bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metotrexato na Psoríase
Authors: Chagas Rivânia Consuelo G. da S. M. , Coutinho Rilza Beatriz G. de A.
Published: July 2016

O propósito deste estudo descritivo foi avaliar a utilização do metrotexato na psoríase nos pacientes do ambulatório de imunossupressores, avaliando os seus efeitos e eficácia do tratamento. Casuística e Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado entre janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2009, sendo avaliados cento e quarenta e seis prontuários, destes quarenta e dois pacientes tiveram a indicação de uso de metrotexato no diagnóstico de psoríase. Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes com psoríase em placas disseminada, psoríase palmo - plantar sem resposta à terapia tópica ou à acitretina; presença de psoríase artropática; eritrodermia psorásica. Foram excluídos pacientes com: hepatopatia, alcoolismo, sorologia positiva para hepatite C, B, ou HIV; gestantes; indivíduos com menos de 18 anos; insuficiência renal; doenças linfoproliferativas ou hematológicas. A dose do medicamento foi iniciada com a dose 5 mg, sendo aumentada a dose conforme os exames laboratoriais e a resposta ao tratamento. A média da dose cumulativa total de metotrexate foi de 243,9 ± 348,3 mg (mediana 108 mg). A dose semanal média foi de 10 ± 5 mg. Conclusões: O metrotexato é um medicamento barato, com boa adesão. No entanto, deve-se estar atento aos efeitos adversos e exames laboratoriais, para isto deve ser feito um acompanhamento individual e seriado.
Mudanças Pedagógicas no Ensino de Semiologia para Discentes de Medicina
Authors: Vilagra Sandra Maria Barroso Werneck , Oliveira Maria de Fátima Alves de
Published: July 2016

As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais apontam para a necessidade de melhorias no contexto das praticas que envolvem o processo de ensino, dessa forma o ensino da semiologia médica precisa também se adequar as novas tendências para o atual contexto de ensino aprendizagem. O presente estudo delineia como objeto as mudanças pedagógicas no ensino de semiologia, traz como objetivo identificar novas estratégias de ensino e novos cenários de pratica medica. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo cujo cenário foi o Curso de Medicina da Universidade Severino Sombra e os sujeitos envolvidos foram 65 alunos que cursavam o quarto período do curso e que tinham participado do Programa de Aproximação a Prática Médica desde o primeiro período do curso. A coleta de dados se deu por questionário estruturado e os resultados apontaram para a necessidade de continuidade nas mudanças ocorridas o que reforçam as recomendações das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação de Medicina, bem como vem corroborando com as melhorias no contexto das praticas pedagógicas e êxito na disciplina de semiologia medica.
Carcinoma Prostático de Pequenas Células (Neuroendócrino): Relato de Caso
Authors: De Souza Carlos Henrique Câmara , De Alencar Jairo Maropo , Carneiro Kennedy Soares , Junior Alcendino De Almeida , Passos Márcio Alexandre Terra , De Araújo Sumara Moreira Leal Lacerda
Published: July 2016

O câncer de próstata de pequenas células (CPPC), ou neuroendócrino, é um raro tumor e apresenta alta mortalidade, com sobrevida média de 10 meses após o diagnóstico. Representa cerca de 1% de todos os cânceres de próstata. A maioria dos casos de CPPC têm doença avançada com baixos níveis de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) ao diagnóstico, mostrando a importância do exame físico correto na suspeição precoce. Seu tratamento é baseado com quimioterapia, principalmente, sendo o etoposídeo e a cisplatina os mais utilizados. Nós relatamos um caso sintomático ao diagnóstico sendo tratado com etoposídeo e cisplatina, com óbito após 10 meses de início dos sintomas.
Utilização de Cloridrato de Polihexametileno Biguanida (PHMB) na desinfecção de indústrias cervejeiras
Authors: Santos Petherson D. , Fernandes Paulo H. S. Fernandes
Published: July 2016

Este artigo visa comprovar a eficiência da ação bactericida do Cloridrato de Polihexametileno Biguanida (PHMB), na desinfecção de indústrias cervejeiras bem como verificar seu custo benefício. Para tal, utilizou-se o produto Biguatin 400 (que contém 4% do princípio ativo) em diferentes concentrações nos tanques de fermentação de uma planta piloto de cervejaria, seguido de análise microbiológica. Ao final disto, avaliaram-se os resultados que mostraram o grau de eficiência do princípio ativo.
INTNUM: Uma Ferramenta Computacional para Visualização e Cálculo dos Métodos de Integração Numérica
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno Nunes Myrrha , Carvalho Carlos Vitor De Alencar
Published: July 2016

O presente artigo destina-se a apresentação do software INTNUM. Trata-se de um software direcionado para o estudo do cálculo numérico e tem o objetivo de visualizar diferentes métodos de integração numérica, como: Retângulo, Trapézio e Simpson. Assim sendo, este software fornece o cálculo da área sob a função em uma variável, bem como possibilita a interação por meio do teclado, variando o número de partições e otimiza o valor numérico da integral. O sistema foi desenvolvido em linguagem de programação C++, e utiliza o ambiente de desenvolvimento Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition e sistema gráfico OpenGL. O uso do software tem como proposta complementar à aprendizagem na disciplina de Cálculo Numérico, além de proporcinar interatividade, visualização, e otimização nos Métodos de Integração Numérica, contribuindo assim, no processo de ensino- aprendizagem.
Análise Físico-química do Leite Cru Refrigerado Proveniente das Propriedades Leiteiras da Região Sul Fluminense
Authors: De Paula Filipe Pereira , Cardoso Carlos Eduardo , Rangel Maria Aparecida Carvalho
Published: July 2016

Este trabalho visou avaliar as características físico-químicas do leite cru refrigerado entregue a Cooperativa Agro-Pecuária de Barra Mansa LTDA pelas propriedades leiteiras da região Sul Fluminense. Com base neste estudo, pode-se concluir que 100% das amostras analisadas estavam de acordo com os padrões estabelecidos pela legislação vigente.
O Ensino Semipresencial na Universidade Severino Sombra: uma Visão da Disciplina de Metodologia Científica
Authors: Souza Márcio Figueiredo , Lemos Bruno Morais
Published: July 2016

Este artigo avalia três semestres letivos de realização do ensino semipresencial na USS, especificamente, no ensino da disciplina de Metodologia Científica, na modalidade semipresencial. O desenvolvimento do processo avaliativo se deu por meio da análise dos resultados obtidos na avaliação dos cursos pelos alunos da referida disciplina, ministrada em um Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem, suportado pela plataforma MOODLE. A avaliação do conteudo foi baseada, inicialmente, nas quatro questões do questionário de avaliação diretamente relacionadas à atuação dos tutores e, posteriormente, à avaliação geral contemplando a média geral das médias das questões do instrumento de avaliação. O presente trabalho objetiva, além de estabelecer um registro histórico do início do processo do ensino semip resencial na USS, também apurar o grau de evolução desse processo de ensino-aprendizagem e ainda, identificar oportunidades de melhorias a serem introduzidas no Núcleo de Ensino Semipresencial.
O Bisfenol A: Sua Utilização e a Atual Polêmica em Relação aos Possíveis Danos à Saúde Humana
Authors: Beserra Marli Rocha , Schiavini Joyce De Araújo , Rodrigues William Costa , Pereira Cristiane De Souza Siqueira
Published: July 2016

O Bisfenol A (BPA) é um produto químico industrial que, em sua forma monomérica é amplamente utilizado na produção de resinas epóxi e plásticos de policarbonato. É uma substância de excelentes características físicas e químicas utilizadas em diversas aplicações como, por exemplo: revestimento de embalagens metálicas, fabricação de mamadeiras etc. De acordo com relatos da literatura, baixas doses de Bisfenol A têm efeitos adversos sobre a fertilidade, o sistema nervoso, diabetes, câncer, obesidade, puberdade precoce, comportamento, doenças cardíacas. Diante do atual quadro, cabe aos fabricantes de produtos que utilizam Bisfenol A se prevenirem e buscarem alternativas através do desenvolvimento de tecnologia que venha a substituir o uso do citado composto. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar a temática do uso do Bisfenol A e o quadro atual das indústrias a cerca do assunto.
Uma Pesquisa de Segurança da Informação na Região Centro-Sul Fluminense
Authors: Matos Tauller Augusto De Araújo , Ramos Maiara Soares
Published: July 2016

O valor da informação cresce exponencialmente a cada dia e com isto, o número de ataques virtuais ou digitais tem aumentado consideravelmente. As empresas precisam se preocupar com a segurança, pois os ataques estão cada vez mais sofisticados, porém o investimento em segurança por parte delas não acompanha este crescimento. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar um levantamento da situação atual das empresas de Vassouras e região Centro-Sul Fluminense com relação à segurança da informação.
Uma Ferramenta de Apoio ao Ensino e Aprendizagem de Regra de Três
Authors: Raimundo Robson Damião Da Rocha , Araújo Marco Antônio Pereira
Published: July 2016

Este trabalho objetivou o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta de apoio ao ensino e aprendizagem de Regra de Três. Seu desenvolvimento se baseou na hipótese de que esta ferramenta poderia contribuir para a diminuição dos efeitos de erros cometidos por profissionais da Saúde ao administrar e prescrever medicamentos. Esta ferramenta é parte do produto desenvolvido para um projeto do Mestrado Profissional em Educação Matemática da Universidade Severino Sombra. A ferramenta foi submetida a uma avaliação e análise estatística dos resultados, cujo objetivo foi o de observar sua eficácia. Foi desenvolvido um instrumento de avaliação com oito questões retiradas de concursos públicos e processos seletivos para enfermeiros ou técnicos em enfermagem e do ENADE dos anos de 2007, 2010 e 2013. A constatação da eficácia da ferramenta se deu mediante a utilização do teste T de Student pareado para comparar as médias de duas amostras dependentes provindas da aplicação deste instrumento a alunos concluintes de um curso superior de enfermagem. Estas amostras foram resultantes da aplicação do instrumento de avaliação anteriormente e posteriormente à utilização da ferramenta. Demonstrou-se, assim, que a ferramenta contribuiu positivamente no aprendizado.
Relpio: Uma Aplicação Mobile para Auxiliar no Cadastro de Vítimas de Catástrofes Naturais
Authors: Pereira Anrafel Fernandes , Padilha Diogo , Procópio Leonardo Lima
Published: July 2016

A preparação para catástrofes não é mais uma escolha, mas sim um caminho obrigatório, independentemente de onde se vive. Sendo assim, desenvolver e buscar apoio em recursos tecnológicos é de extrema importância para ajudar a minimizar os impactos causados por estes eventos. Este artigo apresenta um aplicativo móvel, ainda em fase inicial, que tem como objetivo apoiar o cadastro de vítimas de catástrofes naturais e ainda, apresentar os principais meios para que a população possa ajudar estas famílias. Um cenário real de catástrofe natural ocorrido nas cidades de Paraíba do Sul e Três Rios, ambas localizadas no interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro apoiou o desenvolvimento desta solução. A aplicação desenvolvida é chamada de Relpio.
Mushroom Diversity of Chitarpur Coal-Mine Area of Latehar District in Jharkhand State, India
Authors: Satapathy Kunja Bihari , Mishra Ramakanta , Mishra Purnendu Narayan , Nayak Sandeep Kumar , Mohapatra Ashirbad
Published: July 2016

Mushroom is the fleshy, spore bearing fruiting body of fungus commonly used as food. In highly populated country like India, natural food resources like edible mushrooms are depleting day by day and there is possibility of extinction of many mushroom species in near future. Therefore a comprehensive study is necessary for data base conservation strategy and nutritional value evaluation of these wild edible fungi. The present study encompasses survey, collection, identification and ethno-mycological information of edibility and assessment of the nutritional value of mushrooms growing in Chitarpur area located in Latehar district of Jharkhnd state embellished with wide diversified mushrooms. A total of 70 number of species were documented by denoting their morphological identifying characters, fruiting bodies and their spores. These species come under 26 families and 45 genera; out of which 28 were lignophilous, 4 coprophilous, 32 chersophilous and 6 pedophilous mushrooms. Of these 15 were found to be edible while 38 were nonedible and 17 unknown as regards to the nature of their edibility. As regards to important families, Agaricaceae and Polyporaceae were the largest family represented by 10 species each followed by, Russulaceae with 5 and Marasmiaceae with 4 species. Among the prominent genera Agaricus, Lepiota, Leucocoprinus, Marasmius, Mycena and Lactarius were found to be dominant. Amanita muscuaria and Amanita multisquamosa were the two most poisonous species of mushrooms surveyed in the study site.
Genus Entodon Müll. Hal. (Bryophyta) in Meghalaya
Authors: Asthana A.K. , Srivastava Ankita
Published: July 2016

A recent study on the mosses of Meghalaya has revealed the occurrence of 6 taxa of the genus Entodon viz., E. concinnus (De Not.) Par. ssp. caliginosus (Mitt.) Mizushima, E. rubicundus (Mitt.) Jaeg., E. luridus (Griff.) Jaeg., E. plicatus C. Muell., E. scariosus Ren. & Card. and E. pulchellus (Griff.) Jaeg., out of which E. concinnus (De Not.) Par. ssp. caliginosus (Mitt.) Mizushima is a new addition to eastern Himalaya and E. scariosus is a new record to Meghalaya. Present paper provides the current status and morpho-taxonomic details of above mentioned species of Entodon in Meghalaya.
Floristic Study of Algae Under The Ice Covers in the Alpine Lakes of ArunachalPradesh, India (Eastern Himalayas)
Authors: Das Sudipta Kumar
Published: July 2016

Algal flora of five high altitude alpine lakes of Arunachal Pradesh, India (Eastern Himalayas) was documented below the ice cover soon after the winter. A total of 66 taxa were recorded belonging to Class Chlorophyceae (22 taxa of 13 genera), Xanthophyceae (3 taxa of 3 genera), Chrysophyceae (1 taxon of 1 genus), Euglenophyceae (3 taxa of 2 genera), Dinophyceae (1 taxon of 1 genus) and Bacillariophyceae (36 taxa of 19 genera). Out of these, 15 taxa were new records from India. Further comparative distributional study was made between the biota near the ice cover and the bottom.
Regeneration of coppice
Authors: Lust N. , Mohammady M.
Published: July 2016

The  most important problems regarding the regeneration of coppice are treated  here.    1. The different means of regeneration    a) by stump sprouts    b) by suckers    c) by seedlings    2. The factors which determine the formation of sprouts are: the species,  the season of cutting, age and dimension of stumps and the site.    3. Conifer sprouts     A study of the way and the conditions under which the different kinds of  conifers are able to sprout.    4. Stump decay    A study of the causes of stump decay and the way to prevent it.    Finally several subjects for research are suggested in connection with the  regeneration of coppice.
Growth and management of mixed Pinus sylvestris - Quercus robur stands in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Maddelein D. , Neirynck J. , Sioen G.
Published: July 2016

Mature  Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris  L.) stands are dominating large parts of the Flemish forest area. Broadleaved  species regenerate spontaneously under this pine canopy. This study studied  the growth and development of two planted pine stands with an older natural  regeneration, dominated by pedunculate oak (Quercus  robur L.), and discussed management options for  similar stands.     The results indicated a rather good growth of the stands, with current  annual increments of 5 m3.ha-1.yr-1. The pine overstorey is growing into valuable sawwood  dimensions, while the broadleaved understorey slowly grows into the  upperstorey. The quality of the regeneration is moderate but can be improved  by silvicultural measurements (pruning, early selection).     In both stands, an interesting (timber production, nature conservation)  admixture of secondary tree species is present in the regeneration. Stand  management is evolving from the classical clearcut system towards a  combination of a type of selection and group selection system.
Provenance study of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Belgium. I. Evaluation of phenoptypical traits
Authors: Zhelev P. , Lust N.
Published: July 2016

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Monitoring of natural regeneration in a mixed deciduous forest
Authors: Tabari K. M. , Lust N.
Published: July 2016

Monitoring  of natural regeneration in a dense semi-natural mixed hardwood forest on the  base    of ash, beech, oak and sycamore occurred over 3 years in the Aelmoeseneie  experimental    forest, Belgium. 40 permanent plots (4 m x 5 m) were selected in three  various humus types,    located in an ash stand and in an oak - beech stand. In all plots abundance  and top height of all    broad leaved regenerated species were determined at the end of the growing  seasons 1995 and    1998. In addition, the seedlings which appeared in the plots during 1996  and 1997 were    identified and followed up.    This study proves that in the investigated sites natural regeneration is  drastically poor and    diversity is low, in particular where the humus layer is more acidic (mull  moder) and the litter    layer is thick. No regeneration phase older than the seedling stage (h <  40 cm) is developed on    the different humus types. On average, total number of seedlings in 1995  amounts to 38    units/are in the ash stand and to 63 units/are in the oak - beech stand.  Survival rate over a 3-    year period is 37% and 42% respectively in the ash and oak - beech stands.  Total ingrowth    during the growing seasons 1996 and 1997 is virtually poor, indicating 16  and 8 units/are    respectively in above mentioned stands. Survival rate of occurring  seedlings, as well as the ingrowth of new seedlings are notably different (P < 0.05) according to the soil conditions of the    ash stand. Generally, the low presence of seedlings and the lack of  regeneration older than the    seedling stage reveal that the regeneration development encounters with a  critical problem. The    continuation of this process would likely result in a progressive  succession by the invasive and    the unwanted tree species.
A general discusion on national forest programmes
Authors: Lust N. , Nachtergale L. , Serbruyns I.
Published: July 2016

This  paper mainly reviews the NFP process, as discussed by the IPF panel and  European    workshops in this field. It focuses on three issues i) basic terms,  objectives and principles or    elements of the concept NFP, ii) evaluation of national forest programmes,  with justification,    strengths and weaknesses, iii) implementation of NFPs, including  requirements for success.    Finally gaps in NFPs and priorities for future action are discussed.    During the last years national forest programmes have received considerable  attention as the    reference framework for sustainable management. The following elements are  considered as the most important: 1) participatory mechanisms 2) holistic and inter-sectoral approaches 3) national sovereignty 4) long term and iterative process 5) capacity building 6) effective co-ordination and    conflict resolution schemes.    A specific conclusion, which already can be drawn, proves that procedural  instruments are too    weak to achieve the NFP's objectives. Generally the following three  limiting factors are    recognised: funding, institutional capacity and co-ordination among all  interested parties at the    national and international level. However, the fact that issues of forest  policy are back on the    political agenda is seen as very advantageous.    The overall conclusion is that the NFP process is far from rooted in  national forest policies. The    major problem is the vagueness of the term. Further clarification of the  meanings and    dimensions of the elements and principles is required.
Változó erőtérben – változó egyensúlyozás
Authors: Csaba László
Published: July 2016

A cikk azt a kérdést elemzi, hogy Magyarország nemzetközi beágyazottságának megváltozása hogyan alakította a hazai gazdasági rendszert a piacgazdaságtól a piacgazdaságig vezető 45 éves kitérő során.Ennek keretében kitüntetett módon vizsgáljuk azt, hogy a nemzetközi pénzügyi szervezetekkel kapcsolatos politika miként hathatott a korszakban meghatározó szovjet befolyási övezet keretében
Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia and Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Open-label Treatment with Immunoglobulin in a Case Series
Authors: Breslin Moira E. , Lin Joanna H. , Roberts Robert , Lim Kellie J. , Stiehm E. Richard
Published: July 2016

Background

We reported on six infants between 5 and 11 months old, with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy and severe refractory atopic dermatitis, who were treated with open-label immunoglobulin (Ig) after conventional therapy failed. All six infants had an IgG level of <225 mg/dL, elevated eosinophil and IgE levels, and no urine or stool protein losses, but they did exhibit hypoalbuminemia.

Objective

To evaluate the utility of open-label immunoglobulin in infants with severe atopic dermatitis for whom conventional therapy failed. We reviewed the clinical utility of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis, the most recent research in the field, and suggested mechanisms for its benefit.

Methods

The six infants were identified from a retrospective chart review at the University of California Los Angeles Allergy and Immunology outpatient pediatric clinic.

Results

All six patients were treated with 400 mg/kg/month of intravenous immunoglobulin and had normalization of their IgG and albumin levels, and all but one had clinically improved atopic dermatitis.

Conclusion

Infants with severe atopic dermatitis who did not respond to conventional therapy avoidance may benefit from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
The Impact of Rendered Protein Meal Oxidation Level on Shelf-Life, Sensory Characteristics, and Acceptability in Extruded Pet Food
Authors: Chanadang Sirichat , Koppel Kadri , Aldrich Greg
Published: July 2016

Pet foods are expected to have a shelf-life for 12 months or more. Sensory analysis can be used to determine changes in products and to estimate products’ shelf-life. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate how increasing levels of oxidation in rendered protein meals used to produce extruded pet food affected the sensory properties and (2) determine the effect of shelf-life on pet owners’ acceptability of extruded pet food diet formulated without the use of preservative. Pet food diets contained beef meat bone meal (BMBM) and chicken byproduct meal (CBPM) in which the oxidation was retarded with ethoxyquin, mixed tocopherols, or none at all, and then extruded into dry pet foods. These samples represented low, medium, and high oxidation levels, respectively. Samples were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months at ambient temperature. Each time point, samples were evaluated by six highly trained descriptive panelists for sensory attributes related to oxidation. Samples without preservatives were chosen for the acceptability test, since the differences in sensory characteristics over storage time were more distinguishable in those samples. Pet owners evaluated samples for aroma, appearance and overall liking. Descriptive sensory analysis detected significant changes in oxidized-related sensory characteristics over storage time. However, the differences for CBPM samples were more pronounced and directional. The consumer study showed no differences in pet owners’ acceptability for BMBM samples. However, the noticeable increase in aroma characteristics (rancid aroma 0.33–4.21) in CBPM samples over storage time did have a negative effect on consumer’s liking (overall liking 5.52–4.95).
Extraction Property of p-tert-Butylsulfonylcalix[4]arene Possessing Irradiation Stability towards Cesium(I) and Strontium(II)
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhang Dongxiang , Zhao Liting , Zhang Peng , Lu Xin , He Shengnan
Published: July 2016

Solvent extraction behavior of p-tert-butylsulfonylcalix[4]arene (SC4A) towards Cs(I) and Sr(II) from aqueous solutions was studied with respect to the effects of contact time, pH value, SC4A concentration, nitrate concentration and temperature. The extraction of Na(I), K(I), Mg(II), Ca(II), Ba(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Ce(III) was also investigated. It was demonstrated that SC4A can sequester both Cs(I) and Sr(II) efficiently from aqueous solutions. According to extraction experiments, Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the metal-SC4A complex, authors proposed a possible mechanism involving formation of an adjustable cavity from two SC4A molecules for the complexation of one alkaline earth metal ion, and the size of the adjustable cavity changes depending on the ion within an appropriate range. Irradiation stability of the SC4A was tested, the results indicated that the main structure of SC4A remained unchanged when the temperature was below 400 °C, and SC4A maintains excellent extraction ability for Cs(I) and Sr(II) under an irradiation dose of 1.0 × 104~1.1 × 106 Gy.
Spatial Variability of Soil Moisture in a Forest Catchment: Temporal Trend and Contributors
Authors: Peng Zhenyang , Tian Fuqiang , Hu Hongchang , Zhao Sihan , Tie Qiang , Sheng Hao , Darnault Christophe , Lu Hui
Published: July 2016

Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamic of soil moisture is critical in hydrological and other land surface related studies. Until recently, however, there have been controversies about the relationship between spatial mean and spatial variance of soil moisture and the contributions of each of these factors to spatial variability. Therefore, in this study, spatial variability of soil moisture in a 7 km2 forest catchment is analyzed by time-series data on soil moisture obtained at a total of 12 observation sites. Results showed that soil moisture spatial mean and spatial variance varied almost synchronously and in three cyclic patterns during the monitoring period from 1 April 2015 to 31 October 2015. The spatial mean-variance relationship during the ascending and descending periods of spatial mean could be well-fitted by upward and downward convex quadratic curves, respectively, indicating possible clockwise hysteresis of this relationship. It was found that all through the monitoring period, contributions of time-invariant factors on total spatial variance increased from 68.9% to 88.2% with depth, and temporally stable ranking of sites was obtained. Because of the high spatial variation of soil moisture in our study area, it should be noted that a large number of sample plots would be needed to adequately estimate the spatial variability of soil moisture.
Assessing the Genetic Diversity and Genealogical Reconstruction of Cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) Breeding Parents Using SSR Markers
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Zhang Rui , Jin Guoqing , Feng Zhongping , Zhou Zhichun
Published: July 2016

To identify genetic diversity, genetic structure and the relationship among accessions, and further establish a core collection for the long-term breeding of cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.), the genealogy of breeding parents was reconstructed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Seventeen SSR markers were used to detect molecular polymorphisms among 290 cypress accessions from five provinces and 53 accessions with unknown origin in China. A total of 92 alleles (Na) were detected with 5.412 alleles per locus and an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.593. The haplotype diversity (H) ranged from 0.021 to 0.832, with an average of 0.406. The number of alleles (Na) and the effective number of alleles (Ne) ranged from 4.294 to 5.176 and from 2.488 to 2.817 among five populations, respectively. The pairwise population matrix of Nei’s genetic distance ranged from 0.008 to 0.023. Based on the results of unweighted pair group method average (UPGMA) cluster and population structure analyses, 343 breeding parents were divided into two major groups. Lower genetic differentiation coefficients and closer genetic relationships were observed among cypress breeding parents, suggesting that the genetic basis was narrow, and the genetic relationship was confused by frequent introduction and wide cultivation. Moreover, we reconstructed the genealogy between breeding parents and 30 accessions of breeding parents from an identified core collection. According to the present study, not only geographic origin but also the relationship of the individuals should be considered in future crossbreeding work.
Optimal Decision Rules in Repeated Games Where Players Infer an Opponent’s Mind via Simplified Belief Calculation
Authors: Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Ohtsuki Hisashi
Published: July 2016

In strategic situations, humans infer the state of mind of others, e.g., emotions or intentions, adapting their behavior appropriately. Nonetheless, evolutionary studies of cooperation typically focus only on reaction norms, e.g., tit for tat, whereby individuals make their next decisions by only considering the observed outcome rather than focusing on their opponent’s state of mind. In this paper, we analyze repeated two-player games in which players explicitly infer their opponent’s unobservable state of mind. Using Markov decision processes, we investigate optimal decision rules and their performance in cooperation. The state-of-mind inference requires Bayesian belief calculations, which is computationally intensive. We therefore study two models in which players simplify these belief calculations. In Model 1, players adopt a heuristic to approximately infer their opponent’s state of mind, whereas in Model 2, players use information regarding their opponent’s previous state of mind, obtained from external evidence, e.g., emotional signals. We show that players in both models reach almost optimal behavior through commitment-like decision rules by which players are committed to selecting the same action regardless of their opponent’s behavior. These commitment-like decision rules can enhance or reduce cooperation depending on the opponent’s strategy.
Endocrine Aspects of Environmental “Obesogen” Pollutants
Authors: Nappi Francesca , Barrea Luigi , Di Somma Carolina , Savanelli Maria , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Orio Francesco , Savastano Silvia
Published: July 2016

Growing evidence suggests the causal link between the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the global obesity epidemics, in the context in the so-called “obesogenic environment”. Dietary intake of contaminated foods and water, especially in association with unhealthy eating pattern, and inhalation of airborne pollutants represent the major sources of human exposure to EDCs. This is of particular concern in view of the potential impact of obesity on chronic non-transmissible diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hormone-sensitive cancers. The key concept is the identification of adipose tissue not only as a preferential site of storage of EDCs, but also as an endocrine organ and, as such, susceptible to endocrine disruption. The timing of exposure to EDCs is critical to the outcome of that exposure, with early lifetime exposures (e.g., fetal or early postnatal) particularly detrimental because of their permanent effects on obesity later in life. Despite that the mechanisms operating in EDCs effects might vary enormously, this minireview is aimed to provide a general overview on the possible association between the pandemics of obesity and EDCs, briefly describing the endocrine mechanisms linking EDCs exposure and latent onset of obesity.
Expression of Hepcidin and Ferroportin in the Placenta, and Ferritin and Transferrin Receptor 1 Levels in Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood in Pregnant Women with and without Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Yang Anqiang , Zhao Jun , Lu Minhua , Gu Ying , Zhu Yunlong , Chen Daozhen , Fu Jinyan
Published: July 2016

Background: Regulation of iron transfer from mother to fetus via the placenta is not fully understood and the relationship between stored iron status in the mothers’ serum and gestational diabetes (GDM) in case–control studies is controversial. The present study aimed to detect circulating soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood. We also examined the expression of hepcidin (Hep), transferrin receptor (TfR1), and ferroportin (FPN) in the placenta in pregnant women with and without GDM at full term. Methods: Eighty-two women participated (42 with GDM and 40 without GDM [controls]). Maternal samples were collected at 37–39 weeks’ gestation. Umbilical cord blood was collected at birth. Ferritin and sTfR levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood, and Hep, TfR1, and FPN protein expression in plac enta were compared between the GDM and non-GDM groups. Serum ferritin (SF) was measured by electrochemiluminescence assay and sTfR was measured by ELISA. Hep, TfR1, and FPN expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: Maternal serum sTfR levels were significantly elevated in the GDM group compared with the non-GDM group (p = 0.003). SF levels in cord blood in the GDM group were significantly higher than those in the non-GDM group (p = 0.003). However, maternal hemoglobin and SF, and umbilical cord sTfR levels were not different between the groups. In placental tissue, FPN expression was higher and hepcidin expression was lower in the GDM group compared with the non-GDM group (p = 0.000 and p = 0.044, respectively). There was no significant difference in TfR1 between the groups (p = 0.898). Conclusions: Women with GDM transport iron more actively than those without GDM at term pregnancy. Maternal iron metabolism in GDM may play a role in fetal/placental iron demand and in the overall outcome of pregnancy.
Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Novel Nitro-Substituted Hydroxynaphthanilides on Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Kauerova Tereza , Kos Jiri , Gonec Tomas , Jampilek Josef , Kollar Peter
Published: July 2016

Ring-substituted hydroxynaphthanilides are considered as cyclic analogues of salicylanilides, compounds possessing a wide range of pharmacological activities, including promising anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anticancer effect of novel nitro-substituted hydroxynaphthanilides with a special focus on structure-activity relationships. The antiproliferative effect was assessed by Water Soluble Tetrazolium Salts-1 (WST-1) assay, and cytotoxicity was evaluated via dye exclusion test. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis and detection of apoptosis using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Protein expression was estimated by Western blotting. Our data indicate that the potential to cause the antiproliferative effect increases with the shift of the nitro substituent from the ortho- to the para-position. The most potent compounds, 3-hydroxy-N-(3-nitrophenyl)naphthalene-2-carboxamide (2), and 2-hydroxy-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-naphthalene-1-carboxamide (6) showed antiproliferative activity against THP-1 and MCF-7 cancer cells without affecting the proliferation of 3T3-L1 non-tumour cells. Compounds 2 and 6 induced the accumulation of THP-1 and MCF-7 cells in G1 phase associated with the downregulation of cyclin E1 protein levels, while the levels of cyclin B1 were not affected. Moreover, compound 2 was found to exert the pro-apoptotic effect on the THP-1 cells. These results suggest that hydroxynaphthanilides might represent a potential model structure for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Enhancement of Linear Agricultural Areas to Provide Invertebrates as Potential Food for Breeding Birds
Authors: Evans Tracy , Mahoney Meredith , Cashatt Everett , De Snoo Geert , Musters C.J.M.
Published: July 2016

Birds are an important part of the agricultural landscape, as having nature value, but also as pest control agents and bio-indicators for the health of the environment. Here we look at linear non-crop elements in agricultural areas as a potential source of food for nestlings of avian species. We measured invertebrate availability as it relates to structural complexity at the local and landscape levels in three counties in central Illinois. Invertebrates were measured with taxonomic diversity, abundance, and estimated biomass during spring of 2012 and 2013. Our study shows that easily modifiable field edge characteristics have the greatest impact on invertebrate diversity and abundance, as compared to field and landscape features. This finding shows that a potential invertebrate food source as measured by both diversity and biomass, may be easily enhanced without changes to agricultural practices.
Quantification of Microstructural Features and Prediction of Mechanical Properties of a Dual-Phase Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Yang Dong , Liu Zhanqiang
Published: July 2016

Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy milling has been frequently used in aviation/aerospace industries. Application environments put forward high requirements to create a desired proportion of the constituent phases and fine grain size for optimum mechanical properties of the machined workpiece. However, quantifying microstructural features of dual-phase (α + β) Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy is difficult due to its irregular geometry and large dimension span. In this paper, a novel scanning electron microscope (SEM) image processing method was proposed to identify the content of constituent phases of materials. The new approach is based on the fact that the constituent phases of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy show different gray levels in digital images. On the basis of the processed image, distribution and average values of grain sizes were calculated directly using Image-Pro Plus software. By the proposed method, sensitivity of microstructural changes to milling parameters is analyzed and the stress-strain behavior for two ductile phase alloys is developed. Main conclusions are drawn that Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy milling induces a high content of β phase and small grain size on the machined surface. The maximum measured values of change rate of β phase, grain refinement rate at the machined surface, and thickness of the deformation layer are 141.1%, 47.2%, and 12.3 μm, respectively. Thickness of the deformed layer and grain refinement rate decreased distinctly with the increase of cutting speed, but increased with the increase of the feed rate. The parameter of the depth of cut played a positive role in increasing the thickness of the deformed layer, while opposite to the grain refinement rate. For the variation of the change rate of the β phase at the machined surface, depth of cut is the foremost factor among the three studied parameters. Values of yield strength varied from 889–921 MPa with the change of content of the β phase from 30%–45%.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Cu2SnSe3-Based Composites Incorporated with Nano-Fullerene
Authors: Zhao Degang , Ning Jiai , Wu Di , Zuo Min
Published: July 2016

In this study, nano-sized fullerene C60 powder was sufficiently mixed with Cu2SnSe3 powder by ball milling method, and the C60/Cu2SnSe3 composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering technology. The fullerene C60 distributed uniformly in the form of clusters, and the average cluster size was less than 1 μm. With increasing C60 content, the electrical conductivity of C60/Cu2SnSe3 composites decreased, while the Seebeck coefficient was enhanced. The thermal conductivity of composites decreased significantly, which resulted from the phonon scattering by the C60 clusters located on the grain boundaries of the Cu2SnSe3 matrix. The highest figure of merit ZT of 0.38 was achieved at 700 K for 0.8% C60/Cu2SnSe3 composite.
Fracture Properties of Polystyrene Aggregate Concrete after Exposure to High Temperatures
Authors: Tang Waiching , Cui Hongzhi , Tahmasbi Soheil
Published: July 2016

This paper mainly reports an experimental investigation on the residual mechanical and fracture properties of polystyrene aggregate concrete (PAC) after exposure to high temperatures up to 800 degrees Celsius. The fracture properties namely, the critical stress intensity factor ( K I C S ), the critical crack tip opening displacement (CTODC) for the Two-Parameter Model, and the fracture energy (GF) for the Fictitious Crack Model were examined using the three-point bending notched beam test, according to the RILEM recommendations. The effects of polystyrene aggregate (PA) content and temperature levels on the fracture and mechanical properties of concrete were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of PAC significantly decreased with increase in temperature level and the extent of which depended on the PA content in the mixture. However, at a very high temperature of 800 °C, all samples showed 80 percent reduction in modulus of elasticity compared to room temperature, regardless of the level of PA content. Fracture properties of control concrete (C) and PAC were influenced by temperature in a similar manner. Increasing temperature from 25 °C to 500 °C caused almost 50% reduction of the fracture energy for all samples while 30% increase in fracture energy was occurred when the temperature increased from 500 °C to 800 °C. It was found that adding more PA content in the mixture lead to a more ductile behaviour of concrete.
Development of Paper Sludge Ash-Based Geopolymer and Application to Treatment of Hazardous Water Contaminated with Radioisotopes
Authors: Li Zhuguo , Ohnuki Toshihiko , Ikeda Ko
Published: July 2016

Ambient temperature geopolymerization of paper sludge ashes (PS-ashes) discharged from paper mills was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), induction coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Two varieties of alkaline liquors were used in the PS-ash based geopolymers, corresponding to aqueous Na-metasilicate and Na-disilicate compositions. PS-ashes were found to be semi-crystalline and to have porous structures that make it possible to absorb much liquor. Flexural strengths of PS-ash-based geopolymers with liquor/filler ratios (L/F) of 1.0–1.5 ranged from 0.82 to 1.51 MPa at 4 weeks age, depending on PS-ashes and liquors used. The reaction process of the constituent minerals of the PS-ash is discussed. Furthermore, we attempted to solidify hazardous water contaminated with radioisotopes. Non-radioactive strontium and cesium nitrates were added as surrogates at a dosage of 1% into the PS-ash-based geopolymers. Generally, high immobilization ratios up to 99.89% and 98.77% were achieved for Sr2+ and Cs+, respectively, depending on the source of PS-ashes, alkaline liquors, and material ages. However, in some cases, poor immobilization ratios were encountered, and we further discussed the causes of the instability of derived geopolymer gels on the basis of XANES spectra.
Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Phytotoxic and Antioxidant Potential of Heliotropium strigosum Willd.
Authors: Khurm Muhammad , Chaudhry Bashir , Uzair Muhammad , Janbaz Khalid
Published: July 2016

Background: Heliotropium strigosum Willd. (Chitiphal) is a medicinally important herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Traditionally, this plant was used in the medication therapy of various ailments in different populations of the world. The aim of the study is to probe the therapeutic aspects of H. strigosum described in the traditional folklore history of medicines. Methods: In the present study, the dichloromethane crude extract of this plant was screened to explore the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, phytotoxic and antioxidant potential of H. strigosum. For antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities, microplate alamar blue assay (MABA), agar tube dilution method and diphenyl picryl hydrazine (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay were used, respectively. The cytotoxic and phytotoxic potential were demonstrated by using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and Lemna minor assay. Results: The crude extract displayed positive cytotoxic activity in the brine shrimp lethality assay, with 23 of 30 shrimps dying at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL. It also showed moderate phytotoxic potential with percent inhibition of 50% at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The crude extract exhibited no significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Non-significant antifungal and radical scavenging activity was also shown by the dichloromethane crude extract. Conclusion: It is recommended that scientists focus on the identification and isolation of beneficial bioactive constituents with the help of advanced scientific methodologies that seems to be helpful in the synthesis of new therapeutic agents of desired interest.
Validity and Reproducibility of a Dietary Questionnaire for Consumption Frequencies of Foods during Pregnancy in the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study (BIGCS)
Authors: Yuan Ming-Yang , He Jian-Rong , Chen Nian-Nian , Lu Jin-Hua , Shen Song-Ying , Xiao Wan-Qing , Hu Fang , Xiao Hui-Yun , Wu Yan-Yan , Xia Xiao-Yan , Liu Yu , Qiu Lan , Wu Ying-Fang , Hu Cui-Yue , Xia Hui-Min , Qiu Xiu
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to examine the reproducibility and validity of a new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used in a birth cohort study to estimate the usual consumption frequencies of foods during pregnancy. The reference measure was the average of three inconsecutive 24 h diet recalls (24 HR) administrated between two FFQs, and the reproducibility was measured by repeating the first FFQ (FFQ1) approximately eight weeks later (FFQ2). A total of 210 pregnant women from the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study (BIGCS) with full data were included in the analysis. The Spearman’s correlation coefficients of FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from 0.33 to 0.71. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the two FFQs ranged from 0.22 to 0.71. The Spearman’s correlation coefficients of the 24 HR and FFQ2 ranged from 0.23 to 0.62. Cross-classification analysis showed 65.1% of participants were classified into same and contiguous quintiles, while only 3.2% were misclassified into the distant quintiles. Bland-Altman methods showed good agreement for most food groups across the range of frequencies between FFQ1 and FFQ2. Our findings indicated that the reproducibility and validity of the FFQ used in BIGCS for assessing the usual consumption frequencies of foods during pregnancy were acceptable.