bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The coefficient of restitution of pressurized balls: a mechanistic model
Authors: Georgallas Alex , Landry Gaëtan
Published: September 2015

Pressurized, inflated balls used in professional sports are regulated so that their behaviour upon impact can be anticipated and allow the game to have its distinctive character. However, the dynamics governing the impacts of such balls, even on stationary hard surfaces, can be extremely complex. The energy transformations, which arise from the compression of the gas within the ball and from the shear forces associated with the deformation of the wall, are examined in this paper. We develop a simple mechanistic model of the dependence of the coefficient of restitution, e, upon both the gauge pressure, PG, of the gas and the shear modulus, G, of the wall. The model is validated using the results from a simple series of experiments using three different sports balls. The fits to the data are extremely good for PG > 25 kPa and consistent values are obtained for the value of G for the wall material. As far as the authors can tell, this simple, mechanistic model of the pressure dependence of the coefficient of restitution is the first in the literature.
Updated f(T) gravity constraints from high-redshift cosmography
Authors: Piedipalumbo Ester , Moglie Enrica Della , Cianci Roberto
Published: September 2015

In the last dozen years, a wide and variegated mass of observational data revealed that the universe is now expanding at an accelerated rate. In the absence of a well-based theory to interpret the observations, cosmography provides information about the evolution of the universe from measured distances, only assuming that the geometry can be described by the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker metric. In this paper, we perform a high-redshift analysis which allows us to put constraints on the cosmographic parameters up to the fifth-order, thus inducing indirect constraints on any gravity theory. Here, we are interested in the so-called teleparallel gravity theory, [Formula: see text]. Actually, we use the analytical expressions of the present day values of [Formula: see text] and its derivatives as functions of the cosmographic parameters to map the cosmography region of confidences into confidence ranges for [Formula: see text] and its derivative. Moreover, we show how these can be used to test some teleparallel gravity models without solving the dynamical equations. Our analysis is based on the Union2 Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) data set, a set of 28 measurements of the Hubble parameter, the Hubble diagram constructed from some gamma ray bursts (GRB) luminosity distance indicators and Gaussian priors on the distance from the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) and the Hubble constant [Formula: see text]. To perform our statistical analysis and to explore the probability distributions of the cosmographic parameters, we use the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.
Generating solutions to the Einstein–Maxwell equations
Authors: Contopoulos I. G. , Esposito F. P. , Kleidis K. , Papadopoulos D. B. , Witten L.
Published: September 2015

The Einstein–Maxwell (E–M) equations in a curved spacetime that admits at least one Killing vector are derived, from a Lagrangian density adapted to symmetries. In this context, an auxiliary space of potentials is introduced, in which, the set of potentials associated to an original (seed) solution of the E–M equations are transformed to a new set, either by continuous transformations or by discrete transformations. In this paper, continuous transformations are considered. Accordingly, originating from the so-called [Formula: see text]-metric, other exact solutions to the E–M equations are recovered and discussed.
Long Noncoding RNA KIAA0125 Potentiates Cell Migration and Invasion in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Lv Wenjie , Wang Lei , Lu Jianhua , Mu Jiasheng , Liu Yingbin , Dong Ping
Published: September 2015

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the mostly aggressive diseases with poor prognosis due to the lack of severe symptoms. To date, little is known about the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GBC initiation and progression. Thus, it provides us with a novel insight into the contribution of lncRNAs to GBC development. Remarkably, we found the differential expression of a lncRNA, namely, KIAA0125, in a pair of GBC cell sublines which possess different metastatic potentials. Then the effects of KIAA0125 on GBC cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) were investigated by using a lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) system. Notably, cell migration and invasion were strongly inhibited by KIAA0125 suppression. Moreover, the expression ofβ-Catenin was increased and the expression of Vimentin was decreased in GBC-SD/M cells after KIAA0125 knockdown. Thus, our findings suggested that KIAA0125 promoted the migration and invasion of GBC cells and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in advanced GBC.
In VitroAntimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity ofAmphipterygium adstringens
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia A. , Peixoto I. T. A. , Verde-Star M. J. , De la Torre-Zavala S. , Aviles-Arnaut H. , Ruiz A. L. T. G.
Published: September 2015

Amphipterygium adstringensis a plant widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for its known anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties. In this work, we evaluated thein vitroantimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract ofA. adstringensagainst oral pathogens such asStreptococcus mutans,Porphyromonas gingivalis,Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Candida albicans, andCandida dubliniensis, using microdilution (MIC) and agar diffusion methods (MBC), and the antiproliferative activity evaluating total growth inhibition (TGI) by staining the protein content with sulforhodamine B (SRB), using nine human cancer cell lines. Crude extract (CE) ofA. adstringensshowed some degree of activity against one or more of the strains with a MIC from 0.125 mg/mL to 63 mg/mL and MBC from 1.6 to 6.3 mg/mL and cytotoxic activity, particularly against NCI-ADR/RES, an ovarian cell line expressing multiple resistance drugs phenotype. The CE is a complex mixture of possible multitarget metabolites that could be responsible for both antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, and further investigation is required to elucidate the identity of active compounds. Nevertheless the CE itself is useful in the development of new antimicrobial treatment based on natural products to prevent oral diseases and as alternative natural source for cancer treatment and prevention.
Challenges of the Unknown: Clinical Application of Microbial Metagenomics
Authors: Rose Graham , Wooldridge David J. , Anscombe Catherine , Mee Edward T. , Misra Raju V. , Gharbia Saheer
Published: September 2015

Availability of fast, high throughput and low cost whole genome sequencing holds great promise within public health microbiology, with applications ranging from outbreak detection and tracking transmission events to understanding the role played by microbial communities in health and disease. Within clinical metagenomics, identifying microorganisms from a complex and host enriched background remains a central computational challenge. As proof of principle, we sequenced two metagenomic samples, a known viral mixture of 25 human pathogens and an unknown complex biological model using benchtop technology. The datasets were then analysed using a bioinformatic pipeline developed around recent fast classification methods. A targeted approach was able to detect 20 of the viruses against a background of host contamination from multiple sources and bacterial contamination. An alternative untargeted identification method was highly correlated with these classifications, and over 1,600 species were identified when applied to the complex biological model, including several species captured at over 50% genome coverage. In summary, this study demonstrates the great potential of applying metagenomics within the clinical laboratory setting and that this can be achieved using infrastructure available to nondedicated sequencing centres.
Effects of Contraction Joints on Vibrational Characteristics of Arch Dams: Experimental Study
Authors: Wang S. S. , Zhang Y. F. , Cao M. S. , Xu W.
Published: September 2015

This study experimentally investigates the effects of contraction joints on the vibrational characteristics of high arch dams. Three scale models of the world’s second highest dam, the Xiaowan Arch Dam, are used as experimental specimens identified by zero, one, and two contraction joints. When a scale model vibrates harmonically at a specific frequency, its operating deflection shape is acquired by using a scanning laser vibrometer to scan the side surface of the model. The effects of contraction joints on the vibrational characteristics of arch dams are studied by examining the changes in operating deflection shapes. Experimental results demonstrate that (i) contraction joints can significantly affect the vibrational characteristics of arch dams, (ii) the operating deflection shape intuitively illustrates the vibrational characteristics of arch dams, and (iii) a scanning laser vibrometer has marked advantages over traditional equipment in accurately and efficiently acquiring full-field dynamic responses of a structure.
PKA Inhibitor H89 (N-[2-p-bromocinnamylamino-ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide) Attenuates Synaptic Dysfunction and Neuronal Cell Death following Ischemic Injury
Authors: Song Juhyun , Cheon So Yeong , Lee Won Taek , Park Kyung Ah , Lee Jong Eun
Published: September 2015

The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), which activates prosurvival signaling proteins, has been implicated in the expression of long-term potentiation and hippocampal long-term memory. It has come to light that H89 commonly known as the PKA inhibitor have diverse roles in the nervous system that are unrelated to its role as a PKA inhibitor. We have investigated the role of H89 in ischemic and reperfusion injury. First, we examined the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and synaptophysin in mouse brain after middle cerebral artery occlusion injury. Next, we examined the role of H89 pretreatment on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PSD95, MAP2, and the apoptosis regulators Bcl2 and cleaved caspase-3 in cultured neuroblastoma cells exposed to hypoxia and reperfusion injury. In addition, we investigated the alteration of AKT activation in H89 pretreated neuroblastoma cells under hypoxia and reperfusion injury. The data suggest that H89 may contribute to brain recovery after ischemic stroke by regulating neuronal death and proteins related to synaptic plasticity.
A Morphometric Study of the Foramen of Diaphragma Sellae and Delineation of Its Relation to Optic Neural Pathways through Computer Aided Superimposition
Authors: Yohannan Doris George , Krishnapillai Renuka , Suresh Romi , Ramnarayan Shobha
Published: September 2015

The diaphragma sellae (DS) is a fold of dura that forms a partial roof over the pituitary gland. The foramen of the diaphragma sellae (FDS) is thereby a pathway for suprasellar extension of pituitary tumors. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical dimensions of the DS and FDS and to understand the relationship of FDS with the overlying optic chiasma. The study was conducted in 100 autopsy cases. Measurements were taken using vernier calipers. Photographs, taken before and after removal of optic pathway, were superimposed using image processing software. The results showed that the mean A-P dimension of DS was 1.17 ± 0.48 cm; the lateral dimension of DS was 1.58 ± 0.60 cm. The mean A-P dimension of FDS was 0.66 ± 0.42 cm; the lateral dimension of FDS was 0.82 cm ± 0.54 cm. The shapes of FDS were irregular (40%), transversely oval (29%), circular (13%), sagittally oval (11%), or trapezoid with posterior dimension more than the anterior one (6%) or anterior dimension more than the posterior one (1%). The margins of FDS were either well defined (31%) or ill defined (69%). The positional relation of FDS to optic chiasma was also found out.
Statistical Methods for Establishing Personalized Treatment Rules in Oncology
Authors: Ma Junsheng , Hobbs Brian P. , Stingo Francesco C.
Published: September 2015

The process for using statistical inference to establish personalized treatment strategies requires specific techniques for data-analysis that optimize the combination of competing therapies with candidate genetic features and characteristics of the patient and disease. A wide variety of methods have been developed. However, heretofore the usefulness of these recent advances has not been fully recognized by the oncology community, and the scope of their applications has not been summarized. In this paper, we provide an overview of statistical methods for establishing optimal treatment rules for personalized medicine and discuss specific examples in various medical contexts with oncology as an emphasis. We also point the reader to statistical software for implementation of the methods when available.
Improving ECG Services at a Children’s Hospital: Implementation of a Digital ECG System
Authors: Osei Frank A. , Gates Gregory J. , Choi Steven J. , Hsu Daphne T. , Pass Robert H. , Ceresnak Scott R.
Published: September 2015

Background.The use of digital ECG software and services is becoming common. We hypothesized that the introduction of a completely digital ECG system would increase the volume of ECGs interpreted at our children’s hospital.Methods.As part of a hospital wide quality improvement initiative, a digital ECG service (MUSE, GE) was implemented at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in June 2012. The total volume of ECGs performed in the first 6 months of the digital ECG era was compared to 18 months of the predigital era. Predigital and postdigital data were compared viat-tests.Results.The mean ECGs interpreted per month were 53 ± 16 in the predigital era and 216 ± 37 in the postdigital era (p<0.001), a fourfold increase in ECG volume after introduction of the digital system. There was no significant change in inpatient or outpatient service volume during that time. The mean billing time decreased from 21 ± 27 days in the postdigital era to 12 ± 5 days in the postdigital era (p<0.001).Conclusion.Implementation of a digital ECG system increased the volume of ECGs officially interpreted and reported.
Comprehensive Review of Adipose Stem Cells and Their Implication in Distraction Osteogenesis and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Morcos Mina W. , Al-Jallad Hadil , Hamdy Reggie
Published: September 2015

Bone is one of the most dynamic tissues in the human body that can heal following injury without leaving a scar. However, in instances of extensive bone loss, this intrinsic capacity of bone to heal may not be sufficient and external intervention becomes necessary. Several techniques are available to address this problem, including autogenous bone grafts and allografts. However, all these techniques have their own limitations. An alternative method is the technique of distraction osteogenesis, where gradual and controlled distraction of two bony segments after osteotomy leads to induction of new bone formation. Although distraction osteogenesis usually gives satisfactory results, its major limitation is the prolonged duration of time required before the external fixator is removed, which may lead to numerous complications. Numerous methods to accelerate bone formation in the context of distraction osteogenesis have been reported. A viable alternative to autogenous bone grafts for a source of osteogenic cells is mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. However, there are certain problems with bone marrow aspirate. Hence, scientists have investigated other sources for mesenchymal stem cells, specifically adipose tissue, which has been shown to be an excellent source of mesenchymal stem cells. In this paper, the potential use of adipose stem cells to stimulate bone formation is discussed.
Periodic Solutions for n‐Species Lotka‐Volterra Competitive Systems with Pure Delays
Authors: Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan , Mahemuti Rouzimaimaiti , Teng Zhidong
Published: September 2015

We study a class of periodic general n‐species competitive Lotka‐Volterra systems with pure delays. Based on the continuation theorem of the coincidence degree theory and Lyapunov functional, some new sufficient conditions on the existence and global attractivity of positive periodic solutions for the n‐species competitive Lotka‐Volterra systems are established. As an application, we also examine some special cases of the system, which have been studied extensively in the literature.
Survey of Patient Knowledge and Expectations about a Free-Standing Emergency Department
Authors: Bucciarelli Christopher , Payton Thomas , Weeks Emily , Falgiani Michael
Published: September 2015

Objectives. A free-standing emergency department (FSED) is defined as a facility that is structurally separate and distinct from a hospital and provides emergency care. Nationally, the number of FSEDs continues to grow, but the general public may have limited knowledge about the costs and services associated with FSEDs. The purpose of this paper is to survey patient knowledge and expectations about FSEDs. Methods. A convenience sample of patients presenting to a FSED was given a 19-item survey to complete. Results. 187 surveys were collected; 126 were included for analysis. 40% of respondents thought they could be seen by a specialist at the FSED, and 55% of patients did not know they had to be transferred for hospitalization if required. Most patients did not know that the cost of services at the FSED would be the same as that at the traditional ED. Convenience and perceived shorter wait times were the primary reasons patients selected the FSED for care. Conclusion. In general, patients do not have adequate knowledge about the costs and services associated with FSEDs. Education through marketing and advertising may be helpful in creating more public awareness about FSEDs.
A Novel Association between Femoroacetabular Impingement and Anterior Knee Pain
Authors: Sanchis-Alfonso Vicente , Tey Marc , Monllau Joan Carles
Published: September 2015

Background. For a long time it has been accepted that the main problem in the anterior knee pain (AKP) patient is in the patella. Currently, literature supports the link between abnormal hip function and AKP. Objective. Our objective is to investigate if Cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) resolution is related to the outcome in pain and disability in patients with chronic AKP recalcitrant to conservative treatment associated with Cam FAI. Material and Methods. A retrospective study on 7 patients with chronic AKP associated with FAI type Cam was performed. Knee and hip pain were measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS), knee disability with the Kujala scale, and hip disability with the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Results. The VAS knee pain score and VAS hip pain score had a significant improvement postoperatively. At final follow-up, there was significant improvement in all functional scores (Kujala score and NAHS). Conclusion. Our finding supports the link between Cam FAI and AKP in some young patients. Assessment of Cam FAI should be considered as a part of the physical examination of patients with AKP, mainly in cases with pain recalcitrant to conservative treatment.
Streptomyces lavendulaeProtease Inhibitor: Purification, Gene Overexpression, and 3-Dimensional Structure
Authors: El-Hadedy D. E. , Mostafa El-Sayed E. , Saad Moataza M.
Published: September 2015

Protease inhibitorstrypsin (STI1, Streptomyces trypsin inhibitor 1) has been identified, purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. SDS-PAGE of protease inhibitor showed molecular weight of approximately 10 KDa. PCR product (~1615 bp) ofsti1gene was cloned in expression vectorpACYC177/ET3dand transformed inEscherichia coliJM109.Protease inhibitorstrypsin was purified and used as antivirus against Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). CVB3 is one of the major causative agents of chronic, subacute, acute, and fulminant myocarditis as well as pancreatitis and aseptic meningitis. It has been reported that more than 50% of human myocarditis is associated with CVB3 infection.
CONFLITO E COOPERAÇÃO NA BACIA DO PRATA: OS INTERESSES E CONTEXTOS POLÍTICOS COMO BASE PARA A (IN)EFETIVIDADE DE UM REGIME INTERNACIONAL
Authors: Yahn Filho Armando Gallo
Published: September 2015

Este trabalho tem por objetivo fazer uma análise das relações internacionais na Bacia do Prata, no que tange ao seu aproveitamento hídrico, analisando a (in)efetividade do Tratado da Bacia do Prata. Se, por um lado, as relações hostis entre Brasil e Argentina, decorrentes da compatibilidade de seus projetos de aproveitamento hidrelétrico do Rio Paraná, nas décadas de 1960 e 1970, caracterizam uma fase predominantemente realista na Bacia do Prata, por outro, o projeto da Hidrovia Paraguai-Paraná, iniciado nos anos 1980, representa a tentativa de afirmação de uma tendência multilateralista das relações internacionais na região, fundamentada na teoria da interdependência complexa.
LA NARRACIÓN CINEMATOGRÁFICA EN LA ERA DE LA IMAGEN DIGITAL
Authors: Bermúdez Nicolás , Choi Domín
Published: September 2015

O objetivo do trabalho é refletir sobre o estatuto ontológico das imagens digitais, sobre a perda da dimensão indicial do cinema e a consequente mutação do vínculo de crença que se instaura entre o filme e o espectador. Com esta finalidade, retomam-se neste artigo algumas intervenções críticas sobre esta transformação e se expõe a análise dos dispositivos enunciativos dos filmes Big Fish (Tim Burton, 2003) e As aventuras de Pi(Life of Pi, Ang Lee, 2012), que podem ser considerados representativos de distintas fases da história destas transformações tecnológicas.
Visões e construções sobre povo e raça no campo cinematográfico brasileiro dos anos 1950: as teses de Solano Trindade e de Nelson Pereira dos Santos
Authors: Lapera Pedro Vinicius Asterito
Published: September 2015

Este artigo pretende abordar duas teses apresentadas nos Congressos Brasileiros de Cinema do início dos anos 1950 para, em seguida, relacioná-las ao momento inicial da formação do campo cinematográfico brasileiro. Mais precisamente, analisaremos as teses Folclore e Cinema, apresentada por Solano Trindade no I Congresso Nacional do Cinema Brasileiro; e O problema do conteúdo no cinema brasileiro, apresentada por Nelson Pereira dos Santos no I Congresso Paulista do Cinema Brasileiro. A partir delas, analisaremos quais imagens de povo essas teses articularam em suas defesas. Nossa hipótese é de que, ao se valerem das idéias de Gilberto Freyre, estes intelectuais elegeram a imagem do povo brasileiro como a de um povo heterogêneo étnico-racial e culturalmente, porém em vias de integração. Não se trata aqui de afirmar que estes apenas reproduziram essas idéias, mas as usaram ativamente na conformação do habitus do campo cinematográfico à época.
Efetivação do direito à saúde: ampliação do debate e renovação da agenda
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo Justino de
Published: September 2015

Artigo de apresentação sobre o "Tema em Debate" que discute a efetivação do direito à saúde no Brasil
DIREITO ADMINISTRATIVO GLOBAL: PADRÕES SUBSTANTIVOS
Authors: Frota Hidemberg Alves da
Published: September 2015

Este artigo jurídico expõe o conteúdo dos padrões substantivos do Direito Administrativo Global, composto, de acordo com os propositores do DAG, pelo princípio da expectativa legítima e pelo princípio da proporcionalidade. Partindo-se dessa premissa, almeja-se conferir maior densidade teórica às bases principiológicas do Direito Administrativo Global, levando-se em conta a dogmática das famílias jurídicas anglo-saxônica e romano-germânica, com destaque ao pensamento administrativista ibero-americano.
O PRINCÍPIO DA RECIPROCIDADE E SUA FUNÇÃO GARANTISTA EM FACE DO PODER DE AUTOTUTELA DO ESTADO
Authors: Oliveira Flavio Antonio de
Published: September 2015

Esse artigo tem por escopo analisar aspectos referentes aos limites da atuação estatal em desvalia do administrado ante o dever de respeito do próprio Estado ao Direito, concebido como bloco normativo. Um dos aspectos defensivos do Estado em detrimento do administrado se consubstancia na ação do tempo sobre as pretensões do administrado em relação a atos administrativos maculados de algum vício. Neste viés, tem-se que o Estado não poderia ter prazo maior para exercitar pretensões contra os administrados almejando corrigir atos eivados de máculas debitadas ao próprio poder público.
O CONTROLE NO ESPAÇO ADMINISTRATIVO GLOBAL
Authors: Frota Hidemberg Alves da
Published: September 2015

Este artigo traz à baila os aportes teoréticos a contemplarem a ênfase atual de se direcionar a doutrina do Direito Administrativo Global ao aperfeiçoamento do controle da atividade regulatória global. Após planteadas as noções fundamentais sobre o Direito Administrativo Global, consignam-se as propostas doutrinárias — colhidas, principalmente, de periódicos jurídicos de língua inglesa — de melhoria do controle no ambiente regulatório global, com destaque aos contributos teoréticos de Krisch (abordagem pluralista), Battini (integração procedimental e horizontal), Cassese (técnica da ação conjunta), Reyna (sincronização administrativa) e Stewart (controle jurídico), bem como de Goldmann e Dimitropoulos (controle pelos pares).
CONVALIDAÇÃO DE LICENCIAMENTO AMBIENTAL EFETUADO POR ÓRGÃO INCOMPETENTE
Authors: Bim Eduardo Fortunato
Published: September 2015

Trata-se de artigo no qual se defende a possibilidade de convalidação, pelo órgão competente do Sisnama, do licenciamento ambiental nulo por ter sido efetuado por órgão incompetente.  A convalidação do licenciamento ambiental maculado tem como pressuposto a sua nulidade, declarada pelo Executivo ou pelo Judiciário.
O MODELO DE AJUSTE ADOTADO PARA A SAÚDE COMPLEMENTAR NO ANO DE 1998 – CONTRATO DE GESTÃO COM ORGANIZAÇÕES SOCIAIS
Authors: Olivetti Caroline Pereira
Published: September 2015

O presente artigo visa a confrontar o tratamento jurídico conferido à Saúde Complementar, permeado na Constituição Federal de 1988 (CF/88), na Lei do SUS (LOSUS) e na Portaria n. 1.034/10 do Ministério da Saúde, com a regulação das Organizações Sociais (OS) formalizada pela Lei n. 9.637/98. Busca-se, dessa forma, analisar os contrapontos entre os referidos diplomas legislativos e as incongruências geradas no âmbito da Saúde Complementar quando da incidência da Lei das OS nos ajustes realizados para a participação privada no sistema público de saúde, estruturado no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).  
Revisión histórica de la briología en Venezuela
Authors: Moreno Efraín J.
Published: September 2015

This is an overview of the bryological studies for Venezuela comprising the period from the early XIX century to date. The main contributors to this field have been foreign bryologists whose work, unfortunately, has not been of interest to the Venezuelan botanists.
Estado actual y perspectivas futuras del estudio de los musgos cubanos

Authors: Motito Angel , Deisi María Elena Potrony y , Montoya Reyes
Published: September 2015

Cuba is one of the Greater Antilles islands with a diverse moss flora (383 infrageneric taxa) that is mainly distributed toward the mountain areas. Although studies on phytochemistry and antibiosis have been initiated, those in taxonomy must be continued at the same time.
La colección Briológica del Herbario Nacional de México (MEXU)
Authors: Bello Bernardina Bello y
Published: September 2015

The bryophyte collection at MEXU was formally established in 1973 with about 3000 specimens; at present, it contains, nearly 35,000. Emphasis has been made on Mexican and tropical American localities, but herbarium holdings also include temperate areas. Herbarium information is now being stored in a database to assist floristic and taxonomic research in progress and for further reference.
The “Pause” in Global Warming: Turning a Routine Fluctuation into a Problem for Science
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Risbey James S. , Oreskes Naomi
Published: September 2015

There has been much recent published research about a putative “pause” or “hiatus” in global warming. We show that there are frequent fluctuations in the rate of warming around a longer-term warming trend, and that there is no evidence that identifies the recent period as unique or particularly unusual. In confirmation, we show that the notion of a pause in warming is considered to be misleading in a blind expert test. Nonetheless, the most recent fluctuation about the longer-term trend has been regarded by many as an explanatory challenge that climate science must resolve. This departs from long-standing practice, insofar as scientists have long recognized that the climate fluctuates, that linear increases in CO2 do not produce linear trends in global warming, and that 15-yr (or shorter) periods are not diagnostic of long-term trends. We suggest that the repetition of the “warming has paused” message by contrarians was adopted by the scientific community in its problem-solving and answer-seeking role and has led to undue focus on, and mislabeling of, a recent fluctuation. We present an alternative framing that could have avoided inadvertently reinforcing a misleading claim.
Impact of intravenous fluid composition on outcomes in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Shaw Andrew D. , Schermer Carol R. , Lobo Dileep N. , Munson Sibyl H. , Khangulov Victor , Hayashida David K , Kellum John A.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Intravenous (IV) fluids may be associated with complications not often attributed to fluid type. Fluids with high chloride concentrations such as 0.9 % saline have been associated with adverse outcomes in surgery and critical care. Understanding the association between fluid type and outcomes in general hospitalized patients may inform selection of fluid type in clinical practice. We sought to determine if the type of IV fluid administered to patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is associated with outcome.

Methods

This was a propensity-matched cohort study in hospitalized patients receiving at least 500 mL IV crystalloid within 48 hours of SIRS. Patient data was extracted from a large multi-hospital electronic health record database between January 1, 2009, and March 31, 2013. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, readmission, and complications measured by ICD-9 coding and clinical definitions. Outcomes were adjusted for illness severity using the Acute Physiology Score. Of the 91,069 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 89,363 (98 %) received 0.9 % saline whereas 1706 (2 %) received a calcium-free balanced solution as the primary fluid.

Results

There were 3116 well-matched patients, 1558 in each cohort. In comparison with the calcium-free balanced cohort, the saline cohort experienced greater in-hospital mortality (3.27 % vs. 1.03 %, P <0.001), length of stay (4.87 vs. 4.38 days, P = 0.016), frequency of readmission at 60 (13.54 vs. 10.91, P = 0.025) and 90 days (16.56 vs. 12.58, P = 0.002) and frequency of cardiac, infectious, and coagulopathy complications (all P <0.002). Outcomes were defined by administrative coding and clinically were internally consistent. Patients in the saline cohort received more chloride and had electrolyte abnormalities requiring replacement more frequently (P <0.001). No differences were found in acute renal failure.

Conclusions

In this large electronic health record, the predominant use of 0.9 % saline in patients with SIRS was associated with significantly greater morbidity and mortality compared with predominant use of balanced fluids. The signal is consistent with that reported previously in perioperative and critical care patients. Given the large population of hospitalized patients receiving IV fluids, these differences may confer treatment implications and warrant corroboration via large clinical trials.

Trial registration

NCT02083198 clinicaltrials.gov; March 5, 2014
Twittering About Research: A Case Study of the World’s First Twitter Poster Competition
Authors: Randviir Edward P. , Illingworth Samuel M. , Baker Matthew J. , Cude Matthew , Banks Craig E.
Published: September 2015

The Royal Society of Chemistry held, to our knowledge, the world’s first Twitter conference at 9am on February 5th, 2015. This paper reports the details of the event and discusses the outcomes, such as the potential for the use of social media to enhance scientific communication at conferences. In particular, the present work argues that social media outlets such as Twitter broaden audiences, speed up communication, and force clearer and more concise descriptions of a researcher’s work. The benefits of poster presentations are also discussed in terms of potential knowledge exchange and networking. This paper serves as a proof-of-concept approach for improving both the public opinion of the poster, and the enhancement of the poster through an innovative online format that some may feel more comfortable with, compared to face-to-face communication.
The Role of Point-Rating System of Learning Outcomes Assessment in implementing the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education
Authors: ������������  , Dvulichanskaya Natalya , ���������  , Ermolaeva V.
Published: September 2015

The authors propose the point-rating system (PRS) for assessing the learning outcomes as one of the modern technologies to implement the requirements

introduced by the new generation of the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education. Features of implementing PRS at the Department

of Chemistry in BMSTU are provided; social and personality traits, as well as general scientific competencies of to-be engineers, developed as a

result of PRS system implementation are outlined. Also highlighted are the merits of the outcomes assessment system under consideration as it helps students

to develop the habit to smooth and systematic research activities and to enhance their self-esteem, reflection and motivation to learn. The authors

compare the traditional system of learning outcomes assessment against the proposed point-rating system and consider problems of implementing it in

the educational practice. The authors also provide evidence of the efficiency of their proprietary version of computer testing system, which stipulates the

application of practice-oriented exercises.
Research roundup: September 2015
Authors: Brook Judy , Murray Joy , Odd Dawn
Published: September 2015

In this section, a range of brief synopses of articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim is to provide an overview of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Managing and prescribing for atopic eczema in children
Authors: Penzer Rebecca
Published: September 2015

Atopic eczema is a common childhood condition, affecting around 20% of children. Severity of eczema varies; the condition may present as acute or chronic, and can be prone to infection. The health visitor has a role in: identifying eczema and referring children to general practice; prescribing emollients; supporting parents to understand and adhere to treatment plans; and referring to specialist dermatology services where appropriate.
Helping parents support their baby's early communication and language
Authors: Jones Michael
Published: September 2015

Effective communication between infants and parents lies at the heart of their developing relationship, and provides the foundation for later language development. Research into parental communication shows that responsiveness is the key ingredient for the development of the child's communication and healthy attachment. Some parents may need support to develop a positive relationship with their baby, and may benefit from being involved in practical experiences with their babies that help them to identify what positive communication feels like, and how it relates to child development.
The importance of considering the treatment and care of family pets in domestic violence risk assessments
Authors: McGraw Caroline , Jeffers Sylvia
Published: September 2015

A significant part of the health visiting role is to work with families where there is domestic violence. Often, pets are regarded as members of the family and, as such, are additional victims in environments where domestic violence is perpetrated. This article explores the coexistence of domestic violence and animal cruelty, and the implications of the use of animal cruelty to exercise coercive control over intimate partners in terms of the dangerousness of the abuser. It also considers the impact of animal cruelty on the health and social and emotional development of children. In domestic violence situations, child safety should be held paramount, and adult safety a priority. The authors argue that in the pursuit of the best outcomes for children and adults, health visitors should be cognisant of the treatment and care of family pets in their assessment, and in planning interventions to support families in changing their situation. An overview is provided of the domestic violence risk assessment tools that refer to animal cruelty as a contributory factor for serious harm, and the animal welfare services available to help families escaping domestic violence.
Striking the right balance: Delivering complex public health messages
Authors: Halnan Bridget
Published: September 2015

Health visitors require a wide range of skills to perform their role effectively. Delivery of consistent public health messages is a crucial aspect of health visiting work, but it is also important to be able to recognise when it may be necessary to go ‘off message’ to provide the best care and support for individual service users. Health visitors should make full use of the evidence base available, but should also understand the various motivations behind parents' decisions around health, which may not be governed by the best evidence. A key skill is the ability to apply both the science of health visiting (based on robust evidence) and the art of health visiting practice: the sensitive and intuitive shaping of public health messages to be appropriate for a specific person or family.
Revalidation: Are you ready?
Authors: Newland Rita
Published: September 2015

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has announced that it expects the first nurses and midwives to go through the revalidation process in April 2016. This article outlines what revalidation means and the requirements for health visitors registered with the NMC.
Improving the health of our nation
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: September 2015

As recent figures show that close to half of all 8-year-olds in the UK have signs of tooth decay, along with the growing proportion of children who are overweight or obese, the role of health visitors in promoting a healthy lifestyle is as important as ever.
Equine Review
Authors: Rendle David
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

This edition of Equine Review considers a variety of papers from assessment of the hoof using digital radiography and MRI to prevention of cribbing.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE TECNOLOGIA DE FABRICAÇÃO DE REQUEIJÃO CREMOSO COM TEOR REDUZIDO DE GORDURA
Authors: Torres Silva e Alves Adriana , Spadoti Leila Maria , Blumer Zacarchenco Patrícia , Gimenes Fernandes Van Dender Ariene
Published: September 2015

Observa-se uma participação cada vez maior na dieta da população brasileira de alimentos com teor de gordura reduzido, tendência esta também verificada em muitos outros países. Neste contexto, o objetivo foi estudar os parâmetros de fabricação e desenvolver um processo de fabricação de requeijão cremoso com teor de gordura reduzido. Na primeira etapa deste estudo, modificações foram realizadas na tecnologia tradicional de fabricação do requeijão cremoso para a obtenção de um produto com teor de gordura reduzido. Na segunda etapa estudou-se a fabricação de requeijão cremoso com teor de gordura reduzido produzido com e sem adição de concentrado protéico de soro (CPS 34%) e utilizando-se dois tipos de sais emulsificantes, JOHA S9 e JOHA PZ, resultando em quatro diferentes formulações. Os cálculos foram feitos para que o produto final tivesse 10% de gordura e 33% de extrato seco total. O produto que apresentou os melhores resultados foi aquele produzido com massa obtida por acidificação direta a quente (68 ºC a 70 ºC), utilizando-se 1,3% de sal JOHA S9 na fusão da massa e 2% de CPS 34% na substituição parcial da gordura, ambos calculados em relação à massa básica. Além disso, a adição do CPS 34% ao produto, quando o mesmo se encontrava a uma temperatura de aproximadamente 70 ºC, foi fundamental para obtenção de um produto com textura adequada.
The influence of the training of coping skills for stress on self-control and intensity of depression among adolescents with suicide risk
Authors: Keliat Budi Anna , Tololiu Tinneke Aneke , Daulima Novy Helena Catharina , Erawati Erna
Published: September 2015

Background: Suicide was the second leading cause of death among 15â€“29 year-olds globally in 2012. While the key elements in developing a national suicide prevention strategy not only the health sector but also education so far the training of coping skills for stress was not being a part of health school program to prevent suicide.Objective: This study conducted to explore the training of coping skills for stress on self-control and intensity of depression among adolescents with suicide risk.Method: This research design using a quasi-experimental pre-posttest with control group. The sample consisted of each 40 adolescents in the intervention group and in the control group.Results: We found that the adolescentâ€™s self-control and the intensity of depression was improved significantly in the intervention group.Conclusion: The training of coping skills for stress appears to be effective in increasing self-control and decreasing intensity of depression. We recommended that the training of coping skills for stress for adolescents should become a health school program in suicide prevention.
Hybridized teacher education programs in NYC: A missed opportunity?
Authors: Mungal Angus Shiva
Published: September 2015

This qualitative study describes the development of hybrid teacher preparation programs that emerged as a result of a “forced” partnership between university-based and alternative teacher preparation programs in New York City. This hybrid experiment was a short-lived, yet innovative by-product of a somewhat pragmatic arrangement between Teach for America, NYC Teaching Fellows and various universities to meet state requirements for credentialization. The institutions benefited from the arrangement but noteworthy here is the documentation of how the teacher education programs informed each other and potentially created a richer educational experience for teacher candidates than either of the programs had alone. With the development of Relay, a stand-alone, alternate graduate school, the partnership, despite its early promise, was ended. With all of its challenges, this forced partnership was characterized by creative and competitive tensions, rather than what ultimately became two parallel teacher education systems largely isolated and in competition with each other.
Stability analysis of ferrofluids
Authors: Katharina Duda , Kerstin Lüdtke-Buzug
Published: September 2015

Superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) are used as tracer for the new imaging technique Magnetic Particle Imaging. The stability of ferrofluids for medical application has a great importance, in addition to the particle size. The shell material, which protects the iron core prior from agglomeration and sedimentation, can be degraded by various processes. Another important aspect of stability is the constant performance of magnetisation. Therefore, the measurement of the magnetisation of the particles must be controlled in order to ensure the stability of the samples.
Combining different ECG derived respiration tracking methods to create an optimal reconstruction of the breathing pattern
Authors: Lenis Gustavo , Conz Felix , Dössel Olaf
Published: September 2015

ECG derived respiration (EDR) is a technique applied to estimate the respiration signal using only the electrocardiogram (ECG). Different approaches have been proposed in the past on how respiration could be gained from the ECG. However, in many applications only one of them is used while the others are not considered at all. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for the optimal linear combination of different EDR methods in order to create a more accurate estimation. Using two well known databases, it was statistically shown that an optimally chosen fixed set of coefficients for the linear combination delivers a better estimation than each of the methods used solely.
Heart rate monitoring in ultra-high-field MRI using frequency information obtained from video signals of the human skin compared to electrocardiography and pulse oximetry
Authors: Spicher Nicolai , Maderwald Stefan , Ladd Mark E. , Kukuk Markus
Published: September 2015

Videos of the human skin contain subtle color variations associated with the blood volume pulse. This remote photoplethysmography signal can be used for heart rate monitoring and represents an alternative to signals obtained from contact-based hardware. We developed an algorithm that estimates the heart rate in real-time from photoplethysmography signals and evaluate its performance in the context of ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging. We compare its accuracy to heart rate values estimated from electrocardiography and finger pulse oximetry triggers, obtained from MR vendor-provided hardware. For eight subjects, two experiments are conducted with the patient table outside and inside a 7 Tesla scanner. During both 5 min setups, heart rates from the algorithm and contact-based methods are stored. Their comparison suggests technical feasibility of the contactless method but that it is inferior in accuracy compared to contact-based hardware and that low heart rates (≤50 beats per minute) and adequate illumination are major challenges for practical feasibility.
Adopting oculopressure tonometry as a transient in vivo rabbit glaucoma model
Authors: Stahnke T. , Siewert S. , Walther E. , Schmidt W. , Stachs O. , Schmitz K.-P. , Guthoff R. F.
Published: September 2015

Glaucoma represents a group of eye disorders partly related to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to progressive optic nerve damage resulting in impaired vision and possibly blindness. To assess the suitability of new IOP lowering therapeutic strategies, such as the implantation of glaucoma drainage devices, appropriate animal models have to be used. Currently, a number of rodent glaucoma models are available [1], however, especially for surgical interventions rodent eyes are too small. Rabbits are much more suitable with respect to dimension. Unfortunately, rabbit glaucoma model systems described in literature are difficult to reproduce or fail totally, associated with a high level of discomfort and pain for treated animals. Therefore, development of an
in vivo
rabbit glaucoma model is one of the most important goals in glaucoma research. Here, we describe the adaptation of the oculopressure tonometry, an existing method to quantify the outflow of aqueous humor in humans, to generate a transient glaucoma model in rabbits. The existing suction-cup oculopressor (SCOP) is extended with newly designed suction-cups, which are adjusted to the anatomy of the rabbit eye. The modification of the oculopressure tonometry method facilitates an increase in IOP over a time frame of 9 minutes by vacuum induced deformation of the rabbit eye. This method can be used to test functionality of fistulating glaucoma surgeries or implanted drainage devices in a long term follow-up without any side effects and suffering of the animals.