bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Related to Self-rated Health in Older Adults: A Clinical Approach Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Model
Authors: Tiernan Chad W. , Fleishman Hali A. , Hiscox Meghann A. , Shaver Sarah N. , Stauffer Caitlyn M. , Thibodeau Patrick A. W.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose:

A growing population of older adults will require health care professionals to become increasingly knowledgeable in geriatric care. Patient ratings, functional measures, and emphasis on health and wellness should be part of geriatric physical therapy practice. The purpose of the current study was to examine relationships between self-rated health (SRH) and movement-related variables in older adults using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a research framework. Associations between body mass index (BMI), gait, and balance confidence were also explored.

Methods:

Thirty older adults (mean age = 74.1 years; 18 women and 12 men) participated in the study and completed the following questionnaires: SRH, Short Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Keele Assessment of Participation, and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale–Abbreviated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, BMI, and isokinetic knee extensor strength were also assessed.

Results:

Bivariate results indicated significant associations between SRH and double-support time during gait (r
s = −0.6, P < .001), gait speed (r
s = 0.4, P = .05), step length (r
s = 0.4, P = .05), BMI (r
s = −0.4, P = .015), and hilliness of neighborhood (r
s = −0.4, P = .015). Individual regression models, controlling for education and age, demonstrated that double-support time was the strongest predictor of SRH (R
2 = 0.50, P = .001). Comparisons of the low versus high BMI groups indicated more favorable balance confidence and gait characteristics for the low BMI group, particularly in double support (t = −3.8, P = .001).

Conclusions:

SRH should be considered as a quick, patient-focused assessment of health in older adults. Measures of double-support time and BMI may provide clinicians with useful information about their geriatric patients' overall health and function.
Four Weeks of Nordic Hamstring Exercise Reduce Muscle Injury Risk Factors in Young Adults
Authors: Ribeiro-Alvares João Breno , Marques Vanessa B. , Vaz Marco A. , Baroni Bruno M.
Published: April 2017

Ribeiro-Alvares, JB, Marques, VB, Vaz, MA, and Baroni, BM. Four weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise reduce muscle injury risk factors in young adults. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1254–1262, 2018—The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a field-based exercise designed for knee-flexor eccentric strengthening, aimed at prevention of muscle strains. However, possible effects of NHE programs on other hamstring injury risk factors remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a NHE training program on multiple hamstring injury risk factors. Twenty physically active young adults were allocated into 2 equal-sized groups: control group (CG) and training group (TG). The TG was engaged in a 4-week NHE program, twice a week, 3 sets of 6–10 repetitions; while CG received no exercise intervention. The knee flexor and extensor strength were assessed through isokinetic dynamometry, the biceps femoris long head muscle architecture through ultrasound images, and the hamstring flexibility through sit-and-reach test. The results showed that CG subjects had no significant change in any outcome. TG presented higher percent changes than CG for hamstring isometric peak torque (9%; effect size [ES] = 0.27), eccentric peak torque (13%; ES = 0.60), eccentric work (18%; ES = 0.86), and functional hamstring-to-quadriceps torque ratio (13%; ES = 0.80). The NHE program led also to increased fascicle length (22%; ES = 2.77) and reduced pennation angle (−17%; ES = 1.27) in biceps femoris long head of the TG, without significant changes on muscle thickness. In conclusion, a short-term NHE training program (4 weeks; 8 training sessions) counteracts multiple hamstring injury risk factors in physically active young adults.
Effect of Heating and Thermal Deformation on Austenite Grain Size of B1500HS Boron Steel
Authors: Li H. , Yang H. , He L. , Zhang C.
Published: April 2017

To investigate the effect of temperature and soaking time on the austenite grain size of B1500HS boron steel, samples of B1500HS steel were, respectively, heated at 900, 925, 950, 975, and 1000°C for 10, 20, 40, and 60 min, and the grain sizes of austenite for the heated samples were measured. Besides that, samples of B1500HS steel were heated at 1000°C for 10, 20, and 40 min by the thermo-mechanical simulator Gleeble-1500D, and then deformed with the deformation of 10, 20, and 30 % at the strain rate of 0.1 and 0.5 s−1, respectively, the effect of deformation degree and strain rate on the grain size of austenite was also studied. The experimental results showed that the average grain size of austenite rises with the increase of austenitization temperature and soaking time, but the average grain size reduced with the increase of deformation degree and strain rate. Finally, a grain growth model of B1500HS steel was given according to the experimental results.
Modulation of Illusory Reversal in Tactile Temporal Order by the Phase of Posterior α Rhythm
Authors: Takahashi Toshimitsu , Kitazawa Shigeru
Published: April 2017

The subjective temporal order of tactile stimuli, delivered sequentially to each hand with an interval of 100–300 ms, is often inverted when the arms are crossed. Based on data from behavioral and neuroimaging studies, it has been proposed that the reversal is due to a conflict between anatomical and spatial representations of the tactile signal or to the production of an inverted apparent motion signal. Because the α rhythms, which consist of a few distinct components, reportedly modulate tactile perception and apparent motion and serve as a 10 Hz timer, we hypothesized that the illusory reversal would be regulated by some of the α rhythms. To test this hypothesis, we conducted magnetoencephalographic recordings in both male and female participants during the tactile temporal order judgment task. We decomposed the α rhythms into five independent components and discovered that the illusory reversal was modulated by the phase of one independent component with strong current sources near the parieto-occipital (PO) sulcus (peri-PO component). As expected, the estimated current sources distributed over the human MST implicated to represent tactile apparent motion, in addition to the intraparietal region implicated in mapping tactile signals in space. However, the strongest source was located in the precuneus that occupies a central hub region in the cortical networks and receives tactile inputs through a tecto-thalamic pathway. These results suggest that the peri-PO component plays an essential role in regulating tactile temporal perception by modulating the thalamic nuclei that interconnect the superior colliculus with the cortical networks.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite a long-held hypothesis that the posterior α rhythm serves as a 10 Hz timer that regulates human temporal perception, the contribution of the α rhythms in temporal perception is still unclear. We examined how the α rhythms influence tactile temporal order judgment. Judgment reversal depended on the phase of one particular α rhythm with its source near the parieto-occipital sulcus. The peri-parieto-occipital α rhythm may play a crucial role in organizing tactile temporal perception.
Sodium Channel Nav1.8 Underlies TTX-Resistant Axonal Action Potential Conduction in Somatosensory C-Fibers of Distal Cutaneous Nerves
Authors: Klein Amanda H. , Vyshnevska Alina , Hartke Timothy V. , De Col Roberto , Mankowski Joseph L. , Turnquist Brian , Bosmans Frank , Reeh Peter W. , Schmelz Martin , Carr Richard W. , Ringkamp Matthias
Published: April 2017

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are responsible for the initiation and conduction of action potentials within primary afferents. The nine NaVchannel isoforms recognized in mammals are often functionally divided into tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive (TTX-s) channels (NaV1.1–NaV1.4, NaV1.6–NaV1.7) that are blocked by nanomolar concentrations and TTX-resistant (TTX-r) channels (NaV1.8 and NaV1.9) inhibited by millimolar concentrations, with NaV1.5 having an intermediate toxin sensitivity. For small-diameter primary afferent neurons, it is unclear to what extent different NaVchannel isoforms are distributed along the peripheral and central branches of their bifurcated axons. To determine the relative contribution of TTX-s and TTX-r channels to action potential conduction in different axonal compartments, we investigated the effects of TTX on C-fiber-mediated compound action potentials (C-CAPs) of proximal and distal peripheral nerve segments and dorsal roots from mice and pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). In the dorsal roots and proximal peripheral nerves of mice and nonhuman primates, TTX reduced the C-CAP amplitude to 16% of the baseline. In contrast, >30% of the C-CAP was resistant to TTX in distal peripheral branches of monkeys and WT and NaV1.9−/−mice. In nerves from NaV1.8−/−mice, TTX-r C-CAPs could not be detected. These data indicate that NaV1.8 is the primary isoform underlying TTX-r conduction in distal axons of somatosensory C-fibers. Furthermore, there is a differential spatial distribution of NaV1.8 within C-fiber axons, being functionally more prominent in the most distal axons and terminal regions. The enrichment of NaV1.8 in distal axons may provide a useful target in the treatment of pain of peripheral origin.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is unclear whether individual sodium channel isoforms exert differential roles in action potential conduction along the axonal membrane of nociceptive, unmyelinated peripheral nerve fibers, but clarifying the role of sodium channel subtypes in different axonal segments may be useful for the development of novel analgesic strategies. Here, we provide evidence from mice and nonhuman primates that a substantial portion of the C-fiber compound action potential in distal peripheral nerves, but not proximal nerves or dorsal roots, is resistant to tetrodotoxin and that, in mice, this effect is mediated solely by voltage-gated sodium channel 1.8 (NaV1.8). The functional prominence of NaV1.8 within the axonal compartment immediately proximal to its termination may affect strategies targeting pain of peripheral origin.
RNAseq Analysis of theDrosophilaResponse to the Entomopathogenic NematodeSteinernema
Authors: Yadav Shruti , Daugherty Sean , Shetty Amol Carl , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: April 2017

Drosophila melanogaster is an outstanding model to study the molecular and functional basis of host–pathogen interactions. Currently, our knowledge of microbial infections in D. melanogaster is well understood; however, the response of flies to nematode infections is still in its infancy. Here, we have used the potent parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, which lives in mutualism with its endosymbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila, to examine the transcriptomic basis of the interaction between D. melanogaster and entomopathogenic nematodes. We have employed next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to investigate the transcriptomic profile of D. melanogaster larvae in response to infection by S. carpocapsae symbiotic (carrying X. nematophila) or axenic (lacking X. nematophila) nematodes. Bioinformatic analyses have identified the strong induction of genes that are associated with the peritrophic membrane and the stress response, as well as several genes that participate in developmental processes. We have also found that genes with different biological functions are enriched in D. melanogaster larvae responding to either symbiotic or axenic nematodes. We further show that while symbiotic nematode infection enriched certain known immune-related genes, axenic nematode infection enriched several genes associated with chitin binding, lipid metabolic functions, and neuroactive ligand receptors. In addition, we have identified genes with a potential role in nematode recognition and genes with potential antinematode activity. Findings from this study will undoubtedly set the stage for the identification of key regulators of antinematode immune mechanisms in D. melanogaster, as well as in other insects of socioeconomic importance.
Validation of the Pediatric Sedation State Scale
Authors: Cravero Joseph P. , Askins Nissa , Sriswasdi Patcharee , Tsze Daniel S. , Zurakowski David , Sinnott Sean
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVES:

Development and validation of the Pediatric Sedation State Scale (PSSS) is intended to specifically meet the needs of pediatric procedural sedation providers to measure effectiveness and quality of care.

METHODS:

The PSSS content was developed through Delphi methods utilizing leading pediatric sedation experts and published guidelines on procedural sedation in children. Video clips were created and presented to study participants, who graded the state of patients during procedures by using the PSSS to evaluate inter- and intrarater reliability by determining the intraclass correlation coefficient. We also compared the PSSS to the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress–revised during 4 clinically relevant phases of a laceration repair procedure.

RESULTS:

Six sedation states were defined for the PSSS. Each state was assigned a numerical value with higher numbers for increasing activity states. We included behaviors associated with adequate and inadequate sedation and adverse events associated with excessive sedation. Analysis of interrater and intrarater reliability revealed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.994 (95% confidence interval: 0.986–0.998) and 0.986 (95% confidence interval: 0.970–0.995), respectively. Criterion validity was confirmed with respect to the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress–revised (Spearman r = 0.96). Construct validity was indicated by significant differences in PSSS scores (P < .001) between 4 phases of a procedure, each having a different degree of painful or distressing stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PSSS is a 6-point scale that is a valid measure of the effectiveness and quality of procedural sedation in children within the limits of the testing method used in this study.
Empirical Correlations for the Swelling Pressure of Expansive Clays in the City of Barranquilla, Colombia
Authors: Cantillo Victor , Mercado Vicente , Pájaro César
Published: April 2017

Swelling behavior of clays is of great importance for numerous engineering applications due to the prevalence of expansive clays around the world. Expansive clays are present in Mexico City, United States, Australia, Africa and South America, among others. In some cases, these types of clays could present swell pressure values greater than 400 kPa. In this technical note, correlation equations are developed to estimate the swell pressure of clays using laboratory tests performed on swelling clays in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. Correlations are based on Atterberg limits and water content among other soil properties. Equations with statistically significant coefficients were selected and compared with equations found in the literature. Developed correlations evidenced that swell pressure decays quickly as water content increases. It was found that for the studied soils, Atterberg Limits did not present statistical significance in the estimation of swell pressure. Correlaciones empíricas para la determinación de la presión de expansión de arcillas expansivas en Barranquilla, Colombia ResumenEl comportamiento expansivo de las arcillas presenta vital importancia alrededor del mundo, ya que este tipo de arcillas se encuentras en diversas y extensas zonas del planeta. Arcillas con este tipo de comportamiento se encuentran presentes en diversas regiones del mundo como la ciudad de México, los Estados Unidos, Australia, algunas zonas de África y Sudamérica, entre otras. Este tipo de arcillas pueden presentar en algunos casos presiones de expansión superiores a los 400 kPa. En la presente nota técnica se desarrollan correlaciones para estimar la presión de expansión de arcillas con base en ensayos de laboratorio practicados a arcillas con comportamiento expansivo presentes en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia. Las correlaciones desarrolladas se basan en los límites de Atterberg y contenido de humedad, entre otras propiedades de los suelos. Se seleccionaron aquellas ecuaciones que presentaban coeficientes estadísticamente significativos y se realizaron comparaciones con correlaciones presentes en la literatura. Las correlaciones mostraron que la presión de expansión decae rápidamente a medida que el contenido de humedad aumenta. Además, se observó que para los suelos estudiados los límites de Atterberg no son estadísticamente significativos para la estimación de la presión de expansión.
Adopción del modelo educativo por competencias, desde la categoría de Campus de Bourdieu
Authors: Figueroa Escudero Elveri , García Martínez Verónica
Published: April 2017

Se reporta la experiencia de la Universidad Popular de La Chontalpa, en Tabasco, México, en la cual se diseñó e implementó el Modelo de Educación por Competencias (MEC) en 11 de sus Programas de Formación Profesional (PFP) a partir de 2010. La investigación fue exploratoria y la metodología consistió en entrevistar en forma individual a 11 académicos que participaron en el proceso de rediseño curricular, desde un enfoque cualitativo. El objetivo fue ofrecer una explicación sociológica desde la perspectiva del campus de Bourdieu, que permita la reflexión de los distintos niveles de complejidad de una adopción institucional de este tipo de modelos. El uso del concepto en el análisis del fenómeno nos permite dilucidar las construcciones elaboradas por los agentes implicados en el entramado, que representa su propio campus desde la postura crítica de la sociología comprensiva. Los resultados muestran que en la adopción de nuevos modelos educativos se presentan rasgos de socialización distintos que impactan cuando menos, en dos ámbitos: la gobernanza institucional y el desarrollo de las funciones sustantivas de las organizaciones educativas. El peso político, económico y social de las agencias transnacionales y las nacionales, determina en cierto modo, la reproducción del modelo entre los agentes imbricados en el campus, pero, en cambio, se genera un desequilibrio de fuerzas en el interior de este, debido a la imposición de un modelo que no posee líneas orientadoras claras para su adopción.
La educación en América Latina: desarrollo y perspectivas
Authors: Escribano Hervis Elmys
Published: April 2017

El tema de este ensayo es la manifestación actual de la educación, su desarrollo y sus perspectivas en América Latina. El propósito esencial es valorar la educación, su estado actual y sus principales desafíos. Se aplica el método comparativo que correlaciona e integra un conjunto de variables e indicadores que se expresan de manera particular en el continente, en cada región o país. Se señala la pobreza y la exclusión como variable contextual determinante en la educación. Este factor aparece unido a otros elementos históricos, culturales y políticos. Como resultado de la valoración, se reconoce los avances en materia educativa en el continente, así como sus principales demandas y perspectivas de desarrollo manifiestas en: la inversión en la educación, la evaluación de la calidad de la educación, las políticas relacionadas con las TIC y la necesidad de subrayar la importancia del docente en la sociedad actual
Pedagogía hermenéutica del lugar: estudio narrativo sobre la relación entre lugaridad, alteridad, ciudad y escuela
Authors: Moreno Aponte Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

Este artículo presenta los resultados del estudio que se realizó en el Colegio Distrital ubicado en Bogotá, Colombia. Se aplicó el método biográfico-narrativo para indagar sobre el espacio vivido de la ciudad y la escuela. El foco fueron cinco relatos de vida de dos docentes y tres estudiantes. La interpretación de los resultados se hizo desde el enfoque fenomenológico-hermenéutico para hallar el sentido de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿Cuál es la naturaleza de la relación entre los lugares vividos del estudiante fuera de la escuela urbana, en los que se desarrollan manifestaciones culturales e ideológicas, y las dinámicas de su interior, que permitan proponer situaciones de alteridad por medio de una pedagogía hermenéutica del lugar? Los resultados arrojaron una idea esencial que consiste en que los espacios de la ciudad y de la escuela deben vincularse para fortalecer los procesos de alteridad. Consecuentemente, una pedagogía hermenéutica del lugar se presenta como una acción educativa que permite reconocer las diferencias culturales de los sujetos que exige la sociedad.
Evaluación genotóxica del agua del Río Grande (Antioquia, Colombia) mediante frecuencia de eritrocitos micronucleados de Brycon henni (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Zapata Restrepo Lina María , Orozco Jiménez Luz Yaneth , Rueda Cardona Maribel , Echavarría Sandra Liliana , Palacio Baena Jaime Alberto
Published: April 2017

The permanent monoculture of bananas and plantains farming in the middle of Río Grande (Turbo - Antioquia) requires the application of a variety of pesticides. Inappropriate banana production practices in this region, have often led to waterbody pollution by agrochemicals from leachate and runoff processes. Currently, fish are the most common vertebrates used as bioindicators of water quality, because they are very sensitive to the presence of contaminants. Our main goal with this study was to compare the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood specimens of fish Brycon henni, from two locations (polluted and unpolluted) in the Rio Grande. We evaluated the frequency of MNE in peripheral blood samples of fish B. henni from each location during two rainy seasons in 2010 and two dry seasons in 2011. Blood samples were collected, fixed for 24 h, and then were stained with Giemsa. Among results, we found that the median frequency of MNE was higher in the polluted site by agrochemical discharges (0.15±0.18), than in the unimpacted site (0.06±0.08). Furthermore, the frequency of MNE in B. henni during the dry season was highly significant for both locations. The results of this study indicated that the analysis of MNE in B. henni could be recommended as a suitable method for in situ detection of environmental genotoxins.
Parámetros biológicos básicos para la conservación de Pseudocurimata lineopunctata (Characiformes, Curimatidae) en el Río Anchicayá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Lamouroux-López Sandra , López Merling , Flores Gatica Hector Ricardo
Published: April 2017

Pseudocurimata lineopunctata represents an important nutritional source for local human communities in Colombia and Ecuador. Although the yearly catch of this fish is low (590 kg/year), there are no restrictions on minimum size, and this species is categorized as vulnerable with moderate extinction risk by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Cauca Valley (Colombia). To support conservation programs, biological data of the target species are required. Therefore, the aims of this study were to describe the sex ratio, distribution, size to weight ratio, macroscopic stages of reproductive maturity, fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity for P. lineopunctata. For this, fish samples were captured with nets over nine months (February-October) in 2007. The total length (Lt) of the captured fish ranged between 10.7 and 16.5 cm, with total weight (Pt) between 25.0 and 67.5 g. Females represented 52.6 % of the sample group while males represented 47.4 %, and differences in sex ratio were observed in relation to fish size. For all sampled months, the fish captured showed an advanced maturity state. Based on analyses of the gonadosomatic index (IGS), gonadic index (IG), and Fulton’s condition factor (K), and two spawning peaks were determined, one in June-July, and the other in September-October. The size at first sexual maturity was 9.2 cm for females and 10.1 cm for males. Absolute fecundity was estimated as 3 598 oocytes/g♀. It is necessary to carry out additional investigations on the reproduction of this species, to support future repopulation programs.
Formación del banco de semillas durante la revegetación temprana de áreas afectadas por la minería en un bosque pluvial tropical del Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Valois-Cuesta Hamleth , Martínez-Ruiz Carolina , Urrutia-Rivas Yorley
Published: April 2017

Mining is one of the main economic activities in many tropical regions and is the cause of devastation of large areas of natural tropical forests. The knowledge of the regenerative potential of mining disturbed areas provides valuable information for their ecological restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of age of abandonment of mines and their distance from the adjacent forest, on the formation of soil seed bank in abandoned mines in the San Juan, Chocó, Colombia. To do this, we determined the abundance and species composition of the soil seed bank, and the dynamics of seed rain in mines of different cessation period of mining activity (6 and 15 years), and at different distances from the adjacent forest matrix (50 and 100 m). Seed rain was composed by five species of plants with anemocorous dispersion, and was more abundant in the mine of 6 years than in the mine of 15 years. There were no significant differences in the number of seeds collected at 50 m and 100 m from the adjacent forest. The soil seed bank was represented by eight species: two with anemocorous dispersion (common among the seed rain species) and the rest with zoochorous dispersion. The abundance of seeds in the soil did not vary with the age of the mine, but was higher at close distances to the forest edge than far away. During the early revegetation, the formation of the soil seed bank in the mines seems to be related to their proximity to other disturbed areas, rather than their proximity to the adjacent forest or the cessation activity period of mines. Therefore, the establishment of artificial perches or the maintenance of isolated trees in the abandoned mines could favour the arrival of bird-dispersed seeds at mines. However, since the soil seed bank can be significantly affected by the high rainfall in the study area, more studies are needed to evaluate management actions to encourage soil seed bank formation in mines of high-rainfall environments in the Chocó region.
La descomposición de la hojarasca como herramienta para evaluar la integridad funcional de ríos altoandinos del sur del Ecuador
Authors: Rincon Jose , Merchán Diana , Sparer Agustín , Rojas Damodara , Zárate Edwin
Published: April 2017

The ecological condition of tropical Andean rivers are threatened by many human activities including changes in land use and cover in watersheds. Current protocols diagnose the structural condition of streams but not their function. In this study we proposed an assessment tool using the leaf-litter breakdown as a measure of the functional condition and health of high Andean streams in Southern Ecuador, including methodology and threshold values adapted to local conditions. We selected 15 streams in three micro-basins (Mazán, Llaviuco and Matadero) within or in the vicinity of Cajas National Park where we deployed litterbags for 15, 28 and 64 days. We used two types of mesh (coarse and fine) for the litterbags in order to separate the contribution of macro-invertebrates and microorganisms in the decomposition process and also tested two different leaf substrates: Alder (Alnus acuminata) and Miconia (Miconia bracteolata). In each collection period we determined physical and chemical parameters, applied the riparian quality index (QBR-And) and river habitat index (IHF). Decomposition rates (-k) were determined from the time period at which approximately 50 % ash-free mass would have been lost. We used Ktotal and the ratio of the rate of decomposition between coarse and fine mesh (Kg/Kf) to define the functional condition thresholds. To test the metrics sensitivity we used graphical methods, one-way ANOVA and discriminative efficiency (ED). The analysis of watershed land-use and cover showed a gradient of intervention: Matadero ≥ Llaviuco > Mazán. The composition of the environmental variables of Mazán streams were different with respect to Llaviuco and Matadero, whose values were similar to each other. The QBR-And index showed a significant gradient from very low levels in Matadero (27.5), moderately high values in Llaviuco (66.5) to high values in Mazán (87). Alder leaf-litter breakdown rates were significantly faster in Mazán than in Matadero and Llaviuco streams, while breakdown rates of Miconia were not significantly different among watersheds. The Kg/Kf ratio was significantly higher in Mazán compared to Llaviuco and Matadero, which did not differ. We consider the Kg/Kf metric sensitive enough to discriminate impacts in the studied areas. Our results support the use of the leaf-litter breakdown as an appropriate tool to assess functional ecological condition, complementing the structural assessments of these Andean rivers.
Distribución y abundancia espacial y temporal de Stomolophus meleagris (Rhizostomae: Stomolophidae) en un sistema lagunar del sur del Golfo de México
Authors: Félix Francisco Javier , Garrido Mora Arturo , Sánchez Alcudia Yessenia , Sánchez Martínez Alberto de Jesús , Granados Berber Andrés Arturo , Ramos Palma José Luis
Published: April 2017

The scyphomedusae feed mainly on microscopic crustaceans, eggs and fish larvae, molluscs and some other jellyfishes. The distribution and abundance of the scyphomedusae has an economic and ecological impact as they are predators that have an influence on the population dynamics of other fisheries. This investigation took place in the lagoon system ‘Arrastradero-Redonda’, Tabasco, from September 2013 to August 2014, with the purpose to provide information on the distribution, and spatial and temporal abundance of Stomolophus meleagris; along with its relation to environmental parameters. A total of 10 stations were defined and biological samples were taken on a monthly basis during this annual cycle. For this purpose, three pulls with a beach seine monofilament (20m long by 3m height, mesh opening 1.5 cm, 5 to 10 minutes) per station were made within a 1 km2 area. Information obtained was used to calculate the fishing efficiency analysis (CPUE con org./Evaluated Area Unit) and to determine the relationship with the environmental parameters. Our results showed that the abundance in the stations 1 to 3 was from 7 to 19 org./km2 from April to August 2014; less organisms were observed in stations 6 to 10 (an average of 1 org./km2) from October 2013 to March 2014. The multiple correlation steps analysis indicated that there is a strong association between the CPUE and some environmental investigated variables, and a 70.9 % variability of the data was observed. The salinity resulted the most important variable because it determined a 64.3 % of variation; it was followed by the temperature with a 3.6 %; meanwhile, dissolved oxygen explained only the 2.9 %, this was mainly because within the area there are several geological, oceanographic and biological factors that favor the distribution of this species due to seawater contribution through the Tupilco bar. With the provided data with this investigation we were able to determine the fishery potential of this resource for Tabasco state. However, additional research is required to allow an extended quantification of this resource, to determine the commercial exploitation areas, and drive studies about reproductive and feeding habits, that may provide the necessary information to establish plans for sustainable use.
Implicaciones de la precipitación sobre la evolución del tamaño corporal y distancia interaxilar en el complejo Aspidoscelis gularis (Squamata: Teiidae)
Authors: Pérez-Almazán Carlos , Manríquez-Morán Norma Leticia , Balderas-Plata Miguel , Antonio-Némiga Xanat , López-Alcaide Saúl
Published: April 2017

Life history traits are highly variable attributes that maximize organisms’s adaptation. The relationship of weight and body size with environmental changes and habitat heterogeneity has been documented in previous reports; and size and body shapes are both considered life history attributes that are associated with rainfall, that boost available resources in the environment. While in Aspidoscelis genus, clutch size and relative mass are mainly associated with latitude and altitude, in Aspidoscelis gularis, winter rainfall favors two reproductive seasons, which may determine season variable clutch size. With the aim to study this, samplings were undertaken from May-July 2013, and May-September 2015. A total of 65 individuals lizards of the Southeast clade were obtained, and body length and interaxilar distance measurements were taken; furthermore, hepatic tissue samples were taken for DNA extraction, which allowed us to analyze phylogenetic relationships through a Bayesian Inference analysis, and subsequently, to apply Phylogenetic Comparative Methods (like phylogenetic signal, phylogenetically independent contrasts and reconstruction of ancestral character). Our results showed that there is a low phylogenetic signal regarding body size and shape, while the phylogenetically independent contrasts and reconstruction of ancestral characters suggest that small body sizes are associated to locations with highest rainfall. This can be associated to an establishment of an early sexual maturity, which reflects the maximum size of adults. Furthermore, according to an ANOVA and ANCOVA, there were statistically significant differences in body size and shape respectively, which promote a system for sexual competition for males and a system for fertility in females. These results were important to determine the effect of rainfall on some life history traits, pointing out that lizards of the Southeast clade, belonging to the A. gularis complex were able to face different selection pressures, determined by the environment.
Bibliometrics of Nicaraguan publications in the Science Citation Index Expanded
Authors: Monge-Nájera Julián , Shan Ho Yuh
Published: April 2017

Nicaragua is a small country in Central America and little has been published about its scientific output. Most of its publications available in international databases are about medicine and are produced by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (Managua) as part of international collaborative teams. In this article we analyzed in more depth, and for a longer period than any previous study, the presence of Nicaraguan publications in the Science Citation Index Expanded until January, 2016. In total, 837 Nicaraguan articles were published in 456 journals (the top journal is the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene). Internationally collaborative articles with 94 countries accounted for 92 % of articles, while only 8.5 % were exclusively Nicaraguan. The most cited article described the use of ketoconazole to treat Leishmaniasis. The authors with more publications in the database were A. Balmaseda, R. Peña, W. Strauch, and F. Bucardo. The top cited, exclusively Nicaraguan articles dealt with health problems, forest tenure, and food production. The article citation lifespan is surprisingly long: over 70 years. Most citations start seven years after publication and are not recorded by the Science Citation Index, which for that reason cannot be considered valid to evaluate the impact of Nicaraguan research. The predominance of English publications may reflect a bias of the database itself. Probably most of the scientific production of Nicaraguan scientists is published in Spanish, in many regional journals not included in the SCI-EXPANDED. Nicaraguan research centers lack appropriate infrastructure, staffing and financial resources: future achievements for Nicaraguan science should include a fair presence of female researchers, peer-to-peer level participation in international teams, and less dominance of health technologies.
Modeling of Equivalent Effective Temperature and its possible incidence on larval density of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Villa Clara province, Cuba
Authors: Fimia Duarte Rigoberto , Alarcón-Elbal Pedro María , Osés Rodríguez Ricardo , Argota Pérez George , Iannacone Oliver José , Capote Cabrera José
Published: April 2017

The wind chill or Equivalent Effective Temperature (EET) is the thermic sensation that a person feels when being exposed to a certain combination of temperature from the air, relative humidity and wind velocity. The objective of this investigation was directed to determine the possible incidence of the EET upon the larval density of Anopheles mosquitoes in Villa Clara province, Cuba. The Climatological data were compiled from the Yabú station in Santa Clara, and a total of 5 370 measurements were included in a database every three hours, using the aggregate function of the Statistical Package of Social Science software version 13 (SPSS), from January 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2013. A long term forecast (1 year of advance) was made to obtain EET and the Anopheles larval density in the locality of Santo Domingo was modelled. These entomological data were taken at the same time but monthly, so the EET data were converted to monthly scale to be correlated with the monthly data of the larval density. The result was a 97.1 % of variance with a standard error (SE) of 3.57 °C for the model of the EET with a year of anticipation; therefore, the tendency in time was significant. The modeling also included the Anopheles larval density of mosquitoes in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara province, observing an increase of the EET, while the Anopheles mosquito larvae also increased. The most important variables in the model were the EET that were back in 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 16, 24, 40 for the previous year; that is to say 2 920, 2 921, and so on, which explained a strong contagion among the data. EET correlation compared with itself in previous year was high; therefore, it may be used as a predictable variable. The anophelinic density in Santo Domingo explained the 66 % of the variance, with a SE of 0.66 larvae.m-2. The tendency of the Anopheles larval density was to diminish. In conclusion, EET has an important impact in larval density of Anopheles with EET increase associated with larval density increase.
SEPARATE STOCKS OF RED SNAPPER EXPLOITATION AND MANAGEMENT IN THE INDONESIAN SECTOR OF THE ARAFURA SEA
Authors: Badrudin Badrudin , Aisyah Aisyah
Published: April 2017

Red snapper resources in the Arafura Sea have been effectively exploited by the industrial scale of bottom long line, fish trawl and shrimp trawl fisheries. Research activities carried out by the ACIAR-RCCF revealed that there were genetic similarity of the three red snapper species between the Australian and lndonesian sectors of the Arafura Sea"
Mediating Indigenous Religions
Authors: Alles Gregory D , Tafjord Bjørn Ola
Published: April 2017

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Adventure in Human Knowledges and Beliefs, by Andrew Ralls Woodward
Authors: Strand Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Adventure in Human Knowledges and Beliefs, by Andrew Ralls Woodward. Hamilton Books, 2014. 106 pp., no illustrations. Pb. $12. ISBN: 0761864083
Selfless Love and Human Flourishing in Paul Tillich and Iris Murdoch, by Julia T. Meszaros
Authors: Fekete David J
Published: April 2017

Selfless Love and Human Flourishing in Paul Tillich and Iris Murdoch, by Julia T. Meszaros. Oxford University Press, 2016. 227 pp. Kindle, $114.69. ISBN 978-0-19-876586-8.
La devoción a la Divina Misericordia segun Sancta Faustina Kowalska
Authors: Machniak Jan
Published: April 2017

La devoción a la Divina Misericordia como una forma de culto a Dios tiene como objeto propio a Dios en el misterio de la misericordia y se inserta en la tradición de la piedad cristiana, convirtiéndose en su prolongación y en su enriquecimiento. Se dirige a la misericordia del Padre, revelado plenamente en la pasión, en la muerte y en la resurreción de Cristo y se basa en la actitud de confianza en Dios.Las nuevas formas de devoción propuestas por la Hermana Faustina en base a las revelaciones privadas que obtuvo de Jesús se convierten en una oportunidad de adorar a Dios y en una apertura a su actuación. La canonización de Santa Faustina Kowalska y la institución de la Fiesta de la Misericordia para toda la Iglesia son una indicación clara del Santo Padre Juan Pablo II para emprender estas formas de devoción en la Liturgia de la Iglesia, así como en la animación a los fieles para que se beneficien de ellas en su piedad privada.
The Principle of Individuation in the Constitution of the Human Person
Authors: Dadić Borislav
Published: April 2017

It is generally considered that the principle of individuation is matter and that this doctrine comes from Aristotle. This paper will examine how medieval philosophers approached this problem and we will show that they offered various theories by which the principle of individuation could be matter, form, combination of matter and form, accidents or some special principle such as haecceitas, which we find in the school of J. Duns Scotus. We will assess how all these theories resolve the problem only partially, and thus indicate the need of a single principle of individuation. This becomes particularly relevant in the context of the metaphysical study of a human person. Our research will show that it is actus essendi, which is not only the act of all acts, but also the principle of all principles.
Pastoral Challenges After World Youth Day 2016
Authors: Pawlina Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

World Youth Day (WYD) 2016 gathered a powerful body of youth, who are now asking; What’s next? Without a doubt this group of young people is the promising group within the Church. They are brave and consciously living their faith. They have lived something that has radically transformed them. There are not many of them, yet they are strong. They are excelling and forming a wedge in a growing secular environment. What about those who are left? What’s happening with them? Who are today’s Polish youth and what dilemmas are they facing? As the results of a study completed on the topic of youth and their spirituality shows, we can generally argue that the currently growing generation is a consumerist one. We are also experiencing a growing discrepancy between declared faith, active practice of faith, and morality. Today’s youth, essentially, are not concerned with matters of faith and carry a negative image of the congregation and priests. What indications may be implemented in the ministry of our youth after such a great event as the World Youth Day? What is the ministry of youth and how can we realize it?
„Emotional defeats” of parents
Authors: Mastalski Janusz
Published: April 2017

In a family all kinds of conflicts and problems occur that affect both the parents and their children. The conflicts which are especially painful are those related to the inability of parents to deal with their own emotions and feelings. In this article, after clarifying the main concepts, the author first discusses the typical features of parental emotions and feelings (creativity, proximity, intensity) in order to identify the reasons for “emotional defeats” (the inability to express emotions, the inability to recognize emotions, emotional liability, “getting stuck” in some emotion, harmful suppression of emotions, masking of one’s feelings, stress, fatigue, addiction). Secondly, the author describes their effects (codependency, emotional distance, weakening of emotional ties, superficiality, impaired communication, “internal emigration”, family identity crisis). At the end, he discusses toxic tactics in dealing with these defeats (suppression; avoidance; pretending they do not exist; transfer of emotions on others; resignation in coping with emotions). Consequentially, these tactics lead them to formulate remedies. A discussion of these solutions concludes the article.
The Impact of Live Audience Participation Teaching on Medical Education at The Surgical Scousers, an Undergraduate Surgical Society
Authors: Nevins Edward J. , Moori Parisa L. , Richards Bethany , Alexander Leanne , Pazmany Laszlo , Sharma Ajay K.
Published: April 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background: The use of Live Audience Participation (LAP) allows students to respond to questions anonymously and receive instant feedback. Electronic devices promote interaction and participation from learners which has the potential to further engage students and lead to an increased level of learning. It is important however to evaluate the affordances and limitations of such devices. Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the aptness, utility, practicalities and acceptability of LAP during lectures. Methods: The interactive 'PollEverywhere™' tool was used during 5 extra-curricular lectures, organized by 'The Surgical Scousers' society, allowing student participation to anonymously answer questions. Live results were displayed instantly and data was collected prospectively in 2013. Results: Out of 523 responses, 417 were correct. Students were also able to ask questions and give live feedback. Students gave positive feedback highlighting how LAP maintained their attention. The majority of students expressed that they would not have asked the same questions in a conventional set up. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the use of LAP holds the attention of students, provides opportunity to ask questions, and facilitates ironing out any misconceptions within subject areas. However, interactive devices have certain inherent limitations, namely cost and potential to go wrong. The majority of literature focuses on students' views towards interactive devices therefore. Further studies are required to assess the impact of interactive devices on learning outcomes in medical education.
Different outcomes of phonemic verbal fluency in Parkinson’s disease patients with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation
Authors: Romann Aline Juliane , Beber Bárbara Costa , Olchik Maira Rozenfeld , Rieder Carlos R M.
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is a surgical technique to treat motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Studies have shown that STN-DBS may cause a decline in verbal fluency performance. We aimed to verify the effects of STN-DBS on the performance of phonemic verbal fluency in Brazilian PD patients. Sixteen participants were evaluated on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale - Part III and for phonemic fluency (“FAS” version) in the conditions of on- and off-stimulation. We identified two different patterns of phonemic verbal fluency outcomes. The results indicate that there may be no expected pattern of effect of bilateral STN-DBS in the phonemic fluency, and patients may present with different outcomes for some reason not well understood.
The use of a formula-based ketogenic diet in children with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Sampaio Letícia Pereira de Brito , Takakura Cristina , Manreza Maria Luiza Giraldes de
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT The ketogenic diet (KD) is a nonpharmacologic treatment that has been used for refractory epilepsy since 1921. The KD is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and restricted protein diet, which is calculated and weighed for each individual patient. Introducing and maintaining the diet for a long time remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the acceptability, tolerance, and efficacy of a formula-based KD in 10 children with refractory epilepsy. The ketogenic formula tested herein caused only mild KD-related adverse events and adequate adherence. Moreover, 60% of patients had more than 50% seizure frequency reduction and 10% were seizure-free.