bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Natural versus Synthetic Surfactant with SP-B and SP-C Analogs in a Porcine Model of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Salvesen Bodil , Curstedt Tore , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: December 2013

Background: Meconium displaces surfactant from the alveolar surface and inhibits its function. The development of active synthetic surfactants is complicated, especially to synthesize the hydrophobic surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C. A synthetic surfactant, CHF5633 containing SP-B and SP-C analogs, has been designed to act similarly to the natural surfactant poractant alfa. Objective: To test the resistance to meconium inactivation of CHF5633 compared to poractant alfa. Secondary outcome measurements were respiratory and inflammatory parameters. Methods: Twenty-six newborn pigs, bodyweight 1.4-2.0 kg were randomized to receive either poractant alfa or CHF5633. After anesthesia, surgery and final stabilization, meconium was instilled endotracheally followed by surfactant. Bronchial lavage fluid was obtained before intervention and every second hour. Respiratory parameters were registered and blood samples drawn before intervention and every hour. Results: Surfactant was inactivated in both groups 6 h after meconium instillation, but CHF5633 was more resistant than poractant alfa in terms of lipid peroxidation. Respiratory parameters were similar in both groups. Inflammatory and hemostatic parameters differed between groups, suggesting that the surfactants may play different roles in the meconium-induced inflammatory process. Due to the differential effects and complex pattern observed, the data do not indicate that one of the surfactants was superior with respect to inflammatory and hemostatic responses. Conclusion: This study indicates that CHF5633 is as efficient as poractant alfa in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome.
Principal Component Analysis of the Norwegian Version of the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia Scale
Authors: Mjørud Marit , Kirkevold Marit , Røsvik Janne , Engedal Knut
Published: December 2013

Aims: To investigate which factors the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale holds when used among people with dementia (pwd) in nursing homes and to find out how the symptom load varies across the different severity levels of dementia. Methods: We included 661 pwd [mean age ± SD, 85.3 ± 8.6 years; 71.4% women]. The QUALID and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale were applied. A principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization was applied to test the factor structure. Nonparametric analyses were applied to examine differences of symptom load across the three CDR groups. Results: The mean QUALID score was 21.5 (±7.1), and the CDR scores of the three groups were 1 in 22.5%, 2 in 33.6% and 3 in 43.9%. The results of the statistical measures employed were the following: Crohnbach's α of QUALID, 0.74; Bartlett's test of sphericity, p <0.001; the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure, 0.77. The PCA analysis resulted in three components accounting for 53% of the variance. The first component was ‘tension' (‘facial expression of discomfort', ‘appears physically uncomfortable', ‘verbalization suggests discomfort', ‘being irritable and aggressive', ‘appears calm', Crohnbach's α = 0.69), the second was ‘well-being' (‘smiles', ‘enjoys eating', ‘enjoys touching/being touched', ‘enjoys social interaction', Crohnbach's α = 0.62) and the third was ‘sadness' (‘appears sad', ‘cries', ‘facial expression of discomfort', Crohnbach's α 0.65). The mean score on the components ‘tension' and ‘well-being' increased significantly with increasing severity levels of dementia. Conclusion: Three components of quality of life (qol) were identified. Qol decreased with increasing severity of dementia.
New Genetic Abnormalities in Non-21α-Hydroxylase-Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Martin M. , Najera N. , Garibay N. , Malanco L.M. , Martinez T. , Rivera J. , Rivera M. , Queipo G.
Published: December 2013

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia comprises a group of autosomal recessive disorders of sexual differentiation and development that occur due to deficiencies in steroidogenic enzymes within the adrenal gland. Using clinical, biochemical, and sequencing data, we describe non-21α-hydroxylase deficiencies in 6 individuals from 4 families originating from endogamic regions in Mexico. Three individuals had 11β- hydroxylase deficiencies caused by 2 hitherto unreported mutations (P442L substitution and an 11-bp insertion in exon 5 of CYP11B1), while 3 individuals had 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiencies. Sequence-tagged site analysis of 8 individuals from 1 endogamic region suggested that the mutations likely occurred as a result of a founder effect. Although non-21α-hydroxylase enzymatic defects are rare in most populations, characterization of new mutations is important in order to understand the demographic, clinical, biochemical, and molecular variations that exist, and for both active and preventative management in individuals and their communities.
The Role of Physical Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease in the Presence of Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang I-Kuan , Tsai Min-Kuang , Liang Chih-Chia , Yen Tzung-Hai , Huang Chiu-Ching , Wen Sung-Feng , Wen Chi-Pang
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Although the effect of exercise on health is well established, nephrologists seldom consider physical activity in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or CKD in the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM/CKD). The aim of the present study was to analyze the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in DM/CKD. Methods: A total of 445,075 adult participants who underwent a medical screening program between 1996 and 2008 were prospectively recruited. Of these, 7,863 DM/CKD subjects were identified. Each participant was categorized according to LTPA level (a product of duration and intensity) as inactive, low-active or fully active. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality risk were calculated. Results: Fully active LTPA was associated with lower odds of DM/CKD development and lower risk of mortality among patients with DM/CKD in a dose-response relationship. The fully active and low-active DM/CKD groups had a 26% (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.85) and 13% (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.01) lower risk of all-cause mortality, respectively, in comparison to the inactive group. The association of exercise with mortality rate reduction was more pronounced among DM/CKD subjects (mortality rate reduction of 446.5 per 100,000 person-years) than among subjects with diabetes alone or CKD alone. Conclusion: Exercise, at the recommended level or more, is associated not only with lower odds of DM/CKD but also with a 26% lower mortality risk among DM/CKD patients. Nephrologists should encourage all DM/CKD subjects to be physically active.
A Case of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Successfully Treated with Eculizumab
Authors: Thajudeen Bijin , Sussman Amy , Bracamonte E.
Published: December 2013

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Eculizumab, a monoclonal complement C5 antibody which prevents the induction of the terminal complement cascade, has recently emerged as a therapeutic option for aHUS. We report a case of aHUS successfully treated with eculizumab. A 51-year-old male was admitted to the hospital following a mechanical fall. His past medical history was significant for rheumatic valve disease and mitral valve replacement; he was on warfarin for anticoagulation. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed a right-sided subdural hematoma due to coagulopathy resulting from a supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR). Following treatment with prothrombin complex concentrate to reverse the INR, urine output dropped and his serum creatinine subsequently increased to 247.52 µmol/l from the admission value of 70.72 µmol/l. Laboratory evaluation was remarkable for hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), low haptoglobin, and low complement C3. A renal biopsy was consistent with TMA, favoring a diagnosis of aHUS. Treatment with eculizumab was initiated which resulted in the stabilization of his hemoglobin, platelets, and LDH. Hemodialysis was terminated after 2.5 months due to improvement in urine output and solute clearance. The interaction between thrombin and complement pathway might be responsible for the pathogenesis of aHUS in this case. Eculizumab is an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of aHUS. Early targeting of the complement system may modify disease progression and thus treat aHUS more effectively.
Shared but overlooked: 30 species of Holarctic Microlepidoptera revealed by DNA barcodes and morphology
Authors: LANDRY JEAN-FRANÇOIS , NAZARI VAZRICK , DEWAARD JEREMY R. , MUTANEN MARKO , LOPEZ-VAAMONDE CARLOS , HUEMER PETER , HEBERT PAUL D.N.
Published: December 2013

This study reports 30 species of Lepidoptera previously known from either the Palearctic or the Nearctic that are newly recorded as Holarctic. For 28 of these species, their intercontinental distributions were initially detected through DNA barcode analysis and subsequently confirmed by morphological examination; two Palearctic species were first detected in North America through morphology and then barcoded. When possible, the origin and status of each species (introduced, overlooked Holarctic species, or unknowingly re-described) is discussed, and its morphology is diagnosed and illustrated. The species involved include Tineidae: Scardia amurensis Zagulajev, Triaxomera parasitella (Hübner), Nemapogon cloacella (Haworth), Elatobia montelliella (Schantz), Tinea svenssoni Opheim; Gracillariidae: Caloptilia suberinella (Tengström), Parornix betulae (Stainton); Phyllonorycter maestingella (Müller); Yponomeutidae: Paraswammerdamia albicapitella (Scharfenberg), P. conspersella (Tengström); Plutellidae: Plutella hyperboreella Strand; Lyonetiidae: Lyonetia pulverulentella Zeller; Autostichidae: Oegoconia deauratella (Herrich-Schäffer), O. novimundi (Busck); Blastobasidae: Blastobasis glandulella (Riley), B. maroccanella (Amsel), B. tarda Meyrick; Depressariidae: Agonopterix conterminella (Zeller), Depressaria depressana (F.); Coleophoridae: Coleophora atriplicis Meyrick, C. glitzella Hofmann, C. granulatella Zeller, C. texanella Chambers, C. vitisella Gregson; Scythrididae: Scythris sinensis (Felder & Rogenhofer); Gelechiidae: Altenia perspersella (Wocke), Gnorimoschema jalavai Povolný, Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom), Sophronia gelidella Nordman; Choreutidae: Anthophila fabriciana (L.); and Tortricidae: Phiaris bipunctana (F.). These cases of previously unrecognized faunal overlap have led to their redescription in several instances. Five new synonyms are proposed: Blastobasis glandulella (Riley, 1871) = B. huemeri Sinev, 1993, syn. nov.; B. tarda Meyrick, 1902 = Neoblastobasis ligurica Nel & Varenne, 2004, syn. nov.; Coleophora atriplicis Meyrick, 1928 = C. cervinella McDunnough, 1946, syn. nov.; C. texanella Chambers, 1878 = C. coxi Baldizzone & van der Wolf, 2007, syn. nov., and = C. vagans Walsingham, 1907, syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Blastobasis tarda Meyrick and Coleophora texanella Chambers. Type specimens were examined where pertinent to establish new synonymies. We identify 12 previously overlooked cases of species introductions, highlighting the power of DNA barcoding as a tool for biosurveillance.
Nonlinear Feedback in a Five-Dimensional Lorenz Model
Authors: Shen Bo-Wen
Published: December 2013

In this study, based on the number of modes, the original three-dimensional Lorenz model (3DLM) is generalized with two additional modes [five-dimensional Lorenz model (5DLM)] to examine their role in the predictability of the numerical solutions and to understand the underlying processes that increase the solution stability. As a result of the simplicity of the 5DLM with respect to existing generalized Lorenz models (LMs), the author is able to obtain the analytical solutions of its critical points and identify the role of the major nonlinear term in the solution’s stability, which have previously not been documented in the literature. The nonlinear Jacobian terms of the governing equations are analyzed to highlight the importance of selecting new modes for extending the nonlinear feedback loop of the 3DLM and thus effectively increasing the degree of nonlinearity (i.e., the nonlinear mode–mode interactions) in the 5DLM. It is then shown that numerical solutions in the 5DLM require a larger normalized Rayleigh number r for the onset of chaos and are more predictable than those in the 3DLM when r is between 25 and 40 and the Prandtl number σ is 10. The improved predictability is attributable to the negative nonlinear feedback enabled by the new modes. The role of the (negative) nonlinear feedback is further verified using a revised 3DLM with a parameterized nonlinear eddy dissipative term. The finding of the increased stability in the 5DLM and revised 3DLM with respect to the 3DLM is confirmed with the linear stability analysis and the analysis of the Lyapunov exponents using different values of r and σ. To further understand the impact of an additional heating term, results from the 5DLM and a higher-dimensional LM [e.g., the six-dimensional LM (6DLM)] are analyzed and compared.
An Environmental Wind Tunnel Facility for Testing Meteorological Sensor Systems
Authors: Holstein-Rathlou C. , Merrison J. , Iversen J. J. , Jakobsen A. B. , Nicolajsen R. , Nørnberg P. , Rasmussen K. , Merlone A. , Lopardo G. , Hudson T. , Banfield D. , Portyankina G.
Published: December 2013

Reliable and accurate environmental sensing is a cornerstone of modern meteorology. This paper presents a laboratory environmental simulator capable of reproducing extreme environments and performing tests and calibrations of meteorological sensor systems under controlled conditions. This facility is available to the research community as well as industry and is intended to encourage advancement in the field of sensor metrology applied to meteorology and climatology. Discussion will be made of the temperature, pressure, humidity and wind flow control, and sensing systems with reference to specific sensor test programs and future research activities.
Technology
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: December 2013

Flipping the classroom can be an effective instructional strategy for differentiating instruction for gifted and talented students. The author presents a rationale for using the strategy with gifted students, possible problems educators might encounter, and practical tips for beginning the process of flipping the classroom.
Danny’s Fight for Life
Authors: Tierney William G.
Published: December 2013

This article focuses on Danny, a low-income, first-generation college student living in Los Angeles, California, and the challenges he has faced in preparing for college. The author describes how Danny’s identity and “cultural flexibility” have aided him as he applied to college. Four themes dominate Danny’s life: his neighborhood, his father and family, school, and boxing and college. The author argues that better understanding such students might enable researchers and policymakers to create ideas for educational reform in a more cautious and meaningful manner. Life history is one way to gain a better understanding.
Becoming Ever More Monstrous
Authors: Nordmarken Sonny
Published: December 2013

In this autoethnography, I elaborate an analysis of interpersonal aspects of transgender life by narrating my everyday interactions living in a gender-ambiguous body as I begin a sexed transition from female to more masculine. I analyze my affective experiences in moments when I am in geographic and gendered transit, encountering social rejection, and connection. Analyzing my fundamentally relational transgender journey in light of the monster’s life in Shelley’s Frankenstein, I show how indignities I encounter in everyday life feel and how my transgender positionalities are complex. Following Susan Stryker, I proclaim “monstrosity” a tool of resistance and reconnection that can help us build connections across difference—that people of all genders might see ourselves in each other, and that, together, we might work against gender injustice and social distance, and toward a deeper kind of intimacy and freedom for us all.
Association of prediabetes by fasting glucose and/or haemoglobin A1c levels with subclinical atherosclerosis and impaired renal function: Observations from the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Xing Frank YF , Neeland Ian J , Gore M Odette , Ayers Colby R , Paixao Andre RM , Turer Aslan T , Berry Jarett D , Khera Amit , de Lemos James A , McGuire Darren K
Published: December 2013

Background:

Prediabetes defined by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) predicts incident diabetes, but their individual and joint associations with micro- and macro-vascular risk remain poorly defined.

Methods:

FPG, HbA1c, coronary artery calcium (CAC), carotid wall thickness, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured in adults free from prior diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Dallas Heart Study 2 (DHS-2), a population-based cohort study. Prediabetes was defined by FPG 100–125 mg/dL and/or HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse associations of HbA1c and/or FPG in the prediabetes range with subclinical atherosclerosis and renal measures.

Results:

The study comprised 2340 participants, median age = 49 years; 60% women and 50% black. Those with prediabetes were older (52 vs 48 years), more often men (63% vs 53%), black (53% vs 47%) and obese (58% vs 40%; p < 0.001 for each). Prediabetes was captured by FPG alone (43%), HbA1c alone (30%) or both (27%). Those with prediabetes by HbA1c or FPG versus normal HbA1c/FPG had more CAC [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–2.2], higher carotid wall thickness (1.32 vs 1.29 mm, p < 0.001), eGFR < 60 mL/min [OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.1–2.4)], UACR > 30 mg/dL [OR = 1.8 (95% CI = 1.2–2.7)] and a higher odds for the composite eGFR + UACR [chronic kidney disease (CKD) ≥ 2] [OR = 1.9 (95% CI = 1.5–2.6)]. After multivariable adjustment, none of these associations remained significant.

Conclusion:

Prediabetes defined by HbA1c and/or FPG criteria is crudely associated with markers of diabetic macro- and micro-vascular disease, but not after statistical adjustment, suggesting the relationships are attributable to other characteristics of the prediabetes population.
The FAt Spondyloarthritis Spine Score (FASSS): development and validation of a new scoring method for the evaluation of fat lesions in the spine of patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Pedersen Susanne Juhl , Zhao Zheng , Lambert Robert GW , Wichuk Stephanie , Østergaard Mikkel , Weber Ulrich , Maksymowych Walter P
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Studies have shown that fat lesions follow resolution of inflammation in the spine of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Fat lesions at vertebral corners have also been shown to predict development of new syndesmophytes. Therefore, scoring of fat lesions in the spine may constitute both an important measure of treatment efficacy as well as a surrogate marker for new bone formation. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new scoring method for fat lesions in the spine, the Fat SpA Spine Score (FASSS), which in contrast to the existing scoring method addresses the localization and phenotypic diversity of fat lesions in patients with axial SpA.

Methods

Fat lesions at pre-specified anatomical locations at each vertebral endplate (C2 lower-S1 upper) were assessed dichotomously (present/absent) on spine MRIs. Two readers independently evaluated MRIs obtained at two time points for 58 patients (Exercise 1), followed by optimization of scoring methodology and reader calibration. Thereafter, the same readers read 135 pairs of MRI scans (Exercise 2; including the 58 pairs from exercise 1 randomly mixed with 77 new pairs).

Results

In Exercise 2, the mean (SD) baseline FASSS score for the two readers was 22.5(29.6) and 21.1(28.0), respectively, and the FASSS change score was 4.2(10.6) and 6.0(12.2). Inter-reader reliability assessed as intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for status and change scores were excellent (0.96 (95% CI (0.94 to 0.97)) and very good (0.86 (0.80 to 0.90)), respectively. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was 3.7 for the 135 patients. Good reliability of change scores was also observed for MRI scans conducted one year apart (ICC 0.74 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.89) and SDC 4.5). For the 58 MRI-pairs assessed in both exercises, inter-reader reproducibility for the total FASSS status score improved from very good (ICCs: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.93) in exercise 1 to excellent in exercise 2 (0.96 (0.93 to 0.98)), and improved substantially for the total change score (from 0.67 (0.51 to 0.80) to 0.83 (0.73 to 0.90).

Conclusions

FASSS meets essential validation criteria for quantification of a common structural abnormality in clinical trials of axial spondyloarthritis.
High-mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products contribute to lung injury during Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia
Authors: Achouiti Ahmed , van der Meer Anne Jan , Florquin Sandrine , Yang Huan , Tracey Kevin J , van ’t Veer Cornelis , de Vos Alex F , van der Poll Tom
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus has emerged as an important cause of necrotizing pneumonia. Lung injury during S. aureus pneumonia may be enhanced by local release of damage associated molecular patterns such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In the current study we sought to determine the functional role of HMGB1 and its receptors, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), in the injurious host response to S. aureus pneumonia.

Methods

Pneumonia was induced in wild type (Wt), TLR4 deficient (tlr4
−/−
) and RAGE deficient (rage
−/−
) mice by intranasal inoculation of 1 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) of a USA300 S. aureus. In a separate set of experiments, Wt mice were injected intraperitoneally with a monoclonal anti-HMGB1 antibody or an isotype matched control antibody immediately before and every 24 hours after intranasal infection of S. aureus. Mice were sacrificed at 6, 24, 48 or 72 hours after infection for harvesting of blood and organs.

Results

S. aureus pneumonia was associated with HMGB1 release in the bronchoalveolar compartment peaking after 24 hours. Anti-HMGB1 attenuated lung pathology and protein leak and reduced interleukin-1β release 6 hours after infection, but not at later time points. RAGE deficiency more modestly attenuated lung pathology without influencing protein leak, while TLR4 deficiency did not impact on lung injury.

Conclusion

These data suggest that HMGB1 and RAGE, but not TLR4, contribute to lung injury accompanying the early phase of S. aureus pneumonia.
Population genomics of the endangered giant Galápagos tortoise
Authors: Loire Etienne , Chiari Ylenia , Bernard Aurélien , Cahais Vincent , Romiguier Jonathan , Nabholz Benoît , Lourenço Joao Miguel , Galtier Nicolas
Published: December 2013

Background

The giant Galápagos tortoise, Chelonoidis nigra, is a large-sized terrestrial chelonian of high patrimonial interest. The species recently colonized a small continental archipelago, the Galápagos Islands, where it has been facing novel environmental conditions and limited resource availability. To explore the genomic consequences of this ecological shift, we analyze the transcriptomic variability of five individuals of C. nigra, and compare it to similar data obtained from several continental species of turtles.

Results

Having clarified the timing of divergence in the Chelonoidis genus, we report in C. nigra a very low level of genetic polymorphism, signatures of a weakened efficacy of purifying selection, and an elevated mutation load in coding and regulatory sequences. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of an extremely low long-term effective population size in this insular species. Functional evolutionary analyses reveal a reduced diversity of immunity genes in C. nigra, in line with the hypothesis of attenuated pathogen diversity in islands, and an increased selective pressure on genes involved in response to stress, potentially related to the climatic instability of its environment and its elongated lifespan. Finally, we detect no population structure or homozygosity excess in our five-individual sample.

Conclusions

These results enlighten the molecular evolution of an endangered taxon in a stressful environment and point to island endemic species as a promising model for the study of the deleterious effects on genome evolution of a reduced long-term population size.
Tamboatá: expandindo a festa
Authors: Dias Pedro Ivo Rogedo Costa
Published: December 2013

Os sócios de uma casa noturna de muito sucesso em Itaipava, na região serrana do Rio de Janeiro, discutem a viabilidade e oportunidade de expandir o negócio para outras cidades. DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv3n2c6http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv3n2c6
O fortalecimento da rede de economia solidária do Montanhão (Notas de ensino)
Authors: Gattai Silvia
Published: December 2013

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv3n2n13http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv3n2n13
Tamboatá: expandindo a festa (Notas de ensino)
Authors: Dias Pedro Ivo Rogedo Costa
Published: December 2013

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv3n2n6http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv3n2n6
illuminaio: An open source IDAT parsing tool for Illumina microarrays
Authors: Smith Mike L , Baggerly Keith A. , Bengtsson Henrik , Ritchie Matthew E. , Hansen Kasper D.
Published: December 2013

The IDAT file format is used to store BeadArray data from the myriad of genomewide profiling platforms on offer from Illumina Inc. This proprietary format is output directly from the scanner and stores summary intensities for each probe-type on an array in a compact manner. A lack of open source tools to process IDAT files has hampered their uptake by the research community beyond the standard step of using the vendor’s software to extract the data they contain in a human readable text format. To fill this void, we have developed the illuminaio package that parses IDAT files from any BeadArray platform, including the decryption of files from Illumina’s gene expression arrays. illuminaio provides the first open-source package for this task, and will promote wider uptake of the IDAT format as a standard for sharing Illumina BeadArray data in public databases, in the same way that the CEL file serves as the standard for the Affymetrix platform.
Low-Pressure Discharge Plasma Inactivation of Salmonella Typhymurium and Sanitation of Egg
Authors: Mok Chulkyoon , Song Dong-Myung
Published: December 2013

Low-pressure discharge plasmas (LPDP) using different gases were compared for their microbial inactivation effects against Salmonella Typhimurium, and their potentialities as a non-thermal sanitation technology of eggs were evaluated. The inactivation was highest in air LPDP followed by oxygen and nitrogen. The reductions in S. Typhimurium by air LPDP were 4 and 6 log by 2 and 5 min treatments, respectively. The inactivation effect against S. Typhimurium was somewhat retarded on the egg shell surface compared to glass surface showing 3 log reductions by 5 min treatment. The increase in surface temperature of egg shell was less than 10°C and no denaturation in both egg white and yolk was induced by the LPDP treatment. The results supported the possibility of the technology for the non-thermal egg sanitation.
Impact of Dietary Fibers from Various Source in Wheat Flour Gel Model: Aspect of Suitability of Processing and In Vitro Starch Digestibility
Authors: Lee Hong Im , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Bae In Young
Published: December 2013

Wheat flour in a gel model was replaced with dietary fibers from various sources (oat, pea, potato, and wheat) in order to investigate their baking quality and in vitro starch digestibility. Then their hydration properties and solvent retention capacities (SRC) were measured. Over all, the gels with dietary fibers experienced increased water absorption index, swelling power, and SRC values, while water solubility decreased dose-dependently. The storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") of the wheat flour gel increased by the addition of pea and potato fibers but decreased by oat and wheat fibers. The wheat flour gels with dietary fibers showed considerable decreases in the amount of released glucose. Also wheat flour replacement with dietary fibers lowered RDS and increased RS. Among SRC values, water and sucrose showed significant positive correlations with TDF and IDF. The contents of TDF, IDF, and SDF were highly correlated with RS (positive) and pGI (negative). Specially, for lowering starch digestibility, TDF and IDF were more important factors than SDF.
Studies on the Nutrient Contents of Main Dishes Depending on the Amount of Cooking
Authors: Kim Kyung-Mi , Park Hye Young , Jin Ho Jun , Kim Gi Chang , Kim Jin Sook
Published: December 2013

The nutritional information of ingredients only shows an analysis of the nutrient contents before cooking and changes of the nutrients during preparation are not considered. Therefore, changes in the quantity of nutrients in dishes depend on the amount of cooking. Nine main dishes were selected and their proximate compositions, minerals, and vitamins were analyzed of them in 4 and 100 people amounts of cooking. There were differences of nutrient contents depending on how the various main dishes were cooked. In general, protein, lipid, and ash contents were similar but there were differences between the uncooked and cooked conditions of certain main dishes in terms of some mineral and vitamin contents. The mineral and vitamin contents of the main dishes were different depending on the amount of cooking. Furthermore, it would be desirable to investigate differences of nutrient contents between large scale and small scale meal preparation of various main and side dishes
Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico (CAF) en una muestra de estudiantes chilenos
Authors: Navas Martínez Leandro , Soriano Llorca José Antonio , Holgado Tello Francisco Pablo
Published: December 2013

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio es comprobar si se mantiene la estructura de seis dimensiones del Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico y valorar sus cualidades psicométricas con alumnado chileno.Método. Han participado 1767 estudiantes, 45.8% chicos y 54.2% chicas, con una edad media de 18.39 años, procedentes de las regiones centro y sur de Chile. Se han realizado análisis factoriales confirmatorios, de fiabilidad y de discriminación.Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el modelo teórico se ajusta adecuadamente a los datos y que se reproduce la estructura factorial propuesta, siendo los factores fiables, lo que es una prueba de la validez de constructo del cuestionario.Discusión y Conclusiones El Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico se muestra útil para la evaluación del autoconcepto físico del alumnado de Chile. Además, parece que existe una estructura de orden superior con factores de segundo orden que darían cuenta de los de primer orden
Aprender a Convivir. Un programa para la mejora de la competencia social del alumnado de Educación Infantil y Primaria
Authors: Alba Corredor Guadalupe , Justicia-Arráez Ana , Pichardo Martínez M. Carmen , Justicia Justicia Fernando
Published: December 2013

Los problemas de conducta son una realidad constatada en las aulas. Se confirma, por una parte, que las edades en las que aparecen son cada vez más tempranas y, por otra, que no existen intervenciones que garanticen la disminución de este tipo de conductas, dirigidas a la población infantil. Tanto las investigaciones como las evidencias previas al respecto ponen de manifiesto la relevancia de trabajar la competencia social con el alumnado de Educación Infantil y Primaria como factor de protección frente a los problemas de conducta. Frente a este problema social y educativo, países norteamericanos y europeos han dado respuesta a través de la inclusión en el curriculum de programas de prevención universal que garantizan el aprendizaje de la competencia social en las escuelas.En este sentido, el programa Aprender a Convivir, pionero en este ámbito, pretende ser una intervención innovadora y preventiva que favorece el óptimo desarrollo de conductas prosociales en niños y niñas de tres a siete años. A través de la inclusión de contenidos tales como normas, sentimientos y emociones, empatía, habilidades de comunicación, habilidades de interacción personal, asertividad o resolución de conflictos, entre otros, se favorece el aprendizaje de la competencia social a la vez que se reducen los problemas de conducta. Hecho que, a largo plazo, garantiza la prevención del comportamiento antisocial.La presente aportación pretende, por un lado, poner de manifiesto la importancia de trabajar desde las escuelas la competencia social y, por otro, dar a conocer el programa Aprender a Convivir, una propuesta educativa implementada en diferentes ciudades españolas (Granada, Zaragoza) además de en otros países de habla hispana (Bolivia, República Dominicana), que ha obtenido resultados significativos para el aprendizaje de la competencia social y la reducción de problemas de conducta.
Hybrid-Strategy Attacks in Collaborative Spectrum Sensing of Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Yao Junnan , Wu Qihui , Wang Jinlong
Published: December 2013

Byzantine attacks in collaborative spectrum sensing (CSS) systems of cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is a critical threat and has attracted considerable attention. However, in existing works, attacking strategies are generally modeled in a simple way, i.e., Single-Strategy, and the attackers can be detected easily. In practical CRNs, Byzantine attackers could be more sophisticated, and they could adjust their malicious actions according to the actions of normal nodes. In this paper, we propose a new type of attacks, i.e., Hybrid-Strategy attacks (HSAs), which are more flexible and destructive than Single-Strategy attacks. We analyze the properties of proposed HSAs and the limitations of existing attacker-detection methods when they encounter HSAs. Furthermore, we prove that the HSAs can avoid being detected by existing distance based detection algorithms when they evolve into stealthy attacks.
Compact LPF Using T-shaped Resonator
Authors: Sariri H. , Rahmani Z. , Lalbakhsh A. , Majidifar S.
Published: December 2013

A novel microstrip lowpass filter based on a T-shaped resonator is proposed in this paper that presents wide stopband and compact size. A method of scaling is applied to and studied on the proposed resonator in order to tune its response parameters. To achieve wide stopband, a suppressing cell is designed and connected in series form to the resonator. The resulting filter is then fabricated and measured. Simulated and measured results of the proposed filter verify its advantages over those presented in the references in terms of stopband-width and physical size.
Sickle cell disease and pregnancy outcomes: population-based study on 8.8 million births
Authors: Alayed Nada , Kezouh Abbas , Oddy Lisa , Abenhaim Haim A.
Published: December 2013

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy, and to measure risk factors, morbidity, and mortality among women with SCD with and without crisis at the time of birth.

Methods: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study on all births in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from 1999 to 2008. Births to SCD with and without crisis were identified using ICD-9 codes. Adjusted effects of risk factors and outcomes were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Effect of hemoglobin variants among women with SCD was analyzed as a predictor of crisis.

Results: There were 4262 births to women with SCD for an overall prevalence of 4.83 per 10,000 deliveries. 28.5% of women with SCD developed crisis at the time of delivery. The maternal mortality rate was 1.6 per 1000 deliveries in women with SCD, compared to 0.1 per 1000 in women without SCD. Pregnant women with SCD had a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, eclampsia, venous thromboembolism, cardiomyopathy, intrauterine fetal demise, and intrauterine growth restriction. Cesarean delivery rates were higher in women with SCD. Among the 1898 SCD women with identified hemoglobin variants, homozygous SS was the greatest risk factor for sickle cell crisis, accounting for 89.8% of all women who developed crisis.

Conclusion: Pregnant women with SCD have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Developing acute sickle cell crisis worsened perinatal outcomes.
The impact of thyroid function in women at the reproductive age: infertility, pregnancy and the postpartum period
Authors: Speer Gábor
Published: December 2013

This article reviews the management and diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum, which was published by any of the endocrine societies in 2012. The author presents human data based on these clinical practice guidelines, however, there are also many unresolved questions. Especially, there are inconsistencies about screening using plasma TSH measurement. In pregnancy the main causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’s disease and gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. Generally, gestational transient thyrotoxicosis does not require medication, whereas Graves’s disease needs antithyroid drug therapy. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs more frequently in antithyroid peroxidase-positive women, who should be screened using serum thyrotropin measurements at 6 to 12 gestation weeks and at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Because overt maternal hypothyroidism, due to autoimmune pathophysioloical mechanisms, negatively affects the fetus, timely recognition and treatment are important. The subclinical form of maternal hypothyroidism should also be treated. A link between thyroid dysfunction and infertility has been warranted. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154(51), 2017–2023.
The “blue man”
Authors: Lakatos Gergely , Nádházi Zoltán , Igaz Péter , Rácz Károly
Published: December 2013

The authors present the case of a 63-year-old man who was evaluated for symptoms of lung fibrosis, blue face and epithelopathy affecting both eyes. All these symptoms could be attributed to the adverse effects of amiodarone. Thyroid disorders, which are the most common side-effects of amiodarone treatment were absent. The authors want to draw attention to the potential side effects of amiodarone. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154(51), 2043–2047.
Diamond Dielectrics for Advanced Wakefield Accelerators
Authors: Zuo Stanley S. , Butler James E. , Pate Bradford B. , Antipov Sergey P. , Kanareykin Alexei , Jing Chunguang
Published: December 2013

Diamond was investigated as one of the superior dielectric materials for advanced wakefield accelerators. Both planar and cylindrical wakefield accelerating structures were constructed. An AsTex microwave plasma-enhanced CVD system was modified for synthesis of cylindrical polycrystalline diamond tubes. Cylindrical diamond tubes were successfully synthesized from hydrogen and methane and are characterized with micro Raman, photoluminescence spectroscopy and optical tests. In addition, planar wakefield structures were constructed from commercially available diamond. Wakefield tests on a rectangular diamond structure confirm that diamond can sustain microwave electric field strengths of 0.3 GV/m at its surface without material breakdown.
Reactive Template-Induced Self-Assembly to Ordered Mesoporous Polymer and Carbon
Authors: Liang Yeru , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: December 2013

As an important method for preparing ordered mesoporous polymer and carbon, organic template directed self-assembly is facing challenges because of the weak non-covalent interactions between the organic templates and the building blocks. Herein we developed a novel synthetic procedure based on a reactive template-induced self-assembly to construct ordered mesoporous framework. The aldehyde end-group of reactive template can react with the building blocks (i.e., resol) to form a stable covalent bond during the self-assembly process. This leads to an enhanced interaction between resol and template and thus achieves the formation of ordered mesostructure.
A produção de dados para o Sistema de Informação do Pré-Natal em unidades básicas de saúde
Authors: Lima Aline Pinto de , Corrêa Áurea Christina de Paula
Published: December 2013

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar o processo de produção de dados para o SISPRENATAL em Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Cuiabá, MT, Brasil. Um estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo foi desenvolvido em oito unidades da Coordenadoria da Atenção Básica por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais que trabalham com o SISPRENATAL (enfermeiros, médicos, gestores e digitador) e análise documental comparativa entre os dados do sistema e os prontuários. A análise dos dados revelou inexistência de definição da participação da equipe na produção dos dados e modos diversos de preenchimento das fichas do sistema. O conhecimento dos profissionais sobre muitos aspectos das fichas foi divergente, o preenchimento das fichas foi feito de modo inadequado e foram verificadas falhas no sistema informatizado. Medidas como a capacitação dos profissionais, a revisão do sistema e de suas fichas são indispensáveis para a produção de informações fidedignas sobre a assistência pré-natal no município.
Creation and validation of an instrument to identify nursing activities in pediatric wards: information for determining workload
Authors: Santos Nanci Cristiano , Fugulin Fernanda Maria Togeiro
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument for identifying nursing activities performed in a pediatric ward and to provide a basis for defining the workload of these units. The instrument was developed by selecting the activities relevant to pediatric nursing from the Nursing Intervention Classification and then submitting them to a panel of judges for validation. The panel considered the selected activities relevant and representative of pediatric nursing practice. Now that representative activities for the nursing workload have been identified, we envision new studies to verify their usefulness in practice. Determining the amount of time each activity takes to perform will help to develop a system for measuring the workloads of nursing teams in pediatric wards.
The discourse of health managers on aspects related to the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis
Authors: Sa Lenilde Duarte de , Barreto Anne Jaquelyne Roque , Nogueira Jordana de Almeida , Cunha Fatima Teresinha Scarparo , Palha Pedro Fredemir , Villa Tereza Cristina Scatena
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the discourse of health managers on aspects related to delay in tuberculosis diagnosis. This was a qualitative research study, conducted with 16 Family Health Unit managers. The empirical data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework of the French school of discourse analysis. According to the managers’ statements, the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis is related to patient and health service aspects. As for patient aspects, managers report fear, prejudice and lack of information as factors that may promote a delayed diagnosis. Regarding health service aspects, structural problems and lack of professional skills were reported. The discourse of managers should be considered to qualify tuberculosis control actions and to prevent delays in diagnosis.
Attitudes, knowledge, and opinions regarding mental health among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Santos Sonia da Silva , Soares Marcos Hirata , Hirata Andreia Goncalves Pestana
Published: December 2013

A cross-sectional study involving 235 subjects was conducted in 2011 to compare the opinions of nursing students regarding mental illness and related care practices at two institutions in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Following approval by the ethics committee, data collection was initiated using an instrument containing questions regarding the importance of personal characteristics, knowledge of mental health, and the Opinions about Mental Illness (OMI) scale. Statistical analyses, including the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-squared test, and Spearman correlation at , were performed using SPSSv.15. The students exhibited significantly different characteristics only for Benevolence. Regarding the importance of knowledge about mental health, in comparison with students from the State University of Londrina (Universidade Estadual de Londrina – UEL), students at the State University of Maringa (Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM) considered psychological aspects more comprehensively than technical knowledge. We conclude that there are differences between students at these institutions in terms of knowledge and the factor Benevolence. Further studies are necessary to identify the underlying causes of such differences.
Ecological determinants of clinal morphological variation in the cranium of the North American gray wolf
Authors: O'Keefe F. Robin , Meachen Julie , Fet Elizabeth V. , Brannick Alexandria
Published: December 2013

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) exhibits both genetic and morphologic clinal variation across North America. Although shape variation in wolf populations has been documented, no study has been made to exhaustively quantify it, or to correlate morphologic variation with environmental variables. This study utilizes a large historical database of wolf skull linear measurements to analyze shape, and attempts to correlate it with wolf ecology. A variety of statistical tests are employed; size and shape are examined through a principal component analysis and a calculation of allometry vectors. Multiple regression analysis (both global and stepwise) are then used to test the resulting principal components against various biotic and abiotic factors. In addition, the effects of sexual dimorphism and taxonomy on morphology are explored through 1-way analysis of variance and canonical variates analysis, respectively. Several patterns are revealed, including size increase with latitude in accord with Bergmann's rule. Static allometry is significant, the fundamental pattern being a decrease in the robusticity of the basicranium relative to the viscerocranium. Sexual dimorphism, allometry, and a correlation with precipitation are other key factors driving morphological variation. Examination of these patterns has allowed us to make conclusions about the direct and indirect ways the environment has affected clinal variation in wolves.
A seasonal, density‐dependent model for the management of an invasive weed
Authors: Shyu Esther , Pardini Eleanor A. , Knight Tiffany M. , Caswell Hal
Published: December 2013

The population effects of harvest depend on complex interactions between density dependence, seasonality, stage structure, and management timing. Here we present a periodic nonlinear matrix population model that incorporates seasonal density dependence with stage‐selective and seasonally selective harvest. To this model, we apply newly developed perturbation analyses to determine how population densities respond to changes in harvest and demographic parameters. We use the model to examine the effects of popular control strategies and demographic perturbations on the invasive weed garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). We find that seasonality is a major factor in harvest outcomes, because population dynamics may depend significantly on both the season of management and the season of observation. Strategies that reduce densities in one season can drive increases in another, with strategies giving positive sensitivities of density in the target seasons leading to compensatory effects that invasive species managers should avoid. Conversely, demographic parameters to which density is very elastic (e.g., seeding survival, second‐year rosette spring survival, and the flowering to fruiting adult transition for maximum summer densities) may indicate promising management targets.