bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Consequences of a Spontaneous Loss of Heterozygosity in a Common Laboratory Strain of Candida albicans
Authors: Ciudad Toni , Hickman Meleah , Bellido Alberto , Berman Judith , Larriba Germán
Published: May 2016

By testing the susceptibility to DNA damaging agents of several Candida albicans mutant strains derived from the commonly used laboratory strain, CAI4, we uncovered sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in CAI4 and its derivatives, but not in CAF2-1. This sensitivity is not a result of URA3 disruption because the phenotype was not restored after URA3 reintroduction. Rather, we found that homozygosis of a short region of chromosome 3R (Chr3R), which is naturally heterozygous in the MMS-resistant-related strains CAF4-2 and CAF2-1, confers MMS sensitivity and modulates growth polarization in response to MMS. Furthermore, induction of homozygosity in this region in CAF2-1 or CAF4-2 resulted in MMS sensitivity. We identified 11 genes by SNP/comparative genomic hybridization containing only the a alleles in all the MMS-sensitive strains. Four candidate genes, SNF5, POL1, orf19.5854.1, and MBP1, were analyzed by generating hemizygous configurations in CAF2-1 and CAF4-2 for each allele of all four genes. Only hemizygous MBP1a/mbp1b::SAT1-FLIP strains became MMS sensitive, indicating that MBP1a in the homo- or hemizygosis state was sufficient to account for the MMS-sensitive phenotype. In yeast, Mbp1 regulates G1/S genes involved in DNA repair. A second region of homozygosis on Chr2L increased MMS sensitivity in CAI4 (Chr3R homozygous) but not CAF4-2 (Chr3R heterozygous). This is the first example of sign epistasis in C. albicans.
A DEGRADAÇÃO E FRAGILIDADE DOS SOLOS NO SUDOESTE DE GOIÁS: O CASO DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIBEIRÃO DA PICADA
Authors: Estevam-Alves Régia , Francisca-de-Souza Luzia , Maria-de-Souza Valéria , Ferreira-Queiroz Thales Augusto , Vieira-Lima Jéssica
Published: May 2016

Este artículo presenta una reflexión sobre la degradación del punto de vista de la fragilidad ambiental del suelo, presentando como área de estudio la cuenca hidrográfica del Ribeirão da Picada/GO. Para eso, se ha elaborado la fragilidad potencial y emergente de esta cuenca utilizando información y datos sobre el clima, el suelo, la declividad, erosividad y el uso de la tierra. Además, fue hecha una revisión de la literatura sobre el tema de la degradación y metodologías de la tierra utilizadas en la preparación de la fragilidad del medio ambiente. Los resultados mostraron que la preparación de la fragilidad ambiental permite conocer las características del entorno de las cuencas hidrográficas, lo que permite identificar los más propensos a las áreas de degradación. ABSTRACTThis paper presents a reflection on the degradation of soils from the environmental fragility point of view, having as area of study the watershed of Ribeirao da Picada/GO. For this purpose, the potential and emerging fragility of that watershed has been established by using information and data on climate, soils, slope, rainfall erosivity and land use. In addition, there was a literature review on the issue of land degradation and methodologies used to establish the environmental fragility.The results showed us that the preparation of the environmental fragility makes it possible to know the characteristics of the watershed environment, allowing the identification of areas that are more prone to degradation.RESUMOEste trabalho apresenta uma reflexão sobre a degradação dos solos do ponto de vista da fragilidade ambiental, tendo como área de estudo a Bacia Hidrográfica do Ribeirão da Picada/GO. Para isso elaborou-se a fragilidade potencial e emergente dessa bacia hidrográfica utilizando informações e dados sobre o clima, os solos, a declividade, erosividade e o uso da terra. Além disso, fez-se uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da questão da degradação dos solos e de metodologias utilizadas para elaboração de fragilidade ambiental. Os resultados mostraram que a elaboração da fragilidade ambiental possibilita conhecer as características do ambiente da bacia hidrográfica, permitindo identificar quais as áreas mais propensas à degradação.
Hybrid Imaging in the Catheter Laboratory: Real-time Fusion of Echocardiography and Fluoroscopy During Percutaneous Structural Heart Disease Interventions
Authors: Balzer Jan ,   Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany,   Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany,   Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany,   Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany, Zeus Tobias , Veulemans Verena , Kelm Malte
Published: May 2016

Percutaneous catheter-based techniques for the treatment of structural heart disease are becoming more complex, and current imaging techniques have limitations: while fluoroscopy gives poor visualisation of cardiac anatomical structures, echocardiography is limited in its ability to detect the position of catheters and devices. The EchoNavigator® (Philips) live image guidance tool is a novel system that integrates real-time echocardiography with fluoroscopic X-ray imaging, optimising the guidance and positioning of devices. Use of the EchoNavigator system facilitates improved understanding of anatomical structures while showing enhanced visualisation of catheter and device movements. Early clinical experience suggests that the technology is feasible and safe, and provides enhanced understanding of the relationship between soft tissue anatomy and catheter devices in structural heart disease. The use of the EchoNavigator system can improve the confidence of interventional cardiologists in the targeting and positioning of devices in percutaneous interventions in structural heart disease, and has the potential to reduce procedural time, reduce the dosage of contrast and radiation and increase safety in the performance of procedural steps.
Interventional Therapies for Resistant Hypertension: A Brief Update
Authors: Brandon Lisa ,   Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland,   Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland, Sharif Faisal
Published: May 2016

Resistant hypertension remains a clinical challenge with few management options beyond maximisation of medications. Catheterbased renal artery denervation (RDN) was proposed in 2009 as a possible therapy for resistant hypertension and early feasibility trials caused excitement among cardiologists and antihypertensive specialists, showing remarkable and sustained blood pressure reductions. In 2014, enthusiasm for RDN dampened following the SYMPLICITY 3 trial results, which showed no statistically significant difference in blood pressure between the intervention and control arms. However, hope remains for the improved management of resistant hypertension; procedural understanding, technological advancements and alternative targets – such as baroreceptor activation therapy and arteriovenous shunts – may aid the identification of those patients for whom specific interventional therapies will be effective.
Pesquisa e produção de conhecimento sobre a América Latina na ciência política brasileira
Authors: Damasceno João Pedro Tavares , Botelho João Carlos Amoroso
Published: May 2016

Resumo O artigo testa a hipótese de que a ciência política brasileira se interessa pouco pela América Latina, usando as bases de CNPq e Capes sobre grupos de pesquisa e programas de pós-graduação e as edições disponíveis no SciELO de uma seleção de revistas. Todos os itens avaliados - grupos de pesquisa da área que estudam a América Latina, trabalhos sobre a região nos programas de pós-graduação e artigos sobre a América Latina nas revistas selecionadas - têm se expandido nos períodos considerados. Por outro lado, alguns dados relativizam esse achado. Apesar da expansão, a pesquisa e a produção sobre a América Latina na ciência política brasileira ainda estão aquém do necessário para um país que prioriza sua inserção na região. A explicação para isso é que a disciplina tem dificuldades metodológicas para incluir mais casos aos estudos que desenvolve.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-resorptive Effects of Atorvastatin on Alveolar Bone Loss in Wistar Rats
Authors: Goes Paula , Lima Neiberg Alcântara , Rodrigues José Ariévilo Gurgel , Benevides Norma Maria Barros , Brito Gerly Anne Castro , Lima Vilma
Published: May 2016

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive effect of atorvastatin (ATV) in an experimental alveolar bone loss (ABL) model. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the maxillary second molar for 11 days. The animals received 0.9% saline (2 mL/kg) or ATV (0.3, 3 or 27 mg/kg) daily by gavage. ABL was evaluated by resorption area and histopathological analysis. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity was also evaluated. Leukogram was performed at 0 h, 6th h, 2nd, 7th and 11th days. Kidney and liver conditions and the body mass variation were analyzed. ATV (3 and 27 mg/kg) inhibited ABL by 39% and 56%, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that ATV 27 mg/kg prevented ABL and cemental resorption, and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by ligature. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented serum BALP levels reduction. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented leukocytosis and did not affect either kidney or liver function nor body mass weight. ATV showed a protecting effect in the ligature-induced periodontitis, without affecting system parameters, by inhibition of inflammatory process and by its anabolic activity on the alveolar bone.
Eficiência de óleos essenciais na qualidade sanitária e fisiológica em sementesde feijão-fava (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Authors: GOMES R.S.S. , NUNES M.C. , NASCIMENTO L.C. , SOUZA J.O. , PORCINO M.M.
Published: May 2016

RESUMO A espécie Phaseolus lunatus L., conhecida popularmente como feijão-fava constitui uma das alternativas de renda e alimentação para a população da região Nordeste do Brasil. Um dos problemas enfrentados são as doenças que provocam grandes perdas na produção de sementes. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficiência dos óleos essenciais de copaíba, cravo-da-índia e manjericão na redução da incidência de fungos associados às sementes de feijão-fava, e sua interferência na qualidade fisiológica. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por óleos essenciais de copaíba, cravo-da-índia e manjericão nas concentrações de 0; 1; 1,5 e 2 mL. L-1 e fungicida (Captan®). Foram utilizadas 200 sementes por tratamento. Para análise da qualidade sanitária das sementes foi adotado o método de incubação em placas de Petri contendo dupla camada de papel-filtro umedecida com ADE, sob temperatura de 20 ±2 ºC, por 7 dias. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi determinada com base nos testes de germinação, emergência e vigor das sementes. Para o teste germinação foi empregado método de rolo de papel germitest e na emergência osemeio foi realizado em bandejas plásticas contendo areia lavada esterilizada, em condição de casa de vegetação, e após 9 dias da instalação foi determinado o vigor com base nos resultados de índice de velocidade de germinação e emergência; comprimento da parte aérea, raiz primária e plântula; e teor de massa seca da partes aérea, raízes e plântulas de feijão-fava. O delineamento experimental foi interiamente casualizados, em esquama de fatorial simples (3x4)+1 (óleos essenciais x concentrações + fungicida), com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Os óleos essenciais de copaíba e manjericão reduziram consideravelmente o percentual de incidência dos fungos associados as sementes de feijão-fava. O óleo essencial de cravo-da-índia na concetração de 2 mL. L-1, reduziu a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de feijão-fava.
Efeitos de diferentes substratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de Foeniculum vulgare
Authors: RANZANI R.E. , LUZ P.B. , MAROSTEGA T.N. , PAIVA SOBRINHO S.
Published: May 2016

RESUMO O funcho (Foeniculum vulgare) é uma espécie medicinal nativa da Europa e amplamente cultivada em todo o Brasil. Possui propriedades carminativas, digestivas e diuréticas. Dada a grande importância dessa espécie no âmbito medicinal, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de diferentes substratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de funcho. Os tratamentos foram compostos de duas temperaturas sendo uma constante de 20ºC e outra alternada de 25-30 °C e três diferentes substratos: papel mata borrão (Germitest), areia e vermiculita, em esquema fatorial 3 x 2, com 4 repetições de 25 sementes. Foi avaliado o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), porcentagem de germinação (PG), comprimento da radícula (CR), massa fresca (MF) e seca (MS) de plântulas. A temperatura de 20 ºC proporcionou maiores IVG, porcentagens de germinação, comprimento de radícula e massa seca. A germinação de sementes de funcho não foi influenciada pelos diferentes substratos testados. Pelos resultados, conclui-se que a condição que permitiu maior porcentagem de germinação das sementes de funcho foi a temperatura de 20 °C atingindo 91% de germinação.
Gravidez Indesejada e Tentativa de Aborto: práticas e contextos
Authors: Milanez Núbia , Oliveira Adauto Emmerich , Barroso Ana Dilza Viana , Martinelli Katrini Guidolini , Esposti Carolina Dutra Degli , Santos Neto Edson Theodoro dos
Published: May 2016

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo é explorar aspectos da gravidez indesejada e da tentativa de aborto revelados numa avaliação da assistência pré-natal. Realizou-se uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, com 1035 puérperas da Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil, internadas para o parto em maternidades de referência do Sistema Único de Saúde. No inquérito populacional, coletaram-se dados sociodemográficos, bem como sobre sentimentos e expectativas diante da gravidez. Na etapa qualitativa, realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados evidenciaram a tentativa de aborto inseguro em consequência da gravidez indesejada. Foram reveladas vulnerabilidades entre as pesquisadas, que demonstraram conhecimento popular sobre riscos do aborto para o bebê. Compreende-se que as mulheres se arriscam por meio do aborto induzido, revelando conflitos morais que persistem na sociedade brasileira, especialmente acerca do direito à vida e do direito à autonomia da mulher.
Potential Corn Yield Losses from Weeds in North America
Authors: Soltani Nader , Dille J. Anita , Burke Ian C. , Everman Wesley J. , VanGessel Mark J. , Davis Vince M. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: May 2016

Crop losses from weed interference have a significant effect on net returns for producers. Herein, potential corn yield loss because of weed interference across the primary corn-producing regions of the United States and Canada are documented. Yield-loss estimates were determined from comparative, quantitative observations of corn yields between nontreated and treatments providing greater than 95% weed control in studies conducted from 2007 to 2013. Researchers from each state and province provided data from replicated, small-plot studies from at least 3 and up to 10 individual comparisons per year, which were then averaged within a year, and then averaged over the seven years. The resulting percent yield-loss values were used to determine potential total corn yield loss in t ha−1 and bu acre−1 based on average corn yield for each state or province, as well as corn commodity price for each year as summarized by USDA-NASS (2014) and Statistics Canada (2015). Averaged across the seven years, weed interference in corn in the United States and Canada caused an average of 50% yield loss, which equates to a loss of 148 million tonnes of corn valued at over U.S.$26.7 billion annually.
Comparison of local infiltration and epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Huan , Cang Jing , Xue Zhanggang , Lu Jianfeng , Wang Hao
Published: May 2016

Pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty should permit early mobilization with minimal pain. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a new popular method for decreasing postoperative pain. The goal of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of LIA in comparison with epidural analgesia. A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, the OVID database, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. Outcomes of interest included visual analog scale score, range of flexion, length of stay, and complications. Nine trials involving 537 patients met the inclusion criteria. LIA provides better pain relief and larger range of motion in TKA patients compared to epidural analgesia at the late postoperative period. No significant difference was observed in regard to the length of stay and complications. The current evidence shows that the use of local infiltration is effective for postoperative pain management in TKA patients. More high-quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are required for examining the long-term efficacy and safety of local infiltration.
Phenotypic Variability of Bacterial Cell Cycle: Mathematical Model
Authors: Лихошвай В.А. , Likhoshvai V.A.
Published: May 2016

The results of the study of mechanisms of different cell phenotypes occurrence in a genetically homogenous population using the bacterial cell cycle
model are presented. It was shown that phenotypic variability represents an internal, immanent property of bacteria. The basis of this phenomenon is
universal non-linear properties of the conjugated transcription-translation system, that controls all cellular processes. Phenotypic variability occurs
in a simple, deterministic, self-reproducing system under the uniform transmission of the structural components to the daughter cells during division
and in the absence of any special control mechanisms of molecular-genetic processes and enzymatic reactions.
Exploring the Aesthetics of Mexican-American Popular Ritual
Authors: Tirres Christopher D.
Published: May 2016

This essay explores the ritual dynamics of Good Friday at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas. Four liturgies take place on this day, the most famous of which is the via crucis, or public reenactment of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. As gripping as the via crucis is, the author focuses on a lesser-known Good Friday liturgy, a traditional Mexican service called the Pésame. In this solemn service, congregants come to pay their condolences to the grieving Mary, who performs a powerful liturgical dance. The essay explores the ways that Mary’s dance ignites not only a visceral aesthetics of sense but also a more encompassing aesthetics of the moral imagination. In offering this interpretation, the author draws on insights from both ritual studies and practical theology, showing how they may critically inform each other.
Integrative Political Strategies—Conceptualizing and Analyzing a New Type of Policy Field
Authors: Bornemann Basil
Published: May 2016

Traditionally, policymaking has been described as taking place within the boundaries of differentiated and institutionalized policy fields. Regarding some newer issue areas, such as sustainability or climate change, this “sectoralized” pattern of policy development does not seem to be an adequate description anymore. Here, a different type of policymaking that practitioners regularly qualify as “integrative” and “strategic” can be observed: policymaking transgresses the boundaries of established policy fields and integrates differentiated policy areas by means of overall political strategies. How can scholars make sense of these supposedly new forms of policymaking in contemporary policy systems? On what conceptual grounds and with what kinds of tools can they analyze the respective policy practices? In this paper, I critically review the current literature on “integrative political strategies” (IPS) and argue that existing conceptualizations and studies of IPS are flawed since they rest on problematic functional presumptions and do not consider the analytical implications of “integration” and “strategy” as practical cornerstones of IPS. Aiming at more conceptual and analytical clarity, I propose interpreting IPS in terms of a new, “reflexive” type of policy field that emerges from countermovements to two dominant trends that have shaped contemporary policy systems—integration as a countermovement to the continuing differentiation of policies, on one hand, and strategy as a flexible form of boundary work that contrasts with the pattern of institutionalization, on the other hand. I outline an analytical repertoire for systematically on the basis of this, taking account of policy integration and political strategy in contemporary policymaking. I conclude with some implications of my propositions for future policy research.
Ácidos húmicos para obtenção de maior massa fresca inicial em plantas de feijão comum ‘Pérola’
Authors: Silva Lincon Rafael da , Guimarães Matheus Garcia , Freitas Roberto José de , Pelá Adilson , Carvalho Daniel Diego Costa
Published: May 2016

Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes doses de ácidos húmicos na obtenção de massa fresca inicial de plantas de feijão comum ‘Pérola’. Para tanto, sementes de feijão foram tratadas com Rhal S1® (18% de ácidos húmico + 1,5% de ácidos fúlvicos) nas doses de 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 e 500 mL da solução para cada 100 kg de sementes. Em seguida, as sementes foram semeadas em vasos de 500 g de capacidade e após 14 dias de cultivo em casa de vegetação, foram mensurados a massa fresca da parte aérea e massa fresca das raízes. O experimento foi disposto em delineamento inteiramente casualizados (DIC)com quatro repetições (1 planta por vaso; 4 plantas por tratamento)e os resultados foram submetidos, à análise de regressão. As equações de regressão obtiveram resposta quadrática para todas a variáveis analisadas em função das doses aplicadas. As plantas de feijão responderam pelo aumento de massa fresca da parte aérea até a dose de 200 mL de Rhal S1® 100 Kg-1 sementes, enquanto que amassa fresca das raízes respondeu até a dose de 100 mL de Rhal S1® 100 Kg-1 sementes, confirmando maior demanda da parte aérea por ácidos húmicos do que as raízes.

Humic acids to obtain higher early fresh matter in ‘Pérola’ common bean plants

Abstract: It is aimed to evaluate different doses of humic acidto obtain early fresh matter of ‘Pérola’ common bean plants. Therefore, common bean seeds were treated with Rhal S1® (18% of humic acid + 1.5% of fulvic acids) at doses of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mL of solution for each 100 kg seeds. Just after, the seeds were sown in 500 g capacity pots and after 14-days cultivation in greenhouse, it was measured the fresh matter of the aerial part and fresh matter of the roots. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates (1 plant per pot; 4 plants per treatment) and the results of the two experiments were subjected, together, to regression analysis. The regression equations obtained quadratic response for all variables evaluated in function of the applied doses. The common bean plants respond by the increasing of fresh matter of aerial part up to 200 mL of Rhal S1® 100 Kg-1 seeds, while the fresh matter ot the roots increasing up to 100 mLof Rhal S1® 100 Kg-1 seeds, confirming greater demand of shoots by humic acids than the roots.
Ciência, tecnologia e inovação para saúde (CTIS)
Authors: SANTOS Leonor Maria Pacheco
Published: May 2016

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Frequency of various kinds of behaviour and emotional excitability in Thoroughbred yearlings trained by natural methods
Authors: Janczarek Iwona , Stachurska Anna , Wilk Izabela , Kędzierski Witold
Published: May 2016

The objective of the study was to determine the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems associated with various kinds of behaviour in Thoroughbred yearlings during initial training by natural methods. The initial training lasted approximately one hour a day for three successive days. Each day, the behaviour of each colt during the first 15 minutes of training was filmed. During training, a telemetric device was used to measure heart rhythm parameters: heart rate (HR per minute), which shows the activity level of the sympathetic system, and RMSSD (root mean square of two successive RR intervals in QRS curve; ms), illustrating the activity level of the parasympathetic system. On the basis of the film, the frequency of 10 most typical kinds of behaviour was estimated. The synchronization of the film with the heart rhythm parameters record made it possible to determine the mean values of these parameters for particular kinds of behaviour. The results show that on the successive days of training, the activity of the parasympathetic part of the autonomic system increased, and the frequency of reactions decreased. The heart rhythm parameters show that, among the typical reactions to training, four kinds of behaviour are desirable: turning the head towards the trainer, low position of the head, turning ears towards the trainer and licking the lips. Other kinds of behaviour, that is, running away, a high position of the head, vocalization, teeth grinding, tail movements to the sides and defecation, are undesirable. The highest excitability is associated with running away and a high position of the head, whereas the head turned towards the trainer and a low position of the head show that the horse is calm.
Kinetics of the growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus in regional rennet ripened cheese manufactured from unpasteurized goat’s milk
Authors: Bednarko-Młynarczyk Elżbieta , Szteyn Joanna , Białobrzewski Ireneusz , Wiszniewska-Łaszczych Agnieszka , Liedtke Katarzyna
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the kinetics of the growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus in regional rennet ripened cheese manufactured from unpasteurized goat’s milk. Cheese samples were contaminated with S. aureus and stored at 4, 6, 20, or 22oC. During storage, pH balance, water activity, and the number of S. aureus cells per gram of the sample were determined. On the basis of the data, models of growth and survival of staphylococci in cheese were described, using a system of three coupled differential equations. The analysis of the measurements and fitting of the model demonstrated that the model consisting of a system of three differential equations was a good fit for the experimental data on water activity, pH, and the number of bacteria.
Partial anterior mitral leaflet resection with adjacent ring plication – feasibility pilot study
Authors: Antosik Paweł , Sologashwilli Tornike , Pawelec-Wojtalik Małgorzata , Wodziński Andrzej , Ładziński Piotr , Bartkowska-Śniatkowska Alicja , Bukowska Dorota , Sobieraj Michał , Nałęcz Tomasz , Cudak Edyta , Wojtalik Michał
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and repeatability of a partial removal of the anterior mitral leaflet medial part (AML-A3) accompanied by corresponding anterior mitral annulus plication as a method of valve repair. Four male land race pigs underwent median sternotomy and consecutive cardio-pulmonary by-pass under general anesthesia with hemodynamic monitoring. The AML was detached from the annulus at 1/3 of its length beginning from the postero-median commissure in the direction to the aortic valve and cut off towards the A2-A3 indentation. Three single 3-0 silk sutures were utilized to plicate the mitral annulus segment corresponding with the detached leaflet. The remaining free edge of the AML lateral part was reattached to the plicated ring and to the postero-median commissure with the running 5-0 polypropylene suture. Preoperative and postoperative epicardial echocardiography was performed. All animals survived the operation and were weaned from the cardiopulmonary bypass. All reconstructed MVs were competent. Mean MV diameter decreased after the plasty and did not cause significant diastolic MV flow velocity increase. LVOT anatomy was not altered as well as LVOT flow velocities remained unchanged. The AoV was competent after the operation and did not change its diameter. Partial AML resection completed by corresponding annulus plication is a feasible and repeatable procedure. It does not negatively influence the functioning of LVOT and AoV. Infective and/or congenital MV involvement in selected patients could be a possible indication for this method of MV reconstruction.
Recent progress in the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease: Rapid field-based assays
Authors: Niedbalski Wiesław
Published: May 2016

The rapid and accurate diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is critical for effective disease control. Most of laboratory-based methods can provide objective results within a few hours of sample receipt. However, the time taken to transport suspect material to the laboratory can be unacceptably long, often precluding laboratory confirmation in the event of an outbreak. Therefore, rapid and easy-to-perform tests, which can be used in the field (on-site) in case of a suspected disease outbreak, would be a valuable tool for veterinarians in the initial diagnosis of FMDV. The lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) test has been efficiently used for the detection of specific antibodies against FMDV non-structural proteins. FMDV serotypes O, A, Asia 1, SAT 2 and non-serotype-specific FMDV. Recently, several FMD-specific real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assays have been transferred to portable mobile platforms and evaluated for the detection of FMDV in the field: the Cepheid SmartCycler Real-time PCR machine, Enigma FL and LightCycler Nano System. The BioSeeq-Vet (Smiths Detection) was the first commercially available truly portable PCR instrument for the detection of viral RNA in the field. Additionally, a new portable amplification platform Genie I for the on-site detection of viral RNA by reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) has also been developed and evaluated. Infrared thermography (IRT), a quantitative method for the assessment of body surface temperature, may also be a useful tool for the early detection of FMDV in the field. In the absence of overt clinical signs, the IRT rapid screening test, which measures heat emission, can be essential in selecting potentially infected animals. Microarrays, a recently introduced technology for the laboratory diagnosis of FMD, offers greater screening capabilities for FMDV detection and can be regarded as an alternative to classical diagnostic methods.
Family Life Satisfaction Scale—turkish Version: Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Taşdelen-Karçkay Arzu
Published: May 2016

My aim was to adapt the Family Life Satisfaction Scale, which was developed by Barraca, Yarto and Olea (2000), for use with a Turkish sample and to examine the adapted scale's reliability and validity. In Study 1, I administered the translated scale to 441 participants from a range
of age groups, and in Study 2 the finalized scale's reliability and validity were assessed with a separate sample (N = 506). Further, in Study 3, I examined the convergent validity of the FLSS by comparing it with the Satisfaction With Life Scale, in a sample of 436 Turkish students
in grades 9–12. The results of confirmatory factor analysis verified the scale's single-factor model, and exploratory factor analysis supported the single-dimension structure of the original scale. Tests for convergent validity yielded significant correlations between life satisfaction
and scale scores. Both internal consistency reliability and composite reliability were .95. Corrected item–total correlations ranged from .48 to .75. Thus, results of all analyses indicated that the Family Life Satisfaction Scale, as adapted, is valid and reliable for use with Turkish
samples.
Purchase Intention for Electric Vehicles in China From a Customer-value Perspective
Authors: Jiang Shengjun
Published: May 2016

Vehicle exhaust emissions are a major contributor to the creation of smog in big cities in China. Hence, the manufacture of electric vehicles (EVs) has become an emerging industry, and receives special attention from the Chinese government for its great advantages of lack of pollution
and energy efficiency. However, Chinese people have been very reluctant to purchase EVs. In this study, I recruited a sample of 454 participants and explored which factors affect customers' purchase intention for EVs. Results revealed that customers pay more attention to the environmental
value of EVs but have fears related to electricity leakage, explosions, or radiation exposure from batteries. These findings indicate that the Chinese government's support for EVs is still not sufficient, and that government promotion of a low-carbon lifestyle must be enhanced.
Matrices over hyperbolic split quaternions
Authors: Erdoğdu Melek , Özdemir Mustafa
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we present some important properties of matrices over
hyperbolic split quaternions. We examine hyperbolic split quaternion
matrices by their split quaternion matrix representation.
Outcomes of endoscopic suturectomy with postoperative helmet therapy in bilateral coronal craniosynostosis
Authors: Rottgers S. Alex , Lohani Subash , Proctor Mark R.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Historically, bilateral frontoorbital advancement (FOA) has been the keystone for treatment of turribrachycephaly caused by bilateral coronal synostosis. Early endoscopic suturectomy has become a popular technique for treatment of single-suture synostosis, with acceptable results and minimal perioperative morbidity. Boston Children's Hospital has adopted this method of treating early-presenting cases of bilateral coronal synostosis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis who were treated with endoscopic suturectomy between 2005 and 2012 was completed. Patients were operated on between 1 and 4 months of age. Hospital records were reviewed for perioperative morbidity, length of stay, head circumference and cephalic indices, and the need for further surgery.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were identified, 8 males and 10 females, with a mean age at surgery of 2.6 months (range 1–4 months). Nine patients had syndromic craniosynostosis. The mean duration of surgery was 73.3 minutes (range 50–93 minutes). The mean blood loss was 40 ml (range 20–100 ml), and 2 patients needed a blood transfusion. The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.2 days (range 1–2 days). There was 1 major complication in the form of a CSF leak. The mean follow-up was 37 months (range 6–102 months). Eleven percent of nonsyndromic patients required a subsequent FOA; 55.6% of syndromic patients underwent FOA. The head circumference percentiles and cephalic indices improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Early endoscopic suturectomy successfully treats the majority of patients with bilateral coronal synostosis, and affords a short procedure time, a brief hospital stay, and an expedited recovery. Close follow-up is needed to detect patients who will require a secondary FOA due to progressive suture fusion or resynostosis of the released coronal sutures.
Hemorrhage from cerebral cavernous malformations: a systematic pooled analysis
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Du Rose
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to define an overall cavernous malformation (CM) hemorrhage rate and risk factors for hemorrhage.

METHODS

The authors performed a systematic, pooled analysis via the PubMed database through October 2015 using the terms “cavernoma,” “cavernous malformation,” “natural history,” “bleeding,” and “hemorrhage.” English-language studies providing annual rates and/or risk factors for CM hemorrhage were included. Data extraction, performed independently by the authors, included demographic data, hemorrhage rates, and hemorrhage risk factors.

RESULTS

Across 12 natural history studies with 1610 patients, the mean age at presentation was 42.7 years old and 52% of patients (95% CI 49%–55%) were female. Presentation modality was seizure in 30% (95% CI 25%–35%), hemorrhage in 26% (95% CI 17%–37%), incidental in 17% (95% CI 9%–31%), and focal deficits only in 16% of cases (95% CI 11%–23%). CM location was lobar in 66% (95% CI 61%–70%), brainstem in 18% (95% CI 13%–24%), deep supratentorial in 8% (95% CI 6%–10%), and cerebellar in 8% (95% CI 5%–11%). Pooling 7 studies that did not assume CM presence since birth, the annual hemorrhage rate was 2.5% per patient-year over 5081.2 patient-years of follow-up (95% CI 1.3%–5.1%). Pooling hazard ratios across 5 studies that evaluated hemorrhage risk factors, prior CM hemorrhage was a significant risk factor for hemorrhage (HR 3.73, 95% CI 1.26–11.1; p = 0.02) while younger age, female sex, deep location, size, multiplicity, and associated developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Although limited by the heterogeneity of incorporated reports and selection bias, this study found prior hemorrhage to be a significant risk factor for CM bleeding, while age, sex, CM location, size, multiplicity, and associated DVAs were not. Future natural history studies should compound annual hemorrhage rate with prospective seizure and nonhemorrhagic neurological deficit rates.
Treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats with N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline
Authors: Zhang Yanlu , Zhang Zheng Gang , Chopp Michael , Meng Yuling , Zhang Li , Mahmood Asim , Xiong Ye
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The authors' previous studies have suggested that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, improves functional recovery after neural injury. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an active peptide fragment of Tβ4. Its effect as a treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been investigated. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether AcSDKP treatment improves functional recovery in rats after TBI.

METHODS

Young adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 1) sham group (no injury); 2) TBI + vehicle group (0.01 N acetic acid); and 3) TBI + AcSDKP (0.8 mg/kg/day). TBI was induced by controlled cortical impact over the left parietal cortex. AcSDKP or vehicle was administered subcutaneously starting 1 hour postinjury and continuously for 3 days using an osmotic minipump. Sensorimotor function and spatial learning were assessed using a modified Neurological Severity Score and Morris water maze tests, respectively. Some of the animals were euthanized 1 day after injury, and their brains were processed for measurement of fibrin accumulation and neuroinflammation signaling pathways. The remaining animals were euthanized 35 days after injury, and brain sections were processed for measurement of lesion volume, hippocampal cell loss, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and dendritic spine remodeling.

RESULTS

Compared with vehicle treatment, AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury significantly improved sensorimotor functional recovery (Days 7–35, p < 0.05) and spatial learning (Days 33–35, p < 0.05), reduced cortical lesion volume, and hippocampal neuronal cell loss, reduced fibrin accumulation and activation of microglia/macrophages, enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and increased the number of dendritic spines in the injured brain (p < 0.05). AcSDKP treatment also significantly inhibited the transforming growth factor–β1/nuclear factor–κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury provides neuroprotection and neurorestoration after TBI, indicating that this small tetrapeptide has promising therapeutic potential for treatment of TBI. Further investigation of the optimal dose and therapeutic window of AcSDKP treatment for TBI and the associated underlying mechanisms is therefore warranted.
Medical Research and Writing: Continuing Journey towards Excellence
Authors: Begum Shahanara
Published: May 2016

No Abstract is availableJournal of Science Foundation, 2015;13(1):1-2DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v13i1.27826
Getting Started with PEAs-Based Flapping-Wing Mechanisms for Micro Aerial Systems
Authors: Durán J. , Escareno Juan , Etcheverry Gibran , Rakotondrabe Micky
Published: May 2016

This paper introduces recent advances on flapping-wing Micro and Nano Aerial Vehicles (MAVs and NAVs) based on Piezoelectric Actuators (PEA). Therefore, this work provides essential information to address the development of such bio-inspired aerial robots. PEA are commonly used in micro-robotics and precise positioning applications (e.g., micro-positioning and micro-manipulation), whereas within the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) domain, motors are the classical actuators used for rotary or fixed-wing configurations. Therefore, we consider it pertinent to provide essential information regarding the modeling and control of piezoelectric cantilever actuators to accelerate early design and development stages of aerial microrobots based on flapping-wing systems. In addition, the equations describing the aerodynamic behavior of a flapping-wing configuration are presented.
Floating Zone Growth of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy Superconductor
Authors: Maljuk Andrey , Lin C.
Published: May 2016

The crystal growth of high-temperature oxide superconductors has been hampered by the complexities of these materials and the lack of knowledge of corresponding phase diagrams. The most common crystal growth technique adopted for these materials is the so-called “Flux” method. This method, however, suffers from several drawbacks: (i) crystals are often crucible and flux contaminated; (ii) crystals are difficult to detach from solidified melt; and (iii) crystals are rather small. In most cases, these drawbacks can be overcome by the crucible-free floating zone method. Moreover, this technique is suitable for crystal growth of incongruently melting compounds, and has been thus successfully used to make large single crystals of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy superconductor. In this review, the authors summarize the published and their own growth efforts as well as detailed characterization of as-grown and post-growth annealed samples. The optimal growth conditions that allowed one to obtain the large-size, almost single phase and homogeneous in composition Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy single crystals are presented. The effect of long lasting post-growth heat treatment on both crystal quality and superconducting properties has also been demonstrated.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) of Magnesium and Its Alloys
Authors: Wolff Martin , Schaper Johannes , Suckert Marc , Dahms Michael , Feyerabend Frank , Ebel Thomas , Willumeit-Römer Regine , Klassen Thomas
Published: May 2016

Current research has highlighted that magnesium and its alloys as biodegradable material are highly suitable for biomedical applications. The new material fully degrades into nontoxic elements and offers material properties matching those of human bone tissue. As biomedical implants are rather small and complex in shape, the metal injection molding (MIM) technique seems to be well suited for the near net shape mass production of such parts. Furthermore, MIM of Mg-alloys is of high interest in further technical fields. This study focusses on the performance of MIM-processing of magnesium alloy powders. It includes Mg-specific development of powder blending, feedstock preparation, injection molding, solvent and thermal debinding and final sintering. Even though Mg is a highly oxygen-affine material forming a stable oxide layer on each particle surface, the material can be sintered to nearly dense parts, providing mechanical properties matching those of as cast material. An ultimate tensile strength of 142 MPa, yield strength of 67 MPa, elastic modulus of 40 GPa and 8% elongation at fracture could be achieved using novel organic polymer binders for the feedstock preparation. Thus, first implant demonstrator parts could be successfully produced by the MIM technique.
Does Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Increase the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Qin Lu-Lu , Lu Fang-Guo , Yang Sheng-Hui , Xu Hui-Lan , Luo Bang-An
Published: May 2016

There are disagreements among researchers about the association between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate this association. We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library through August 2015 with the following keywords: “vitamin D” or “cholecalciferol” or “25-hydroxyvitamin D” or “25(OH)D” in combination with “premature birth” or “preterm birth” or “PTB” or “preterm delivery” or “PTD” or “prematurity”. Our meta-analysis of 10 studies included 10,098 participants and found that pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency (maternal serum 25 (OH) D levels < 20 ng/mL) experienced a significantly increased risk of PTB (odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence intervals(CI): 1.16, 1.45) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 25%, p = 0.21). Sensitivity analysis showed that exclusion of any single study did not materially alter the overall combined effect. In the subgroup analyses, we found that heterogeneity was obvious in prospective cohort studies (I2 = 60%, p = 0.06). In conclusion, pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy have an increasing risk of PTB.
Multimode, Aperiodic Terahertz Surface-Emitting Laser Resonators
Authors: Biasco Simone , Li Lianhe , Linfield Edmund , Davies A. , Vitiello Miriam
Published: May 2016

Quasi-crystal structures are conventionally built following deterministic generation rules although they do not present a full spatial periodicity. If used as laser resonators, they open up intriguing design possibilities that are simply not possible in conventional periodic photonic crystals: the distinction between symmetric (vertically radiative but low quality factor Q) and anti-symmetric (non-radiative, high Q) modes is indeed here fully overcome, offering a concrete perspective of highly efficient vertical emitting resonators. We here exploit electrically pumped terahertz quantum cascade heterostructures to devise two-dimensional seven-fold quasi-crystal resonators, exploiting rotational order or irregularly distributed defects. By lithographically tuning the lattice quasi-periodicity and/or the hole radius of the imprinted patterns, efficient multimode surface emission with a rich sequence of spectral lines distributed over a 2.9–3.4 THz bandwidth was reached. We demonstrated multicolor emission with 67 mW of peak optical power, slope efficiencies up to ≈70 mW/A, 0.14% wall plug efficiencies and beam profile results of the rich quasi-crystal Fourier spectrum that, in the case of larger rotational order, can reach very low divergence.
Tree Root Automatic Recognition in Ground Penetrating Radar Profiles Based on Randomized Hough Transform
Authors: Li Wentao , Cui Xihong , Guo Li , Chen Jin , Chen Xuehong , Cao Xin
Published: May 2016

As a nondestructive geophysical tool, Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been applied in tree root study in recent years. With increasing amounts of GPR data collected for roots, it is imperative to develop an efficient automatic recognition of roots in GPR images. However, few works have been completed on this topic because of the complexity in root recognition problem. Based on GPR datasets from both controlled and in situ experiments, the randomized Hough transform (RHT) algorithm was evaluated in root object recognition for different center frequencies (400 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2000 MHz) in this paper. Reasonable accuracy was obtained (both a high recognition rate and a low false alarm rate) in these datasets, which shows it is feasible to apply the RHT algorithm for root recognition. Furthermore, we evaluated the influence of root and soil factors on the recognition. We found that the performance of RHT algorithm is mainly affected by root interval length, root orientation, and clutter noise of soil. The recognition results by RHT could be applied for large scale root system distribution study in belowground ecology. Further studies should be conducted to reduce clutter noise and improve the recognition of the complex root reflections.