia. Much is known about the actin-bundling proteins of these structures; we summarize recent studies that focus on the components of the microvillar membrane. We pay special attention to mechanisms of membrane microfilament attachment by the ezrin/radixin/moesin family and regulation of this protein family. We also discuss the NHERF family of scaffolding proteins that are found in microvilli and their role in microvilli regulation. Microvilli on cultured cells are not static structures, and their dynamics and those of their components are discussed. Finally, we mention diseases related to microvilli and outline questions that our current knowledge will allow the field to address in the near future.
Sizing up to Divide: Mitotic Cell-Size Control in Fission Yeast
Authors: Wood Elizabeth , Nurse Paul
Published: November 2015

Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a good model to study cell-size control. These cells integrate size information into cell cycle controls at both the G1/S and G2/M transitions, although the primary control operates at the entry into mitosis. At G2/M there is both a size threshold, demonstrated by the fact that cells divide when they reach 14 μm in length, and also correction around this threshold, evident from the narrow distribution of sizes within a population. This latter property is referred to as size homeostasis. It has been argued that a population of cells accumulating mass in a linear fashion will have size homeostasis in the absence of size control, if cycle time is controlled by a fixed timer. Because fission yeast cells do not grow in a simple linear fashion, they require a size-sensing mechanism. However, current models do not fully describe all aspects of this control, especially the coordination of cell size with ploidy.
The Role of Craving in Substance Use Disorders: Theoretical and Methodological Issues
Authors: Sayette Michael A.
Published: November 2015

Craving is a central feature of addiction. Its recent inclusion as a diagnostic criterion for substance use disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders appears at a time when craving research is at an all-time high. Craving is thought to predict relapse and may deter individuals from even trying to quit. Researchers have developed experimental craving-induction paradigms to identify factors contributing to craving and to test interventions to alleviate craving. This review offers a critique of laboratory craving studies, with particular emphasis on cigarette craving. It raises questions concerning several conceptual and methodological assumptions underlying this research, identifies processes that may explain why cravings are linked to drug use and relapse, addresses contextual factors that may influence various experiences of craving, and considers recent interventions targeting craving. The relation between craving and both emotion and coping is discussed, as well as the level of insight that individuals have about their own future cravings.
Tektites, Apollo, the Crust, and Planets: A Life with Trace Elements
Authors: Taylor Stuart Ross
Published: November 2015

Stuart Ross Taylor, MSc (University of New Zealand), PhD (Indiana University), ScD (University of Oxford), FAA, AC, always called Ross, grew up on a farm near Ashburton, New Zealand. Ross has worked on a wide variety of topics in trace element geochemistry, including the composition and evolution of the Moon, the continental crust, tektites, impact glasses, and island arc rocks. In 1969 he carried out the first chemical analysis of the first returned lunar sample at NASA in Houston. He has published 10 books and 240 papers in scientific journals. He was awarded the V.M. Goldschmidt Award of the Geochemical Society in 1993. In 1994 he was elected a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences. In 1998, he was awarded the Leonard Medal of the Meteoritical Society, in 2002 the Bucher Medal of the American Geophysical Union, and in 2012 the Shoemaker Distinguished Lunar Scientist Medal of the NASA Lunar Science Institute. Asteroid 5670 is named Rosstaylor.
Therapeutic Targeting of IL-17 and IL-23 Cytokines in Immune-Mediated Diseases
Authors: Fragoulis George E. , Siebert Stefan , McInnes Iain B.
Published: November 2015

The discovery of the biological functions of the interleukin-23/-17 axis led to the identification of IL-23 and IL-17 as important participants in the pathogenesis of several immune-mediated diseases. Therapeutic agents targeting these cytokines and/or their receptors have now been developed as potential treatment strategies for common immune-mediated diseases. Anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-12/-23 regimens appear particularly effective in psoriasis, with promising results in spondyloarthropathies also emerging. Overall, these agents appear well tolerated, with adverse-event rates that are commensurate with those in other biologic treatment programs. The strategic utility of these new agents, however, remains uncertain, and further studies will be required to determine their place in the context of existing conventional and biologic immune-modifying agents.
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Against HIV: New Insights to Inform Vaccine Design
Authors: Sadanand Saheli , Suscovich Todd J. , Alter Galit
Published: November 2015

HIV-1 poses immense immunological challenges to the humoral immune response because of its ability to shield itself and replicate and evolve rapidly. Although most currently licensed vaccines provide protection via the induction of antibodies (Abs) that can directly block infection ( 1 ), 30 years of HIV-1 vaccine research has failed to successfully elicit such Abs against globally relevant HIV strains. However, mounting evidence suggests that these broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) do emerge naturally in a significant fraction of infected subjects, albeit after years of infection, indicating that these responses can be selected naturally by the immune response but take long periods of time to evolve. We review the basic structural characteristics of broadly neutralizing antibodies and how they recognize the virus, and we discuss new vaccination strategies that aim to mimic natural evolution to guide B cells to produce protective Abs against HIV-1.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Potential Therapies in the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Forrester Steven J. , Kawai Tatsuo , O'Brien Shannon , Thomas Walter , Harris Raymond C. , Eguchi Satoru
Published: November 2015

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation impacts the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, and inhibition of EGFR activity is emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat diseases including hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, renal fibrosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The capacity of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists, such as angiotensin II (AngII), to promote EGFR signaling is called transactivation and is well described, yet delineating the molecular processes and functional relevance of this crosstalk has been challenging. Moreover, these critical findings are dispersed among many different fields. The aim of our review is to highlight recent advancements in defining the signaling cascades and downstream consequences of EGFR transactivation in the cardiovascular renal system. We also focus on studies that link EGFR transactivation to animal models of the disease, and we discuss potential therapeutic applications.
Mechanisms of the adenosine A2Areceptor-induced sensitization of esophageal C fibers
Authors: Brozmanova M. , Mazurova L. , Ru F. , Tatar M. , Hu Y. , Yu S. , Kollarik M.
Published: November 2015

Clinical studies indicate that adenosine contributes to esophageal mechanical hypersensitivity in some patients with pain originating in the esophagus. We have previously reported that the esophageal vagal nodose C fibers express the adenosine A2Areceptor. Here we addressed the hypothesis that stimulation of the adenosine A2Areceptor induces mechanical sensitization of esophageal C fibers by a mechanism involving transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1). Extracellular single fiber recordings of activity originating in C-fiber terminals were made in the ex vivo vagally innervated guinea pig esophagus. The adenosine A2Areceptor-selective agonist CGS21680 induced robust, reversible sensitization of the response to esophageal distention (10–60 mmHg) in a concentration-dependent fashion (1–100 nM). At the half-maximally effective concentration (EC50: ≈3 nM), CGS21680 induced an approximately twofold increase in the mechanical response without causing an overt activation. This sensitization was abolished by the selective A2Aantagonist SCH58261. The adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin mimicked while the nonselective protein kinase inhibitor H89 inhibited mechanical sensitization by CGS21680. CGS21680 did not enhance the response to the purinergic P2X receptor agonist α,β-methylene-ATP, indicating that CGS21680 does not nonspecifically sensitize to all stimuli. Mechanical sensitization by CGS21680 was abolished by pretreatment with two structurally different TRPA1 antagonists AP18 and HC030031 . Single cell RT-PCR and whole cell patch-clamp studies in isolated esophagus-specific nodose neurons revealed the expression of TRPA1 in A2A-positive C-fiber neurons and demonstrated that CGS21682 potentiated TRPA1 currents evoked by allylisothiocyanate. We conclude that stimulation of the adenosine A2Areceptor induces mechanical sensitization of nodose C fibers by a mechanism sensitive to TRPA1 antagonists indicating the involvement of TRPA1.
Ex vivo perfusion of the isolated rat small intestine as a novel model ofSalmonellaenteritis
Authors: Boyle Erin C. , Dombrowsky Heike , Sarau Jürgen , Braun Janin , Aepfelbacher Martin , Lautenschläger Ingmar , Grassl Guntram A.
Published: November 2015

Using an ex vivo perfused rat small intestinal model, we examined pathological changes to the tissue, inflammation induction, as well as dynamic changes to smooth muscle activity, metabolic competence, and luminal fluid accumulation during short-term infection with the enteropathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Yersinia enterocolitica. Although few effects were seen upon Yersinia infection, this system accurately modeled key aspects associated with Salmonella enteritis. Our results confirmed the importance of the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI1)-encoded type 3 secretion system (T3SS) in pathology, tissue invasion, inflammation induction, and fluid secretion. Novel physiological consequences of Salmonella infection of the small intestine were also identified, namely, SPI-1-dependent vasoconstriction and SPI-1-independent reduction in the digestive and absorptive functions of the epithelium. Importantly, this is the first small animal model that allows for the study of Salmonella-induced fluid secretion. Another major advantage of this model is that one can specifically determine the contribution of resident cell populations. Accordingly, we can conclude that recruited cell populations were not involved in the pathological damage, inflammation induction, fluid accumulation, nutrient absorption deficiency, and vasoconstriction observed. Although fluid loss induced by Salmonella infection is hypothesized to be due to damage caused by recruited neutrophils, our data suggest that bacterial invasion and inflammation induction in resident cell populations are sufficient for fluid loss into the lumen. In summary, this model is a novel and useful tool that allows for detailed examination of the early physiopathological effects of Salmonella infection on the small intestine.
High-intensity training reduces intermittent hypoxia-induced ER stress and myocardial infarct size
Authors: Bourdier Guillaume , Flore Patrice , Sanchez Hervé , Pepin Jean-Louis , Belaidi Elise , Arnaud Claire
Published: November 2015

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) is described as the major detrimental factor leading to cardiovascular morbimortality in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. OSA patients exhibit increased infarct size after a myocardial event, and previous animal studies have shown that chronic IH could be the main mechanism. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. High-intensity training (HIT) exerts beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Thus, we hypothesized that HIT could prevent IH-induced ER stress and the increase in infarct size. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 21 days of IH (21-5% fraction of inspired O2, 60-s cycle, 8 h/day) or normoxia. After 1 wk of IH alone, rats were submitted daily to both IH and HIT (2 × 24 min, 15-30m/min). Rat hearts were either rapidly frozen to evaluate ER stress by Western blot analysis or submitted to an ischemia-reperfusion protocol ex vivo (30 min of global ischemia/120 min of reperfusion). IH induced cardiac proapoptotic ER stress, characterized by increased expression of glucose-regulated protein kinase 78, phosphorylated protein kinase-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor 4, and C/EBP homologous protein. IH-induced myocardial apoptosis was confirmed by increased expression of cleaved caspase-3. These IH-associated proapoptotic alterations were associated with a significant increase in infarct size (35.4 ± 3.2% vs. 22.7 ± 1.7% of ventricles in IH + sedenary and normoxia + sedentary groups, respectively, P < 0.05). HIT prevented both the IH-induced proapoptotic ER stress and increased myocardial infarct size (28.8 ± 3.9% and 21.0 ± 5.1% in IH + HIT and normoxia + HIT groups, respectively, P = 0.28). In conclusion, these findings suggest that HIT could represent a preventive strategy to limit IH-induced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion damages in OSA patients.
p70 ribosomal S6 kinase regulates subpleural fibrosis following transforming growth factor-α expression in the lung
Authors: Madala Satish K. , Thomas George , Edukulla Ramakrishna , Davidson Cynthia , Schmidt Stephanie , Schehr Angelica , Hardie William D.
Published: November 2015

The p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K) is a downstream substrate that is phosphorylated and activated by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex and regulates multiple cellular processes associated with fibrogenesis. Recent studies demonstrate that aberrant mTORC1-S6K signaling contributes to various pathological conditions, but a direct role in pulmonary fibroproliferation has not been established. Increased phosphorylation of the S6K pathway is detected immediately following transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) expression in a transgenic model of progressive lung fibrosis. To test the hypothesis that the S6K directly regulates pulmonary fibroproliferative disease we determined the cellular sites of S6K phosphorylation during the induction of fibrosis in the TGF-α model and tested the efficacy of specific pharmacological inhibition of the S6K pathway to prevent and reverse fibrotic disease. Following TGF-α expression increased phosphorylation of the S6K was detected in the airway and alveolar epithelium and the mesenchyme of advanced subpleural fibrotic regions. Specific inhibition of the S6K with the small molecule inhibitor LY-2584702 decreased TGF-α and platelet-derived growth factor-β-induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts in vitro. Administration of S6K inhibitors to TGF-α mice prevented the development of extensive subpleural fibrosis and alterations in lung mechanics, and attenuated the increase in total lung hydroxyproline. S6K inhibition after fibrosis was established attenuated the progression of subpleural fibrosis. Together these studies demonstrate targeting the S6K pathway selectively modifies the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in the subpleural compartment of the lung.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Immune-Related Response Criteria—Capturing Clinical Activity in Immuno-Oncology
Authors: Hoos Axel , Wolchok Jedd D. , Humphrey Rachel W. , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: November 2015

To evaluate antitumor responses to chemotherapeutic agents, investigators would typically rely upon Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or modified WHO criteria, which do not comprehensively capture responses with immunotherapeutic agents. In the December 1, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Wolchok and colleagues reported their development of novel criteria, designated “Immune-related Response Criteria” (irRC), designed to better capture the response patterns observed with immunotherapies. Broad use of the irRC since then has allowed for a more comprehensive evaluation of immunotherapies in clinical trials, indicating that their concepts can be used in conjunction with either RECIST or WHO, and has shown irRC to be a powerful tool for improved clinical investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 21(22); 4989–91. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Wolchok et al., Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(23) December 1, 2009;7412–20
Impact of the 2010 Consensus Recommendations of the Clinical Trial Design Task Force of the NCI Investigational Drug Steering Committee
Authors: Seymour Lesley , Groshen Susan , Rosner Gary L. , Sullivan Daniel M. , Spriggs David R. , Reeves Steven , Gravell Amy , Ivy S. Percy , Ratain Mark J.
Published: November 2015

Oncology phase III trials have a high failure rate, leading to high development costs. The Clinical Trials Design Task Force of the Investigational Drug Steering Committee of the NCI Cancer Therapy and Evaluation Program developed Recommendations regarding the design of phase II trials. We report here on the results of a Concordance Group review charged with documenting whether concordance rates improved after the publication of the Recommendations. One hundred and fifty-five trials were reviewed. Letter of Intents (LOI) from the post-Recommendation period were more likely to be randomized (44% vs. 34%) and biomarker selected (19% vs. 10%). Single-arm studies using time-to-event endpoints (benchmarked against historical data) were similar, as was the type of tumor. There was a significant improvement in the rate of concordance, with 74% of LOIs scored as concordant compared with 58% before the Recommendations (P = 0.042). This included a marked decrease in the use of single-arm designs to evaluate the activity of drug combinations (19% vs. 5%, P = 0.009). There were areas for which clarification was warranted, including the need for protocols to include further development plans, the use of realistic benchmarks, the careful evaluation of historical controls, and the use of a standard treatment option as a control. Ongoing critical evaluation of current trial design methodology and the development of new Guidelines when appropriate will continue to improve drug development ensuring that safe and effective cancer therapeutics are made available to our patients as quickly and efficiently as possible. Clin Cancer Res; 21(22); 5057–63. ©2015 AACR.
Stimulation of Eryptosis by Narasin
Authors: Bouguerra Ghada , Bissinger Rosi , Abbès Salem , Lang Florian
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Narasin, an ionophore used for the treatment of coccidiosis, has been shown to foster apoptosis of tumor cells. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Eryptosis may be triggered by Ca2+ entry with subsequent increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), and by ceramide. The present study explored, whether and how narasin induces eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to estimate phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, and ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to narasin (10 and 25 ng/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells. Forward scatter was decreased by 1 ng/ml narasin but not by higher narasin concentrations (10 and 25 ng/ml). Narasin significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence (10 and 25 ng/ml) and slightly, but significantly increased ceramide abundance (25 ng/ml). The effect of narasin on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusions: Narasin triggers phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect paralleled and partially dependent on Ca2+ entry. Narasin further leads to cell shrinkage and slight increase of ceramide abundance.
The Frequency of the LCT*-13910C>T Polymorphism Associated with Lactase Persistence Diverges among Euro-Descendant Groups from Brazil
Authors: Boschmann Stefanie Epp , Boldt Angelica Beate , de Souza Ilíada Rainha , Petzl-Erler Maria Luiza , Messias-Reason Iara Jose
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the LCT*-13910C>T polymorphism associated with a high expression of lactase in the small intestine during adulthood, and to infer the lactase persistence and adult-type hypolactasia phenotypes among Euro-Brazilians and Mennonites from South Brazil. Materials and Meth ods: A sequence-specific PCR method to genotype the LCT*-13910C>T polymorphism in 292 Euro-Brazilians and 151 Mennonites (a group with European ancestry and a long history of endogamy) was developed. Using an exact test of population differentiation, the genotype and allele frequency between these and other Brazilian populations were compared. Results: The frequency of -13910*T was significantly higher among the Mennonites when compared to the Euro-Brazilian cohort (0.63 vs. 0.33, p < 0.000001). Accordingly, Mennonites had a higher prevalence of the lactase persistence genotype (88.1 vs. 55.5%, p < 0.000001). The distribution of -13910*T differed between Mennonites and all other Brazilian groups (p < 0.0001). The Euro-Brazilians from Curitiba displayed differences when compared to all other Brazilian groups (p < 0.0001), even to Euro-Brazilians from a different geographic region (p = 0.0003), but were similar to those from Porto Alegre (p = 0.2). Conclusion: Differences in the -13910*T-associated lactase persistence distribution among Euro-Brazilian groups reflect the ancestry and admixture of each particular group and should be considered for adult-type hypolactasia screening.
Clinical Trials, Data Protection and Patient Empowerment in the Era of the New EU Regulations
Authors: Negrouk Anastassia , Horgan Denis , Gorini Alessandra , Cutica Ilaria , Leyens Lada , Schee genannt Halfmann Sebastian , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: November 2015

Cancer clinical trials and, in general, cancer clinical research by definition need a multi-modality approach. It is not enough to discover and register new drugs. To get cancer under control requires us to perform complex clinical studies that integrate drugs, companion diagnostics, new or improved surgical procedures and new radiotherapy approaches as well as, most importantly, to integrate all available information. This includes biological material and, of increasing importance, large amounts of data using big data technologies. To personalise treatment, genetic data are more and more frequently used. Therefore, the general approach is holistic. Legislators, on the other hand, work in a silo mentality; the needs of clinical research are poorly understood, and legislation focuses on either health care or the commercialisation of a product, and not on clinical research. In the last 2 years the EU has drafted several major regulations touching on clinical trials, in vitro diagnostics, medical devices and data protection, all of which will impact clinical research, although the silo mentality makes the overall framework inconsistent and potentially highly damaging to the EU's capacity to make rapid progress in the field of personalised medicine.
Alternative Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Oral Pyogenic Granuloma
Authors: Bugshan Amr , Patel Harsh , Garber Karen , Meiller Timothy F.
Published: November 2015

Pyogenic granulomas (PGs) in the oral cavity present as an inflammatory hyperplasia usually caused by trauma, hormonal imbalance, chronic irritation, or as the response to a wide variety of drugs. PGs with atypical presentation and behavior may clinically mimic malignant tumors. Thus, histological examination is required to rule out cancer development. Lesions in the oral cavity have been described to be either an isolated entity or present in multiple forms and with multiple recurrences. Conservative surgical excision is the standard choice of treatment in almost every scenario. However, the severity of the lesions and the affected sites often challenge surgical treatment. In this report, we describe the clinical scenario of a recurrent PG, where surgical excision of the lesion was questioned. As an alternative, we describe a noninvasive approach with lesional steroid injections.
Early-Onset Central Diabetes Insipidus due to Compound Heterozygosity for AVP Mutations
Authors: Bourdet Karine , Vallette Sophie , Deladoëy Johnny , Van Vliet Guy
Published: November 2015

Background: Genetic cases of isolated central diabetes insipidus are rare, are mostly due to dominant AVP mutations and have a delayed onset of symptoms. Only 3 consanguineous pedigrees with a recessive form have been published. Case Report: A boy with a negative family history presented polyuria and failure to thrive in the first months of life and was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a normal posterior pituitary signal. A molecular genetic analysis of the AVP gene showed that he had inherited a previously reported mutation from his Lebanese father and a novel A>G transition in the splice acceptor site of intron 1 (IVS1-2A>G) from his French-Canadian mother. Replacement therapy resulted in the immediate disappearance of symptoms and in weight gain. Conclusions: The early polyuria in recessive central diabetes insipidus contrasts with the delayed presentation in patients with monoallelic AVP mutations. This diagnosis needs to be considered in infants with very early onset of polyuria-polydipsia and no brain malformation, even if there is no consanguinity and regardless of whether the posterior pituitary is visible or not on imaging. In addition to informing family counseling, making a molecular diagnosis eliminates the need for repeated imaging studies.
Is Smoking Shisha Safer than Cigarettes: Comparison of Health Effects of Shisha and Cigarette Smoking among Young Adults in Kuwait
Authors: Husain Hamid , Al-Fadhli Fahed , Al-Olaimi Fatima , Al-Duraie Alshouq , Qureshi Ammar , Al-Kandari Waleed , Mitra Amal K.
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the health effects of shisha smoking with cigarette smoking among male college students in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 male students in Kuwait from September to October 2013. A pretested questionnaire was used for information on demographics and health complaints. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured using a portable peak flow meter. The outcome variables of health status were compared between smoking shisha, cigarettes, or both, and nonsmoking. Results: The prevalence of current smoking was 243 of the 525 students (46%); of them, 52 (10%) were shisha smokers, 69 were (13%) cigarette smokers and 122 (23%) were both shisha and cigarette smokers. There were significantly fewer shisha smokers than cigarette smokers with symptoms of persistent cough (4 vs. 13% or 2/52 vs. 15/69; p = 0.007), chest pain (4 vs. 23% or 2/52 vs. 16/69; p = 0.004) and rapid heart rate (12 vs. 28% or 6/52 vs. 19/69; p = 0.04). Other complaints, including asthma, respiratory infections, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels and sleep disturbances were similar in the 2 groups. Values of PEFR for shisha smokers and cigarette smokers were not significantly different. Conclusion: This study produced evidence suggesting that shisha smoking is not safer than cigarette smoking except with regard to complaints such as cough, chest pain and rapid heart rate, and that people who smoke both experience worse health effects in terms of frequent symptoms of respiratory infections, persistent cough, rapid heartbeat and sleep disturbances.
Fluxos Turísticos Internacionais: uma proposta metodológica de análise sobre os (novos) destinos
Authors: De Pieri Vitor Stuart Gabriel
Published: November 2015

Esse artigo pretende, através da criação de categorias quantitativas, baseadas nos dados oficiais da Organização Mundial de Turismo de chegadas de turistas por país de 2009 a 2011, analisar os fluxos do turismo internacional, identificando os polos de turismo consolidados e apontando os destinos mais emergentes. Nesse sentido, o trabalho divide-se em quatro partes, a partir de diferentes recortes espaciais. A primeira delas busca-se, por meio das macro-divisões subcontinentais da OMT, apontar e entender as regiões mais dinâmicas do turismo internacional. Posteriormente, como segundo recorte, é feita uma análise por subcontinente, onde os principais destinos nessa escala são analisados, revelando-se assim, diversas questões regionais não apontadas numa perspectiva global. Como terceira etapa, são levantados os principais destinos turísticos internacionais, classificando-os progressivamente em: Importantes Destinos Regionais; Pequenos Destinos; Médios Destinos; Grandes Destinos; Super-destinos; e Hiper-destinos. Finalmente, na última etapa do trabalho são analisados os destinos e novos destinos internacionais, classificados em estáveis e instáveis segundo a proposta de Amplitude Turística, que leva em consideração aspectos políticos, econômicos, sociais, culturais e físico-ambientais de cada país.    Palavras-chave: Turismo Internacional, Fluxos Turísticos, (Novos) Destinos
O Programa de Regionalização do Turismo de Minas Gerais: uma abordagem da política pública estadual de turismo
Authors: Sette Isabela Rosa , Valle Maria Izabel Marques do , Coutinho Marcela Pimenta Campos
Published: November 2015

Este artigo discorre sobre a política de regionalização do turismo do governo de Minas Gerais, com enfoque no papel das Associações de Circuitos Turísticos. Para tanto, recorre-se à revisão dos conceitos de turismo e de políticas públicas, abordando, nesse contexto, a política de regionalização adotada pelo Ministério do Turismo e pela Secretaria de Estado de Turismo de Minas Gerais (SETUR/MG). Discute os resultados da pesquisa desenvolvida em 2012, fruto da monografia de conclusão do curso de pós-graduação em Administração Pública pela Fundação João Pinheiro. Tal pesquisa foi feita por meio de investigação documental e bibliográfica, além de documentação direta, ligada a pesquisa de campo sobre o papel das Associações de Circuitos Turísticos na implementação da política estadual de turismo. Os resultados indicam o reconhecimento da política de regionalização mineira como uma estratégia de sucesso. Por outro lado, apontam certa dificuldade no desenvolvimento de ações que resultem em benefícios práticos em curto prazo, além do desejo de maior clareza nas diretrizes emitidas pela SETUR/MG e certa preocupação com uma aparente descontinuidade da política de turismo no estado. Foi apontada também a necessidade de melhoria dos canais de comunicação entre a SETUR/MG e os Circuitos Turísticos e a importância de se estabelecer diretrizes políticas para superar as dificuldades financeiras das Associações.Palavras-chave: turismo, políticas públicas, regionalização, descentralização.
Qualidade de Serviço em Atrativos Turísticos: um estudo da percepção dos turistas de Florianópolis - SC - Brasil
Authors: Mondo Tiago Savi , Fiates Gabriela Gonçalves Silveira
Published: November 2015

A análise da demanda turística pode ser realizada a partir de diferentes prismas. No mercado dinâmico e competitivo do turismo, identificar a percepção de qualidade do turista é relevante para a melhoria da gestão de destinos, atrativos, meios de hospedagem, restaurantes e outros equipamentos. A partir disso, o objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar a percepção do turista sobre a qualidade de serviços em atrativos turísticos de Florianópolis. Esta pesquisa classifica-se como quantitativa, descritiva e de campo. O instrumento utilizado foi o questionário fechado, aplicado junto a 476 turistas de Florianópolis, selecionados por conveniência entre fevereiro e março de 2014. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial, utilizando o Software SPSS. Os principais resultados indicam que os turistas percebem a qualidade de serviços em atrativos num nível de mediano a bom. As categorias acesso, segurança e qualidade técnica foram as que tiveram pior avaliação. A categoria experiência foi a única que ultrapassou o nível bom. Verificou-se que os indicadores de segurança, acessibilidade de pessoas com deficiência, banheiros, limpeza, infraestrutura, preço, sinalização interna e localização/acessibilidade necessitam de atenção prioritária e gestão para mudanças.
O Comportamento da Oferta e da Demanda no Mercado Brasileiro de Cruzeiros Marítimos com Base no Conceito do Ciclo de Vida do Produto Turístico
Authors: Ramôa Carlos Eduardo de Almeida , Flores Luiz Carlos da Silva
Published: November 2015

O turismo de cruzeiros marítimos tem passado pelas diversas fases do ciclo de vida do produto turístico desde a abertura dos portos para cruzeiros de cabotagem no Brasil. Depois de um aumento acelerado da demanda, o mercado brasileiro vem apresentando taxas de crescimento negativas, ao contrário do que vem ocorrendo no mercado internacional, em particular nos Estados Unidos e na Europa. Este estudo, exploratório e descritivo, utiliza a análise descritiva dos dados para atender ao objetivo geral, que é de identificar como tem sido o comportamento da oferta e da demanda de cruzeiros marítimos no Brasil, e aos objetivos específicos: (1) identificar em qual estágio do ciclo de vida encontram-se a oferta e a demanda por cruzeiros marítimos no Brasil e (2) se o comportamento da demanda está sendo influenciado pelo comportamento da oferta no mercado de cruzeiros marítimos no Brasil, ou vice-versa. Com a finalidade de alcançar os objetivos foi identificada a realidade da oferta e demanda por cruzeiros marítimos no mercado brasileiro versus mundial, com base nos históricos da oferta e da demanda, com utilização de técnicas de documentação indireta, procedimento documental e bibliográfico. Os resultados apresentados indicam que, no conceito do ciclo de vida do produto turístico, o mercado brasileiro de cruzeiros marítimos encontra-se no estágio de declínio. Identificou-se também que a redução da oferta de navios ocasionou a queda da demanda, e não o contrário. Desta forma, o estudo constatou que o comportamento da oferta tem influenciado o comportamento da demanda de passageiros no Brasil.
Satisfação e Fidelidade a um Destino da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014
Authors: Oliveira Braulio , Gândara José Manoel Gonçalves
Published: November 2015

Os objetivos deste estudo foram conhecer o relacionamento existente entre os principais indicadores relativos ao construto fidelidade, verificar os efeitos das variáveis comportamentais e demográficas sobre a satisfação e sobre os referidos indicadores de fidelidade dos turistas, e verificar a relação entre satisfação e esses indicadores. Além do referencial teórico, foi realizada uma pesquisa com 513 turistas da cidade de Curitiba durante a Copa do Mundo da FIFA2014. Os dados foram coletados com base em um questionário estruturado, por assistentes pesquisadores, e foram analisados com testes χ2, Coeficiente de Contingência e Correlação de Spearman. Entre outros resultados, a pesquisa mostra que os indicadores intenção de retornar ao destino e de indicá-lo a outras pessoas são estatisticamente diferentes e possuem correlação fraca entre si; que a satisfação tem associação significativa com ambos os indicadores da fidelidade; que embora o número de visitas não tenha significância estatística sobre a satisfação, o conhecimento prévio possui; e que Curitiba tem importante potencial para o turismo de lazer. Implicações gerenciais e acadêmicas são discutidas ao final do trabalho.
Cultura e Relações Internacionais: a influência das telenovelas no turismo emissivo brasileiro
Authors: Dutra Larissa Fernandes , Faria Diomira Maria Cicci , Miranda Isabela Peixoto
Published: November 2015

Este artigo analisa a influência das telenovelas no turismo emissivo brasileiro. A pesquisa realizada analisa a influência da cultura de diferentes países, veiculadas através dos costumes, símbolos e paisagens das exibições televisivas, no turismo emissivo nacional e nas relações internacionais. A difusão de culturas é possibilitada pela globalização e pelo desenvolvimento tecnológico, e é neste contexto que a telenovela se insere. Questiona-se até que ponto o imaginário do telespectador e seu comportamento de consumo são influenciados por essas produções, surgindo assim, o interesse em estudar e compreender este comportamento no que tange ao produto turístico. O estudo baseia-se em pesquisas bibliográficas, informações provenientes da mídia, além da realização de entrevistas com agentes de viagem do Brasil que vendem pacotes internacionais. Os resultados mostram que as imagens de outros países que são construídas e veiculadas pelas novelas, ou seja, o Marketing desses destinos, desperta os olhares curiosos dos telespectadores e os levam a demandarem por viagens a estes lugares.
Gender performances in umbanda: the pombagira as an Afro–Brazilian interpretation of “woman”?
Authors: Barros Mariana Leal de , Bairrão J. F. M. H.
Published: November 2015

Este artigo investiga a pombagira, entidade feminina do panteão umbandista que contesta estereótipos de gênero e oferece à comunidade afro–brasileira possibilidades de elaborar a maneira como compreendem o “feminino” e a “mulher”. Com base em pesquisa etnográfica desenvolvida em seis terreiros de umbanda do estado de São Paulo, entrevistas com mulheres médiuns e com as suas próprias pombagiras, argumenta– se que quando damos ouvidos ao campo sem nos prendermos a preconcepções de masculino e de feminino, o que se encontra é uma reconfiguração das qualidades associadas ao “ser mulher”. Os dados foram analisados mediante atenção aos significantes que se repetiram nas entrevistas e na interação em campo discutidos a partir dos estudos de gênero.
Racism as metaframe
Authors: Costa Eliane Silvia
Published: November 2015

Este artigo pretende discutir questões relativas ao racismo tendo como lastro principalmente contribuições da psicologia social. Para tanto, faz menção a dois conceitos. São eles: enquadre e metaenquadre. O primeiro foi teorizado pelo psicólogo social José Bleger e o segundo é uma ampliação desse e foi conceituado por René Kaës, teórico da psicanálise dos laços sociais. O artigo finaliza– se com situações que envolvem processos socioculturais, histórico–educacionais que trazem à baila possibilidades de enfrentar o racismo.
The researches about the “state of knowledge” in ethnic-racial relationships
Authors: Müller Tânia Mara Pedroso
Published: November 2015

O artigo é resultado do mapeamento de pesquisas sobre o “estado do conhecimento” em relações étnico-raciais no Brasil. Inicia-se por analisar a produção brasileira que teve esta abordagem metodológica como referência, para apresentar posteriormente os estudos que focaram no estado da arte das relações étnico-raciais. Ao realizarmos esta revisão de literatura visamos indicar aspectos relevantes ao conjunto de análises já produzidas sobre o tema, as demandas detectadas pelos autores, a diversidade de problemáticas reveladas, as urgências e silenciamentos existentes sobre os quais elas puderam desvelar e as permanências apontadas. Concluímos coligando as principais ações, propostas e críticas definidas nas pesquisas que se coadunam com aquelas defendidas pelo Movimento Negro e pesquisadoras/ es das diferentes áreas que lutam pela superação do racismo no Brasil.
Prejudice and discrimination beyond the classroom: sociability and Youth culture in the school environment
Authors: Coelho Wilma De Nazaré Baía , Coelho Mauro Cezar
Published: November 2015

O presente artigo analisa as sociabilidades juvenis engendradas e vividas no ambiente escolar. Por meio delas, problematizamos o modo pelo qual a cultura juvenil se relaciona com a Escola e, também, como elas lidam com o preconceito e a discriminação. Argumentamos, nesse sentido, que a Escola constitui um importante espaço de sociabilidade na cultura juvenil. É nela que parte significativa das relações sociais se efetiva. Não obstante, essa dimensão importantíssima do processo de formação não é objeto de intervenção pedagógica. As sociabilidades observadas incorporam um significativo componente discriminatório, sustentado em preconceitos de cor, raça, gênero e confissão religiosa. Exercidas nas salas de aula, nos corredores, pátios e quadras escolares, elas não constituem objeto de ação educativa, senão em casos limites, sujeitos à punição.
Education and heritage: notes about the dialogue between school and capoeira
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Alice Rezende , Pereira Vinícius Oliveira
Published: November 2015

A educação brasi leira tem sido marcada por debates que evidenciam a maior visibilidade de diferentes grupos étnicos e suas manifestações culturais, com destaque para os (as) afro-brasileiros(as). Nesse contexto, o artigo se propõe a descrever e discutir a introdução da capoeira na educação básica proposta pelo Programa Mais Educação do Ministério da Educação. Apesar da possibilidade de utilizá-la como uma ferramenta de valorização da cultura afro-brasileira na educação, concluímos que o programa analisado, ao fazer uso do potencial educativo da capoeira, privilegia em seus documentos a modalidade ligada à abordagem esportiva da capoeira.
Novel Imaging Approaches for Predicting Arrhythmic Risk
Authors: Travin Mark I. , Feng DaLi , Taub Cynthia C.
Published: November 2015

Determination of ventricular arrhythmic risk is crucial for guiding management of cardiac disease. Although for patients at increased risk an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is recommended, it is widely acknowledged that current criteria for device use based predominantly on left ventricular ejection fraction are deficient. Genesis of ventricular arrhythmias involves a complex interaction of myocardial substrate abnormalities, precipitating triggers, and modulating factors. There are much data showing that by more directly assessing these factors, noninvasive imaging using echocardiography, radionuclide imaging, and cardiac magnetic resonance enhances arrhythmic risk stratification beyond ejection fraction and commonly used electrocardiographic and serum biomarkers. It is anticipated that further technological advancements studied in well-designed clinical trials will provide both more precise determination of risk and guide therapies to enhanced survival and patient well-being.