bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gerenciando qualidade em serviços de saúde
Authors: Mendes Vera Lucia Peixoto S.
Published: February 2015

Trabalho realizado em hospital geral de alta tecnologia, objetivando identificar na gestão, elementos facilitadores e bloqueadores da qualidade dos serviços oferecidos pela unidade de urgência/emergência e detectar como os profissionais de enfermagem percebem e experienciam os mecanismos de garantia de qualidade propostos pela organização. Define-se a qualidade como uma das consequências do estilo gerencial, dentro de um contexto de modernização administrativa. Trata-se de um estudo de caso onde foi empregado o Sistema 4T de Likert como método de pesquisa, além de entrevistas e observações focais. A análise dos dados revelou uma heterogeneidade de percepção quanto ao estilo gerencial e uma definição de qualidade compatível com aquela que reforça os principios defendidos pela organização.
Mastectomia e suas repercussões
Authors: Fialho Ana Virginia de Melo , Silva Raimunda Magalhães da
Published: February 2015

O trabalho visa a Identificação e exploração das repercussões da mastectomia, por câncer de mama, na vida da mulher. A entrevista semi-estruturada foi aplicada a uma paciente do ambulatório do Instituto do Câncer do Ceará. A análise de dados foi procedida em quatro categorias, construídas com as falas convergentes da paciente. Constatou-se que a mutilação teve grande repercussão para a paciente, que passou a viver com indiferença. A ausência de uma assistência qualificada, visando as necessidades da paciente e o significado destrutivo da perda da mama, constituem fatores relevantes para o desequilibrio bio-psico-socio-espiritual da paciente.
Analise comparativa do custo da utilização de luvas com reprocessamento e sem reprocessamento
Authors: Gonçalves Vera Lúcia Mira , Silva Sandra Honorato da , Amâncio Maria Helena , Sancinetti Tânia Regina
Published: February 2015

O estudo propõe uma análise do sistema de reprocessamento de luvas de látex em seus aspectos técnicos e financeiros, objetivando sua validação, ou adoção de uma nova estratégia, que garanta o suprimento adequado de luvas, tanto quantitativa como qualitativamente, aos diversos Serviços do Hospital Universitário. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no período de janeiro de 1991 a março de 1992. Os resultados demonstraram que a adequação do uso da luva e a eliminação do reprocessamento, possibilitaram uma redução de custos na utilização de luvas correspondente ao montante da ordem de 37%.
A arte de curar e a arte de cuidar: a medicalização do hospital e a institucionalização da enfermagem
Authors: Silva Eliete Maria , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de , Mishima Silvana Martins
Published: February 2015

Trata-se de uma reflexão crítca sobre o cuidar e o curar, numa perspectiva histórica. A racionalidade científica na enfermagem engendrou-se no movimento de medicalização do hospital enquanto espaço terapêutico e de desenvolvimento de uma tecnologia e saber médicos. A institucionalização da profissão constituiu-se em duas perspectivas: a moral-disciplinar e a técnica. A configuração de uma "crise profissional" é apontada em relação à formação, mercado de trabalho, prática profissional, organização e sindicalização e pesquisa em suas articulações dinâmicas na sociedade em que estão inseridas. Atualmente, a manutenção e prolongamento da vida encaminham para projetos de maior qualidade dos cuidados e da própria vida, em termos pesoais e profissionais.
AIDS como campo de pesquisa interdisciplinar e multiprofissional
Authors: Xavier Iara de Moraes , Leite Josete Luzia , Tocantins Florence R.
Published: February 2015

Este trabalho consta de algumas reflexões acerca da AIDS como campo de pesquisa interdisciplinar e multiprofissional. Discorre sobre os conceitos de monodisciplinaridade, multidisciplinaridade, pluridisciplinaridade, interdisciplinaridade e transdisciplinaridade. Discute a AIDS como uma doença que envolve aspectos biológicos, sociais, psicológicos e especialmente, éticos e legais. Coloca o trabalho coletivo como o grande desafio aos profissionais de saúde neste final de século, assimilando a interdisciplinaridade como tendência da modernidade.
O psicodrama em sala de aula: uma estratégia de ensino para o desenvolvimento do papel profissional da enfermeira
Authors: Kirschbaum Débora I. R. , Nozawa Márcia Regina
Published: February 2015

Examinam-se os principais conceitos do método psicodramático e as possibilidades de utilização deste na educação de enfermeiras, através do emprego de técnicas psicodramáticas, particularmente o "role-playing" em sala de aula, com o objetivo de desenvolver relações interpessoais e papéis sociais, por meio da educação da espontaneidade. São relatadas duas situações em que foi empregada esta técnica na disciplina "Integração do Estudante de Engermagem à Profissão", dirigida a alunos do 1º ano do Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem da UNICAMP. Verifica-se que sua utilização propicia ao aluno vivenciar os três diferentes momentos que constituem o jogo de papéis: o "role-taking", o "role-playing" e o "role-creating".
Proposta de aplicação do método de solução de problemas na assistência de enfermagem em Centro de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Deienno Suzel Regina R. , Gabriel Carmem Silvia , Scarelli Eliana Maria , Miranda Alba Franzão
Published: February 2015

Consiste numa proposta de adaptação do modelo de Método de Solução de Problemas, proposto por Bailey & Claus, na sistematização da assistência de enfermagem em Centro de Terapia Intensiva. Utilizou-se a metodologia de estudo de caso, com a aplicação do modelo em um paciente de terapia intensiva. Para isso, elaboramos um instrumento que possibilitasse a aplicação do modelo na prática assistencial do enfermeiro de C.T.I., e discutimos os passos propostos por este modelo. Concluímos que sua aplicação é viável, desde que sejam efetuadas adaptações nos passos propostos, e se desenvolva numa estrutura com enfermeiros qualificados, recursos técnicos e materiais adequados.
Relato de experiência na utilização de novas tecnologias simplificadas de enfermagem na moradia
Authors: Luce Margareta
Published: February 2015

Relato da experiência de utilização de adaptações utilizadas na moradia de clientes portadores de doença crônica, baseado em suas dificuldades. Exemplo: cadeira de rodas, cadeira higiênica, instrumento auxiliar na distribuição de medicamentos, fixação de saco elétrico, utilização de garra mecânica, além de jogos para fixar e avaliar conhecimentos na convivência com doenças crônicas.
Abdutor lateral: uma alternativa no pós-operatório de prótese total de quadril
Authors: Valério Silvia Helena , Ventura Maria de Fátima
Published: February 2015

Buscando amenizar os inconvenientes que os pacientes submetidos a Prótese Total de Quadril enfrentam no pós-operatório, as autoras vêm apresentar um aparelho idealizado e elaborado por elas, para auxiliar na manutenção do paciente em decúbito lateral, sem que isso concorra em risco de luxação da prótese. Este aparelho foi denominado Abdutor Lateral, sendo uma nova alternativa para melhoria da assistência de enfermagem e conseqüente recuperação mais segura e confortável aos pacientes submetidos a Prótese Total de Quadril. As autoras descrevem sua forma estrutural, divulgam sua finalidade e demonstram sua forma de uso.
UM MODELO FUZZY-DEA-GAME PARA ESTRATÉGIAS DE PRODUÇÃO SOB INCERTEZA
Authors: SILVA ANEIRSON FRANCISCO DA , MIRANDA RAFAEL DE CARVALHO , MARINS FERNANDO AUGUSTO SILVA
Published: February 2015

Este trabalho desenvolve um novo modelo Fuzzy-DEA-Game (FDG) para apoiar o estabelecimento de estratégias de produção. Esse modelo combina a Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA) com conceitos da Teoria dos Conjuntos Fuzzy e do Jogo da Barganha de Nash. O modelo permite uma avaliação da eficiência produtiva e econômica dos produtos, o que pode resultar num portfólio de produtos mais rentáveis e de interesse do mercado consumidor. O modelo foi aplicado em uma empresa do segmento de energia. Os resultados obtidos com a aplicação do modelo FDG mostraram-se aderentes à realidade da empresa estudada e forneceram metas para a redução dos níveis de recursos (entradas) necessários para a fabricação dos produtos e para aumento dos níveis de resultados (saídas) oriundos da comercialização desses produtos. Como resultado adicional importante, o modelo FDG permitiu a identificação dos produtos do portfólio que são mais sensíveis à ocorrência de incerteza.
Flautas e trompetes sagrados do noroeste amazônico: sobre gênero e música do Jurupari
Authors: Piedade Acácio Tadeu de C.
Published: February 2015

Este artigo trata da música do ritual conhecido na literatura etnológica como Jurupari, com base em etnografia realizada entre os Ye’ pâ-masa, grupo de fala tukano do noroeste amazônico. A análise se baseia na cosmologia nativa e procura trabalhar com o plano expressivo desse gênero musical, mostrando diversos significados que emergem na performance. O complexo simbólico do Jurupari é aqui visto como parte de um sistema social preventivo que assegura aos homens o poder de criação e outras capacidades dos instrumentos sagrados.
A fixação da narrativa: do mito para a poética de literatura oral
Authors: Langdon Ester Jean
Published: February 2015

O trabalho visa refletir sobre os problemas específicos ligados à tradução de literatura oral à luz das teorias de análise centrada no discurso, performance e tradução poética. Até os últimos trinta anos, textos orais, incluindo tais gêneros como mito, folclore, lenda, e conto de fada, foram analisados como textos fixos, sem considerar os mecanismos poéticos que marcam a narração oral. Este trabalho explora estas teorias e debates atuais sobre a perspectiva dos textos orais como emergente através de performances culturais específicas e com elementos estéticos que devem ser incluídos na transcrição e tradução de tais narrativas. Esta discussão sobre a tradução das narrativas orais é paralela às discussões gerais na antropologia sobre a escrita antropológica e a fixação da interação social.
The (mis)uses of life histories. The linguistic turn, life histories and (women’s) life stories
Authors: Costa Claudia de Lima
Published: February 2015

This paper retraces the debates on life-histories before and after the linguistic turn in the social sciences, and, more specifically, in the anthropological tradition. It stresses how poststructuralist feminist methodological, theoretical, and political appropriations of personal narratives represent a significant textual intervention in the gendered social-cultural scripts of women’s lives.
Migraciones estudiantiles: un abordaje interdisciplinario desde las historias de vida
Authors: Belloc María Cristina , Dupuy Andrea , Pérez Silvia
Published: February 2015

O presente trabalho constitui uma intenção interdisciplinar de reflexão sobre o uso e potencialidades da história de vida como fonte geradora de dados qualitativos. Elas proporcionam os dados necessários para vincular as práticas migratórias dos estudantes que ingressam na Universidade Nacional de Mar del Plata (Argentina) com suas representações profissionais e de consumo cultural enquanto orientadoras da tomada de decisões para empreender uma mobilidade urbano-territorial. Entendemos as representações como os modos nos quais os estudantes interpretam e pensam a realidade segundo a posição que ocupam neste espaço social e que funcionam como orientadoras de seus comportamentos. A instrumentação de histórias de vida nos possibilitará compreender como se constroem as representações, que conteúdos a conformam e que funções cumprem, através do modo em que os próprios migrantes vivem as condições objetivas e constroem o mundo pelo qual tem transcorrido seu ciclo de vida e que os tem levado, em determinado momento, à decisão de migrar.
Anita Xavier da Costa: memórias da filha de um pioneiro do socialismo no Rio Grande do Sul – da fogueira das lembranças ao álbum de recordações
Authors: Schmidt Benito Bisso
Published: February 2015

O artigo analisa a narrativa de uma entrevista feita com Anita Xavier da Costa, filha de Francisco Xavier da Costa (1871-1934), pioneiro na difusão de idéias socialistas no Rio Grande do Sul. Três aspectos são enfatizados: a maneira como a depoente busca construir uma coerência retrospectiva para a trajetória de seu pai, o condicionamento de gênero de suas memórias e o processo que fez com que ela assumisse a função de “guardiã da memória” de Francisco.
Das classificações por ciclos temáticos da narrativa popular em verso: uma querela inútil
Authors: Menezes Eduardo Diatahy B. de
Published: February 2015

O desiderato central deste curto ensaio situa-se na análise crítica a que submeto a tendência dos estudiosos brasileiros e estrangeiros a adotarem, no exame da produção simbólica expressa nas narrativas populares em verso, o procedimento classificatório por “ciclos temáticos”. É procedimento equivocado antes de tudo na sua própria lógica interna, mas também na exigência não atendida de conhecimento extensivo do universo do corpus dessa literatura, procedimento que introduz muito mais a perspectiva de cada classificador do que o conteúdo narrativo dos materiais a que se aplica. Além disso, esvazia essa produção simbólica da dimensão histórico-cultural essencial no seu processo de produção, redundando na recorrência da mesmice. Finalmente, formulo a hipótese de trabalho segundo a qual a via de superação desse impasse reside na proposição de uma hermenêutica mais fecunda que encare esse corpus numa periodização de perfil nitidamente histórica.
Are smoking and passive smoking related with heart rate variability in male adolescents?
Authors: Gondim Renata Melo , Farah Breno Quintella , Santos Carolina da Franca Bandeira Ferreira , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes
Published: February 2015

Objective To analyze the relation between smoking and passive smoking with heart rate variability parameters in male adolescents. Methods The sample consisted of 1,152 males, aged 14 and 19 years. Data related to smoking and passive smoking were collected using a questionnaire. RR intervals were obtained by a heart rate monitor, on supine position, for 10 minutes. After collecting the RR intervals, time (standard deviation of all RR intervals, root mean square of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals and the percentage of adjacent intervals over 50ms) and frequency domains (low and high frequency and sympathovagal balance) parameters of heart rate variability were obtained. Results No significant differences between smoker and nonsmoker adolescents were observed in heart rate variability parameters (p>0.05). Similarly, heart rate variability parameters did not show significant difference between exposed and not exposed to passive smoking (p>0.05). Conclusion Cigarette smoking and passive smoking are not related to heart rate variability in adolescence.
Influence of curing regime and steel fibres on the mechanical properties of UHPC
Authors: Prem Prabhat Ranjan , Ramachandra Murthy Avadhanam , Bharatkumar Bhajantri H.
Published: February 2015

The effect of accelerated curing and steel fibre volume on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is the focus of this paper. The compressive strength and microstructural properties of UHPC were evaluated under water, steam and heat curing. The results show that heat-cured samples have higher mechanical properties than those undergoing the other curing techniques. Experimental studies were conducted on heat-treated specimens with different steel fibre volumes and aspect ratios (2·5% and 2·0% of 13 mm and 6 mm length fibres of diameter 0·16 mm) to examine stress–strain behaviour, tensile behaviour and flexure behaviour. The stress–strain behaviour of UHPC was evaluated by uniaxial compression tests on cylinders to propose a new stress–strain model for UHPC under compression. Size-dependent and size-independent fracture energies were determined as per the Rilem procedure and the P–δ tail correction method. Flexural and residual strengths were evaluated under four-point bending.
Evidence‐based tool surpasses expert opinion in predicting probability of eradication of aquatic nonindigenous species
Authors: Drolet David , Locke Andrea , Lewis Mark A. , Davidson Jeff
Published: March 2015

The main objective of evidence‐based management is to promote use of scientific data in the decision‐making process of managers, with data either complementing or replacing expert knowledge. It is expected that this will increase the efficiency of environmental interventions. However, the relative accuracy and precision of evidence‐based tools and expert knowledge has seldom been evaluated. It is therefore essential to verify whether such tools provide better decision support before advocating their use. We conducted an elicitation survey in which experts were asked to (1) evaluate the influence of various factors on the success of eradication programs for aquatic nonindigenous species and (2) provide probabilities of success for real case studies for which we knew the outcome. The responses of experts were compared with the results and predictions of a newly developed evidence‐based tool: a statistical model calibrated with a meta‐analysis of case studies designed to evaluate probability of eradication. Experts and the model generally identified the same factors as influencing the probability of success. However, the model provided much more accurate estimates for the probability of eradication than expert opinion, strongly suggesting that an evidence‐based approach is superior to expert knowledge in this case. Uncertainty surrounding the predictions of the evidence‐based tool was similar to among‐expert variability. Finally, a model based on ≥30 case studies returned more accurate predictions than expert opinion. We conclude that decision‐making processes based on expert judgment would greatly benefit from incorporating evidence‐based tools.
Context‐dependent effects of large‐wildlife declines on small‐mammal communities in central Kenya
Authors: Young Hillary S. , McCauley Douglas J. , Dirzo Rodolfo , Goheen Jacob R. , Agwanda Bernard , Brook Cara , Otárola-Castillo Erik , Ferguson Adam W. , Kinyua Stephen N. , McDonough Molly M. , Palmer Todd M. , Pringle Robert M. , Young Truman P. , Helgen Kristofer M.
Published: March 2015

Many species of large wildlife have declined drastically worldwide. These reductions often lead to profound shifts in the ecology of entire communities and ecosystems. However, the effects of these large‐wildlife declines on other taxa likely hinge upon both underlying abiotic properties of these systems and on the types of secondary anthropogenic changes associated with wildlife loss, making impacts difficult to predict. To better understand how these important contextual factors determine the consequences of large‐wildlife declines on other animals in a community, we examined the effects of three common forms of large‐wildlife loss (removal without replacement [using fences], removal followed by replacement with domestic stock, and removal accompanied by crop agricultural use) on small‐mammal abundance, diversity, and community composition, in landscapes that varied in several abiotic attributes (rainfall, soil fertility, land‐use intensity) in central Kenya. We found that small‐mammal communities were indeed heavily impacted by all forms of large‐wildlife decline, showing, on average: (1) higher densities, (2) lower species richness per site, and (3) different species assemblages in sites from which large wildlife were removed. However, the nature and magnitude of these effects were strongly context dependent. Rainfall, type of land‐use change, and the interaction of these two factors were key predictors of both the magnitude and type of responses of small mammals. The strongest effects, particularly abundance responses, tended to be observed in low‐rainfall areas. Whereas isolated wildlife removal primarily led to increased small‐mammal abundance, wildlife removal associated with secondary uses (agriculture, domestic stock) had much more variable effects on abundance and stronger impacts on diversity and composition. Collectively, these results (1) highlight the importance of context in determining the impacts of large‐wildlife decline on small‐mammal communities, (2) emphasize the challenges in extrapolating results from controlled experimental studies to predict the effects of wildlife declines that are accompanied by secondary land‐uses, and (3) suggest that, because of the context‐dependent nature of the responses to large‐wildlife decline, large‐wildlife status alone cannot be reliably used to predict small‐mammal community changes.
Frailty in Older Adults: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis
Authors: Tocchi Christine
Published: February 2015

The termfrailtyis often used to describe a subset of the older population with complex health issues. It is associated with dependence, disability, increased health care use, and mortality. An emergent problem is the lack of consensus as to the etiology and definition of frailty. The purpose of this concept analysis is to clarify the concept of frailty in the context of older adults and propose a definition of frailty that may be relevant to identification of frail older adults. The results from this analysis conclude frailty in older adults is a tenuous state of health that is the result of the complex interplay of physiological, psychosocial, and environmental stressors that increases an older adult’s susceptibility to adverse health outcomes.
Experimental Attempt at Using Lecane inermis Rotifers to Control Filamentous Bacteria Eikelboom Type 0092 in Activated Sludge
Authors: Drzewicki Adam , Kowalska Ewa , Pajdak‐Stós Agnieszka , Fiałkowska Edyta , Kocerba‐Soroka Wioleta , Sobczyk Łukasz , Fyda Janusz
Published: March 2015

In laboratory experiments, the authors tested the efficacy of Lecane inermis rotifers in reducing the abundance of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge samples dominated by one filamentous bacterium, Eikelboom Type 0092. The experiment was conducted in three replicates and repeated three times at 1‐month intervals. In all repetitions, rotifers were able to significantly reduce the density of bacterial filaments through predation. It was also shown that the influence of rotifers on filament abundance depends on the duration of grazing pressure. The data show that L. inermis, already reported to be effective in reducing the density of Microthrix parvicella, Nostocoida limicola, and Type 021N in activated sludge, can be equally helpful in limiting Type 0092, another troublesome filamentous bacterium found in low‐loaded water resource recovery facilities.
Pilot Demonstration of Energy‐Efficient Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Using Reciprocating Submerged Membrane
Authors: Ho Jaeho , Smith Shaleena , Patamasank Jaren , Tontcheva Petia , Kim Gyu Dong , Roh Hyung Keun
Published: March 2015

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is becoming popular for advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse. Air scouring to “shake” the membrane fibers is most suitable and applicable to maintain filtration without severe and rapid fouling. However, membrane fouling mitigating technologies are energy intensive. The goal of this research is to develop an alternative energy‐saving MBR system to reduce energy consumption; a revolutionary system that will directly compete with air scouring technologies currently in the membrane water reuse market. The innovative MBR system, called reciprocation MBR (rMBR), prevents membrane fouling without the use of air scouring blowers. The mechanism featured is a mechanical reciprocating membrane frame that uses inertia to prevent fouling. Direct strong agitation of the fiber is also beneficial for the constant removal of solids built up on the membrane surface. The rMBR pilot consumes less energy than conventional coarse air scouring MBR systems. Specific energy consumption for membrane reciprocation for the pilot rMBR system was 0.072 kWh/m3 permeate produced at 40 LMH, which is 75% less than the conventional air scouring in an MBR system (0.29 kWh/m3). Reciprocation of the hollow‐fiber membrane can overcome the hydrodynamic limitations of air scouring or cross‐flow membrane systems with less energy consumption and/or higher energy efficiency.
Empirical Links between Instruction with Teaching Tools and the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in a Korean College Tennis Class
Authors: Shin Myoungjin , Kwon Sungho
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the sequential process (i.e., social factors → mediators → motivation → consequences) underlying the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation at the contextual level in instruction using three teaching tools, modified balls, a high net, and colored balls and cones in a college-level tennis class in South Korea. 126 students enrolled in a 15-week tennis class participated in the study. The results indicate that the three teaching tools positively affected students' perceived competence, with perceived competence's beta on intrinsic motivation equal to 0.45. Intrinsic motivation was found to reduce negative affect further by −0.33, thereby demonstrating the sequential process of the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation.
FEM Analysis of Friction for Pressing Dies Controlled by Shot Treatment
Authors: Abe K. , Fukaura H. , Aramaki M. , Furukimi O.
Published: March 2015

The finite element method (FEM) analysis of elastic-plastic deformation was applied to examine the effect of surface texture controlling of dies by means of hybrid-shot (double shot by two different kinds of particles) treatment on the galling property applied to high tensile strength steel sheets. The FEM analysis results showed that the apparent friction coefficient, which was calculated from pressing load and the drawing force, increased with each increase in the pressing load. The experimental results from the drawing tests with lubricant oil showed that the friction coefficient of the die after hybrid-shot treatment decreased slightly with the increase of the pressing load. On the other hand, the friction coefficient of the die without shot treatment, (i.e. nearly flat surface), slightly increased with the increase of the pressing load due to the digging effect. These findings reveal that the effect of surface texture of dies was caused not only by the elastic-plastic deformation but also by the oil lubrication condition. The FEM analysis was therefore performed by taking into account the digging effect as well as the micro-oil pool effect. The experimental result in the case of hybrid-shot dies corresponds well to the FEM result by adopting the virtual oil model where the oil segment was defined as an elastic solid body.
Investigation on the Microstructural Evolution in a Medium-Mn steel (X10Mn5) after Intercritical Annealing
Authors: Steineder K. , Schneider R. , Krizan D. , Béal C. , Sommitsch C.
Published: March 2015

TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP)-assisted Medium-Mn steels, with Mn-contents in the range of 4–10 ma.-%, have recently gained a lot of interest due to their promising mechanical properties. This steel group contains ≥ 30 % of retained austenite, which is stabilized by Carbon and mainly Manganese during intercritical annealing. The present work investigated the influence of annealing temperature and cooling rate on the microstructural evolution by means of dilatometry. Two thermodynamical models for the prediction of optimal annealing temperature and maximum retained austenite content have also been thoroughly evaluated. For further characterization, scanning electron microscopy, EBSD, micro-hardness testing and X-ray diffraction were carried out. The investigations manifested a pronounced influence of both annealing temperature and cooling rate, on the phase fractions of ferrite, austenite and martensite, which must be taken into account by design of batch annealing route for Medium-Mn TRIP steels in order to obtain superior combination of strength and ductility.
Investigation of the tool effect on the strength of friction stir spot welded aluminum specimens: A comparative study
Authors: Güler Hande
Published: March 2015

Aluminum and its alloys are widely used in the automotive industry because of their light weight and good formability as well as malleability, and an alternative welding technique, the friction stir spot welding process, can be successfully used to join these materials. In this study, friction stir spot welding is applied to an AA 5754-H111 alloy to compare the effect of tool geometry and tool material on shear strength. Welds are made using different rotational speeds of tool and dwell times ranging from 500 to 1500 rpm and 6 s to 21 s, respectively. The experimental results showed that the combination of dwell time and rotational speed of tool as well as tool geometry and tool material have an important role in the strength of the joints. The total thickness and weld nugget diameter were also investigated in this study.
Mechanical characterization by DOE analysis of AA6156-T4 friction stir welded joints in as-welded and post-weld aged condition
Authors: Astarita Antonello , Prisco Umberto , Squillace Antonino , Velotti Carla , Tronci Aurelio
Published: March 2015

Tensile properties of AA6156-T4 friction stir welded joints were studied in the as-welded and T62 post-weld heat treated condition. To analyze the influence of rotating and welding speed on the 0.2 % proof stress and tensile strength of the two classes of joints, a complete full factorial design with three levels for each studied parameter was performed. Statistical analyses were carried out to establish empirical models of the tensile properties of the joints as a function of the studied welding parameters. The obtained models were validated by statistical tools such as Mallow's CP, S, R2 and R2(adj). The developed regression models can be effectively used to predict the mechanical properties of the joints at 95 % confidence level.
Microstructural Characterization of Open-Pore Metal Foams of Pure Metals
Authors: Mocker B. S. , Matz A. M. , Jost N. , Krug P.
Published: March 2015

This work presents open-pore metal foams made by investment casting from several pure metals. The resulting microstructure and its morphology will be characterized and compared to the microstructure of permanent mold cast round specimens. In addition to their manufacture, the preparation of the different samples for microstructural characterization is outlined. Finally, the individual microstructures are analyzed and compared by means of light microscopy and under consideration of relevant parameters. The comparison of metal foam and round specimen microstructures yields significant differences in the microstructural development.
Molecular features assisting in diagnosis, surgery, and treatment decision making in low-grade gliomas
Authors: Chen Ricky , Ravindra Vijay M. , Cohen Adam L. , Jensen Randy L. , Salzman Karen L. , Prescot Andrew P. , Colman Howard
Published: March 2015

The preferred management of suspected low-grade gliomas (LGGs) has been disputed, and the implications of molecular changes for medical and surgical management of LGGs are important to consider. Current strategies that make use of molecular markers and imaging techniques and therapeutic considerations offer additional options for management of LGGs. Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) genes suggest a role for this abnormal metabolic pathway in the pathogenesis and progression of these primary brain tumors. Use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide preoperative detection of IDH-mutated gliomas and affect surgical planning. In addition, IDH1 and IDH2 mutation status may have an effect on surgical resectability of gliomas. The IDH-mutated tumors exhibit better prognosis throughout every grade of glioma, and mutation may be an early genetic event, preceding lineage-specific secondary and tertiary alterations that transform LGGs into secondary glioblastomas. The O6-methylguanine-DNAmethyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and 1p19q codeletion status can predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation in low- and intermediate-grade gliomas. Thus, these recent advances, which have led to a better understanding of how molecular, genetic, and epigenetic alterations influence the pathogenicity of the different histological grades of gliomas, can lead to better prognostication and may lead to specific targeted surgical interventions and medical therapies.
An Improved Synthesis of Apigenin
Authors: Wang Qian , Cui Wei , Liu Man , Zhang Ji , Liao Rong-qiang , Liao Xia-li , Yang Jian
Published: March 2015

Two routes for the synthesis of the flavone apigenin are described. In the first, taxicatigenin was converted to 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyacetophenone and then by condensation with anisaldehyde to 2′-hydroxy-4,4′,6′-trimethoxychalcone. The latter was cyclised with iodine and demethylated with pyridine hydrochloride to form apigenin in 53% overall yield. In the second route, a single step for the preparation of the chalcone was used in which 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene was acylated with p-methoxycinnamic acid. Although the synthesis of apigenin was achieved in a lower overall yield of 34%, the process was simpler.
Easy and Rapid Binding Assay for Functional Analysis of Disulfide-Containing Peptides by a Pull-Down Method Using a Puromycin-Linker and a Cell-Free Translation System
Authors: Tanemura Yutaro , Mochizuki Yuki , Kumachi Shigefumi , Nemoto Naoto
Published: March 2015

Constrained peptides are an attractive class as affinity reagents or drug leads owing to their excellent binding properties. Many kinds of these peptides, such as cyclic peptides containing disulfide bridges, are found in nature or designed artificially by directed evolution. However, confirming the binding properties of the disulfide-rich peptides can be generally difficult, because of oxidative folding problems in the preparation steps. Therefore, a method for evaluating the binding properties of such peptides rapidly and easily is required. Here, we report an easy and rapid method for preparing biotin-attached peptides containing disulfide bridges or a chemical cross-linker using a cell-free translation system and a puromycin-linker, which is applicable to pull-down assays for protein (or peptide) molecular interaction analysis.
CNT-TiO2−δ Composites for Improved Co-Catalyst Dispersion and Stabilized Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Peirong , Wang Lidong , Wang Ping , Kostka Aleksander , Wark Michael , Muhler Martin , Beranek Radim
Published: March 2015

Composites consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown directly on oxygen-deficient anatase TiO2 (TiO2−δ) were synthesized by a two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and applied in photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous methanol solutions using photodeposited Pt as the co-catalyst. Thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photocurrent analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy were performed to investigate the physical and (photo)chemical properties of the synthesized CNT-TiO2−δ composites before and after photocatalytic methanol reforming. The initial photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was found to be significantly improved in the presence of oxygen vacancies. An optimized amount (~7.2 wt%) of CNTs grown on the TiO2−δ surface led to a highly effective stabilization of the photocatalytic performance of TiO2−δ, which is attributed to the improved dispersion and stability of the photodeposited Pt co-catalyst nanoparticles and enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, rendering the photocatalysts less prone to deactivation.
Entropy Measures in the Assessment of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Cardiodepressive Vasovagal Syncope
Authors: Graff Beata , Graff Grzegorz , Makowiec Danuta , Kaczkowska Agnieszka , Wejer Dorota , Budrejko Szymon , Kozłowski Dariusz , Narkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: March 2015

Sample entropy (SampEn) was reported to be useful in the assessment of the complexity of heart rate dynamics. Permutation entropy (PermEn) is a new measure based on the concept of order and was previously shown to be accurate for short, non-stationary datasets. The aim of the present study is to assess if SampEn and PermEn obtained from baseline recordings might differentiate patients with various outcomes of the head-up tilt test (HUTT). Time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) indices and several nonlinear parameters were calculated using 500 RR interval-long ECG recordings done before tilting in patients with a history suggesting vasovagal syncope. Groups of patients with so-called cardiodepressive vasovagal syncope (VVS_2) during HUTT and patients who did not faint during the test were compared. Two types of HUT tests were analyzed: with spontaneous (SB) or controlled breathing (CB). In our study, SampEn was higher in VVS_2 patients during SB, and PermEn was higher in VVS_2 patients during CB. Irrespective of the type of breathing during the test, SampEn and PermEn were similar in patients with the same type of reaction during HUTT. The use of several entropy-based parameters seems to be useful in HRV assessment in patients with vasovagal fainting.
Tone Entropy Analysis of Foetal Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Khandoker Ahsan , Karmakar Chandan , Kimura Yoshitaka , Endo Miyuki , Oshio Sayaka , Palaniswami Marimuthu
Published: March 2015

Development of the foetal autonomic nervous system can be indirectly understood by looking at the changes in beat to beat variability in foetal heart rates. This study presents Tone-Entropy (T-E) analysis of foetal heart rate variability (HRV) at multiple lags (1–8) to understand the influence of gestational ages (early and late) on the development of the foetal autonomic nervous system (ANS). The analysis was based on foetal electrocardiograms (FECGs) of 46 healthy foetuses of 20–32 weeks (early group) and 22 foetuses of 35–41 weeks (late group). Tone represents sympatho-vagal balance and entropy the total autonomic activities. Results show that tone increases and entropy decreases at all lags for the late foetus group. On the other hand, tone decreases and entropy increases at lags 1–4 in the early foetus group. Increasing tone in late foetuses might represent significant maturation of sympathetic nervous systems because foetuses approaching to delivery period need increased sympathetic activity. T-E could be quantitative clinical index to determine the early foetuses from late ones on the basis of maturation of autonomic nervous system.
Proteome Analysis of Dormancy-Released Seeds of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. in Response to Re-Dehydration under Different Conditions
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Di , Shen Hailong , Li Yuhua , Nie Yuzhe
Published: March 2015

Desiccation tolerance is the ability of orthodox seeds to achieve equilibrium with atmospheric relative humidity and to survive in this state. Understanding how orthodox seeds respond to dehydration is important for improving quality and long-term storage of seeds under low temperature and drought stress conditions. Long-term storage of seeds is an artificial situation, because in most natural situations a seed that has been shed may not remain in a desiccated state for very long, and if dormant it may undergo repeated cycles of hydration. Different types of seeds are differentially sensitive to desiccation and this directly affects long-term storage. For these reasons, many researchers are investigating loss of desiccation tolerance during orthodox seed development to understand how it is acquired. In this study, the orthodox seed proteome response of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. to dehydration (to a relative water content of 10%, which mimics seed dehydration) was investigated under four different conditions viz. 20 °C; 20 °C with silica gel; 1 °C; and 1 °C after pretreatment with Ca2+. Proteins from seeds dehydrated under different conditions were extracted and separated by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). A total of 2919 protein spots were detected, and high-resolution 2D-DIGE indicated there were 27 differentially expressed. Seven of these were identified using MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Inferences from bioinformatics annotations of these proteins established the possible involvement of detoxifying enzymes, transport proteins, and nucleotide metabolism enzymes in response to dehydration. Of the seven differentially abundant proteins, the amounts of six were down-regulated and one was up-regulated. Also, a putative acyl-coenzyme A oxidase of the glyoxylate cycle increased in abundance. In particular, the presence of kinesin-1, a protein important for regulation and cargo interaction, was up-regulated in seeds exposed to low temperature dehydration. Kinesin-1 is present in all major lineages, but it is rarely detected in seed desiccation tolerance of woody species. These observations provide new insight into the proteome of seeds in deep dormancy under different desiccation conditions.
Transcriptome Analysis in Rat Kidneys: Importance of Genes Involved in Programmed Hypertension
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Huang Li-Tung , Chan Julie , Lee Chien-Te
Published: March 2015

Suboptimal conditions in pregnancy can elicit long-term effects on the health of offspring. The most common outcome is programmed hypertension. We examined whether there are common genes and pathways in the kidney are responsible for generating programmed hypertension among three different models using next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received dexamethasone (DEX, 0.1 mg/kg) from gestational day 16 to 22, 60% high-fructose (HF) diet, or NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyester (l-NAME, 60 mg/kg/day) to conduct DEX, HF, or l-NAME model respectively. All three models elicited programmed hypertension in adult male offspring. We observed five shared genes (Bcl6, Dmrtc1c, Egr1, Inmt, and Olr1668) among three different models. The identified differential genes (DEGs) that are related to regulation of blood pressure included Aqp2, Ptgs1, Eph2x, Hba-a2, Apln, Guca2b, Hmox1, and Npy. RNA-Seq identified genes in arachidonic acid metabolism are potentially gatekeeper genes contributing to programmed hypertension. In addition, HF and DEX increased expression and activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (Ephx2 gene encoding protein). Conclusively, the DEGs in arachidonic acid metabolism are potentially gatekeeper genes in programmed hypertension. The roles of DEGs identified by the RNA-Seq in this study deserve further clarification, to develop the potential interventions in the prevention of programmed hypertension.
Review of the RNA Interference Pathway in Molluscs Including Some Possibilities for Use in Bivalves in Aquaculture
Authors: Owens Leigh , Malham Shelagh
Published: March 2015

Generalised reviews of RNA interference (RNAi) in invertebrates, and for use in aquaculture, have taken for granted that RNAi pathways operate in molluscs, but inspection of such reviews show little specific evidence of such activity in molluscs. This review was to understand what specific research had been conducted on RNAi in molluscs, particularly with regard to aquaculture. There were questions of whether RNAi in molluscs functions similarly to the paradigm established for most eukaryotes or, alternatively, was it more similar to the ecdozoa and how RNAi may relate to disease control in aquaculture? RNAi in molluscs appears to have been only investigated in about 14 species, mostly as a gene silencing phenomenon. We can infer that microRNAs including let-7 are functional in molluscs. The genes/proteins involved in the actual RNAi pathways have only been rudimentarily investigated, so how homologous the genes and proteins are to other metazoa is unknown. Furthermore, how many different genes for each activity in the RNAi pathway are also unknown? The cephalopods have been greatly overlooked with only a single RNAi gene-silencing study found. The long dsRNA-linked interferon pathways seem to be present in molluscs, unlike some other invertebrates and could be used to reduce disease states in aquaculture. In particular, interferon regulatory factor genes have been found in molluscs of aquacultural importance such as Crassostrea, Mytilus, Pinctada and Haliotis. Two possible aquaculture scenarios are discussed, zoonotic norovirus and ostreid herpesvirus 1 to illustrate the possibilities. The entire field of RNAi in molluscs looks ripe for scientific exploitation and practical application.
From Vesicles to Protocells: The Roles of Amphiphilic Molecules
Authors: Sakuma Yuka , Imai Masayuki
Published: March 2015

It is very challenging to construct protocells from molecular assemblies. An important step in this challenge is the achievement of vesicle dynamics that are relevant to cellular functions, such as membrane trafficking and self-reproduction, using amphiphilic molecules. Soft matter physics will play an important role in the development of vesicles that have these functions. Here, we show that simple binary phospholipid vesicles have the potential to reproduce the relevant functions of adhesion, pore formation and self-reproduction of vesicles, by coupling the lipid geometries (spontaneous curvatures) and the phase separation. This achievement will elucidate the pathway from molecular assembly to cellular life.
Bioactive Isopimarane Diterpenes from the Fungus, Epicoccum sp. HS-1, Associated with Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Xia Xuekui , Qi Jun , Liu Yayue , Jia Airong , Zhang Yonggang , Liu Changheng , Gao Cuiling , She Zhigang
Published: March 2015

One new isopimarane diterpene (1), together with two known compounds, 11-deoxydiaporthein A (2) and iso-pimara-8(14),15-diene (3) were isolated from the culture of Epicoccum sp., which was associated with Apostichopus japonicus. Their structures were determined by the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, as well as mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of Compound 1 was deduced by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment using CuKα radiation. In the bioactivity assay, both Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 4.6 ± 0.1 and 11.9 ± 0.4 μM, respectively. This was the first report on isopimarane diterpenes with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Biotransfer of β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in a Eutrophicated Freshwater Lake
Authors: Lage Sandra , Annadotter Heléne , Rasmussen Ulla , Rydberg Sara
Published: March 2015

β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxic non-protein amino acid, plays a significant role as an environmental risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMAA producers occur globally, colonizing almost all habitats and represent species from distinct phytoplanktonic groups, i.e., cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. Bioaccumulation of BMAA in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms has also been registered around the globe. In the Baltic Sea, BMAA has been detected in several commercial fish species, raising the question of the bioaccumulation of BMAA in Swedish limnic systems. Here we find the presence of BMAA in water samples from Lake Finjasjön and identify its bioaccumulation patterns in both plankti-benthivorous and piscivorous fish, according to fish species, total weight, gender, and season of collection. For the first time, a large number of fish individuals were used in order to draw conclusions on BMAA bioaccumulation in a closed ecological community based on a statistical approach. We may, therefore, conclude that feeding patterns (plankti-benthivorous) and increased age of fish may lead to a higher tissue concentration of BMAA.