bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preditores de prováveis transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) em prostitutas utilizando o Self-Reporting Questionnaire
Authors: Vidal Carlos Eduardo Leal , Amara Bruna , Ferreira Daniel Pícoli , Dias Isabela Maria Franco , Vilela Luana Azevedo , Franco Luisa Rosa
Published: November 2014

Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de prováveis transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e os fatores associados em um grupo de prostitutas de Minas Gerais. Métodos Estudo transversal utilizando o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) em mulheres cadastradas na Associação de Prostitutas de Minas Gerais (Aprosmig). Avaliaram-se características sociodemográficas e aspectos do trabalho na prostituição. Teste do qui-quadrado foi empregado na análise de associação entre variáveis categóricas sociodemográficas e a presença de prováveis TMC. A análise dos fatores associados à presença de prováveis TMC foi realizada por meio de modelo de regressão logística. Resultados Foram entrevistadas 216 prostitutas. A prevalência global de prováveis TMC foi de 57,9%, mais observada em mulheres com baixa escolaridade, história de violência física e ingresso precoce na prostituição. Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a prevalência de prováveis TMC entre prostitutas foi superior à observada na população geral, indicando a necessidade de melhorar os cuidados com a saúde dessas mulheres.
A paisagem cultural e as novas possibilidades para a atividade familiar rural
Authors: Heidtmann Junior Douglas Emerson Deicke , Loch Carlos
Published: November 2014

O reconhecimento do patrimônio pelo conceito de paisagem cultural já é difundido na Europa pela Convenção da UNESCO de 1992, mas ainda é recente no Brasil, com a chancela do IPHAN em 2009 e sua aplicação em 2011, nos núcleos rurais de imigração alemã de Rio da Luz e Testo Alto, em Santa Catarina. Este estudo tem o objetivo de evidenciar alternativas para a gestão de tal área, e os resultados, obtidos através da metodologia de apoio à decisão (MCDA-C), aplicada à Superintendência do IPHAN, apontam a continuidade da atividade familiar rural como fundamental para que a paisagem cultural seja preservada e valorizada.
Analysis of the relationship between occlusal and clinical parameters and the need for incisor reduction in confined horses - a retrospective study
Authors: Pimentel Luiz Fernando Rapp de Oliveira , Zoppa André Luis do Valle De
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between occlusal and clinical parameters and the need for incisor shortening in horses. It was based on the retrospective analysis of the dental charts of 75 confined horses. Body condition score, shape of incisors, presence of dysmastication, excursion to molar contact (EMC) distance before and after cheek teeth occlusal adjustment were evaluated. History of difficult to riding, dysmastication and digestive problems was also considered. The initial measurement of lateral excursion to molar contact (EMC) revealed incisor occlusal surface abnormalities in 45 (60%) horses and long incisors (EMC>15mm) in five (6.6%) horses. Considering clinical examination and history data the need for reduction of incisor length was significant when EMC exceeded 15mm (P<0.0001) and when based on dental shape, clinical history of dysmastication and/or digestive problems or body condition score was also significant (P<0.05). In confined horses, the decision to shorten and align the incisor teeth should be based on observation and history of dysmastication and digestive problems, body condition score, incisors shape and EMC distance. The need for incisor reduction should be determined before dental intervention and reassessed following cheek teeth oclusal adjustment
Natural insecticide based-leaves extract of Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) in the control of stink bug brown soybean
Authors: Piton Ludmila Porto , Turchen Leonardo Morais , Butnariu Alessandra Regina , Pereira Mônica Josene Barbosa
Published: November 2014

This research aimed to evaluate the insecticide potential of the leaves extract of Piper aduncum (L.) (Piperaceae) on development of brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), major pest in soybean crop in Mato Grosso State. For this a bioassay was conducted with eggs, nymphs and adults of this stink bug, using the concentrations 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 4.0 and 8.0%, of the extract acetonic of P. aduncum and acetone for control. It was evaluated the numbers of unviable eggs, nymphs death and longevity, fecundity and fertility of the adults. In the immersing eggs bioassay, all concentrations greater than 1% unviable more than 70% of the eggs, while in the contact bioassay only 19% of the eggs were unviable in 8% concentration, differing of control. In nymphs bioassay the concentrations of 8% and 4% caused death of 72% and 52%, respectively. In adults bioassay all concentrations tested reduced significantly the survival and reproduction of the insects. Thus is evidence that P. aduncum is a potential plant for stink bug control, because it had deleterious action in all development phases on E. heros.
Produtividade da palma forrageira cultivada em diferentes densidades de plantio
Authors: Silva Laerte Marques da , Fagundes Jailson Lara , Viegas Pedro Alberto Almeida , Muniz Evandro Neves , Rangel José Henrique de Albuquerque , Moreira Andréia Luciane , Backes Alfredo Acosta
Published: November 2014

Entre as práticas e técnicas empregadas para obtenção de maior produtividade de massa seca, a escolha do arranjamento de plantas é, entre as decisões de manejo das plantas cultivadas, uma das mais importantes, associada à escolha da cultivar e do sistema de cultivo. Em função do exposto, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produtividade de forragem de palma forrageira cultivada em diferentes densidades de plantio. O experimento foi instalado no Campo Experimental do CPATC - Embrapa, em Frei Paulo - SE. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. As parcelas foram representadas por genótipos de palma forrageira (Miúda, Redonda e Gigante) e as subparcelas pelas seguintes densidades de plantio (10.000, 20.000, 40.000 e 80.000 plantas ha-1). Os genótipos de palma forrageira apresentam comportamento diferente quanto ao número de cladódios na 1a inserção e no número de cladódios por planta. O aumento da densidade de plantio reduz o comprimento e a largura do cladódio. Existe comportamento diferencial dos genótipos quanto à capacidade produtiva em diferentes densidades. A palma forrageira Miúda apresenta melhor potencial produtivo no cultivo adensado. Já a palma Redonda e Gigante tem maior teor de umidade na massa verde da forragem, e, em cultivo adensado, a palma forrageira reduz a massa verde e seca por planta
O problema de localização-distribuição no megadesastre da região Serrana no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Bataglin Lauren Maria Corradini , Alem Douglas
Published: November 2014

Os últimos desastres naturais ocorridos no Brasil e no mundo evidenciaram as dificuldades das instituições em fazer uma gestão eficiente de todas as operações necessárias para mitigar a vulnerabilidade das comunidades afetadas. Tais dificuldades são também um reflexo da carência de estudos relacionados ao preparo e à resposta no planejamento de operações de desastres. Nesse contexto, o presente artigo investiga um modelo de otimização de localização-distribuição dentro do paradigma da programação estocástica de dois estágios para melhorar o planejamento das operações de desastres. As decisões de preparo de primeiro estágio estão associadas às localizações dos centros de auxílio, enquanto as decisões de resposta de segundo estágio determinam a distribuição de itens de sobrevivência dos depósitos aos centros de auxílio. O modelo proposto foi analisado com base no megadesastre na região Serrana do Rio de Janeiro em janeiro de 2011.
Diversidade de anfíbios anuros de uma área de Pampa no município de São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Bolzan Ana Maria R. , Hartmann Paulo A. , Hartmann Marilia T.
Published: November 2014

Considerado um bioma ameaçado, o Pampa possui um dos menores percentuais de área legalmente protegida. Além disso, o conhecimento sobre comunidades de anuros neste bioma ainda é escasso. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a composição de anuros em uma área de Pampa no sul do Brasil. Entre janeiro de 2009 e fevereiro de 2010 foi realizado um inventário na Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária do município de São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul. A procura dos exemplares foi realizada em poças permanentes, semi-permanentes e temporárias pelo método de levantamento em sítio de reprodução. Foram registradas 21 espécies pertencentes a cinco famílias, o que corresponde a aproximadamente 20% das espécies do estado e 42% das espécies conhecidas para a ecorregião Savana Uruguaia. Dez espécies foram consideradas frequentes, sete comuns e quatro foram raras. Foram registrados três modos reprodutivos, sendo que 57% das espécies utilizam o modo 1, que parece estar relacionado à homogeneidade da área. A análise de agrupamento comparando a composição de anuros de quatro localidades distintas mostrou maior similaridade com o município de Candiota (região da Campanha). As espécies presentes na área de estudo são associadas a formações campestres do estado e países vizinhos e podem ser consideradas típicas do bioma Pampa.
Montagem de Agenda no Comitê Itajaí: Uma Aplicação do Modelo de Kingdon
Authors: Zapelini Marcello Beckert
Published: November 2014

Este artigo tem o objetivo de estudar a montagem de agenda na formulação do Plano de Bacia Hidrográfica no Comitê Itajaí. Em termos metodológicos, consiste numa pesquisa de estudo de caso qualitativo, documental e de campo, que utilizou, como métodos de coleta de dados, a pesquisa documental e a entrevista. Estudou-se o caso da decisão de cobrança pelo uso dos recursos hídricos, ao qual se aplicou o modelo de múltiplos fluxos Kingdon (2003) com o intuito de compreender a dinâmica da ação dos agentes envolvidos, em que a combinação do fluxo de problemas, do fluxo de políticas e do fluxo político levou à abertura de uma janela de política. Assim, os usuários de recursos hídricos, atuando como empreendedores de política, utilizaram a janela de política para modificar a fórmula de cobrança originalmente proposta pela diretoria do Comitê, assim, garantindo um instrumento mais adequado aos seus interesses.
Aspectos bioquímicos da resistência do algodoeiro à ramulose potencializada pelo silício
Authors: Guerra Antonia Mirian Nogueira de Moura , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila , Berger Paulo Geraldo , Barros Angélica Fátima , Silva Yasmim Cristina Rodrigues da , Lima Tricia Costa
Published: November 2014

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do silício (Si) sobre a ramulose e aspectos bioquímicos da resistência do algodoeiro a essa doença. Os cultivares BRS Araçá e FM 993 foram desenvolvidos em solução nutritiva contendo (+Si) ou não (-Si) silício. Avaliou-se o período de incubação (PI), incidência (I), área abaixo da curva do índice da ramulose (AACIR) e concentração foliar de Si (CFSi). A CFSi e o PI aumentaram em 76% e 19,5%, respectivamente, nas plantas +Si em relação às -Si, e a I e a AACIR diminuíram em 64% e 18%, respectivamente. A concentração dos compostos fenólicos solúveis totais (CFST) e dos derivados da lignina-ácido tioglicólico (DLATG) dos dois cultivares supridos com Si aumentou durante o progresso da ramulose, porém essa concentração foi inferior à daquelas que não receberam Si. No cultivar BRS Araçá +Si a atividade das enzimas quitinase (QUI) e glicanase (GLI) aumentou até os 10 dai em relação às plantas -Si. A atividade das enzimas peroxidase (POX) e polifenoloxidase (PPO) no cultivar BRS Araçá +Si aumentou entre 20 e 30 dai em relação às plantas -Si, enquanto na FM 993 +Si o aumento foi de até 10 dai. No cultivar FM 993 +Si, a atividade da fenilalanina amônia-liase (FAL) aumentou. O fornecimento de Si às plantas de algodoeiro aumentou a resistência à ramulose mediante incremento na concentração CFST e de DLATG nos dois cultivares e na atividade das POX, PPO, QUI e GLI na BRS Araçá, e de POX e FAL na FM 993.
Three port laparoscopic appendectomy technique with low cost and aesthetic advantage
Authors: DOMENE Carlos Eduardo , VOLPE Paula , HEITOR Frederico Almeida
Published: November 2014

INTRODUCTION: Despite dating more than 30 years after the first laparoscopic appendectomy, ileocecal appendix resection is still performed by laparotomy in more than 90% of cases, in our country. AIM: To describe a technique for laparoscopic removal of the ileocecal appendix with three portals, at low cost and very good aesthetic appearance. TECHNIQUE: Three incisions, one umbilical and two suprapubic are made; permanent material used comprises: grasping forceps, hook, scissors, needle holders, three metal trocars and four other usual instruments, and a single strand of cotton. There is no need to use of operative extractors bags, clips, endoloops, staples or bipolar or harmonic energy instruments. Allows triangulation and instrumentation in the conventional manner. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique is safe and reproducible, easily teachable, at very low cost and can be applied in general hospitals with conventional laparoscopic equipment.
Effects of Pilates mat exercises on muscle strength and on pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Franco Caroline Buarque , Ribeiro Antonio Fernando , Morcillo André Moreno , Zambon Mariana Porto , Almeida Marina Buarque , Rozov Tatiana
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Pilates mat exercises in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: This was a clinical trial involving 19 CF patients recruited from either the CF Outpatient Clinic of the State University at Campinas Hospital de Clínicas or the Children's Institute of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas. All of the patients performed Pilates mat exercises for four months (one 60-min session per week). The variables studied (before and after the intervention) were respiratory muscle strength, MIP, MEP, FVC, and FEV1. RESULTS: After the intervention, MIP was significantly higher in the male patients (p = 0.017), as were MIP and MEP in the female patients (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). There were no significant differences between the pre- and post-intervention values of FVC or FEV1, neither in the sample as a whole nor among the patients of either gender. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Pilates mat exercises have beneficial effects on respiratory muscle strength in CF patients.
Spatial analysis of deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis in the city of São Luís, Brazil
Authors: Santos-Neto Marcelino , Yamamura Mellina , Garcia Maria Concebida da Cunha , Popolin Marcela Paschoal , Silveira Tatiane Ramos dos Santos , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE: To characterize deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis, according to sociodemographic and operational variables, in the city of São Luís, Brazil, and to describe their spatial distribution. METHODS: This was an exploratory ecological study based on secondary data from death certificates, obtained from the Brazilian Mortality Database, related to deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis. We included all deaths attributed to pulmonary tuberculosis that occurred in the urban area of São Luís between 2008 and 2012. We performed univariate and bivariate analyses of the sociodemographic and operational variables of the deaths investigated, as well as evaluating the spatial distribution of the events by kernel density estimation. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 193 deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis in São Luís. The median age of the affected individuals was 52 years. Of the 193 individuals who died, 142 (73.60%) were male, 133 (68.91%) were Mulatto, 102 (53.13%) were single, and 64 (33.16%) had completed middle school. There was a significant positive association between not having received medical care prior to death and an autopsy having been performed (p = 0.001). A thematic map by density of points showed that the spatial distribution of those deaths was heterogeneous and that the density was as high as 8.12 deaths/km2. CONCLUSIONS: The sociodemographic and operational characteristics of the deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis evaluated in this study, as well as the identification of priority areas for control and surveillance of the disease, could promote public health policies aimed at reducing health inequities, allowing the optimization of resources, as well as informing decisions regarding the selection of strategies and specific interventions targeting the most vulnerable populations.
The electronic cigarette: the new cigarette of the 21st century?
Authors: Knorst Marli Maria , Benedetto Igor Gorski , Hoffmeister Mariana Costa , Gazzana Marcelo Basso
Published: November 2014

The electronic nicotine delivery system, also known as the electronic cigarette, is generating considerable controversy, not only in the general population but also among health professionals. Smokers the world over have been increasingly using electronic cigarettes as an aid to smoking cessation and as a substitute for conventional cigarettes. There are few available data regarding the safety of electronic cigarettes. There is as yet no evidence that electronic cigarettes are effective in treating nicotine addiction. Some smokers have reported using electronic cigarettes for over a year, often combined with conventional cigarettes, thus prolonging nicotine addiction. In addition, the increasing use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents is a cause for concern. The objective of this study was to describe electronic cigarettes and their components, as well as to review the literature regarding their safety; their impact on smoking initiation and smoking cessation; and regulatory issues related to their use.
Lack of effect of cell-wall targeted antibacterials on biofilm formation and antifungal susceptibility of Candidaspecies
Authors: Leite Gisela Myrian de Lima , Baeza Lílian Cristiane , Ramos Rosana Teixeira , Yamada Sérgio Seiji , Magon Thiago Ferreira dos Santos , Kimura Elza , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet
Published: November 2014

The use of central venous catheters (CVC) and broad-spectrum antibacterials are among the main risk factors for the development of candidemia in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). It is known that some antibacterials increase the resistance of these yeasts to azole antifungals. Thus, the aim of this research was to determine whether yeast present in CVC colonizations previously exposed to cell-wall targeted antibacterials benefit from a reduction in susceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole, facilitating their ability to form biofilms. Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. guilhermondii were seeded into antibacterial (cefepime, meropenem, vancomycin, and piperacillin-tazobactam) gradient plates produced in Mueller-Hinton Agar. The susceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole and the biofilm formation of the yeasts were tested before and after exposure to the antibacterials. None of the antibacterials exerted a significant effect on the in vitro susceptibility of the yeasts to the antifungal agents or on their ability to form biofilms. These results suggest that increased candidemia in ICU patients is not attributable to possible alterations in the yeasts, but is more likely caused by a weakening of the patient's general condition after long exposure to infection.
Implementation of vancomycin dosing nomogram in an electronic prescribing system: an innovative tool in antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Lima Tácio de Mendonça , Elias Sabrina Calil , Estrela Rita de Cássia Elias , Cardoso Fernando Luiz Lopes
Published: November 2014

Vancomycin (VAN) is the gold standard therapy for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infections such as bacteremia and endocarditis. However, VAN suboptimal dosing for serious infections caused by S. aureus isolates that have elevated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), could be associated with poor outcome. Better understanding of VAN pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) has led to the creation of new recommendations with optimized dosing regimens for the treatment of MRSA infections. For severe infectious, such as pneumonia and endocarditis, a VAN serum trough concentration of 15-20 mg/L at the steady state should be targeted. The aim of this study was to show how a nomogram with updated VAN dosing was devised and how it was implemented in the electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) system of a teaching hospital. VAN loading dose and maintenance doses were calculated from a pharmacokinetic equation using basic parameters: weight, estimated creatinine clearance, as well as peak and trough serum concentrations. The implementation of the VAN dosing nomogram in the hospital e-prescribing system definitively changed the long-standing medical prescription fallacy of "same dose fits all". Finally, this computer-based electronic program has allowed a wide-ranging intervention and should be recognized as a powerful tool for implementation in antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Development and validation of a simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of methyldopa in both bulk and marketed dosage formulations
Authors: Ribeiro Paulo Roberto da Silva , Duarte Reginária Morais
Published: November 2014

A simple, precise, sensitive, rapid, specific and economical spectrophotometric method was developed to determine methyldopa (MTD) content in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage formulations. The proposed method was based on the formation of a colored product from the nitrosation reaction of MTD with sodium nitrite in an acid medium. The resultant nitroso derivative species reacts further with sodium hydroxide and is converted it into a more stable compound. This yellow nitrosation product exhibited an absorption maximum at 430 nm. Beer's Law was obeyed in a concentration range of 6.37 to 82.81 μg mL-1 MTD with an excellent coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9998). No interference was observed from common excipients in formulations. The results showed the method to be simple, accurate and readily applied for the determination of MTD in pure form and in pharmaceutical preparations. The analytical results obtained for these products using the proposed method are in agreement with those of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia procedure at a 95% confidence level.
Development of O/W emulsions containing Euterpe oleracea extract and evaluation of photoprotective efficacy
Authors: Daher Cláudia Cecilio , Fontes Ipojucan Silva , Rodrigues Rayllan de Oliveira , Damasceno Gabriel Azevedo de Brito , Soares Daiane dos Santos , Aragão Cícero Flávio Soares , Gomes Ana Paula Barreto , Ferrari Márcio
Published: November 2014

Euterpe oleraceaMart. is a palm tree popularly known as açai, which is primarily found in northern Brazil. The açai's fruits contain anthocyanins, a class of polyphenols to which antioxidant properties have been attributed. The aim of this work was to develop O/W sunscreens emulsions containing açai glycolic extract (AGE) and to evaluate both their physical stability and photoprotective efficacy. Emulsions containing AGE and sunscreens were formulated using different types and concentrations of polymeric surfactant (acrylates/C 10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer and sodium polyacrylate). The influence of two rheology modifiers (polyacrylamide (and) C13-14/isoparaffin (and) Laureth-7 and Carbomer) on the stability was also investigated. Physical stability was evaluated by preliminary and accelerated studies. Emulsions with 1.0% sodium polyacrylate were stable and exhibited non-newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and thixotropy. Photoprotective efficacy was evaluated by in vivo Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and determination of Protection Factor of UVA (PF-UVA). When AGE was added to the sunscreen emulsion, no significant increase in the in vivo SPF value was observed. The emulsion containing AGE showed PF-UVA = 14.97, 1.69 of the SPF/PF-UVA ratio and a critical wavelength value of 378 nm, and may therefore be considered a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
Retrofitting an accessible highway: a user-led approach
Authors: Szczerbinska-Speakman Katarzyna , Matthews Bryan
Published: November 2014

Although accessibility for mobility-impaired pedestrians is ensured at the planning stage for new highway developments, and accessible features such as dropped kerbs would normally be included in refurbishment works, the risk is that many areas of the existing public highway will otherwise remain inaccessible for years to come. This paper details one practical response to this problem, adopted by Leeds City Council in the UK, aimed at creating accessible routes linking places where disabled people live with local facilities. The paper illustrates how the local authority works directly with users who are currently encountering problems on their regular journeys, or are unable to travel independently because of the barriers in the street environment, and with other stakeholders, to formulate a targeted programme of works (with a dedicated annual budget) to retrofit the highway and alleviate the identified access problems. This approach seems to have a number of benefits, including the allocation of resources to the areas where they are most needed and are most likely to make a difference. Initial feedback indicates wider benefits for the wellbeing and independence of disabled people, better participation and social activities and community life, reduced cost of travel and reduced reliance on care services.
Bird species turnover is related to changing predation risk along a vegetation gradient
Authors: LaManna Joseph A. , Hemenway Amy B. , Boccadori Vanna , Martin Thomas E.
Published: November 2014

Turnover in animal species along vegetation gradients is often assumed to reflect adaptive habitat preferences that are narrower than the full gradient. Specifically, animals may decline in abundance where their reproductive success is low, and these poor‐quality locations differ among species. Yet habitat use does not always appear adaptive. The crucial tests of how abundances and demographic costs of animals vary along experimentally manipulated vegetation gradients are lacking. We examined habitat use and nest predation rates for 16 bird species that exhibited turnover with shifts in deciduous and coniferous vegetation. For most bird species, decreasing abundance was associated with increasing predation rates along both natural and experimentally modified vegetation gradients. This landscape‐scale approach strongly supports the idea that vegetation‐mediated effects of predation are associated with animal distributions and species turnover.
A categorical equivalence for bounded distributive quasi lattices satisfying: x ∨ 0 = 0 ⇒ x = 0
Authors: Freytes Hector , Ledda Antonio
Published: November 2014

In this work, we investigate a categorical equivalence between the class of bounded distributive quasi lattices that satisfy the quasiequation x∨0 = 0 =⇒ x = 0, and a category whose objects are sheaves over Priestley spaces.
The exponential Diophantine equation x2 + (3n
2 + 1)y = (4n
2 + 1)z
Authors: Wang Jianping , Wang Tingting , Zhang Wenpeng
Published: November 2014

Let n be a positive integer. In this paper, using the results on the existence of primitive divisors of Lucas numbers and some properties of quadratic and exponential diophantine equations, we prove that if n ≡ 3 (mod 6), then the equation x
2 + (3n
2 + 1)y = (4n
2 + 1)z has only the positive integer solutions (x, y, z) = (n, 1, 1) and (8n
3 + 3n, 1, 3).
Some class of analytic functions related to conic domains
Authors: Kanas Stanisława , Răducanu Dorina
Published: November 2014

For q ∈ (0, 1) let the q-difference operator be defined as follows $$\partial _q f(z) = \frac{{f(qz) - f(z)}}
{{z(q - 1)}} (z \in \mathbb{U}),$$ where $$\mathbb{U}$$ denotes the open unit disk in a complex plane. Making use of the above operator the extended Ruscheweyh differential operator R
qλ
f is defined. Applying R
qλ
f a subfamily of analytic functions is defined. Several interesting properties of a defined family of functions are investigated.
Oscillation of second-order nonlinear differential equations with damping
Authors: Li Tongxing , Rogovchenko Yuriy , Tang Shuhong
Published: November 2014

We study oscillatory properties of solutions to a class of nonlinear second-order differential equations with a nonlinear damping. New oscillation criteria extend those reported in [ROGOVCHENKO, Yu. V.—TUNCAY, F.: Oscillation criteria for second-order nonlinear differential equations with damping, Nonlinear Anal. 69 (2008), 208–221] and improve a number of related results.
Factors Related to the Need for Surgical Reconstruction After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Eggerding Vincent , Meuffels Duncan E. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , Verhaar Jan A. , Reijman Max
Published: November 2014

Study Design

Systematic literature review.

Objectives

To summarize and evaluate research on factors predictive of progression to surgery after nonoperative treatment for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a common injury among young, active individuals. Surgical reconstruction is often required for patients who do not regain satisfactory knee function following nonsurgical rehabilitation. Knowledge of factors that predict the need for surgical reconstruction of the ACL would be helpful to guide the decision-making process in this population.

Methods

A search was performed for studies predicting the need for surgery after nonoperative treatment for ACL rupture in the Embase, MEDLINE (OvidSP), Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Google Scholar digital databases from inception to October 2013. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and performed a quality assessment. Best-evidence synthesis was used to summarize the evidence of factors predicting the need for surgical reconstruction after nonoperative treatment for an ACL rupture.

Results

Seven studies were included, 3 of which were of high quality. Based on these studies, neither sex (strong evidence) nor the severity of knee joint laxity (moderate evidence) can predict whether, soon after ACL injury, a patient will need ACL reconstruction following nonoperative treatment. All other factors identified in this review either had conflicting or only minimal evidence as to their level of association with the need for surgical reconstruction. Noteworthy is that 1 high-quality study reported that the spherical shape of the femoral condyle was predictive of the need for ACL reconstruction.

Conclusion

Sex and knee joint laxity tests do not predict the need for ACL reconstruction soon after an ACL rupture. Independent validation in future research will be necessary to establish whether knee shape is a predictive factor.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 1a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(1):37–44. Epub 13 Nov 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5183
Man-made Fibres? The Split Personalities of Victorian Manliness
Authors: Robbins Ruth
Published: November 2014

This essay investigates the textual traces of a split that was central to the Victorian conception of manliness: the contradiction of gentlemanliness which demanded both the capacity to commit violence and the requirement to be ‘civilised’. It suggests that there is a fault line running through the fabric of masculinity which can be seen in the texts which train boys to become men, which remember and reconstruct that training, and which consider manliness in its mature forms. A man is a subject who acts; he is also subjected to forces which he does not control. In fiction, long and short, and in poetry, masculinity is repeatedly shown to be both contested and constructed – a man-made fibre, not a natural or god-given status. From Tennyson to Wilde, there is a tear in the cloth.
Chronological Bias in Randomized Clinical Trials Arising from Different Types of Unobserved Time Trends
Authors: Hilgers R.-D. , Tamm M.
Published: November 2014

Background: In clinical trials patients are commonly recruited sequentially over time incurring the risk of chronological bias due to (unobserved) time trends. To minimize the risk of chronological bias, a suitable randomization procedure should be chosen.

Objectives: Considering different time trend scenarios, we aim at a detailed evaluation of the extent of chronological bias under permuted block randomization in order to provide recommendations regarding the choice of randomization at the design stage of a clinical trial and to assess the maximum extent of bias for a realized sequence in the analysis stage.

Methods: For the assessment of chronological bias we consider linear, logarithmic and stepwise trends illustrating typical changes during recruitment in clinical practice. Bias and variance of the treatment effect estimator as well as the empirical type I error rate when applying the t-test are investigated. Different sample sizes, block sizes and strengths of time trends are considered.

Results: Using large block sizes, a notable bias exists in the estimate of the treatment effect for specific sequences. This results in a heavily inflated type I error for realized worst-case sequences and an enlarged mean squared error of the treatment effect estimator. Decreasing the block size restricts these effects of time trends. Already applying permuted block randomization with two blocks instead of the random allocation rule achieves a good reduction of the mean squared error and of the inflated type I error. Averaged over all sequences, the type I error of the t-test is far below the nominal significance level due to an overestimated variance.

Conclusions: Unobserved time trends can induce a strong bias in the treatment effect estimate and in the test decision. Therefore, already in the design stage of a clinical trial a suitable randomization procedure should be chosen. According to our results, small block sizes should be preferred, but also medium block sizes are sufficient to restrict chronological bias to an acceptable extent if other contrary aspects have to be considered (e.g. serious risk of selection bias). Regardless of the block size, a blocked ANOVA should be used because the t-test is far too conservative, even for weak time trends.
Risk factors for loosening of cementless threaded femoral implants in canine total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Brown Cimin , Aoki K. , Franklin S. , Hayashi K. , Agnello K. A.
Published: November 2014

Objective: To determine the incidence and potential risk factors of femoral implant loosening in the canine Helica® total hip replacement (THR) system.

Method: Sixteen dogs with a Helica THR were included. Medical records were reviewed for signalment and size of implants. Stem angle, stem collar to lateral cortex distance, tip to cortex distance, stem collar to lateral cortex distance at a stem angle of 150°, lever arm distance, and the distance on the diaphysis measurements were calculated from the one year postoperative radiographs. Three ratios were determined from these measurements to take into account the size of the femur in relation to the size of the implant. Femoral implant loosening was identified by radiographic and clinical signs, and confirmed at the time of surgical explantation. Differences in the successful and fe-moral stem failure groups were compared using either a students t-test or a Mann Whitney test. Significance was set at p <0.003.

Results: Six of the 16 dogs had loosening of the femoral prostheses within one year post-implantation. One dog had evidence of a septic cause for loosening. No significant risk factors could be identified in this group of dogs with Helica stem loosening.

Clinical significance: Helica femoral stem loosening was a common complication within one year post-implantation in this group of dogs. No risk factors were identified to potentially decrease the incidence of loosening. Therefore, due to this unacceptably high complication rate, the authors do not recommend this model of the Helica THR.
Fauna Europaea: Annelida – Hirudinea, incl. Acanthobdellea and Branchiobdellea
Authors: Minelli Alessandro , Sket Boris , de Jong Yde
Published: November 2014

Fauna Europaea provides a public web-service with an index of scientific names (including important synonyms) of all living European land and freshwater animals, their geographical distribution at country level (up to the Urals, excluding the Caucasus region), and some additional information. The Fauna Europaea project covers about 230,000 taxonomic names, including 130,000 accepted species and 14,000 accepted subspecies, which is much more than the originally projected number of 100,000 species. This represents a huge effort by more than 400 contributing specialists throughout Europe and is a unique (standard) reference suitable for many users in science, government, industry, nature conservation and education.

Hirudinea is a fairly small group of Annelida, with about 680 described species, most of which live in freshwater habitats, but several species are (sub)terrestrial or marine. In the Fauna Europaea database the taxon is represented by 87 species in 6 families. Two closely related groups, currently treated as distinct lineages within the Annelida, are the Acanthobdellea (2 species worldwide, of which 1 in Europe) and the Branchiobdellea (about 140 species worldwide, of which 10 in Europe). This paper includes a complete list of European taxa belonging to the Hirudinea, Acanthobdellea and Branchiobdellea. Recent research on a limited number of taxa suggests that our current appreciation of species diversity of Hirudinea in Europe is still provisional: on the one hand, cryptic, unrecognised taxa are expected to emerge; on the other, the status of some taxa currently treated as distinct species deserves revisiting.
Le rêve du travail. Sur Pôle emploi, ne quittez pas de Nora Philippe
Authors: Coccia Emanuele
Published: November 2014

Le chômage est une obsession nationale, et Pôle emploi est le lieu où l’on tente, envers et contre tout, de maintenir vivant le mythe du travail.
Biometric
Authors: Rawat Ajay , Gambhir Shivani
Published: November 2014

Cloud computing lacks control over physical and logical aspects of the system, which imposes profound changes in security and privacy procedure; hence, it needs a high level of security. Currently, many researchers and developments are being done to provide client service-level agreements regarding security issues. These researchers are attracted towards biometrics and its security applications, since it is based on biometric traits, thus providing a high level of security. Due to biometrics' benefits and cloud advantages, the collaboration of cloud and biometrics have open up wide areas this field. This chapter discusses some case studies of integration of biometrics and cloud computing.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention on Flow of Big Data Using Bacterial Foraging
Authors: Ahmad Khaleel , Kumar Gaurav , Wahid Abdul , Kirmani Mudasir M.
Published: November 2014

Rapid connectivity and exchange of information across the globe with extension of computer networks during the past decade has led to security threats in network communication and has become a critical concern for network management. It is necessary to retain high security measures to ensure safe and trusted communication across the network. Diverse soft-computing-based methods have been devised in the past for the perfection of intrusion detection systems on host-based and host-independent systems. This chapter discusses the flow-based anomaly detector for intrusion in network by self-learning process with characteristics of bacterial forging approach. This approach handles the network-flow and attack on network traffic in an automated fashion. This approach works on host-independent systems and on stream of network rather than payload length where data behavior of flow in network is analyzed. This model provides a cataloging of attacks and resistance mechanism techniques to avoid intrusion.
The Value Relevance of Accounting Information in Times of Crisis
Authors: Mion Lars , Georgakopoulos Georgios , Kalantonis Petros , Eriotis Nicolaos
Published: November 2014

The financial crisis started in 2007 with the credit crunch persists until today in the form of the European debt crisis. The main focus of this paper is the relevance of financial statements in determining firm market value in such times. The work contributes to this research stream as one of the earliest studies probing into the effects of the credit crunch and the euro-debt crises. This paper examines a sample of firm year observations from 2003 to 2011 of companies listed in the Amsterdam Euronext exchange. It focuses on the relation between market values and both book values and net income measures. The findings suggest that the combined explanatory power of the independent variables decreases in the years marked as crisis years. Net income leads to less value relevance high lighting the importance of book values. Incremental explanatory power of book values increases during the credit crunch, and decreases afterwards.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein α Negatively Regulates IFN-γ Expression in T Cells
Authors: Tanaka Shinya , Tanaka Kentaro , Magnusson Fay , Chung Yeonseok , Martinez Gustavo J. , Wang Yi-hong , Nurieva Roza I. , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Dong Chen
Published: November 2014

Humoral immunity, including Ab switching and somatic hypermutation, is critically regulated by CD4+ T cells. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells have been recently shown to be a distinct T cell subset important in germinal center reactions. The transcriptional regulation of Tfh cell development and function has not been well understood. In this study, we report that C/EBPα, a basic region/leucine zipper transcription factor, is highly expressed in Tfh cells. Cebpa-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibit enhanced IFN-γ expression in vitro and in vivo. T cell–specific Cebpa knockout mice, although not defective in Tfh cell generation, produce significantly increased levels of IgG2a/b and IgG3 following immunization with a protein Ag. Moreover, C/EBPα binds to the Ifng gene and inhibits T-bet–driven Ifng transcription in a DNA binding–dependent manner. Our study thus demonstrates that C/EBPα restricts IFN-γ expression in T cells to allow proper class switching by B cells.
Antibody to the gp120 V1/V2 Loops and CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses in Protection from SIVmac251 Vaginal Acquisition and Persistent Viremia
Authors: Gordon Shari N. , Doster Melvin N. , Kines Rhonda C. , Keele Brandon F. , Brocca-Cofano Egidio , Guan Yongjun , Pegu Poonam , Liyanage Namal P. M. , Vaccari Monica , Cuburu Nicolas , Buck Christopher B. , Ferrari Guido , Montefiori David , Piatak Michael , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Xenophontos Anastasia M. , Venzon David , Robert-Guroff Marjorie , Graham Barney S. , Lowy Douglas R. , Schiller John T. , Franchini Genoveffa
Published: November 2014

The human papillomavirus pseudovirions (HPV-PsVs) approach is an effective gene-delivery system that can prime or boost an immune response in the vaginal tract of nonhuman primates and mice. Intravaginal vaccination with HPV-PsVs expressing SIV genes, combined with an i.m. gp120 protein injection, induced humoral and cellular SIV-specific responses in macaques. Priming systemic immune responses with i.m. immunization with ALVAC-SIV vaccines, followed by intravaginal HPV-PsV–SIV/gp120 boosting, expanded and/or recruited T cells in the female genital tract. Using a stringent repeated low-dose intravaginal challenge with the highly pathogenic SIVmac251, we show that although these regimens did not demonstrate significant protection from virus acquisition, they provided control of viremia in a number of animals. High-avidity Ab responses to the envelope gp120 V1/V2 region correlated with delayed SIVmac251 acquisition, whereas virus levels in mucosal tissues were inversely correlated with antienvelope CD4+ T cell responses. CD8+ T cell depletion in animals with controlled viremia caused an increase in tissue virus load in some animals, suggesting a role for CD8+ T cells in virus control. This study highlights the importance of CD8+ cells and antienvelope CD4+ T cells in curtailing virus replication and antienvelope V1/V2 Abs in preventing SIVmac251 acquisition.
Principles for pastoral guidance to women on matters related to suicide
Authors: Du Plessis Amanda L.
Published: November 2014

According to SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) there are 23 suicides and 230 serious suicide attempts in South Africa every day. The dynamics of suicide is highly complex and there are no simple explanations or easy answers. The SADAG article shows that suicidal thoughts during times of crisis are much more common than the average person would care to admit. Believers are no exception. Suicide offers an inviting escape from difficult circumstances to a desperate person. As such, suicide confronts the pastoral counsellor with a stressful and terrifying challenge. This article explores pastoral principles that can help a counsellor provide guidance to women on matters related to suicide and offers information on suicide in three parts. The first part of the article investigates the implications of suicidal thoughts or attempts and the effect of an actual suicide on the people who remain behind. The second part examines how the church’s views on suicide have changed over the centuries. The third and final part applies the outcomes of the first two sections to offer guidelines for current-day pastoral guidance to women based on scientific research into the field of practical theology.Pastorale beginsels vir die begeleiding van vroue ten opsigte van selfmoord. Volgens SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) is daar daagliks 23 selfmoordgevalle en 230 ernstige selfmoordpogings in Suid-Afrika. Die dinamiek rondom selfmoord is hoogs kompleks en daar bestaan geen eenvoudige verduidelikings en maklike antwoorde hieromtrent nie. Die SADAG-artikel toon aan dat selfmoordgedagtes in krisistye baie meer algemeen is as wat die deursnee mens sou wou erken. Dit is ook geen uitsondering by gelowiges nie. Vir die desperate persoon kan dit selfs ’n aanloklike uitkoms in moeilike omstandighede wees. Vir die pastorale berader is hierdie kwessie ’n stresvolle en vreesaanjaende uitdaging. Hierdie artikel stel ondersoek in na pastorale beginsels wat van belang is vir die begeleiding van vroue ten opsigte van selfmoord, en bied inligting rondom die kwessie in drie dele aan. Eerstens is daar ’n ondersoek na die implikasies van selfmoordgedagtes en -pogings sowel as die effek van so ’n daad op die mense wat agterbly. Tweedens word die kerk se verskillende opvattings deur die eeue ten opsigte van selfmoord bespreek; en derdens word die bevindings van eersgenoemde twee dele aan die hand van wetenskaplike navorsing in die pastorale begeleiding aan vroue ondersoek.