bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies delivered at late-preterm versus term gestation based on chorionicity and indication for delivery
Authors: Sung Ji-Hee , Kim Soo Hyun , Kim Yoo-Min , Kim Ji-Hye , Kim Mi-Na , Lee Hye Ran , Lee Hye-Jung , Lee Eun-Jung , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-young , Roh Cheong-Rae , Kim Jong-Hwa
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To investigate the neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies delivered at late-preterm versus term gestation based on chorionicity and indication for delivery.

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study of women with twin pregnancies delivered at ≥34 weeks of gestation from 1995 to 2014. Subjects were categorized into two groups according to gestational age at delivery: late-preterm group (34–36 weeks) and term group (≥37 weeks). Neonatal outcome measures including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, mechanical ventilator support, and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were compared between the late-preterm and term group based on chorionicity (monochorionic or dichorionic) and delivery indication (elective or non-elective).

Results:

A total of 1198 twin pregnancies were included in the study: 679 in the late-preterm group and 519 in the term group. Late-preterm twin infants had higher rates of NICU admission, mechanical ventilator support, and RDS than did term twin infants, regardless of the chorionicity and indication for delivery. In the multivariable analysis, late-preterm birth, monochorionicity, and non-elective delivery were independently associated with a significantly higher risk of NICU admission and mechanical ventilator support.

Conclusion:

The late-preterm birth was associated with a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcome regardless of chorionicity and indication for delivery, and showed significantly increased risk by monochorionicity and non-elective delivery.
Hematological Importance of Pseudoeosinophilic Granulocytes in Acclimation of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Suljević Damir , Martinović-Jukić Adelaida , Fočak Muhamed , Alijagić Andi , Rukavina Dunja , Zahirović Amir
Published: November 2016

Adaptation mechanisms as response to water content, oxygen level and pollutants are very important and they can be interpreted by hematological analysis. The aim of this study was the analysis of hematological and immune adaptations of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) to thermal stress. All specimens were divided into a control and experimental group. The control group of fish was exposed to a constant water temperature of 10°C. We induced thermal stress in experimental fish by gradually heating water to 28°C, held for 30 minutes and then comparing the obtained results with the control fish. Short-term hyperthermia lead to an increase of the number of leukocytes, especially pseudoeosinophilic granulocytes and monocytes, while the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes was reduced. The analysis of the leukocyte number and differential blood count in the control group showed high individual variation of segmented granulocytes, monocytes and pseudoeosinophilic granulocytes. Statistically significant differences (p=0.00) were found for the white blood cells, nonsegmented neutrophils and pseudoeosinophils between the control and experimental group. The experimental group of males had an increased number of white blood cells, monocytes and pseudoeosinophils, where significant differences were found for nonsegmented and total neutrophils and also for pseudoeosinophils (p=0.00), lymphocytes (p=0.01) and monocytes (p=0.03). Females had an increased total number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and pseudoeosinophils, while significant differences (p=0.00) were obtained in the number of white blood cells, nonsegmented and total neutrophils and pseudoeosinophils between the control and experimental group. Adaptation mechanisms in carp after water temperature heating are mostly reflected in the increase of pseudoeosinophils and the decrease of neutrophils.
Spin-dependent optics with metasurfaces
Authors: Xiao Shiyi , Wang Jiarong , Liu Fu , Zhang Shuang , Yin Xiaobo , Li Jensen
Published: November 2016

Optical spin-Hall effect (OSHE) is a spin-dependent transportation phenomenon of light as an analogy to its counterpart in condensed matter physics. Although being predicted and observed for decades, this effect has recently attracted enormous interests due to the development of metamaterials and metasurfaces, which can provide us tailor-made control of the light-matter interaction and spin-orbit interaction. In parallel to the developments of OSHE, metasurface gives us opportunities to manipulate OSHE in achieving a stronger response, a higher efficiency, a higher resolution, or more degrees of freedom in controlling the wave front. Here, we give an overview of the OSHE based on metasurface-enabled geometric phases in different kinds of configurational spaces and their applications on spin-dependent beam steering, focusing, holograms, structured light generation, and detection. These developments mark the beginning of a new era of spin-enabled optics for future optical components.
Crystal structure of bis(2,6-dihydroxymethyl)pyridine-κ3
N,O,O′)-bis(μ2-6-chloropyridin-2-olato-κ3
N,O:O)-bis(6-chloropyridin-2-olato-κO)-bis(nitrato-κ2
O,O′)digadolinium(III), C34H30Cl4Gd2N8O14
Authors: Youzhu Yu , Yuhua Guo , Liguo Yang , Yongsheng Niu
Published: November 2016

C34H30Cl4Gd2N8O14, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.9118(5) Å, b = 20.7857(11) Å, c = 11.7642(6) Å, β = 100.677(2)°, V = 2141.4(2) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0245, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1057, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of (Z)-6-methoxy-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one, C12H6F6O3
Authors: Xing DongYe , Hou YanJun , Chu WenYi , Sun ZhiZhong
Published: November 2016

C12H6F6O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.433(1) Å, b = 15.567(2) Å, c = 7.682(1) Å, β = 102.83(1)°, V =1099.95(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0433, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1264, T = 293 K.
Charles Taylor and the Political Recognition
of Difference as a Resource for Theological
Reflection on Religious Recognition
Authors: Ryan Gerard
Published: November 2016

This paper argues for a wider presentation of the term ‘recognition’ that includes ‘religion’ as a
dimension of recognition. Toward this end, the author draws on the Canadian philosopher, Charles Taylor,
who considered whether religion might be a supportive context for the promotion of recognition. Recognition
for Taylor includes recognition not only of sameness, but, significantly, recognition of difference. As the
author of this paper highlights, Taylor’s argument for recognition of difference is an important resource in
any theological reflection on the possibility of religious recognition.
The Influence of Patient-related Constutional and Environmental Factors on Early Results of a Combined Modality Therapy of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Pudło Kamil , Błotniak Alan , Skoczylas Tomasz , Dąbrowski Andrzej , Szawłowski Andrzej , Kozłowski Mirosław , Lampe Paweł , Wallner Grzegorz
Published: November 2016

Among many various factors affecting the outcome of cancer treatment one can distinguish patient, tumor- and treatment-related factors. The association of patient-related factors and results of a combined modality therapy of esophageal cancer has not been extensively explored.

was to analyze the impact of patient-related constitutional and environmental factors on early results of combined modality therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of 84 patients with esophageal cancer randomly assigned to a combined modality treatment. We evaluated the relationship between early outcome of neoadjuvant therapy (overall toxic events, serious toxic events, treatment-related mortality, clinical and pathological response to the treatment) or surgical treatment (postoperative morbidity, mortality and curative resections – R0) and constitutional (age, gender, height, body mass index, Karnofski Performance Status – KPS, blood type) or environmental (inhabitation, smoking duration and intensity, frequency and amount of alcohol consumption and occupational exposure) patient-related factors.

Significantly more neoadjuvant therapy related deaths were found in patients with KPS 70-80 (p=0.0016). Interestingly, significantly more toxic events (p=0.0034) after neoadjuvant therapy and a higher postoperative morbidity rate (p=0.0293) were observed in nonsmokers. Similarly, significantly more toxic events (p=0.0029) after neoadjuvant therapy and a higher postoperative mortality rate (p=0.0405) were found in light drinkers.

Smoking and consumption of excessive amount of alcohol may attenuate toxic effect of neoadiuvant and surgical therapy in patients treated due to esophageal cancer. The information regarding the mentioned above addictions should not result in giving up an attempt to provide a curative treatment.
Constructal Analysis of Thermal Flows in Electrical Machines
Authors: Vasile N. , Vasile Floarea , Chirescu Ramona , Fidel N.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents an analysis of how the constructal theory could be applied to construction in optimizing the mass and volume of electrical machines, taking as essential fluid flow of heat produced by the energy losses developed within them.
Evaluation of Binarization Algorithms in Preprocessing of Digital Mammographies
Authors: Tene B. , Puchianu D.C. , Angelescu Nicoleta
Published: November 2016

Digital mammograms are a useful tool for breast cancer detection. The quality of digital mammogram image can have a negative effect on the computer-aided diagnosis system. We investigate the use of automatic image thresholding methods for microcalcification detection in mammographic images. Experimental results on the BI-RADS 4 images dataset confirm the proposed approach.
Flux Weakening Optimal Control of the Three-Phase Induction Motor
Authors: Dache C. R. , Rosu E. , Gaiceanu M. , Paduraru R. , Munteanu T. , Frangopol G.
Published: November 2016

This paper illustrates the importance of control on energy saving opportunity in electrical drives systems. The paper’s objective is to develop an optimal control law for a variable flux drive systems with induction machines. The optimal control provides dynamic regimes with minimum input energy and performs the minimization of the copper losses from induction motor. The solution of the problem uses optimal control theory and the numerical integration of the matrix Riccati differential equation. The synthesis of the optimal energetic control law is accomplished by comparing, via simulation, the two control methods: conventional and optimal.
Numerical analysis of road pavement thermal deformability, based on Biot viscoelastic model of porous medium
Authors: Bartlewska-Urban Monika , Zombroń Marek , Strzelecki Tomasz
Published: November 2016

The following study presents numerical calculations for establishing the impact of temperature changes on the process of distortion of bi-phase medium represented using Biot consolidation equations with Kelvin–Voigt rheological skeleton presented, on the example of thermo-consolidation of a pavement of expressway S17. We analyzed the behavior of the expressway under the action of its own weight, dynamic load caused by traffic and temperature gradient. This paper presents the application of the Biot consolidation model with the Kelvin–Voigt skeleton rheological characteristics and the influence of temperature on the deformation process is taken into account. A three-dimensional model of the medium was created describing the thermal consolidation of a porous medium. The 3D geometrical model of the area under investigation was based on data obtained from the land surveying and soil investigation of a 200 m long section of the expressway and its shoulders.
Durability of crystalline phase in concrete microstructure modified by the mineral powders: evaluation by nanoindentation tests
Authors: Rajczakowska Magdalena , Łydżba Dariusz
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the nanoindentation investigation of the evolution of concrete microstructure modified by the Internal Crystallization Technology mineral powders. The samples under study were retrieved from a fragment of a circular concrete lining of the vertical mine shaft at a depth of approximately 1,000 m. Due to the aggressive environment and exposure to contaminated water, the internal surface of the structure was deteriorated, decreasing its strength significantly. The mineral powders were applied directly on the surface lining. The specimens were investigated one month, three months and one year after the application of the aforementioned substance in order to verify the time dependence of the strengthening processes and durability of the crystalline phase. The microstructural changes of concrete were assessed with the use of nanoindentation technique. The testing procedure involved including the previously cut specimens in the epoxy resin and grinding and polishing in order to reduce the surface roughness. As a result of the nanoindentation tests the hardness as well as Young’s modulus of the material were evaluated. The results were then compared and statistically analyzed. As a consequence, the disintegration time of the crystalline network in the pores of concrete was identified.
Tunnel support design by comparison of empirical and finite element analysis of the Nahakki tunnel in mohmand agency, pakistan
Authors: Riaz Asif , Jamil Syed Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Akhtar Kamran
Published: November 2016

The paper analyses the geological conditions of study area, rock mass strength parameters with suitable support structure propositions for the under construction Nahakki tunnel in Mohmand Agency. Geology of study area varies from mica schist to graphitic marble/phyllite to schist. The tunnel ground is classified and divided by the empisical classification systems like Rock mass rating (RMR), Q system (Q), and Geological strength index (GSI). Tunnel support measures are selected based on RMR and Q classification systems. Computer based finite element analysis (FEM) has given yet another dimension to design approach. FEM software Phase2 version 7.017 is used to calculate and compare deformations and stress concentrations around the tunnel, analyze interaction of support systems with excavated rock masses and verify and check the validity of empirically determined excavation and support systems.
Preliminary calculation of irregular triguy mast support
Authors: Rykaluk Kazimierz
Published: November 2016

The instantaneous tangential rigidity (corresponding to the applied horizontal load) of a triguy support with unequal ropes is determined. The differences between the ropes can be due to the different location, both horizontal and vertical, of their anchoring foundations and to the different types of ropes used. The horizontal rigidity of such a support has no general axis of symmetry. Therefore a formula for this rigidity in any direction and a formula for extreme rigidity angles are given in this paper. A notion of the guy’s eigenvalue, standing for the initial tension force above which the guy participates effectively in the support’s rigidity, is introduced. A numerical example is provided.
Recovery of microstructure properties: random variability of soil solid thermal conductivity
Authors: Stefaniuk Damian , Różański Adrian , Łydżba Dariusz
Published: November 2016

In this work, the complex microstructure of the soil solid, at the microscale, is modeled by prescribing the spatial variability of thermal conductivity coefficient to distinct soil separates. We postulate that the variation of thermal conductivity coefficient of each soil separate can be characterized by some probability density functions: fCl
(λ), fSi
(λ), fSa
(λ), for clay, silt and sand separates, respectively. The main goal of the work is to recover/identify these functions with the use of back analysis based on both computational micromechanics and simulated annealing approaches. In other words, the following inverse problem is solved: given the measured overall thermal conductivities of composite soil find the probability density function f(λ) for each soil separate. For that purpose, measured thermal conductivities of 32 soils (of various fabric compositions) at saturation are used. Recovered functions f(λ) are then applied to the computational micromechanics approach; predicted conductivities are in a good agreement with laboratory results.
Liquefaction mechanism induced by dynamic excitation modeled in Plaxis AE with the use of UBC and MOHR–coulomb constitutive relationships
Authors: Borowiec Anna , Stanuszek Michał
Published: November 2016

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is commonly used in modern design of the various types of structures. There are two main issues/aspects that should be consider while using CAE in Geotechnics: the basic theory and material model. The paper deals with a problem of choosing the proper constitutive relationships which according to the authors are equally important in obtaining correct and reasonable results. This problem is illustrated by an example of dynamic calculations of fully saturated non-cohesive soils where liquefaction phenomenon is most likely to occur.
New Therapeutic Concepts in Post-Resuscitation Care
Authors: Jevdjic Jasna , Zunic Filip , Milosevic Bojan
Published: November 2016

After the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), as a result of global ischaemia due to cardiac arrest followed by reperfusion, a condition develops called post-cardiac arrest syndrome. It manifests, alongside the pathology that caused the cardiac arrest, as a systemic inflammatory response, including severe cardio-circulatory and neurological dysfunction, leading to a fatal outcome. Th e aim of post-resuscitation care is to reduce the consequences of circulatory arrest, reperfusion, and the inflammatory response of the body on vital organ functions. The basis of post-resuscitation care comprises application of therapeutic hypothermia and early coronary angiography with PCI. However, after the initial enthusiasm, the validity of applying these aggressive methods in all comatose post-cardiac arrest patients was questioned. Currently, instead of therapeutic hypothermia, a strategy of maintaining a targeted body temperature, usually 36 °C, is being applied because there is no clear evidence of benefit for maintaining a lower body temperature in relation to the outcome. Additionally, patients with an obvious cardiac aetiology of cardiac arrest do not undergo early coronarography unless there is a clear indication of coronary artery occlusion. In the post-resuscitation period, the maintenance of adequate ventilation, maintaining levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the normal range, haemodynamic stability, control of blood glucose and electrolytes, and epileptic attack prevention are all strongly recommended measures. Th ere is no evidence to suggest that the application of the so-called neuroprotective agents affects the outcome of cardiac arrest.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Newborns with Birth Weight Less Than 1500 Grams: Risk Factors and Causes
Authors: Folic Nevena , Djordjevic Zorana , Folic Marko , Markovic Slavica , Vuletic Biljana , Savic Dragana , Gajovic Olgica , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: November 2016

Low birth weight newborns (≤1500 grams) are at a high risk of acquiring hospital infections due to the immaturity of the immune system, lack of efficient structural barriers, and an incomplete development of endogenous microbial flora.

The aim of this study was to reveal the potential risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in low birth weight newborns.

This study was a prospective cohort design with a nested case-control study and was conducted between January 1st, 2012 and June 30th, 2015 at the Neonatology Department, Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. There were 1140 newborns hospitalized at the Neonatology Department for longer than 48 hours during the study period, and 169 of them (14.82%) weighed less than 1500 grams at birth. In total, 73 (43.19%) newborns with low birth weights developed HIs. The most prevalent HI was hospital pneumonia (n=64, 87.67%).

Although univariate analyses identified many risk factors with a significant influence on the occurrence of hospital pneumonia, multivariate analysis identified only the following two independent risk factors for hospital pneumonia in newborns with birth weights below 1500 grams: mechanical ventilation (p=0.003, OR=68.893, 95% CI=4.285-1107.699) and longer hospitalization (p=0.003, OR=1.052, 95% CI=1.017-1.088). Almost all of the pathogens isolated from the patients with pneumonia were gram-negative bacteria (98.50%). More than half of all of the isolates were Acinetobacter spp (37.50%) and Enterobacter spp (18.75%).

Our study showed that mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospitalization were significant risk factors for the development of hospital pneumonia in newborns with birth weights below 1500 grams.
Role of Calcium Channel Blockers in Myocardial Preconditioning
Authors: Simonovic Nina , Jeremic Jovana
Published: November 2016

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The effects of coronary heart disease are usually attributable to the detrimental effects of acute myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Newer strategies such as ischaemic or pharmacological preconditioning have been shown to condition the myocardium to ischaemia-reperfusion injury and thus reduce the final infarct size. This review investigates the role of calcium channel blockers in myocardial preconditioning. Additionally, special attention is given to nicorandil whose mechanism of action may be associated with the cardioprotective effects of preconditioning. There are still many uncertainties in understanding the role of these agents in preconditioning, but future research in this direction will certainly help reduce coronary heart disease.
β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Supplementation Effects on Body Mass and Performance in Elite Male Rugby Union Players
Authors: McIntosh Nicholas D. , Love Thomas D. , Haszard Jillian J , Osborne Hamish R , Black Katherine E.
Published: November 2016

McIntosh, ND, Love, TD, Haszard, J, Osborne, H, and Black, KE. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation effects on body mass and performance in elite male rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 19–26, 2018—Preseason is characterized by high training volumes with short recovery periods β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been postulated to assist with recovery. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate has been shown to improve strength and body composition among untrained groups; the benefits of HMB among trained populations are unclear because of the methodologies employed. This randomized control trail determined the effects of 11 weeks HMB supplementation on body mass and performance measures in 27 elite rugby players. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate group (n = 13), mean ± SD age 20.3 ± 1.2 years, body mass 99.6 ± 9.1 kg; placebo group (n = 14), age 21.9 ± 2.8 years body mass 99.4 ± 13.9 kg for placebo. During the supplementation period, body mass increased with HMB 0.57 ± 2.60 kg but decreased with placebo 1.39 ± 2.02 kg (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences in any of the 4 strength variables (p > 0.05). However, on the yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YoYo IR-1), the placebo group improved 4.0 ± 2.8 levels but HMB decreased 2.0 ± 3.0 levels (p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest that HMB could be beneficial for gaining or maintaining body mass during periods of increased training load. However, it appears that HMB may be detrimental to intermittent running ability in this group although further research is required before firm conclusions can be made. Only 6 participants on HMB managed to complete both YoYo IR-1 tests because of injury, a larger sample size is required to fully investigate this potentially negative effect. Further, the mechanisms behind this decrement in performance cannot be fully explained and requires further biochemical and psychological investigation.
Self-Regulation and Sleep Duration, Sleepiness, and Chronotype in Adolescents
Authors: Owens Judith A. , Dearth-Wesley Tracy , Lewin Daniel , Gioia Gerard , Whitaker Robert C.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether shorter school-night sleep duration, greater daytime sleepiness, and greater eveningness chronotype were associated with lower self-regulation among adolescents.

METHODS:

An online survey of 7th- to 12th-grade students in 19 schools in Fairfax County, Virginia Public Schools was conducted in 2015. Self-regulation was measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, 2nd edition, Screening Self-Report Form. Sleep measures included school night-sleep duration (hours between usual bedtime and wake time), daytime sleepiness (Sleepiness Scale in the Sleep Habits Survey, tertiles), and chronotype (Morningness–Eveningness Scale for Children, continuous score and tertiles). Sociodemographic factors and mental health conditions were analyzed as potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Among 2017 students surveyed, the mean age was 15.0 years (range, 12.1–18.9 years), and 21.7% slept <7 hours on school nights. In regression models adjusted for confounders, there was a significant independent association between self-regulation and both chronotype (P < .001) and daytime sleepiness (P < .001) but not sleep duration (P = .80). Compared with those in the lowest tertile of daytime sleepiness, those in the highest tertile had lower (0.59 SD units; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.71) self-regulation, as did those in the eveningness tertile of chronotype compared with those in the morningness tertile (0.35 SD units lower; 95% confidence interval, 0.24–0.46).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among adolescents, greater daytime sleepiness and greater eveningness chronotype were independently associated with lower self-regulation, but shorter sleep duration was not. Aspects of sleep other than school-night sleep duration appear to be more strongly associated with self-regulation.
Application of 1-MCP on apricots at different temperatures and days after harvest
Authors: Nguyen L.P.L. , Hitka G. , Zsom T. , Kókai Z.
Published: November 2016

The efficacy of 1-MCP on apricots at different treatment temperatures and days after harvest during 6 weeks of storage at 1 °C was investigated. On the 1st, 3rd, or 5th day after harvest, fruit were treated with 1-MCP at 1 °C for 24 hours. In order to evaluate the effect of temperature, apricots were exposed to 1-MCP at 1, 10, and 20 °C (on the 1st day after harvest). 1-MCP application reduced the ethylene and CO2 production and delayed softening. Fruit treated on the 1st day after harvest presented the highest firmness at the end of the experiment. No significant effect of treatment temperatures on apricot quality was observed. The time period between harvest and 1-MCP application could be delayed until the 5th day after harvest. Results showed that 1-MCP extended the storage life and maintained the overall quality of apricot during storage and shelf-life.
Changes of protein profiles in pork and beef meat caused by high hydrostatic pressure treatment
Authors: Csehi B. , Szerdahelyi E. , Pásztor-Huszár K. , Salamon B. , Tóth A. , Zeke I. , Jónás G. , Friedrich L.
Published: November 2016

In the experiments pork loin and beef sirloin were treated by pressures of 100 to 600 MPa by 100 MPa steps for 5 min. Colour changes of samples and the changes of proteins were investigated. The latter were examined with isoelectric focusing and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We found that myoglobin behaved completely differently in case of the two different species. Myoglobin has mostly lost its native state at 300 MPa pressure in case of pork, but the beef myoglobin could remain native even up to 500 MPa. The treatment at 300 MPa or higher pressure values caused almost complete aggregation and denaturation in case of pork and beef proteins. The results of SDS-PAGE and the colour measurement confirmed this finding.
Acute and sub-acute toxicity evaluation of Enterococcus faecalis HZNU P2 isolated from peacock faeces in vivo
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zheng W. , Ying Q.C. , Shi L.-E. , Zhang Z.-L. , Shi M.-Z. , Tang Z.-X.
Published: November 2016

The sub-acute toxicity of E. faecalis HZNU P2 was investigated in rats fed with different doses for 14 days. To evaluate the acute oral toxicity of E. faecalis HZNU P2, rats were fed with E. faecalis HZNU P2 at a high dose of 2×1011 CFU kg−1 for 10 days. Results showed that there were no abnormal clinical signs in any of the groups during the experiment. There were no significant differences in live weight gain among rats fed with E. faecalis HZNU P2, compared to those in control group. Macroscopic or microscopic examinations of organs revealed no abnormalities, indicating that E. faecalis HZNU P2 did not adversely affect the health of rats. Results of this study demonstrated that digestion of E. faecalis HZNU P2 in rats did not show any obvious signs of toxicity.
Application of lactococcin BZ and enterocin KP against Listeria monocytogenes in milk as biopreservation agents
Authors: Yildirim Z. , Öncül N. , Yildirim M. , Karabiyikli Ş.
Published: November 2016

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of lactococcin BZ and enterocin KP against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in skim (0.1%), half (1.5%), and full fat (3.0%) UHT milks. The milk samples were inoculated with L. monocytogenes at the level of approximately 2.60, 4.76, and 6.45 log CFU ml−1, and then treated with various concentrations (400, 800, 1600, or 2500 AU ml−1) of lactococcin BZ, enterocin KP, or their combination (1:1). Lactococcin BZ at 400–2500 AU ml−1 level displayed strong antilisterial activity, and decreased the viable cell numbers of L. monocytogenes to an undetectable level in all types of milk samples during the entire storage periods at 4 °C or 20 °C. Enterocin KP also had a high antilisterial effect, but it decreased as both the fat content of milk and inoculation amount of L. monocytogenes increased.
Consumer attitudes toward genetic testing and personalised nutrition in Hungary
Authors: Szakály Z. , Polereczki Zs. , Kovács S.
Published: November 2016

The aim of the research is to reveal the most important influencing factors that lead to consumers’ acceptance of personalised nutrition based on genetic testing. A nationwide representative questionnaire-based consumer survey was carried out involving 500 people in Hungary in 2014. The results show that consumers are divided over the new technology. Only 27.0% of the respondents have a positive attitude toward the new possibility, and they would be glad to use this new service in order to stay healthy. The rate of those who would have a genetic test because they want to follow a diet tailored to their needs is very low (16.0%). Our result suggested that the most important factors in consumer preference on personalised nutrition are positive health message and perceived risk/benefits, gender, and educational level. The most important factors regarding the attitude toward genetic testing are easy usage, benefits, the agreement among experts, and educational level.
Rapid and simple analysis of trace levels of three explosives in soil by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Avci Gül Fidan Yenel , Anilanmert Beril , Cengiz Salih
Published: November 2016

The analysis of trace levels of explosives in post-blast debris is critical in homeland security, environmental analysis, and crime scene forensic investigations. A fast and a selective determination method with high recovery was developed for the common explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) in soil, using liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (LC—MS/MS). An easy and practical sample preparation method was developed using 4.00 mL acidified acetone with 0.25% HCl. After the easy evaporation of acetone extract, 10 min LC—MS/MS analysis provided a clear separation in column. Short duration of the whole procedure allows the use of this method in routine analysis. As a result of the analysis performed in spiked soils in 50.0, 100.0, and 250.0 ng g−1 concentrations, high recoveries such as 100.4 (±8.8)% for RDX, 96.9 (±10.5)% for HMX, and 97.6 (±13.9)% for TNT were obtained. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values obtained from the analysis of the spiked soils were 4.3 ng g−1 and 7.00 ng g−1 for RDX, 6.8 ng g−1 and 10.0 ng g−1 for HMX, and 18.9 ng g−1 and 38.0 ng g−1 for TNT, respectively. The Horwitz Ratio (HorRat) calculation was used to evaluate if the inter-day and inter-analyst precisions were in the acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to three artificial explosion samples for detection of explosives.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the effect of topographic obstacles on extractable power by horizontal axis wind turbines
Authors: Amahjour N. , Khamlichi A.
Published: November 2016

Wind velocity profile varies in the boundary layer according to a complex pattern that depends hugely on the surface roughness and local Reynolds number. The presence of a macroscopic obstacle on the ground surface modifies considerably the flow characteristics of wind speed profile. In this study, the effect on wind speed resulting from local circulatory motion induced by the existence of an obstacle is analyzed in stationary conditions under the assumption of two-dimensional approximation of the problem. Computational fluid dynamics is used to solve the turbulent air flow equations that consist of Navier–Stokes equations coupled to a K-ε turbulence model. A bounded domain having a rectangular form was introduced in order to schematize the atmospheric region containing the obstacle and wind turbine. The boundary conditions at ground surface were fixed by applying a modified wall law. The other boundary conditions included a logarithmic velocity profile at the input, a uniform speed applied on the upper edge of the rectangular domain and a uniform pressure in the outlet area. To solve the obtained equations, Comsol Multiphysics software package was used. The obtained results have shown that the presence of an obstacle has a huge effect on the wind profile pattern and affects largely the extractable power from wind by the wind turbine system.
Raw material usage and waste recycling challenges in aircraft industry
Authors: Mezei B. , Boros N.
Published: November 2016

Aircraft manufacturing industry has developed dynamically in the last decades. Reinforced polymers have become the most dominant raw materials, while the recycling rate of the generated industrial waste has also increased. The greatest aircraft manufacturers have integrated environmental protection in their production process, while defining clear environmental goals for the future. In this study, we have analyzed the environmental considerations of the aircraft manufacturing industry through the examples of Boeing and Airbus companies. Our goal was to define the possible environmental impacts of the aircraft industry, focusing on raw material usage and waste recycling.
Influence of Toxoplasma gondii infection on symptoms and signs of premenstrual syndrome: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme , Sánchez-Anguiano Luis Francisco , Hernández-Tinoco Jesús , Pérez-Álamos Alma Rosa , del Rosario Rico-Almochantaf Yazmin , Estrada-Martínez Sergio , Vaquera-Enriquez Raquel , Díaz-Herrera Arturo , Ramos-Nevarez Agar , Sandoval-Carrillo Ada Agustina , Salas-Pacheco José Manuel , Cerrillo-Soto Sandra Margarita , Antuna-Salcido Elizabeth Irasema , Liesenfeld Oliver , Guido-Arreola Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2016

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in brain may cause some symptoms that resemble those in women with premenstrual syndrome. To determine the association of T. gondii infection with symptoms and signs of premenstrual syndrome, we examined 489 women aged 30–40 years old. Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) and T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 38 (7.8%) of the women studied. Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 13 (34.2%) of the 38 IgG seropositive women. Logistic regression showed two variables associated with seropositivity to T. gondii: presence of diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 6.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37–27.85; P = 0.01) and weight gain (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.37–6.07; P = 0.005), and two variables associated with high (>150 IU/ml) levels of IgG against T. gondii: presence of diarrhea (OR = 7.40; 95% CI: 1.79–30.46; P = 0.006) and abdominal inflammation (OR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.13–10.10; P = 0.02). Positivity to EIA IgG and PCR was positively associated with obesity and negatively associated with joint pain by bivariate analysis.

Our study for the first time reveals a potential association of T. gondii infection with clinical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.
Wirksamkeit von Melittin bei der Behandlung von Katzen mit feliner Immunschwächevirusinfektion
Authors: Wilhelm Natalie , Erfle Volker , Hartmann Katrin , Hartmann Anja D.
Published: November 2016

Gegenstand und Ziel: Melittin, Hauptbestandteil des Bienengifts, hemmt in vitro die Replikation des humanen Immunschwachevirus. Es ist in vivo nicht toxisch fur Katzen. Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit von Melittin bei Katzen mit naturlicher Infektion mit dem felinen Immunschwachevirus (FIV). Material und Methoden: In einer prospektiven, randomisierten Doppelblindstudie wurden 20 Katzen mit Melittin (500 μg/kg, 10 Katzen) oder Plazebo (phosphatgepufferte Kochsalzlosung, 10 Katzen) zweimal pro Woche subkutan uber 6 Wochen behandelt. Der Therapieerfolg wurde anhand des Karnofsky-Indexes fur das Allgemeinbefinden, der Auspragung der Symptome von Konjunktivitis und Stomatitis sowie durch die Bestimmung von labordiagnostischen (Hamatologie, Serumchemie), immunologischen (Lymphozytensubpopulationen, CD4/CD8-Ratio) und Surrogatparametern (Biopterin, 7-Xanthopterin) beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Melittin fuhrte zu einer Verbesserung des Allgemeinbefindens und zu einer Abnahme der klinischen Symptome von Stomatitis und Konjunktivitis. Eine statistisch signifikante Verbesserung der Konjunktivitis ergab sich jedoch nur bei hauptsachlich mit Melittin behandelten Katzen im Vergleich zu Katzen der Plazebogruppe. Dies war vermutlich auf die verschiedenen Scores am Anfang der Studie zuruckzufuhren. Es wurde kein Anstieg der CD4+-Lymphozyten-Konzentration, des CD4/CD8-Verhaltnisses und der Pterinkonzentrationen beobachtet. Melittin war gut vertraglich und hatte keine Nebenwirkungen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Mit dieser Studie lies sich keine Wirksamkeit von Melittin nachweisen. In zukunftigen Studien konnte das Medikament aber in einer hoheren Dosierung oder uber einen langeren Behandlungszeitraum als in der vorliegenden Studie untersucht werden. Auch eine Kombination mit klassischen antiretroviralen Medikamenten ware denkbar, da fur andere Naturprodukte positive synergistische Wirkungen gezeigt wurden.
hENT-1 Expression and Localization Predict Outcome After Adjuvant Gemcitabine in Resected Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Meijer Laura L. , Puik Jisce R. , Peters Godefridus J. , Kazemier Geert , Giovannetti Elisa
Published: November 2016

In this letter to the editor, the authors discuss the use of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT-1) as a biomarker in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. They encourage standardization of techniques to evaluation expression of proteins such as hENT-1 and suggest additional studies investigating the active metabolites of gemcitabine, the use of liquid biopsies, and improved statistical methods.
Bridging the Gap Between Sorafinib Efficacy and Effectiveness in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nipp Ryan , Goyal Lipika
Published: November 2016

In this editorial, the generalizability of trial results to the geriatric population is discussed. Specifically, the results from a recent observational study are compared with results from the SHARP trial, and recommendations are made for bridging the gap between efficacy and effectiveness in clinical research, particularly with regard to older patients.
Counterparty Risk and Counterparty Choice in the Credit Default Swap Market
Authors: Du Wenxin , Gadgil Salil , Gordy Michael B. , Vega Clara
Published: November 2016

We investigate how market participants price and manage counterparty risk in the post-crisis period using confidential trade repository data on single-name credit default swap (CDS) transactions. We find that counterparty risk has a modest impact on the pricing of CDS contracts, but a large impact on the choice of counterparties. We show that market participants are significantly less likely to trade with counterparties whose credit risk is highly correlated with the credit risk of the reference entities and with counterparties whose credit quality is relatively low. Furthermore, we examine the impact of central clearing on CDS pricing. Contrary to the previous literature, but consistent with our main findings on pricing, we find no evidence that central clearing increases transaction spreads.
Articulações entre corpo, escrita, paisagem e tradução na poética de Herberto Helder
Authors: Costa Erick Gontijo
Published: November 2016

Este texto investiga a obra do autor português Herberto Helder, mais especificamente os seus poemas, sob a perspectiva da experiência de escrita, enfocando as seguintes noções em seus textos: leitura, tradução, nascer da escrita poética, corpo e paisagem. Partindo da articulação entre escrita e vida na obra de Herberto Helder e tendo como referenciais teóricos a filosofia, a psicanálise e alguns ensaístas portugueses, analisam-se o corpo e a paisagem que se constituem nas escrita e tradução poéticas como “campo de imanência”, conceito extraído do pensamento de Gilles Deleuze, e não tanto como representações de realidades que antecedam a obra.
Colegas do Silva: desempenho e vulnerabilidade dos homens em crônicas de Luis Fernando Verissimo
Authors: Simon Luiz Carlos
Published: November 2016

O artigo apresenta a análise de quatro crônicas escritas por Luis Fernando Verissimo – “A mulher do Silva”, “Beijos”, “A procura” e “A serenata” – todas incluídas no livro A mulher do Silva, publicado em 1984. A análise é desenvolvida sob a perspectiva dos estudos das masculinidades. O objetivo do artigo é investigar como o desempenho e a vulnerabilidade, questões relevantes para o debate sobre as masculinidades, são focalizados nas crônicas selecionadas. O artigo estabelece as conexões entre os desempenhos dos homens representados nos textos literários e as discussões das questões nas contribuições teóricas sobre o assunto. A abordagem enfatiza a multiplicidade nos descompassos do homem em suas práticas sociais contemporâneas que envolvem as relações de gênero.
A pós-poesia de Jean-Marie Gleize: um procedimento de simplificação
Authors: Milaneze Erica
Published: November 2016

A pós-poesia representa a busca por formas experimentais constituídas por uma escrita em prosa literal e disposital, que utiliza procedimentos de simplificação, baseados em processos de montagem para atingir a expressão objetiva e a realidade integral. Pretendemos efetuar o estudo de alguns dos procedimentos de simplificação na pós-poesia de Jean-Marie Gleize, analisando seus ensaios e suas obras poéticas.
AUTORES DE VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL CONTRA CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES: A IMPORTÂNCIA DE INTERVENÇÕES PSICOLÓGICAS
Authors: Barcelos Klindia Ramos , Fernandes Bruna Barcelos , Marvila Maicon Miranda , Canal Fabiana Davel , Esber Karen Michel
Published: November 2016

Resumo: Atualmente, a violência sexual contra crianças a adolescentes tem sido concebida como uma questão de saúde pública. Trata-se de um tipo de violação aos direitos de crianças e adolescentes, que traz sérias conseqüências, de cunho físico, psicológico e social para suas vítimas. Esse tipo de violência se materializa por meio do abuso e da exploração sexual de crianças e adolescentes. Concebe-se que na violência sexual, existem diversos indivíduos envolvidos, como por exemplo, a vítima e o autor da violência, na qual para enfrentar essa problemática, se faz necessária a adoção do tratamento psicoterapêutico para o autor da violência, uma vez que esse tratamento é capaz de romper com o ciclo da violência e, consequentemente, diminuir os índices de reincidência desse tipo de violação aos direitos previstos no Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente promulgado em 1990.
Caracterização epidemiológica de pacientes hipertensos usuários de uma unidade básica de saúde da região Norte
Authors: Chagas Jéssica Andréa Silva das , Ferreira de Almeida Ariely Nunes
Published: November 2016

Objetivo: Caracterizar quanto ao perfil epidemiológico os hipertensos usuários da Unidade Básica de Saúde da UNIFAP. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva e transversal, na qual foi utilizado um questionário para registro de dados sócio demográficos e clínicos, através de fontes secundárias. Resultados alcançados: Dos 49 hipertensos, a maioria era do sexo feminino, entre 43 e 53 anos, casada, com escolaridade até o ensino fundamental incompleto e renda de 1 a 2 salários mínimos. Quanto às características clínicas, a maioria tinha de 1 a 5 anos de diagnóstico e o fator de risco predominante foi a antecedência familiar, seguido de sedentarismo, estresse e obesidade. Entre as complicações da doença, o Acidente Isquêmico Transitório foi o mais relatado. 75,5% faziam uso de medicação, sendo o principal medicamento a Losartana. Apenas 10,2% praticavam exercícios e 36,7% faziam dieta balanceada. A maioria apresentou Hipertensão Estágio I (32,7%) e Obesidade I (28,6%). Conclusão: Há necessidade de se enfatizar o tratamento da hipertensão em suas esferas nutricional, medicamentosa e na prática de atividades físicas, devido à incidência significativa de obesidade. Observa-se também a importância da equipe multidisciplinar e de se considerar os fatores sócio demográficos e clínicos ao realizar a promoção da saúde e o tratamento dos pacientes.

Palavras - chave: Hipertensão. Perfil epidemiológico. Epidemiologia descritiva. Promoção da saúde.
El sujeto humano en la organización
Authors: Pérez Pazmiño Marcela
Published: November 2016

Este artículo pone al sujeto humano en el centro de la discusión del Comportamiento Humano Organizacional, mediante la búsqueda del factor común de los autores representativos en el tema, que revele cuál ha sido su preocupación predominante. Desde la tradición burocrática weberiana, la teoría organizacional ha sido testigo del objetivo lucrativo que se les ha dado a las organizaciones. Para los supuestos actuales, las formas legítimas de dominación estarían fundamentadas por la incapacidad de la mayoría de resolver los asuntos cotidianos, esto es, la consecución de rentabilidad. Se empieza a evidenciar que las organizaciones, lejos de ser un conjunto de acciones racionales, son lugares de decisiones poco racionales, más frecuentemente usadas para objetivos personales que comunitarios. La conclusión pone de presente un nuevo tema de discusión para la teoría organizacional: la concepción de un actor libre dentro de la organización.
Análisis de la calidad del servicio de los hoteles pymes de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana
Authors: Monsalve Castro Carolina , Hernández Rueda Sonia Isabel
Published: November 2016

El sector de la hotelería, en los últimos años, ha tenido que afrontar el incremento de viajeros dispuestos a disfrutar en las mejores condiciones los destinos turísticos. Los cambios en las preferencias de los turistas, cada vez más exigentes, y el aumento en variedad de ofertas que encuentran para suplir sus necesidades, han hecho que la industria hotelera desvíe su atención hacia el servicio. Por tanto, desde este trabajo, se analizan los aspectos que inciden en la evaluación de un servicio con calidad. Esta investigación toma una muestra de 383 huéspedes de hoteles pymes. Se aplica un cuestionario con respuesta tipo Likert. Su evaluación es realizada a través del software SPSS mediante análisis bivariado. En los resultados, se identifican aspectos influyentes como: fidelización, promoción, innovación, promesa de venta, equipamiento, formación del talento humano, entre otros.