bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Detectable Plasmatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Load and Different Subgingival Microorganisms in Brazilian Adults With HIV: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Pereira Viviane Tiago , Pavan Priscila , Souza Rodrigo Carvalho , Souto Renata , Vettore Mario Vianna , Torres Sandra Regina , Vieira Colombo Ana Paula , de Uzeda Milton , Sansone Carmelo , Gonçalves Lucio Souza
Published: August 2013

Background: This study investigates the association between detectable plasmatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load (HVL) and high levels of periodontal‐ and non‐periodontal‐related microorganisms in the subgingival microbiota of individuals with HIV.

Methods: Thirty‐seven individuals with HIV were divided into two groups: 1) detectable HVL (n = 15); and 2) undetectable HVL (n = 22). Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained, and the levels of 35 microbial species were determined by the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method. Periodontal clinical measures and laboratory and sociodemographic data were also registered. χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and Mann‐Whitney U test were used to compare groups. Multilevel ordinal regression models were used to test the association between HVL and the levels of 35 microbial species in subgingival biofilm, adjusted for confounders.

Results: Of the 35 species studied, 11 (31.4%) showed higher mean levels in the detectable HVL group than undetectable HVL group (P <0.001). These species included Actinomyces naeslundii II, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Veillonella parvula, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens, Campylobacter concisus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Candida albicans. Significant associations between detectable HVL and high levels of microorganisms, adjusted for confounders, were observed for A. naeslundii I, Actinomyces gerencseriae, C. gingivalis, E. corrodens, C. concisus, Prevotella nigrescens, T. forsythia, and Dialister pneumosintes.

Conclusion: Detectable plasmatic HVL in individuals with HIV was associated with elevated levels of known periodontal pathogens, such as P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, and E. corrodens, as well as C. concisus, C. gingivalis, and D. pneumosintes in the subgingival biofilm.
Relation of Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome With Gestational Glucose Metabolism Disorder
Authors: Bullon Pedro , Jaramillo Reyes , Santos‐Garcia Rocio , Rios‐Santos Vicente , Ramirez Maria , Fernandez‐Palacin Ana , Fernandez‐Riejos Patricia
Published: August 2013

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and metabolic syndrome have been related to periodontitis. This study's objective is to establish the relationship between them in pregnant women affected by gestational glucose metabolism disorder.

Methods: In 188 pregnant women with positive O'Sullivan test (POT) results, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to diagnose GDM. The mother's periodontal parameters, age, prepregnancy weight and height and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, gestational age, and birth weight were recorded at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, as well as levels of glucose, C‐reactive protein, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels.

Results: Prepregnancy weight, prepregnancy BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, VLDL cholesterol, and glucose parameters were higher in GDM compared with POT (P <0.05). VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and 2‐hour OGTT were higher in patients with periodontitis than in patients without periodontitis (P <0.05). HbA1c, triglycerides, and 1‐ and 2‐hour OGTT were positively related with probing depth and clinical attachment level; blood glucose was related only to bleeding on probing (P <0.05). HbA1c, basal OGTT, and 1‐ and 2‐hour OGTT were positively related to prepregnancy BMI and blood pressure; HDL cholesterol was negatively related to prepregnancy BMI; C‐reactive protein was positively related to prepregnancy BMI and diastolic blood pressure (P <0.05).

Conclusion: These data support the relationships among periodontal disease and some biochemical parameters such as lipid and glucose data in pregnancy, and also among metabolic syndrome and biochemical parameters.
To Promote Adoption of Household Health Technologies, Think Beyond Health
Authors: Thurber Mark C. , Warner Christina , Platt Lauren , Slaski Alexander , Gupta Rajesh , Miller Grant
Published: August 2013

Health risks from poor malaria control, unsafe water, and indoor air pollution are responsible for an important share of the global disease burden—and they can be addressed by efficacious household health technologies that have existed for decades. However, coverage rates of these products among populations at risk remain disappointingly low.

We conducted a review of the medical and public health literatures and found that health considerations alone are rarely sufficient motivation for households to adopt and use these technologies.

In light of these findings, we argue that health education and persuasion campaigns by themselves are unlikely to be adequate. Instead, health policymakers and professionals must understand what users value beyond health and possibly reengineer health technologies with these concerns in mind.
Socioeconomic Status and Lung Cancer: Unraveling the Contribution of Genetic Admixture
Authors: Aldrich Melinda C. , Selvin Steve , Wrensch Margaret R. , Sison Jennette D. , Hansen Helen M. , Quesenberry Charles P. , Seldin Michael F. , Barcellos Lisa F. , Buffler Patricia A. , Wiencke John K.
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We examined the relationship between genetic ancestry, socioeconomic status (SES), and lung cancer among African Americans and Latinos.

Methods. We evaluated SES and genetic ancestry in a Northern California lung cancer case–control study (1998–2003) of African Americans and Latinos. Lung cancer case and control participants were frequency matched on age, gender, and race/ethnicity. We assessed case–control differences in individual admixture proportions using the 2-sample t test and analysis of covariance. Logistic regression models examined associations among genetic ancestry, socioeconomic characteristics, and lung cancer.

Results. Decreased Amerindian ancestry was associated with higher education among Latino control participants and greater African ancestry was associated with decreased education among African lung cancer case participants. Education was associated with lung cancer among both Latinos and African Americans, independent of smoking, ancestry, age, and gender. Genetic ancestry was not associated with lung cancer among African Americans.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that socioeconomic factors may have a greater impact than genetic ancestry on lung cancer among African Americans. The genetic heterogeneity and recent dynamic migration and acculturation of Latinos complicate recruitment; thus, epidemiological analyses and findings should be interpreted cautiously.
The Impact of Obesity on US Mortality Levels: The Importance of Age and Cohort Factors in Population Estimates
Authors: Masters Ryan K. , Reither Eric N. , Powers Daniel A. , Yang Y. Claire , Burger Andrew E. , Link Bruce G.
Published: August 2013

Objectives. To estimate the percentage of excess death for US Black and White men and women associated with high body mass, we examined the combined effects of age variation in the obesity–mortality relationship and cohort variation in age-specific obesity prevalence.

Methods. We examined 19 National Health Interview Survey waves linked to individual National Death Index mortality records, 1986–2006, for age and cohort patterns in the population-level association between obesity and US adult mortality.

Results. The estimated percentage of adult deaths between 1986 and 2006 associated with overweight and obesity was 5.0% and 15.6% for Black and White men, and 26.8% and 21.7% for Black and White women, respectively. We found a substantially stronger association than previous research between obesity and mortality risk at older ages, and an increasing percentage of mortality attributable to obesity across birth cohorts.

Conclusions. Previous research has likely underestimated obesity’s impact on US mortality. Methods attentive to cohort variation in obesity prevalence and age variation in obesity’s effect on mortality risk suggest that obesity significantly shapes US mortality levels, placing it at the forefront of concern for public health action.
Gender-Equitable Attitudes, Bystander Behavior, and Recent Abuse Perpetration Against Heterosexual Dating Partners of Male High School Athletes
Authors: McCauley Heather L. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Silverman Jay G. , Decker Michele R. , Austin S. Bryn , McCormick Marie C. , Virata Maria Catrina , Miller Elizabeth
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We assessed the relationship between gender attitudes, identified as a critical component of violence prevention, and abuse toward dating partners among adolescent male athletes.

Methods. Our sample comprised 1699 athletes from 16 high schools in northern California who were surveyed between December 2009 and October 2010 in the larger Coaching Boys Into Men trial. We used logistic regression to assess the association between gender-equitable attitudes, bystander behavior, and recent abuse incidents.

Results. Athletes with more gender-equitable attitudes and greater intention to intervene were less likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28, 0.46; and AOR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.75, respectively) and athletes who engaged in negative bystander behavior were more likely (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.35) to perpetrate abuse against their female dating partners.

Conclusions. Despite the shift among bystander intervention programs toward gender neutrality, our findings suggest a strong association between gender attitudes and dating violence. Programs designed for adolescents should include discussion of gender attitudes and target bystander behavior, because these components may operate on related but distinct pathways to reduce abuse.
Fraction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Attributable to Overweight and Obesity by Race/Ethnicity, California, 2007–2009
Authors: Kim Shin Y. , Saraiva Carina , Curtis Michael , Wilson Hoyt G. , Troyan Jennifer , Sharma Andrea J.
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We calculated the racial/ethnic-specific percentages of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) attributable to overweight and obesity.

Methods. We analyzed 1 228 265 records of women aged 20 years or older with a live, singleton birth in California during 2007 to 2009. Using logistic regression, we estimated the magnitude of the association between prepregnancy body mass index and GDM and calculated the percentages of GDM attributable to overweight and obesity overall and by race/ethnicity.

Results. The overall estimated GDM prevalence ranged from 5.4% among White women to 11.9% among Asian/Pacific Islander women. The adjusted percentages of GDM deliveries attributable to overweight and obesity were 17.8% among Asians/Pacific Islander, 41.2% among White, 44.2% among Hispanic, 51.2% among Black, and 57.8% among American Indian women. Select Asian subgroups, such as Vietnamese (13.0%), Asian Indian (14.0%), and Filipino (14.2%), had the highest GDM prevalence, but the lowest percentage attributable to obesity.

Conclusions. Elevated prepregnancy body mass index contributed to GDM in all racial/ethnic groups, which suggests that decreasing overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age could reduce GDM, associated delivery complications, and future risk of diabetes in both the mother and offspring.
In vitro and in vivo toxicity of several fungicides and Timorex gold biofungicide to Pythuim aphanidermatum
Authors: Mihajlovic Milica , Rekanovic Emil , Hrustic Jovana , Tanovic Brankica , Potocnik Ivana , Stepanovic Milos , Milijasevic-Marcic Svetlana
Published: August 2013

A survey of in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of Pythuim aphanidermatum to
several commercial fungicides and a biofungicide was undertaken. An isolate
of P. aphanidermatum pathogenic to pepper was collected from a naturally
infested greenhouse soil from Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. The P.
aphanidermatum isolate was sensitive to all tested products. The obtained
EC50 values were as follows: 10.21 mg/l for propamocarb-hydrochloride, 302.65
mg/l for fosetyl-Al, 11.18 mg/l for mancozeb, 1.27 mg/l for mefenoxam, 0.05
mg/l for azoxystrobin, and 175.33 mg/l for tea tree oil. Under greenhouse
conditions, fosetyl-Al was the most efficient fungicide among the tested
substances (97.5%). The biofungicide tea tree oil (Timorex Gold) (35.0%)
exhibited the lowest efficacy among the tested materials, but it was still
significantly better than the untreated control plot. The efficacies of
propamocarb-hydrochloride (Previcur 607 SL), mancozeb (Mankogal 80 WP),
azoxystrobin (Quadris) and mefenoxam (Ridomil gold 480 SL), were 72.5%,
77.5%, 57.5% and 75.0%, respectively.
Spectacular Airlines, Inc.: Implications of the Transition to IFRS in the Context of Cross-Border Acquisitions
Authors: Gujarathi Mahendra R. , Yezegel Ari
Published: August 2013

With increasing global convergence of accounting standards, integration of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) materials in accounting curricula is gaining growing attention worldwide. The Spectacular Airlines case provides an opportunity for you to develop critical thinking skills by requiring you to apply basic accounting concepts to account for customer loyalty programs. It then asks you to identify and apply professional accounting literature to address accounting issues faced by the potential acquirer of Spectacular. Specifically, the case addresses the liability and revenue recognition issues for the frequent flyer plans of airlines, a context in which multiple conceptual approaches are possible and diverse accounting practices are followed. The case helps you to (1) improve your understanding of the importance of financial reporting issues in the context of a real-world business decision, such as cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), (2) research U.S. GAAP and IFRS for addressing revenue recognition issues for customer loyalty programs, (3) understand complexities in the application of an accounting standard in a real-world setting, and (4) evaluate the effects of transition from the local GAAP to IFRS on businesses, their financial statements and ratios.
Risk of Breast Cancer by Individual Insulin Use: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Grimaldi-Bensouda Lamiae , Cameron David , Marty Michel , Barnett Anthony H. , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Pollak Michael , Charbonnel Bernard , Riddle Matthew , Mignot Laurent , Boivin Jean-François , Khachatryan Artak , Rossignol Michel , Bénichou Jacques , Alpérovitch Annick , Abenhaim Lucien ,   for the ISICA Group
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have been published in 2009 suggesting a possible association between insulin glargine and increased risk of malignancies, including breast cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the relation between the individual insulins (glargine, aspart, lispro, and human insulin) and development of breast cancer.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Seven hundred seventy-five incident cases of primary invasive or in situ carcinoma breast cancer occurring in women with diabetes from 92 centers in the U.K., Canada, and France were matched to a mean of 3.9 diabetic community control subjects (n = 3,050; recruited from 580 general practices) by country, age, recruitment date, and diabetes type and management. The main risk model was a multivariate conditional logistic regression model with case/control status as the dependent variable and individual insulin use, 8 years preceding the index date, as the independent variable, controlling for past use of any insulin, oral antidiabetes drugs, reproductive factors, lifestyle, education, hormone replacement therapy and history of contraceptive use, BMI, comorbidities, diabetes duration, and annual number of physician visits. Glargine was also compared with every other insulin by computing all ratios using the variance-covariance matrix of logistic model parameters.

RESULTS

Adjusted odds ratios of breast cancer for each type of insulin versus no use of that insulin were 1.04 (95% CI 0.76–1.44) for glargine, 1.23 (0.79–1.92) for lispro, 0.95 (0.64–1.40) for aspart, and 0.81 (0.55–1.20) for human insulin. Two-by-two comparisons found no difference between glargine and the different types of insulins. Insulin dosage or duration of use and tumor stage did not change the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This international study found no difference in the risk of developing breast cancer in patients with diabetes among the different types of insulin with short- to mid-term duration of use. Longer-term studies would be of interest.
On the critical forcing amplitude of forced nonlinear oscillators
Authors: Febbo Mariano , Ji Jinchen
Published: August 2013

The steady-state response of forced single degree-of-freedom weakly nonlinear oscillators under primary resonance conditions can exhibit saddle-node bifurcations, jump and hysteresis phenomena, if the amplitude of the excitation exceeds a certain value. This critical value of excitation amplitude or critical forcing amplitude plays an important role in determining the occurrence of saddle-node bifurcations in the frequency-response curve. This work develops an alternative method to determine the critical forcing amplitude for single degree-of-freedom nonlinear oscillators. Based on Lagrange multipliers approach, the proposed method considers the calculation of the critical forcing amplitude as an optimization problem with constraints that are imposed by the existence of locations of vertical tangency. In comparison with the Gröbner basis method, the proposed approach is more straightforward and thus easy to apply for finding the critical forcing amplitude both analytically and numerically. Three examples are given to confirm the validity of the theoretical predictions. The first two present the analytical form for the critical forcing amplitude and the third one is an example of a numerically computed solution.
Influence of category, herd size, grazing and management on epidemiology of bovine viral diarrhoea in dairy herds
Authors: Bedeković Tomislav , Lemo Nina , Barbić Ljubo , Cvetnić Željko , Lojkić Ivana , Benić Miroslav , Čač Željko , Lojkić Mirko , Madić Josip
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of category, herd size, common grazing and management as risk factors in maintaining bovine viral diarrhoea infection in dairy herds. A total of 987 sera samples obtained from 202 heifers, 653 cows and 132 calves from 103 herds in Croatia were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In order to establish the prevalence of persistently infected cattle, 35 herds were selected. Ear notch tissue samples from all animals in selected herds (n = 2284) were collected and analyzed by antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The true prevalence of specific antibodies was 61.61% and the estimated prevalence of exposure to bovine viral diarrhoea virus at the herd level was 100%. The prevalence of persistently infected animals was 0.53% and the prevalence of persistently infected herds was 20%. The antibodies prevalence was higher in cows, in herds that use common pasture and in larger herds (P < 0.001). The prevalence of persistently infected animals was not connected with the herd size but production management on big farms contributed to maintaining the virus. The obtained results suggest that production management was an important risk factor in bovine viral diarrohea epidemiology. High prevalence of antibodies and high prevalence of persistently infected herds requires implementation of control and eradication programs at a national or even regional level. The presented data complete the BVD epidemiological investigations from this part of Europe.
Beta-glucan feeding effect on biochemical and immune responses in vaccinated and non-vaccinated piglets against proliferative enteropathy
Authors: Soročinová Jana , Reichel Peter , Mudroňová Dagmar , Novotný Jaroslav , Link Róbert , Lešková Lenka , Smaržik Michal , Seidel Herbert , Húska Miroslav , Macák Vladimír , Dobolyová Soňa , Kovačocyová Katarína
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the results of active non-specific immuno-modulation in form of feeding food additive based on beta-glucan to pregnant sows and consecutive specific immuno-modulation by vaccination of their sucklings. Experimental sows were fed feedstuff with preparation on basis of beta-glucan at a 5% concentration from day 14 before parturition until the weaning of piglets; control sows were fed standard feedstuff only. Sucklings were vaccinated with a single dose of 2 ml of oral vaccine Enterisol® Ileitis one week before weaning. Collection of biological material was done 3 × in sows and 5 × in sucklings. Post-vaccination examination of blood serum for antibodies against L. intracellularis in sucklings in experimental and control groups was negative, probably due to insufficiently long period of rejection of antibiotics-medicated feedstuff and by chlorinated water. With the exception of immunological profile, no essential changes were recorded in the dynamics of other indices of examined profiles in groups of sows in relation to immune-modulation. In groups of sucklings from sows fed beta-glucan supplemented feedstuff significant changes were determined for various indices compared with sucklings from sows fed standard foodstuff. This is the first similar study in pig herds in Slovakia.
Changes in biogenic amine concentrations in meat of eviscerated pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) during storage at 7 °C
Authors: Hutařová Zdeňka , Večerek Vladimír , Maršálek Petr , Steinhauserová Iva , Bořilová Gabriela
Published: August 2013

In our study, we tested biogenic amine concentrations in 20 eviscerated pheasants killed by pithing (the slaughtering technique in which the spinal cord of the animals is severed and their brain is destroyed) and stored at 7 °C for 21 days. Biogenic amine concentrations in breast and thigh muscles were analysed by reverse phase liquid chromatography. In the thigh muscle, the highest increases during the storage time were found in cadaverine (20.17 ± 18.66 mg/kg), putrescine (4.39 ± 4.17 mg/kg) and tyramine (15.20 ± 16.88 mg/kg) concentrations. Changes of biogenic amine concentrations in the breast muscle were minimal during the whole storage time. The concentration of biogenic amines in meat is associated with the presence of contaminating microorganisms. For that reason, biogenic amines are often used as markers of meat spoilage in various livestock species. Based on our results, the biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine and tyramine may be considered the main indicators of hygienic quality of pheasant meat. We can recommend storing pithed pheasants treated by evisceration no longer than for seven days at 7 °C. After that period, biogenic amine concentrations in meat begin to change. The main significance of this study lies in the extension of the lack information about the content of biogenic amines in the meat of eviscerated pithed pheasant and also about changes of their concentrations during the course of storage.
The Logic of Planning and the Aim of the Law
Authors: Simmonds N E
Published: August 2013

In his recent book, Legality, Scott Shapiro argues that laws are plans. Very similar views have already been developed by Finnis. But Shapiro’s version does nothing to accommodate the status of a legal order as a form of association within which force may ordinarily be employed only against those who have violated the law. Shapiro seeks to reconcile his legal positivism with the thesis that law necessarily has a moral aim. But his argument for this thesis contains an equivocation which is fatal to its validity.
Nausea in Specific Phobia of Vomiting
Authors: Höller Yvonne , Van Overveld Mark , Jutglar Heili , Trinka Eugen
Published: August 2013

Specific phobia of vomiting (SPOV) is a clinical condition with early onset, chronic course and substantial psychosocial impairment due to a rigorous avoidance behavior. A primary symptom which drives patients to consult a medical practitioner is nausea. In this study our aim was to further analyze this symptom of SPOV and examined its role in the development and manifestation of the phobia. We conducted an internet survey in the german SPOV-internet-forum. We calculated a nausea score and grouped participants in a high- and low-nausea group to examine the relationship between nausea and characteristics of the fear of vomiting. In this sample (N = 131), nausea was fairly common in most participants with fear of vomiting. Participants in the high-nausea group had significantly higher ratings of subjective fear and significantly longer duration of fear of vomiting. Additionally, the high-nausea group contained more participants with a body mass index below 19 than the low-nausea group. The present findings suggest that nausea is a core symptom in SPOV which is closely related to intensity of the fear, duration of the fear, and body weight. Future research should investigate if nausea-specific design of treatment could improve therapy outcome.
The Influence of Phase Change Materials on the Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Fenollera María , Míguez José , Goicoechea Itziar , Lorenzo Jaime , Ángel Álvarez Miguel
Published: August 2013

The aim of this paper is to research new thermally-efficient concrete walls, analyzing the mechanical behavior of a self-compacting concrete to manufacture an uncoated solid structural panel, with the incorporation of a micro-encapsulated phase change material as additive. Different dosages are tested and mechanical properties of the product obtained from the molding of concrete specimens are evaluated, testing mechanical compressive strength, slump flow, and density. The results reveal the optimum percentage of additive in the mixture that enables compliance with the technical specifications required by the product to be manufactured. A test is also performed for measuring the thermal conductivity for the optimal sample obtained and it evidences the reduction thereof.
Growth and Saxitoxin Production by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) Correlate with Water Hardness
Authors: Carneiro Ronaldo , Pacheco Ana , De Oliveira e Azevedo Sandra
Published: August 2013

The cosmopolitan and increasing distribution of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii can be attributed to its ecophysiological plasticity and tolerance to changing environmental factors in water bodies. In reservoirs in the semi-arid region of Brazil, the presence and common dominance of C. raciborskii have been described in waters that are considered hard. We investigated the response of a Brazilian C. raciborskii strain to water hardness by evaluating its growth and saxitoxin production. Based on environmental data, a concentration of 5 mM of different carbonate salts was tested. These conditions affected growth either positively (MgCO3) or negatively (CaCO3 and Na2CO3). As a control for the addition of cations, MgCl2, CaCl2 and NaCl were tested at 5 or 10 mM, and MgCl2 stimulated growth, NaCl slowed but sustained growth, and CaCl2 inhibited growth. Most of the tested treatments increased the saxitoxin (STX) cell quota after six days of exposure. After 12 days, STX production returned to concentrations similar to that of the control, indicating an adaptation to the altered water conditions. In the short term, cell exposure to most of the tested conditions favored STX production over neoSTX production. These results support the noted plasticity of C. raciborskii and highlight its potential to thrive in hard waters. Additionally, the observed relationship between saxitoxin production and water ion concentrations characteristic of the natural environments can be important for understanding toxin content variation in other harmful algae that produce STX.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Eremanthus erythropappus (DC) McLeisch (Asteraceae)
Authors: Silvério Marcelo , Del-Vechio-Vieira Glauciemar , Pinto Míriam , Alves Maria , Sousa Orlando
Published: August 2013

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of different parts of Eremanthus erythropappus, including leaves, branches and inflorescences, was investigated by Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the oils was assessed by the disc diffusion and microdilution methods, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and reducing power tests. The main compounds found in the essential oils derived from the inflorescences and leaves were β-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, α-copaene and β-pinene. α-Bisabolol was the major component in the branches. The oils were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and fungi, but not Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MIC values ranged from 0.01 to 0.50 mg/mL. Using the DPPH test, the IC50 values ranged from 38.77 ± 0.76 to 102.24 ± 1.96 μg/mL, while the reducing power test produced IC50 values between 109.85 ± 1.68 and 169.53 ± 0.64 μg/mL. The results revealed that the E. erythropappus oils are new promising potential sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds with good future practical applications for human health.
Chemistry and Antiviral Activity of Arrabidaea pulchra (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Brandão Geraldo , Kroon Erna , Souza Danielle , Filho José , Oliveira Alaíde
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present work was to carry out a bioguided isolation of antiviral chemical constituents from an ethanol extract of leaves from Arrabidaea pulchra (Cham.) Sandwith (EEAPL) that had shown in vitro activity in a previous screening using DNA and RNA viruses. The activity of EEPAL was evaluated against the DNA viruses Human herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) and Vaccinia virus Western Reserve (VACV-WR) as well as against the RNA viruses Murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), and Dengue virus 2 (DENV-2) by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Cytotoxicity was determined in LLCMK2 and Vero cells and the Selectivity Indexes (SI) were calculated. The most potent effect was observed against DENV-2 (EC50 46.8 ± 1.6 µg mL−1; SI 2.7). For HSV-1 and VACV-WR EC50 values > 200 µg mL−1 were determined, while no inhibition of the cytopathic effect was observed with EMCV. Bioguided fractionation of EEAPL by partition between immiscible solvents followed by chromatography over a Sephadex LH20 column afforded two arylpropanoid glycosides, verbascoside (AP 1) and caffeoylcalleryanin (AP 2), along with a terpenoid, ursolic acid (AP 3). AP 1 and AP 3 exhibited similar anti-DENV-2 profiles, with SI values of 3.8 and 3.1, respectively, while AP 2 was the most effective anti-DENV-2 constituent, with a SI of 20.0. Our results show that A. pulchra leaves ethanol extract (EEAPL) affords compounds with antiviral activity, mainly against DENV-2.
Evaluating Satellite Products for Precipitation Estimation in Mountain Regions: A Case Study for Nepal
Authors: Krakauer Nir , Pradhanang Soni , Lakhankar Tarendra , Jha Ajay
Published: August 2013

Precipitation in mountain regions is often highly variable and poorly observed, limiting abilities to manage water resource challenges. Here, we evaluate remote sensing and ground station-based gridded precipitation products over Nepal against weather station precipitation observations on a monthly timescale. We find that the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B-43 precipitation product exhibits little mean bias and reasonable skill in giving precipitation over Nepal. Compared to station observations, the TRMM precipitation product showed an overall Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.49, which is similar to the skill of the gridded station-based product Asian Precipitation-Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE). The other satellite precipitation products considered (Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), the Climate Prediction Center Morphing technique (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks-Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS)) were less skillful, as judged by Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, and, on average, substantially underestimated precipitation compared to station observations, despite their, in some cases, higher nominal spatial resolution compared to TRMM. None of the products fully captured the dependence of mean precipitation on elevation seen in the station observations. Overall, the TRMM product is promising for use in water resources applications.
A Polytropic Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus Promoter Isolated from Multiple Tissues from a Sheep with Multisystemic Lentivirus-Associated Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Adedeji Adeyemi , Barr Bradd , Gomez-Lucia Esperanza , Murphy Brian
Published: August 2013

Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a lentivirus that infects both goats and sheep and is closely related to maedi-visna virus that infects sheep; collectively, these viruses are known as small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). Infection of goats and sheep with SRLV typically results in discrete inflammatory diseases which include arthritis, mastitis, pneumonia or encephalomyelitis. SRLV-infected animals concurrently demonstrating lentivirus-associated lesions in tissues of lung, mammary gland, joint synovium and the central nervous system are either very rare or have not been reported. Here we describe a novel CAEV promoter isolated from a sheep with multisystemic lentivirus-associated inflammatory disease including interstitial pneumonia, mastitis, polyarthritis and leukomyelitis. A single, novel SRLV promoter was cloned and sequenced from five different anatomical locations (brain stem, spinal cord, lung, mammary gland and carpal joint synovium), all of which demonstrated lesions characteristic of lentivirus associated inflammation. This SRLV promoter isolate was found to be closely related to CAEV promoters isolated from goats in northern California and other parts of the world. The promoter was denoted CAEV-ovine-MS (multisystemic disease); the stability of the transcription factor binding sites within the U3 promoter sequence are discussed.
Combination of Echocardiographic and Pulmonary Function Test Measures Improves Sensitivity for Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Analysis of 2 Cohorts
Authors: Gladue Heather , Steen Virginia , Allanore Yannick , Saggar Rajeev , Saggar Rajan , Maranian Paul , Berrocal Veronica J. , Avouac Jerome , Meune Christophe , Trivedi Mona , Khanna Dinesh
Published: August 2013

Objective.

To evaluate routinely collected non-invasive tests from 2 systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohorts to determine their predictive value alone and in combination versus right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods.

We evaluated 2 cohorts of patients who were at risk or with incident PAH: (1) The Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) cohort and (2) an inception SSc cohort at Cochin Hospital, Paris, France. Estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) as determined by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and pulmonary function test (PFT) measures was evaluated, and the predictive values determined. We then evaluated patients with PAH missed on TTE cutoffs that were subsequently identified by a PFT measure.

Results.

In the PHAROS cohort (n = 206), 59 (29%) had RHC-defined PAH. An eRVSP threshold of 35–50 mm Hg failed to diagnose PAH in 7% to 31% of patients, 50% to 70% of which (n = 2–13) were captured by PFT measures. In the Cochin cohort (n = 141), 10 (7%) patients had RHC confirmed PAH. An eRVSP threshold of 35–50 mm Hg missed 0% to 70% (n = 0–7) of patients, of which 0% to 68% (n = 0–6) were met by PFT measures. The combination of TTE and PFT improved the negative predictive value for diagnosing PAH.

Conclusion.

In 2 large SSc cohorts, screening with TTE and PFT captured a majority of patients with PAH. TTE and PFT complement each other for the diagnosis of PAH.
The effect of harness racing on the heart rate of professional harness racing drivers
Authors: Nicols L. , Rogers C.W. , Stannard S. , Tanner J.C. , Bridges J.
Published: August 2013

Despite the size of the industry and the large amounts of money wagered on horses, little attention has been focused on the fitness of drivers of Standardbred harness racehorses. The purpose of this study was to describe the drivers’ pre-race, post-race and maximal heart rate response to multiple racing during a night of harness racing. Heart rate (HR), subjective measures of race difficulty and physical work effort, and race results were collected from eight professional Standardbred harness drivers during an official race meeting. Drivers were fitted with HR monitors prior to the start of the first race and data were continuously logged until the end of the last race. During the race meeting the drivers displayed a high mean heart rate 145±21 beats per minute. The heart rate profile during a single race demonstrated an early peak, a moderate level baseline and then increased again as the drivers took the last turn to the finish line. The best predictor of workload effort during the race was peak HR. The primary variables in explaining peak HR were final placing, horse difficulty, and pre-race HR. These data indicate that the physical work required to maintain driver position and the external stimuli associated with positioning the horse for a placing produce significant cardiovascular stress.
Association Between Ocular Dominance and Refractive Asymmetry
Authors: Ito Misae , Shimizu Kimiya , Kawamorita Takushi , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Sunaga Kei , Komatsu Mari
Published: August 2013

PURPOSE:

To investigate the association between ocular dominance (sighting dominance) and refractive asymmetry in phakic patients.

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 3,012 patients with a mean age of 29.0 ± 5.3 years (range: 20 to 39 years). Refractive error was determined with cycloplegic refraction and axial length was determined with IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Ocular dominance was assessed using the hole-in-the-card test.

RESULTS:

The right and left eyes were dominant in 77.7% and 22.3% of the patients, respectively. In the high anisometropia group (⩾ 2.0 diopters), the non-dominant eyes had significantly higher myopic spherical equivalents and longer axial lengths than the dominant eyes (
P
< .05). However, there were no significant differences in these parameters in the low anisometropia group.

CONCLUSION:

The current study revealed that non-dominant eyes had a greater myopic refractive error and longer axial length than the dominant eyes, especially in the patients who had high amounts of anisometropia.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2013;29(10):716–720.]
Visualizations of User Data in a Social Media Enhanced Web-based Environment in Higher Education
Authors: Silius Kirsi , Tervakari Anne-Maritta , Kailanto Meri
Published: August 2013

In this article, we introduce the results of a study concerning user data visualizations in the context of the TUT Circle, a social media enhanced web service for learning, networking, and communication at the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). Well-designed visualizations can provide valuable insight into student activity and participation in an online course, and therefore support both teachersâ?? and studentsâ?? strategic decision making. We found social network analytics and visualizations useful in providing information to improve the pedagogical practices of online courses, as well as the studentsâ?? overall engagement in their studies and study lives. However, to be useful, the visualizations need to have enough hints so that the users can interpret the different elements in them in the right way.
Comparison of LMSs: Which is the Most Suitable LMS for my Needs?
Authors: Caminero Agustin C , Hernandez Roberto , Ros Salvador , Tobarra Llanos , Robles-Gomez Antonio , Pastor Rafael
Published: August 2013

The role of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)

is very important when conducting educational activities, spe-

cially in the case of distant education â?? when its use becomes

essential since all the interactions among the participants in the

learning/teaching process are conducted though it. There are a

number tools to provide this functionality, both open-source (such

as .LRN, Sakai, or Moodle) and proprietary solutions (such as

Blackboard).

Given the wide variety of existing LMSs, it is worthwhile to

devote effort in order to figure out which LMS is the most suitable

for my needs? This paper strives at answering this question

by presenting a twofold evaluation that compares three of the

most widely used open-source LMS, namely .LRN, Sakai, and

Moodle. First, a performance evaluation is presented that shows

the different levels of use of the hardware resources (e.g. CPU,

memory, I/O) of the machine the LMS is running on. Second,

a performance evaluation from the point of view of the system

administrators is also presented.
Projet pédagogique et ingénierie de l’unité didactique
Authors: Puren Christian
Published: August 2013

La nouvelle « perspective actionnelle » ébauchée dans le Cadre Européen Commun de Référence pour les Langues (CECRL, Didier 2001) se donne comme finalité la formation d’un « acteur social ». Cette finalité amène tout naturellement à considérer le « projet pédagogique » comme activité de référence parce qu’il engage par définition les apprenants comme des acteurs sociaux à part entière de leur propre projet d’apprentissage dans l’espace de la classe et pendant le temps de leur apprentissage. C’est (ou ce devrait être) particulièrement le cas dans des environnements d’enseignement-apprentissage tels que les IUT, où les projets pédagogiques proposés par les enseignants peuvent soit simuler de futures activités professionnelles, soit correspondre à des projets réels tels que ceux impliquant la conception, la préparation, la réalisation et l’exploitation de stages de terrain à l’étranger. On se propose d’examiner ici la nouvelle question d’ingénierie didactique qui se pose du coup aux enseignants et concepteurs de matériels didactiques : comment concilier la logique (d’autonomie maximale) et le temps (long) des projets pédagogiques avec un dispositif ‒ ladite « unité didactique » ‒ qui reste malgré tout nécessaire, mais qui obéit à une logique contraire (celle de la pré-programmation des contenus et des activités) et à un temps plus court.
Finite Element Analysis of Natural Vibration Frequency for Unbounded Prestressed Concrete Beams
Authors: Li Feng Ge , Zhao Yan
Published: August 2013

An experimental investigation on the dynamic characteristics of unbounded prestressed concrete simply support beams is presented. A total of 5 unbounded prestressed concrete simply support beams were constructed and tested. The influence of prestressing on natural vibration frequency of concrete beams is studied by applying prestress gradually. A model of variable stiffness is proposed to calculate the natural vibration frequency of unbounded prestressed concrete beams. The finite element program Sap2000 is used to calculate the frequency of unbounded prestressed concrete beams. The results show that the calculating results agree well with experimental ones.
The Practical Calculation Charts to Determine Column Effective Length of Framework and Bent Framework
Authors: Sheng Zhi , Zhou Dong Hua
Published: August 2013

Calculation of effective length of columns is key of stability checking in design, therefore some formulas and tables are given in Code for Design of Steel Structures (GB 50017-2010), which show some application Limitations. These formulas and tables are made based on assumptions for regular frames. For some special cases, such as existence of the large difference of the column axial force or column length among the framework columns, these formulas and tables are no longer applicable. The practical calculation charts are derived by authors by using the displacement method with the second-order theory, which can be used to quickly determine column effective length and show intuitive trends of the lengths.
Suspend-Dome Static Behavior Analysis
Authors: Dai Xi Yun , Kong Xiang Yun , Tian Lin
Published: August 2013

Suspend-dome structure form which colligates advantages of cable dome and reticulated shell is a new type spatial hybrid structure system. This article introduced the configuration and principle of suspend-dome structure system, and researched the structural behavior influence by altering the joint stiffness, vector height of the suspend-dome and the loop cable pretension. The results show that suspend-dome structure should make comprehensive consideration on interaction between vector height, prestress application and other factors, and relevant optimizing design method can be adopted in the design.
Design Recommendation for Large Depth-to-Span Ratio and Opening of Single-Layer Spericallattice Shells
Authors: Zhang Jun , Shi Yi , Xie Guoang
Published: August 2013

The application of perforated shell gradually increased, but the current design method has no explicit provisions. In this paper, based on large depth-to-span ratio and openings of single-layer spherical lattice shells structure for static and dynamic analysis, and the effects of opening and not opening shell difference of internal force under static load and deformation, I put forward the design proposal.
Study on Influence of Temperature to Section Deformation of Steel Box Girder during Cantilever Installation
Authors: Li Zhong San , Lei Jun Qing , Zhang Kun , Xiao Yun , Lin Dao Jin
Published: August 2013

Because of solar radiation and the atmospheric temperature rise, the temperature change of the steel box girder bridge be larger. Thermal conductivity and sensitivity to the temperature change of steel is very good. The impact of temperature effect can be compared with the dead and live load under certain circumstances. Taking a bridge as example, the relative deformation of flat steel box-shaped girder is analyzed with the finite element analysis software. The results can be reference for other bridges.
A New Magneticrheological Damper Nonlinear Bingham Hysteretic Model and ANSYS Implementation
Authors: Zhang Zheng Xin , Huang Fang Lin
Published: August 2013

In this paper, firstly, a new nonlinear Bingham hysteretic model is established by studying on the Test results of damping force characteristics of the magneto rheological fluid. The model not only can simulate the damping characteristics of the magneto rheological damper very well, but also can well describe the relationship between damping and velocity with the small velocity, and has fewer parameters by compared with other magneto rheological damper model. Secondly, based on nonlinear least square method, the parameters with different current are recognized and the relationship between the parameters and current is defined, then the mechanical model is theoretically verified. Furthermore, the mechanical model is simulated by ANSYS, the data obtained agree well with the calculated value.
The Low Strain Detection Test to Pile-Foundations of a Communication Hinge Engineering
Authors: Shao Hai Ping , Chen Chang Liu , Wang Xiu Li , Zhu Yan Peng
Published: August 2013

The low strain method has the advantages of simple, fast detection is widely used in the pile testing. The low strain method was presented to pile test on a communication hinge engineering of China Mobile Group Gansu Co.,Ltd. The basic theory, tesing method of pile and judgment standard about the ultrasonic wave method are analyzed.