bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Neopterin Levels among Hepatitis C-Positive Living-Donor Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Justa Shivali , Minz Ranjana W. , Anand Shashi , Minz Mukut 
Published: June 2015

Background The role of neopterin as a marker of cell-mediated immunity for immunological monitoring after transplantation is of great potential interest. Neopterin levels among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive recipients of living-donor renal transplantation (LDRT) have not been previously described. Methods Twenty-two HCV-positive (group I) and 10 HCV-negative (group II) recipients of LDRT were serially monitored for serum neopterin levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Group I patients were monitored thrice, ie, before transplantation, day 10, and 6 months post transplantation, while group II patients were monitored twice (day 10 and 6 months post transplantation). Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4+CD25+, CD16+56) and Thl/Th2 cytokines were monitored concomitantly by flow cytometry. Results Ten days post transplantation, there was a significant increase in neopterin and neopterin/creatnine levels among group I patients. There was a positive correlation between activated T-lymphocyte (CD4+CD25+) and neopterin early post transplantation (day 10). Th2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-5 showed a positive correlation with neopterin levels on day 10 and 6 months post transplantation, respectively. Neopterin levels did not show association with either HCV viral load or allograft rejection among our study cohort. Conclusion Increased monocyte/macrophage activation with elevated serum neopterin was detected among group I patients on day 10 post transplantation, but it could not predict rejection. It appears that IL-10 either from a regulatory or nonregulatory source helps in the maintenance of stable graft early post transplantation. Further, it would be of interest to assess the role of neopterin in chronic allograft nephropathy and long-term graft outcome.
Transparência: reposicionando o debate
Authors: Zuccolotto Robson , Teixeira Marco Antonio Carvalho , Riccio Edson Luiz 
Published: June 2015

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-8069.2015v12n25p137A crise da democracia representativa nas últimas décadas desencadeou um conjunto dereformas cuja finalidade era fortalecer a democracia. Independente do modelo de reforma, um tema central em todas elas era a necessidade de aumentar a accountability democrática. A ampliação da accountability traz consigo a necessidade de compreender outro tema que, além de atrair muita atenção nos últimos anos, tem sido usado, pela mídia e pela academia científica sem os devidos cuidados conceituais: a transparência. Nesse sentido, este trabalho realiza uma revisão da literatura internacional sobre os conceitos e as classificações da transparência com o objetivo de proporcionar aos pesquisadores nacionais a ampliação de conhecimento sobre esse campo de investigação e, por consequência, maior precisão conceitual e classificatória aos estudos sobre o tema. Além do conceito de cada perspectiva, sugere-se uma recomendação mínima do que analisar em cada uma delas. A sistematização dos conceitos e classificações permite aos pesquisadores compreender e avançar nas pesquisas, possibilitando ampliar a reflexão sobre transparência no contexto brasileiro, ainda que em perspectiva comparada.
Ferramentas 2.0 e bibliotecas universitárias brasileiras: levantamento de uso e implicações
Authors: Jorge Pablo Diego Silva de Souza , Ribeiro Marcos Maurilio 
Published: June 2015

Introdução: Apresenta o conceito de biblioteca 2.0, e como os serviços e produtos orientados nesta perspectiva transformariam as bibliotecas tradicionais em ambientes mais interativos e dinâmicos. Aborda como as ferramentas 2.0 - blogs, microblogs, redes sociais, wikis, portais de compartilhamento de imagens e vídeos, dentre outras - podem proporcionar o aprimoramento dos processos de comunicação, transmissão da informação e aquisição do conhecimento, resultando em uma maior aproximação da biblioteca e do bibliotecário com os seus usuários. Método: Análise quantitativo-qualitativa de websites de bibliotecas de universidades públicas brasileiras (incluído o Distrito Federal) visando o levantamento do uso de ferramentas 2.0. Resultados: Observou-se que dezenove, da amostra de vinte e sete bibliotecas submetidas à análise utilizam alguma ferramenta 2.0. Verificou-se a preferência por três grupos de ferramentas 2.0 (Fontes RSS , Microblogs, e Redes Sociais). Verificou-se a não utilização de algumas ferramentas (Redes Sociais de Leitura, wikis, e Mensagens Instantâneas). Conclusão: As bibliotecas universitárias públicas brasileiras investigadas ainda têm uma modesta participação na esfera 2.0 o que dificulta o uso do potencial de comunicação, interação e colaboração destas ferramentas entre os usuários e usuários e bibliotecários
MaTUTO: adaptação da metodologia de aprendizagem baseada em problemas aplicada ao ensino de ontologias
Authors: Afonso Ricardo Alexandre , Pereira Clarisse Ferrão 
Published: June 2015

Introdução: A implantação de novas metodologias de ensino traz consigo uma proposta de evolução dos modelos tradicionais de ensino, os quais têm se mostrado menos eficientes em decorrência da evolução da sociedade e do uso da tecnologia. Esta inadequação educacional incentivou a construção de uma proposta que condensa as etapas da metodologia de Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas a qual foi testada na criação de uma ontologia de domínio definida pelo tutor do processo de ensino/aprendizagem. O objetivo do artigo é apresentar uma metodologia compatível com uma realidade dinâmica existente em disciplinas e aulas que enfocam sistemas de informação, procedendo a uma avaliação com o grupo de alunos envolvido no experimento. Método: Apresentam-se as principais características e etapas da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas, as quais foram ajustadas na proposta MaTUTO (Mapear, TUtoriar e Traduzir em Ontologia) aplicada a grupos de alunos de graduação. Resultados: Foi possível desenvolver uma proposta metodológica que adapta e condensa os passos originais da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas como apoio às dinâmicas existentes em disciplinas ministradas nos cursos de Sistemas de Informação. A ontologia foi construída a contento e a avaliação do processo oferece resultados animadores. Conclusão: Para a temática indicada - a ontologia de domínio – a proposta metodológica alternativa permitiu aos alunos não apenas a assimilação dos conceitos envolvidos na Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas, como resultou em um produto de organização da informação, ou seja, a ontologia.
Puzzlemote: Videojuego controlado con el mando de la WII para niños de 6 a 10 años
Authors: Torres Vinueza Marcelo Daniel , Fuertes Walter , Villacís Silva César Xavier , Zambrano Rivera Margarita Elizabeth , Prócel Silva Carlos Teiron 
Published: June 2015

Introdução: Os jogos educacionais ajudam a criar situações de descoberta e aprendizagem significativas para o desenvolvimento de habilidades na resolução de problemas e na tomada de decisão. Esta pesquisa apresenta a concepção, implementação e avaliação de um jogo educacional chamado Puzzlemote destinado a crianças de 6 a 10 anos. Método: Foi utilizada a metodologia de Projeto Hipermídia Orientado a Objetos (OOHDM) e de Inteligência Artificial (AI), para criar um ambiente divertido e interativo voltado ao estímulo do pensamento lógico e na resolução de problemas complexos. O algoritmo utilizado implmentou técnicas de raciocínio voltados a recursos de movimentação frente-trás, tanto para a embaralhar o quebra-cabeça, como para colocá-lo em ordem. Esta proposta diferencia este jogo de outros semelhantes, onde é comum o uso do algoritmo A*. Para a sua execução foi empregado o controle remoto (Wiimote) do console Wii, considerando-se que o usuário pode ter uma experiência mais rica com o software ligado a este dispositivo. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que este programa melhora a compreensão e raciocínio lógico exigido para a resolução de problemas - especialmente o quebra-cabeça conhecido como n-puzzle - para as crianças que estavam na fase primária da educação. Conclusões: Se pode comprovar que a combinação de técnicas de raciocínio utilizando grafos facilita o embaralhamento e montagem do quebra-cabeças a partir de jogadas válidas, na qual o algoritmo memoriza os movimentos iniciais e os reconstrói a partir da inversão da lista enlaçada. Como trabalho futuro se pretende desenvolver o jogo para outras plataformas móveis e 3D a partir de demais consoles de videogame (Playstation, Nintendo e X-Box). Prevê-se, igualmente, ampliar o uso do aplicativo para idosos como apoio nos exercícios de memória, como prevenção ao desenvolvimento da Síndrome de Alzheimer.
Esophagitis: Old Histologic Concepts and New Thoughts
Authors: Grin Andrea , Streutker Catherine J. 
Published: June 2015

Context
Inflammatory lesions of the esophagus are a diverse group, often with nonspecific histologic findings. These benign changes can produce diagnostic difficulties for pathologists.

Objective
To discuss the typical histologic findings of a variety of the most common causes of esophagitis (reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis, infections, medications) along with less common issues such as sloughing esophagitis and skin disorders involving the squamous mucosa.

Data Sources
The literature has been reviewed to discuss histologic definitions of current and developing issues in the area of esophagitis.

Conclusions
Histologic features are not entirely sensitive and specific for inflammatory esophageal disorders. Awareness of these problems is essential; clinical and endoscopic information can be very useful in distinguishing among the various lesions.
IgG4-Related Disease of the Gastrointestinal Tract: A 21st Century Chameleon
Authors: Deshpande Vikram 
Published: June 2015

Context
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related disease is a systemic fibroinflammatory disease capable of affecting virtually any organ. Although the pancreas and hepatobiliary system are commonly affected, involvement of the tubular gut is unusual. The pancreatic manifestations of this disease (autoimmune pancreatitis) often mimic pancreatic carcinoma, whereas the hepatobiliary manifestations are mistaken for cholangiocarcinoma or primary sclerosing cholangitis. The characteristic histologic features include a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform-type fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. An increase in IgG4+ plasma cells and an IgG4 to IgG ratio of more than 40% are considered obligatory components of the diagnostic algorithm.

Objective
To review the challenges associated with the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Data Sources
A review of pertinent literature, along with the author's personal experience, based on institutional and consultation materials.

Conclusion
The complete spectrum of histologic changes is seldom captured in a biopsy specimen, and thus, the histopathology findings are best interpreted within the overall clinical context. Increased IgG4+ plasma cells are identified in a variety of benign and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Assessment of the Tumorigenic Potential of Spontaneously Immortalized and hTERT-Immortalized Cultured Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Wilson Ryan , Urraca Nora , Skobowiat Cezary , Hope Kevin A. , Miravalle Leticia , Chamberlin Reed , Donaldson Martin , Seagroves Tiffany N. , Reiter Lawrence T. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) provide an exciting new avenue to study neurogenetic disorders. DPSCs are neural crest-derived cells with the ability to differentiate into numerous tissues including neurons. The therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived lines exposed to culturing ex vivo before reintroduction into patients could be limited if the cultured cells acquired tumorigenic potential. We tested whether DPSCs that spontaneously immortalized in culture acquired features of transformed cells. We analyzed immortalized DPSCs for anchorage-independent growth, genomic instability, and ability to differentiate into neurons. Finally, we tested both spontaneously immortalized and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-immortalized DPSC lines for the ability to form tumors in immunocompromised animals. Although we observed increased colony-forming potential in soft agar for the spontaneously immortalized and hTERT-immortalized DPSC lines relative to low-passage DPSC, no tumors were detected from any of the DPSC lines tested. We noticed some genomic instability in hTERT-immortalized DPSCs but not in the spontaneously immortalized lines tested. We determined that immortalized DPSC lines generated in our laboratory, whether spontaneously or induced, have not acquired the potential to form tumors in mice. These data suggest cultured DPSC lines that can be differentiated into neurons may be safe for future in vivo therapy for neurobiological diseases.

Significance
This study demonstrated that immortalized dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) do not form tumors in animals and that immortalized DPSCs can be differentiated into neurons in culture. These results lend support to the use of primary and immortalized DPSCs for future therapeutic approaches to treatment of neurobiological diseases.
Biobanking of Human Retinas: The Next Big Leap for Eye Banks?
Authors: Lužnik Zala , Parekh Mohit , Bertolin Marina , Griffoni Carlo , Ponzin Diego , Ferrari Stefano 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSummaryRetinal degenerative diseases are one of the main clinical causes of incurable and severe visional impairment. Thus, extensive research effort is put into the development of new causal therapeutic options. Promisingly, a number of studies showed regenerative capacity in specific retinal regions (the ciliary epithelium, retinal pigmented epithelium, iris, and Müller glia cells). However, most recent research studies are based on animal models or in vitro cultured cells, probably because of the limited availability of human posterior eye tissues (vitreous, retina, and choroid). To address this, we showed in our previous reports that eye banks with large numbers of globes collected yearly could set up biorepositories/biobanks where these precious tissues are isolated, quality controlled, and finally stored for scientists and clinicians wanting to access human tissues and test their own hypotheses. These precious human posterior eye tissues could be used for further research purposes, epidemiological studies, and target validation of newly developed drugs. In addition, this could be a promising and challenging option to retrieve potential retinal stem and progenitor cells from different parts of the retina and could be a breakthrough in the future delivery of ex vivo prepared customized (histocompatible) retinal tissue on scaffolds for transplantation purposes. In this Perspective, we will consider how the biorepositories could influence the future strategies for retinal stem cell therapies.SignificanceRetinal degenerative diseases are one of the main causes of severe vision impairment and regenerative medicine is attracting much attention as a potential therapy. Although highly desirable, the reactivation and proliferation of endogenous stem cells in vivo is not sufficient to generate enough cells to restore visual function after retinal injury. Thus, the replacement of exogenously derived normal donor cells is a promising solution. The challenge is to develop therapies with sufficient amounts of cells being harvested or expanded from donor tissues. Eye banks could overcome this issue by harvesting endogenous adult retinal stem cells from different donors.
O Observatório Regional como ferramenta de gestão nos Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia: o caso do Instituto Federal do Paraná
Authors: Hellmann Gilmar Jose 
Published: June 2015

<p>Tendo como estudo de caso o Observatório Regional do IFPR, propõe-se definir o que seja o Observatório no contexto das organizações que o viabilizam e indicar a importância de indicadores e índices que subsidiam as informações aí utilizadas. A partir do interesse do governo federal em qualificar pessoas para o mercado de trabalho formou-se a Rede Federal de Educação Profissional, Científica e Tecnológica, constituída de instituições educacionais atuantes no ensino técnico básico e superior, conhecidas como Institutos Federais de Educação Tecnológicas ou IFET. As unidades dessas instituições de ensino visam atender às demandas de desenvolvimento regional e local em todo o território nacional. Fundamenta-se nos documentos governamentais e institucionais a corroboração do planejamento institucional com os princípios da sustentabilidade. Partindo-se de estudo de caso, propõe-se uma metodologia para iniciar e desenvolver as atividades do Observatório, aproximando os propósitos institucionais das necessidades locais, sinalizando a possibilidade de replicação do Observatório em outras instituições públicas e privadas no país.</p><p>Código JEL | H52; I28; R10.</p>
Separation of Quadruplex Polymorphism in DNA Sequences by Reversed‐Phase Chromatography
Authors: Miller M. Clarke , Ohrenberg Carl J. , Kuttan Ashani , Trent John O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis unit describes a method for the separation of a mixture of quadruplex conformations formed from the same parent sequence via reversed‐phase chromatography (RPC). Polymorphism is inherent to quadruplex formation and even relatively simple quadruplex‐forming sequences can fold into a cornucopia of possible conformations and topologies. Isolation of a specific conformation for study can be problematic. This is especially true for conformations of the human telomere sequence d(GGG(TTAGGG)3). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), especially reversed‐phase chromatography, has been a mainstay of nucleic acid research and purification for many decades. We have successfully applied this method to the problem of separating individual quadruplex species in the ensemble from the same parent sequence. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation and Culturing of Glioma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Sang‐Soo , Pirollo Kathleen F. , Chang Esther H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn many human cancers including malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis and resistance to conventional anti‐cancer therapies. Therefore, a CSC‐targeted drug delivery strategy to eliminate CSCs is a desirable approach for developing a more effective therapeutic. Moreover, isolated CSCs will provide an invaluable tool for studying the underlying cellular mechanisms of tumor development and provide insight into therapeutic options for successful eradication of CSCs. This unit describes a method for the isolation and culture of CSCs from human GBM tumor tissue. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrated drought causality, hazard, and vulnerability assessment for future socioeconomic scenarios: An information theory perspective
Authors: Rajsekhar Deepthi , Singh Vijay P. , Mishra Ashok K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDrought properties and the socioeconomic impact it makes are expected to increase in the coming years due to climate change. Here we review the possible impacts of changes in climate variability on the properties of different drought types. The downscaled and bias‐corrected data from five general circulation models (GCMs) were used to produce an ensemble of precipitation, temperature, and wind speed, through a relative entropy approach and were used for drought analysis. A novel Multivariate Drought Index was then employed for an integrated quantification of all physical forms of drought. We studied the spatial patterns of drought properties and performed multivariate frequency analysis for each planning region in Texas to recognize the distribution of potential drought hazard areas under climate change impact by formulating a Drought Hazard Index. A drought vulnerability assessment was also carried out by taking into consideration various socioeconomic factors, leading to the development of socioeconomic Drought Vulnerability Index. A set of composite drought risk maps that combines hazard and vulnerability analysis were developed. This study also explored the cause‐effect relationship between the drought events and several hydroclimatic triggers. A transfer entropy measure was used to quantify the causal relationships, thus indicating the predominant future drought triggers. Overall, the findings are expected to help achieve an effective drought mitigation strategy for the state of Texas.
Keeping the edge: A numerical method that avoids knickpoint smearing when solving the stream power law
Authors: Campforts Benjamin , Govers Gerard 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe stream power equation is commonly used to model river incision into bedrock. Although specific conditions allow an analytical approach, finite difference methods (FDMs) are most frequently used to solve this equation. FDMs inevitably suffer from numerical smearing which may affect their suitability for transient river incision modeling. We propose the use of a finite volume method (FVM) which is total variation diminishing (TVD) to simulate river incision in a more accurate way. The TVD_FVM is designed to simulate sharp discontinuities, making it very suitable to simulate river incision pulses. We show that the TVD_FVM is much better capable of preserving propagating knickpoints than FDMs, using Niagara Falls as an example. Comparison of numerical results obtained using the TVD_FVM with analytical solutions shows a very good agreement. Furthermore, the uncertainty associated with parameter calibration is dramatically reduced when the TVD_FVM is applied. The high accuracy of the TVD_FDM allows correct simulation of transient incision waves as a consequence of older uplift pulses. This implies that the TVD_FVM is much more suitable than FDMs to reconstruct regional uplift histories from current river profile morphology and to simulate river incision processes in general.
Decadal wave power variability in the North‐East Atlantic and North Sea
Authors: Santo H. , Taylor P. H. , Woollings T. , Poulson S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEstimation of the long‐term behavior of wave climate is crucial for harnessing wave energy in a cost‐effective way. Previous studies have linked wave heights to the north‐south atmospheric pressure anomalies in the North Atlantic, suggesting that the wave climate fluctuates as a response to changes in zonal circulation in the atmosphere. We identify changes in wave power in the North‐East Atlantic that are strongly correlated to the dominant pressure anomalies, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and other modes. We present a reconstructed wave power climate for 1665–2005, using a combination of known and proxy indices for the NAO and other modes. Our reconstruction shows high interannual and multidecadal variability, which makes wave energy prediction challenging. This variability should be considered in any long‐term reliability analysis for wave energy devices and in power scheme economics.