bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Biopsy Gun for Aspiration and Drug Injection
Authors: Kang Hyun Guy , Cho Sung Ho , Cho Chang Nho , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: July 2014

Tumor samples are required for pathological examinations, and different instruments are generally used to obtain samples of different types of tumors. Among the many methods available for obtaining tumor tissues, gun biopsy is widely used because it is much simpler than incisional biopsy and can collect many more samples than aspiration biopsy. However, conventional biopsy guns cannot simultaneously perform biopsy aspiration, bleeding prevention, and marker injection. In this study, we developed a biopsy gun that can simultaneously perform biopsy aspiration and sample collection, in addition to injecting a styptic agent and marker to prevent bleeding and contamination in the biopsy track. We then used a prototype to evaluate the feasibility of the developed device. The collectable sample size was also assessed. Performance of the biopsy aspiration feature was also evaluated, including the maximum aspiration viscosity. Finally, we tested the maximum amount of drug that can be injected. We found that the biopsy gun developed here is an alternative tool for biopsy collection with improved procedure safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Ethylene vinyl acetate films filled with ytterbium containing rare earth particles (Y2SiO5: Ce3+, Yb3+) which have optical down-conversion capabilities and useful for encapsulating solar cells
Authors: Xue Hanyu , Xu Zequn , Zhang Mingqiu , Wang Jing , Ruan Wenhong
Published: July 2014

In order to improve conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells, optically down-converting encapsulate films were prepared by introducing rare earth particles Y2SiO5: Ce3+, Yb3+ into ethylene vinyl acetate. First, ethylene vinyl acetate and the filler particles (up to 5 wt%) were melt compounded. Then, 0.4-mm thick film samples were made from the compounds with a laminator. Light conversion properties of the ethylene vinyl acetate films were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR spectra and fluorescence spectra. The relationships between the light conversion and the film transmittance were analyzed. The results show that the Y2SiO5: Ce3+, Yb3+-filled films were able to optically down-convert the 457 nm blue-violet light to the 980 nm near-infrared light. Peel strength increased to 31% (from 14.2 N/mm to 18.6 N/mm) and thermal conductivity increased to 31.3% (from 0.220 W/mK to 0.289 W/mK) in the 1 wt% Y2SiO5: Ce3+, Yb3+ film sample along with a slight reduction in transmittance (from 91.1% to 89.0%), as compared to the unfilled ethylene vinyl acetate films. Bulk electrical resistivity at 1 wt% filler decreased slightly to 1.45 × 1015 ohm·cm, as compared to the unfilled ethylene vinyl acetate film (1.03 × 1016 ohm·cm). The results suggested that the prepared films with varying filler contents could be useful both as front encapsulate films and back sheets for solar cell panels.
Avoidable hospitalizations in Switzerland: a small area analysis on regional variation, density of physicians, hospital supply and rurality
Authors: Berlin Claudia , Busato André , Rosemann Thomas , Djalali Sima , Maessen Maud
Published: July 2014

Background

Avoidable hospitalizations (AH) are hospital admissions for diseases and conditions that could have been prevented by appropriate ambulatory care. We examine regional variation of AH in Switzerland and the factors that determine AH.

Methods

We used hospital service areas, and data from 2008–2010 hospital discharges in Switzerland to examine regional variation in AH. Age and sex standardized AH were the outcome variable, and year of admission, primary care physician density, medical specialist density, rurality, hospital bed density and type of hospital reimbursement system were explanatory variables in our multilevel poisson regression.

Results

Regional differences in AH were as high as 12-fold. Poisson regression showed significant increase of all AH over time. There was a significantly lower rate of all AH in areas with more primary care physicians. Rates increased in areas with more specialists. Rates of all AH also increased where the proportion of residences in rural communities increased. Regional hospital capacity and type of hospital reimbursement did not have significant associations. Inconsistent patterns of significant determinants were found for disease specific analyses.

Conclusion

The identification of regions with high and low AH rates is a starting point for future studies on unwarranted medical procedures, and may help to reduce their incidence. AH have complex multifactorial origins and this study demonstrates that rurality and physician density are relevant determinants. The results are helpful to improve the performance of the outpatient sector with emphasis on local context. Rural and urban differences in health care delivery remain a cause of concern in Switzerland.
Thin and long silver nanowires self-assembled in ionic liquids as a soft template: electrical and optical properties
Authors: Chang Min-Hwa , Cho Hyun-Ah , Kim Youn-Soo , Lee Eun-Jong , Kim Jin-Yeol
Published: July 2014

Thin and long silver nanowires were successfully synthesized using the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted polyol method in the presence of ionic liquids, tetrapropylammonium chloride and tetrapropylammonium bromide, which served as soft template salts. The first step involved the formation of Ag nanoparticles with a diameter of 40 to 50 nm through the reduction of silver nitrate. At the growing stage, the Ag nanoparticles were converted into thin and long one-dimensional wires, with uniform diameters of 30 ± 3 nm and lengths of up to 50 μm. These Ag nanowires showed an electrical conductivity of 0.3 × 105 S/cm, while the sheet resistance of a two-dimensional percolating Ag nanowire network exhibited a value of 20 Ω/sq with an optical transmittance of 93% and a low haze value.
Modeling and simulation of networked low-power embedded systems: a taxonomy
Authors: Du Wan , Mieyeville Fabien , Navarro David , O’Connor Ian , Carrel Laurent
Published: July 2014

Simulation has been widely adopted for the evaluation of novel protocols or other designs for networked low-power embedded systems, especially for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A large number of simulation tools have been developed for WSNs in the past few years. However, different tools may emphasize on different features. For example, general network simulators mainly focus on the high-level performance evaluation with certain assumptions, while some SystemC-based simulators have been developed recently to realize the hardware and software co-design of sensor node at the system level. Therefore, it is necessary to study the different modeling methodologies and to distinguish the various features of the existing WSN simulators. In this paper, we propose a taxonomy that categorizes the existing simulation tools into four groups, i.e., network simulators with node models, network simulators with node emulators, node system simulator with network models, and node emulators with network models. To demonstrate the rationality and usability of the proposed taxonomy, we use it to conduct a survey of the existing simulation tools. This study is intended to be comprehensive to cover all important simulation tools.
A T-DMB navigation system for seamless positioning in both indoor and outdoor environments
Authors: Moon Gong Bo , Chun Se Bum , Hur Moon Beom , Jee Gyu-In
Published: July 2014

The conventional global positioning system (GPS) can often fail to provide position determination for a mobile user in indoor and urban environments. To cope with GPS failure in such environments, a new navigation system which utilizes a terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) signal to obtain the mobile user's position is presented. Since the T-DMB transmitters in Korea construct a single frequency network (SFN), which forces the transmitters to be synchronized, the mobile user can measure a time difference of arrival (TDOA) for all audible T-DMB transmitter pairs. The time difference between T-DMB transmitters is converted to a distance difference by multiplying the time difference by the speed of light. Using these measurements and a TDOA positioning method, the mobile user position can be estimated. An experiment with a T-DMB receiver and a data acquisition (DAQ) board is performed in Seoul to analyze the error characteristic of TDOA measurements. It is certified that the measurement error is bounded under 300 m and can be used to determine the mobile user's position with a small standard deviation.
Electronic bypass of spinal lesions: activation of lower motor neurons directly driven by cortical neural signals
Authors: Li Yan , Alam Monzurul , Guo Shanshan , Ting KH , He Jufang
Published: July 2014

Background

Lower motor neurons in the spinal cord lose supraspinal inputs after complete spinal cord injury, leading to a loss of volitional control below the injury site. Extensive locomotor training with spinal cord stimulation can restore locomotion function after spinal cord injury in humans and animals. However, this locomotion is non-voluntary, meaning that subjects cannot control stimulation via their natural “intent”. A recent study demonstrated an advanced system that triggers a stimulator using forelimb stepping electromyographic patterns to restore quadrupedal walking in rats with spinal cord transection. However, this indirect source of “intent” may mean that other non-stepping forelimb activities may false-trigger the spinal stimulator and thus produce unwanted hindlimb movements.

Methods

We hypothesized that there are distinguishable neural activities in the primary motor cortex during treadmill walking, even after low-thoracic spinal transection in adult guinea pigs. We developed an electronic spinal bridge, called “Motolink”, which detects these neural patterns and triggers a “spinal” stimulator for hindlimb movement. This hardware can be head-mounted or carried in a backpack. Neural data were processed in real-time and transmitted to a computer for analysis by an embedded processor. Off-line neural spike analysis was conducted to calculate and preset the spike threshold for “Motolink” hardware.

Results

We identified correlated activities of primary motor cortex neurons during treadmill walking of guinea pigs with spinal cord transection. These neural activities were used to predict the kinematic states of the animals. The appropriate selection of spike threshold value enabled the “Motolink” system to detect the neural “intent” of walking, which triggered electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and induced stepping-like hindlimb movements.

Conclusion

We present a direct cortical “intent”-driven electronic spinal bridge to restore hindlimb locomotion after complete spinal cord injury.
Dry eye in LASIK patients
Authors: Azuma Mitsuyoshi , Yabuta Chiho , Fraunfelder Frederick W , Shearer Thomas R
Published: July 2014

Background

Increasing age is a known risk factor for developing dry eye. The specific aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) and use of post-operative dry eye medications in a relatively young population presenting for LASIK surgery at an academic ophthalmology clinic.

Findings

A retrospective, analysis of 948 de-identified patient charts (median age 39 years, not age stratified) was performed to extract pre-LASIK diagnoses and post-LASIK medication lists. Clinical evaluation for DES and the results of Schirmer’s reflex tear flow test were used to assign LASIK patients into Normal, Pre-dry eye (Pre-DES), and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) groups; which were then compared for use of dry eye medications.

Based on pre-operative diagnoses, only 2% (CI: 1.3 – 3.1) of LASIK patients presented with overt DES. Unexpectantly, 25% (CI: 22.2 – 27.6) of LASIK patients labeled Pre-DES were not classified by the clinician as having overt DES, yet they showed poor reflex tear flow rates ≤ 5 mm before surgery, and frequently used post-operative lubricant dry eye medications.

Conclusions

Although the number of patients with pre-existing eye conditions was unknown, a sizable portion of relatively young LASIK patients displays poor reflex tear flow without overt DES. Such patients could go on to develop more serious consequences of poor tear flow, such as corneal abrasion and erosion. More specific, dry eye medications may be needed for ideal treatment.
Possible mechanism and clinical potentials of allostery
Authors: Huang Peixin , López Villar Elena
Published: July 2014

Allostery is involved in the dynamic regulation of biological functions in proteins. Advances in allostery research have recently drawn great interest and brought allostery closer to the clinic. The present commentary describes the mechanism by which allostery may involve in from a cell‐wide view and its contribution to the discovery of new therapeutics to diseases.
Cloning, expression and purification of functionally active human angiopoietin-like protein 2
Authors: Farhat Nada , Mamarbachi Aida M , Thorin Eric , Allen Bruce G
Published: July 2014

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl2) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in angiogenesis, inflammation and atherosclerosis as well as enhancing the survival of human hematopoietic stem cells. Glycosylation of Angptl2 is required for biological activity and studies of angiopoietin-like protein 2 have been hindered by the lack of a source for the mature form of this protein. We describe a system that permits purification of the glycosylated form of human Angptl2 from conditioned media of stably transfected HEK 293 cells. To facilitate purification while retaining the integrity of Angptl2’s endogenous N-terminal secretion signal peptide, GST was fused downstream of the Angptl2 coding sequence. Secreted Angptl2-GST was purified using a one-step glutathione-affinity purification scheme. The purity and identity of the resulting protein were confirmed by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry. N-Glycosidase treatment reduced the apparent molecular mass of Angptl2-GST on SDS-PAGE, confirming its glycosylation state. Purified human Angptl2-GST stimulated both HUVEC migration and microtubule formation in vitro. The yield of Angptl2-GST obtained was in quantities suitable for multiple applications including functional in vitro and in vivo assays.
Dedication to David Dean
Authors: Ashley Joseph M , Pepper John V , Rowe Kirsten L , Schmidt Robert M , Stern Steven
Published: July 2014

This special volume is dedicated to David H. Dean who passed away on August 11th, 2013. This dedication describes David’s impact on the academic research on disability and, most notably, the vital interaction between research and policy. It discusses his influence in shaping perspectives on evaluating the effectiveness of programs to increase employment. Finally, it describes David as a person and why he was influential as a researcher and college professor.

JEL codes

H51, I13, J24
Rapid Photogelation of Amphiphilic Poly(N-vinylacetamide) Bearing Coumarin Moiety in Water and Organic Solvents
Authors: Ajiro Hiroharu , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: July 2014

Copolymers of N-vinylacetamide (NVA) and its derivative (NVA-coumarin) were synthesized bearing photoresponsive moieties. The dimerization of NVA-coumarin was confirmed under irradiation with ultraviolet light (>280 nm). Copolymers showed photoresponsiveness and amphiphilic characteristics, based on both poly(NVA) and coumarin.
Davids Against Goliath? Collective Identities and the Market Success of Peripheral Organizations During Resource Partitioning
Authors: Liu Min , Wezel Filippo Carlo
Published: July 2014

This paper contributes to the sociology of markets literature by arguing that collective identities sustain the market success of peripheral producers during the process of resource partitioning. Two conditions underlie the positive returns obtained by peripheral producers from their identity claims. First, the demise of near-center producers crystallizes the difference among classes of organizations which benefits the market success of peripheral producers. Second, individual peripheral producers (i) facing an audience that values their identity claims and (ii) exhibiting credible engagement with their claimed identity encounter greater market success. Our contributions to the literature are discussed.
Presumed Corneal Ulcer Following Topical Use of Diclofenac Sodium in One Eyed Patient with Keratoplasty
Authors: Cumurcu Tongabay , Gunduz Abuzer , Mutlu Kayhan , Cavdar Mufide
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To report a case with corneal ulcer after keratoplasty connected to long-term use of topical 0.1% diclofenac sodium. Methods: A 81-year-old man presented with corneal ulceration. The patient’s clinical history showed that he had keratoplasy after ocular trauma for about 10 years ago. He was using topical dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1% and topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% for one year. Diclofenac sodium and dexamethasone sodium phosphate were discontinued, and amniotic membrane transplantation and bandage contact lens application were performed. Results: After the amniotic membrane transplantation; at the first month, melting area disappeared, increase in corneal transparency and improvement in visual acuity was recorded. Conclusion: Use of long-term diclofenac sodium may be responsible for the corneal ulceration in our patient, and we suggest that amniotic membrane transplantation may be a good choice in similar cases.
Clinical Investigation of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Visual Disability among the Elderly Agricultural and Fishing Population in Taiwan: Experience at a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shen Hsi-Che , Liu Jorn-Hon , Hu Yi-Chun , Chen Yu-Fen , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To discuss the prevalence and associated factors related to visual impairment and blindness amongst the elderly agricultural and fishing population. Methods: A total of 6542 healthy elderly adults voluntarily admitted to a teaching hospital for a physical check-up and eye disease in Taipei, Taiwan. Results: The overall prevalence of visual disability (the better eye visual acuity <0.5) was 13.2%, including 12.8% of visual impairment and 0.4% of blindness. From the logistic regression, the significantly independent factors of visual disability (visual impairment plus blindness) were sex (male vs. female, OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.55-0.85), age (65-74 yrs vs. 60-64 yrs, OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.18-1.89, 75-84 yrs vs. 60-64 yrs, OR=2.77, 95%CI: 2.11-3.65, ³85 yrs vs. 65-69 yrs, OR=4.76, 95%CI: 3.55-6.39), glaucoma (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.02-2.23), corneal diseases (OR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.69-3.05), myopic or diabetic retinopathy (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.29-2.42), age-related macular degeneration (OR=3.78, 95%CI: 2.36-6.05), and cataract (OR=3.22, 95%CI: 2.50-4.16). Conclusions: Our results revealed that visual impairment and blindness are important visual health problems in elderly agricultural and fishing population. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, corneal diseases, myopic or diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, female, and increased age were the leading causes for the visual disability. Further organized preventive strategies to eye care are recommended in this sub-population.
Retinal Oxalosis: Case Report and Review of Histopathology
Authors: Warwar Ronald E. , Byun Matthew , Bullock John D. , Buerk Bruce M.
Published: July 2014

Oxalosis involves the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals throughout the body, including the eye and specifically the retina. Primary oxalosis involves an inborn metabolic defect in glyoxalate metabolism while secondary oxalosis occurs with excess oxalate ingestion, absorption, or acquired defects in its metabolism or excretion. Characteristic deposits are noted funduscopically, and crystal deposition primarily within retinal pigment epithelial cells ultimately leads to macular scarring and atrophy. Profound visual loss typically occurs as a result of advanced disease. Such findings are illustrated in the present case of a 27 year old woman with primary oxalosis.
Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Associated with Gynecological Malignancy: Two Contrasting Case Reports
Authors: Salloum George , Warwar Ronald E. , Dyke Jackie Van , Hemmings David
Published: July 2014

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is a rare neurologic disorder associated with several forms of cancer, including gynecological. It may present months or years prior to or after the diagnosis of cancer. Recognition of the condition is paramount for early diagnosis of the underlying malignancy and/or for mitigating the permanent effects of the cerebellar degeneration. We present two cases of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with gynecological malignancies which illustrate the varied timings of presentation and outcomes of the disorder.
La educación en alimentación y nutrición en el medio escolar: el ejemplo del Programa EDALNU
Authors: Trescastro-López Eva María , Trescastro-López Silvia
Published: July 2014

A lo largo del siglo XX, la población española fue consolidando su proceso de transición nutricional y alimentaria. En la etapa pre-transicional, durante la década de 1950, se produjo un renovado interés por las deficiencias que mostraba la alimentación de los niños y se apostó por la educación alimentaria-nutricional para superarlas. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar las actividades desarrolladas en el ámbito escolar por el Programa de Educación en Alimentación y Nutrición (EDALNU) que se puso en marcha en 1961. El análisis de la documentación muestra que la intervención del Programa EDALNU constituyó, seguramente, la actividad más organizada e interdisciplinar de educación en alimentación y nutrición que se realizó en el ámbito escolar en España en el siglo XX. Las iniciativas de educación alimentaria, que tenían como población diana a los escolares, resultaron claves a la hora de garantizar su correcta alimentación y sirvieron para corregir algunos problemas, pero no pudieron frenar la creciente epidemia de obesidad. Sin embargo, a pesar de sus limitaciones, la visión integradora del Programa EDALNU, en la que la escuela, el entorno y la familia estaban interconectados, puede servir de ejemplo para las actuales estrategias de educación en alimentación y nutrición.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.17.2.11
Productos dietéticos singulares (1900-1950) (II): cientificismo y publicidad
Authors: Boatella Josep
Published: July 2014

Como continuación del artículo “Productos dietéticos singulares (1850-1950)” (Act Diet. 2009; 13: 27-30), en este trabajo se comentan distintos productos dietéticos elaborados durante el período 1900-1950, en España. En esta ocasión, la singularidad de los mismos se centra en aspectos relacionados con su formulación (no declarada, eficacia dudosa, errónea en base a los conocimientos actuales, etc.) o bien, con las estrategias publicitarias utilizadas.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.17.3.10
“Come, calla y ponte al sol”. Del refrán popular al conocimiento de la vitamina D
Authors: Crovetto-Martínez Rafael , Martínez-Rodríguez Adelina , Fernández-Alonso Julia
Published: July 2014

La lengua española es rica en refranes, muchos de los cuales hacen referencia a la alimentación y a la salud. La intención de este artículo es evaluar la certeza de algunos de esos refranes populares que relacionan la salud y la enfermedad con el sol. Se exponen los conocimientos actuales acerca de la vitamina D, su síntesis y sus mecanismos de acción. El profesional de enfermería debe identificar qué sujetos tienen riesgo de hipovitaminosis D, y prevenirla con soluciones nutritivas, ya que la sobreexposición solar no es una medida adecuada debido a los efectos secundarios de la radiación ultravioleta B, lo que contradice el conocimiento derivado de determinados refranes y proverbios españoles clásicos.
Asociación entre la dieta y la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Método de evaluación dietética de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Española 2006
Authors: Norte-Navarro Aurora Isabel , Ortiz-Moncada Rocío , Fernández-Sáez José , Álvarez-Dardet Carlos
Published: July 2014

Introducción: analizar la asociación entre la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y la presencia de sobrepeso-obesidad a partir de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Española 2006 (ENS-06).Material y métodos: estudio transversal retrospectivo de fuentes secundarias de la ENS-06. Se seleccionaron 29.321 individuos que respondieron el Cuestionario de Frecuencia de Consumo de Alimentos, compuesto por una lista de 12 grupos, sobre los que se preguntaba su frecuencia de consumo en 5 opciones de respuesta y que se categorizaron en 3 para el análisis (consumo diario, semanal y ocasional). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo del consumo de grupos de alimentos categorizados por frecuencia de consumo, y calculando la diferencia (brecha) entre hombres y mujeres. La asociación entre frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y sobrepeso-obesidad serealizó mediante regresión logística.Resultados: el 40,7% de la población consume a diario verduras-hortalizas y el 65,2% consume frutas a diario. El 69,8%, y el 46,3% de las mujeres cumplen las recomendaciones de consumo de frutas (brecha -7,2), y de verduras-hortalizas (brecha -14,0) respectivamente. Consumir fruta ocasionalmente, disminuye la probabilidad de padecer obesidad (OR=0,72 IC95%: 0,63-0,82), frente a consumirla a diario. Consumir embutidos a diario, disminuye la probabilidad de padecer obesidad (OR=0,75 IC95%: 0,68-0,83), frente a un consumo ocasional.Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran contradicciones científicas por la presencia de sesgos en el instrumento utilizado en la recogida de la información, sugiriendo la necesidad de que la ENS incluya un método de recogida de información dietética-nutricional validado y adoptado, que permita mediciones de mayor calidad y exactitud.
Mecanismos moleculares implicados en los posibles efectos de los compuestos fenólicos en la disminución del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares
Authors: Aubets-Fusté Maria , Mach Núria
Published: July 2014

El objetivo de la presente revisión es evaluar los mecanismos implicados en la posible asociación entre los polifenoles y la disminución del riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares, postulando que su consumo habitual en la dieta occidental podría resultar beneficioso para la protección de los pacientes frente las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se realizó una extensa búsqueda de publicaciones científicas recientes en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas especializadas: PubMed central (PMC)-NBCI, Elsevier Journal, Scielo España, Scirus, Science Direct, Web of Science, incluyendo estudios en células, animales y humanos, sobre el efecto de los polifenoles en la prevención y desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Los estudios in vitro, en modelos animales y en humanos, muestran la capacidad potencial de los compuestos fenólicos para actuar frente a enfermedades cardiovasculares debido a su acción antioxidante, vasodilatadora y de mejora de los perfiles lipídicos con atenuación de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad. Su consumo habitual en la dieta occidental podría resultar beneficioso para la protección de los pacientes frente las enfermedades cardiovasculares.
Valoración nutricional como complemento de los estudios en población expuesta a agentes oxidantes
Authors: Galán María Gimena , Erben Melina , Simoniello María Fernanda
Published: July 2014

Introducción: el estrés oxidativo (EO) se relaciona con un desequilibrio entre los sistemas oxidativos y antioxidantes, a favor de los primeros. El aporte de micronutrientes de origen dietario podría proveer de un efecto protector ante la exposición laboral a agentes oxidantes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si existe relación entre estado nutricional, hábitos higiénico-dietéticos, consumo de macro y micronutrientes y el EO en una población expuesta a agentes oxidantes, en comparación con una población no expuesta.Material y métodos: se estudiaron dos poblaciones de similares características, a excepción de la actividad laboral de una de ellas, constituidas por personas de ambos sexos, de 18 a 30 años de edad. El Grupo Expuesto estuvo constituido por 26 individuos que trabajaban en servicios de fotocopiado. El Grupo no Expuesto por 27 voluntarios que no realizan dicha actividad laboral. Se realizó una encuesta nutricional, dos recordatorios de 24 h, mediciones antropométricas y bioquímicas y determinación de marcadores de EO (Catalasa, relación GSH/GSSG y TBARS).Resultados: los resultados se analizaron mediante estadística multivariada para establecer asociaciones entre variables. Se halló una correlación positiva entre actividad laboral y desbalance oxidativo y entre elevado consumo energético, bajo consumo de alimentos fuente de micronutrientes antioxidantes, sedentarismo, alteración del perfil lipídico y EO; y se encontró una relación positiva entre bajo consumo de energía, perfil lipídico normal y adecuado consumo de frutas y verduras con un estado oxidativo normal.Conclusiones: los resultados muestran que cambios en los hábitos higiénico-dietéticos podrían ofrecer una protección a sujetos expuestos a agentes oxidantes.
Actualizaciones sobre declaraciones nutricionales y de propiedades saludables
Authors: Perales-Albert Alejandro , Bernácer-Martínez Raquel , García-Gómez Julian , Álvarez-Dardet Carlos , Ortiz-Moncada Rocío
Published: July 2014

Existe preocupación por la influencia de los determinantes sociales relacionados con la publicidad, la comunicación y la información sobre la selección de productos alimenticios para conseguir una alimentación saludable y segura. Desde este punto de vista, la legislación española normaliza este aspecto, a través del Reglamento Europeo 1924/2006 (RE1924/2006). El objetivo es asegurar y favorecer el acceso a alimentos inocuos que beneficien la salud y, evitar que la información recibida por los consumidores sea inexacta, ambigua o engañosa. El Reglamento pretende impedir que se atribuyan propiedades nutritivas y declaraciones de propiedades saludables a los alimentos sin razón o sin que exista suficiente evidencia científica. En este sentido, un grupo de profesionales de la Universidad de Alicante en diciembre de 2012 llevó a cabo la Primera Jornada de Alimentación y Nutrición, organizada por el Gabinete ALINU de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Alicante, relacionada con actualizaciones sobre declaraciones nutricionales y de propiedades saludables y sus implicaciones en la salud pública.Por el interés y la importancia del tema, se presenta un resumen de las ponencias desde la postura de los diferentes agentes implicados: consumidores, Administración, industria alimentaria, dietistas-nutricionistas, la Academia y la Salud Pública.
Prospective English teachers' habits and perceptions of online reading
Authors: Kayaoğlu Mustafa Naci , Dağ Akbaş Raşide
Published: July 2014

One of the basic language skills, reading is considered to be a key to improve critical thinking skills and to grasp different perspectives by experiencing changing nature of world. It is an inevitable fact that teachers, who are responsible for contributing to widen students' horizons and aid them to gain new insights, are still regarded as sources of knowledge even in such an environment surrounded by high technology facilities. Therefore, it is crucial to see whether, and/or how often, prospective English teachers are interested in online reading and what kind of perceptions, or feelings, they have towards reading online and making use of such online readings in their future profession. In this respect, the current study aims to find out prospective English teachers' online reading habits and perceptions. The data was collected via convenience sampling which is a type of non-probability sampling. Accordingly, the study was conducted at two different universities in northern Turkey and a total of 164 prospective teachers of English (37 male, 127 female) took the survey. The study suggests that the literacy focus has been turning from paper to online. Online reading is considered as a valuable source of knowledge, a tool for reaching educational goals, an integral part of English language learning and a crucial constituent of language teaching profession. It seems to contribute a lot to prospective English teachers who are developing their professional, procedural and personal knowledge base so as to be effective teachers of future.
Exploring Subsidiary Desire for Autonomy: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Findings
Authors: Homburg Christian , Prigge Jana-Kristin
Published: July 2014

In the mixed-motive dyad of the headquarters–subsidiary relationship, subsidiaries often request more autonomy than headquarters concede. To shed light on subsidiaries’ desire for autonomy, the authors investigate its consequences and determinants by drawing on reactance theory to develop an integrative framework focusing on marketing decision making in subsidiaries. The authors empirically test this framework with 133 international headquarters–subsidiary dyads from 29 countries. The findings show that a subsidiary's desire for autonomy can significantly impair the headquarters–subsidiary relationship. While the centralization and importance of marketing decision making can amplify this harmful desire for autonomy, the headquarters’ competence in marketing decision making can reduce this desire. Thus, to minimize subsidiaries’ desire for autonomy, headquarters should credibly display high competence while allowing subsidiaries to participate in decision making whenever possible.
The Application of the Technology Acceptance Model under Different Cultural Contexts: The Case of Online Shopping Adoption
Authors: Ashraf Abdul R. , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek) , Auh Seigyoung
Published: July 2014

Global usage of the Internet has increased remarkably in the past few decades, thus necessitating a better understanding of e-commerce adoption across cultures. Against this backdrop, this study contributes to the existing technology adoption and acceptance literature in the following ways. First, the authors develop an extended technology acceptance model that incorporates trust and perceived behavioral control and examine it in settings outside the United States to better understand the adoption of e-commerce across cultures. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, the predictive power of the technology acceptance model seems robust and holds true for both Pakistan and Canada, despite some noteworthy differences between the two cultures. Second, although the importance of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on consumers’ intentions to shop online was validated across both cultures, the results highlight the complex relationships between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to adopt in each country. The authors offer suggestions to technology managers and e-retailers regarding navigating through new technology and e-commerce adoption under various cultural contexts.
Eine Normalform für eine spezielle Klasse flacher nichtlinearer Mehrgrößensysteme in Pfaffscher Systemdarstellung
Authors: Schöberl Markus , Schlacher Kurt
Published: July 2014

In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir nichtlineare Mehrgrößensysteme und benutzen die sogenannte Pfaffsche Systemdarstellung zur Analyse von Normalformen. Es ist bekannt, dass für
Systeme, welche mittels statischer Rückführung exakt linearisierbar sind, eine spezielle Dreiecksdarstellung basierend auf den adaptierten Koordinaten entsprechender involutiver Distributionen existiert.
Auch für Systeme, die mittels statischer Rückführung nicht exakt linearisierbar sind, aber welche flach sind und einen flachen Ausgang zulassen, der nicht von Ableitungen der Eingänge abhängt, bietet sich
eine ähnliche Normalform an. In diesem Beitrag stellen wir diese Normalform, welche ebenfalls eine Dreiecksstruktur besitzt, vor und geben ein konstruktives Verfahren an, welches flache Systeme (wenn möglich) schrittweise auf diese
Dreiecksform transformiert. Diese Normalform beruht nicht auf einer dynamischen Erweiterung sondern ist durch die Verwendung impliziter Differentialgleichungen gekennzeichnet. Drei Beispiele veranschaulichen diese Methodik.
Convergence of Adaptive BEM and Adaptive FEM-BEM Coupling for Estimators Without
h-Weighting Factor
Authors: Feischl Michael , Führer Thomas , Mitscha-Eibl Gregor , Praetorius Dirk , Stephan Ernst P.
Published: July 2014

We analyze adaptive mesh-refining algorithms in the frame of boundary
element methods (BEM) and the coupling of finite elements and boundary
elements (FEM-BEM). Adaptivity is driven by the two-level error
estimator proposed by Ernst P. Stephan, Norbert Heuer, and coworkers in
the frame of BEM and FEM-BEM or by the residual error estimator introduced
by Birgit Faermann for BEM for weakly-singular integral equations. We prove that in either case
the usual adaptive algorithm drives the associated error estimator to
zero. Emphasis is put on the fact that the error estimators considered
are not even globally equivalent to weighted-residual error
estimators for which recently convergence with quasi-optimal algebraic rates has been derived.
Grid Stabilization with Decentralized Controllable Loads using Fuzzy Control and Droop Characteristics
Authors: Palmer Michael , Tachibana Masato , Senjyu Tomonobu , Funabashi Toshihisa , Saber Ahmed Y. , Datta Manoj
Published: July 2014

In recent years, the amount of distributed generators in the power grid has increased. Most of these distributed generators are renewable energy facilities using wind turbine generators or photovoltaic power systems. The increase in distributed generators is mostly due to environmental issues, growing concern of resource depletion, and economic benefits for residents and homeowners. Along with the increase in distributed generators, all-electric apartment buildings and residential homes with electric vehicles are on the rise. This trend is beneficial for both the environment and the residents; however, the fluctuating power from renewable energy sources and unstable loads causes fluctuations in grid frequency and distributed voltage which become problematic. This paper presents a methodology to control system frequency and distributed voltage using distributed controllable loads such as the heat pump water heater (HP) and large capacity batteries such as those of the electric vehicle (EV). By applying a power consumption controller using decentralized control for heat pump water heaters and droop characteristics for batteries, fluctuations of grid frequency and voltage are suppressed to a desired value. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, MATLAB/Simulink is used for simulations.
Studies on polyimides containing thermoplastic-thermosetting merged segments
Authors: Patel Yogesh S.
Published: July 2014

Polyimides (PIs) containing thermoplastic and thermosetting merged segments in a chain were developed via Diels-Alder (DA) polymerization of a bisfuran (BF), namely 2,5-bis(furan-2-ylmethylcarbamoyl)terephthalic acid and bismaleimides (BMI1 and BMI2). The intermediate DA polyadducts thus obtained, DAA1 and DAA2, were aromatized and imidized (cyclized) through carboxylic and amide groups in the presence of acetic anhydride, to afford PI1 and PI2. Synthesized DA polyadducts and PIs were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral features, number average molecular weight (Mn), degree of polymerization (Dp) and thermal analysis. Bulk polymerization was also carried out. The obtained bulk polymerization products (BPP1 and BPP2) were characterized by elemental analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The “in situ” void-free glass fiber reinforced composites GFRC1 and GFRC2 were prepared from the produced system and characterized by chemical, mechanical and electrical analysis. All of the composites depicted good mechanical and electrical properties and good resistance to organic solvents and mineral acids.
Revisiting the Idea of Arts-Based Research
Authors: O'Donoghue Dónal
Published: July 2014

In an effort to prise arts-based research away from over-signification, this paper engages the following two questions: (1) For us to give art a research purpose, are we requiring art to do more than it is capable of doing while simultaneously not paying enough attention to what art does? (2) If we think of research as the pursuit and construction of knowledge, then should we not ask what types of pursuits are possible and what types of phenomena are probable when we approach or do research from the practice of art? The paper makes a case for considering art and research as two distinct practices that come together in the pursuit of knowing without becoming one or the other.
Playing with Patterns
Authors: Löytönen Teija , Anttila Eeva , Guttom Hanna , Valkeemäki Anita
Published: July 2014

This article reflects stories between us, four academics working in the fields of crafts and dance education. The unexpected encounters of our worlds and thoughts have given birth to these shared lines of inquiry. We fumble towards collaborative and embodied practices within academia. Drawing from some of the principles and ideas of the late 20th century French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, our collaboration has moved us to consider the indeterminate and continually shifting, nomadic process of not-knowing in the midst of sometimes striated academic (writing and presenting) practices. We have approached this process by putting into play simultaneously our multiple experiences, accounts, stories on be(com)ing academics in crafts and dance education. These fold in and back on one another and ripple into diverse (theoretical) discourses as well as (scholarly and artistic) practices. This, we believe, disrupts the comfortable, taken-for-granted (striated) academic spaces of reading, thinking, and knowing.
High-Resolution Mapping of Two Types of Spontaneous Mitotic Gene Conversion Events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yim Eunice , O’Connell Karen E , St. Charles Jordan , Petes Thomas D
Published: July 2014

Gene conversions and crossovers are related products of the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks by homologous recombination. Most previous studies of mitotic gene conversion events have been restricted to measuring conversion tracts that are <5 kb. Using a genetic assay in which the lengths of very long gene conversion tracts can be measured, we detected two types of conversions: those with a median size of ∼6 kb and those with a median size of >50 kb. The unusually long tracts are initiated at a naturally occurring recombination hotspot formed by two inverted Ty elements. We suggest that these long gene conversion events may be generated by a mechanism (break-induced replication or repair of a double-stranded DNA gap) different from the short conversion tracts that likely reflect heteroduplex formation followed by DNA mismatch repair. Both the short and long mitotic conversion tracts are considerably longer than those observed in meiosis. Since mitotic crossovers in a diploid can result in a heterozygous recessive deleterious mutation becoming homozygous, it has been suggested that the repair of DNA breaks by mitotic recombination involves gene conversion events that are unassociated with crossing over. In contrast to this prediction, we found that ∼40% of the conversion tracts are associated with crossovers. Spontaneous mitotic crossover events in yeast are frequent enough to be an important factor in genome evolution.
Engineered granular materials for heat conduction and load transfer in energy geotechnology
Authors: Roshankhah S. , Santamarina J. C.
Published: July 2014

Energy-related geosystems often impose extreme temperatures and loading conditions on the surrounding medium, so granular materials must be selected or engineered to satisfy heat transfer requirements and mechanical stability. In this work, the thermo-mechanical response of some natural and engineered granular materials was investigated by subjecting dense specimens to vertical load under zero lateral strain boundary conditions with concurrent thermal conductivity measurements. The materials studied were quartzitic sand with and without metal coatings, fly ash, diatomaceous earth, ceramic microspheres and hollow glass microspheres. Dry and densely packed hollow glass microspheres, ceramic microspheres and naturally occurring diatomaceous earth were found to be more compressible than sands, but exhibited very low thermal conductivity and very low stress-dependent gain in thermal conductivity. At the other extreme, dense sands combined the high thermal conductivity of quartz with the benefits of metal coatings to render the highest thermal conductivity values among the tested materials; while mechanically stable, dense sands were found to experience pronounced changes in thermal conductivity with stress. Analytical predictions show that saturation with high thermal conductivity liquids will enhance the effective thermal conductivity of granular materials more than the changes attained with metal coatings. Interparticle heat conduction processes and contact resistance explain the measured conductivity values obtained with the granular materials tested in this study.
Plant community richness and microbial interactions structure bacterial communities in soil
Authors: Schlatter Daniel C. , Bakker Matthew G. , Bradeen James M. , Kinkel Linda L.
Published: July 2014

Plant species, plant community diversity and microbial interactions can significantly impact soil microbial communities, yet there are few data on the interactive effects of plant species and plant community diversity on soil bacterial communities. We hypothesized that plant species and plant community diversity affect soil bacterial communities by setting the context in which bacterial interactions occur. Specifically, we examined soil bacterial community composition and diversity in relation to plant “host” species, plant community richness, bacterial antagonists, and soil edaphic characteristics. Soil bacterial communities associated with four different prairie plant species (Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, Lespedeza capitata, and Lupinus perennis) grown in plant communities of increasing species richness (1, 4, 8, and 16 species) were sequenced. Additionally, soils were evaluated for populations of antagonistic bacteria and edaphic characteristics. Plant species effects on soil bacterial community composition were small and depended on plant community richness. In contrast, increasing plant community richness significantly altered soil bacterial community composition and was negatively correlated with bacterial diversity. Concentrations of soil carbon, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were similarly negatively correlated with bacterial diversity, whereas the proportion of antagonistic bacteria was positively correlated with soil bacterial diversity. Results suggest that plant species influences on soil bacterial communities depend on plant community diversity and are mediated through the effects of plant‐derived resources on antagonistic soil microbes.
Whales as marine ecosystem engineers
Authors: Roman Joe , Estes James A , Morissette Lyne , Smith Craig , Costa Daniel , McCarthy James , Nation JB , Nicol Stephen , Pershing Andrew , Smetacek Victor
Published: July 2014

Baleen and sperm whales, known collectively as the great whales, include the largest animals in the history of life on Earth. With high metabolic demands and large populations, whales probably had a strong influence on marine ecosystems before the advent of industrial whaling: as consumers of fish and invertebrates; as prey to other large‐bodied predators; as reservoirs of and vertical and horizontal vectors for nutrients; and as detrital sources of energy and habitat in the deep sea. The decline in great whale numbers, estimated to be at least 66% and perhaps as high as 90%, has likely altered the structure and function of the oceans, but recovery is possible and in many cases is already underway. Future changes in the structure and function of the world's oceans can be expected with the restoration of great whale populations.