bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Workload and Working Conditions on Operating Room Nurses and Technicians
Authors: Uğurlu Ziyafet , Karahan Azize , Ünlü Hayriye , Abbasoğlu Aysel , Özhan Elbaş Nalan , Avcı Işık Sevcan , Tepe Aylin
Published: July 2015

This study was conducted between August 15 and September 20, 2013, to determine the effects of workload and working conditions on operating room (OR) nurses and technicians. The study sample included 74 OR nurses and technicians working in a private university’s six hospitals. The Individual Workload Perception Scale and a questionnaire that collected data on risk and environmental factors were used. The mean age of study participants was 29.3 ± 6.7 years, and 62.2% of the participants were female. More than 90% of the nurses and technicians had experienced spills or splashing of blood or other body fluids; anesthetic gases and radiation had affected 63.5% and 71.6% of nurses and technicians, respectively; 63.5% reported lumbar pain; and 46.6% defined the work environment as very stressful. The average workload scale score was 32.4 ± 6.2 (min = 11, max = 55). OR nurses and technicians are exposed to many occupational risks.
Low-loss dielectric ceramic materials and their properties
Authors: Sebastian M. T. , Ubic R. , Jantunen H.
Published: July 2015

In addition to the constant demand of low-loss dielectric materials for wireless telecommunication, the recent progress in the Internet of Things (IoT), the Tactile Internet (fifth generation wireless systems), the Industrial Internet, satellite broadcasting and intelligent transport systems (ITS) has put more pressure on their development with modern component fabrication techniques. Oxide ceramics are critical for these applications, and a full understanding of their crystal chemistry is fundamental for future development. Properties of microwave ceramics depend on several parameters including their composition, the purity of starting materials, processing conditions and their ultimate densification/porosity. In this review the data for all reported low-loss microwave dielectric ceramic materials are collected and tabulated. The table of these materials gives the relative permittivity, quality factor, temperature variation of the resonant frequency, crystal structure, sintering temperature, measurement frequency and references. In addition, the methods commonly employed for measuring the microwave dielectric properties, important from the applications point of view, factors affecting the dielectric loss, methods to tailor the dielectric properties and materials for future applications, are briefly described. The data will be very useful for scientists, industrialists, engineers and students working on current and emerging applications of wireless communications.
Preparation of Ni–Co alloy coating on sintered NdFeB magnet by potentiodynamic electrodeposition
Authors: Tan C. , Li Q. , She Z. , Liu F. , Wang Z. , Li L.
Published: July 2015

A protective Ni–Co alloy coating was successfully prepared on sintered neodymium–iron–boron (NdFeB) magnet via potentiodynamic electrodeposition in this paper. The microstructure and surface morphology analysis of Ni–Co alloy coating showed that the surface morphologies were quite compact and more uniform than that prepared by direct current (DC) electrodeposition; significantly, the chemical composition analysis indicated that the content of Co in the alloy coatings amounted to 33–34 wt-. Potentiodynamic polarisation and long term immersion test results revealed that the Ni–Co alloy coating could supply excellent corrosion protection for NdFeB substrate in 3.5 wt- NaCl solution. Overall, the Ni–Co alloy coating with higher Co content prepared by potentiodynamic electrodeposition exhibited better corrosion protection for sintered NdFeB magnet compared with that prepared by DC electrodeposition.
A reliable radiographic measurement for evaluation of normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis: a multi‐detector computed tomography study in adults
Authors: Chen Yanxi , Qiang Minfei , Zhang Kun , Li Haobo , Dai Hao
Published: July 2015

Background

Syndesmotic injury may be difficult to diagnose, and radiological evaluation is very important. The purpose of this study was to offer a series of reliable and repeatable normal tibiofibular syndesmosis parameters in diagnosing injuries of the syndesmosis.

Methods

Multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) and radiographs of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in 484 cases were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant parameters included the tibiofibular clear space (TCS), the tibiofibular overlap (TFO), the depth of the incisura fibularis (IFD), and the height of the incisura fibularis (IFH), which were measured by novel three‐dimensional (3‐D) and two‐dimensional (2‐D) techniques. The distance between the measuring plane of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the tibial plafond was measured. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the root mean square standard deviation (RMS‐SD), to determine measurement precision. Sex differences of parameters were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with body height as the covariate. Paired sample t‐testing was used to compare parameters in different image modalities, including radiography, and 2‐D and 3‐D CT.

Results

The reliability of the 3‐D images measurement (ICC range, 0.907 to 0.972) was greater than that for the 2‐D axial images (ICC range, 0.895 to 0.927), and the AP view radiographs (ICC range, 0.742 to 0.838). The intra‐rater RMS‐SD of the 3‐D CT, 2‐D CT and radiographic measurements were less than 0.94 mm, 0.26 mm, and 2.87 mm, respectively. The measuring plane of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis showed the sex difference, which was 12.1 mm proximal to the tibial plafond in the male group and 7.8 mm in the female group. In this plane, the parameters for tibiofibular syndesmosis were measured in different image modalities. All variables were significantly different between females and males (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

3‐D measurement technique could be helpful to identify the precise measurement planes for syndesmosis, which were not at the fixed level above the tibial plafond because of the sex difference. In this plane, reliable measurement results could be provided, in either 2‐D or 3‐D MDCT images.
Synthesis and evaluation in rats of homologous series of [18F]-labeled dopamine D2/3 receptor agonists based on the 2-aminomethylchroman scaffold as potential PET tracers
Authors: Shalgunov Vladimir , van Wieringen Jan-Peter , Janssen Henk M. , Fransen P. Michel , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , Michel Martin C. , Booij Jan , Elsinga Philip H.
Published: July 2015

Background

Agonist positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for dopamine D2/3receptors (D2/3Rs) offer greater sensitivity to changes in endogenous dopamine levels than D2/3R antagonist tracers. D2/3R agonist tracers currently available for clinical research are labeled with the short-lived isotope carbon-11, which limits their use. We aimed to develop high-affinity D2R agonists amenable for labeling with the longer-living fluorine-18. Here, we report the evaluation as potential PET tracers of two homologous series of [18F]fluorinated tracers based on the 2-aminomethylchroman-7-ol (AMC) scaffold: (R)-2-((4-(2-fluoroalkoxy)benzylamino)methyl)chroman-7-ols (AMC13 homologues) and (R)-2-((2-(4-(4-(fluoroalkoxy)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethylamino)methyl)chroman-7-ols (AMC15 homologues). We varied the length of the18F-fluoroalkyl chain in these structures to balance brain penetration and non-specific binding of the radioligands by adjusting their lipophilicity.

Methods

The tracers were evaluated in brain slices of Sprague-Dawley rats by in vitro autoradiography and in living rats by microPET imaging and ex vivo autoradiography. PET data were analyzed with one- and two-tissue compartmental models (1TCM/2TCM), simplified reference tissue model (SRTM), and Logan graphical analysis. Specificity of binding was tested by blocking D2/3R with raclopride.

Results

Homologues with a shorter fluoroalkyl chain consistently showed greater D2/3R-specific-to-total binding ratios in the striatum than those with longer chains. The fluoroethoxy homologue of AMC13 ([18F]FEt-AMC13) demonstrated the highest degree of D2/3R-specific binding among the evaluated tracers: mean striatum-to-cerebellum uptake ratio reached 4.4 in vitro and 2.1/2.8 in vivo/ex vivo (PET/autoradiography). Striatal binding potential (BPND) relative to cerebellum was 0.51–0.63 depending on the estimation method. Radiometabolites of [18F]FEt-AMC13 did not enter the brain. In vitro, application of 10 μmol/L raclopride reduced D2/3R-specific binding of [18F]FEt-AMC13 in the striatum by 81 %. In vivo, pre-treatment with 1 mg/kg (2.9 μmol/kg) raclopride led to 17–39 % decrease in D2/3R-specific binding in the striatum.

Conclusions

Varying the length of the [18F]fluoroalkyl chain helped improve the characteristics of the original candidate tracers. Further modifications of the current lead [18F]FEt-AMC13 can provide an agonist radiopharmaceutical suitable for D2/3R imaging by PET.
On iterative computation of fixed points and optimization
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K , Cho Yeol Je , Hilout Saïd
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a semi-local convergence analysis of the Gauss-Newton method for convex composite optimization is presented using the concept of quasi-regularity in order to approximate fixed points in optimization. Our convergence analysis is presented first under theL-average Lipschitz and then under generalized convex majorant conditions. The results extend the applicability of the Gauss-Newton method under the same computational cost as in earlier studies such as Li and Ng (SIAM J. Optim. 18:613-642, 2007), Moldovan and Pellegrini (J. Optim. Theory Appl. 142:147-163, 2009), Moldovan and Pellegrini (J. Optim. Theory Appl. 142:165-183, 2009), Wang (Math. Comput. 68:169-186, 1999) and Wang (IMA J. Numer. Anal. 20:123-134, 2000).
Split common fixed point problem for two quasi-pseudo-contractive operators and its algorithm construction
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Liou Yeong-Cheng , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: July 2015

The split common fixed point problem for two quasi-pseudo-contractive operators is studied. Some properties for quasi-pseudo-contractive operators are presented. An iterative algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problem for two quasi-pseudo-contractive operators is constructed. Strong convergence theorems are proved. A unified framework for the study of this class problem and class of operators is provided.
The dynamics of China-Ethiopia trade relations: economic capacity, balance of trade & trade regimes
Authors: Venkataraman Manickam , Gofie Solomon M
Published: July 2015

China’s trade with Ethiopia currently at 1.3 billion USD annually is expected to rise to US$3 billion by 2015. This not only informs the level of bilateral trade ties that Ethiopia has had with China as compared to any other country in the region but also signifies the highest and the closest level of bilateral relations that Ethiopia has built upwith China over the past decade since the new government under Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took over power in 1991. There have been extensive debates on China’s role in Africa - whether it could be viewed as a constructive partner or otherwise. This essay puts forward the argument that while trade ties as one important channel of bilateral relations that China has embarked with the outside world and particularly with Africa is uneven and lop-sided. This is true of the Ethiopian context as well particularly when we look at the economic capacity, balance of trade and at the two countries relations with international trade regimes. While China is a full member of WTO for over a decade Ethiopia on the other hand has been aspiring to become a member for some time now and hence one of the important aspect of Ethio-China trade relations is the heavy reliance on bilateral/international trade regimes. Therefore, this research is aimed at unraveling the dynamics in Sino-Ethiopia trade relations with emphasis on the economic capacity of the two countries, balance of trade and explore whether Ethiopia’s attempts to join WTO would lead to a more predictable trade relations between the two countries. In this attempt the research would largely rely on the analysis of relevant archival resources and literatures directly relating to the themes in this paper.
Locating the ‘East’ in the Global South: question of self image in traditions and transitions
Authors: Awan Muhammad Faisal
Published: July 2015

This paper attempts to explore the socio-political and economic dimensions of increasingly becoming popular rise of the Global South. It is argued that the slogan of the rise of Global South which seemingly implies that the Global South in its pursuit of development as an ideal will end up being different than the North is questionable. Scholars have long debated on the nature and spirit of development in South and explain the rising South either in terms of gradual expansion of Westernization or in terms of emerging indigenous alternate model of development or alternate modernity. This distinction in describing the emerging economies rely primarily on the specific use of notion of capital as somewhat Western and the culture it produces as Western culture or either in the sense of internalizing the spirit of capital yet maintaining distinctive identity (other than the Western) which tends to reflect in the vocabulary of the Global South. This is to argue here that the spirit of capital is neither West nor East. And similarly it is neither North nor South. It is only the question of when and how the forces underlying capitalism will emerge in particular geography. The development discourse emerged primarily after the WWII put all post-colonial nations pursuing development instead of questioning it. There may have been changes in the vocabulary of development in the Global South to adjust in local cultures and perhaps also in the structure. There may have been call for alternate modernity. Notwithstanding the spirit remains the same. It is in this backdrop locating or understanding the very notion of the East not as a homogenous civilization but rather a pool of civilizations intending to express power of traditions in transitions becomes important. The purpose of this paper is to understand the withering traditions of East in the Global South development process dominated by the spirit of Capitalism. It is asked in environmental debate that can capitalism go green, in the political and cultural realm I would try to explore can capitalism go East in the Global South; can traditions survive in transitions? If not then Why?
Fast computation of eikonal and transport equations on graphics processing units computer architectures
Authors: Noack Marcus , Gillberg Tor
Published: July 2015

Eikonal models have been widely used for traveltime computations in the field of seismic imaging, but they are often criticized for having low accuracy and poor resolution of the output image. Including amplitude information can provide higher model resolution and accuracy of the images. We have developed a new approach for computing eikonal traveltimes and amplitudes, and we implemented it for multicore computer processing unit and graphics processing unit computer architectures. Traveltimes and amplitudes are computed simultaneously in iterations of the 3D velocity model. This is achieved by extending a fast sweeping method by computing amplitudes directly after the traveltimes with upwind numerical difference schemes. By performing the extra computations simultaneously with the traveltimes, the additional cost for the amplitude and raypaths is low. We tested our method on synthetic 3D data sets to compute traveltimes, amplitudes, and raypaths, from which the Helmholtz Green’s function was assembled. Using a grid of [Formula: see text] nodes, the computations were performed in less than 1 s. The proposed method could work as a feasible alternative to full waveform modeling in seismic applications, which suffers from demanding computations because it requires several order of magnitudes shorter computing times.
Finite-difference time dispersion transforms for wave propagation
Authors: Wang Meixia , Xu Sheng
Published: July 2015

The finite-difference (FD) wave equation is widely implemented in seismic imaging for oil exploration. But the numerical dispersion due to discretization of time and space derivatives can introduce severe numerical errors. We have investigated time dispersion, which might distort the phase and introduce severe artifacts to the data and images, especially for long-time propagation. We first studied precisely how the time dispersion was produced, and then we developed an efficient approach — the time dispersion transforms — to cope with time dispersion errors in wave propagation. The proposed forward time dispersion transform can predict or simulate the time dispersion errors, and it can be applied to remove time dispersion errors in reverse time migration. The inverse time dispersion transform can be used to eliminate time dispersion errors from synthetic data after modeling. The proposed method is general and works for low- and high-order time FD schemes. By using this method, large time steps were allowed in wave propagation; thus, we can remove the time dispersion errors at a negligible numerical cost, and the efficiency is not affected. To test the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed time dispersion transforms, we used isotropic and anisotropic examples, as well as modeling and imaging examples.
Temporal and spatial evolution of deepwater fold thrust belts: Implications for quantifying strain imbalance
Authors: Dalton Tobias James Scott , Paton Douglas. A. , Needham Timothy , Hodgson Neil
Published: July 2015

Deepwater fold and thrust belts (DWFTBs) occur in a large number of active and passive continental margins, and their occurrence play an important role in controlling the structural configuration and stratigraphic evolution of margins. Although DWFTBs that are located on passive margins are a coupled system, in which updip extension is linked to downdip contraction, many studies have established a significant imbalance between these two domains in favor of net extensional strain. We have sequentially restored a series of parallel sections from the Orange Basin, South Africa, to quantify the amount of extension and contraction along a single collapse system. We found there to be a constant shortfall in the amount of contraction relative to extension in these features, which allowed us to quantify the lateral compaction of the margin as 5%. We also established a temporal model for the development and growth of thin shale detachment gravity collapse structures on passive margins. This model had implications not only for the kinematic and geometric evolution of these systems but also on the geomechanical process involved, in particular the accommodation of strain through compactional processes rather than discrete faulting.
Physical exercise for late-life major depression
Authors: Murri M. Belvederi , Amore M. , Menchetti M. , Toni G. , Neviani F. , Cerri M. , Rocchi M. B. L. , Zocchi D. , Bagnoli L. , Tam E. , Buffa A. , Ferrara S. , Neri M. , Alexopoulos G. S. , Zanetidou S.
Published: July 2015

Background

Interventions including physical exercise may help improve the outcomes of late-life major depression, but few studies are available.

Aims

To investigate whether augmenting sertraline therapy with physical exercise leads to better outcomes of late-life major depression.

Method

Primary care patients (>65 years) with major depression were randomised to 24 weeks of higher-intensity, progressive aerobic exercise plus sertraline (S+PAE), lower-intensity, non-progressive exercise plus sertraline (S+NPE) and sertraline alone. The primary outcome was remission (a score of $10 on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression).

Results

A total of 121 patients were included. At study end, 45% of participants in the sertraline group, 73% of those in the S+NPE group and 81% of those in the S+PAE group achieved remission (P= 0.001). A shorter time to remission was observed in the S+PAE group than in the sertraline-only group.

Conclusions

Physical exercise may be a safe and effective augmentation to antidepressant therapy in late-life major depression.
Ethnic inequalities in the use of secondary and tertiary mental
health services among patients with obsessive–compulsive
disorder
Authors: de la Cruz Lorena Fernández , Llorens Marta , Jassi Amita , Krebs Georgina , Vidal-Ribas Pablo , Radua Joaquim , Hatch Stephani L. , Bhugra Dinesh , Heyman Isobel , Clark Bruce , Mataix-Cols David
Published: July 2015

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has similar prevalence rates across
ethnic groups. However, ethnic minorities are underrepresented in
clinical trials of OCD. It is unclear whether this is also the case in
clinical services.

Aims

To explore whether ethnic minorities with OCD are underrepresented in
secondary and tertiary mental health services in the South London and
Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust.

Method

The ethnic distribution of patients with OCD seen between 1999 and 2013
in SLaM (n = 1528) was compared with that of the general
population in the catchment area using census data. A cohort of patients
with depression (n = 22 716) was used for comparative
purposes.

Results

Ethnic minorities with OCD were severely underrepresented across services
(–57%, 95% CI –62% to –52%). The magnitude of the observed inequalities
was significantly more pronounced than in depression (–29%, 95% CI–31%
to–27%).

Conclusions

There is a clear need to understand the reasons behind such ethnic
inequalities and implement measures to reduce them.
Revisiting PC1/3 Mutants: Dominant-Negative Effect of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Retained Mutants
Authors: Blanco Elias H. , Ramos-Molina Bruno , Lindberg Iris
Published: July 2015

Prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), encoded by the gene PCSK1, is critical for peptide hormone synthesis. An increasing number of studies have shown that inactivating mutations in PCSK1 are correlated with endocrine pathologies ranging from intestinal dysfunction to morbid obesity, whereas the common nonsynonymous polymorphisms rs6232 (N221D) and rs6234–rs6235 (Q665E-S690T) are highly associated with obesity risk. In this report, we revisited the biochemical and cellular properties of PC1/3 variants in the context of a wild-type PC1/3 background instead of the S357G hypermorph background used for all previous studies. In the wild-type background the PC1/3 N221D variant exhibited 30% lower enzymatic activity in a fluorogenic assay than wild-type PC1/3; this inhibition was greater than that detected in an equivalent experiment using the PC1/3 S357G background. A PC1/3 variant with the linked carboxyl-terminal polymorphisms Q665E-S690T did not show this difference. We also analyzed the biochemical properties of 2 PC1/3 mutants, G209R and G593R, which are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and studied their effects on wild-type PC1/3. The expression of ER-retained mutants induced ER stress markers and also resulted in dominant-negative blockade of wild-type PC1/3 prodomain cleavage and decreased expression of wild-type PC1/3, suggesting facilitation of the entry of wild-type protein to a degradative proteasomal pathway. Dominant-negative effects of PC1/3 mutations on the expression and maturation of wild-type protein, with consequential effects on PC1/3 availability, add a new element which must be considered in population and clinical studies of this gene.
Fsh Stimulates Spermatogonial Proliferation and Differentiation in Zebrafish via Igf3
Authors: Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Morais Roberto Daltro Vidal de Souza , Crespo Diego , de Waal Paul P. , de França Luiz Renato , Schulz Rüdiger W. , Bogerd Jan
Published: July 2015

Growth factors modulate germ line stem cell self-renewal and differentiation behavior. We investigate the effects of Igf3, a fish-specific member of the igf family. Fsh increased in a steroid-independent manner the number and mitotic index of single type A undifferentiated spermatogonia and of clones of type A differentiating spermatogonia in adult zebrafish testis. All 4 igf gene family members in zebrafish are expressed in the testis but in tissue culture only igf3 transcript levels increased in response to recombinant zebrafish Fsh. This occurred in a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent manner, in line with the results of studies on the igf3 gene promoter. Igf3 protein was detected in Sertoli cells. Recombinant zebrafish Igf3 increased the mitotic index of type A undifferentiated and type A differentiating spermatogonia and up-regulated the expression of genes related to spermatogonial differentiation and entry into meiosis, but Igf3 did not modulate testicular androgen release. An Igf receptor inhibitor blocked these effects of Igf3. Importantly, the Igf receptor inhibitor also blocked Fsh-induced spermatogonial proliferation. We conclude that Fsh stimulated Sertoli cell production of Igf3, which promoted via Igf receptor signaling spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation and their entry into meiosis. Because previous work showed that Fsh also released spermatogonia from an inhibitory signal by down-regulating anti-Müllerian hormone and by stimulating androgen production, we can now present a model, in which Fsh orchestrates the activity of stimulatory (Igf3, androgens) and inhibitory (anti-Müllerian hormone) signals to promote spermatogenesis.
Aquaporins and Fetal Membranes From Diabetic Parturient Women: Expression Abnormalities and Regulation by Insulin
Authors: Bouvier Damien , Rouzaire Marion , Marceau Geoffroy , Prat Cécile , Pereira Bruno , Lemarié Romain , Deruelle Philippe , Fajardy Isabelle , Gallot Denis , Blanchon Loïc , Vambergue Anne , Sapin Vincent
Published: July 2015

Context:

During pregnancy, aquaporins (AQPs) expressed in fetal membranes are essential for controlling the homeostasis of the amniotic volume, but their regulation by insulin was never explored in diabetic women.

Objective:

The aim of our study was to investigate the involvement of AQPs 1, 3, 8, and 9 expressed in fetal membranes in diabetic parturient women and the control of their expression by insulin.

Design and Participants:

From 129 fetal membranes in four populations (controls, type 1, type 2 [T2D], and gestational diabetes [GD]), we established an expression AQP profile. In a second step, the amnion was used to study the control of the expression and functions of AQPs 3 and 9 by insulin.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

The expression of transcripts and proteins of AQPs was studied by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. We analyzed the regulation by insulin of the expression of AQPs 3 and 9 in the amnion. A tritiated glycerol test enabled us to measure the impact of insulin on the functional characteristics. Using an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, we analyzed the insulin intracellular signaling pathway.

Results:

The expression of AQP3 protein was significantly weaker in groups T2D and GD. In nondiabetic fetal membranes, we showed for the amnion (but not for the chorion) a significant repression by insulin of the transcriptional expression of AQPs 3 and 9, which was blocked by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor.

Conclusion:

In fetal membranes, the repression of AQP3 protein expression and functions observed in vivo is allowed by the hyperinsulinism described in pregnant women with T2D or GD.
Transient and permanent effects of suboptimal incubation temperatures on growth, metabolic rate, immune function, and adrenocortical responses in zebra finches
Authors: Wada Haruka , Kriengwatana Buddhamas , Allen Natalie , Schmidt Kimberly L. , Soma Kiran K. , MacDougall-Shackleton Scott A.
Published: July 2015

In birds, incubation temperature can vary by several degrees Celsius among nests of a given species. Parents may alter incubation temperature to cope with environmental conditions and/or to manipulate embryonic development, and such changes in incubation behavior could have long-lasting effects on offspring phenotype. To investigate short- and long-term effects of suboptimal incubation temperatures on survival and physiological functions in zebra finches, eggs were incubated at 36.2, 37.4, and 38.4°C for the entire incubation period. Post-hatch environment was identical among the treatment groups. We found that hatching success was lowest in the 38.4°C group, while post-hatch survival was lowest in the 36.2°C group. Incubation temperature had sex-specific effects on offspring phenotype, where incubation temperatures affected body mass but not physiological parameters of males, while temperatures affected physiological parameters but not body mass of females. Specifically, males from the 38.4°C group weighed significantly less than males from the 36.2°C group from the nestling period to adulthood, while females from different incubation temperature groups did not differ in body mass. In contrast, females incubated at 36.2°C had transient but significantly elevated basal metabolic rate and adrenocortical responses during the nestling and fledgling periods, while no treatment effect was observed in males. Innate immunity was not affected by incubation temperature in either sex. These results suggest that a 1°C deviation from what is considered an optimal incubation temperature can lower offspring performance and offspring survival.
Skinned fibres produce the same power and force as intact fibre bundles from muscle of wild rabbits
Authors: Curtin N.A. , Diack R.A. , West T.G. , Wilson A.M. , Woledge R.C.
Published: July 2015

We have compared the mechanical performance of intact fibre bundles and skinned fibres from muscle of the same animals. This is the first such direct comparison. The maximum power and isometric force were measured at 25°C using the peroneus longus (PL) and extensor digiti-V (ED-V) muscles from wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Linnaeus). More than 90% of the fibres in these muscles are fast-twitch, type 2 fibres. Maximum power was measured in force-clamp experiments. We found that within the experimental error, intact and skinned fibres produced the same maximum power per volume, 121.3 W litre−1 ±16.1 (s.e.m.), N=16, and 122.6 W litre−1 ±4.6, N=141, respectively, and the same maximum relative power (power/FIM Lo, where FIM is maximum isometric force and Lo is standard fibre length), 0.645±0.037, N=16, and 0.589±0.019, N=141. Relative power is independent of volume and thus not subject to errors in measurement of volume. Maximum isometric force per cross-sectional area was also the same for intact and skinned fibres, 181.9 kPa ±19.1 N=16 and 207.8 kPa ±4.8, N=141, respectively. These results contrast with previous measurements of performance at lower temperatures where skinned fibres produce much less power than intact fibres from both mammals and non-mammalian species.
The neonicotinoid clothianidin interferes with navigation of the solitary bee Osmia cornuta in a laboratory test
Authors: Jin Nanxiang , Klein Simon , Leimig Fabian , Bischoff Gabriela , Menzel Randolf
Published: July 2015

Pollinating insects provide a vital ecosystem service to crops and wild plants. Exposure to low doses of neonicotinoid insecticides has sub-lethal effects on social pollinators such as bumblebees and honeybees, disturbing their navigation and interfering with their development. Solitary Hymenoptera are also very important ecosystem service providers, but the sub-lethal effects of neonicotinoids have not yet been studied well in those animals. We analyzed the ability of walking Osmia to remember a feeding place in a small environment and found that Osmia remembers the feeding place well after four days' training. Uptake of field realistic amounts of the neonicotinoid clothianidin (0.76 ng/bee) altered the animals' sensory responses to the visual environment and interfered with the retrieval of navigational memory. We conclude that the neonicotinoid clothianidin compromises visual guidance and the use of navigational memory in the solitary bee Osmia cornuta.
Distinct or shared actions of peptide family isoforms: I. Peptide-specific actions of pyrokinins in the lobster cardiac neuromuscular system
Authors: Dickinson Patsy S. , Sreekrishnan Anirudh , Kwiatkowski Molly A. , Christie Andrew E.
Published: July 2015

Although the crustacean heart is modulated by a large number of peptides and amines, few of these have been localized to the cardiac ganglion (CG) itself; most appear to reach the CG only by hormonal routes. Immunohistochemistry in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, indicates that pyrokinins are present not only in neuroendocrine organs (pericardial organ and sinus gland), but also in the CG itself, where pyrokinin-positive terminals were found in the pacemaker cell region, as well as surrounding the motor neurons. Surprisingly, the one pyrokinin peptide identified from H. americanus, FSPRLamide, which consists solely of the conserved FXPRLamide residues that characterize pyrokinins, did not alter the activity of the cardiac neuromuscular system. However, a pyrokinin from the shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, (ADFAFNPRLamide; i.e., Penaeus vannamei pyrokinin 2 (PevPK2)) increased both the frequency and amplitude of heart contractions when perfused through the isolated whole heart. None of the other crustacean pyrokinins tested (another from L. vannamei and two from the crab, Cancer borealis) had any effect on the lobster heart. Similarly, altering the PevPK2 sequence either by truncation or by the substitution of single amino acids resulted in much lower or no activity in all cases; only the conservative substitution of serine for alanine at position 1 resulted in any activity on the heart. Thus, in contrast to other systems (cockroach and crab) in which pyrokinins have been examined and shown to elicit similar bioactivities, activation of the pyrokinin receptor in the lobster heart appears to be highly isoform-specific.
Light sensitivity in a vertebrate mechanoreceptor?
Authors: Baker Gary E. , de Grip Willem J. , Turton Michael , Wagner Hans-Joachim , Foster Russell G. , Douglas Ron H.
Published: July 2015

Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis we demonstrate that melanospin is localised in cells around the central pore of lateral line neuromasts in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. Since melanopsin is a known photoreceptor pigment with diverse functions in vertebrates, we suggest that the lateral line of Xenopus laevis, which is primarily a mechanorecptor, may also be light sensitive. Potential functions of such photosensitivity are discussed, including its role in mediating locomotor responses following dermal illumination.
Respiratory function of the plastron in the aquatic bug,Aphelocheirus aestivalis(Hemiptera, Aphelocheiridae)
Authors: Seymour Roger S. , Jones Karl K. , Hetz Stefan K.
Published: July 2015

The river bug Aphelocheirus aestivalis is a 40 mg aquatic insect that, as an adult, relies totally on an incompressible physical gill to exchange respiratory gases with the water. The gill (called a ‘plastron’) consists of a stationary layer of air held in place on the body surface by millions of tiny hairs that support a permanent air-water interface, so that the insect never has to renew the gas at the water's surface. The volume of air in the plastron is extremely small (0.14 mm3), under slightly negative pressure, and connected to the gas-filled tracheal system through spiracles on the cuticle. Here, we measure Po2 of the water and within the plastron gas with O2-sensing fibre optics to understand the effectiveness and limitations of the gas exchanger. The difference in Po2 is highest in stagnant water and decreases with increasing convection over the surface. Respiration of bugs in water-filled vials varies between 33 and 296 pmol O2 s−1, depending on swimming activity. The effective thickness of the boundary layer around the plastron is calculated from respiration rate, Po2 difference and plastron surface area according to the Fick diffusion equation and verified by direct measurements with the fibre-optic probes. In stagnant water, the boundary layer is approximately 500 µm thick, which nevertheless can satisfy the demands of resting bugs, even if the Po2 of the free water decreases to half of air-saturation. Active bugs require thinner boundary layers (ca. 100 µm) that are achieved by living in moving water or by swimming.
High IPCE Performance of Photosensitized Dyes Having Trifluoromethylacrylic Acid as an Acceptor-anchor Moiety
Authors: Iwata Satoru , Oshio Shouta , Kobayashi Shintaro , Aoyama Misa , Tanaka Kiyoshi
Published: July 2015

Novel photosensitized dyes having trifluoromethylacrylic acid as an acceptor-anchor moiety (MCL26–29) are synthesized. These dyes seem to suppress the back-donation currents from the conduction band of TiO2 semiconductor to the electrolyte. Their fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) show high IPCE performances (MCL27; over 80% between 400–520 nm, max 90% at 465 nm). In particular, the high IPCE properties are compared with more than 80 article examples.
Electrochemical Study and Quantum Chemical Calculation of Norbornene-based Quinone in Acetonitrile
Authors: Li Xue , Zhao Yang , Pan Jianxin , Li Hongpeng , Feng Lei , Wang Shubo , Xie Xiaofeng , Huang Haiyan
Published: July 2015

Cyclic voltammetry and rotation disk electrode studies of norbornene-based quinone (NB-quinone) were carried out in acetonitrile. The peak-to-peak separation is 73 mV, and diffusion coefficient was obtained to be 3.53 × 10−5 cm2 s−1. Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory have been performed on the NB-quinone. The Fukui (+) function of NB-quinone shows clearly that the carbon and oxygen atoms at the C=O bonds most easily obtain electrons, with the value of 0.091 and 0.145, much higher than other atoms in the molecule. The calculated potential of the reaction is 0.677 V, identical with the experimental value.
Photo- and pH-responsive Electrospun Polymer Films: Wettability and Protein Adsorption Characteristics
Authors: Wang Guojie , Han Guoxiang , Wen Yongqiang , Zheng Yudong
Published: July 2015

A photo- and pH-responsive electrospun polymer film composed of a carboxy-azobenzene polymer (PAZO) and polystyrene (PS) has been fabricated. The wettability can be switched in response to pH variation and UV light irradiation. The controlled adsorption of protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), on the electrospun films can be achieved under UV light irradiation.
A Implantação do SUS e o processo de descentralização na área da saúde até 2002
Authors: Campos Claudia Valentina de Arruda , Malik Ana Maria , Bueno Ricardo Luiz Pereira
Published: July 2015

Este texto estuda sucintamente o início da implementação do SUS, desde a 8a Conferência Nacional de Saúde até a edição da NOAS 02/02, com ênfase nos movimentos de descentralização apontados pela legislação e apresentando os programas prioritários para fins de financiamento em saúde.
Reforma do Estado, Regulação e Incentivo ao Cinema no Brasil: o Caso Ancine e Ancinav
Authors: Fomazari Fabio Kobol
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as políticas públicas de regulação, fiscalização e incentivo à indústria audiovisual no Brasil, a partir da criação da ANCINE - Agência Nacional do Cinema. Vista sob a perspectiva das transfonnações recentes no aparato institucional do Estado brasileiro, será estudada a especificidade de uma agência reguladora criada para atuar neste setor de política pública. Analisamos o panorama histórico da relação entre Estado e cinema no Brasil, os resultados concretos e o significado estratégico da atuação da agência. Além disso, avaliamos o debate sobre a mudança no perfil e escopo da agência, com sua possível substituição pela ANCINAV - Agência Nacional do Cinema e do Audiovisual e a forma polêmica pela qual esta proposta foi recebida pela comunidade cultural e cinematográfica. Concluiremos pela interpretação de que se constitui, nessa experiência brasileira, um aparato institucional a que daremos o nome de "agência articuladora de política pública setorial".
A Administração cotidiana e a heterogeneidade da pobreza
Authors: Spink Peter
Published: July 2015

As discussões recentes sobre a pobreza têm revelado como tendência geral, a busca para abordagens mais interativas, considerando não somente as capacidades e os recursos individuais e sociais, mas também a provisão e o acesso aos serviços e bens necessários para uma vida digna, menos desigual e com exercício pleno da cidadania. Ter renda adequada para uma vida digna, ter acesso a conhecimentos, às ferramentas de trabalho e créditos necessários para assumir um papel na comunidade de cabeça erguida, passa por caminhos diferentes em lugares diferentes e como conseqüência, torna-se quase impossível, a formulação adequada de políticas públicas e de ações governamentais nos moldes tradicionais. Trabalhando com experiências identificadas e analisadas pelo Programa Gestão Pública e Cidadania, apresentaremos as lições aprendidas no nível meso das ações publicas onde atores públicos, técnicos e agentes comunitários estão buscando soluções específicas nos limites de suas necessidades e territorialidades. O resultado é um realinhamento da política pública a partir do local entendido como lugar, e o reconhecimento das possibilidades de novas re-articulações dos processos de gestão intergovernamental partindo de matrizes interorganizacionais de médio alcance.
Contribuições da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal para o avanço da Accountability no Brasil
Authors: Sacramento Ana Rita Silva
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste paper é apresentar uma revisão da literatura que aborda a questão da accountability no Brasil recente. Para tanto, constrói-se um referencial teórico apresentando-se inicialmente o conceito de accountability, termo que como se sabe ainda não tem tradução direta para o português. Em seguida, revisa-se as suas principais características e a visão predominante dos estudiosos que consideram os mecanismos brasileiros de accountability deficientes. Não obstante tal deficiência, devido à concretização de algumas iniciativas, pouco a pouco a accountability parece-nos estar se fortalecendo no Brasil. Dentre essas iniciativas priorizamos a análise da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal sob tal enfoque e concluímos que a referida Lei constitui-se num avanço concreto e atual desse processo. Importante salientar o caráter preliminar desse estudo, visto que a análise está concentrada no referencial teórico e que a coleta de dados empíricos encontra-se em fase de andamento. Ademais, dado a crescente literatura sobre o tema, reconhecemos que este paper não esgota o assunto, uma vez que outras abordagens relevantes possivelmente não estão tratadas aqui, inclusive por razões de espaço e de prioridades analíticas.
O Programa Paidéia de Saúde da Família uma nova perspectiva no campo da produção da saúde
Authors: Brigagão Jacqueline I. Machado , Oliveira Fernanda Martinez de
Published: July 2015

Este artigo busca apresentar os princípios que orientam o Programa Paidéia de Saúde da Família implantado em Campinas. Inicialmente contextualizamos o projeto federal de criação e implantação do Programa de Saúde da Família no Brasil, a seguir focalizamos a discussão no caso específico de Campinas. Esta análise foi realizada a partir da leitura de documentos do Programa Gestão Pública e Cidadania, de documentos oficiais, de observação participante e das respostas a um questionário complementar enviado via Internet. Fica evidente na análise que o Programa Paidéia de Saúde da Família concretiza uma estratégia bem sucedida de implementação no nível local de uma política federal e que introduz práticas que visam a atenção integral á saúde da população além de propor um novo modelo de assistência à saúde pública. Porém, as reformulações propostas pelo novo governo municipal alteraram significativamente as práticas do Programa.
Renovação e Gestão de cidades: experiências Participativas no Centro Histórico de São Paulo
Authors: Pitteri Sirlei , Perazzo Priscila
Published: July 2015

A questão dos centros metropolitanos ganha importância cada vez maior para as nações nesta virada de milênio. Os projetos de revalorização das áreas centrais das cidades transformaram-se em uma das funções básicas dos governos, pelo consenso de que as cidades representariam possíveis plataformas de desenvolvimento econômico e promoção da inclusão social mediante a geração de empregos e de renda. Essa abordagem sugere uma reflexão sobre o dilema do desenvolvimento urbano x inclusão social, enorme desafio diante das tendências excludentes, cada vez mais acentuadas, em especial nos países emergentes. A integração entre as esferas pública e privada em experiências participativas é outra questão a avaliar, principalmente em sociedades com processos democráticos ainda não totalmente consolidados. O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar as experiências participativas de renovação e gestão do Centro Histórico de São Paulo por meio dos projetos estratégicos, seus desdobramentos e resultados, sob a ótica das organizações contemporâneas, com destaque para as ações coletivas e o exercício da cidadania.
Trabalhadores informais e governo local : o caso do carnaval de Recife
Authors: Santos Fernando Burgos Pimentel dos
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma análise preliminar das condições de trabalho de dois tipos de trabalhadores durante o Carnaval de 2005 no Recife: os vendedores de alimentos e bebidas oriundos da Comunidade do Pilar e os catadores de materiais recicláveis, que trabalharam no Bairro do Recife Antigo e que não estão vinculados a nenhuma cooperativa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e os dados foram obtidos através da observação participante e de entrevistas abertas com os vendedores ambulantes e catadores. Esses instrumentos permitiram a observação in loco e possibilitaram uma compreensão mais ampla dos problemas vividos no cotidiano do trabalho. A análise indica que apesar destes trabalhadores contribuírem para o sucesso do carnaval, as condições de trabalho são muito precárias e que apesar do empenho do poder público local no planejamento e realização do carnaval do Recife não há ações específicas suficientes para melhoria da situação destes trabalhadores.
O Sistema Nacional de Armas (Sinarm) como Sistema de Gerenciamento do Estoque Legal de Armas no Brasil: uma contribuição às Políticas Públicas
Authors: Fonseca Francisco , Keinert Ruben , Blikstein Izidoro , Bueno Luciano , Storino Fabio , Sano Hironobu
Published: July 2015

Este artigo analisa os resultados de uma pesquisa, realizada em 2005, selecionada, por meio de concurso público, pela Secretaria Nacional de Segurança Pública (Senasp/Ministério da Justiça), sobre o funcionamento do Sistema Nacional de Armas (Sinarm) como instrumento de gestão de informações sobre o estoque legal de armas de fogo. Objetiva compreender como o Sinarm – que teve sua importância aumentada em razão da vitória do “não” à proibição do comércio de armas e munições no referendo ocorrido em 2005 – pode contribuir para a existência de políticas públicas de Segurança Pública e particularmente sua eficácia como sistema de controles e gerenciamento do estoque de armas legais no Brasil. São exploradas suas interfaces com as políticas públicas de segurança, com a ausência de uma “cultura de controles” no Brasil, e com as múltiplas causas das mortes com armas de fogo, entre outras. Como subsídio a este artigo, a pesquisa comparou o Sinarm com sistemas análogos em outros países, analisou a legislação, realizou entrevistas com autoridades e técnicos gestores do sistema e, sobretudo, observou in loco o funcionamento do Sinarm. Concluiu-se que sua criação implicou avanços, que sua operação é simples, mas pouco confiável e segura, mas que há formas de suplantar tais dificuldades, pois fundamentais à existência de políticas de segurança.