bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Econometric Information Recovery in Behavioral Networks
Authors: Judge George
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we suggest an approach to recovering behavior-related, preference-choice network information from observational data. We model the process as a self-organized behavior based random exponential network-graph system. To address the unknown nature of the sampling model in recovering behavior related network information, we use the Cressie-Read (CR) family of divergence measures and the corresponding information theoretic entropy basis, for estimation, inference, model evaluation, and prediction. Examples are included to clarify how entropy based information theoretic methods are directly applicable to recovering the behavioral network probabilities in this fundamentally underdetermined ill posed inverse recovery problem.
Response of Mid-Rotation Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Physiology and Productivity to Sustained, Moderate Drought on the Western Edge of the Range
Authors: Maggard Adam , Will Rodney , Wilson Duncan , Meek Cassandra
Published: September 2016

The productivity of the approximately 11 million ha of loblolly pine plantations in the southeastern USA could be threatened by decreased water availability in a future climate. To determine the effects of sustained drought on leaf gas exchange, whole-tree water use, and individual tree growth, we examined the response of loblolly pine trees to 100% throughfall exclusion cumulatively spanning the sixth and seventh growing seasons of a plantation in southeastern Oklahoma. Throughfall exclusion reduced volumetric soil water content for 0–12 cm soil depth from 10.8% to 4.8% and for 12–45 cm soil depth from 24.2% to 15.6%. Compared to ambient throughfall trees, leaf water potential of the throughfall exclusion trees became more negative, −0.9 MPa vs. −1.3 MPa for predawn measurements and −1.5 MPa vs. −1.9 MPa for midday measurements. Throughfall exclusion did not significantly reduce leaf gas exchange or tree water use. However, throughfall exclusion significantly reduced leaf biomass by 21% and stem volume growth by 23%. These results indicate that sustained drought may cause downward shifts in leaf quantity to conserve water rather than reducing leaf-level water use.
Development of a Multi-Stage Electroosmotic Flow Pump Using Liquid Metal Electrodes
Authors: Gao Meng , Gui Lin
Published: September 2016

Injection of liquid metal into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel can provide a simple, cheap, and fast method to fabricate a noncontact electrode for micro electroosmotic flow (EOF) pumps. In this study, a multi-stage EOF pump using liquid metal noncontact electrodes was proposed and demonstrated for high-flow-velocity applications. To test the pumping performance of this EOF pump and measure the flow velocity, fluorescent particles were added into deionized (DI) water to trace the flow. According to the experimental results, the pump with a five-stage design can drive a water flow of 5.57 μm/s at 10 V, while the PDMS gap between the electrode and the pumping channel is 20 μm. To provide the guidance for the pump design, parametric studies were performed and fully discussed, such as the PDMS gap, pumping channel dimension, and stage number. This multi-stage EOF pump shows potential for many high-flow-velocity microfluidic applications.
Novel Capacitive Sensing System Design of a Microelectromechanical Systems Accelerometer for Gravity Measurement Applications
Authors: Li Zhu , Wu Wen , Zheng Pan , Liu Jin , Fan Ji , Tu Liang
Published: September 2016

This paper presents an in-plane sandwich nano-g microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. The proof-mass fabrication is based on silicon etching through technology using inductive coupled plasma (ICP) etching. The capacitive detection system, which employs the area-changing sensing method, combines elementary capacitive pickup electrodes with periodic-sensing-array transducers. In order to achieve a large dynamic range with an ultrahigh resolution, the capacitive detection system employs two periodic-sensing-array transducers. Each of them can provide numbers for the signal period in the entire operating range. The suspended proof-mass is encapsulated between two glass caps, which results in a three dimensional structure. The measured resonant frequency and quality factor (Q) are 13.2 Hz and 47, respectively. The calibration response of a ±0.7 g input acceleration is presented, and the accelerometer system presents a sensitivity of 122 V/g and a noise floor of 30 ng/√Hz (at 1 Hz, and 1 atm). The bias stability for a period of 10 h is 30 μg. The device has endured a shock up to ±2.6 g, and the full scale output appears to be approximately ±1.4 g presently. This work presents a new opportunity for highly sensitive MEMS fabrication to enable future high-precision measurement applications, such as for gravity measurements.
Combinatorial Cytotoxic Effects of Damnacanthal and Doxorubicin against Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells in Vitro
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Abu Nadiah , Yeap Swee , Ho Wan , Omar Abdul , Ismail Nor , Ahmad Syahida , Pirozyan Mehdi , Akhtar Nadeem , Alitheen Noorjahan
Published: September 2016

Despite progressive research being done on drug therapy to treat breast cancer, the number of patients succumbing to the disease is still a major issue. Combinatorial treatment using different drugs and herbs to treat cancer patients is of major interest in scientists nowadays. Doxorubicin is one of the most used drugs to treat breast cancer patients. The combination of doxorubicin to other drugs such as tamoxifen has been reported. Nevertheless, the combination of doxorubicin with a natural product-derived agent has not been studied yet. Morinda citrifolia has always been sought out for its remarkable remedies. Damnacanthal, an anthraquinone that can be extracted from the roots of Morinda citrifolia is a promising compound that possesses a variety of biological properties. This study aimed to study the therapeutic effects of damnacanthal in combination with doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. Collectively, the combination of both these molecules enhanced the efficacy of induced cell death in MCF-7 as evidenced by the MTT assay, cell cycle, annexin V and expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins. The effectiveness of doxorubicin as an anti-cancer drug was increased upon addition of damnacanthal. These results could provide a promising approach to treat breast cancer patients.
Identification and Characterization of Two New Degradation Products of Saikosaponin A under Acid Hydrolytic Conditions
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Qiang , Jiang Hua
Published: September 2016

Saikosaponin (SS) A is a compound with various pharmacological properties and is easily degraded into SS-B1 and SS-G under acid conditions. In the present work, two new degradation products of SS-A, formed under acid hydrolytic conditions, were detected and isolated using analytical and semi-preparative liquid chromatography technology; furthermore, their structures were characterized as hydroxy-saikosaponin A and SS-B2 by spectral analysis, which is not only essential in stability-indicating method development and validation, but also could be used as a worst case scenario to assess the analytical method performance of SS-A. Moreover, their structural transformation pathways are also proposed.
Facile Synthesis of g-C3N4 Nanosheets/ZnO Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Reduction of Aqueous Chromium(VI) under Visible Light
Authors: Yuan Xiaoya , Zhou Chao , Jing Qiuye , Tang Qi , Mu Yuanhua , Du An-ke
Published: September 2016

Graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets (CN)/ZnO photocatalysts (CN/ZnO) with different CN loadings were successfully prepared via a simple precipitation-calcination in the presence of exfoliated C3N4 nanosheets. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results showed that hexagonal wurzite-phase ZnO nanoparticles were randomly distributed onto the CN nanosheets with a well-bonded interface between the two components in the CN/ZnO composites. The performance of the photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction indicated that CN/ZnO exhibited better photocatalytic activity than pure ZnO under visible-light irradiation and the photocatalyst composite with a lower loading of CN sheets eventually displayed higher activity. The enhanced performance of CN/ZnO photocatalysts could be ascribed to the increased absorption of the visible light and the effective transfer and separation of the photogenerated charge carriers.
Estimating Soil Organic Carbon of Cropland Soil at Different Levels of Soil Moisture Using VIS-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Qinghu , Chen Yiyun , Guo Long , Fei Teng , Qi Kun
Published: September 2016

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an essential property for soil function, fertility and sustainability of agricultural systems. It can be measured with visible and near-infrared reflectance (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy efficiently based on empirical equations and spectra data for air/oven-dried samples. However, the spectral signal is interfered with by soil moisture content (MC) under in situ conditions, which will affect the accuracy of measurements and calibration transfer among different areas. This study aimed to (1) quantify the influences of MC on SOC prediction by VIS-NIR spectroscopy; and (2) explore the potentials of orthogonal signal correction (OSC) and generalized least squares weighting (GLSW) methods in the removal of moisture interference. Ninety-eight samples were collected from the Jianghan plain, China, and eight MCs were obtained for each sample by a rewetting process. The VIS-NIR spectra of the rewetted soil samples were measured in the laboratory. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to develop SOC prediction models. Specifically, three validation strategies, namely moisture level validation, transferability validation and mixed-moisture validation, were designed to test the potentials of OSC and GLSW in removing the MC effect. Results showed that all of the PLSR models generated at different moisture levels (e.g., 50–100, 250–300 g·kg−1) were moderately successful in SOC predictions (r2pre = 0.58–0.85, RPD = 1.55–2.55). These models, however, could not be transferred to soil samples with different moisture levels. OSC and GLSW methods are useful filter transformations improving model transferability. The GLSW-PLSR model (mean of r2pre = 0.77, root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) = 3.08 g·kg−1, and residual prediction deviations (RPD) = 2.09) outperforms the OSC-PLSR model (mean of r2pre = 0.67, RMSEP = 3.67 g·kg−1, and RPD = 1.76) when the moisture-mixed protocol is used. Results demonstrated the use of OSC and GLSW combined with PLSR models for efficient estimation of SOC using VIS-NIR under different soil MC conditions.
Assessing the Severity of Wind Gusts with Lidar
Authors: Bos René , Giyanani Ashim , Bierbooms Wim
Published: September 2016

Lidars have gained a lot of popularity in the field of wind energy, partly because of their potential to be used for wind turbine control. By scanning the oncoming wind field, any threats such as gusts can be detected early and high loads can be avoided by taking preventive actions. Unfortunately, lidars suffer from some inherent weaknesses that hinder measuring gusts; e.g., the averaging of high-frequency fluctuations and only measuring along the line of sight). This paper proposes a method to construct a useful signal from a lidar by fitting a homogeneous Gaussian velocity field to a set of scattered measurements. The output signal, an along-wind force, acts as a measure for the damaging potential of an oncoming gust and is shown to agree with the rotor-effective wind speed (a similar control input, but derived directly from the wind turbine’s shaft torque). Low data availability and the disadvantage of not knowing the velocity between the lidar beams is translated into uncertainty and integrated in the output signal. This allows a designer to establish a control strategy based on risk, with the ultimate goal to reduce the extreme loads during operation.
Impact of Land Use on Frequency of Floods in Yongding River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhao Yong , Wang Qingming , Wang Jianhua , Li Haihong , Zhai Jiaqi , Zhu Yongnan , Li Jiazhen
Published: September 2016

As the debates surrounding the negative influences of flood control using dams or reservoirs on the eco-environment become fierce, non-structural flood control measures like land use change gain more attention. This study researched the effect of integrated and single land use changes on three floods at small, medium and large scales, respectively, in Yongding River basin. A SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model was used to simulate the effect of integrated and single land use changes on floods of different scales. The single land uses were set as S1, S2, S3 to represent the agricultural, grass and construction land changes. The results showed that: (1) the integrated land use changes reduced the small flood, the medium flood and the large flood by 14%, 13% and 5%; (2) the land use management functioned most effectively on medium-scale floods and least effectively on large-scale floods; (3) S1 decreased the medium floods optimally by 24% with a 7-day maximum runoff volume as the indicator and by 29% with a 1-day maximum flood discharge; (4) S2 reduced the medium floods optimally by 21% with runoff depth volume as the indicator; (5) S3 increased the medium floods optimally by 15% with a 1-day maximum flood discharge as the indicator.
Dans les pas de Nicole Loraux
Authors: LEDUC Claudine
Published: September 2016

Since the publication of Les enfants d'Athéna, which was a dazzling breakthrough beyond the circle of Hellenic scholars, the readers of Nicole Loraux have adopted different standpoints. Involved in various fields of knowledge, they are sometimes inclined to segment her works : politics, history, theater, gender... This article is meant to entice the readers to size up the full scope of the writer's research so that her intellectual biography may be conceived as a whole.
Histoire des hommes, histoire des femmes dans l'œuvre de Nicole Loraux
Authors: Papadopoulou-Belmehdi Ioanna
Published: September 2016

Dans l'œuvre de Nicole Loraux, l'étude du féminin fait partie intégrante de son projet de mettre en relief la pensée grecque de la division, la part du conflictuel dans le politique. Situer le féminin, dans la cité, entre le réel et l'imaginaire requiert un travail aux interstices des discours, travail que Nicole Loraux met en place en plaidant pour la modification du "territoire textuel" de l'historien. Les cas d'étude choisis ici pour illustrer la spécificité de cette démarche sont la violence et le féminin (notamment Héra et Clytemnestre), la première femme dans la Théogonie hésiodique, le féminin entre mythe et histoire dans les représentations athéniennes de l'autochtonie.
Ce que guerre civile veut dire
Authors: Marand-Fouquet Catherine
Published: September 2016

Nicole Loraux analyses the various manners the Greek possessed to name a civil war, according to its origins and the role played by the familial institution. She demonstrates how family is both place and tool of reconciliation, with the help of fraternal feelings. The role of women in theses conflicts is suggested here, but demonstrated elsewhere.
Microwave-assisted cyclizations promoted by polyphosphoric acid esters: a general method for 1-aryl-2-iminoazacycloalkanes
Authors: Díaz Jimena E , Mollo María C , Orelli Liliana R
Published: September 2016

The first general procedure for the synthesis of 5 to 7-membered 1-aryl-2-iminoazacycloalkanes is presented, by microwave-assisted ring closure of ω-arylaminonitriles promoted by polyphosphoric acid (PPA) esters. 1-Aryl-2-iminopyrrolidines were easily prepared from the acyclic precursors employing a chloroformic solution of ethyl polyphosphate (PPE). The use of trimethylsilyl polyphosphate (PPSE) in solvent-free conditions allowed for the synthesis of 1-aryl-2-iminopiperidines and hitherto unreported 1-aryl-2-iminoazepanes. The cyclization reaction involves good to high yields and short reaction times, and represents a novel application of PPA esters in heterocyclic synthesis.
THE PROPERTIES OF HEAVY ELEMENTS IN GIANT PLANET ENVELOPES
Authors: Soubiran François , Militzer Burkhard
Published: September 2016

The core-accretion model for giant planet formation suggests a two-layer picture for the initial structure of Jovian planets, with heavy elements in a dense core and a thick H–He envelope. Late planetesimal accretion and core erosion could potentially enrich the H–He envelope in heavy elements, which is supported by the threefold solar metallicity that was measured in Jupiter’s atmosphere by the Galileo entry probe. In order to reproduce the observed gravitational moments of Jupiter and Saturn, models for their interiors include heavy elements, Z, in various proportions. However, their effect on the equation of state of the hydrogen–helium mixtures has not been investigated beyond the ideal mixing approximation. In this article, we report results from ab initio simulations of fully interacting H–He–Z mixtures in order to characterize their equation of state and to analyze possible consequences for the interior structure and evolution of giant planets. Considering C, N, O, Si, Fe, MgO, and SiO2, we show that the behavior of heavy elements in H–He mixtures may still be represented by an ideal mixture if the effective volumes and internal energies are chosen appropriately. In the case of oxygen, we also compute the effect on the entropy. We find the resulting changes in the temperature–pressure profile to be small. A homogeneous distribution of 2% oxygen by mass changes the temperature in Jupiter’s interior by only 80 K.
QUALIDADE PÓS-COLHEITA DO MAXIXE (Cucumis anguria L.) REVESTIDO COM AMIDO DE MILHO ADICIONADO DO EXTRATO DE PRÓPOLIS
Authors: Silveira Paulo Túlio de Souza , Silva Normane Mirele Chaves da , Reis Maycon Fagundes Teixeira , Landim Lucas Britto , Aquino Aureluci Alves de
Published: September 2016

O maxixe é uma hortaliça pertencente a família Cucurbitaceae, que em geral, cresce espontaneamente em meio às culturas tradicionais, como de milho e de feijão, mas que também pode ser cultivado. O Brasil destaca-se como grande produtor de vegetais, devido às condições de clima e extensão territorial. Porém, as perdas pós-colheita diminuem sua competitividade no mercado mundial. Com isso objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita do maxixe revestido com amido de milho adicionado do extrato de própolis. Os frutos do maxixe foram selecionados no estádio de maturação comercial, higienizados com hipoclorito de sódio a 200 mg L-1 por 15 minutos, secos sob condição ambiente e então foi aplicado o revestimento de amido de milho adicionado de extrato de própolis. A cada dois dias, durante cinco dias, foi realizado a caracterização físico-química do maxixe (perda de massa, pH, acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais e açúcares redutores) e ao fim do período a análise microbiológica. Ao fim do quinto dia a perda de massa variou entre 35,48% e 30,29%, a acidez entre 3,69 e 2,54 (ácido cítrico g/100g), o pH esteve entre 5,36 e 5,99, o teor de sólidos solúveis totais iniciou com 4,7 ºBrix, e não passou de 7,77 ºBrix. Quanto aos açúcares redutores, não foram encontrados no maxixe. A análise microbiológica foi satisfatória, já que nos maxixes tratados com própolis não foi identificado a presença de nenhuma bactéria. O trabalho permitiu concluir que a própolis age como um eficiente bactericida, mas não atua na senescência do maxixe.
EFEITO DAS CONDIÇÕES DE DESIDRATAÇÃO OSMÓTICA NA QUALIDADE DE PASSAS DE ARAÇÁ-PÊRA
Authors: Paglarini Camila De Souza , Da Silva Fabricio Schwanz , Porto Alexandre Gonçalves , Zela Sandro Pioli , Leite Anna Letícia Moron Pereira , Furtado Guilherme De Figueiredo
Published: September 2016

O araçá-pêra é um fruto muito perecível e ainda pouco estudado, no entanto, visando reduzir as perdas pós-colheita e diversificar o aproveitamento industrial foi utilizado o processo de desidratação osmótica através de um planejamento experimental fatorial 23 completo, tendo como variáveis independentes: tempo de imersão, temperatura e concentração da solução osmótica e variáveis dependentes: perda de umidade, incorporação de sólidos, vitamina C, pH, acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais, açúcares redutores e não redutores e cinzas. Os tratamentos com maiores índice de eficiência da desidratação (IED) e maior concentração de vitamina C foram selecionados para secagem convectiva e obtenção das passas. Análises físico-químicas das passas do araçá foram realizadas. Os modelos encontrados para a perda de umidade, incorporação de sólidos, acidez total titulável, teor de sólidos solúveis totais, açúcares não redutores e umidade podem ser utilizados para predizer o processo de desidratação osmótica de araçá-pêra. Os ensaios 6 (6 horas, 30 °C e 60 °Brix), 7 (4 horas, 50 °C e 60 °Brix) e 14 (5 horas, 40 °C e 67 °Brix) foram selecionados para a secagem convectiva devido a maior perda de umidade e menor ganho de sólidos além da maior conservação de vitamina C. Durante a secagem, a amostra do tratamento 6 perdeu umidade mais rápido do que as demais, sendo esta considerada como melhor tratamento, devido a exigência de menor consumo de energia e menor custo de processo devido a concentração da solução osmótica.
Sensory, physical-chemical and microbiological aspects of yoghurts and milk drinks thickened with cassava starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Demazzi Kéllen Regina , Jacob Kalyna Kayara , Freitas Andréia Andrade
Published: September 2016

Yogurt is a fermented product by specific microorganisms. It has rich nutrient composition and due to the fermentation process, there is lactose consumption, and therefore, it is an excellent substitute for those who have an intolerance to milk in natura. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory, physicochemical and microbiological quality of yogurts and dairy beverages thickened with cassava starch. The extraction of starch was previously prepared, then the beaten yogurt, probiotic and the dairy beverage were elaborated using cassava starch as a thickener in the concentration of 0.03 g. The physicochemical characteristics were evaluated where the acidity and pH were analyzed by the method of analytical standards by Adolfo Lutz. The microbiological analyzes of aerobic mesophilic count was performed according to the methodology described by Silva. The acceptance testing was conducted according to Dutcosky the test results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Sisvar software, the statistical differences by Tukey test. The results of pH and acidity ranged from 3.92 to 4.85 and 69 to 93 Dornic respectively. Regarding the microbiological analysis, the required microorganisms to the characterization of yogurt and probiotics were reached. In the sensory analysis the sample which obtained better acceptance in relation to texture and flavor was the yogurt with starch.
Drying of sugarcane in foam mat and physicochemical characterization of the product
Authors: Marques Gutto Monzelle Rios , Arruda Rosa Sampaio de , Silva Arienilmar Araújo Lopes da
Published: September 2016

The drying foam mat is one of the alternative techniques to drying of liquid foods. The objective of the research was to study the drying kinetics for foam mat sugarcane juice and characterize chemical-physical dehydrated product. For foaming was used the combination of additives Emustab®, Super Liga Neutra® and Calcium Carbonate. The drying kinetics was studied at three different temperatures: 50, 60 and 70 °C with curves fitted by non-linear regression to empirical models Page Henderson and Newton. All models showed a good fit to drying, with determination coefficients above 0.99. The dehydrated product had an average moisture of 3.23% and average water activity of 0.360. The solubility of the product in flake form was 100% and the solubility of the product in powder form was 90.53%. So, it was technically feasible the dehydrated cane juice production to foam mat drying technique with microbiological and chemical stability and the possibility of rehydrated in 100%.
Enzymatic profile of blackberries stored under different temperatures cooling
Authors: Pires Caroline Roberta Freitas , Lima Juliana Pinto , Elias Heloísa Helena Siqueira , Souza Marcos Gomes , Lima Luiz Carlos Oliveira
Published: September 2016

At low temperatures is the most important factor in reducing the deterioration and maximizing the life of the blackberry. The cold storage slows physiological processes such as respiration and the production of vital heat, leading to senescence of fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of enzyme blackberries under different storage temperatures. Blackberries of "Tupy" cultivar were packed in polyethylene (PET); randomly assigned to different refrigeration temperature (0°C ± 1 C, 5°C ± 1ºC and 8°C ± 1°C with 90% ± 5% relative humidity) during 12 days and the evaluations were recorded at 0, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 days of storage in accordance with the lifecycle maintenance of blackberries. The following variables were determined: firmness, total pectin, soluble pectin, pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenyalalanine ammonia-lyase. The work was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments were arranged in a 3x6 factorial double, where the first factor refers to three cooling temperatures and the second six storage times with three replications, each experimental unit consisted of approximately 120g. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability and regression analysis. The temperature of 0°C prolonged the lifetimeof blackberry for twelve days, keeping the texture and lower activity of pectinolytic enzymes and of phenylpropanoid metabolism.
Production of starch/poly(lactic acid) sheets containing citric acid and tributyl citrate
Authors: Souza Silvio José , Marchiore Nicolli Grecco , Galindo Marcella Vitória , Yamashita Fabio , Shirai Marianne Ayumi
Published: September 2016

In this work thermoplastic starch and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) sheets added of tributyl citrate (TBC) and citric acid was produced by flat extrusion (calendaring-extrusion). The incorporation of TBC and citric acid reduced the rigidity, increased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and density of the sheets. This occurred probably because these compounds acted as plasticizer for PLA and starch. Thus, it was possible to conclude that it was possible to produce starch and PLA blended sheets by extrusion, but studies are still required to find the appropriate concentration of TBC and citric acid that does not significantly impair the water vapor barrier properties.
Estimation of Band-Tailed Pigeon Band Recovery and Population Vital Rates in Colorado, 1969–1981
Authors: Seamans Mark E. , Braun Clait E.
Published: September 2016

Data to inform population assessment of the Interior subspecies of band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata fasciata (breeding range from Colorado and Utah south into Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico), have been lacking despite substantial past banding efforts. We used a data set of more than 26,000 bandings from Colorado, with 3,500 live recaptures and 780 recoveries from the harvest of banded individuals to estimate annual survival, fidelity, and harvest rates. Most birds were harvested in Colorado (62%) followed by Mexico (18%); New Mexico (16%); Arizona (3%); and 1% or less each in California, Washington, and Utah. On average, each year 15% (range 0–30%) of surviving band-tailed pigeons did not return to Colorado. From 1969 to 1981 mean annual survival was 0.633 (standard error [SE] = 0.031) for hatch-year and 0.719 (SE = 0.016) for after-hatch-year birds, with a mean annual recovery rate of 0.015 (SE = 0.002) for hatch-year and 0.011 (SE = 0.001) for after-hatch-year birds. From 1970 to 1974, mean annual abundance of band-tailed pigeons in Colorado on 1 September was 59,911–88,290. These data provide a baseline for additional data collection for band-tailed pigeons in the range of the Interior subspecies.
La chronique et l’essai : analogies et interdépendances
Authors: Aínsa Fernando
Published: September 2016

Les Chroniques de la Conquête de l’Amérique hispanique – mêlant récit épique et représentation didactique sous les espèces d’un proto-essai – avaient fondé un genre qui a constitué une longue tradition en Amérique latine et qui s’est ramifié dans le journalisme, avec les différentes formes que celui-ci assume (articles de fond, articles d’opinion, rubriques d’actualité, éditoriaux, « tableaux de mœurs », « scènes pittoresques ») et dans l’essai, genre qui revêt également des caractères propres à l’Amérique comme le signalait Germán Arciniegas en en rappelant les origines, notamment les textes publiés par Montesquieu sur le Nouveau Monde : « L’Amérique est déjà par elle-même un problème, un essai de monde nouveau, quelque chose de tentant, de provoquant, un défi à l’intelligence ».Cette communication établit des analogies entre ces deux genres, soulignant leur interdépendance et leur projection dans l’époque actuelle.
Crónica, ironía y sujeto: leer a Monsiváis hoy
Authors: Sánchez Ana María Amar
Published: September 2016

Este trabajo se enfoca en el último libro de crónicas, Apocalipstick (2009), de Carlos Monsiváis y analiza los cambios que en él determinan un alejamiento de las formas más periodísticas hacia una mayor «narrativización» o «ficcionalización». Se examinan los procedimientos que operan en estos cambios: la voz narradora se hace cada vez más subjetiva, aumenta su protagonismo, prescinde de informaciones puntuales, trabaja con la presuposición, omite los datos que se espera encontrar en una crónica. Al mismo tiempo, el uso de la paradoja y la ironía, que siempre han estado presentes en su producción, alcanzan un espacio dominante, funcionan como un arma política y una estrategia que acentúa la ambigüedad del género en sus últimas producciones y lo distingue nítidamente de otros escritores y periodistas que han cultivado la crónica en las últimas décadas.
Savoir en rire : La duda melódica, blog de Luis Barrera Linares
Authors: Delprat François
Published: September 2016

Critique littéraire, auteur de romans et de fictions brèves, Luis Barrera Linares, tient depuis des années, à partir de 2006, le blog « La duda melódica », forme virtuelle d’un humour à fleur de vie quotidienne. La plus grande partie en est publiée dans le volume La duda mélódica. Crónicas malhumoradas 2006-2012.Les différentes modalités de l’ironie en font une critique des courants du discours contemporain : pensée dominante, modes artistiques, caractère évolutif du langage. La satire des visions de grandeur est renforcée par la modeste, perspicace et pittoresque tía Eloína, incarnation de la sagesse populaire. Plaisante voie vers la connaissance, cette forme d’écriture est dérivée des exercices stylistiques du même auteur dans plusieurs de ses livres, dont ses Cuentos en-red-@-dos, qui explorent les possibilités d’une réalité virtuelle découlant des médias numériques.
La Habana en las crónicas de Jorge Mañach y José Lezama Lima
Authors: Zamora Armando Valdés
Published: September 2016

El objetivo de nuestro artículo consiste en describir y comparar dos libros de crónicas sobre La Habana publicados por estos dos escritores cubanos: Estampas de San Cristóbal (1926) de Mañach y La Habana de José Lezama Lima editado en 1991, pero compuesto por las crónicas publicadas semanalmente durante los años 1949 y 1950 en el Diario de la Marina por encargo de Gastón Baquero. A través de nuestra lectura crítica confrontamos la visión que tienen del mismo espacio urbano dos de los más eminentes intelectuales cubanos del siglo XX: la defensa «del espíritu clásico dentro del afán moderno» de Mañach, frente al deseo de configurar una «ciudad intelectual» en el caso de Lezama, con el objetivo de precisar cómo se concibe, a través de la escritura de crónicas sobre la capital, imágenes diferentes de la cultura cubana republicana.
De la crónica urbana a la crónica barroca (o cómo normalizar a Lemebel)
Authors: Tello Patricio
Published: September 2016

Transgresora a ultranza la prosa de Pedro Lemebel despertó pronto la angustia de la crítica literaria. La denominación «crónica urbana» con que el propio autor apostilló su trabajo, cumple el cometido de precisar el espacio en que se desenvuelve su discurso. La academia, momentáneamente ocupada con los límites del adjetivo, sus ramificaciones y alcances, se apresura a poner en marcha el rastreo de filiaciones para localizar una familia a la que adscribirlo. A tal efecto se prestaron la identidad gay; la proteica sexualidad y el deseo omnívoro; la despiadada mirada arqueológica que levanta el tupido velo de un engaño político y social colectivo; la memoria que se fractura en microescenas, mirada facetada de flâneur escatológico. Temas todos caros a la poética de Lemebel. E índices al uso del pensamiento académico para desembocar en una dudosa clasificación al alero de una pista falsa: la lengua de este cronicar se irisa como el caracol lezamiano, ergo «crónica barroca».Este trabajo se propone desmontar una genealogía, que no por tentativa es menos normalizadora y reductora.
Caracas muerde, de Héctor Torres: la crónica como grito
Authors: Raffalli Cristina
Published: September 2016

Treinta crónicas de la violencia cotidiana constituyen un fresco de la capital venezolana de estos primeros años del siglo XXI. En una de las urbes más violentas del mundo los modos de relación social están condicionados por el miedo, la desconfianza y los sentimientos de frustración. El cronista reconstruye eventos que no trascendieron los espacios de la intimidad, y su escritura los convierte en la caja de resonancia de una ciudad entera.
Aux nouvelles frontières de la chronique
Authors: Fabriol Anaïs
Published: September 2016

L’art de réaliser une chronique s’est vu modifié avec l’arrivée des nouvelles technologies de l’information. L’avènement des blogs, dans la première décennie de notre siècle, a permis à de nombreux auteurs d’entreprendre une nouvelle réflexion sur les formes non fictionnelles, dont la chronique fait partie. Cependant, qu’écrit-on dans certaines régions, carrefour de plusieurs identités culturelles, comme le nord du Mexique. Quel regard porte-t-on sur une culture forcément multiple et polysémique ? Comment cartographie-t-on un essor créatif nouveau, géographiquement localisé ? Notre étude s’intéresse à deux blogs emblématiques, « Badbit.org » et « , enfin… », témoins de leur temps et de l’évolution des formes d’écriture, et à une expérience d’écriture, « minicienciaficción ». Tous cherchent à chroniquer et à décrire une réalité mouvante, tout en retraçant l’évolution des différentes formes d’expression.
Analyzing the level of information literacy skills of medical undergraduate of Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Authors: Santharooban S.
Published: September 2016

The study was executed to analyze the level of Information Literacy skills of medical undergraduates of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, who are engaged in Problem Based Learning (PBL). As the information literacy (IL) skills are the core elements of independent self-directed learning, the PBL must be coupled with IL skills to achieve the maximum benefit of the PBL. The study used the cross sectional survey which used Information Literacy Quiz as an instrument. IL quiz consists of multiple choice questions related to different array of IL skills. Students’ samples were selected randomly and the sample size was 85. The results revealed that the overall average for the IL competency level of medical students is 39%, which ranges from 13.57% to 65.71%, and about 43% of students fall within the ‘Satisfactory level’ (41-60%). When considering average for each skill, analytical skill is 31.36%, locating skill is 47%, comprehension and creating skill are 26.36% and presentation skills is 51.14%. There was no statistical significance in the level of IL skills between genders and there is no association between gender and the level of different IL skills. Furthermore, the study reveals that students do not have sufficient knowledge in concept mapping, 5Wh technique, effective reading methods, note taking techniques, search strategies, use of library catalogues, evaluation of website, and structuring report, and plagiarism. They also do not know the difference between databases and search engines, and scholarly work and nonscholarly work. The study, at the end, suggests that it is essential to improve the IL skills among the students before they are engaged in PBL.
Impact of computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety: a practical indicator of dental students’ computer competency in Sri Lanka
Authors: Alahakoon Champa N. K.
Published: September 2016

This study identified the impact of computer self-efficacy (CSES) and computer anxiety (CARS) of dental students at University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of a total of 129 undergraduates from two academic years that are 2nd and 3rd years at the Dental Faculty during the second semester in the months of August to December of 2012/2013. Of total sample 77% responded. The Murphy et al.’s CSES was used to determine computer self-efficacy whereas Heinssen et al.’s CARS scale was used to determine computer anxiety of undergraduates. The results indicated that both 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates were self-efficacious. Subjects showed 50 percent of computer anxiety which is moderate level to use computers. Although there were no significant differences among self-efficacy, anxiety, studying year and Z-Score, there was a significant differences shown in age and gender based on frequency of library use. Results of the correlation indicated that studying year and age of the undergraduates have strong and high correlation. The results would be useful to the course designers and dental library staff to redesign of the Information Literacy program based on studying year and age. Furthermore, the hands-on-training of the program would be more effective for further reduction of the anxiety.
Bibliometric analysis of Ceylon Medical Journal during the period from 2003 – 2012
Authors: Murugathas K. , Navaneethakrishnan S.
Published: September 2016

Ceylon Medical Journal (CMJ) is the premier and oldest medical journal in Sri Lanka. Bibliometric studies on single journals are useful to find out the research trend in a discipline and publication trend of the journal. The objective of the study was to conduct a bibliometric study of CMJ. The study sought to identify co-authorship pattern, geographical distribution of authors, productive institutions, prolific authors, productive articles and the impact of the research work published in CMJ during the study period. The required data of all the selected articles published from 2003 to 2012, related to the analysis were collected from Scopus database. The collected data were analyzed in terms of bibliometric parameters by MS excel 2007 and Bibexcel. The study revealed multi authored articles occupy prominent position indicating cooperative research work. Three author contributions was the highest ranked authorship pattern. Majority (90%) of the authors publishing articles in CMJ were from Sri Lanka. The most prolific author contributed 18 articles during the study period. The most productive article received 57 citations recorded in SCOPUS data-base. University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya were leading institutions in publishing articles in CMJ during the study period. The study highlighted some research trends in health sciences and publishing trends of CMJ. The country distribution of authors showed that the journal reflects the research and views of health researchers mainly from Sri Lanka. The study provides suggestions to improve the impact of the research articles published in CMJ.
Muscle Activation During Landing Before and After Fatigue in Individuals With or Without Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Webster Kathryn A. , Pietrosimone Brian G. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: September 2016

Context:

Ankle instability is a common condition in physically active individuals. It often occurs during a jump landing or lateral motion, particularly when participants are fatigued.

Objective:

To compare muscle activation during a lateral hop prefatigue and postfatigue in individuals with or without chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Sports medicine research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 32 physically active participants volunteered for the study. Sixteen participants with CAI (8 men, 8 women; age = 20.50 ± 2.00 years, height = 172.25 ± 10.87 cm, mass = 69.13 ± 13.31 kg) were matched with 16 control participants without CAI (8 men, 8 women; age = 22.00 ± 3.30 years, height = 170.50 ± 9.94 cm, mass = 69.63 ± 14.82 kg) by age, height, mass, sex, and affected side.

Intervention(s):

Electromyography of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus was measured before and after a functional fatigue protocol.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Activation of 4 lower extremity muscles was measured 200 milliseconds before and after landing from a lateral hop.

Results:

We observed no interactions. The group main effects for the peroneus longus demonstrated higher muscle activation in the CAI group (52.89% ± 11.36%) than in the control group (41.12% ± 11.36%) just before landing the lateral hop (F1,30 = 8.58, P = .01), with a strong effect size (d = 1.01). The gluteus maximus also demonstrated higher muscle activation in the CAI group (45.55% ± 12.08%) than in the control group (36.81% ± 12.08%) just before landing the lateral hop (F1,30 = 4.19, P = .049), with a moderate effect size (d = 0.71). We observed a main effect for fatigue for the tibialis anterior, with postfatigue activation higher than prefatigue activation (F1,30 = 7.45, P = .01). No differences were present between groups for the gluteus medius.

Conclusions:

Our results support the presence of a centralized feed-forward neuromuscular alteration in patients with CAI, not only in the ankle-joint muscles but also in the proximal hip muscles. These results may have implications for rehabilitation programs in these patients.
Isolated eosinophilic infiltration of the breast
Authors: Parakh Anushri , Arora Jyoti , Srivastava Smita , Goel Ruchika K
Published: September 2016

We report the eighth case of eosinophilic mastitis and the first one without an association with peripheral eosinophilia or systemic involvement. A 51-year-old diabetic presented with a painful right breast lump. The mammogram, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a diagnosis of periductal mastitis, however, a sinister etiology of breast carcinoma could not be ruled out. Diagnosis was made by vacuum assisted biopsy which revealed features of eosinophilic mastitis.
Thumb ultrasound: Technique and pathologies
Authors: Singh Jatinder P , Kumar Shwetam , Kathiria Atman V , Harjai Rachit , Jawed Akram , Gupta Vikas
Published: September 2016

Ultrasound is ideally suited for the assessment of complex anatomy and pathologies of the thumb. Focused and dynamic thumb ultrasound can provide a rapid real-time diagnosis and can be used for guided treatment in certain clinical situations. We present a simplified approach to scanning technique for thumb-related pathologies and illustrate a spectrum of common and uncommon pathologies encountered.
Efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in investigation of elevated CEA without known primary malignancy
Authors: Wong Simon Sin-man , Yu Wong L , Wang Ki , Ahuja Anil T
Published: September 2016

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of 18flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in investigating patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and without known primary malignancy, and the impact of PET/CT findings on patient management. Setting and Design: PET/CT scans done in a tertiary hospital between December 2007 and February 2012 for elevated CEA in patients without known primary malignancy were retrospectively reviewed. Materials and Methods: The PET/CT findings, patients' clinical information, level of CEA, histological diagnosis, and subsequent management were retrieved by the electronic patient record for analysis. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: One hundred and one PET/CT scans were performed for patients with elevated CEA. Fifty-eight of these were performed for patients with known primary malignancy and were excluded; 43 PET/CT scans were performed for patients without known primary malignancy and were included. Thirty-three (77%) had a positive PET/CT. Among the 32 patients with malignancy, 15 (47%) suffered from lung cancer and 8 (25%) suffered from colorectal cancer. The sensitivity (97%), specificity (82%), positive predictive value (94%), negative predictive value (90%), and accuracy (93%) were calculated. Thirty (91%) patients had resultant change in management. The mean CEA level for patients with malignancy (46.1 ng/ml) was significantly higher than those without malignancy (3.82 ng/ml) (P < 0.05). In predicting the presence of malignancy, a CEA cutoff at 7.55 ng/ml will achieve a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 73%. Conclusion: PET/CT, in our study population, appears to be sensitive, specific, and accurate in investigating patients with elevated CEA and without known primary malignancy. In addition to diagnosis of underlying primary malignancy, PET/CT also reveals occult metastases which would affect patient treatment options.Its role in investigating patients with elevated CEA and without known primary, compared with other investigation modalities, remains to be studied.
Multiparametric 3T MRI evaluation of hereditary spastic paraplegia: A case report
Authors: Priya Sonam , Siddique Naznin , Das Ruchira , Singh Archana
Published: September 2016

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a rare heterogeneous group of familial neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and posterior column of the spinal cord. Previously described radiological findings included nonspecific brain abnormalities such as brain atrophy and white matter lesions, as well as atrophy of the corpus callosum and spinal cord. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may reveal reduced concentrations of normal brain metabolites and elevated levels of myoinositol. Diffusion tensor imaging shows increased mean diffusivity and reduced fractional anisotropy in the periventricular white matter, which is compatible with damaged myelinated axons. We present here two cases of HSP in a single family with typical imaging findings.
Primary diffuse leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chellathurai Amarnath , Vaidya Jay S , Kathirvelu Gopinathan , Alagappan Periakaruppan
Published: September 2016

Primary leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis (PLO) is a rare low-grade intracranial and spinal canal subarachnoid neoplasm without an obvious primary neoplasm in the brain or spinal cord parenchyma. We present here the serial progression of radiological findings of this rare disease in a 2-year-old male child whose clinical status deteriorated over a period of 4 months with the main complaint of partial seizures. During this period, the MR findings progressed from mild hydrocephalus with minimal leptomeningeal enhancement to leptomeningeal multiple cystic lesions in the entire neuraxis including the spine.