bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of intestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dworzański Tomasz , Fornal Rafał , Koźba Łukasz , Celiński Krzysztof , Dworzańska Ewa
Published: April 2018

In recent years, impressive advances in the knowledge about a vast number of microbes living in the human body and interactions between the microbiota and the human body have been observed. All micro-organisms that live in the human body consist of around 10 ^ 14 cells. The number of microbial cells colonizing the human body is ten times higher than the number of its own cells and the weight of all micro-organisms is about 2-2.5 kg. The number of bacterial genes is 50-100 times greater than the number of genes in the human body. Nowadays, the human microbiota is often regarded as a “newly discovered organ” or even
as a “supergenome”. The results of many studies have revealed that disruption of the bowel
microecosystem may affect the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Therefore, manipulation of the gut microflora was hoped to be a new tool in the treatment
of this disease. Various methods (probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotic therapy, transplantation of
faecal flora) have been used to modify the intestinal microbiota by supporting the expansion
of bacteria considered beneficial and reducing the number of those regarded as harmful, thus
alleviating the IBS symptoms. There is much evidence in the literature to suggest that the
intestinal microbiota and the gut-intestinal axis are important factors in the pathogenesis
of IBS. Moreover, the literature findings have demonstrated beneficial effects of modifying
the intestinal flora composition in alleviating IBS symptoms. Although the pathophysiology
of IBS and the role of the intestinal microflora and gut-intestinal axis in it are well known,
many issues are still to be elucidated. Further research into the bacteria identified in stool
and colon mucosa of healthy individuals should provide more information on restoration of
intestinal homeostasis in IBS patients.
Residência em medicina de família e comunidade: construindo redes de aprendizagens no SUS
Authors: Soares Ricardo de Sousa , Oliveira Felipe Proenço de , Melo Neto Alexandre José de , Barreto Danyella da Silva , Carvalho André Luís Bonifácio de , Sampaio Juliana , Figueiredo Alexandre Medeiros de
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar aspectos organizacionais e pedagógicos de um Programa de Residência em Medicina de Família e Comunidade. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, tipo relato de experiência tendo como foco de análise os aspectos organizacionais e pedagógicos que foram desenvolvidos para fomentar a integração ensino e serviço e a construção de espaços pedagógicos na APS. Resultados: Trata-se de um programa de residência em Medicina de Família e Comunidade instituído numa parceria entre a Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) e a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de João Pessoa - PB. Observa-se que o fortalecimento da integração ensino-serviço e da construção de um modelo pedagógico que integra ações da residência e da graduação em serviços da atenção primária são norteadores da implantação do programa. Existem dispositivos organizacionais para um processo de cogestão entre a universidade e secretaria municipal trazendo inovações estruturais no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Os residentes assumem a Equipe de Saúde da Família em Unidades Integradas, contando com um preceptor local contratado, além de professores de campo e núcleo da universidade. Como oferta de outros saberes relevantes para a atuação na Atenção Básica, o PRMFC da UFPB tem atualmente investido em ações de educação permanente para qualificar a rede e aumentar a resolutividade da Atenção Primária. Conclusão: Acredita-se que a presença do PRMFC/UFPB vem contribuindo para a qualificação de serviços, ressignificando espaços de ensino aprendizagem através da integração dos módulos horizontais, o internato e a residência.
Ideové základy a niektoré obsahové črty rakúskej ústavy z roku 1934
Authors: Drgo Ján
Published: April 2018

Článok sa zameriava na analýzu spoločenských, politických, ale predovšetkým ideových východísk rakúskej ústavy z roku 1934 založených na kritike parlamentnej demokracie a liberalizmu. Spomedzi jednotlivých ideových východísk ústavy kladie osobitný dôraz na autoritatívny princíp prejavujúci sa v organizácii a pomere medzi zákonodarnou a výkonnou mocou v ústave. Práve tento pomer je totiž základným indikačným kritériom, na základe ktorého možno zistiť, či koncepcia rakúskej ústavy predstavovala akési východisko medzi parlamentnou demokraciou na strane jednej a totalitnými systémami na strane druhej alebo naopak uľahčovala nástup určitej formy autokracie či diktatúry.
K niektorých zásadám trestného stíhania právnických osôb v Slovenskej republike
Authors: Šimovček Ivan
Published: April 2018

Autor sa v príspevku zaoberá problematikou zásad trestného stíhania právnických osôb, ktoré garantujú jeho zákonnosť. Zásady upravené v procesných ustanoveniach Zákona o trestnej zodpovednosti právnických osôb upravujú zásady trestného stíhania právnických osôb len veľmi všeobecne a rámcovo a daný zákon sa plne spolieha na jednotlivé procesné zásady obsiahnuté v ustanoveniach Trestného poriadku. Predpokladané výkladové a aplikačné problémy spojené s trestným stíhaním právnických osôb nepochybne vyvolajú v budúcnosti potrebu podrobnejšej úpravy procesných zásad trestného stíhania právnických osôb, predovšetkým v problematike začatia trestného stíhania a dokazovania ich trestnej činnosti.
Formação para segurança do paciente: uma experiência de integração entre alunos da graduação e pós-graduação
Authors: Monteiro Ariane Baptista , Peixoto Juliana Gil Prates , Silva Ana Paula Scheffer Schell da , Caregnato Rita Catalina Aquino , Millão Luzia Fernandes
Published: April 2018

A necessidade de formar profissionais da saúde voltados para a qualidade assistencial é uma premissa que está em consonância com as políticas nacionais e internacionais para a segurança do paciente. Objetivo: relatar a integração de graduandos e pós-graduandos na disciplina “Segurança do Paciente e Controle das Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde”, realizada no segundo semestre de 2015 em uma Universidade Federal do sul do Brasil. Método: a disciplina reuniu discentes multiprofissionais da área da saúde que avaliaram a disciplina como importante para sua formação relatando pontos positivos e negativos observados. Resultados: os professores e mestrandas consideraram a integração entre graduandos e pós-graduandos Lato Sensu e Stricto Sensu muito rica, ocorrendo troca de experiências entre os participantes, tornando os temas próximos da realidade. Conclusão: a disciplina ratificou a importância de analisar a segurança do paciente em diferentes perspectivas multidisciplinares.
Adesão de idosos com Insuficiência Renal Crônica a terapia hemodialítica
Authors: Mendonça Ana Elza Oliveira de , Sousa Júnior Belarmino Santos de , Dantas Jessicleide Da Guia , Andrade Débora Azevedo de , Segato Camila Tedeschi , Valença Cecília Nogueira
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: identificar os fatores que influenciam a adesão de idosos ao tratamento hemodialítico. Método: pesquisa quantitativa, com 81 idosos em clínica de hemodiálise no Nordeste do Brasil, dados coletados de janeiro a março de 2014. Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva. Resultados: as mulheres corresponderam a 50,6% dos idosos estudados. A maior parte tinha entre dois e três anos em hemodiálise (51,9%). O ganho de peso interdialítico variou de 1 a 6 quilos; a maioria dos pesquisados (86,4) foi assíduo às sessões de hemodiálise nos últimos seis meses. Em relação aos aspectos que influenciam negativamente a adesão ao tratamento hemodialítico referiram ser dificuldade para viajar, seguido de dor das punções e hematomas no membro da fístula arteriovenosa. Conclusão: a identificação de fatores que influenciam a adesão de idosos ao tratamento hemodialítico, devem subsidiar o desenvolvimento de ações educativas de enfermagem junto aos idosos e seus familiares.
Avaliação do curso online na educação permanente sobre aleitamento materno para enfermeiros
Authors: Freitas Lara Aparecida de , Costa Lívia Cristina Scalon da , Costa Alice Silva , Avelino Carolina Costa Valcanti , Ribeiro Patrícia Mônica , Goyatá Sueli Leiko Takamatsu
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: avaliar o uso da Plataforma Moodle sobre o aleitamento materno na educação permanente de profissionais enfermeiros da microrregião de Alfenas-MG. Método: quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, com encontros presenciais e a distância. Participaram 54 enfermeiros. Houve a aplicação de dois questionários: um com caracterização sociodemográfica, de informatização e uso da internet pelos participantes e o Inquérito COLLES (Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey) da Plataforma Moodle. Resultados: predominância do sexo feminino, média de idade de 33 anos e tempo médio de atuação de 7 anos. Referentemente ao Inquérito COLLES, os principais resultados mostram que 64,81% responderam que frequentemente focalizam em assuntos interessantes; 66,67% frequentemente refletem sobre a própria aprendizagem e 48,15% disseram que algumas vezes os colegas apreciam suas contribuições. Considerações finais: A Plataforma Moodle contribui para a educação permanente dos enfermeiros uma vez que possibilita a ampliação do conhecimento e a troca de experiências.
Práticas dos enfermeiros às pessoas em crise psíquica em decorrência do uso abusivo de drogas
Authors: Lima Deivson Wendell da Costa , Serafim Mirya Karol Brasil , Soares Francisco Rafael Ribeiro , Alvino Antônia Líria Feitosa Nogueira , Vieira Alcivan Nunes , Pereira Magda Fabiana do Amaral
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: compreender as práticas dos enfermeiros em serviço de urgência e emergência às pessoas em situação de crise psíquica decorrente do uso abusivo de drogas. Método: pesquisa descritiva, abordagem qualitativa realizada com 19 enfermeiros que trabalham no pronto-socorro de um hospital geral no interior do Rio Grande do Norte. Os dados foram coletados através de uma entrevista semiestruturada, e após foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: os enfermeiros enfatizam que suas práticas são focadas nos sinais e sintomas da crise psíquica ou usam a escuta como instrumento de prática. Além disso, relataram que as dificuldades enfrentadas nas práticas são o preconceito ao usuário de drogas, a falta de capacitação na área de saúde mental e a estrutura física inadequada do hospital. Conclusão: evidenciou-se a necessidade de qualificação do enfermeiro para cuidar de pessoas que fazem uso abusivo de drogas e maior envolvimento dos serviços que compõem a Rede de Atenção Psicossocial.
Educated tastes
Authors: Hedegaard Liselotte
Published: April 2018

This paper explores taste in the context of phenomenology and outlines possibilities for situating a phenomenological approach to taste within the framework of educational theory. In such an approach, taste emerges as a complex interaction between all senses and as interplay between recollection and anticipation. In this respect, taste-experience is indicative of a privileged but hitherto relatively unexplored access to cognition. It is a sensory encounter that encompasses possibilities for learning, not only about taste but also about other subjects through taste.
Utilisation du développement embryolarvaire de l’huitre creuse crassostrea gigas comme outil de diagnostic de la toxicité de substances pures et de mélanges complexes
Authors: Bouhallaoui Mina , Benhra Ali , El Haimeur Bouchra , Quiniou Françoise , Blaghen Mohammed
Published: April 2018

Les embryons et les larves des mollusques bivalves sont fréquemment utilisés comme organismes sentinelles dans l’évaluation de la qualité du milieu marin. En effet, ils sont très sensibles aux polluants et fournissent une réponse rapide. Le test d’embryotoxicité chez l’huîtreCrassostrea gigasa été utilisé pour évaluer la toxicité de trois métaux (mercure, cuivre, cadmium) et celle des rejets d’unités industrielles déversant directement dans le littoral atlantique Casablanca-Mohammedia (le rejet d’électrochimie et le rejet industriel mixte) et sur la côte d’El Jadida à 100 km de Casablanca (le rejet de traitement des phosphates). Après 24 h d’exposition aux milieux à tester, les effets exprimés sous forme de CE50(concentration efficace qui a un effet de 50 %), ont été comparés. Les résultats des tests montrent que le mercure est le métal le plus toxique (CE50= 4,4 µg Hg∙L-1) suivi du cuivre (CE50= 16,4 µg Cu∙L-1et enfin du cadmium (CE50= 46,9 µg Cd∙L-1). Les effets des effluents, testés à des concentrations croissantes, mettent en évidence un risque élevé de détérioration de la qualité du milieu marin, particulièrement dans les zones de déversement des rejets avec des CE50atteintes avec moins de 1 % de rejet dans le milieu, et permettent de classer ces effluents selon le gradient de toxicité croissant suivant : rejet d’électrochimie > rejet industriel mixte > rejet de traitement des phosphates. Cette étude nous a montré l’importance d’utilisation des embryons et larves d’huître comme outil sensible pour l’évaluation de la qualité du milieu.
Changements enregistrés sur les extrêmes hydrologiques de l’Oubangui à Bangui (République centrafricaine) : analyse des tendances
Authors: Nguimalet Cyriaque Rufin
Published: April 2018

Principal affluent septentrional du Congo, l’Oubangui à Bangui a un bassin transfrontalier, s’étendant en RDC (République démocratique du Congo) sur 499 000 km2. Quatre variantes du climat tropical humide influencent son régime selon un gradient pluviométrique sud-nord (1 600-1 000 mm) mais la soudano-guinéenne prédomine sur la majeure partie du bassin. Cet article caractérise les fluctuations des débits (Q) extrêmes (crues et étiages) de l’Oubangui et les tendances enregistrées dans le temps, au regard de la variabilité hydrologique notée depuis 1971. Des données de débits moyens journaliers extrêmes, maximum (Qmax) et minimum (Qmin) sur la période 1911-2014, ont été utilisées. Des tests statistiques (indices d’irrégularité R, recherches des tendances et changements de dates d’apparition des crues et étiages, etc.) leur ont été appliqués pour identifier parmi les périodes hydroclimatiques dans le bassin de l’Oubangui, laquelle détermine l’instabilité et/ou la stabilité du régime de ces extrêmes hydrologiques. Ainsi, les Qmax et Qmin ont connu une période de stabilité grossière, relayée par une baisse relativement plus sévère sur les Qmin (R = 0,64) que sur les Qmax (R = 0,56). Cette tendance est confirmée sur l’évolution du coefficient A (R = 0,56), alors que les indices d’irrégularité R ordinaire (R = 0,51) et décennal (R = 0,83), et le coefficient de tarissement (R = 0,59) présentent des degrés relatifs de hausse ou de sécheresse hydrologique sur l’Oubangui à Bangui. La corrélation Qmax/Qmin montre une tendance moyenne à la hausse (R = 0,51), laquelle ferait noter que la faible réduction des Qmax équilibre la baisse accentuée des Qmin. En effet, cette dégradation hydrologique est diversement notable sur l’Oubangui : 16 % de réduction sur les Qmax depuis 1975 contre 47 % sur les Qmin depuis 1982. Ceci confirme en outre l’ampleur de la sécheresse actuelle, tarissant ou disparaissant de sous-affluents. Aussi, les dates de crue sont elles passées d’octobre (1911-2014) à novembre (1971-2014) et celles d’étiage de mars-avril (1911-2014) à avril (1971-2014). Les crues d’inondation se réduisent aussi au profit des crues moyennes et des étiages de plus en plus prononcés. Cela est établi par les ruptures (segmentation de Hubert) montrant une baisse sur les Qmax (R = 0,84) et Qmin (R = 0,81). Dans ce contexte, une exacerbation de ces tendances positives ou négatives (baisse des crues et étiages, et/ou sévérité des étiages) engendrera de notables impacts sociétaux à Bangui et le long de ce corridor fluvial.
La chimie du brome appliquée à la désinfection des eaux de piscines : étude bibliographique
Authors: Lagiere Joël , El Najjar Nasma Hamdi , Dubourg Karine , Labarthe Sébastien , Ohayon Céline
Published: April 2018

Cet article présente une revue bibliographique sur la désinfection des eaux de piscines par le brome, sur les mécanismes de formation et le mode d'action du désinfectant, l'acide hypobromeux. L'examen des principaux sous-produits de bromation (bromamines, trihalométhanes, acides haloacétiques, haloacétonitriles, haloaldéhydes, bromate, nitrosamines, etc.) montre que certains de ces sous-produits sont présents dans l'eau de piscine à des concentrations de quelques µg∙L-1 à quelques dizaines de µg∙L-1. L'étude de leur toxicité aiguë et chronique confirme que ces composés doivent être surveillés (en particulier l'acide dibromoacétique et le bromate) pour assurer la sécurité des nageurs et du personnel technique. D'autre part, l'étude de l'efficacité biocide du brome comparé au chlore, vis-à-vis des bactéries pathogènes présentes dans l'eau de piscine, démontre que les espèces de bactéries Escherichia coli et Enterococcus faecalis sont plus sensibles au brome, à la différence de Pseudomonas aeruginosa qui présente une plus grande résistance. De plus, sur le plan médical, plusieurs cas de dermatites de contact irritantes sont rapportés lors de l'utilisation du brome, même si certaines études révèlent que les bromamines sont non irritantes, inodores et désinfectantes. Cependant, le brome présente une plus grande activité bactéricide que le chlore dans des eaux légèrement alcalines et relativement chaudes et peut être alors une alternative au chlore dans le traitement des piscines atypiques, même s'il demeure beaucoup plus onéreux que le chlore.
Formação pedagógica na docência universitária: o que pensam professores pesquisadores portugueses
Authors: Behrens Marilda Aparecida , Junges Kelen Dos Santos
Published: April 2018

O atual contexto universitário requer um novo perfil profissional nos docentes do ensino superior, demandando, além do conhecimento científico da área em que atuam, um repensar sobre a forma de organização do processo de ensino e aprendizagem, numa perspectiva pedagógica. Com este desafio posto, buscou-se investigar o problema: Quais as concepções dos professores portugueses para embasar uma formação pedagógica? Esta problemática gerou o objetivo desta pesquisa: Investigar e apresentar a visão de professores portugueses sobre a formação pedagógica para a docência no ensino superior. Ligadas a uma fase exploratória de pesquisa do doutorado, as 14 entrevistas apresentadas ocorreram durante um período de estágio. doutoral, com bolsa Capes, em Portugal, no Instituto de Educação da Universidade de Lisboa. Os professores entrevistados foram escolhidos porque são autores portugueses presentes na literatura, os quais apresentam em suas pesquisas o tema formação de professores, disponíveis no Brasil. Como instrumento de coleta de dados, utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada com apoio de um guião focado nos temas a serem investigados. A categorização dos dados das entrevistas revela que as instituições de ensino superior precisam tornar-se o lócus dessa formação, a partir de processos formativos focados numa pedagogia universitária. Por outro lado, é importante que o docente universitário esteja convencido da importância da formação pedagógica e de seu desenvolvimento profissional e, para tanto, se disponham a melhorar sua prática para transformar a educação, a instituição, seus alunos e a si mesmo como profissional.
Atribuições, concepções e trabalho do diretor escolar após 2007
Authors: Da Silva Maria Abádia
Published: April 2018

A partir do Plano de Desenvolvimento da Educação – PDE – 2007, este ensaio problematiza os princípios e a coexistência da prática da new public gestion com as práticas de gestão democrática nos Centros de Ensino Médio Regular do Distrito Federal. Também analisa as novas atribuições no trabalho do diretor escolar em relação às dimensões administrativa, financeira, tecnológica e pedagógica, e aponta que, além das funções tradicionais, o trabalho do diretor mudou com a utilização das tecnologias, mídias, redes sociais, desconcentração dos programas federais e distrital, a prestação de contas online, cotação de orçamentos e a busca de competitividade entre as escolas pelos indicadores de qualidade de ensino. Exige-se, ainda, conhecimento técnico qualificado, respeito ao pluralismo de ideias e à diversidade de culturas, capacidade de garantir o contato humano com o outro, de aprender a conviver com os diferentes e primar pelos princípios éticos e de justiça, de defender a liberdade de expressão, de pensamento e de ideias, que são indícios de que há um aumento de quantidade e qualidade no trabalho do diretor escolar.
El desarrollo de las ecologías de aprendizaje a través de las herramientas en línea
Authors: Caamaño Francisco José Santos , Sanmamed Mercedes González , Carril Pablo César Muñoz
Published: April 2018

El artículo que se presenta a continuación analiza una experiencia escolar en el nivel de enseñanza secundaria, instrumentada con diversos medios TIC en Red, entre los que destaca especialmente la herramienta de marcado social Diigo. Dicho análisis se articula bajo la óptica de la llamada teoría ecológica del aprendizaje que presta especial atención al juego de relaciones mutuas e interdependencias entre los diversos elementos y contextos que intervienen y enmarcan el aprendizaje, como son, por ejemplo, los recursos y actividades de aprendizaje, las relaciones sociales, los ambientes de aprendizaje (formal, informal y no formal) y otros aspectos de índole subjetiva, como la motivación o la autorregulación, poniéndose de relieve factores que pueden indicar la presencia o carencia de oportunidades de aprendizaje en el conjunto de contextos que forman cada ecología y, de esta forma, evaluar sus resultados o la pertinencia de su puesta en práctica real.
The Research on Biased Estimators Based on Mean Square Error Matrix Criteria
Authors: YILDIZ Nilgün
Published: April 2018

Regression models with
multicollinearity can be tackled by using various estimators such as   class estimators, principal
components regression, Liu-type estimators. In this study, we defined
conditions where the   class estimator is superior over
the biased estimators in terms of mean square error matrix (MSEM) criterion.
Finally, we showed theoretical results by means of a numerical example and a
simulation study.
Collagen overlays can inhibit leptin and adiponectin secretion but not lipid accumulation in adipocytes
Authors: Christian Sherri Lynn , Pallegar Nikitha K , Brown Robert J , Viloria-Petit Alicia M
Published: April 2018

Background. White adipose tissue (WAT) is essential for energy storage as well as being an active endocrine organ. The secretion of adipokines by adipocytes can affect whole body metabolism, appetite, and contribute to overall health. WAT is comprised of lipid-laden mature adipocytes, as well as immune cells, endothelial cells, pre-adipocytes, and adipose-derived stem cells. In addition, the presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in WAT can actively influence adipocyte differentiation, growth, and function. Type I collagen is an abundant fibrous ECM protein in WAT that is secreted by developing adipocytes. However, the extent and overall effect of Type I collagen on adipokine secretion in mature adipocytes when added exogenously has not been established. Methods. We characterized the effects of Type I collagen overlays prepared using two different buffers on adipocyte physiology and function when added at different times during differentiation. In addition, we compared the effect of collagen overlays when adipocytes were cultured on two different tissue culture plastics that have different adherent capabilities. Triglyceride accumulation was analyzed to measure adipocyte physiology, and leptin and adiponectin secretion was determined to analyze effects on adipokine secretion. Results. We found that collagen overlays, particularly when added during the early differentiation stage, impaired adipokine secretion from mature adipocytes. Collagen prepared using PBS had a greater suppression of leptin than adiponectin while collagen prepared using HANKS buffer suppressed the secretion of both adipokines. The use of CellBind plates further suppressed leptin secretion. Triglyceride accumulation was minimally impacted with any of the collagen overlays. Discussion. Adipokine secretion can be selectively altered by collagen overlays. Thus, it is feasible to selectively manipulate the secretion of adipokines by adipocytes in vitro by altering the composition or timing of collagen overlays. The use of this technique could be applied to studies of adipokine function and secretion in vitro as well as having potential therapeutic implications to specifically alter adipocyte functionality in vivo.
Energy pattern and conservations of condiment produced from soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: anjorin ismaila , Akinoso Rahman , S. Sanusi Mayowa
Published: April 2018

Energy being one of the largest operating expenses in most organizations especially manufacturing and processing industries leading to considerable scope for energy conservation and hence cost. Information on energy utilization and conservation pattern were obtained based on time taken, number of person involved and sources of energy using standard energy equations. A total of 445.40 ± 17.32MJkg−1 where thermal energy (420MJ ≈ 94%) and manual energy (25.40MJ ≈ 6%) were the only forms of energy used during production process. Conservation approach I resulted in mean energy of 72.08 ± 1.73MJkg−1 where electrical energy, manual energy and thermal energy accounted for 1.75MJ (3%) 7.34MJ (10%) and 62.99MJ (87%) respectively. Conservation approach II reduced the energy further to 57.24 ± 1.73MJkg−1 as the operation was thermal energy dependent, followed by manual and electrical energy with energy values of 48.13, 7.33 and 1.78MJ equivalent to 84.10%, 12.80% and 3.10% accordingly. Conclusively, traditional method of processing utilized highest energy (445.40MJ) followed by conservation approach I (72.08MJ) and conservation approach II (57.24MJ) was least in energy demand. Conservation approach II permits energy conservation to be 87% as compared with traditional method.
Extraction and characterisation of cellulose nanocrystals from pineapple peel
Authors: Madureira Ana , Atatoprak Tugba , Cabuk Duygu , Sousa Flavia , Pintado Manuela , C. Pullar Robert
Published: April 2018

The potential of pineapple peel as a source of cellulose nanocrystals was evaluated. Peels skin from fresh-cut fruit was used as raw material. These residues were purified to remove pigments, lipids and hemicellulose, and a bleaching process for delignification was carried out for 4-6 h. All resulting products were characterised for their lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose and ash contents using standard techniques. Dry matter at the end was low (ca. 50%) compared with the raw material (ca. 90%). The process applied resulted in ca. 20% (m/m) of purified cellulose (ca. 80% purity), with ineligible levels of lignin and hemicellulose present, especially when using 6h of bleaching. The purified cellulose was subject to acid hydrolysis for nanocrystal extraction with two testing times, 30 and 60 minutes. These cellulose nanocrystals had small sizes (< 1000 nm), with high variability and negative zeta potential values. The time of extraction did not affect the nanocrystals’ chemical and physical properties. The use of 6 h of bleaching treatment during purification was shown to be more effective than 4 h. Pineapple peel was demonstrated to be a good source of cellulose for the production of cellulose nanocrystals. 
Optimization of osmotic dehydration of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) slices using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Delgado Teresa , Paim Bruna , Alberto Pereira Jose , Casal Susana , Ramalhosa Elsa
Published: April 2018

Osmotic dehydration of chestnut slices in sucrose was optimized for the first time by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Experiments were planned according to a three-factor central composite design (α=1.68), studying the influence of sucrose concentration, temperature and time, on the following parameters: volume ratio, water activity, color variation, weight reduction, solids gain, water loss and normalized moisture content, as well as total moisture, ash and fat contents. The experimental data was adequately fitted into second-order polynomial models with coefficients of determination (R2 ) from 0.716 to 0.976, adjusted-R2 values from 0.460 to 0.954, and non-significant lacks of fit. The optimal osmotic dehydration process conditions for maximum water loss and minimum solids gain and color variation were determined by the “Response Optimizer” option: 83% sucrose concentration, 20 °C and 9.2 hours. Thus, the best operational conditions corresponded to high sugar concentration and low temperature, improving energy saving and decreasing the process costs.
Evolution of dopamine receptors: phylogenetic evidence suggests a later origin of the DRD2l and DRD4rs dopamine receptor gene lineages
Authors: Opazo Juan C. , Zavala Kattina , Miranda-Rottmann Soledad , Araya Roberto
Published: April 2018

Dopamine receptors are integral membrane proteins whose endogenous ligand is dopamine. They play a fundamental role in the central nervous system and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission is responsible for the generation of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. From an evolutionary standpoint, phylogenetic relationships among the DRD1 class of dopamine receptors are still a matter of debate as in the literature different tree topologies have been proposed. In contrast, phylogenetic relationships among the DRD2 group of receptors are well understood. Understanding the time of origin of the different dopamine receptors is also an issue that needs further study, especially for the genes that have restricted phyletic distributions (e.g., DRD2l and DRD4rs). Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the evolution of dopamine receptors, with emphasis on shedding light on the phylogenetic relationships among the D1 class of dopamine receptors and the time of origin of the DRD2l and DRD4rs gene lineages. Our results recovered the monophyly of the two groups of dopamine receptors. Within the DRD1 group the monophyly of each paralog was recovered with strong support, and phylogenetic relationships among them were well resolved. Within the DRD1 class of dopamine receptors we recovered the sister group relationship between the DRD1C and DRD1E, and this clade was recovered sister to a cyclostome sequence. The DRD1 clade was recovered sister to the aforementioned clade, and the group containing DRD5 receptors was sister to all other DRD1 paralogs. In agreement with the literature, among the DRD2 class of receptors, DRD2 was recovered sister to DRD3, whereas DRD4 was sister to the DRD2/DRD3 clade. According to our phylogenetic tree, the DRD2l and DRD4rs gene lineages would have originated in the ancestor of gnathostomes between 615 and 473 mya. Conservation of sequences required for dopaminergic neurotransmission and small changes in regulatory regions suggest a functional refinement of the dopaminergic pathways along evolution.
Applying foliar stoichiometric traits of plants to determine fertilization for a mixed pine-oak stand in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Hou Lin , Dong Zhenjie , Yang Yuanyuan , Zhang Donghong , Zhang Shengli , Zhang Shuoxin
Published: April 2018

Background

The Chinese Natural Forest Protection program has been conducted nationwide and has achieved resounding success. However, timber importation has increased; therefore, producing more domestic timber is critical to meet the demand for raw materials. Fertilization is one of the most effective silviculture practices used to improve tree and stand growth. However, determining the appropriate type and amount of elements is necessary for effective fertilization of big timber in different forest types and environmental conditions. Stoichiometric theory provides the criteria to assess nutrient limitation in plants and offers important insight into fertilizer requirements of forested ecosystems.

Methods

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in plants’ leaves, mineral soil, and litter were investigated in a mixed pine-oak stand.

Results

The big timber rate for Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus armandii and Quercus aliena var. acutesserata is 57.71%, 22.79% and 2.78% of current existing individuals respectively. Foliar N and P concentrations were 9.08 and 0.88 mg g−1, respectively. The N:P in the plants was 10.30. N concentration and N:P in mineral soil decreased from 0–30 cm soil depth. For litter, N and P concentrations were 16.89 and 1.51 mg g−1, respectively, and N:P was 11.51. Concentrations of N and P in mineral soil and litter did not significantly affect plants’leaf concentrations. Similar result was also obtained between litter and mineral soil concentrations. Nitrogen storage in mineral soil was significantly correlated with foliar N:P in the plants.

Discussion

Foliar N:P of dominant tree species and the plants, and foliar N concentration in Pinus tabuliformis and P. armandii, and foliar P concentration of P. armandii in the mixed pine-oak stand was lower than that in Chinese and other terrestrial plants. Foliar nutrients in the plants were not affected by soil nutrients. According to the criteria of nutrient limitation for plants, growth of dominant tree species was N limited; therefore, 1.49 t ha−1 pure N should be added to forest land to as fertilizer.
Eight-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with surgical stripping of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Lam Y L , Lawson J A , Toonder I M , Shadid N H , Sommer A , Veenstra M , van der Kleij A M J , Ceulen R P , de Haan E , Ibrahim F , van Dooren T , Nieman F H , Wittens C H A
Published: April 2018

Background

This was an 8-year follow-up of an RCT comparing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) with high ligation and surgical stripping (HL/S) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

Methods

Patients were randomized to UGFS or HL/S of the GSV. The primary outcome was the recurrence of symptomatic GSV reflux. Secondary outcomes were patterns of reflux according to recurrent varices after surgery, Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D™) quality-of-life scores.

Results

Of 430 patients originally randomized (230 UGFS, 200 HL/S), 227 (52·8 per cent; 123 UGFS, 103 HL/S) were available for analysis after 8 years. The proportion of patients free from symptomatic GSV reflux at 8 years was lower after UGFS than HL/S (55·1 versus 72·1 per cent; P = 0·024). The rate of absence of GSV reflux, irrespective of venous symptoms, at 8 years was 33·1 and 49·7 per cent respectively (P = 0·009). More saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) failure (65·8 versus 41·7 per cent; P = 0·001) and recurrent reflux in the above-knee GSV (72·5 versus 20·4 per cent; P = 0·001) was evident in the UGFS group. The VCSS was worse than preoperative scores in both groups after 8 years; CEAP classification and EQ-5D® scores were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

Surgical stripping had a technically better outcome in terms of recurrence of GSV and SFJ reflux than UGFS in the long term. Long-term follow-up suggests significant clinical progression of venous disease measured by VCSS in both groups, but less after surgery. Registration number: NCT02304146 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Meta-analysis of an artery-first approach versus standard pancreatoduodenectomy on perioperative outcomes and survival
Authors: Ironside N , Barreto S G , Loveday B , Shrikhande S V , Windsor J A , Pandanaboyana S
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate perioperative outcomes and survival in patients undergoing an artery-first approach to pancreatoduodenectomy in comparison with those having standard pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Comparative studies including patients who underwent artery-first pancreatoduodenectomy and standard pancreatoduodenectomy were analysed.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis. There were 16 retrospective cohort or case–control studies and one RCT. A total of 1472 patients were included in the meta-analysis, of whom 771 underwent artery-first pancreatoduodenectomy and 701 had standard pancreatoduodenectomy. Intraoperative blood loss (mean difference –389 ml; P < 0·001) and the proportion of patients requiring intraoperative transfusion (10·6 per cent (54 of 508) versus 40·1 per cent (186 of 464); P < 0·001) were significantly lower in the artery-first group. Although rates of perioperative mortality were comparable between the two groups, perioperative morbidity (35·5 per cent (263 of 741) versus 44·3 per cent (277 of 625); P = 0·002), and the incidence of grade B/C pancreatic fistula (7·4 per cent (26 of 353) versus 12·8 per cent (42 of 327); P = 0·031) were significantly lower in the artery-first group. The R0 resection rate (75·8 per cent (269 of 355) versus 67·0 per cent (280 of 418); P < 0·001) and overall survival (hazard ratio 0·72, 95 per cent c.i. 0·60 to 0·87; P < 0·001) were significantly higher in the artery-first group.

Conclusion

The artery-first approach to pancreatoduodenectomy may be associated with improved perioperative outcomes and survival.
Automatic estimation of Purkinje‐Myocardial junction hot‐spots from noisy endocardial samples: A simulation study
Authors: Barber Fernando , García‐Fernández Ignacio , Lozano Miguel , Sebastian Rafael
Published: April 2018

The reconstruction of the ventricular cardiac conduction system (CCS) from patient‐specific data is a challenging problem. High‐resolution imaging techniques have allowed only the segmentation of proximal sections of the CCS from images acquired ex vivo. In this paper, we present an algorithm to estimate the location of a set of Purkinje‐myocardial junctions (PMJs) from electro‐anatomical maps, as those acquired during radio‐frequency ablation procedures. The method requires a mesh representing the myocardium with local activation time measurements on a subset of nodes. We calculate the backwards propagation of the electrical signal from the measurement points to all the points in the mesh to define a set of candidate PMJs that is iteratively refined. The algorithm has been tested on several Purkinje network configurations, with simulated activation maps, subject to different error amplitudes. The results show that the method is able to build a set of PMJs that explain the observed activation map for different synthetic CCS configurations. In the tests, the average error in the predicted activation time is below the amplitude of the error applied to the data.
Ethological description of a fixed action pattern in a kissing bug (Triatominae): vision, gustation, proboscis extension and drinking of water and guava
Authors: Páez-Rondón Oscar , Aldana Elis , Dickens Joseph , Otálora-Luna Fernando
Published: April 2018

Triatomines (Heteroptera, Reduviidae) are vectors ofTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease in America. These true bugs have traditionally been considered to be blood suckers, although some species have been catalogued as being entomophagous. By using their highly specialized mouthparts, these insects have evolved a stereotyped habit which includes lifting up the proboscis, piercing and sucking, when the occasion arises. Most triatomines bite their sleeping and unaware vertebrate or invertebrate hosts, but they can also search for other targets, guided, in part, by visual and chemical stimuli. In this study, we observed that triatomines apparently visually identify a drop of water in the distance, then taste it with their legs, upon which proboscis extension and sucking ensues. This invariant behavior or fixed action pattern, observed in several triatomine species (Rhodnius prolixus,Triatoma infestansandPanstrongylus geniculatus), was also elicited by a dummy drop of water and guava fruit. We discuss evolutionary and ethological aspects of this innate behavior. Digital video images related to this article are available athttp://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo180314rp01aandhttp://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo180314rp03a.
From traditional to electronic lexicography
Authors: Rodríguez Darío Metola
Published: April 2018

The aim of this article is to review the standard dictionaries of Old English from the perspective of the evolution from traditional lexicography to electronic lexicography and to fnd the similarities and diferences, together with their pros and cons. The ultimate purpose is to fnd which of these four dictionaries is more suitable for linguistic research in Old English for scholars in the feld. An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (Bosworth and Toller in Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1973), The Student’s Dictionary of Anglo-Saxon (Sweet in Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1976), A Concise Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (Hall in University of Toronto Press, Toronto, 1996) and The Dictionary of Old English in Electronic Form A–G (Healey et al. in Dictionary of Old English Project, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, 2008) are examined with respect to headwords, alternative spellings and cross-references, vowel quantity and textual evidence.
On bifurcation of eigenvalues along convex symplectic paths
Authors: Chang Yinshan , Long Yiming , Wang Jian
Published: April 2018

We consider a continuously differentiable curve

t\mapsto \gamma (t)

in the space of

2n \times 2n

real symplectic matrices, which is the solution of the following ODE:

\frac{\mathrm{d}\gamma }{\mathrm{d}t}(t) = J_{2n}A(t)\gamma (t),\gamma (0) \in \mathrm{Sp}(2n,\mathbb{R}),

where

J = J_{2n} \stackrel{\text{def}}=
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & \mathrm{Id}_{n} \\
−\mathrm{Id}_{n} & 0
\end{bmatrix}

and

A:t\mapsto A(t)

is a continuous path in the space of

2n \times 2n

real matrices which are symmetric. Under a certain convexity assumption (which includes the particular case that

A(t)

is strictly positive definite for all

t \in \mathbb{R}

), we investigate the dynamics of the eigenvalues of

\gamma (t)

when
t
varies, which are closely related to the stability of such Hamiltonian dynamical systems. We rigorously prove the qualitative behavior of the branching of eigenvalues and explicitly give the first order asymptotics of the eigenvalues. This generalizes classical Krein–Lyubarskii theorem on the analytic bifurcation of the Floquet multipliers under a linear perturbation of the Hamiltonian. As a corollary, we give a rigorous proof of the following statement of Ekeland:

\{t \in \mathbb{R}:\gamma (t)\text{ has a Krein indefinite eigenvalue of modulus }1\}

is a discrete set.
Investigation of oxidation behavior of synthesized Fe2Al5 and FeAl
Authors: Khoshhal Razieh
Published: April 2018

Recently, Iron aluminide compounds have attracted considerable interest due to their attractive physical and mechanical properties such as high-temperature applications, good oxidation and sulfidation resistance, low density and low production cost. In the present research, the following methodology was undertaken: first, FeAl and Fe2Al5 were synthesized. Then the Fe2Al5 and FeAl oxidation behavior was investigated in the air for 2–60 h at 850 °C. It was found that FeAl is more resistant to the oxidation compared to Fe2Al5. The FeAl oxidation rate reaches a plateau in higher temperatures while Fe2Al5 oxidation curve has an upward trend with the fluctuation. The reason for such a behavior is the difference in alumina growth mechanism.
Testing the Waters: Mobile Apps for Crowdsourced Streamflow Data
Authors: Kampf Stephanie , Strobl Barbara , Hammond John , Anenberg Alyssa , Etter Simon , Martin Caroline , Puntenney-Desmond Kira , Seibert Jan , van Meerveld Ilja
Published: April 2018

Citizen scientists keep a watchful eye on the world's streams, catching intermittent streams in action and filling data gaps to construct a more complete hydrologic picture.
Why do microbes exhibit weak biogeographic patterns?
Authors: Meyer Kyle M , Memiaghe Hervé , Korte Lisa , Kenfack David , Alonso Alfonso , Bohannan Brendan J M
Published: April 2018

Analysis of patterns in the distribution of taxa can provide important insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. Microbial biogeographic patterns almost always appear to be weaker than those reported for plant and animal taxa. It is as yet unclear why this is the case. Some argue that microbial diversity scales differently over space because microbial taxa are fundamentally different in their abundance, longevity and dispersal abilities. Others have argued that differences in scaling are an artifact of how we assess microbial biogeography, driven, for example, by differences in taxonomic resolution, spatial scale, sampling effort or community activity/dormancy. We tested these alternative explanations by comparing bacterial biogeographic patterns in soil to those of trees found in a forest in Gabon. Altering taxonomic resolution, excluding inactive individuals, or adjusting for differences in spatial scale were insufficient to change the rate of microbial taxonomic turnover. In contrast, we account for the differences in spatial turnover between these groups by equalizing sampling extent. Our results suggest that spatial scaling differences between microbial and plant diversity are likely not due to fundamental differences in biology, and that sampling extent should be taken into account when comparing the biogeographic patterns of microorganisms and larger organisms.
SHP2 regulates skeletal cell fate by modifying SOX9 expression and transcriptional activity
Authors: Zuo Chunlin , Wang Lijun , Kamalesh Raghavendra M. , Bowen Margot E. , Moore Douglas C. , Dooner Mark S. , Reginato Anthony M. , Wu Qian , Schorl Christoph , Song Yueming , Warman Matthew L. , Neel Benjamin G. , Ehrlich Michael G. , Yang Wentian
Published: April 2018

Chondrocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from a common mesenchymal precursor, the osteochondroprogenitor (OCP), and help build the vertebrate skeleton. The signaling pathways that control lineage commitment for OCPs are incompletely understood. We asked whether the ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 (encoded byPtpn11) affects skeletal lineage commitment by conditionally deletingPtpn11in mouse limb and head mesenchyme using “Cre-loxP”-mediated gene excision. SHP2-deficient mice have increased cartilage mass and deficient ossification, suggesting that SHP2-deficient OCPs become chondrocytes and not osteoblasts. Consistent with these observations, the expression of the master chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and its target genesAcan, Col2a1, andCol10a1were increased in SHP2-deficient chondrocytes, as revealed by gene expression arrays, qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SHP2 regulates OCP fate determination via the phosphorylation and SUMOylation of SOX9, mediated at least in part via the PKA signaling pathway. Our data indicate that SHP2 is critical for skeletal cell lineage differentiation and could thus be a pharmacologic target for bone and cartilage regeneration.