bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal aspects of hydrogel gelation kinetics, percolation and viscoelasticity from PA-hydrogel rheology
Authors: Adibnia Vahid , Hill Reghan J.
Published: May 2016

Polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels have been studied extensively, but fundamental aspects of their gelation kinetics, percolation dynamics, and viscoelasticity are still not well understood. This paper focuses on the rheology of PA hydrogels having unusually low monomer concentrations (ca ≈ 3 w% equivalent to 0.42 mol l−1). These furnish loss tangents that span 4 orders of magnitude when varying the crosslinker concentration. An optimum crosslinker concentration (cbis/ca ≈ 2.5 mol. % equivalent to 5.3 w%) is identified, below which the storage modulus G′ increases almost linearly, and the loss modulus G″ acquires a local maximum. Above the optimum crosslinker concentration, G′ and G″ both plateau, accompanied by a notable decrease in the maximum strain (increase in brittleness) before breaking. The dynamic shear moduli reveal universal dynamics at the gel point, as indicated by (i) scaling exponents (y = 3.1 ± 0.1, z = 2.1 ± 0.1 and Δ = 0.70 ± 0.02) that are consistent with the de Gennes [“On a relation between percolation theory and the elasticity of gels,” J. Phys. Lett. 37, L1–L2 (1976)] electrical network analogy, and (ii) a critical relaxation exponent that is close to the Rouse limit Δ = 2/3 from the scaling theory of Martin. A close correspondence of the exponents with that of Adam and Delsanti [Macromolecules 18, 2285–2290 (1985)] for the radical copolymerization of a different material supports the long-standing hypothesis that dynamics at the gel point are universal for a prescribed gelation mechanism.
Complete Genome Sequences of Broad-Host-Range Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteriophages ΦR18 and ΦS12-1
Authors: Furusawa Takaaki , Iwano Hidetomo , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Usui Masaru , Maruyama Fumito , Nakagawa Ichiro , Yokota Hiroshi , Tamura Yutaka
Published: May 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important cause of racehorse keratitis. Bacteriophage therapy has the potential to aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by
P. aeruginosa
. We present here the complete genome sequences of two phages, ΦR18 and ΦS12-1, which exhibit infectivity for a broad range of
P. aeruginosa
isolates.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Human WU Polyomavirus Isolate Associated with Acute Respiratory Infection
Authors: Dinwiddie Darrell L. , Dehority Walter N. , Schwalm Kurt C. , Young Jesse M. , Gross Stephen M. , Schroth Gary P. , Young Stephen A.
Published: May 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of a WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) isolate, NM040708, collected from a patient with an acute respiratory infection in New Mexico. The double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome of NM040708 is 5,229 bp in length and differs from the WUPyV reference with accession no. NC_009539 by 6 nucleotides and 2 amino acids.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium paradoxum Strain JW-YL-7
Authors: Lancaster W. Andrew , Utturkar Sagar M. , Poole Farris L. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Elias Dwayne A. , Adams Michael W. W. , Brown Steven D.
Published: May 2016

Clostridium paradoxum
strain JW-YL-7 is a moderately thermophilic anaerobic alkaliphile isolated from the municipal sewage treatment plant in Athens, GA. We report the near-complete genome sequence of
C. paradoxum
strain JW-YL-7 obtained by using PacBio DNA sequencing and Pilon for sequence assembly refinement with Illumina data.
Draft Genome Sequence of the First Pathogenic
Leptospira
Isolates from Ecuador
Authors: Barragan Veronica , Sahl Jason W. , Wiggins Kristin , Chiriboga Jorge , Salinas Ana , Cantos Nancy E. , Loor Mariana N. , Intriago Bertha I. , Morales Melba , Trueba Gabriel , Pearson Talima
Published: May 2016

Pathogenic
Leptospira
spp. cause leptospirosis upon contact with mucosa through wounds or ingestion, leading to headaches, fever, jaundice, kidney or liver failure, or death in about 1.3 million people each year. Here, we present the draft genomes of one
L. santarosai
isolate and two
L. interrogans
isolates from Ecuador
.
Residual mucin and response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer
Authors: Jove Maria , Verghese Eldo , Sharma Nisha , Lane Sally
Published: May 2016

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care for patients with breast cancer with inoperable disease or smaller tumours who might benefit from a conservative surgery after downstaging of their disease. Nevertheless, evidence shows that preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy are equivalent in terms of long-term survival. Response and histological changes after NAC have been widely studied in invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified, but there is a paucity of characterisation of patterns of response to chemotherapy in less frequent histological types. We report extensive residual mucin deposits after chemotherapy in a woman with locally advanced breast cancer and a prominent mucinous component at diagnosis. Interestingly, residual mucin was co-located with the initial tumour, in the breast as well as in the axillary lymph nodes. The distribution of mucin may be a valuable marker of the extent of mucinous carcinomas prior to NAC.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as a risk factor for dialysis and all-cause mortality: a cohort study of chronic kidney disease patients in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Chih-Chia , Chou Che-Yi , Chang Chiz-Tzung , Wang I-Kuan , Huang Chiu-Ching
Published: May 2016

Objective

Impaired renal function is associated with higher risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with chronic kidney disease and not on dialysis (CKD-ND). It is unclear if UGIB increases risk of chronic dialysis. The aim of the study was to investigate risk of chronic dialysis in CKD-ND patients with UGIB.

Setting

All CKD-ND stage 3–5 patients of a CKD programme in one hospital between 2003 and 2009 were enrolled and prospectively followed until September 2012.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Chronic dialysis (dialysis for more than 3 months) started and all-cause mortality. The risk of chronic dialysis was analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustments for age, gender and renal function, followed by competing-risks analysis.

Results

We analysed 3126 CKD-ND patients with a mean age of 65±14 years for 2.8 years. Of 3126 patients, 387 (12.4%) patients developed UGIB, 989 (31.6%) patients started chronic dialysis and 197 (6.3%) patients died. UGIB increased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR (aHR): 1.51, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.13) and the risk of chronic dialysis (aHR; 1.29, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.50). The subdistribution HR (SHR) of UGIB for chronic dialysis (competing event: all-cause mortality) was 1.37 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.64) in competing-risks analysis with adjustments for age, renal function, gender, diabetes, haemoglobin, albumin and urine protein/creatinine ratio.

Conclusions

UGIB is associated with increased risk of chronic dialysis and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD-ND stages 3–5. This association is independent of age, gender, basal renal function, haemoglobin, albumin and urine protein levels.
Synchronization and rhythm dynamics of a neuronal network consisting of mixed bursting neurons with hybrid synapses
Authors: Shi Xia , Xi Wenqi
Published: May 2016

In this paper, burst synchronization and rhythm dynamics of a small-world neuronal network consisting of mixed bursting types of neurons coupled via inhibitory–excitatory chemical synapses are explored. Two quantities, the synchronization parameter and average width factor, are used to characterize the synchronization degree and rhythm dynamics of the neuronal network. Numerical results show that the percentage of the inhibitory synapses in the network is the major factor for we get a similarly bell-shaped dependence of synchronization on it, and the decrease of the average width factor of the network. We also find that not only the value of the coupling strength can promote the synchronization degree, but the probability of random edges adding to the small-world network also can. The ratio of the long bursting neurons has little effect on the burst synchronization and rhythm dynamics of the network.
Prediction in OLAP Data Cubes
Authors: Salmam Fatima Zahra , Fakir Mohamed , Errattahi Rahhal
Published: May 2016

Online analytical processing (OLAP) provides tools to explore data cubes in order to extract the interesting information, it refers to techniques used to query, visualise and synthesise the multidimensional data. Nevertheless OLAP is limited on visualisation, structuring and exploring manually the data cubes. On the other side, data mining allows algorithms that offer automatic knowledge extraction, such as classification, explanation and prediction algorithms. However, OLAP is not capable of explaining and predicting events from existing data; therefore, it is possible to make a more efficient online analysis by coupling data mining and OLAP to allow the user to assist in this new task of knowledge extraction. In this paper, we will carry on within works achieved in this theme and we suggest to extend the abilities of OLAP to prediction (enhancing the OLAP abilities and techniques by introducing a predictive model based on a data mining algorithms). The model is calculated on the aggregated data, and prediction is done on detailed missing data. Our approach is based on regression trees and neural networks; it consists to predict facts having a missed measures value in the data cubes. The user will have in his disposition, a new platform called PredCube, that offers the possibility to query, visualise and synthesise the multidimensional data, and also to predict missing values in the data cube using three data mining methods, and evaluate the quality of the prediction by comparing the average error and the execution time given by each one.
ASSESSING ANTECEDENTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES OF ACADEMICS AT SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES
Authors: MEUSBURGER MAGDALENA , ANTONITES ALEXANDER JOSEF
Published: May 2016

The knowledge economy is driven by entrepreneurship, and the entrepreneurial university takes on the role of an important catalyst for regional economic and social development. Academics represent key agents of knowledge and technology transfer from university to society. Previous research suggests that academics’ successful engagement in entrepreneurial activities can positively contribute to the development of local society and economy. However, evidence on the antecedents of academic engagement and commercialisation is scarce. This study examines whether aspects related to academics’ human, physical and organisational capital resources influence their engagement in consulting, sponsored research, licensing/assignment of intellectual property (IP) and spin-off creation with industry, government and civil society. The analysis is based on a new and unique data set of 398 individual academic researchers affiliated to South African universities who were awarded a quality rating by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and covers the full spectrum of academic disciplines. Data analysis employed generalised linear models (GLMs) and demonstrated that the availability of human, physical and organisational resources relate to the four entrepreneurial activities in different ways. The findings support the concept that individual factors are more significant than institutional factors in determining entrepreneurial activities. A key finding is that academics’ engagement in entrepreneurial activities is primarily influenced by their prior entrepreneurial experiences. The study provides scholars investigating academic entrepreneurship, policy makers and university administrators with the key resource drivers of entrepreneurial activities and may assist them in establishing the appropriate role of institutions and organisations in promoting entrepreneurial activities of academics.
RESEARCH ON THE OPERATION MECHANISM OF NETWORK CROWDSOURCING SYSTEM AND CONSTITUTIONS OF CROWDSOURCING CAPABILITY
Authors: ZHAO XUANWEI , XIA ENJUN
Published: May 2016

We run through the operation mechanism of open innovation and analyse network crowdsourcing from the perspective of overall innovation system, which considers public providers, corporate requestors, network platforms and virtual crowdsourcing communities throughout the entire operation of network crowdsourcing system. By demonstrating the definition of crowdsourcing capability, we advance towards a capability-perspective for network crowdsourcing system. Crowdsourcing capability is an integrative concept, which has business requestors’ capability, network platform capability and public creativity. On this basis, we study the formation mechanism of crowdsourcing capability from the perspective of knowledge sharing and value network. Overall, it contributes to explaining operation rules of network crowdsourcing system and describing different participant’s collaborative innovation and create value together.
FDU-12 Mesoporous Materials Detection Hg (II) Ions by QCM
Authors: Lou Huihui , Shen Chong , Xiang Qun , Xu Jiaqiang , Lou Tianjun
Published: May 2016

Thiol-functionalized three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous silica FDU-12 and SBA-15 with ordered pore were prepared. All the obtained materials were characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mesoporous silica FDU-12 (Fm3m) materials with various unit cell sizes, multifaceted pore were convenient for the interaction of subject and object; the 2D SBA-15 mesoporous silica materials with short and order pore channel were better than the traditional SBA-15 mesoporous silica, in which the pore channel can be used fully. 3D mesoporous silica FDU-12 is used as a sensing material to reconstruct QCM sensors to enhance the stability and this material is an ideal material to deal with heavy metal ions in water.
Polypeptide-Facilitated Formation of Bimetallic Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Presence of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Pushpavanam Karthik , Chang John , Sapareto Stephen , Rege Kaushal
Published: May 2016

Ionizing radiation, which includes X-rays and gamma rays, is used in a variety of different applications, including in human health. However, high levels of exposure can result in significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Molecular and nanoscale systems that can detect different levels of ionizing radiation can ultimately lead to effective sensing platforms for a variety of applications. In the current work, we describe the use of polypeptide-templated formation of bimetallic metal nanoparticles with potential applications as a colorimetric reporter of elevated levels of ionizing radiation typically used in blood irradiation. Cysteine-containing elastin-like polypeptides were employed together with reducing agents in order to engender radiation-facilitated formation of bimetallic gold–silver bimetallic nanoparticles from a mixture of their respective metal salts. This formation of colored nanoparticle dispersions from colorless metal salt solutions acted as a visual reporter of ionizing radiation in the dose range of 25–100 Gy. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analyses and dynamic light scattering. Our results indicate that polypeptide-bimetallic nanoparticle systems may be attractive reporters of elevated levels of ionizing radiation.
Designing Password Policies for Strength and Usability
Authors: Shay Richard , Komanduri Saranga , Durity Adam L. , Huh Phillip (Seyoung) , Mazurek Michelle L. , Segreti Sean M. , Ur Blase , Bauer Lujo , Christin Nicolas , Cranor Lorrie Faith
Published: May 2016

Password-composition policies are the result of service providers becoming increasingly concerned about the security of online accounts. These policies restrict the space of user-created passwords to preclude easily guessed passwords and thus make passwords more difficult for attackers to guess. However, many users struggle to create and recall their passwords under strict password-composition policies, for example, ones that require passwords to have at least eight characters with multiple character classes and a dictionary check. Recent research showed that a promising alternative was to focus policy requirements on password length instead of on complexity. In this work, we examine 15 password policies, many focusing on length requirements. In doing so, we contribute the first thorough examination of policies requiring longer passwords. We conducted two online studies with over 20,000 participants, and collected both usability and password-strength data. Our findings indicate that password strength and password usability are not necessarily inversely correlated: policies that lead to stronger passwords do not always reduce usability. We identify policies that are both more usable and more secure than commonly used policies that emphasize complexity rather than length requirements. We also provide practical recommendations for service providers who want their users to have strong yet usable passwords.
Bile acids promote diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via increased inflammatory signaling
Authors: Sun Lina , Beggs Kevin , Borude Prachi , Edwards Genea , Bhushan Bharat , Walesky Chad , Roy Nairita , Manley Michael W. , Gunewardena Sumedha , O'Neil Maura , Li Hua , Apte Udayan
Published: May 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common hepatic malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths. Previous studies have implicated bile acids in pathogenesis of HCC, but the mechanisms are not known. We investigated the mechanisms of HCC tumor promotion by bile acids the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiation-cholic acid (CA)-induced tumor promotion protocol in mice. The data show that 0.2% CA treatment resulted in threefold increase in number and size of DEN-induced liver tumors. All tumors observed in DEN-treated mice were well-differentiated HCCs. The HCCs observed in DEN-treated CA-fed mice exhibited extensive CD3-, CD20-, and CD45-positive inflammatory cell aggregates. Microarray-based global gene expression studies combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed significant activation of NF-κB and Nanog in the DEN-treated 0.2% CA-fed livers. Further studies showed significantly higher TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA, a marked increase in total and phosphorylated-p65 and phosphorylated IκBα (degradation form) in livers of DEN-treated 0.2% CA-fed mice. Treatment of primary mouse hepatocytes with various bile acids showed significant induction of stemness genes including Nanog, KLF4, Sox2, and Oct4. Quantification of total and 20 specific bile acids in liver, and serum revealed a tumor-associated bile acid signature. Finally, quantification of total serum bile acids in normal, cirrhotic, and HCC human samples revealed increased bile acids in serum of cirrhotic and HCC patients. Taken together, these data indicate that bile acids are mechanistically involved pathogenesis of HCC and may promote HCC formation via activation of inflammatory signaling.
The glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor: a novel regulator of intestinal barrier function in health and disease
Authors: Meir Michael , Flemming Sven , Burkard Natalie , Wagner Johanna , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Schlegel Nicolas
Published: May 2016

Regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier is a differentiated process, which is profoundly deranged in inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent data provide evidence that the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is critically involved in intestinal epithelial wound healing and barrier maturation and exerts antiapoptotic effects under certain conditions. Furthermore, not only the enteric nervous system, but also enterocytes synthesize GDNF in significant amounts, which points to a potential para- or autocrine signaling loop between enterocytes. Apart from direct effects of GDNF on enterocytes, an immunomodulatory role of this protein has been previously assumed because of a significant reduction of inflammation in a model of chronic inflammatory bowel disease after application of GDNF. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of GDNF on intestinal epithelial barrier regulation and discuss the novel role for GDNF as a regulator of intestinal barrier functions in health and disease.
Cellular zinc is required for intestinal epithelial barrier maintenance via the regulation of claudin-3 and occludin expression
Authors: Miyoshi Yuka , Tanabe Soichi , Suzuki Takuya
Published: May 2016

Intracellular zinc is required for a variety of cell functions, but its precise roles in the maintenance of the intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier remain unclear. The present study investigated the essential roles of intracellular zinc in the preservation of intestinal TJ integrity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Depletion of intracellular zinc in both intestinal Caco-2 cells and mouse colons through the application of a cell-permeable zinc chelator N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) induced a disruption of the TJ barrier, as indicated by increased FITC-labeled dextran flux and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance. The TPEN-induced TJ disruption is associated with downregulation of two TJ proteins, occludin and claudin-3. Biotinylation of cell surface proteins revealed that the zinc depletion induced the proteolysis of occludin but not claudin-3. Occludin proteolysis was sensitive to the inhibition of calpain activity, and increased calpain activity was observed in the zinc-depleted cells. Although quantitative PCR analysis and promoter reporter assay have demonstrated that the zinc depletion-induced claudin-3 downregulation occurred at transcriptional levels, a site-directed mutation in the egr1 binding site in the claudin-3 promoter sequence induced loss of both the basal promoter activity and the TPEN-induced decreases. Reduced egr1 expression by a specific siRNA also inhibited claudin-3 expression and transepithelial electrical resistance maintenance in cells. This study shows that intracellular zinc has an essential role in the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier through regulation of occludin proteolysis and claudin-3 transcription.
Effect of aging and exercise on the tendon
Authors: Svensson Rene B. , Heinemeier Katja Maria , Couppé Christian , Kjaer Michael , Magnusson S. Peter
Published: May 2016

Here, we review the literature on how tendons respond and adapt to ageing and exercise. With respect to aging, there are considerable changes early in life, but this seems to be maturation rather than aging per se. In vitro data indicate that aging is associated with a decreased potential for cell proliferation and a reduction in the number of stem/progenitor-like cells. Further, there is persuasive evidence that turnover in the core of the tendon after maturity is very slow or absent. Tendon fibril diameter, collagen content, and whole tendon size appear to be largely unchanged with aging, while glycation-derived cross-links increase substantially. Mechanically, aging appears to be associated with a reduction in modulus and strength. With respect to exercise, tendon cells respond by producing growth factors, and there is some support for a loading-induced increase in tendon collagen synthesis in humans, which likely reflects synthesis at the very periphery of the tendon rather than the core. Average collagen fibril diameter is largely unaffected by exercise, while there can be some hypertrophy of the whole tendon. In addition, it seems that resistance training can yield increased stiffness and modulus of the tendon and may reduce the amount of glycation. Exercise thereby tends to counteract the effects of aging.
5MeCDDO Blocks Metabolic Activation but not Progression of Breast, Intestine, and Tongue Cancers. Is Antioxidant Response Element a Prevention Target?
Authors: Lubet Ronald A. , Townsend Reid , Clapper Margie L. , Juliana M. Margaret , Steele Vernon E. , McCormick David L. , Grubbs Clinton J.
Published: May 2016

The preventive efficacy of the triterpenoid 5MeCDDO was tested in two models of mammary cancer, the Min model of intestinal cancer, and a chemically induced model of head and neck cancer. In one model of mammary cancer, female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered MNU at 50 days of age, and 5MeCDDO (27 ppm) was administered in the diet beginning 5 days later for the duration of the study; 5MeCDDO was ineffective. In contrast, in a model examining initiation of mammary cancers by the procarcinogen dimethyl-benzanthracene, 5, 6-benzoflavone (500 ppm, an Ah receptor agonist) or 5MeCDDO (27 or 2.7 ppm) decreased tumor multiplicity by 90%, 80%, and 50%, respectively. This anti-initiating effect which is presumably mediated by altered metabolic activation parallels our observation that 5MeCDDO induced proteins of various antioxidant response element (ARE)-related phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes [e.g., GST Pi, AKR 7A3 (aflatoxicol), epoxide hydrolase, and quinone reductase] in the liver. 5MeCDDO tested in the 4-nitroquinoline-l-oxide (4-NQO) head and neck cancer model failed to decrease tumor incidence or invasiveness. In the Min mouse model of intestinal cancer, a high dose of 5MeCDDO (80 ppm) was weakly effective in reducing adenoma multiplicity [∼30% (P < 0.05)]; however, a lower dose was totally ineffective. These findings question whether measuring increased levels of certain ARE-related genes (e.g., quinone reductase, GST Pi), indicating decreased carcinogen activation are sufficient to imply general chemopreventive efficacy of a given agent or mixture. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 616–23. ©2016 AACR.
A crise hídrica no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Cesar Neto Julio Cerqueira
Published: May 2016

A preocupação da Geo-Usp: Espaço e Tempo com esse tema é extremamente oportuna porque as informações disponíveis sobre ele, em que pesem a sua gravidade e importância, são precárias e tendenciosas impedindo a população de formar um juízo correto sobre todos os aspectos que o envolvem.E são vários esses aspectos o que dificulta a sua compreensão pelo publico leigo.
Cartografias, imagens e outras expressões gráficas: O contexto da crise hídrica
Authors: Théry Hervé , Mello-Théry Neli Aparecida de
Published: May 2016

O Brasil está incluído entre os países de maior reserva de água doce, com 13,8% do deflúvio médio mundial e uma disponibilidade hídrica per capita variando de 1 835 m3/hab./ano, na bacia hidrográfica do Atlântico Leste, a 628 938 m3/hab./ano, na bacia Amazônica. A disponibilidade de água é de fato extremamente desigual, opondo a região Norte, a melhor dotada, ao Nordeste, cujo interior é marcado por um clima semiárido, ao qual se agrega o solo permeável, que provoca a frequente intermitência dos rios. A presença de grandes aquíferos subterrâneos atenua esse déficit, mas apenas parcialmente. Assunção & Bursztyn identificaram que 68,5% da água disponível no Brasil situa-se na Amazônia e 15,7% no Centro-Oeste, as regiões menos povoadas, enquanto que nas três regiões mais povoadas, o Sul tem apenas 6,5%, o Sudeste 6% e o Nordeste 3,3 % dos recursos hídricos. A crise que vive atualmente São Paulo não é puramente conjuntural, mas estruturalmente relacionada a uma situação ou um Estado muito populoso e mais ainda uma das maiores cidades mundiais tem recursos hídricos muito reduzidos.
Five new species of the genus Tripylella (Nematoda: Enoplida: Tripylidae)
Authors: PRADO-VERA IGNACIO CID DEL , FERRIS HOWARD , NADLER STEVEN A.
Published: May 2016

Five new species of the genus Tripylella are described, two from México, one from Fátima, Portugal, one from Quito, Ecuador, and one from California, USA. Tripylella mexicana sp. n. is characterized by its short body (average 0.74 mm), short pharynx (average 161 μm), short tail (average 117 μm), presence of an excretory pore and small setae distributed sparsely along the body, the presence of body pores, the posterior position of the subventral teeth in relation to the small dorsal tooth with all teeth in contiguous stomal chambers, the finely-striated cuticle with many anastomoses, the non-protruding vulval lips, and the presence of sclerotized pieces in the vulval region. Tripylella muscusi sp. n. is characterized by its body length (average 0.94 mm), pharynx length (average 201 μm), tail length (average 140 μm), the anterior position of the subventral teeth in relation to the small dorsal tooth in a single stomal chamber, the presence of an excretory pore, the presence of body pores and sparse somatic setae, the finely-striated cuticle with sparse anastomoses, protruding vulval lips and sclerotized oval-shaped pieces present in the vulval region. Tripylella quitoensis sp. n. is characterized by the short body length (average 0.72 mm), the short outer labial setae, the short pharynx (average 175 μm), the location of the anterior subventral teeth and posterior dorsal tooth in the same stomal chamber, the short tail (average 98 μm), the apparent absence of an excretory pore, presence of body pores, presence of somatic setae, a finely-striated cuticle, non-protruding vulval lips, and very small oval sclerotized pieces in the vulva. Tripylella fatimaensis sp. n. is characterized by the short body, (average 0.74 mm) long, by the length of the pharynx (average 180 μm), the length of the tail (average 110 μm) and in the length of its reduced diameter portion, 45–58 μm, the presence of an excretory pore, body pores and three pairs of caudal setae (one pair each latero-ventral, latero-dorsal and ventral). Tripylella dentata sp. n. is characterized, and differs from all the species of the genus, by the presence of two adjacent stomal chambers, with two large teeth, one dorsal and one ventral, in the posterior stomal chamber and two subventral teeth in the anterior smaller chamber, short body (average 0.85 mm), pharynx length (average 209 μm), tail length (average 115 μm), the apparent absence of an excretory pore, the presence of two cervical setae in a lateral position, and by the presence of conspicuous pores along the body.
A new species of Hisonotus (Siluriformes: Otothyrinae) from the upper rio Paraná and rio São Francisco basins, Brazil
Authors: ROXO FÁBIO F. , SILVA GABRIEL S.C. , WALTZ BRANDON T. , MELO JORGE E.G.
Published: May 2016

A new species of Hisonotus is described from the upper rio Paraná and rio São Francisco basins. The new species is distinguished from congeners by (1) completely exposed abdomen with no development of dermal plates (with the exception of extremely small platelets present near the urogenital pore in some specimens) and the combination of the following characters: (2) lack of a conspicuous tuft of enlarged odontodes on posterior tip of parieto-supraoccipital; (3) rectangular dorsal-fin spinelet; (4) complete mid-lateral plate series; (5) higher number of vertebrae, 29–30; (6) dark brown coloration on caudal fin with one pair of circular hyaline colored regions at center of both lobes; (7) absence of broad light stripes on dorsolateral surface of head; (8) odontodes not forming longitudinally aligned rows on head and trunk; and (9) apex of teeth yellowish in color.
New Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) from Central and South America
Authors: BEZARK LARRY G. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: May 2016

Two new species of Rhinotragini are described: Chrysaethe panamensis, from Panama, and Rashelapso morrisoni, from Ecuador. Key to species of Rashelapso is provided.
On-Orbit Absolute Calibration of the Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager
Authors: Wentz Frank J. , Draper David
Published: May 2016

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory was launched on 27 February 2014. One of the principal instruments on the spacecraft is the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI). This paper describes the absolute calibration of the GMI antenna temperature (TA) and the earth brightness temperature (TB). The deep-space observations taken on 20 May 2014, supplemented by nadir-viewing data, are used for the TA calibration. Data from two backlobe maneuvers are used to determine the primary reflector’s cold-space spillover, which is required to convert the TA into TB. The calibrated GMI observations are compared to predictions from an ocean radiative transfer model (RTM) using collocated WindSat ocean retrievals as input. The mean difference when averaged globally over 13 months does not exceed 0.1 K for any of the nine channels from 11 to 89 GHz. The RTM comparisons also show that there are no significant solar intrusion errors in the GMI hot load. The absolute accuracy of the GMI instrument is defined as the average ocean-viewing error of the measured TA or TB relative to the true TA or TB. Based on the analyses herein, the GMI absolute accuracy for TA is estimated to be about 0.1 K rms over all channels and 0.25 K rms over all channels for TB.
Toxic Memories?
Authors: Ulfe María Eugenia , Ríos Vera Lucía
Published: May 2016

Memory museums exist as markers in the public domain; meanings and practices are created around them and assigned uses and silences. The Museum of the National Directorate against Terrorism in Peru displays artworks and archives seized from members of the Shining Path Communist Party of Peru and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement and can be visited only with a special permit. The memories it contains are considered “toxic” and are exhibited in a private instead of a public space. This space cannot be understood as a “museum of conscience” or a “site of memory.” Victims are not dignified there, and no symbolic reparations are made. It houses memories in the form of artwork, books, and memorabilia of those who because of their participation in the armed groups during the conflict have been denied the status of victims as defined in the country’s reparations program.

Los museos de la memoria funcionan como marcadores simbólicos en el ámbito público; se construyen significados y prácticas alrededor de ellos y se les asignan usos y silencios. El Museo del Directorio Nacional en Contra del Terrorismo en el Perú muestra el trabajo artístico y los archivos incautados a los miembros del Partido Comunista del Perú-Sendero Luminoso y del Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru. El museo sólo puede visitarse con un permiso especial. Los objetos que se exhiben son considerados “tóxicos” y se exhiben en un espacio privado en vez de un espacio público. Este espacio no se puede entender como un “museo de la conciencia” o un “lugar de la memoria.” Aquí las víctimas no son dignificadas, y tampoco reciben reparaciones simbólicas. El museo alberga memorias o recuerdos (libros, dibujos, recuerdos personales) de aquéllos a quienes se les ha negado la condición de víctimas, tal como está definida en el programa de reparaciones del país, debido a su participación en los grupos armados durante el conflicto.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Can Physicians Prescribe Opioids to Treat Pain Adequately While Avoiding Legal Sanction?
Authors: Dineen Kelly K. , DuBois James M.
Published: May 2016

Prescription opioids are an important tool for physicians in treating pain but also carry significant risks of harm when prescribed inappropriately or misused by patients or others. Recent increases in opioid-related morbidity and mortality has reignited scrutiny of prescribing practices by law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and state medical boards. At the same time, the predominant 4D model of misprescribers is outdated and insufficient; it groups physician misprescribers as dated, duped, disabled, or dishonest. The weaknesses and inaccuracies of the 4D model are explored, along with the serious consequences of its application. This Article calls for development of an evidence base in this area and suggests an alternate model of misprescribers, the 3C model, which more accurately characterizes misprescribers as careless, corrupt, or compromised by impairment.
Stopping Deceptive Health Claims: The Need for a Private Right of Action Under Federal Law
Authors: Hoffmann Diane , Schwartz Jack
Published: May 2016

This Article offers a thorough analysis of an important public health issue, namely how to confront the growing problem of deceptive claims regarding foods and dietary supplements, including increasingly prevalent but unverifiable claims. The authors call for the creation of a limited private right of action under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act for deceptive health-related claims for these products. The proposal responds to the growing market for these products and the inadequacy of current laws and enforcement actions to prevent such claims. In crafting the limited private right of action, the authors attempt to enhance consumer protection without undermining federal agency primacy in enforcement. The Article ends with an appendix setting forth proposed language for a statutory amendment to the FTC Act incorporating the authors' proposal.
‘Pavements Grey of the Imprisoning City’: The Articulation of a Pro-Rural and Anti-Urban Ideology in the Youth Hostels Association in the 1930s
Authors: Cunningham Michael
Published: May 2016

The Youth Hostels Association was a self-professed non-political organisation that promoted the provision of cheap accommodation for walkers and cyclists. Despite this non-political stance, the literature of the YHA in the 1930s reveals a consistent pro-rural and anti-urban ideology. This article examines the articulation of this ideology and locates it both within a longer tradition of such sentiments in England and also within the social and cultural concerns of the decade.
A Comprehensive Study of Mass Murder Precipitants and Motivations of Offenders
Authors: Taylor Melanie A.
Published: May 2016

Much speculation has been made in the media as to the causes of mass murder in the United States, yet little empirical research exists to verify factors leading to violence. Prior research primarily relies on case study methodologies or small data sets, but none have focused on the underlying issues observed in a comprehensive national sample. Data for the current study include 152 mass murders reported through the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Reports and USA Today from 2007 to 2011, which were then matched with media reports for each event. The current study shows that mass murders typically occur following a triggering event, are committed by non-strangers, and are rarely committed by persons with mental illnesses. A more realistic image of these incidents is critical, as misperceptions of offenders and case characteristics can improperly shape public policies.
Public and Private Sector Dynamics in Scaling Up Rice Fortification
Authors: Tsang Becky L. , Moreno Ralfh , Dabestani Nazila , Pachón Helena , Spohrer Rebecca , Milani Peiman
Published: May 2016

Background:

Fortification of cereal grains with at least iron or folic acid is legislated in 85 countries worldwide. Relative to wheat and maize flour, rice fortification is relatively new and provides an opportunity to deliver essential micronutrients to populations that consume rice as a dietary staple.

Objective:

To describe miller and public sector experiences and perspectives on rice fortification with micronutrients in Colombia and offer recommendations for policy makers.

Methods:

Interviews with Colombian rice millers, research and development personnel, and public sector leaders; desk review of key documents.

Results:

In Colombia, rice fortified with micronutrients is market driven and a few very large rice millers, currently representing about 35% of the market, have voluntarily fortified rice since 2002. The technology used (spraying) is unique to Colombia and to date there is no independent verification of nutrient retention after washing and cooking rice fortified through this technology. Millers are unwilling to switch to more proven methods, such as extrusion or coating, which will incur higher capital investment and recurring costs. Despite interest from multiple stakeholders between 2002 and 2011, mandatory rice fortification is not part of the Colombian government policy as of July 2015.

Conclusion:

Rice fortified with micronutrients through spraying technology has achieved moderate coverage in Colombia, but the technology is unproven, its effectiveness unknown, and public health impact likely limited. For rice fortification to be an effective nutrition intervention to improve micronutrient status, policy makers should explore standards to guide industry and improvements to regulatory capacity.
Correlates of Duration of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Seeking Services at a Domestic Violence Support Center
Authors: Triantafyllou Dinara , Wang Chong , North Carol S.
Published: May 2016

Intimate partner violence (IPV) duration may reflect factors preventing women from leaving abusive relationships. Although many studies have analyzed factors associated with IPV occurrence, few studies have evaluated factors associated with IPV duration. This exploratory study examined intake forms completed by 230 women seeking services at an IPV support center over a 2.5-year period, beginning in 2006. These women spent an average of 11 years in abusive relationships during their lives, which was more than twice the lifetime duration of their non-abusive relationships. In a multivariate analysis model, longer lifetime IPV duration was significantly associated with greater age, having children, non-minority racial/ethnic membership, and having no parental IPV history. The current study found that many factors associated with IPV duration were different from factors previously found to be associated with IPV occurrence. Therefore, efforts aimed at preventing IPV occurrence may also need to differ from efforts to limit IPV duration.
Calming and Focusing: Students’ Perceptions of Short Classroom Strategies for Fostering Presence
Authors: VanKuiken Debra , Bradley Jennifer , Harland Barbara , King Margaret O’Brien
Published: May 2016

Purpose: Presence is the essence of professional nursing in the nurse–patient connection. Nursing students have little exposure to strategies fostering presence. This pilot study explored students’ perceptions of strategies to encourage presence in the classroom. Design: A three-question survey was distributed to students in the last week of classes. Faculty not teaching that course administered the survey. Method: Four faculty used strategies aimed at encouraging presence. These strategies included starting class with a mindfulness minute, mindful movement, singing bowl, peace and power check in, and a discussion of a current event. Each class used only one strategy consistently through the semester. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in one of seven classes taught by these faculty. Findings: Overall the students found strategies to be beneficial. In reflecting on the experience with the strategies, four themes emerged: calming/relaxing; focusing/centering; setting aside distractions; and feeling community and connection. Conclusion: These brief strategies were acceptable to most students and were helpful to the students in preparing for class. The response to mindfulness minute was most positive. Further research is needed on the introduction of strategies that help students in the classroom and may also increase presence at the bedside.
Nylon-6 and single-walled carbon nanotubes polyamide composites
Authors: Zabegaeva Olesya N , Sapozhnikov Dmitriy A , Buzin Mikhail I , Krestinin Anatoliy V , Kotelnikov Viktor A , Baiminov Bato A , Afanasyev Egor S , Pashunin Yuriy M , Vygodskii Yakov S
Published: May 2016

Two methods for the functionalization of single-walled nanotubes were proposed, namely grafting of acyllactam groups or amine-terminated polyimides. Such modification allows for the preparation of stable nonsagging nanotubes dispersions in the melted ∊-caprolactam. These dispersions were further utilized for in situ ring-opening anionic polymerization of ∊-caprolactam with ∊-caprolactam magnesium bromide as a catalyst and N-acetyl-∊-caprolactam as an activator. Some unique features of the obtained novel nylon-6/nanotubes composites are significantly increased thermal stability ( T5% up to 400°C), enhanced compression modulus and Izod impact strength of polymer blocks (by 25% and 150%, respectively) and advanced tensile strength and elongation of polymer films. Such an improvement in the properties of the composites in comparison with neat nylon-6 was gained by the addition of as little as 0.1–0.01 wt% of modified nanotubes.
Exploring the Relationship between Employer Branding and Employee Retention
Authors: Tanwar Karnica , Prasad Asha
Published: May 2016

The employment environment, nowadays, is becoming increasingly competitive. In such competitive environment, employer branding is fast emerging as a long-term human resource (HR) strategy to attract and retain talented workforce. The purpose of this article is to determine the antecedents of employer branding from the perspective of current employees. Most studies are dedicated to the examination of employer branding as a talent attraction technique among potential employees. However, the present research examines the impact of employer branding on retention of existing workforce. The research develops a conceptual framework of antecedents and outcomes of employer branding. Using qualitative data from a pilot study of an IT giant, it provides insights as to how the predicted outcomes of employer branding can lead to increased retention among employees. The research also analyzes the role of employer branding in building brand advocates who spread positive word of mouth about the organization. Results of the qualitative interviews show positive relationship between outcomes of employer branding (job satisfaction and psychological contract) and employee retention. In addition, a positive relationship is found between employer branding and organizational commitment which in turn contributes towards development of brand advocacy. Academic and managerial implications are also discussed. The study accentuates the importance of employer branding construct and its potential to alleviate the imminent problem of employee attrition.
Three Decades of Reliability in Communication Content Analyses
Authors: Lovejoy Jennette , Watson Brendan R. , Lacy Stephen , Riffe Daniel
Published: May 2016

This study examines reliability reporting in content analysis articles ( N = 672) in three flagship communication journals. Data from 1985 to 2014 suggest improvements in reporting across time and also identify areas for additional improvement. Data show increased reporting of chance-corrected reliability coefficients and reporting reliability for all study variables, although increases were inconsistent among journals and the most recent time period showed slight declines. In general, the most often used coefficient was Scott’s Pi; however, Krippendorff’s Alpha was most used in the latest study period. Reporting of low reliability coefficients increased but then decreased most recently. Implications and areas for improvement are discussed.
Relationship between tobacco cessation and mental health outcomes in a tobacco cessation trial
Authors: Krebs Paul , Rogers Erin , Smelson David , Fu Steven , Wang Binhuan , Sherman Scott
Published: May 2016

Persons with mental health diagnoses use tobacco at alarming rates, yet misperceptions remain about the effect of quitting on mental health outcomes. This article examines the relationship between tobacco cessation and changes in severity of mental illness. Participants were N = 577 veterans with a history of mental health treatment enrolled in a tobacco cessation study. The effects of abstinence and time on Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale–24 summary scores and subscales were examined. Abstinence at both 2 and 6 months post-baseline was related ( p < .0001) to lower Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale–24 summary scores and improvement on three Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale–24 subscales. Providers should recommend and provide tobacco treatment to all mental health patients to improve their physical and mental health functioning.