bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome according to Three Definitions in Hammam-Sousse Sahloul Heart Study: A City Based Tunisian Study
Authors: Boumaiza Imen , Omezzine Asma , Romdhane Meriem , Rejeb Jihène , Rebhi Lamia , Bouacida Lobna , Neffati Souhir , Ben Rejeb Nabila , Ben Abdelaziz Ahmed , Bouslama Ali
Published: August 2014

Objectives. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major risk factor of CVD. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of the MetS, its components, and its different profiles according to NCEP-ATP III 2001, IDF 2005, and JIS 2009 definitions in Hammam-Sousse Sahloul Heart Study (HSHS). Study Design. The study involved 1121 participants (364 men and 757 women; sex-ratio  =  0.48; mean age  =  47.49 ± 16.24 years) living in Hammam Sousse city, located in the east of Tunisia. Methods. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, lipids levels, glycemia, insulinemia, and body mass index were measured. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS16.0. Results. The percentage of participants who had MetS defined according to NCEP ATP III, IDF 2005, and JIS 2009 definitions was respectively, 29.5%, 38.4%, and 39.6%. With regard to gender, the prevalence of MetS is higher in men than in women according to IDF 2005 definition (38.5% men versus 38.3% women, P=0.961) and according to JIS 2009 definition (41.8% men versus 38.6% women, P=0.307), whereas, according to NCEP ATP III definition, the prevalence of MetS is higher in women than in men (30% versus 28.6%, P=0.627). The prevalence of MetS increased with increasing age according to the three definitions (P<0.001) and peaked in the oldest age group (≥70 years) according to IDF 2005 and JIS 2009. Furthermore, a significant difference in the prevalence of MetS components according to gender was observed. Indeed, the abdominal obesity is the most frequent MetS compound in women group, but hypertension and low HDL-C are the most frequent in men. In addition, according to the three definitions, the most frequent MetS profile in our study is “higher waist circumference, hypertension, and low HDL-C.” Conclusion. The high prevalence of MetS is a serious public health problem in Hammam-Sousse Sahloul community. Higher waist circumference, hypertension, and low HDL-C were the most frequent profile in our study.
Oxidative Stress Induces Endothelial Cell Senescence via Downregulation of Sirt6
Authors: Liu Rong , Liu Hua , Ha Yonju , Tilton Ronald G. , Zhang Wenbo
Published: August 2014

Accumulating evidence has shown that diabetes accelerates aging and endothelial cell senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Oxidative stress is recognized as a key factor in the induction of endothelial senescence and diabetic retinopathy. However, specific mechanisms involved in oxidative stress-induced endothelial senescence have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that Sirt6, which is a nuclear, chromatin-bound protein critically involved in many pathophysiologic processes such as aging and inflammation, may have a role in oxidative stress-induced vascular cell senescence. Measurement of Sirt6 expression in human endothelial cells revealed that H2O2treatment significantly reduced Sirt6 protein. The loss of Sirt6 was associated with an induction of a senescence phenotype in endothelial cells, including decreased cell growth, proliferation and angiogenic ability, and increased expression of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase activity. Additionally, H2O2treatment reduced eNOS expression, enhanced p21 expression, and dephosphorylated (activated) retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. All of these alternations were attenuated by overexpression of Sirt6, while partial knockdown of Sirt6 expression by siRNA mimicked the effect of H2O2. In conclusion, these results suggest that Sirt6 is a critical regulator of endothelial senescence and oxidative stress-induced downregulation of Sirt6 is likely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Metastasis-Associated Protein Ribosomal RNA Processing 1 Homolog B (RRP1B) Modulates Metastasis through Regulation of Histone Methylation
Authors: Lee Minnkyong , Dworkin Amy M. , Lichtenberg Jens , Patel Shashank J. , Trivedi Niraj S. , Gildea Derek , Bodine David M. , Crawford Nigel P.S.
Published: August 2014

Overexpression of ribosomal RNA processing 1 homolog B (RRP1B) induces a transcriptional profile that accurately predicts patient outcome in breast cancer. However, the mechanism by which RRP1B modulates transcription is unclear. Here, the chromatin-binding properties of RRP1B were examined to define how it regulates metastasis-associated transcription. To identify genome-wide RRP1B-binding sites, high-throughput ChIP-seq was performed in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cells using antibodies against endogenous RRP1B. Global changes in repressive marks such as histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) were also examined by ChIP-seq. Analysis of these samples identified 339 binding regions in MDA-MB-231 cells and 689 RRP1B-binding regions in HeLa cells. Among these, 136 regions were common to both cell lines. Gene expression analyses of these RRP1B-binding regions revealed that transcriptional repression is the primary result of RRP1B binding to chromatin. ChIP-reChIP assays demonstrated that RRP1B co-occupies loci with decreased gene expression with the heterochromatin-associated proteins, tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (TRIM28/KAP1), and heterochromatin protein 1-α (CBX5/HP1α). RRP1B occupancy at these loci was also associated with higher H3K9me3 levels, indicative of heterochromatinization mediated by the TRIM28/HP1α complex. In addition, RRP1B upregulation, which is associated with metastasis suppression, induced global changes in histone methylation.

Implications: RRP1B, a breast cancer metastasis suppressor, regulates gene expression through heterochromatinization and transcriptional repression, which helps our understanding of mechanisms that drive prognostic gene expression in human breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1818–28. ©2014 AACR.
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Mortality in Elderly Chinese
Authors: Sheng Chang-Sheng , Li Yan , Li Li-Hua , Huang Qi-Fang , Zeng Wei-Fang , Kang Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Lu , Liu Ming , Wei Fang-Fei , Li Ge-Le , Song Jie , Wang Shuai , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: August 2014

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness and predicts cardiovascular events and mortality in the general population and various patient populations. In the present study, we investigated the predictive value of brachial-ankle PWV for mortality in an elderly Chinese population. Our study subjects were older (≥60 years) persons living in a suburban town of Shanghai. We measured brachial-ankle PWV using an automated cuff device at baseline and collected vital information till June 30, 2013, during follow-up. The 3876 participants (1713 [44.2%] men; mean [±SD] age, 68.1±7.3 years) included 2292 (59.1%) hypertensive patients. PWV was on average 17.8 (±4.0) m/s and was significantly (
P
<0.0001) associated with age (
r
=0.48) and in unadjusted analysis with all-cause (n=316), cardiovascular (n=148), stroke (n=46), and noncardiovascular mortality (n=168) during a median follow-up of 5.9 years. In further adjusted analysis, we studied the risk of mortality according to the decile distributions of PWV. Only the subjects in the top decile (23.3–39.3 m/s) had a significantly (
P
≤0.003) higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio relative to the whole study population, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.08), especially in hypertensive patients (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.64;
P
=0.02 for the interaction between PWV and hypertension). Similar trends were observed for cardiovascular, stroke, and noncardiovascular mortality, although statistical significance was not reached (
P
≥0.08). In conclusion, brachial-ankle PWV predicts mortality in elderly Chinese on the conditions of markedly increased PWV and hypertension.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis or Fn14 Deficiency Reduce Elastase Perfusion‐Induced Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm in Mice
Authors: Tarín Carlos , Fernández‐Laso Valvanera , Sastre Cristina , Madrigal‐Matute Julio , Gómez Mónica , Zaragoza Carlos , Egido Jesús , Burkly Linda C. , Martín‐Ventura Jose L. , Blanco‐Colio Luis M.
Published: August 2014

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (
AAA
) involves leukocyte recruitment, inflammatory cytokine production, vascular cell apoptosis, neovascularization, and vascular remodeling, all of which contribute to aortic dilatation. Tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (
TWEAK
) is a cytokine implicated in proinflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and matrix degradation but its role in
AAA
formation is currently unknown.

Methods and Results

Experimental
AAA
with aortic elastase perfusion in mice was induced in wild‐type (
WT
),
TWEAK
deficient (
TWEAK KO
), or Fn14‐deficient (Fn14
KO
) mice.
TWEAK
or Fn14
KO
deficiency reduced aortic expansion, lesion macrophages,
CD
3
+
T cells, neutrophils,
CD
31
+
microvessels,
CCL
2 and
CCL
5 chemokines expression, and
MMP
activity after 14 days postperfusion.
TWEAK
and Fn14
KO
mice also showed a reduced loss of medial vascular smooth muscle cells (
VSMC
) that was related to a reduced number of apoptotic cells in these animals compared with
WT
mice. Aortas from
WT
animals present a higher disruption of the elastic layer and
MMP
activity than those from
TWEAK
or Fn14
KO
mice, indicating a diminished vascular remodeling in
KO
animals. In vitro experiments unveiled that
TWEAK
induces
CCL
5 secretion and
MMP
‐9 activation in both
VSMC
and bone marrow‐derived macrophages, and decrease
VSMC
viability, effects dependent on Fn14.

Conclusions

TWEAK
/Fn14 axis participates in
AAA
formation by promoting lesion inflammatory cell accumulation, angiogenesis, matrix‐degrading protease expression, and vascular remodeling. Blocking
TWEAK
/Fn14 interaction could be a new target for the treatment of
AAA
.
The genus Mytilina in China, with description of a new species
(Rotifera: Monogononta: Mytilinidae)
Authors: LUO YONGTING , SEGERS HENDRIK
Published: August 2014

During our study of biodiversity of Rotifera in PR China, as model taxon of freshwater Micrometazoa, we came across several records that warrant revision regarding species of genus Mytilina Bory de St. Vincent, 1826 (Rotifera, Monogonta, Mytilinidae). In addition to this review we describe a new species encountered during examination of freshwater habitats of Inner Mongolia, P.R.China. This new species, Mytilina wangi n. sp., appears to belong to the Mytilina mucronata - ventralis complex but differs from the known taxa in the group by its domed lorica and relatively short toes. We provide an annotated checklist of the Chinese representatives of the genus and discuss the species of the M. mucronata-ventralis group. We suggest treating M. brevispina (Ehrenberg, 1830) and M. ventralis (Ehrenberg, 1830)(synonym: M. macracantha (Gosse, 1886)) as separate species-level taxa rather than as two infrasubspecific variants of the same species, and argue that Mytilina trigona var. bispinosa Wang, 1961 is a misidentified M. acanthophora Hauer, 1938 rather than an infrasubspecific variant of M. trigona (Gosse, 1851).
A new species of Hypoaspis Canestrini from Iran (Acari: Laelapidae), with a key to the species occurring in the Western Palaearctic Region
Authors: JOHARCHI OMID , OSTOVAN HADI , BABAEIAN ESMAEIL
Published: August 2014

Hypoaspis elegans sp. nov. was collected on adult female Oryctes elegans Prell. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Bam, Kerman province, Iran. The new species is described and illustrated from adult females. Hypoaspis surii Khanjani et. al., 2013 is a junior synonym of Hypoaspis maryamae Joharchi & Halliday, 2011. A key to the Western Palaearctic species of Hypoaspis is presented.
New and little known bees of the genus Colletes Latreille 1802 (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) from Central Asia
Authors: KUHLMANN MICHAEL , Proshchalykin MAXIM YU.
Published: August 2014

In addition to a previously published study about Central Asian Colletes bees we here further report on nine rarely collected and little known species. Now 85 species of Colletes are known from this region with three of them recorded for the first time: C. asiaticus Kuhlmann 1999, C. iranicus Noskiewicz 1962 and C. succinctus (Linnaeus 1758). Colletes pseudomirabilis sp. nov. is described from Turkmenistan.
Forecasting Tournaments
Authors: Tetlock Philip E. , Mellers Barbara A. , Rohrbaugh Nick , Chen Eva
Published: August 2014

Forecasting tournaments are level-playing-field competitions that reveal which individuals, teams, or algorithms generate more accurate probability estimates on which topics. This article describes a massive geopolitical tournament that tested clashing views on the feasibility of improving judgmental accuracy and on the best methods of doing so. The tournament’s winner, the Good Judgment Project, outperformed the simple average of the crowd by (a) designing new forms of cognitive-debiasing training, (b) incentivizing rigorous thinking in teams and prediction markets, (c) skimming top talent into elite collaborative teams of “super forecasters,” and (d) fine-tuning aggregation algorithms for distilling greater wisdom from crowds. Tournaments have the potential to open closed minds and increase assertion-to-evidence ratios in polarized scientific and policy debates.
miRNA-mRNA integrative analysis in primary myelofibrosis CD34+ cells: role of miR-155/JARID2 axis in abnormal megakaryopoiesis
Authors: Norfo Ruggiero , Zini Roberta , Pennucci Valentina , Bianchi Elisa , Salati Simona , Guglielmelli Paola , Bogani Costanza , Fanelli Tiziana , Mannarelli Carmela , Rosti Vittorio , Pietra Daniela , Salmoiraghi Silvia , Bisognin Andrea , Ruberti Samantha , Rontauroli Sebastiano , Sacchi Giorgia , Prudente Zelia , Barosi Giovanni , Cazzola Mario , Rambaldi Alessandro , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Ferrari Sergio , Tagliafico Enrico , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Manfredini Rossella
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Differential gene and miRNA expression analysis in PMF granulocytes identifies new biomarkers and putative therapeutic targets. Activation of the miR-155/JARID2 axis in PMF CD34+ cells results in overproduction of MK precursors.
Hemolysis is a primary ATP-release mechanism in human erythrocytes
Authors: Sikora Jacek , Orlov Sergei N. , Furuya Kishio , Grygorczyk Ryszard
Published: August 2014

Key Points

No evidence was found for regulated ATP release from erythrocytes other than by cell lysis with all stimuli tested: mechanical, hypoxia, and cAMP. The results point to intravascular hemolysis as a primary mechanism governing ATP-dependent regulation of local blood flow.
Generalized internal multiple imaging
Authors: Zuberi M. A. H. , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: August 2014

Internal multiples deteriorate the image when the imaging procedure assumes only single scattering, especially if the velocity model does not have sharp contrasts to reproduce such scattering in the Green’s function through forward modeling. If properly imaged, internal multiples (internally scattered energy) can enhance the seismic image. Conventionally, to image internal multiples, accurate, sharp contrasts in the velocity model are required to construct a Green’s function with all the scattered energy. As an alternative, we have developed a generalized internal multiple imaging procedure that images any order internal scattering using the background Green’s function (from the surface to each image point), constructed from a smooth velocity model, usually used for conventional imaging. For the first-order internal multiples, the approach consisted of three steps, in which we first back propagated the recorded surface seismic data using the background Green’s function, then crosscorrelated the back-propagated data with the recorded data, and finally crosscorrelated the result with the original background Green’s function. This procedure images the contribution of the recorded first-order internal multiples, and it is almost free of the single-scattering recorded energy. The cost includes one additional crosscorrelation over the conventional single-scattering imaging application. We generalized this method to image internal multiples of any order separately. The resulting images can be added to the conventional single-scattering image, obtained, e.g., from Kirchhoff or reverse-time migration, to enhance the image. Application to synthetic data with reflectors illuminated by multiple scattering (double scattering) demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach.
Iterative deblending of simultaneous-source seismic data using seislet-domain shaping regularization
Authors: Chen Yangkang , Fomel Sergey , Hu Jingwei
Published: August 2014

We used a novel iterative estimation scheme for separation of blended seismic data from simultaneous sources. The scheme is based on an augmented estimation problem that can be solved by iteratively constraining the deblended data using shaping regularization in the seislet domain. We formulated the forward modeling operator in the common-receiver domain, in which two sources were assumed to be blended using a random time-shift dithering approach. The nonlinear shaping-regularization framework offered some freedom in designing a shaping operator to constrain the model in an underdetermined inverse problem. We designed the backward operator and the shaping operator for the shaping-regularization framework. The backward operator can be optimally chosen as half of the identity operator in the two-source case, and the shaping operator can be chosen as coherency-promoting operator. The high performance deblending effect of the iterative framework was tested on three numerically blended synthetic data sets and one numerically blended field data set. Compared with alternative [Formula: see text] domain thresholding and [Formula: see text] predictive filtering, seislet-domain soft thresholding exhibits the most robust behavior.
President's Page
Authors: Cambois Guillaume
Published: August 2014

The people at the SEG Foundation are pretty smart. A few years ago, they started to invite me to the Donors' Luncheon at the Annual Meeting, even though I was not a donor. It turned out the time was right for me. I have had a reasonably good career in geophysics and I make a comfortable living, so the idea of giving back — or rather, “giving forward,” as we say perhaps more aptly these days — started to feel right.
Exploration geophysics at China University of Petroleum
Authors: Xiao Lizhi
Published: August 2014

China University of Petroleum (CUP) was founded in 1953 and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year in Houston and Beijing, a moment in its history of development. As professor and dean, I was invited to give a luncheon talk at the 83rd Annual International Meeting of SEG in Houston last fall. Now it is worthwhile to sort out a timeline for this history of exploration geophysics at China University of Petroleum. Several universities in China provide exploration-geophysics education, among which China University of Petroleum is unique with all its virtue and merits.
Combining diving-wave tomography and prestack reflection tomography for complex depth imaging — A case study from mountainous western China
Authors: Song Mingshui , Lv Xiaowei , Han Xiao Li , Wang Dingxue , Yang Sherman , Hinz Curtis E.
Published: August 2014

Reflection tomography is widely used to build velocity models for seismic depth imaging, but several factors can limit its effectiveness, particularly in resolving complexities in the near surface. A 3D data set acquired in a mountainous area of western China exhibited several such factors, including low fold of coverage in the shallow data that made it difficult to verify and adjust velocities based on measuring the flatness of common-imaging-point (CIP) gathers. The data set also presented challenges related to poor signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and dramatic lateral velocity variation in the shallow section. The diving-wave tomography method, combined with precise first-arrival picking, provided an enhanced solution for deriving the shallow velocity field in the initial depth-migration velocity model. This was part of the innovative and enhanced velocity model-building workflow that was applied to accurately image the complex subsurface geology of this challenging data set. The workflow comprised four key steps: data conditioning, diving-wave tomography, reflection tomography, and prestack Kirchhoff depth migration. This project was the first application of diving-wave tomography combined with reflection tomography to land seismic data in China. Its demonstrated success provides a robust and effective velocity model-building solution for application in other complex depth-imaging land seismic projects in China and elsewhere.
Drilling-risk assessment with joint electromagnetic and seismic data
Authors: He Zhanxiang , Yu Gang , Liu Haiying
Published: August 2014

The electromagnetic method is one of the important approaches to hydrocarbon prospecting. In an approach to invert resistivity and induced polarization (IP) using the constraints of seismic and electric logging data, the accuracy of reservoir-distribution prediction on the formation's electrical properties is improved. An example illustrates that a joint interpretation workflow of electromagnetic properties (resistivity and polarization), for seismic traps as well as seismic attributes, can significantly reduce drilling risks for oil and gas exploration. The number of practical projects also supports the conclusion. Joint interpretation works at different stages of oil and gas exploration and production with positive results.
SEG Denver 2014 online registration: SEG sees numerous improvements in exposition registration process
Authors: Posey Chris
Published: August 2014

Early-bird registration for SEG Denver 2014 has been open for a month now. Have you registered yet? No? Have you been delaying because you dread what you fear will be the long, confusing registration process you've experienced when registering for conferences and workshops elsewhere? Or have you been trying to avoid the inevitable phone call to the organization's business office because you're stuck and don't know how to progress? Maybe it's because you just hate to save money, and you love to stand in lines! This year, let SEG help you — with the first two quandaries. SEG has made changes and improvements to its premeeting process that are sure to make your registration for SEG Denver 2014 quick and easy. SEG's improved online registration process is the simplest, most intuitive registration process in SEG history.
Memorial
Authors: Fitterman David
Published: August 2014

Memorial for: Theodore R. Madden
Frequency of AIP Gene Mutations in Young Patients With Acromegaly: A Registry-Based Study
Authors: Schöfl Christof , Honegger Jürgen , Droste Michael , Grussendorf Martin , Finke Reinhard , Plöckinger Ursula , Berg Christian , Willenberg Holger S. , Lammert Alexander , Klingmüller Dietrich , Jaursch-Hancke Cornelia , Tönjes Anke , Schneidewind Sabine , Flitsch Jörg , Bullmann Catharina , Dimopoulou Christina , Stalla Günter , Mayr Bernhard , Hoeppner Wolfgang , Schopohl Jochen
Published: August 2014

Context:

Familial and sporadic GH-secreting pituitary adenomas are associated with mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene. Patients with an AIP mutation (AIPmut) tend to have more aggressive tumors occurring at a younger age.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the frequency of AIPmut in patients diagnosed at 30 years of age or younger.

Design:

The German Acromegaly Registry database (1795 patients in 58 centers) was screened for patients diagnosed with acromegaly at 30 years of age or younger (329 patients). Sixteen centers participated and 91 patients consented to AIPmut analysis.

Intervention:

DNA was analyzed by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification

Main outcome Measures:

The number of patients with AIPmut was measured.

Results:

Five patients had either a mutation (c.490C>T, c.844C>T, and c.911G>A, three males) or gross deletions of exons 1 and 2 of the AIP gene (n = 2, one female). The overall frequency of an AIPmut was 5.5%, and 2.3% or 2.4% in patients with an apparently sporadic adenoma or macroadenoma, respectively. By contrast, three of four patients (75%) with a positive family history were tested positive for an AIPmut. Except for a positive family history, there were no significant differences between patients with and without an AIPmut.

Conclusions:

The frequency of AIPmut in this registry-based cohort of young patients with acromegaly is lower than previously reported. Patients with a positive family history should be tested for an AIPmut, whereas young patients without an apparent family history should be screened, depending on the individual cost to benefit ratio.
Reflections on temporal and modal logic
Authors: Epstein Richard L.
Published: August 2014

The most popular method of incorporating time into a formal logic is based on the work of Arthur Prior. It treats tenses as operators on sentences. In this essay I show a serious problem with that approach, a confusion of scheme versus proposition, which makes any system built in that way incoherent. I will compare how other formal logics deal with the scheme versus proposition distinction and find that only for formal modal logics does the same problem arise. I then compare Prior’s approach to other ways of taking time into account in formal logics.
Functional gait assessment: Reliability and validity in people with peripheral vestibular disorders
Authors: Nilsagård Ylva , Kollén Lena , Axelsson Hans , Bjerlemo Berit , Forsberg Anette
Published: August 2014

Background/aim

Reliable and valid measures evaluating imbalance during walking are important for targeting rehabilitation efforts. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) in people with peripheral vestibular disorder.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design and tested the reliability and validity of the FGA in 43 participants with peripheral vestibular disorder. The participants' performance on the FGA was filmed. To test intra-rater reliability, three raters reassessed 39 of these participants using the video uptakes. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by five raters analysing the video uptakes. Concurrent validity was investigated using timed measures of dynamic balance and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale.

Results

The intra-rater reliability for the FGA score was high, with a intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (model 2,1)=0.94 (95% Cl=0.85; 0.97). The intra-rater percentage of agreement for all raters for separate items was moderate to high, and weighted kappa was good to very good, ranging from 0.61 for change in speed to 0.95 for stair climbing. The inter-rater reliability was ICC (model 2,1)=0.73 (95% Cl=0.49; 0.86). Agreement for two random raters was 45–92%. Weighted kappa was fair to very good, ranging from 0.27 for change in speed to 0.87 for walking with a narrow base of support. The internal consistency was high (α=0.88). Gait with eyes closed had the lowest item-to-total (0.33) and item-to-item (<0.30) correlation. Concurrent validity was moderate to strong (rho=0.50–0.76) with the highest correlation coefficient for the Timed Up and Go test.

Conclusions

The FGA is a reliable and valid measure in people with peripheral vestibular disorder. For improving internal consistency, removal of the item ‘gait with eyes closed’ may be considered.
Tightening of healing abutments: influence of torque on bacterial proliferation risk, an in vitro investigation
Authors: Bousquet Philippe , Bennasar Isabelle Calas , Tramini Paul , Jacquemot Maxime , Cuisinier Frédéric
Published: August 2014

Gap at the implant-healing abutment junction can increase the risk of bacterial proliferation. In this study, we determined the leakage at the microgap, and we evaluated hand screwing among clinicians.

The torques tested with nitrogen gas flow were 10, 15, 20, and 30 N cm, and 54 clinicians were asked to torque down a healing abutment as for a surgical procedure.

There were no significant differences between 10 and 15 N cm, with a total lack of tightness. For 20 and 30 N cm, there was a notable decrease in leakage. The torque achieved by hand was <10 N cm for 61.7% of the clinicians, between 10 and 15 N cm for 29.1%, between 15 and 20 N cm for 8.0%, and between 20 and 25 N cm for 1.2%.

There was a significant difference related to the strength of tightening. Under the conditions of our experiment, the gap of connection was reduced with a torque of ≥20 N cm. Only a small portion of the clinicians could obtain these values by hand. Therefore, a dynamometrical manual wrench should be used to minimize the gap during the osseointegration period.
Novel heterozygous IGF1R mutation in two brothers with developing impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Burkhardt Sebastian , Gesing Julia , Kapellen Thomas M. , Kovacs Peter , Kratzsch Jürgen , Schlicke Marina , Stobbe Heike , Tönjes Anke , Klammt Jürgen , Pfäffle Roland
Published: August 2014

Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) are at risk to develop metabolic complications. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) resistance due to IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) mutations is a rare genetic condition that causes proportionate growth retardation. The contribution of an impaired IGF1R function to the development of comorbidities such as disturbed glucose homeostasis is not well understood. Genetic analysis and detailed auxological, endocrine and psychological investigations in two male SGA siblings were performed. The two patients and their father bear a novel heterozygous mutation (p.Cys1248Tyr) in the
Severe Complications in Influenza-like Illnesses
Authors: Mistry Rakesh D. , Fischer Jason B. , Prasad Priya A. , Coffin Susan E. , Alpern Elizabeth R.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Data on complications from upper respiratory infection are limited. We examined development of severe complications in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) for moderate to severe influenza-like illness (ILI).

METHODS:

Prospective cohort study of children 0 to 19 years presenting to a tertiary care children's hospital ED during peak respiratory viral seasons from 2008 to 2010. Subjects included had moderate to severe ILI, defined by performance of venipuncture and nasopharyngeal multiplex polymerase chain reaction for respiratory viruses. Severe complications (respiratory failure, encephalopathy, seizures, pneumonia, bacteremia, death) were prospectively determined. Risk factors for severe complications were collected, including demographics, comorbidities, and household exposures.

RESULTS:

There were 241 enrolled subjects with median age of 27.4 months (interquartile range 8.9–68.5); 59.3% were boys and 48.5% were black. High-risk conditions were present in 53.5%. Severe complications developed in 35.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.3–41.3), most frequently pneumonia (26.1%). The risk for severe complications was increased in subjects with neurologic or neuromuscular conditions (relative risk 4.0; 95% CI 1.9–8.2). No specific respiratory virus was associated with development of severe complications. Among patients with influenza, severe complications were greater with subtype H1N1 infection (relative risk 1.45, 95% CI 0.99–2.13, P = .048), and were at highest risk for pneumonia (relative risk 4.2, 95% CI 1.2–15.9).

CONCLUSION:

In children presenting to the ED for moderate to severe ILI, those with neurologic and neuromuscular disease are at increased risk for severe complications. Development of severe complications did not differ by infecting virus; however, risk of severe complications was greater with subtype H1N1 compared with other influenza.
Structure and Mechanical Behavior of Bulk Nanocrystalline Materials
Authors: Weertman J.R. , Farkas D. , Hemker K. , Kung H. , Mayo M. , Mitra R. , Swygenhoven H. Van
Published: August 2014

The reduction of grain size to the nanometer range (˜2-100 nm) has led to many interesting materials properties, including those involving mechanical behavior. In the case of metals, the Hall-Petch equation, which relates the yield stress to the inverse square root of the grain size, predicts great increases in strength with grain refinement. On the other hand, theory indicates that the high volume fraction of interfacial regions leads to increased deformation by grain-boundary sliding in metals with grain size in the low end of the nanocrystalline range. Nanocrystalline ceramics also have desirable properties. Chief among these are lower sintering temperatures and enhanced strain to failure. These two properties acting in combination allow for some unique applications, such as low-temperature diffusion bonding (the direct joining of ceramics to each other using moderate temperatures and pressures). Mechanical properties sometimes are affected by the fact that ceramics in a fine-grained form are stable in a different (usually higher pressure) phase than that which is considered “normal” for the ceramic. To the extent that the mechanical properties of a ceramic are dependent on its crystal-lographic structure, these differences will become evident at the smaller size scales.

It is uncertain how deformation takes place in very fine-grained nanocrystalline materials. It has been recognized for some time that the Hall-Petch relationship, which usually is explained on the basis of dislocation pileups at grain boundaries, must break down at grain sizes such that a grain cannot support a pileup. Even some of the basic assumptions of dislocation theory may no longer be appropriate in this size regime. Recently considerable progress has been made in simulating the behavior of extremely fine-grained metals under stress using molecular-dynamics techniques. Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of deformation in nanophase Ni and Cu were carried out in the temperature range of 300–500 K, at constant applied uniaxial tensile stresses between 0.05 GPa and 1.5 GPa, on samples with average grain sizes ranging from 3.4 nm to 12 nm.
ESTUDO CURRICULAR DE CURSOS SUPERIORES DE TECNOLOGIA E A MATEMÁTICA FINANCEIRA
Authors: Rosetti Junior Helio , Rosemary Aparecida Santiago , Juliano Schimiguel
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho tem por finalidade debater e refletir aspectos e características curriculares dos cursos superiores de tecnologia em uma instituição de ensino particular tecnológico no Estado do Espírito Santo. O estudo analisa, ainda, especificamente a presença de conhecimentos de Matemática Financeira e conteúdos de finanças nos currículos das graduações tecnológicas e suas influências na formação dos graduandos nessa modalidade de estudo superior. Para a análise e conclusões foram levadas em conta as diretrizes curriculares do MEC para os cursos superiores de tecnologia bem como as habilidades e competências definidas para essas graduações.
HIDROCARBONETOS POLICÍCLICOS AROMÁTICOS ATMOSFÉRICOS DE FONTES AUTOMOTIVAS: UMA BREVE REVISÃO
Authors: Azevedo Julie Anne Holanda , Araújo Rinaldo dos Santos , Silva Glória Maria Marinho
Published: August 2014

A ocorrência de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) no ambiente tem se tornado preocupante por serem estes compostos possíveis agentes cancerígenos humanos. HPAs e seus derivados são produzidos pela combustão incompleta da matéria orgânica, sendo a queima de combustíveis fósseis uma das principais fontes desses poluentes no meio ambiente. As concentrações de HPAs aumentam significativamente em ambientes urbanos e são influenciadas principalmente por emissões veiculares. Os HPAs são encontrados em fase gasosa a baixos níveis, porém na maioria encontram-se associado às partículas finas em suspensão no ar atmosférico. Esta revisão descreve os HPAs provenientes de emissões veiculares quanto as suas características de amostragem e análise, identificação, legislação e saúde ambiental. Oportunamente, alguns países propõem limites de concentração não obrigatórios para os HPAs, porém muitos estudos relacionados à exposição a estes compostos mostram que estes poluentes devem ser prioritários quando se considera a qualidade do ar e o risco à saúde humana.
INCUBADORA E GESTÃO: UMA PERCEPÇÃO DAS EMPRESAS INCUBADAS
Authors: Silva Renata Lissa Soares , Silveira Michelle Luise Soares da Silva , D´Amore Ticiano Maciel , Araújo Afrânio Galdino de
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo compreende um estudo sobre a percepção das empresas incubadas em relação ao papel das incubadoras de empresas, especificamente a Incubadora Tecnológica Natal Central (ITNC) localizada no Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte na cidade de Natal. Nesse sentido, esse trabalho tem por objetivo averiguar a representação social das empresas incubadas quanto ao suporte técnico e gerencial oferecido pela ITNC. O estudo foi construído a partir da Teoria das Representações Sociais e dos questionamentos que moveram Moscovici (1978) sobre a influência do campo comunicacional nas interações sociais. Para o autor, as representações sociais seriam um sistema de interpretação da realidade, estruturando as relações do indivíduo com o mundo e orientando suas condutas e comportamento no contexto social. A metodologia escolhida foi a Associação Livre de Palavras, proposta por Abric (1994) - técnica para coletar os elementos constitutivos de uma representação - aplicada aos empresários e funcionários das empresas incubadas, o que vem a corroborar com a teoria das Representações Sociais. Os resultados foram analisados a partir da Análise de Conteúdo proposta por Bardin (2004), permitindo apreender a representação que se estabelece entre as empresas incubadas e incubadora de empresas. Dessa forma, partindo dos resultados obtidos, propõe-se contribuir para o aprimoramento do programa de gestão da ITNC e, consequentemente, colaborar no inter-relacionamento entre as empresas incubadas e a incubadora de empresas, por meio das informações alcançadas através desse estudo.
COEFICIENTE DE TRANSFERÊNCIA DE CALOR NA INTERFACE METAL/MOLDE E VARIÁVEIS TÉRMICAS NA SOLIDIFICAÇÃO DIRECIONAL HORIZONTAL DA LIGA Al-6%Cu
Authors: Rocha Otávio Lima , Dias Filho José Marcelino , Costa Thiago Antonio , Vasconcelos Angela Jesus , Moreira Antonio Luciano , Kikushi Rafael
Published: August 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar o coeficiente de transferência de calor na interface metal/molde (hi) da liga Al-6%Si solidificada direcionalmente em um sistema horizontal refrigerado a água bem como as varáveis térmicas de solidificação velocidade da isoterma liquidus (VL) e taxa de resfriamento (TR). Um dispositivo experimental de solidificação horizontal foi desenvolvido e amostras da liga foram obtidas sob condições transientes de fluxo de calor. As variáveis térmicas são calculadas a partir dos perfis de temperatura obtidos para cinco termopares inseridos no metal que permitem correlacionar a posição da isoterma liquidus (P) com o tempo de solidificação. Um método baseado no confronto entre os perfis de temperatura teóricos e experimentais foi utilizado para determinar os valores hi. Para o cálculo dos perfis teóricos, aplicou-se um modelo numérico de transferência de calor e massa, consagrado na literatura, para solidificação direcional. Leis experimentais em forma de potência do tipo hi = A1(t)-n1, VL = A2(P)-n2 e TR = A3(P)-n3 foram obtidas. Um estudo comparativo entre os valores de hi obtidos neste trabalho e aqueles propostos na literatura, durante a solidificação unidirecional vertical ascendente das ligas investigadas, também é apresentado.
AVALIAÇÃO DA CONDUTIVIDADE HIDRÁULICA PARA SOLOS COMPACTADOS UTILIZADOS EM CAMADAS SELANTES E ANÁLISE DE ESTABILIDADE DE ATERRO PARA RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS DA PERFURAÇÃO DE POÇOS DE PETRÓLEO
Authors: Pereira Alexandre Da Costa
Published: August 2014

Este estudo avaliou geotecnicamente (ensaios de laboratório, de campo e simulações numéricas) realizados com o objetivo de caracterizar solos naturais e solos compactados para projeto e execução de células de aterro para resíduos industriais oriundos da atividade petrolífera que, pelo fato de não se enquadrarem nas classificações de resíduos Classe I (Perigosos) ou Classe II-B (Não Perigosos/Inertes), podendo ter propriedades como biodegradabilidade, combustibilidade ou solubilidade em água, são classificados como não perigosos (Classe II-a: Não inertes - NBR10.004/2004). Para a necessária avaliação da segurança da obra frente ao risco de contaminação pela percolação pela base dos aterros, bem como referente à avaliação da segurança frente ao risco de ruptura dos taludes de contenção, o presente trabalho tratará da avaliação dos seguintes pontos: avaliação da capacidade do solo compactado (camada selante) da base do aterro em propiciar valores de condutividade hidráulica inferiores a 10-7cm/s (proteção eficiente e segura do lençol freático) e avaliação da estabilidade dos taludes projetados.

Conclui-se que os estudos de campo realizados para a determinação da condutividade hidráulica dos solos indicam que os materiais avaliados podem ser caracterizados como de baixa condutividade hidráulica. As análises da estabilidade por métodos de equilíbrio-limite, com o auxilio da ferramenta computacional, mostraram que o talude apresenta-se estável e não sujeito a grandes deslizamentos, pois os fatores de segurança calculados por diferentes métodos resultaram valores bem maiores que o mínimo (FSmin = 1,5) para qualquer um dos métodos utilizados, mesmo com a redução dos parâmetros de resistência dos solos em 40%.
A PRÁTICA DO PORTFÓLIO E O USO PLATAFORMA MOODLE NA SALA DE AULA DE GEOGRAFIA: PERSPECTIVAS PARA UMA GEOGRAFIA EDUCATIVA
Authors: E Silva Erineide da Costa
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho relata experiência vivenciada nas aulas de Geografia, em cursos técnicos de Nível Médio Integrado, do Instituto de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte – IFRN, Campus Natal Central, com uso da Plataforma Moodle e o gênero portfólio. A opção por essa metodologia veio ao observar que grande parte dos nossos alunos chega ao Ensino Médio com pouca familiaridade com o hábito do registro, escrita e exercício de reflexão. Para socialização das produções foi utilizada a plataforma Moodle: http://ead.ifrn.edu.br/moodle/, recurso utilizado pela Instituição nos cursos a distância. Constamos que, quando motivados, os alunos nos dão as respostas significativas e que é possível superar a ideia inicial que muitos ainda chegam ao Ensino Médio, em relação ao estudar Geografia: conteúdos decorativos com aulas centradas no professor e deve se estudar para fazer provas e atividades para obtenção de uma nota no final do bimestre. Houve avanços significativos quanto ao exercécio da escrita, criticidade, criatividade. Além do despertar para a relevância da plataforma Moodle no processo ensino-aprendizagem e inclusão digital.
PIBID UM CONTRIBUTO PARA O (DES) ENCANTAMENTO DO LICENCIANDO EM GEOGRAFIA DO IFRN – UM ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Miranda Levi Rodrigues , Viana Isabel C.
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo divulgar uma pesquisa, no âmbito do doutoramento, que destaca, essencialmente, analisar a contribuição que tem o Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID), na decisão pessoal do licenciando em geografia do IFRN, sobre seu encantamento para ser professor. Pretende-se realizar uma pesquisa de cariz qualitativo, compreensiva, explorando ideias de vários autores que estudam esta problemática de investigação, analisando documentos que informam a política de formação de professores no Brasil e inquirindo intervenientes diretos neste processo. Através da iniciação à prática docente, o aluno-professor, terá condições para fazer uma reflexão sobre a sua futura atuação profissional. O PIBID, programa do Ministério da Educação, tem como finalidade antecipar o vínculo entre os licenciandos, a sala de aula e os ambientes escolares na rede pública de educação formal, articulando o ensino superior, a escola e os sispemas de educação. Perspectiva-se que este programa possa vir a acrescentar algumas estratégias de aprendizagem inovadoras nas aulas de geografia, articuladas com as táticas educacionais, formas de fazer, já praticadas pelos professores desta ciência geográfica. Atualmente, na área do subprojeto da licenciatura em Geografia, o PIBID tem a sua atuação em oito escolas da rede estadual de educação básica, com a participação de 42 bolsistas. Desta forma, é-lhe proporcionada a oportunidade de uma tomada de decisão pessoal consciente e refletida sobre o ato de ensinar, assumindo e se encantando, realmente, com sua futura profissão e desenvolvimento profissional.
LAS OSCILACIONES CLIMÁTICAS EN LA ATMOSFERA URBANA DE LA CIUDAD DE NATAL, BRASIL ATRAVÉS DE LAS SERIES LARGAS DE TEMPERATURAS DEL AIRE
Authors: De Oliveira Alexandre Malco Jeiel , García F. F. , Nunes E.
Published: August 2014

Este estudio tiene como objetivo el análisis de la isla de calor urbana (ICU) y de la isla de frescor urbana (IFU) en la ciudad de Natal (Brasil), mediante la comparación de las series largas de temperatura del aire máximas y mínimas diarias en dos estaciones meteorológicas convencionales representativas una en la área urbana y la otra en el entorno, durante el quinquenio 1995-2010. Los resultados muestran la presencia de de oscilaciones térmicas a partir del contraste entre las temperaturas del área urbana y su entorno y la caracterización de las islas de calor y frescor urbano en la ciudad de Natal.
DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS DA PRODUÇÃO DE AREIA INDUSTRIAL
Authors: Ruiz Mauro Silva , Júnior Marsis Cabral , Tanno Luiz Carlos , Coelho José Mario , Cortês Pedro Luiz
Published: August 2014

A areia industrial é utilizada como matéria-prima nas indústrias de vidro, fundição, química, cerâmica, tintas, plásticos, entre outras. As reservas brasileiras mais expressivas estão localizadas nos estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais. Os maiores depósitos e minas em operação no Estado de São Paulo estão nos municípios Analândia e Descalvado. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar o segmento de areia industrial em todo o país enfatizando a distribuição espacial das reservas, o nível de produção e as instalações existentes, e os desafios tecnológicos e ambientais relacionados à lavra e ao beneficiamento. Também inclui estimativas para a produção deste bem mineral no período de 2012 a 2030 e compara com as reservas existentes. O desejo de conhecer os principais desafios e perspectivas da produção de areia industrial no Brasil norteou a pesquisa deste artigo
EFEITOS DA BUROCRACIA NA AVALIAÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR
Authors: Félix Glades Tereza
Published: August 2014

Este artigo situa-se na fronteira do debate geral das políticas de educação superior. Tais políticas estão vinculadas às estratégias de inserção da economia nas grandes transformações em âmbito mundial. Nesse contexto, são instaurados processos de avaliação da educação superior que contribuem para a redefinição da relação entre o Estado e o sistema de ensino superior. É nessa perspectiva que se situa o objeto deste estudo – identificar o modelo de gestão pública que conduziu a incorporação formal e definitiva da avaliação como ato regulatório e compulsório no primeiro Governo FHC (1995-2002). De caráter descritivo, com uma abordagem qualitativa, na revisão de literatura destacamos as características do Estado Burocrático e do Estado Gerencial. Igualmente, estudamos o conceito e o significado de eficiência no plano administrativo de ambos os Estados. Os resultados mostraram que o modelo de gestão pública estava em transição, quando a política pública denominada avaliação da educação superior tornou-se regulatória, definitiva e compulsória no país, pois mesmo tendo a base no modelo Gerencial, tal concretização só foi possível por meio de ações burocráticas ancoradas no excesso de legislações. Conclui-se que a emergência da avaliação da educação superior na década de 90 ampliou a burocracia.