bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadcopter Aggressive Maneuvers along Singular Configurations: An Energy-Quaternion Based Approach
Authors: El-Badawy Ayman A. , Bakr Mohamed A.
Published: January 2016

Automatic aggressive maneuvers with quadcopters are regarded as a highly challenging control problem. The aim is to tackle the singularities that exist in a vertical looping maneuver. Modeling singularities are resolved by writing the equations-of-motion of the quadcopter in quaternion form. Physical singularities due to underactuation are resolved by using an energy-based control. Energy-based control is utilized to overcome the uncontrollability of the quadcopter at physical singular configurations, for instance, when commanding the quadcopter to gain altitude while pitched at90∘. Three looping strategies (circular, clothoidal, and newly developed constant thrust) are implemented on a nonlinear model of the quadcopter. The three looping strategies are discussed along with their advantages and limitations.
Identification of Novel RD1 Antigens and Their Combinations for Diagnosis of Sputum Smear−/Culture+ TB Patients
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Qie Shuang , Li Lili , Xiu Bingshui , Yang Xiqin , Dai Zhenhua , Zhang Xuhui , Duan Cuimi , Que Haiping , Zhao Ping , Johnson Heather , Zhang Heqiu , Feng Xiaoyan
Published: January 2016

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an unresolved problem worldwide, especially for sputum smear− (S−) cases. In this study, five antigen genes including Rv3871, Rv3874, Rv3875, Rv3876, and Rv3879 were cloned fromMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) RD1 and overexpressed to generate antigen fragments. These antigens and their combinations were investigated for PTB serodiagnosis. 298 serum samples were collected from active PTB patients, including 117 sputum smear+ (S+) and sputum culture+ (C+) cases, 101 S−/C+ cases, and 80 S−/C− cases. The serum IgG levels of the five antigens were measured by ELISA. Based on IgG levels, the sensitivity/specificity of Rv3871, Rv3874, Rv3875, Rv3876, and Rv3879 for PTB detection was 81.21%/74.74%, 63.09%/94.78%, 32.21%/87.37%, 62.42%/85.26%, and 83.56%/83.16%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimal result for PTB diagnosis was achieved by combining antigens Rv3871, Rv3876, and Rv3879. In addition, the IgG levels of Rv3871, Rv3876, and Rv3879 were found to be higher in S−/C+ PTB patients than in other PTB populations. More importantly, combination of the three antigens demonstrated superior diagnostic performance for both S−/C+ and S−/C− PTB. In conclusion, the combination of Rv3871, Rv3876, and Rv3879 induced higher IgG response in sputum S−/C+ PTB patients and represents a promising biomarker combination for diagnosing of PTB.
SPEI-Based Spatiotemporal Analysis of Drought in Haihe River Basin from 1961 to 2010
Authors: Yang Meijian , Yan Denghua , Yu Yingdong , Yang Zhiyong
Published: January 2016

Under the background of climate change, the monthly accumulated precipitation and monthly averaged temperature of 47 meteorological stations in and around Haihe River Basin (HRB) were analyzed using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI) to obtain the temporal variability and spatial distribution of different drought levels during the last 50 years with the support of GIS. The results show that(1)from 1961 to 2010 the drought frequency and degree in annual and seasonal scale are rising and the affecting areas of all degrees of drought have a temporal variability of increasing trend. The ratios that the influencing area of drought, light drought, moderate drought, severe drought, and extreme drought account for the whole HRB area are increasing with gradients of 0.64%/a, 0.18%/a, 0.31%/a, 0.14%/a, and 0.01%/a, respectively, and(2)there is a climate break point which occurred in 1990; after the comparison of the drought happening probability between 1961 and 1990 and between 1991 and 2010, all degrees of drought occurrence probability have a remarkable rising trend, and the drought concentrating regions moved from the north HRB to the central HRB.
Decreasing Coalbed Methane Formation Damage Using Microfoamed Drilling Fluid Stabilized by Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Cai Jihua , Gu Sui , Wang Fawen , Yang Xianyu , Yue Ye , Wu Xiaoming , Chixotkin V. F.
Published: January 2016

Coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs in China are featured in remarkable nanosized pores below 200 nm, acknowledged natural cleats, and tectonic fractures. This paper discussed the possibility that a clay free microfoamed drilling fluid could be stabilized by silica nanoparticles (CFMDF-NP) so as to avoid formation damage of CBM drilling. In accordance with the experimental results of foaming capacity and foam stability test, basic drilling fluid performance appraisal, micromorphology observation, swelling test, and gas permeability test, the mechanism of the CFMDF-NP was discussed in this paper. The results indicated that, with 10–20 nm nano-SiO2, the foaming volume of traditional foamed drilling fluid could be improved by up to 50% and an increased half-life period by up to 200%. Chemically treated nano-SiO2dispersions functioned as a foam stabilizer and a foaming agent as well. The CFMDF-NP had controllable density (0.7~1 g/cm3) and excellent rheological and sealing properties, which could satisfy the drilling requirements of the low pressure coal seams. With 5–8 mm slicing on the contaminated side of coal cores, the contaminated zone could be removed and the recovery rate of gas permeability could reach up to 70%. The CFMDF-NP laid good technical foundation to decrease formation damage of CBM reservoir.
Heat Transfer Analysis and Modification of Thermal Probe for Gas-Solid Measurement
Authors: Zhang Hong , Qi Xiangying
Published: January 2016

The presented work aims to measure the gas-solid two-phase mass flow-rate in pneumatic conveyor, and a novel modified thermal probe is applied. A new analysis of the local heat transfer coefficients of thermal probe is presented, while traditional investigations focus on global coefficients. Thermal simulations are performed in Fluent 6.2 and temperature distributions of the probe are presented. The results indicate that the probe has obviously stable and unstable heat transfer areas. Based on understanding of probe characteristics, a modified probe structure is designed, which makes the probe output signal more stable and widens the measuring range. The experiments are carried out in a special designed laboratory scale pneumatic conveyor, and the modified probe shows an unambiguous improvement of the performance compared with the traditional one.
NonlinearL2-Gain Analysis of Hybrid Systems in the Presence of Sliding Modes and Impacts
Authors: Osuna T. , Montano O. E. , Orlov Y.
Published: January 2016

TheL2-gain analysis is extended towards hybrid mechanical systems, operating under unilateral constraints and admitting both sliding modes and collision phenomena. Sufficient conditions for such a system to be internally asymptotically stable and to possessL2-gain less than ana priorigiven disturbance attenuation level are derived in terms of two independent inequalities which are imposed on continuous-time dynamics and on discrete disturbance factor that occurs at the collision time instants. The former inequality may be viewed as the Hamilton-Jacobi inequality for discontinuous vector fields, and it is separately specified beyond and along sliding modes, which occur in the system between collisions. Thus interpreted, the former inequality should impose the desired integral input-to-state stability (iISS) property on the Filippov dynamics between collisions whereas the latter inequality is invoked to ensure that the impact dynamics (when the state trajectory hits the unilateral constraint) are input-to-state stable (ISS). These inequalities, being coupled together, form the constructive procedure, effectiveness of which is supported by the numerical study made for an impacting double integrator, driven by a sliding mode controller. Desired disturbance attenuation level is shown to satisfactorily be achieved under external disturbances during the collision-free phase and in the presence of uncertainties in the transition phase.
Seawater Immersion Aggravates Burn Injury Causing Severe Blood Coagulation Dysfunction
Authors: Yan Hong , Mao Qingxiang , Ma Yongda , Wang Li , Chen Xian , Hu Yi , Ge Hengjiang
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to investigate the endothelial function in a canine model of burn injury combined with seawater immersion. The model of burn injury was established. The dogs were randomly divided into four groups including dogs with burn injury (B group), or burn injury combined with seawater immersion (BI group), or only immersion in seawater (I group), or control animals with no injury or immersion (C group). The circulating endothelial cell (CEC) count and coagulation-fibrinolysis parameters were measured. The CEC count in B group increased at 4 h, 7 h, and 10 h after injury and then reduced, whereas it continuously increased to a greater extent in BI group (P<0.05). The von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and the ratio of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) to 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-K-PGF1α) in BI group had a marked increase after injury, and the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in the BI group decreased. Microscope observations revealed thrombus formation in lungs of the animals in BI group, but not in C, I, or B groups. Burn injury causes endothelial dysfunction, and seawater immersion lastingly aggravates this injury, leading to a higher risk of developing thrombosis.
An Effective Approach of Teeth Segmentation within the 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography Image Based on Deformable Surface Model
Authors: Zhang Xutang , Chen Xiaofeng , Liu Yan , Han Bo , Zhuang Ting , Zuo Wangmeng
Published: January 2016

In order to extract the pixels of teeth from 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image, in this paper, a novel 3D segmentation approach based on deformable surface mode is developed for 3D tooth model reconstruction. Different forces are formulated to handle the segmentation problem by using different strategies. First, the proposed method estimates the deformation force of vertex model by simulating the deformation process of a bubble under the action of internal pressure and external force field. To handle the blurry boundary, a “braking force” is proposed deriving from the 3D gradient information calculated by transforming the Sobel operator into three-dimension representation. In addition, a “border reinforcement” strategy is developed for handling the cases with complicate structures. Moreover, the proposed method combines affine cell image decomposition (ACID) grid reparameterization technique to handle the unstable changes of topological structure and deformability during the deformation process. The proposed method was performed on 510 CBCT images. To validate the performance, the results were compared with those of two other well-studied methods. Experimental results show that the proposed approach had a good performance in handling the cases with complicate structures and blurry boundaries well, is effective to converge, and can successfully achieve the reconstruction task of various types of teeth in oral cavity.
High Intensity Resistance Training Methods with and without Protein Supplementation to Fight Cardiometabolic Risk in Middle-Aged Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kemmler Wolfgang , Wittke Andreas , Bebenek Michael , Fröhlich Michael , von Stengel Simon
Published: January 2016

Time-effective protocols may potentially increase people’s compliance with exercise. The purpose of this paper was to compare the relative effects of 16 weeks of high intensity (resistance) training (HIT) with and without protein supplementation (HIT&P) and HVHIT (high volume/high intensity training) versus a nontraining control group on cardiometabolic risk factors. One hundred and twenty untrained males 30–50 years old were randomly assigned to 3 subgroups: (a) a HIT group; (b) a HIT&P group, and (c) a waiting-control group (phase I) that crossed over to (d) high volume/high intensity training (HVHIT) during the second study phase. HIT was defined as “single set to failure protocol” while HVHIT consistently applied two sets. Protein supplementation provided an overall intake of 1.5 g/kg/body mass. Primary study endpoint was the metabolic syndromeZ-Score (MetS-Z-Score). MetS-Z-Score significantly improved in all exercise groups (p≤0.001) with no significant difference between HIT, HIT&P, and HVHIT (p≥0.829). However, all the exercise groups differed significantly from the CG (p<0.001) which deteriorated significantly (p=0.039). In conclusion, all exercise protocols were similarly effective in improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, HIT may be the best choice for people with low time budgets looking to improve their cardiometabolic health.
Ilexonin A Promotes Neuronal Proliferation and Regeneration via Activation of the Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway after Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Zhang Bi-Qin , Zheng Guan-Yi , Han Yu , Chen Xiao-Dong , Jiang Qiong
Published: January 2016

Aims. Ilexonin A (IA), a component of the Chinese medicine Ilex pubescens, has been shown to be neuroprotective during ischemic injury. However, the specific mechanism underlying this neuroprotective effect remains unclear. Methods. In this study, we employed a combination of immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, RT‐PCR, and behavioral tests, to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in IA regulation of neuronal proliferation and regeneration after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rodents. Results. Increases in β‐catenin protein and LEF1 mRNA and decreases in GSK3β protein and Axin mRNA observed in IA‐treated compared to control rodents implicated the canonical Wnt pathway as a key signaling mechanism activated by IA treatment. Furthermore, rodents in the IA treatment group showed less neurologic impairment and a corresponding increase in the number of Brdu/nestin and Brdu/NeuN double positive neurons in the parenchymal ischemia tissue following middle cerebral artery occlusion compared to matched controls. Conclusion. Altogether, our data indicate that IA can significantly diminish neurological deficits associated with cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats as a result of increased neuronal survival via modulation of the canonical Wnt pathway.
Obtaining Information from Family Caregivers Is Important to Detect Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms and Caregiver Burden in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yamagami Tetsuya , Harada Kazuhiro , Hashidate Hiroyuki , Asakawa Yasuyoshi , Nihei Kenji , Kaneya Satomi , Yoshii Chiharu
Published: January 2016

Background: The objectives of this study are to clarify the differences between the difficulties in daily life experienced by patients with both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and chronic disease and those experienced by healthy elderly individuals. Methods: We assessed (a) cognitive function; (b) gait ability; (c) behavioral and psychological symptoms (observed at home); (d) activities of daily living (observed at home); (e) family caregiver burden, and (f) intention to continue family caregiving of 255 cognitively normal and 103 MCI subjects attending adult day care services covered by long-term care insurance, and compared the two groups. Results: Subjects with MCI display more behavioral and psychological symptoms than cognitively normal subjects, posing a heavy caregiver burden (p < 0.01). Behavioral and psychological symptoms most commonly observed in subjects with MCI are apathy, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and aberrant motor behavior. Conclusion: Information regarding the behavioral and psychological symptoms displayed at home by patients with MCI can only be obtained from family caregivers living with the patients. To provide early-stage support for elderly patients with MCI, adult day care workers should collect information from family caregivers regarding behavioral and psychological symptoms observed at home.
A Phase I Trial of Temsirolimus and Pemetrexed in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Waqar Saiama N. , Baggstrom Maria Q. , Morgensztern Daniel , Williams Kristina , Rigden Caron , Govindan Ramaswamy
Published: January 2016

Background: Pemetrexed is an antifolate chemotherapeutic agent approved for use in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in lung cancer development and inhibited by temsirolimus. Methods: We performed a phase I study evaluating the combination of pemetrexed and temsirolimus in advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Results: Eight patients were enrolled in this study. The dose-limiting toxicities included grade 4 thrombocytopenia, grade 3 leukopenia and grade 3 neutropenia. The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be pemetrexed 375 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and temsirolimus 25 mg intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15. No objective responses were noted and 3 patients had stable disease as the best response. Conclusion: The combination of pemetrexed and temsirolimus is feasible and well tolerated. This combination may be further evaluated in patients with mTOR pathway activation, particularly in those with TSC1 or STK11 mutations.
Clinical and Emergent Biomarkers and Their Relationship to the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jatoi Aminah , Vierkant Robert A. , Hawthorne Kieran M. , Block Matthew S. , Ramus Susan J. , Larson Nicholas B. , Fridley Brooke L. , Goode Ellen L.
Published: January 2016

Objective: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, but information relevant to prognosis and outcomes remain unknown. Here, we used statistical methods to focus specifically on interactions between candidate prognostic variables. Methods and Results: Univariate, multivariate, and elastic net modeling of 42 variables were applied to a cohort of 542 ovarian cancer patients with 393 episodes of cancer recurrence/death. In univariate analyses, overexpression of TFF3, MDM2, and p53 were associated with improved recurrence-free survival. In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, histology, stage, grade, ascites, and residual disease, overexpression of PR appeared to provide a protective effect [hazard ratio for >50% of cells positive, 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.44-0.94) compared to <1%], and TFF3 showed a nonlinear association. Importantly, we observed no interactions among variables. However, patients with tumors with moderate TFF3 expression were at a marginally increased risk of recurrence, and patients with tumors with high expression were at a similar to slightly lower risk, compared to those with tumors with no TFF3 expression. Conclusions: Although no interactions among variables were observed, this study provides important precedent for seeking interactions between clinical and tumor variables in future studies.
Detecting Secondary C-KIT Mutations in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Wada Noriko , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Hamakawa Takuya , Hirota Seiichi , Naka Tetsuji , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: January 2016

Objective: Imatinib is a standard treatment for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Imatinib resistance is mostly caused by secondary mutations in C-KIT. The antitumor effect of second-line agents is correlated with the type of secondary mutation: indeed, sunitinib is effective against tumors with C-KIT exon 13 or 14 mutations. We investigated whether secondary C-KIT mutations can be detected in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from peripheral blood. Methods: This study included 4 patients who underwent resection of imatinib-resistant GIST. Tumor-specific mutations in each tumor were determined by Sanger sequencing. ctDNA was extracted from peripheral blood obtained before and after the treatment of imatinib-resistant lesions. Each of the secondary target mutations in ctDNA was investigated, using a next-generation sequencer. Results: Imatinib-resistant lesions had single-nucleotide substitutions in C-KIT exon 13 in 3 patients and exon 18 in 1 patient. Identical secondary C-KIT mutations could be detected in ctDNA with a mutant fraction range of 0.010-9.385%. One patient had growth of an imatinib-resistant tumor containing a C-KIT exon 13 mutation, and the fraction of ctDNA decreased after initiation of sunitinib. Conclusion: Detection of secondary C-KIT mutations in ctDNA could be useful for the selection of targeted agents and prediction of antitumor effects.
Modified Preparation of the Neurovascular Bundle in Male to Female Transgender Patients
Authors: Hess Jochen , Hess-Busch Yasmine , Kronier Janine , Rübben Herbert , Rossi Neto Roberto
Published: January 2016

Introduction: The main objective of gender reassignment surgery (GRS) in male to female (MtF) transgender people is to create a functional and aesthetic vagino-clitoral complex. Here we report on a modified preparation of the neurovascular bundle (NVB). Materials and Methods: Between May 2011 and September 2014, 96 consecutive MtF transgender patients underwent GRS at our department. Sensitivity of the neoclitoris was assessed afterwards. Results were compared with a historical cohort from our department (2004-2010, n = 119) in which perioperative treatment was the same except for the preparation of the NVB. Results: In 92 (95.8%) and 78 (81.2%) patients information on neoclitoral sensitivity was available and in 79 (82.3%) and 69 (71.9%) sensitivity was tested semiquantatively after first and second stage procedure respectively. A semiquantitative grading system correlated significantly with intermedium-term ability to achieve orgasms (p = 0.036). The modification led to a reduction in operation time by an average of 61 min. With the modified technique, we had a higher rate of postoperative local hematoma but with no need for further intervention. Conclusions: Preparation is safe and time saving both preserving the neoclitoral sensitivity and promoting a preferably feminine aspect of the mons pubis. Semiquantitative testing of sensitivity correlates with the intermedium-term capability of achieving orgasms.
What Makes a 97-Year-Old Man Cycle 5,000 km a Year?
Authors: Cheng Sulin , Degens Hans , Evans Michael , Cheng Shu Mei , Selänne Harri , Rittweger Jörn , Heinonen Ari , Suominen Harri , Strandberg Timo , Alen Markku , Korhonen Marko T.
Published: January 2016

Background: The nature versus nurture debate is one of the oldest issues in the study of longevity, health and successful aging. Objective: We present a 97-year-old man (I.K.) as an example of the effects of habitual exercise on the aging process. Methods: Extensive assessments included medical examinations, interviews, musculoskeletal structure, performance characteristics, cognitive function and gut microbiota composition. Results: I.K. suffers from iatrogenic hypogonadism, prostate cancer, hypothyroidism and a history of deep popliteal thrombosis. Notwithstanding, he cycles up to 5,000 km a year and participates in competitive sports. His musculoskeletal properties, athletic performance, cognitive function and gut microbiota are outstanding. Some traits even exceed those seen in middle-aged men. Conclusions: His long-term physically and intellectually active lifestyles combined with extensive social interactions have most likely contributed to his exercise capacity, despite his medical history.
CT Scan-Guided Abrams' Needle Pleural Biopsy versus Ultrasound-Assisted Cutting Needle Pleural Biopsy for Diagnosis in Patients with Pleural Effusion: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Metintas Muzaffer , Yildirim Huseyin , Kaya Tamer , Ak Guntulu , Dundar Emine , Ozkan Ragip , Metintas Selma
Published: January 2016

Background: Image-guided pleural biopsies, both using ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT), are important in the diagnosis of pleural disease. However, no consensus exists regarding which biopsy needles are appropriate for specific procedures. Objectives: In this randomized, prospective study, we aimed to compare CT scan-guided pleural biopsy using an Abrams' needle (CT-ANPB) with US-assisted pleural biopsy using a cutting needle (US-CNPB) with respect to both diagnostic yield and safety. Methods: Between February 2009 and April 2013, 150 patients with exudative pleural effusion who could not be diagnosed by cytological analysis were included in the study. The patients were randomized into either the US-CNPB group or the CT-ANPB group. The two groups were compared in terms of diagnostic sensitivity and complications. Results: Of the 150 patients enrolled in this study, 45 were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, 46 were diagnosed with metastatic pleural disease, 18 were diagnosed with pleural tuberculosis, 34 were diagnosed with benign pleural disease, and 7 were lost to follow-up. In the US-CNPB group, the diagnostic sensitivity was 66.7%, compared with 82.4% in the CT-ANPB group; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.029). The sensitivity of CT-ANPB increased to 93.7% for patients with a pleural thickness ≥1 cm. The complication rates were low and acceptable. Conclusions: The first diagnostic intervention that should be preferred in patients with pleural effusion and associated pleural thickening on a CT scan is CT-ANPB. US-CNPB should be used primarily in cases for which only pleural thickening but no pleural effusion is noted.
O ZONEAMENTO AMBIENTAL GEOMORFOLÓGICO COMO MÉTODO PARA PLANEJAR A INFRAESTRUTURA VERDE EM ÁREAS DENSAMENTE URBANIZADAS
Authors: Bonzi Ramón Stock
Published: January 2016

A noção de Infraestrutura Verde vem sendo amplamente aceita nos campos da arquitetura da paisagem e do urbanismo. No entanto, a sua aplicação em áreas densamente urbanizadas carece de métodos adequados, uma vez que o conceito surgiu em um contexto muito diferente, o espraiamento norte-americano. Este trabalho investiga como a proposta de zoneamento ambiental baseado nos processos naturais e na análise geomorfológica pode embasar cientificamente a aplicação da Infraestrutura Verde. Para isso identificamos os processos naturais predominantes em cada zona ambiental e também os processos mimetizados ou incentivados por cada tipologia paisagística. Conclui-se que a análise das formas do relevo permite identificar que tipologias são indicadas para cada compartimento do relevo, o que colabora para a harmonização entre as dinâmicas da base biofísica e a ocupação humana.
ANÁLISE DOS INDICADORES DO SELO LABVERDE APLICADOS A ÁREAS URBANAS CONSOLIDADAS – A TRILHA NORTE-SUL
Authors: Freitas Juliana , Mokarzél Yashmin
Published: January 2016

“Já não é aceitável construir edificações de alto desempenho em uma área não urbanizada, em um contexto dependente de automóveis, e certificá-la como sustentável”. Douglas Farr (2013)

Atualmente vemos o movimento pela sustentabilidade ganhar força na mídia, em movimentos sociais e coletivos, nas agendas políticas e até em nosso dia-a-dia. Os limites da nossa modernidade, principalmente no que diz respeito às consequências do modelo de desenvolvimento em curso, estão cada vez mais explícitos. Mas apesar deste movimento ser uma forte tendência, o processo de transformação é complexo e permeado de dúvidas. Quais as implicações de ser sustentável? Como exercer a sustentabilidade? Como praticá-la de forma efetiva?

O presente artigo se propõe a refletir sobre os questionamentos a respeito da sustentabilidade em áreas urbanas consolidadas e para tal analisa um dos possíveis trajetos entre o Parque Estadual da Cantareira e o Parque do Ibirapuera, na cidade de São Paulo-SP, sob a ótica dos indicadores propostos pelo Selo Labverde, Selo este concebido pelo Laboratório Verde da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo.
O Selo Labverde foi desenvolvido com o intuito de certificar as práticas sustentáveis adotadas por regiões e empreendimentos considerando diversas escalas, da local a regional, o que diferencia este processo de certificação dos demais sistemas atualmente existentes.

A abordagem proposta pelo Labverde permite uma análise mais aprofundada do empreendimento, uma vez que o próprio conceito de sustentabilidade, como entendido na atualidade, exige a consideração de uma perspectiva ampliada.
A BICICLETA COMO MODAL DE TRANSPORTE SUSTENTÁVEL PARA A CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO: O ESTUDO DE CASO DA TRILHA NORTE-SUL
Authors: Machí Carme , Alonso Marcela , Ruchti Valéria
Published: January 2016

Durante o desenvolvimento urbano da cidade de São Paulo, tem se atribuído um papel dominante ao automóvel como modal prioritário no sistema de mobilidade urbana, fato que acarretou prejuízos ao meio ambiente, a desqualificação do espaço público e a marginalização do pedestre no ambiente urbano. Até pouco tempo, a cidade de São Paulo nunca tinha experimentado um incremento tão alto na representatividade da bicicleta como meio de transporte. Conforme a Pesquisa da Origem e Destino da Companhia do Metropolitano de São Paulo - Metrô, entre 1997 e 2007 as viagens utilitárias de bicicleta aumentaram cerca de 200% dentro do município. Neste contexto, o artigo avalia a alternativa de integrar o uso da bicicleta ao sistema de mobilidade urbana de São Paulo como uma das soluções possíveis para os problemas comentados anteriormente e explorará a viabilidade desses programas como forma de lidar com as problemáticas da paisagem urbana, utilizando-se da Infraestrutura Verde como conceito norteador.
TRILHA URBANA, MOBILIDADE E INTEGRAÇÃO SOCIAL: UM ESTUDO APLICADO À AVENIDA SUMARÉ EM SÃO PAULO
Authors: Afonso Sandre Adriana , Mesquita Sampaio Madureira Flavia , Kussunoki Marcelo
Published: January 2016

Este artigo trabalha a hipótese de serem as trilhas urbanas um importante mecanismo de integração social nas cidades. Considerando a desvalorização do espaço público na cidade de São Paulo, para além da sua caracterização como monofuncional, justifica-se a necessidade de pensar tais espaços e promover o estímulo a outros usos, objetivando retomar sua multifuncionalidade. Nesse sentido, a rua deve ser compreendida não só como espaço de circulação, mas também como espaço de permanência. A citada desvalorização se deve, sobretudo, a políticas públicas que priorizaram o transporte sobre rodas, que é indiretamente responsável pela sensação de insegurança dos habitantes.
Dentro deste contexto, as trilhas urbanas podem ser um importante instrumento que propicia a integração por meio do lazer. Trata-se de uma política urbana agregadora, não segregacionista que promove o contato e a convivência entre as pessoas.

A trilha urbana Água Branca aqui conceituada e proposta visa auxiliar a reversão desse processo de abandono das vias ao promover um grande circuito para modais de transporte não motorizados. Assim, se prioriza o contato com o entorno, a rua, a vizinhança e a comunidade pelo estímulo à circulação e à permanência nos espaços públicos, como atributo intrínseco a uma sociedade urbana.
CONTAMINAÇÃO DO SOLO EM SÃO PAULO: O CASO DA OPERAÇÃO URBANA BAIRROS DO TAMANDUATEÍ
Authors: Flores Salinas Vania Cristiane
Published: January 2016

Durante décadas a cidade de São Paulo vêm sofrendo com as cicatrizes deixadas pelo rápido crescimento industrial. Vista como a cidade do progresso, e a esperança de um aumento na demanda de trabalho, a cidade vira um destino de alto atrativo para trabalhadores rurais e imigrantes, o que gera uma demanda constante de moradia, serviços e infraestrutura para a qual a cidade não está preparada para receber. Diante da necessidade de expansão do território e para poder abrigar o número de trabalhadores que a cidade demanda surge a necessidade de melhorar o planejamento da mesma, sem ampliar a mancha urbana para locais virgens e muitas vezes restritos por áreas de proteção ou áreas de risco. É necessário, portanto, potencializar as áreas subutilizadas em locais onde já existe infraestrutura. Portanto, torna-se de extrema importância o estudo de áreas contaminadas, uma vez que estas estão em locais muitas vezes já estruturados, e bem localizados, mas que carecem de segurança para a população. Vários estudiosos e profissionais da área têm se debruçado para entender os problemas, dificuldades e a possibilidade de reutilização de áreas contaminadas, surgindo assim um assunto objeto do Plano Diretor de 2004 propondo a Operação Urbana Diagonal Sul que evoluiu para a Operação Urbana Mooca Vila Carioca e hoje é conhecida como Operação Urbana Consorciada Bairros do Tamanduateí.
New taxa of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Madagascar VIII. Impatiens max-huberi, a new species from Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud
Authors: Fischer Eberhard , Rahelivololona Marie Elisette
Published: January 2016

The new species Impatiens max-huberi is described from Mt. Marojejy. It is resembles Impatiens sambiranensis from Northwestern Madagascar in the large pink-purple flowers with long spur, but differs in the alternate leaves and the curved spur.
Habenaria sahyadrica (Orchidaceae, Orchideae) a new species from the Western Ghats (India) with critical notes on allied taxa
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Prabhukumar Konickal Mambetta , Nirmesh Thankappan Kureekadu , Sreekumar Vadakkethil Balakrishnan , Hareesh Vadakkoot Sankaran , Balachandran Indira
Published: January 2016

Habenaria Willdenow (1805: 544) is a large genus represented by approximately 848 species making it by far the largest in subfamily Orchidoideae (Cribb 2001, Kurzweil 2009, Govaerts et al. 2014, Batista et al. 2011), with centres of diversity in Brazil, southern and central Africa, and East Asia (Kurzweil & Weber 1992). In India, it is represented by 72 species, of which 36 are endemic (Misra 2007).  About 45 species of Habenaria are known to occur in the Western Ghats of India, of which 21 species are endemic (Jalal & Jayanthi 2012). In Kerala, 26 species were reported so far with 17 endemic (Sasidharan 2013).
Evaluating Regional and Global Hydrological Models against Streamflow and Evapotranspiration Measurements
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Zheng Hongxing , Chiew Francis H. S. , Arancibia Jorge Peña , Zhou Xinyao
Published: January 2016

Land surface and global hydrological models are often used to characterize global water and energy fluxes and stores and to model their future trajectories. This study evaluates estimates of streamflow and evapotranspiration (ET) obtained with a priori parameterization from a land surface model [CSIRO Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE)] and a global hydrological model (H08) against a global dataset of streamflow from 644 largely unregulated catchments and ET from 98 flux towers and benchmarks their performance against two lumped conceptual daily rainfall–runoff models [modèle du Génie Rural à 4 paramètres Journalier (GR4J) and a simplified version of the HYDROLOG model (SIMHYD)]. The results show that all four models perform poorly in simulating the monthly and annual runoff values, with the rainfall–runoff models outperforming both CABLE and H08. The model biases in runoff are generally reflected as a complementary opposite bias in ET. All models can generally reproduce the observed seasonal and interannual runoff variability. The correlations between the modeled and observed runoff time series are reasonable, with the rainfall–runoff models performing slightly better than CABLE and H08 at the monthly time scale and all four models performing similarly at the annual time scale. The results suggest that while the land surface and global hydrological models cannot adequately simulate the actual runoff time series and long-term average volumes, they can reasonably simulate the monthly and interannual runoff variability and trends and can therefore be reliably used for broadscale or comparative regional and global water and energy balance assessments and simulations of future trajectories. They can be improved through validating the models or calibrating some of the more sensitive and less physically based parameters.
An Experimental Test of Deviant Modeling
Authors: Gallupe Owen , Nguyen Holly , Bouchard Martin , Schulenberg Jennifer L. , Chenier Allison , Cook Katie D.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Test the effect of deviant peer modeling on theft as conditioned by verbal support for theft and number of deviant models.

Methods:

Two related randomized experiments in which participants were given a chance to steal a gift card (ostensibly worth CAN$15) from the table in front of them. Each experiment had a control group, a verbal prompting group in which confederate(s) endorsed stealing, a behavioral modeling group in which confederate(s) committed theft, and a verbal prompting plus behavioral modeling group in which confederate(s) did both. The first experiment used one confederate; the second experiment used two. The pooled sample consisted of 335 undergraduate students.

Results:

Participants in the verbal prompting plus behavioral modeling group were most likely to steal followed by the behavioral modeling group. Interestingly, behavioral modeling was only influential when two confederates were present. There were no thefts in either the control or verbal prompting groups regardless of the number of confederates.

Conclusions:

Behavioral modeling appears to be the key mechanism, though verbal support can strengthen the effect of behavioral modeling.
Climate ethics and the failures of ‘normative political philosophy’
Authors: Cerutti Furio
Published: January 2016

In this article the claim of normative ethics to be the main philosophical access to the problems raised by climate change is contested and instead it is suggested that these problems be addressed from a different perspective: that of a political philosophy that escapes its own reduction to a theory of justice. Part I shows several incidences of how mainstream climate ethics fails with regard to its intention to shape an effective climate policy. Part II argues that ‘politics for the future’ as required by man-made lethal challenges has to complement the adversarial politics-as-usual. Included here is a redefinition of what the relationship of politics and morality means in the new circumstances – not only with regard to climate change.
Vivek Chibber and the spectre of postcolonial theory
Authors: Lazarus Neil
Published: January 2016

In this critical assessment of Vivek Chibber’s Postcolonial Theory and the Specter of Capital, the author argues that the book contributes appreciably to the materialist critique of postcolonial studies, but that its effect is weakened both by its tone and its failure to identify its object precisely enough. In conflating the historiographic project of ‘Subaltern Studies’ with ‘postcolonial theory’, Chibber misrepresents the histories of each of these formations and also the institutional relationship between them. He is at his most compelling in his commentary on capital’s ‘universalising tendency’, in which he demonstrates that arguments about capitalist globalisation do not require one to anticipate an increased homogenisation of the world or, more narrowly still, the progressive universalisation of ‘western’ norms, values and modes of social life. His critique of the deep-set postcolonialist conviction as to the radical difference and incommensurability between ‘western’ and ‘non-western’ worlds is also very valuable. But because he does not utilise the full resources of Marxist and anti-imperialist theory – above all, the theory of uneven and combined development – Chibber fails to diagnose ‘postcolonial theory’ for what it is: a conjuncturally distinct version of ‘Third Worldism’. He wrongly accuses it, instead, of ‘Eurocentrism’.
Words, Ideas and Ideology in the Shifting Sand of Markets
Authors: Qadeer Imrana , Arathi P.M.
Published: January 2016

The transformation of existing knowledge or production of new knowledge is the focus of this article. This theme is explored using women’s health, actions and perceptions, and their interpretations—within a public health perspective—as these evolve around the currently most talked about high-tech obstetric intervention—the practice of surrogacy.

The interpretations of words such as production, reproduction, labour and work are central to the present understanding of surrogacy in different societies. At a point in time when social sciences are striving to understand complexities, interconnections and praxis, this article offers a possibility of judicious use of technology and a glimpse, however brief, of man’s natural essence—humanness—the cementing factor in the alternate structure of society waiting to overcome the present conflict between the global hegemonic and democratic forces.

The article argues that in contemporary India, the sections where surrogates come from see surrogacy in different ways, and that has to be the starting point for analysis but not the end. Indian law-makers take advantage of this confusion about the nature of surrogacy. It buries the non-exploitative potential of procreation under the ‘compensation for agreeing’ to be a surrogate, denies her rights and undermines the value of gestational motherhood as compared to genetic identity—thus, killing several birds with one stone!
European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-4: Extending the time for thrombolysis in emergency neurological deficits ECASS-4: ExTEND
Authors: Amiri Hemasse , Bluhmki Erich , Bendszus Martin , Eschenfelder Christoph C , Donnan Geoffrey A , Leys Didier , Molina Carlos , Ringleb Peter A , Schellinger Peter D , Schwab Stefan , Toni Danilo , Wahlgren Nils , Hacke Werner
Published: January 2016

Rationale and hypothesis

Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is an effective and approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 h of onset except for USA, Canada, Croatia, and Moldovia with a current 3 h label. We hypothesized that ischemic stroke patients selected with significant penumbral mismatch on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 4.5–9 h after onset of stroke will have improved clinical outcomes when given intravenous rt-PA (alteplase) compared to placebo.

Study design

ECASS-4: ExTEND is an investigator driven, phase 3, randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ischemic stroke patients presenting within 4.5 and 9 h of stroke onset, who fulfil clinical requirements (National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) 4–26 and pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1) will undergo MRI. Patients who meet imaging criteria (infarct core volume <100 ml, perfusion lesion: infarct core mismatch ratio >1.2 and perfusion lesion minimum volume of 20 ml) additionally will be randomized to either rt-PA or placebo.

Study outcome

The primary outcome measure will be the categorical shift in the mRS at day 90. Clinical secondary outcomes will be disability at day 90 dichotomized as favorable outcome mRS 0–1 at day 90. Tertiary endpoints include reduction in the NIHSS by 11 or more points or reaching 0–1 at day 90, reperfusion and recanalization at 24 h post stroke as well as depression, life quality, and cognitive impairment at day 90. Safety endpoints will include symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and death.
The future of endovascular treatment: Insights from the ESCAPE investigators
Authors: Klourfeld Evgenia , Zerna Charlotte , Al-Ajlan Fahad S , Kamal Noreen , Randhawa Privia , Yu Amy Y , Dowlatshahi Dar , Thornton John , Williams David , Holmstedt Christine , Kelly Michael , Frei Donald , Baxter Blaise , Linares Guillermo , Bang Oh Young , Poppe Alexandre Y , Montanera Walter , Rempel Jeremy , Eesa Muneer , Menon Bijoy K , Demchuk Andrew M , Goyal Mayank , Hill Michael D
Published: January 2016

The ESCAPE trial demonstrated strong morbidity benefit and mortality reduction for endovascular stroke treatment. Following the release of the main results, the ESCAPE trial investigators convened at a 2-day close-out meeting in March 2015 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Meeting discussions focused on system implications, procedural characteristics, and future directions. We report the proceedings of the meeting, which provide insights from the trialists into the issues of generalizability, treatment limitations, as well as future directions and opportunities in stroke care optimization.
Minority Stress Predicts Depression in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Emerging Adults via Elevated Diurnal Cortisol
Authors: Parra Luis A. , Benibgui Michael , Helm Jonathan L. , Hastings Paul D.
Published: January 2016

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals report higher levels of stressful interpersonal conflicts with others because of their divergence from heterosexual social norms. In a biopsychosocial model of minority stress, we tested diurnal cortisol slopes and internalized homonegativity (IH) as two potential mechanisms linking experiences of LGB-related stress to depression. The sample consisted of 27 lesbian and bisexual young women and 35 gay and bisexual young men ( N = 62; age, 17–27, M = 21.34 years) from the greater metropolitan area of Montréal, Québec. We predicted that (a) LGB-related stress, IH, and diurnal cortisol slopes would be positively associated with each other and with depression; and (b) flatter diurnal cortisol slopes and/or greater IH would mediate the link between LGB-related stress and depression. LGB-related stress, diurnal cortisol slopes, and IH were positively associated with depression, and mediation analyses showed that diurnal cortisol slopes mediated the link between LGB-related stress and depression. These findings suggest that external stressors associated with being LGB can impact individuals’ physiological coping resources, thus affecting their psychological health.
Mixed Dentition Space Analysis in a Sudanese Population
Authors: Alzubir Abdelbagi A. , Abass Shaza , Ali Mohamed A. E.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To test the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston equation for prediction of the mesiodistal width of unerupted permanent teeth in a Sudanese population and to develop a new prediction equation for this specific population if necessary. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Settings: School-based study.

Subjects and Methods

Two hundred and fifty subjects (118 males and 132 females) age 13 – 19 years were randomly selected from two public secondary high schools in Khartoum State. Mesiodistal widths of the upper and lower permanent canines, first and second premolars (CPM) as well as the mandibular permanent incisors (MPI) were measured manually on the dental casts using a digital caliper. The predicted values of the mesiodistal widths were statistically compared with the respective actual sum of the canine and premolars of the same quadrant.

Results

Moderate correlation coefficients were found between the sum of the mesiodistal width of the MPI and the sum of the CPM in males (0.618 for mandibular arch and 0.626 for maxillary arch) and females (0.726 for mandibular arch and 0.680 for maxillary arch). A low coefficient of determination was recorded (0.45 and 0.48) in both jaws for combined genders.

Conclusions

The Tanaka and Johnston equations overestimated the actual mesiodistal width of CPM in both arches for males and females. New prediction equations with more accurate regression parameters were proposed for the Sudanese population.