bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin 1 Type 1 Receptor Restore: A Genetic Mouse Model for Studying Interleukin 1 Receptor-Mediated Effects in Specific Cell Types
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Yamashita Tetsuji , Chen Qun , Belevych Natalya , Mckim Daniel B. , Tarr Andrew J. , Coppola Vincenzo , Nath Nikitaa , Nemeth Daniel P. , Syed Zunera W. , Sheridan John F. , Godbout Jonathan P. , Zuo Jian , Quan Ning
Published: February 2015

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediates diverse neurophysiological and neuropathological effects in the CNS through type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1). However, identification of IL-1R1-expressing cell types and cell-type-specific functions of IL-1R1 remains challenging. In this study, we created a novel genetic mouse model in which IL-1R1 gene expression is disrupted by an intronic insertion of aloxPflanked disruptive sequence that can be deleted by Cre recombinase, resulting in restored IL-1R1 gene expression under its endogenous promoters. A second mutation was introduced at stop codon of the IL-1R1 gene to allow tracking of the restored IL-1R1 protein by a 3HA tag and IL-1R1 mRNA by tdTomato fluorescence. These animals were designated as IL-1R1r/rand exhibited an IL-1R1 knock-out phenotype. We used IL-1R1 globally restored mice (IL-1R1GR/GR) as an IL-1R1 reporter and observed concordant labeling of IL-1R1 mRNA and protein in brain endothelial cells. Two cell-type-specific IL-1R1 restore lines were generated: Tie2Cre-IL-1R1r/rand LysMCre-IL-1R1r/r. Brain endothelial COX-2 expression, CNS leukocyte infiltration, and global microglia activation induced by intracerebroventricular injection of IL-1β were not observed in IL-1R1r/ror LysMCre-IL-1R1r/rmice, but were restored in Tie2Cre-IL-1R1r/rmice. These results reveal IL-1R1 expression in endothelial cells alone is sufficient to mediate these central IL-1-induced responses. In addition,ex vivoIL-1β stimulation increased IL-1β expression in bone marrow cells in wild-type, Tie2Cre-IL-1R1r/r, and LysMCre-IL-1R1r/r, but not IL-1R1r/rmice. These results demonstrate this IL-1R1 restore model is a valuable tool for studying cell-type-specific functions of IL-1R1.
Stimulation-Evoked Ca2+Signals in Astrocytic Processes at Hippocampal CA3–CA1 Synapses of Adult Mice Are Modulated by Glutamate and ATP
Authors: Tang Wannan , Szokol Karolina , Jensen Vidar , Enger Rune , Trivedi Chintan A. , Hvalby Øivind , Helm P. Johannes , Looger Loren L. , Sprengel Rolf , Nagelhus Erlend A.
Published: February 2015

To date, it has been difficult to reveal physiological Ca2+events occurring within the fine astrocytic processes of mature animals. The objective of the study was to explore whether neuronal activity evokes astrocytic Ca2+signals at glutamatergic synapses of adult mice. We stimulated the Schaffer collateral/commissural fibers in acute hippocampal slices from adult mice transduced with the genetically encoded Ca2+indicator GCaMP5E driven by the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter. Two-photon imaging revealed global stimulation-evoked astrocytic Ca2+signals with distinct latencies, rise rates, and amplitudes in fine processes and somata. Specifically, the Ca2+signals in the processes were faster and of higher amplitude than those in the somata. A combination of P2 purinergic and group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists reduced the amplitude of the Ca2+transients by 30–40% in both astrocytic compartments. Blockage of the mGluRs alone only modestly reduced the magnitude of the stimulation-evoked Ca2+signals in processes and failed to affect the somatic Ca2+response. Local application of group I or I/II mGluR agonists or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) elicited global astrocytic Ca2+signals that mimicked the stimulation-evoked astrocytic Ca2+responses. We conclude that stimulation-evoked Ca2+signals in astrocytic processes at CA3–CA1 synapses of adult mice (1) differ from those in astrocytic somata and (2) are modulated by glutamate and ATP.
Neural Activity in the Medial Temporal Lobe Reveals the Fidelity of Mental Time Travel
Authors: Kragel James E. , Morton Neal W , Polyn Sean M.
Published: February 2015

Neural circuitry in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) is critically involved in mental time travel, which involves the vivid retrieval of the details of past experience. Neuroscientific theories propose that the MTL supports memory of the past by retrieving previously encoded episodic information, as well as by reactivating a temporal code specifying the position of a particular event within an episode. However, the neural computations supporting these abilities are underspecified. To test hypotheses regarding the computational mechanisms supported by different MTL subregions during mental time travel, we developed a computational model that linked a blood oxygenation level-dependent signal to cognitive operations, allowing us to predict human performance in a memory search task. Activity in the posterior MTL, including parahippocampal cortex, reflected how strongly one reactivates the temporal context of a retrieved memory, allowing the model to predict whether the next memory will correspond to a nearby moment in the study episode. A signal in the anterior MTL, including perirhinal cortex, indicated the successful retrieval of list items, without providing information regarding temporal organization. A hippocampal signal reflected both processes, consistent with theories that this region binds item and context information together to form episodic memories. These findings provide evidence for modern theories that describe complementary roles of the hippocampus and surrounding parahippocampal and perirhinal cortices during the retrieval of episodic memories, shaping how humans revisit the past.
Converging Evidence for the Neuroanatomic Basis of Combinatorial Semantics in the Angular Gyrus
Authors: Price Amy R. , Bonner Michael F. , Peelle Jonathan E. , Grossman Murray
Published: February 2015

Human thought and language rely on the brain's ability to combine conceptual information. This fundamental process supports the construction of complex concepts from basic constituents. For example, both “jacket” and “plaid” can be represented as individual concepts, but they can also be integrated to form the more complex representation “plaid jacket.” Although this process is central to the expression and comprehension of language, little is known about its neural basis. Here we present evidence for a neuroanatomic model of conceptual combination from three experiments. We predicted that the highly integrative region of heteromodal association cortex in the angular gyrus would be critical for conceptual combination, given its anatomic connectivity and its strong association with semantic memory in functional neuroimaging studies. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that the process of combining concepts to form meaningful representations specifically modulates neural activity in the angular gyrus of healthy adults, independent of the modality of the semantic content integrated. We also found that individual differences in the structure of the angular gyrus in healthy adults are related to variability in behavioral performance on the conceptual combination task. Finally, in a group of patients with neurodegenerative disease, we found that the degree of atrophy in the angular gyrus is specifically related to impaired performance on combinatorial processing. These converging anatomic findings are consistent with a critical role for the angular gyrus in conceptual combination.
Synchronous Inhibitory Potentials Precede Seizure-Like Events in Acute Models of Focal Limbic Seizures
Authors: Uva Laura , Breschi Gian Luca , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Taverna Stefano , de Curtis Marco
Published: February 2015

Interictal spikes in models of focal seizures and epilepsies are sustained by the synchronous activation of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks. The nature of population spikes associated with seizure initiation (pre-ictal spikes; PSs) is still undetermined. We analyzed the networks involved in the generation of both interictal and PSs in acute models of limbic cortex ictogenesis induced by pharmacological manipulations. Simultaneous extracellular and intracellular recordings from both principal cells and interneurons were performed in the medial entorhinal cortex of thein vitroisolated guinea pig brain during focal interictal and ictal discharges induced in the limbic network by intracortical and brief arterial infusions of either bicuculline methiodide (BMI) or 4-aminopyridine (4AP). Local application of BMI in the entorhinal cortex did not induce seizure-like events (SLEs), but did generate periodic interictal spikes sensitive to the glutamatergic non-NMDA receptor antagonist DNQX. Unlike local applications, arterial perfusion of either BMI or 4AP induced focal limbic SLEs. PSs just ahead of SLE were associated with hyperpolarizing potentials coupled with a complete blockade of firing in principal cells and burst discharges in putative interneurons. Interictal population spikes recorded from principal neurons between two SLEs correlated with a depolarizing potential. We demonstrate in two models of acute limbic SLE that PS events are different from interictal spikes and are sustained by synchronous activation of inhibitory networks. Our findings support a prominent role of synchronous network inhibition in the initiation of a focal seizure.
Behavior-Linked FoxP2 Regulation Enables Zebra Finch Vocal Learning
Authors: Heston Jonathan B. , White Stephanie A.
Published: February 2015

Mutations in the FOXP2 transcription factor cause an inherited speech and language disorder, but how FoxP2 contributes to learning of these vocal communication signals remains unclear. FoxP2 is enriched in corticostriatal circuits of both human and songbird brains. Experimental knockdown of this enrichment in song control neurons of the zebra finch basal ganglia impairs tutor song imitation, indicating that adequate FoxP2 levels are necessary for normal vocal learning. In unmanipulated birds, vocal practice acutely downregulates FoxP2, leading to increased vocal variability and dynamic regulation of FoxP2 target genes. To determine whether this behavioral regulation is important for song learning, here, we used viral-driven overexpression of FoxP2 to counteract its downregulation. This manipulation disrupted the acute effects of song practice on vocal variability and caused inaccurate song imitation. Together, these findings indicate that dynamic behavior-linked regulation of FoxP2, rather than absolute levels, is critical for vocal learning.
Spiral Ganglion Degeneration and Hearing Loss as a Consequence of Satellite Cell Death in Saposin B-Deficient Mice
Authors: Akil Omar , Sun Ying , Vijayakumar Sarath , Zhang Wujuan , Ku Tiffany , Lee Chi-Kyou , Jones Sherri , Grabowski Gregory A. , Lustig Lawrence R.
Published: February 2015

Saposin B (Sap B) is an essential activator protein for arylsulfatase A in the hydrolysis of sulfatide, a lipid component of myelin. To study Sap B's role in hearing and balance, a Sap B-deficient (B−/−) mouse was evaluated. At both light and electron microscopy (EM) levels, inclusion body accumulation was seen in satellite cells surrounding spiral ganglion (SG) neurons from postnatal month 1 onward, progressing into large vacuoles preceding satellite cell degeneration, and followed by SG degeneration. EM also revealed reduced or absent myelin sheaths in SG neurons from postnatal month 8 onwards. Hearing loss was initially seen at postnatal month 6 and progressed thereafter for frequency-specific stimuli, whereas click responses became abnormal from postnatal month 13 onward. The progressive hearing loss correlated with the accumulation of inclusion bodies in the satellite cells and their subsequent degeneration. Outer hair cell numbers and efferent function measures (distortion product otoacoustic emissions and contralateral suppression) were normal in the B−/−mice throughout this period. Alcian blue staining of SGs demonstrated that these inclusion bodies corresponded to sulfatide accumulation. In contrast, changes in the vestibular system were much milder, but caused severe physiologic deficits. These results demonstrate that loss of Sap B function leads to progressive sulfatide accumulation in satellite cells surrounding the SG neurons, leading to satellite cell degeneration and subsequent SG degeneration with a resultant loss of hearing. Relative sparing of the efferent auditory and vestibular neurons suggests that alternate glycosphingolipid metabolic pathways predominate in these other systems.
Cell Assemblies of the Basal Forebrain
Authors: Tingley David , Alexander Andrew S. , Quinn Laleh K. , Chiba Andrea A. , Nitz Douglas A.
Published: February 2015

The basal forebrain comprises several heterogeneous neuronal subgroupings having modular projection patterns to discrete sets of cortical subregions. Each cortical region forms recurrent projections, via prefrontal cortex, that reach the specific basal forebrain subgroups from which they receive afferents. This architecture enables the basal forebrain to selectively modulate cortical responsiveness according to current processing demands. Theoretically, optimal functioning of this distributed network would be enhanced by temporal coordination among coactive basal forebrain neurons, or the emergence of “cell assemblies.” The present work demonstrates assembly formation in rat basal forebrain neuronal populations during a selective attention task. Neuron pairs exhibited coactivation patterns organized within beta-frequency time windows (55 ms), regardless of their membership within distinct bursting versus nonbursting basal forebrain subpopulations. Thus, the results reveal a specific temporal framework for integration of information within basal forebrain networks and for the modulation of cortical responsiveness.
Recovery from alopecia areata in a patient with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3
Authors: Makino Shinya , Uchihashi Takeshi , Kataoka Yasuo , Fujiwara Masayoshi
Published: February 2015

Recovery from alopecia is rare in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS). A 41-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with hyperglycemia. He developed alopecia areata (AA) 5 months before admission and developed thirst, polyuria, and anorexia in 2 weeks. His plasma glucose level upon admission was 912 mg/dl (50.63 mmol/l) and HbA1c was 13.7%. Although urinary and plasma C-peptide levels showed that insulin secretion was not depleted, anti-insulinoma-associated antigen 2 antibody was present. In addition, measurement of thyroid autoantibodies revealed the presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These findings suggested a diagnosis of APS type 3. The patient has showed signs of improvement with the continuation of insulin therapy. During the successful control of diabetes, he had total hair regrowth within 2–3 months. Human leukocyte antigen typing showed that DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 and DQB1*0301 were present. Similar cases should be accumulated to clarify the association of APS type 3 with recovery from AA.

Learning points

Alopecia in diabetic patients is a suspicious manifestation of autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

Patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes specifically manifesting alopecia should be further examined for diagnosis of APS.

Insulin-mediated metabolic improvement may be a factor, but not the sole factor, determining a favorable outcome of alopecia in patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
Screening for ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism in patients affected with pituitary incidentaloma
Authors: Toini A , Dolci A , Ferrante E , Verrua E , Malchiodi E , Sala E , Lania A G , Chiodini I , Beck-Peccoz P , Arosio M , Spada A , Mantovani G
Published: February 2015

Context

Pituitary incidentalomas (PIs) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. The management of these asymptomatic pituitary lesions is still controversial. Systematic screening for subclinical or mild ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism (AH) is not presently recommended, due to the limited data available thus far on the epidemiological and clinical relevance of this condition in patients with PIs. As subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) was considered to be associated with chronic complications of overt cortisol excess, such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis, this disorder should be diagnosed at the early stage.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypercortisolism in a population of subjects with PIs.

Design, subjects, and methods

A total of 68 consecutive patients (48 females and 20 males, aged 18–82 years) without clinically overt hypercortisolism, who were referred for evaluation of PIs between January 2010 and March 2013, were prospectively investigated for AH. Pituitary hypercortisolism was diagnosed in the presence of cortisol >50 nmol/l after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, non-suppressed ACTH, and the additional finding of one of the following: urinary free cortisol (UFC) >193 nmol/24 h, and midnight serum and salivary cortisol levels >207 and 2.8 nmol/l respectively.

Results

Among patients with PIs, we found a 7.3% rate of pituitary hypercortisolism diagnosed with biochemical criteria and a 4.4% rate of histologically confirmed AH.

Conclusions

Subclinical or mild hypercortisolism may be more common than generally perceived in patients with PIs.
Cambios morfológicos en gametos del barbo tigre Puntius tetrazona (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) e implementación de la fertilización in vitro
Authors: Domínguez-Castanedo Omar , Toledano-Olivares Ángel , Martínez-Espinosa David , Ávalos-Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: February 2015

The production of ornamental fishes represents an economic activity of a growing number of Mexican families. Nevertheless, the reproduction of fish in captivity is one of the complications faced by farmers. This study was set up to: (i) evaluate the morphological and functional changes induced by hydration in the gametes of fish tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona; 240 samples) at tree times after hydration (10, 20 and 30s) with classic spermograms (volume, sperm concentration, viability, motility, and normal morphology); and (ii) evaluate the implementation of in vitro fertilization  based on the ovulation rate, the percentage of fertilization and hatching, and the larval numbers obtained after 72 hours. The average volume of milt was 3.0±0.7μL, and the minimum, maximum and average concentration of sperm was 44.4x106 spz/mL, 52.3x106spz/mL, and 48.1±5.9x106spz/mL, respectively. The viability and motility of the sperm was 84.6±3.2% and 81.5±2.2%, respectively. The diameter of the sperm with/without water contact was 2.1±0.6μm and 3.8±1.0μm (p<0.05); the largest diameter was recorded 30 seconds after the contact with water. For oocytes, the smaller and larger diameters were recorded at 10 and 30s, respectively (both with/without water contact); the oocytes diameters after 10 and 30 seconds of contact with water were 1.11 and 1.55mm, respectively. A higher ovulation rate was recorded using the in vitro fertilization: 250±50 oocytes versus 28±09 oocytes (during natural fertilization; p<0.05). Nevertheless, fertilization and hatching rates were higher for the natural fertilization (80 and 60%, respectively). Considering the number of larvae obtained after 72 hours, our results showed a higher value for the in vitro fertilization (75±18 compared to 13.4±12 of the natural fertilization; p<0.05). We propose this fish as a model for other ornamental fishes of commercial interest. Our results demonstrate that the in vitro fertilization is a very high viable option to optimize and maximize resources; besides, the reproduction management optimization under controlled conditions may enhance wild fish stocks preservation.
Mitigación de daños provocados por fauna silvestre en cultivos agrícolas en un bosque montano de Bolivia
Authors: Pérez L. Eddy , Pacheco Luis F.
Published: February 2015

Wildlife is often blamed for causing damage to human activities, including agricultural practices and the result may be a conflict between human interests and species conservation. A formal assessment of the magnitude of damage is necessary to adequately conduct management practices and an assessment of the efficiency of different management practices, is necessary to enable managers to mitigate the conflict with rural people. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural management practices and controlled hunting in reducing damage to subsistence annual crops at the Cotapata National Park and Natural Area of Integrated Management. The design included seven fields with modified agricultural practices, four fields subjected to control hunting, and five fields held as controls. We registered cultivar type, density, frequency of visiting species to the field, crops lost to wildlife, species responsible for damage, and crop biomass. Most frequent species in the fields were Dasyprocta punctata and Dasypus novemcinctus. Hunted plots were visited 1.6 times more frequently than agriculturally managed plots. Crop lost to wildlife averaged 7.28% at agriculturally managed plots, 4.59% in plots subjected to hunting, and 27.61% in control plots. Species mainly responsible for damage were Pecari tajacu, D. punctata, and Sapajus apella. We concluded that both management strategies were effective to reduce damage by >50% as compared to unmanaged crop plots.

 
Morphological and micromorphological characteristics of Desmodium fruits (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae)
Authors: Freitas Daiane M. , Reis Ademir , Da Costa Bortoluzzi Roseli L. , Santos Marisa
Published: February 2015

El género Desmodium está representado en Santa Catarina, Brasil, por 13 especies, todas con frutos lomentaceos. Los lomentos han tenido variación en forma, tamaño y características del margen del istmo, y la superficie es glabra o cubierta por tricomas de diferentes tipos. La diversidad morfológica de los tricomas se vuelve particularmente relevante para la descripción taxonómica. Los tipos de tricomas presentes en la superficie de los frutos Desmodium, proporcionan datos para la identificación y clasificación de las especies en el Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Tres frutos de cada especie fueron recogidos y depositados en el Herbario (HBR y FLOR, Santa Catarina, Brasil). Algunas muestras fueron rehidratadas y examinadas usando microscopía de luz (LM), las secciones fueron expuestas a los siguientes reactivos histoquímicos: Sudan III para los aceites y Tionina para mucílago. Los aspectos estructurales de los tricomas se pueden clasificar en uni o multicelulares y pueden todavía ser simples, es decir, no glandular o glandular. Por medio del uso de la microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM), cinco tipos de tricomas se han identificado y analizado entre las especies de Desmodium estudiadas: uncinado, uniseriado, globoso multicelular, globoso unicelular y subulado. Características como el margen del lomento y la forma del artículo, indumento glabrescente o piloso, tipo de tricomas con o sin células epidérmicas papilosas, y estrías epicuticulares mostraron valor de diagnóstico relevante. La clave de identificación fue desarrollada para especies de Desmodium del Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, basado en caracteres macro y micromorfológicos del fruto.

 
A Costa Rican family affected with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease due to the myelin protein zero (MPZ) p.Thr124Met mutation shares the Belgian haplotype
Authors: Leal Alejandro , Berghoff Corinna , Berghoff Martin , Rojas-Araya Melissa , Ortiz Carolina , Heuss Dieter , Rautenstrauss Bernd
Published: February 2015

La mutación p.thr124Met en la proteína mielina cero (MPZ) causa la enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth tipo 2J, una neuropatía periférica con síntomas adicionales como alteraciones pupilares y sordera. Se ha observado en varias familias alrededor del mundo, originarias de Alemania, Bélgica, Japón, Italia y Norteamérica, entre otras. Aquí reportamos a pacientes centroamericanos provenientes de Costa Rica que acarrean esta mutación. Se realizaron análisis clínico, electrofisiológico y molecular de pacientes y controles, incluyendo secuenciación del gen y de marcadores ligados a éste. Estos pacientes comparten casi por completo el haplotipo con dos pacientes belgas no emparentados. Como resultado del análisis de los haplotipos, basado en diez marcadores (siete SNPs, dos microsatélites y un elemento poli-A intrónico), se sugiere que se ha dado un efecto fundador en la migración de este alelo.
Área de distribución geográfica potencial de las especies de aves psitácidas de la Península de Yucatán, México
Authors: Plasencia Vázquez Alexis Herminio , Escalona Segura Griselda
Published: February 2015

La familia Psittacidae es una de las más amenazadas en México y los hábitats donde se distribuyen desaparecen. En este estudio se caracterizó la cobertura del suelo del área de distribución geográfica potencial de las ocho especies de psitácidos presentes en la Península de Yucatán. Se utilizó el algoritmo de Máxima Entropía (MaxEnt) y registros históricos de las especies. Para validar externamente los modelos se utilizaron registros de presencia y ausencia tomados en campo (2010-2012). Para caracterizar el área de distribución se utilizó la carta de uso de suelo y vegetación Serie IV de INEGI (2007-2010). Los modelos tuvieron un buen desempeño, de acuerdo a los valores del área bajo la curva (AUC), que oscilaron entre 0.88-0.95 con los datos de entrenamiento y entre 0.82-0.91 con los de prueba. Se localizó a la mayoría de las especies en los sitios donde los modelos predecían presencia. Más del 76% del área de distribución geográfica potencial de los psitácidos en la Península está ocupada por selva, excepto para Amazona oratrix. La selva mediana subperennifolia es la mejor representada en las áreas de distribución y de los usos de suelo el mejor representado es el pecuario. La especies más afectadas dentro de la Península son: Amazona farinosa y A. oratrix. La Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul es la más importante para la protección de los psitácidos en la Península. El conocimiento de las características de las áreas de distribución es parte fundamental en el establecimiento de estrategias de conservación de los psitácidos.

 
Implementación de la bioética en la enseñanza de enfermería
Authors: Leiva Díaz Viriam , Villalobos Núñez Beatriz
Published: February 2015

Antecedentes: el objetivo de este artículo consiste en presentar los resultados tras analizar  la descripción de los cursos propios  que pertenecen al plan de estudios del Programa de Licenciatura en Enfermería de la Universidad de Costa Rica.Método: se desarrolló una investigación  bibliográfica, documental,  archivista, en la que se analizó 27 cursos de la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería, de los cuales se extrajo, por medio de una matriz elaborada para ese fin, aspectos que reflejaran implícita o explícitamente los Derechos Humanos y la bioética.Resultado: se destaca la práctica de la no maleficencia  y la beneficencia en los valores de Derechos Humanos identificados, así como otros que reflejan el principio de justicia; el ethos presente es el altruista. Desde la teoría de la ética del cuidado, se distingue las perspectivas I y II propuestas por Gilligan, aparte de ­la bioética social.Conclusión: en  los sylabus de los cursos se describen valores fundamentales que están basados  en los principios de la no maleficencia  y la beneficencia. No queda clara  la forma en  que éstos se  trabajan en el proceso de  aprendizaje- enseñanza.
Análisis del discurso desde la perspectiva de Michel Foucault: contribuciones y posibilidades para la investigación cualitativa en Enfermería
Authors: Roberta Cordeiro Franciele , Luce Kruse Maria Henriqueta
Published: February 2015

El punto de partida del presente estudio es la complejidad de la investigación cualitativa, la cual exige diferentes formas de análisis, cuyo fin es discutir aspectos relacionados con el cuidado, en este caso el discurso propuesto por Michel Foucault y sus intersecciones con la enfermería. En relación con el autor, se seleccionaron algunos elementos de las obras La arqueología del saber y El orden del discurso, por ejemplo, tales como la noción de autor, discurso, enunciado y disciplina. El análisis enunciativo da visibilidad a las relaciones de poder / saber que constituyen sujetos de tipo particular, en vista de la racionalidad neoliberal actual. No se trata de buscar soluciones puntuales o terminar las discusiones sobre la salud, la educación, entre otros temas, sino de instigar pensamiento, descripción y discusión en torno de lo establecido. Con este tipo de análisis es posible la (de) construcción de verdades, la descripción de relaciones y la producción de otras formas de mirar los problemas de investigación.
Concrete hinges in bridge engineering
Authors: Schacht Gregor , Marx Steffen
Published: February 2015

Concrete hinges were developed over 120 years ago and have since been used successfully in many bridges. Despite this long tradition, many engineers do not know about these sustainable and cheap hinge constructions. The different types of concrete hinges can be distinguished according to their appearance or their way of transferring stresses. This paper presents a classification of existing concrete hinge connections and describes the principles of their load-bearing behaviour. A significant amount of experimental and theoretical research work was carried out in the 1960s to understand how these hinges functioned. Different models for hinge design and construction were developed in different countries. Experimental investigations confirmed the high structural capacity of concrete hinges and their great potential for use in bridge construction. To this day, all correctly executed existing concrete hinges are in good condition, and no damage has been observed. Many existing bridges were built with concrete hinges, which were designed according to existing design rules. To demonstrate the range of possible applications of concrete hinges, existing bridges and the details of the hinges used are presented. Recommendations are given for the design and construction of concrete hinges.
Approximation of pile installation effects: a practical tool
Authors: Engin Harun Kürşat , Brinkgreve Ronald B. J. , van Tol A. Frits
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a novel technique to describe the installation effects around a jacked pile without simulating the penetration process. With the proposed technique, a jacked pile can be modelled as wished-in-place, and corresponding installation effects, such as stress and density change, can be imposed. In order to obtain a trend for parameters affecting the installation effects, different pile diameters (D), penetration depths (L) and soil densities (Id) are investigated. A mesh sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the possibilities and limitations of transferring the installation effects (stress and density). Model functions are proposed to approximate stress components and void ratio distribution. After finding geometrical functions for each variation by employing non-linear regression analyses, a generalised form based on D, L and Idis proposed. Finally the generalised formulations are validated by a centrifuge test.
Urinary Angiotensinogen Level Predicts AKI in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Yang Xiaobing , Chen Chunbo , Tian Jianwei , Zha Yan , Xiong Yuqin , Sun Zhaolin , Chen Pingyan , Li Jun , Yang Tiecheng , Ma Changsheng , Liu Huafeng , Wang Xiaobin , Hou Fan Fan
Published: February 2015

A major challenge in prevention and early treatment of acute cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is the lack of high-performance predictors. To test the hypothesis that urinary angiotensinogen (uAGT) is an early predictor for acute CRS and 1-year prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), we performed a prospective, two-stage, multicenter cohort study in patients with ADHF. In stage I (test set), 317 patients were recruited from four centers. In stage II (validation set), 119 patients were enrolled from two other centers. Daily uAGT levels were analyzed consecutively. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines. In stage I, 104 (32.8%) patients developed AKI during hospitalization. Daily uAGT peaked on the first hospital day in patients who subsequently developed AKI. After multivariable adjustment, the highest quartile of uAGT on admission was associated with a 50-fold increased risk of AKI compared with the lowest quartile. For predicting AKI, uAGT (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]=0.84) outperformed urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (AUC=0.78), the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (AUC=0.71), and the clinical model (AUC=0.77). Survivors in stage I were followed prospectively for 1 year after hospital discharge. The uAGT level independently predicted the risk of 1-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 9.5) and rehospitalization (adjusted odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 5.7). The ability of uAGT in predicting AKI was validated in stage II (AUC=0.79). In conclusion, uAGT is a strong predictor for acute CRS and 1-year prognosis in ADHF.
Seios Frontais na Identificação Humana: Revisão de Literatura
Authors: Isamara Geandra Cavalcanti Caputo  , Felippe Bevilacqua Prado  , Eduardo Daruge Júnior  , Valdair Francisco Muglia
Published: February 2015

Identificação é o conjunto de procedimentos diversos para individualizar uma pessoa ou objeto. A identificação dos indivíduos tornou-se imprescindível em todas as esferas das relações humanas e a identificação de uma pessoa se faz necessária mesmo após sua morte, para salvaguardar direitos familiares, bem como obter a certeza de seu falecimento e destino de seu corpo. Para obter a identificação de um indivíduo são utilizadas técnicas e meios propícios, sendo que devem ser realizados por profissional qualificado, com conhecimentos específicos na área médico-legal ou odonto-legal. A utilização de exames imaginológicos produzidos com indicação médica ou odontológica podem fornecer subsídios adequados para uma análise pericial nos casos de identificação humana, pelo fato dos mesmos exibirem as particularidades das estruturas anatômicas analisadas. Os seios frontais são estruturas bilaterais e, assim como as impressões digitais, são únicos em cada indivíduo. Sua aeração é visível radiograficamente a partir dos 5 ou 6 anos de idade e seu desenvolvimento completo se dá em torno dos 20 anos. Por ser uma estrutura individual, podemos utilizá-lo como um método confiável para a identificação humana em casos onde não é possível proceder a uma análise das impressões digitais (papiloscopia). O presente trabalho apresenta, através de uma revisão de literatura, a aplicabilidade da análise dos seios frontais nos processos de identificação humana.
Exploring mHealth as a New Route to Bridging the Nursing Theory–Practice Gap
Authors: Moore Scott Emory , Holaday Bonnie , Meehan Nancy , Watt Paula J.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this article is to evaluate mHealth as a tool for research and development of nursing theories. Mobile health (mHealth) is one of the most promising new advances in health care technology.mHealthis defined as the use of mobile technology in the provision of health care delivery or health promotion (Qiang, Yamamichi, Hausman, & Altman, 2011). The need for innovative and effective interventions for the prevention and management of chronic illness is evident. The use of mHealth interventions in the treatment and monitoring of chronic illness is still young but shows great promise. Currently, the public health and psychological sciences are using their theories to guide interventional studies by operationalizing concepts through mHealth’s multifaceted capabilities for patient interaction. Outcomes measures from chronic illness–mHealth studies are thematically evaluated by using theoretical nursing outcome-related concepts of Meleis’s transitions theory and Mishel’s uncertainty in illness theory. Despite a small sample of articles, there are strong themes of activation and engagement within this literature review. The application of nursing theory in mHealth offers a new method to operationalize theoretical concepts, test theory-based interventions, and gain new contextual insight into the health-illness patient experience.
Inclusion of Aging in Rehabilitation Counseling Journals 2000–2012: A Content Analysis
Authors: Kettaneh Amani A. , Kinyanjui Benson , Slevin John R. , Slevin Barbara , Harley Debra A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:To conduct a content analysis of the rehabilitation counseling literature to identify articles published on aging.

Method:To determine the number of articles that were published on aging in rehabilitation counseling journals, a content analysis of articles from 2000 through 2012 was performed. For purposes of this review, only full-length, peer-reviewed articles (i.e., research studies, literature reviews, and program descriptions) with abstracts were included for analysis.

Results:The prevalence of articles addressing aging in the mainstream rehabilitation counseling literature is limited over a 13-year period. Since 2000, only 24 (l.3 %) articles in rehabilitation journals account for content on aging.

Conclusion:Several facts are clear regarding older individuals, including their increased life expectancy, extended stay in the workplace, and living with a disability. Given those realities, the field of rehabilitation counseling must be poised to respond with evidence-based research to address the needs and demands of the aging population with disabilities in the workplace, around quality of life issues, and within a sociopolitical context of globalization.
Improving Oil Separation From Produced Water Using new Compact Flotation Unit Design
Authors: Maelum M. , Rabe K.
Published: February 2015

Produced Water Treatment (PWT) technologies have evolved significantly over the past 15 years. In 2001, the first Compact Flotation Unit (CFU) was introduced to the oil and gas industry on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Today, this well-proven technology, which separates residual oil from produced water (PW), operates worldwide. CFUs function either in the facility's PW train as a final step downstream from a separator in various configurations, or as a standalone treatment system in the slop/reject treatment process system.

Our analysis shows that it is possible to substantially improve conventional CFU oil separation performance. A portion of small gas bubbles that have been in contact with oil droplets will never rise to the top of the CFU vessel due to countercurrent water flow. Instead, they exit at the bottom of the unit. Removing a larger portion of these small bubbles in flotation technology will achieve an additional decrease of oil-in-water (OiW). Because of their high surface-to-volume ratio, removing small gas bubbles helps move more oil away from the PW discharge.

Schlumberger development of next-generation CFU technology included theoretical study, benchmark lab testing and field trials. To improve separation efficiency, we implemented several new internal designs within the same external CFU size and design, and analyzed them in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. For manufacturing and further lab- and field-testing, we selected a final design that considerably improved oil-separation efficiency. The new technology delivers two-stage oil separation in a single vessel. Each stage uses a different mechanism to improve oil separation.

Results from lab testing show that the new CFU increases oil-separation efficiency up to 45% compared with existing technology. Key benefits of the new design include: Less impact on the environment through improved OIW discharge figuresLower skid weight through fewer vessels (one instead of two)Reduced facility footprint through smaller skid sizeRetrofittable technology

We based the new CFU design on CFD analysis, testing in a PW flow loop, and an offshore field trial which also verified better oil separation performance. Results from the field trial indicated the new CFU improved performance 27 % compared with conventional technology. This was achieved while maintaining the outer CFU dimensions and design.
Soybean Response to Single or Mixed Soil Amendments in Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Khaliq Abdul , Abbasi M. Kaleem
Published: February 2015

The application of animal‐ and plant‐derived organic substrates with minimal additions of commercial N fertilizers is an important management strategy for sustainable agriculture production systems in mountain upland soils subjected to continuous erosion. A 3‐yr (2009, 2010, and 2011) field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of separate and combined use of poultry manure (PM), wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) milling residues (WMR), and urea N (UN) on the productivity and N2fixation of rainfed soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] grown in the Himalayan region of Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included UN100, PM100, WMR100, PM50+ WMR50, UN50+ PM50, UN50+ WMR50, UN50+ PM25+ WMR25, and an unfertilized control. Nitrogen from all amendments was applied at an equivalent rate of 100 kg total N ha−1. Compared with the control and UN100treatments, the organic amendments applied alone or combined with UN significantly increased the number and mass of root nodules and N2fixation by 36 to 68, 26 to 62, and 8 to 31%, respectively. Poultry manure (PM100) displayed the highest nodulation (49 and 129 nodules) and N2fixation (43 and 73 kg N ha−1), while UN100did not differ from the control. Yield and yield components (residue dry matter yield and seed yield) and N use efficiency in the combined treatment UN50+ PM50was comparable to that recorded under the UN100treatment. There was a positive correlation between nodule number and mass with N2fixation (r= 0.86 and 0.79), suggesting that root nodulation can be used as an indicator for N2fixation. Results of this study confirmed the beneficial effects of organic amendments on N2fixation and in combination with UN represents a successful and sustainable management strategy for soybean production in mountainous ecosystems.
The effect of pyrite on Escherichia coli in water: proof-of-concept for the elimination of waterborne bacteria by reactive minerals
Authors: Friedlander Lonia R. , Puri Neha , Schoonen Martin A. A. , Wali Karzai A.
Published: February 2015

We present proof-of-concept results for the elimination of waterborne bacteria by reactive minerals. We exposed Escherichia coli MG1655 suspended in water to the reactive mineral pyrite (FeS2) at room temperature and ambient light. This slurry eliminates 99.9% of bacteria in fewer than 4 hours. We also exposed Escherichia coli to pyrite leachate (supernatant liquid from slurry after 24 hours), which eliminates 99.99% of bacteria over the same time-scale. Unlike SOlar water DISinfection (SODIS), our results do not depend on the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light. We confirmed this by testing proposed SODIS additive and known photo-catalyst anatase (TiO2) for antibacterial properties and found that, in contrast to pyrite, it does not eliminate E. coli under our experimental conditions. Previous investigations of naturally antibiotic minerals have focused on the medical applications of antibiotic clays, and thus have not been conducted under experimental conditions resembling those found in water purification. In our examination of the relevant literature, we have not found previously reported evidence for the use of reactive minerals in water sanitization. The results from this proof-of-concept experiment may have important implications for future directions in household water purification research.
Disinfection of an advanced primary effluent using peracetic acid or ultraviolet radiation for its reuse in public services
Authors: Julio Flores R. , Hilario Terres-Peña , Mabel Vaca M. , Raymundo López C. , Arturo Lizardi-Ramos , Ma. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia
Published: February 2015

The disinfection of a continuous flow of an effluent from an advanced primary treatment (coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation) with or without posterior filtration, using either peracetic acid (PAA) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation was studied. We aimed to obtain bacteriological quality to comply with the microbiological standard established in the Mexican regulations for treated wastewater reuse (NOM-003-SEMARNAT-1997), i.e., less than 240 MPN (most probable number) FC/100 mL. The concentrations of PAA were 10, 15, and 20 mg/L, with contact times of 10, and 15 min. Fecal coliforms (FC) inactivation ranged from 0.93 up to 6.4 log units, and in all cases it reached the limits set by the mentioned regulation. Water quality influenced the PAA disinfection effectiveness. An efficiency of 91% was achieved for the unfiltered effluent, as compared to 99% when wastewater was filtered. UV radiation was applied to wastewater flows of 21, 30 and 39 L/min, with dosages from 1 to 6 mJ/cm2. This treatment did not achieve the bacteriological quality required for treated wastewater reuse, since the best inactivation of FC was 1.62 log units, for a flow of 21 L/min of filtered wastewater and a UV dosage of 5.6 mJ/cm2.
Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by contamination of drinking water in a factory, the Basque Country
Authors: Altzibar J. M. , Zigorraga C. , Rodriguez R. , Leturia N. , Garmendia A. , Rodriguez A. , Alkorta M. , Arriola L.
Published: February 2015

On 18 September 2013, the Gipuzkoa Epidemiology Unit was notified of an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among employees at a domestic appliance factory. The first signs of the outbreak had emerged at the end of June and at the time of the notification 30 workers were on sick leave for gastroenteritis. Some employees had had more than one episode and the main symptoms were diarrhoea and vomiting. An investigation began to identify the causative agent, assess exposure and determine the route of transmission. Data collected by a questionnaire identified 302 episodes of AGE among 238 people affected between June and September 2013. The source of water consumed was found to be a risk factor associated with the appearance of symptoms both in the crude and the adjusted analysis: odds ratio 1.8 (0.8–4.2) and 6.4 (4.2–9.8), respectively. Microbiological analysis of stool samples and of water confirmed the presence of norovirus and rotavirus. The environmental study detected a connection between an industrial use water system and drinking water at the factory. It was concluded that the outbreak was caused by mixed viral infections, due to contamination of drinking water.
Multiparametric comparison of chromogenic-based culture methods used to assess the microbiological quality of drinking water and the mFC method combined with a molecular confirmation procedure
Authors: Maheux Andrée F. , Dion-Dupont Vanessa , Bisson Marc-Antoine , Bouchard Sébastien , Jubinville Éric , Nkuranga Martine , Rodrigue Lynda , Bergeron Michel G. , Rodriguez Manuel J.
Published: February 2015

MI agar and Colilert®, as well as mFC agar combined with an Escherichia coli-specific molecular assay (mFC + E. coli rtPCR), were compared in terms of their sensitivity, ease of use, time to result and affordability. The three methods yielded a positive E. coli signal for 11.5, 10.8, and 11.5% of the 968 well water samples tested, respectively. One hundred and thirty-six (136) samples gave blue colonies on mFC agar and required confirmation. E. coli-specific rtPCR showed false-positive results in 23.5% (32/136) of cases. In terms of ease of use, Colilert was the simplest method to use while the MI method provided ease of use comparable to all membrane filtration methods. However, the mFC + E. coli rtPCR assay required highly trained employees for confirmation purposes. In terms of affordability, and considering contamination rate of well water samples tested, the Colilert method and the mFC + E. coli rtPCR assay were at least five times more costly than the MI agar method. Overall, compared with the other two methods tested, the MI agar method offers the most advantages to assess drinking water quality.