bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notas sobre a ausência: Moacyr Félix na historiografia literária recente
Authors: Nunes Diogo Cesar
Published: September 2015

O presente artigo promove um breve levantamento historiográfico acerca das produções que tomam a poesia de Moacyr Félix como objeto de investigação. A constatação de certa carência de estudos sobre Félix na literatura recente provoca algumas reflexões sobre a historicização de textos poéticos, argumentando contra dada caricatura de “poeta militante” que possivelmente tenha despojado, até hoje, de estudos mais profícuos sobre sua poesia.
O caminho é sempre seu: uma leitura de Sidarta, de Hermann Hesse
Authors: Frankel Roy David
Published: September 2015

Este estudo busca fazer uma leitura do romance Sidarta de Hermann Hesse centrada no processo de abertura existencial do personagem homônimo. De forma a subsidiar essa discussão, serão apresentados alguns conceitos budistas e hinduístas correlatos, além de determinados elementos da filosofia de Martin Heidegger. A partir dessa análise, pode-se perceber que a construção individual do caminhar de Sidarta é um eixo central e estruturador do romance, permitindo ao leitor acompanhar essa jornada rumo a si mesmo como duplo do seu próprio processo de busca de uma existência autêntica. Através das ferramentas literárias utilizadas, ao ler sobre a sede existencial do personagem central somos tomados pela mesma sede, permitindo uma problematização de nossa própria vivência de mundo.
Poemas
Authors: Schwarz Roberto
Published: September 2015

Escolhemos alguns poemas contidos no livro "26 poetas hoje" para divulgar parte da obra poética do autor homenageado
O jovem Schwarz X o Schwarz maduro
Authors: Araújo Bárbara DelRio
Published: September 2015

RESUMO: A partir da relação entre duas obras ensaísticas de Roberto Schwarz, pretende-se criar uma perspectiva comparativa do raciocínio do crítico, desenvolvido, sobretudo, a respeito da concepção de realismo. Partiremos dos escritos da juventude em A Sereia e o Desconfiado (1965) até a maturidade de Ao vencedor, as batatas (1977) para mostrar as sinuosidades do percurso, procurando perceber a complementaridade para a consolidação de sua visão dialética e matizada.
Hyperaccumulation and Mobility of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Crops in India
Authors: J.I. Nirmal Kumar , Soni Hiren , Kumar Rita N. , Bhatt Ira
Published: September 2015

The heavy metals or trace elements play an important role in the metabolic pathways during the growth and development of plants, when available in appreciable concentration. The heavy metal concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) was analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer (ICPA) (Perkin-Elmer ICP Optima 3300 RL) in 18 vegetable crop plants and their parts along with their soil, collected from various agricultural fields around Anand province, Gujarat, India. The vegetables crop plants were Anthem (Anthum graveolens), Beat (Brassica oleracea), Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), Chilli (Capsicum annum), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum), Garlic (Alium sativum), Coccinia indica, Lufa (Luffa acutangula), Lady's Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), Mint (Mentha piperata), Radish (Raphanus sativum), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), Vetches (Cyamopsis soralioides) and White Gourd (Lagernaria vulgaris). The Accumulation Factor (AF) and Mobility Index (MI) were calculated for assessment of mobility of heavy metals from soil to various plant parts: roots, stems and leaves through different levels: Level 1 (Soil-Roots), Level 2 (Roots-Stems) and Level 3 (Stems-Leaves) in studied vegetable crop plants. The results showed concentration dependent variables of heavy metal levels among vegetable crop plants. The lower and higher concentration gradient alongwith their mobility gradient was also determined. A perusal of data reflects that accumulation gradient of each crop plant component vary according to their nature, properties and podsol climate of a particular crop plant. The data on accumulation and mobility of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn from soil to leaves through roots and stems, suggested that all the metals were highly mobile.  Key words: Vegetable crop plants; Heavy metals; Accumulation factor; Mobility index; etc.The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 page: 34-45
Assessment of Rice and Maize Based Cropping Systems For Rural Livelihood Improvement in Nepal
Authors: Pandey Pradyumna Raj , Pandey Hemprabha , Nakagawa Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2015

This paper explores the assessment of rice and maize base cropping system in agro-ecological regions for sustainable rural livelihood development in Nepal. Analysis of 1994-2007 data showed rice-dominated cropping systems in the Plain region, as opposed to maize-dominated cropping systems in the Mountain and the Hill regions. The production increase was achieved mainly through increases in area. The growth in the yield of crops was very minimal in all three regions. During the last fifteen years, the cropping pattern changed slightly from Maize-Wheat to Maize-Paddy in the Mountain region, but no significant change was observed in the other two regions. The current rate of fertilizer application is lower than the recommended rate. Improved access to and availability of agricultural inputs is key to improve the production and yield of major food crops to achieve sustainable rural livelihood in the country. Key words: Agro-ecological-region; Cropping system; Farm income; Rural livelihood; sustainable livelihood The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 page: 67-75
Opportunity and Challenge of Organic Certification System in Nepal
Authors: Bhat Basanta Rana
Published: September 2015

The demand for organic certification is gradually increasing in Nepal although it is in early stage. Organic certification is a written assurance given by an independent third party about the production methodology and quality of products to confirm special requirements. Certification brings opportunities for protection of local resources, better market access, improvement of worker and consumer health, and eventually enhancement of living conditions of rural communities. The demanding nature of regulatory requirements makes it difficult as well as expensive for local certification initiatives in developing markets to establish themselves to offer export certification. Certification cost, limited awareness of group certification, small and medium-sized farms and inadequate understanding of how organic certification works are some of the constraints for organic certification. Certification Alliance (Cert All), a regional collaboration in certification representing national and international organic certification bodies, addresses the aforementioned challenges. The alliance has recognized the value of collaborating instead of competing. Organic Certification Nepal (OCN), a part of Cert All, offers an internationally accredited inspection and certification service to local operators at a reasonable cost. This paper highlights certification process followed by OCN and potential challenges and opportunities it will likely face.Key words: Organic Agriculture; Standards; Inspection; Certification; HarmonizationThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 144-149
The effects of smoking in developing hypertension in Pakistan: A systematic review
Authors: Ain Qurrat Ul , Regmi Krishna
Published: September 2015

Globally, hypertension is considered one of the most important preventable causes of morbidity and mortality. Several plausible factors have been assessed and identified in relation to high blood pressure but there have been limited studies carried out as to whether smoking can have any effect in developing high blood pressure in Pakistan. This paper aims to examine the effects of smoking in developing hypertension in Pakistan. This study employs a systematic review. A total of 1097 articles were identified (reduced to 61 once duplication was removed). Only six studies met the relevant quality appraisal criteria. Three major databases - Medline, EMBASE and Global Health - were searched using both free terms and index-terms. All selected studies were quality appraised by critical appraisal tools and reviewed by two authors. The studies fell into three distinct themes  awareness, economic status and types of tobacco. Findings of the review indicated that an unhealthy relationship exists between hypertension and smoking, as incidences of hypertension were more prevalent in smokers as compared to non-smokers. In addition, both high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were more frequent in smokers compared to non-smokers. The present study suggests that a positive harmful relationship exists between blood pressure and smoking, and that smokers are more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to non-smokers. In addition, this review considers knowledge and lifestyle modification, their linkage with hypertension and compliance to the treatment regimen as important considerations to reduce unhealthy effects of smoking in developing hypertension.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 4-11
Role modeling in clinical educators: An important issue in medical education
Authors: Yousuf Rabeya , Salam Abdus
Published: September 2015

Abstract not availableSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 49-50
Environmental Protection toward the Globalization Era
Authors: Kalalo Flora Pricilla
Published: September 2015

The Environment greatly affects the global life in which humans become part of it. Good environment and healthy is a state that is highly desired by everyone. However, it is inevitable that the current global situation is getting worse over time. Globalization activities that occur between one country to another country for the sake of economic progress triggers environmental problems, such as the opening of new lands for economic activity continues to be done so that the green areas in the world is declining. Indonesia, which is one-on-one countries that are the lungs of the world are facing the same thing. Indonesia also had to adapt to be able to engage actively promote economic and perform construction but without damaging the existing environment. Therefore the development of environmentally sound with the principle of sustainable development as set out in the rules should be the cornerstone of national Indonesia in carrying out development in Indonesia.
Detecting “real” population changes with American Community Survey data: The implicit assumption of treating between-year differences as “trends”
Authors: Siordia Carlos
Published: September 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND:  The American Community Survey (ACS) in the United States (US) collects detailed demographic information on the US population. Pressures to use year-to-year population estimates to analyze “trends” (i.e., between-year differences on the characteristics of interest) have motivated the need to explore how single- or multi-year estimates can be used to investigate changes in US population over time. OBJECTIVE: The specific aim of this manuscript is to provide empirical evidence that between-year differences in population characteristics have difference levels of uncertainty around point-estimates. METHODS: Six ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) single year files from 2005 through 2010 are used to empirically show the heterogeneity of uncertainty in “between-year differences” on level of education, for a birth cohort born between 1960 and 1970 of non-Latino-whites and Mexican Latinos/as. RESULTS: The data show the precision of the education estimate decreases as the specificity of the population increases. For example, Mexican’s 99% confidence intervals have wider and more time-varying bandwidths than non-Latino-whites. CONCLUSIONS: Inferring meaningful population change requires the challengeable assumption that between-year differences are not the product of data artifacts. Harvesting reputable ACS data demands further research before between-year differences can be treated as “real change.”    

 
The Sociological Semantics of Complex Systems
Authors: Pitasi Andrea
Published: September 2015

The concept of complex systems is one of the most common and abused by sociological semantics. Both complexity and system are epistemological terms which contribute to reshape the scientific research design and conceptual frames. Nevertheless, complexity and system are often used by everyday life in several misleading ways: for example complex is often meant by common sense as a synonym for difficult, complicate, hard to understand, obscure and system is used by common sense as a synonym of “way “ or mechanism and is often geographically rooted (the Italian political system, for instance). Common sense generates misleading uses and affects public opinion about the understanding of science. This paper is not focused on the history and evolution of the concept of complex system it rather is aimed at reconstructing this concept in the current sociological depistemology to let complex systems fully express their revolutionary and reconfigurational powers for social and political science research
Capacitive Deionization for Selective Extraction of Lithium from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bryjak M. , Siekierka A. , Kujawski J. , Smolinska-Kempisty K. , Kujawski W.
Published: September 2015

The paper deals with extraction of lithium by means of two capacitive deionization systems: one composed of lithium selective electrode and second with electrode wrapped with Li-selective membrane. In the case of the first system, hybrid electrodes where obtained by mixing λ-MnO2sorbent with activated carbon .The best Li-capacity was determined for electrode with 20 wt.-% of manganese oxide. For larger amounts of λ-MnO2 the electrode capacity decreased significantly. The second system was composed of carbon electrodes wrapped with ion-exchange membranes. The lithium selective membranes were synthesized by plasma induced interpolymerization of (meth)acrylic monomersinpores of Celgard 2400 support. Two functional monomers, poly(di(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) and poly(glycidylmethacylate modified with hydroxymethyl-12-crown-4) were copolymerized with acrylic acid. It was found that the extraction of lithium chloride was the best for membrane caring copolymers of acrylic acid and glycidyl methacrylate modified with crown ether, andit was better than for membranes with sole poly(acrylic acid).
A Review of Applications of Rotating and Vibrating Membranes Systems: Advantages and Drawbacks
Authors: Jaffrin Michel Y. , Ding Luhui
Published: September 2015

Dynamic filtration (DF) consists in creating a high membrane shear rate by disks rotating near a fixed membrane or by rotating or vibrating membranes. The shear rate can exceed 3 105s-1 in some modules and significantly increases permeate flux and membrane selectivity as compared to cross flow (CF) devices. This paper describes several DF industrial modules and gives equations for calculating shear rates at rotating and vibrating membranes. It reviews 23 recent articles from 2008 to 2014, dealing with diverse applications: separation of microalgae from sea water by UF, clarification of rough beer, concentration of CaCO3 suspensions, treatment of dairy effluents and shipboard wastewaters, inulin extraction from chicory juice, treatment of oil field water, and separation of bovine albumin from yeast. In several applications, the maximum permeate flux at initial concentration ranged from 270 to 760 Lh-1m-2. Modules with ceramic membranes rotating around several shafts inside a housing seem to be preferable to the concept of multi-compartments modules with metal disks rotating between fixed membranes. Since the cost of DF modules is higher than that of spiral wound ones, it is better to apply DF to ”end of pipe treatment” after an initial concentration by CF.
Diterpenes from the Roots ofOryza sativaL. and Their Inhibition Activity on NO Production in LPS‐Stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Cho Jin‐Gyeong , Cha Byeong‐Ju , Min Lee Sang , Shrestha Sabina , Jeong Rak‐Hun , Sung Lee Dong , Kim Youn‐Chul , Lee Dong‐Geol , Kang Hee‐Cheol , Kim Jiyoung , Baek Nam‐In
Published: September 2015

Two new pimarane diterpenoids, momilactone D (3) and momilactone E (5), along with three known diterpenoids, momilactone A (1), sandaracopimaradien‐3‐one (2), and oryzalexin A (4) were isolated fromOryza sativaroots. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated diterpenoids were evaluated for their ability to inhibit NO production and iNOS mRNA and protein expression in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound4showed strong inhibition activity on NO production, and compounds1and4decreased the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein levels.
A New Cyclopropyl‐Triterpenoid from Ochradenus arabicus
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Ahmad Riaz , Ur Rehman Najeeb , Latif Khan Abdul , Hassan Zahid , Shamim Rizvi Tania , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Khan Shinwari Zabta , Hussain Javid
Published: September 2015

One new cyclopropyl‐triterpenoid (1), along with four known constituents including octacosan‐1‐ol (2), pentacosanoic acid (3), β‐sitosterol (4), and β‐sitosterol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Ochradenus arabicus for the first time. These compounds were isolated by repeated column chromatography followed by further purification through recycling HPLC. The structure of the new secondary metabolite 1 was established on the basis of UV, IR, 1D‐ (1H‐ and 13C‐) and 2D‐NMR (HMBC and HSQC), and MS spectral data. The molecular mass was determined by HR‐MS, and hence the molecular formula was deduced. The configurations of stereogenic centers in the molecule were assigned by NOESY experiments, along with biogenetic considerations. The structures of the known compounds were confirmed by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in literature.
Copper/Graphene/Clay Nanohybrid: A Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3‐Triazolyl Carboacyclic Nucleosides via ‘Click’ Huisgen 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Navid Soltani Rad Mohammad , Behrouz Somayeh , Jafar Hoseini S. , Nasrabadi Hasan , Saberi Zare Maryam
Published: September 2015

A very mild and highly efficient synthesis of some novel 1H‐1,2,3‐triazolyl carboacyclic nucleosides via a ‘Click’ Huisgen cycloaddition of N‐propargyl nucleobases and azido alcohols using Cu/aminoclay/reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid (Cu/AC/r‐GO nanohybrid) as nanocatalyst is described. The preparation and characterization of Cu/AC/r‐GO nanohybrid are discussed. This catalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR, TEM, and energy‐dispersive analysis of X‐ray techniques. Cu/AC/r‐GO nanohybrid is a stable and highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst that can be easily prepared, used, and restored from the reaction mixture by simple filtration, and reused for many consecutive trials without significant decrease in activity.
High‐school seniors' college enrollment goals: Costs and benefits of ambitious expectations
Authors: Villarreal Brandilynn J. , Heckhausen Jutta , Lessard Jared , Greenberger Ellen , Chen Chuansheng
Published: September 2015

High school students with high long‐term educational expectations attain higher levels of education than those with lower expectations. Less studied is the role of students' short‐term college enrollment expectations for the year after high school graduation. The purpose of the current study was to examine the costs and benefits of ambitious short‐term expectations and the impact of falling short of these expectations on mental health, motivation, and educational outcomes. Over 1000 youth with expectations to attend college were surveyed during their senior year of high school, one year later, and four years later. Participants who did not achieve their short‐term expectations had lower educational attainment four years later but were not less satisfied with their educational progress. The negative consequences of falling short of one's expectations were restricted to individuals with less ambitious short‐term expectations. Thus, the benefits of ambitious short‐term expectations for youth may outweigh the costs.
Micro-CT analysis of the Caribbean octocoral Eunicea flexuosa subjected to elevated pCO2
Authors: Enochs I. C. , Manzello D. P. , Wirshing H. H. , Carlton R. , Serafy J.
Published: September 2015

Rising anthropogenic carbon dioxide has resulted in a drop in ocean pH, a phenomenon known as ocean acidification (OA). These acidified waters have many ramifications for diverse marine biota, especially those species which precipitate calcium carbonate skeletons. The permanence of coral reef ecosystems is therefore closely related to OA stress as habitat-forming corals will exhibit reduced calcification and growth. Relatively little is known concerning the fate of other constituent taxa which may either suffer concomitant declines or be competitively favoured in acidified waters. Here, we experimentally (49 d) test the effects of next century predictions for OA (pH = 7.75, pCO2 = 1081 µatm) vs. near-present-day conditions (pH = 8.01, pCO2 = 498 µatm) on the common Caribbean octocoral Eunicea flexuosa. We measure linear extension of this octocoral and use a novel technique, high-resolution micro-computed tomography, to measure potential differences in the morphology of calcified internal skeletal structures (sclerites) in a 2 mm apical section of each branch. Despite the use of highly accurate procedures, we found no significant differences between treatments in either the growth of E. flexuosa branches or the structure of their sclerites. Our results suggest a degree of resilience to OA stress and provide evidence that this octocoral species may persist on Caribbean coral reefs, despite global change.
Stimuli reduce the dimensionality of cortical activity
Authors: Mazzucato Luca , Fontanini Alfredo , La Camera Giancarlo
Published: September 2015

The activity of ensembles of simultaneously recorded neurons can be represented as a set of points in the space of firing rates. Even though the dimension of this space is equal to the ensemble size, neural activity can be effectively localized on smaller subspaces. The dimensionality of the neural space is an important determinant of the computational tasks supported by the neural activity. Here, we investigate the dimensionality of neural ensembles from the sensory cortex of alert rats during periods of ongoing (intertrial) and stimulus-evoked activity. We find that dimensionality grows linearly with ensemble size, and grows significantly faster during ongoing activity compared to evoked activity. We explain these results using a spiking network model based on a clustered architecture. The model captures the difference in growth rate between ongoing and evoked activity and predicts a characteristic scaling with ensemble size that could be tested in high-density multi-electrode recordings. Moreover, we present a simple theory that predicts the existence of an upper bound on dimensionality. This upper bound is inversely proportional to the amount of pair-wise correlations and, compared to a homogeneous network without clusters, it is larger by a factor equal to the number of clusters. The empirical estimation of such bounds depends on the number and duration of trials and is well predicted by the theory. Together, these results provide a framework to analyze neural dimensionality in alert animals, its behavior under stimulus presentation, and its theoretical dependence on ensemble size, number of clusters, and correlations in spiking network models.
Connectome of a model local cortical circuit flexibly shapes layer-dependent multi-frequency oscillations
Authors: Helmer Markus , Chen Xue Jie , Wei Wei , Wolf Fred , Battaglia Demian
Published: September 2015

The role played by interlayer connections in shaping local responses and their long-range coupling has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we analyze a rate model of a canonic local circuit with realistic anatomy. We find that this circuit generates a rich repertoire of possible dynamical states, including an oscillatory regime in which gamma-and beta-oscillations dominate in superficial and deep layers, respectively, in agreement with experimental observations. This regime stems from non-linear inter-layer interactions, independently from intrinsic resonance properties of distinct layers. Moreover, by connecting two local circuits via cortico-cortical projections, the emergent phase differences define a flexible and frequency-dependent inter-areal hierarchy. Such dynamic patterns generally do not arise in randomized circuits, and the compatible connectomes are rare, although not unique. Altogether, these results suggest that inter-layer connectivity is homeostatically regulated to make local circuits fit to integrate and multiplex signals from several sources in multiple frequency bands.

Author Summary

The local circuit of mammalian cortex presents a characteristic multilayered structure, with feedforward (and feedback) cortico-cortical connections originating from (and targeting) distinct and well defined layers. Here, we model how such a structure fundamentally shapes the dynamical repertoire of local cortical oscillatory states and their long-range interaction. Experimental evidence, matched by our simulations, suggests that different cortical layers oscillate at different frequencies and that neuronal oscillations at different frequencies are exploited for communication in different directions. While this laminar specificity of oscillations is often explained in terms of multiple inhibitory populations with different resonance properties, we show here that it could alternatively emerge as a byproduct of the collective local circuit dynamics. Our modelling study indicates furthermore that the empirically observed multi-frequency oscillatory patterns cannot be reproduced in presence of an arbitrary interlayer connectivity. In this sense, therefore, we believe that the adopted connectome, derived from neuroanatomical reconstructions, is “special”. Nevertheless, it is not unique, since other, very different connectomes may also lead to a matching dynamical repertoire. This suggests that a multiplicity of non-random canonical circuit templates may share largely overlapping functions, robustly achieved and maintained via functional homeostasis mechanisms.
Repeat infusion of autologous bone marrow cells in multiple sclerosis: protocol for a phase I extension study (SIAMMS-II)
Authors: Rice Claire M , Marks David I , Walsh Peter , Kane Nick M , Guttridge Martin G , Redondo Juliana , Sarkar Pamela , Owen Denise , Wilkins Alastair , Scolding Neil J
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The ‘Study of Intravenous Autologous Marrow in Multiple Sclerosis (SIAMMS)’ trial was a safety and feasibility study which examined the effect of intravenous infusion of autologous bone marrow without myeloablative therapy. This trial was well tolerated and improvement was noted in the global evoked potential (GEP)—a neurophysiological secondary outcome measure recording speed of conduction in central nervous system pathways. The efficacy of intravenous delivery of autologous marrow in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) will be examined in the phase II study the ‘Assessment of Bone Marrow-Derived Cellular Therapy in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (ACTiMuS;NCT01815632)’. In parallel with the ‘ACTiMuS’ study, the current study ‘SIAMMS-II’ will explore the feasibility of repeated, non-myeloablative autologous bone marrow-derived cell therapy in progressive MS. Furthermore, information will be obtained regarding the persistence or otherwise of improvements in conduction in central nervous system pathways observed in the original ‘SIAMMS’ study and whether these can be reproduced or augmented by a second infusion of autologous bone marrow-derived cells.

Methods and analysis

An open, prospective, single-centre phase I extension study. The six patients with progressive MS who participated in the ‘SIAMMS’ study will be invited to undergo repeat bone marrow harvest and receive an intravenous infusion of autologous, unfractionated bone marrow as a day-case procedure. The primary outcome measure is the number of adverse events, and secondary outcome measures will include change in clinical rating scales of disability, GEP and cranial MRI.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has UK National Research Ethics Committee approval (13/SW/0255). Study results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT01932593.
Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus cativus, exerts inhibitory effects on L-type Ca2+ current, Ca2+ transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Liu Tao , Chu Xi , Wang Hua , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Guo Hui , Liu Zhenyi , Dong Yongsheng , Liu Hongying , Liu Yang , Chu Li , Zhang Jianping
Published: September 2015

Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus sativus L. belonging to the Iridaceae family, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects. To investigate the cellular mechanisms of these cardioprotective effects, here we studied the influence of crocin on L-type Ca2+current (ICa-L), intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and contraction of isolated rat cardiomyocytes by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge detection and dual excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. Crocin inhibited ICa-L in a concentration-dependent manner with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 45 μmol/L and the maximal inhibitory effect of 72.195% ± 1.54%. Neither current–voltage relationship of ICa-L, reversal potential of ICa-L, nor the activation/inactivation of ICa-L was significantly changed. Crocin at 1 μmol/L reduced cell shortening by 44.64% ± 2.12% and the peak value of the Ca2+ transient by 23.66% ± 4.52%. Crocin significantly reduced amplitudes of myocyte shortening and [Ca2+]i with an increase in the time to reach 10% of the peak (Tp) and a decrease in the time to 10% of the baseline (Tr). Thus, the cardioprotective effects of crocin may be attributed to the attenuation of [Ca2+]i through the inhibition of ICa-L in rat cardiomyocytes and negative inotropic effects on myocardial contractility.
CSF Levels of Angiopoietin-2 Do Not Differ between Patients with CSF Fluid Leakage Syndrome and Controls
Authors: Pul Refik , Yildiz Özlem , Morbiducci Franco , Skripuletz Thomas , Schwenkenbecher Philipp , Stangel Martin , Götz Friedrich , Berding Georg , Trebst Corinna , Donnerstag Frank
Published: September 2015

CSF abnormalities have been reported in CSF leakage syndrome. However, the mechanism for these CSF changes is actually unknown and they may indicate impaired CSF flow or blood-CSF barrier. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), a protein which is expressed and released by endothelial cells, has been associated with increased vascular permeability. In the assumption that CSF changes are due to an impaired blood-CSF barrier, we hypothesized that subjects with persistent CSF leakage may have increased CSF Ang-2 levels. We enrolled 10 subjects with a clinically definite diagnosis of persisting CSF leakage syndrome and 10 control subjects. In CSF analyses, CSF to serum albumin ratio (Qalb) was the most frequently increased parameter indicating a disturbed blood-CSF barrier function. Comparison of the mean CSF Ang-2 levels, CSF to serum Ang-2 ratio (QAng-2), and QAng-2/Qalb between the control and CSF leakage patients did not show any significant difference. We suggest that the increase of Qalb results from a low CSF flow. Future studies with phase contrast-MRI in conjunction with CSF analyses before and after epidural blood patch treatment are required to address this question. It would be of particular interest whether Qalb can be used as a marker for successful nontargeted epidural blood patch treatment.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Southern China
Authors: Ye Yan-Fang , Xiang Yan-Qun , Fang Fang , Gao Rui , Zhang Li-Fang , Xie Shang-Hang , Liu Zhiwei , Du Jin-Lin , Chen Sui-Hong , Hong Ming-Huang , Qian Chao-Nan , Ye Weimin , Zeng Yi-Xin , Liu Qing , Cao Su-Mei
Published: September 2015

Background: Whether or not hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is largely unknown. Our study aimed to assess the association between HBV infection and the risk of NPC in Southern China.

Methods: We conducted a case–control study including 711 NPC cases and two groups of controls. The first control group consisted of 656 individuals with other benign tumors unrelated to HBV infection and the second group consisted of 680 healthy population controls. Multivariable ORs and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for NPC were estimated by logistic regression.

Results: Patients with NPC had higher prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen–positive [anti-HBc-(+); 47.26%] compared with either benign tumor controls (39.33%; P < 0.01) or healthy controls (41.18%; P = 0.04). In multivariable models adjusting for a set of risk factors for NPC, anti-HBc-(+) was significantly associated with a higher risk of NPC [adjusted OR (AOR), 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12–1.74 compared with the benign tumor controls and AOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05–2.08 compared with the healthy controls]. The association was not modified by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status. Finally, compared with the healthy controls, individuals with both anti-HBc-(+) and EBV antibodies had largely increased risk of NPC (AOR, 141.82; 95% CI, 68.73–292.62).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that HBV infection is associated with NPC risk in Southern China.

Impact: Prevention for HBV infection may play a role in the development of NPC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(11); 1766–73. ©2015 AACR.
Change of humoral immunity indices in various types of inflammatory reactions in animals with gastroduodenit
Authors: Mysula I. R. , Bondarchuk V. I.
Published: September 2015

Based on experimental research there were studied the changes of circulating immune complexes and different
classes of immunoglobulins in the blood of animals gastroduodenitis in various types of inflammatory reactions.
The study found that experimental animals are marked expressed violations of humoral immunity. The number of
immunoglobulins and circulating immune complexes increased in blood. The biggest changes were found in animals
with hyperergic type of inflammatory reaction, the least – with hypoergic type, changes in animals with type normergic
occupy an intermediate position.
The structural changes of internal organs in young rats affected by the heavy metal salts and phosphororganic pesticides
Authors: Dmukhalska Ye. B.
Published: September 2015

It was established that the damaging effect of lead acetate, copper sulfate, glyphosate caused significant
changes in the morphology of tissues, namely dystrophy parenchymal cells, necrotic processes and stagnation at
the liver, the kidneys, the heart.
Roberto Schwarz
Authors: Cevasco Maria Elisa
Published: September 2015

...
A fortuna crítica de Thomas Mann no Brasil
Authors: Souza Gustavo Ramos de
Published: September 2015

Considerando a importância da descendência materna brasileira na obra do escritor alemão Thomas Mann, este ensaio tem como objetivo observar de que maneira dois críticos e ensaístas radicados no Brasil compreenderam a obra manniana: Anatol Rosenfeld e Otto Maria Carpeaux. Serão analisados dois ensaios de Rosenfeld da coletânea Thomas Mann, publicado em 1994 pela Editora Perspectiva, sob supervisão de Jacó Guinsburg, além de três textos de Carpeaux sobre o escritor extraídos de Ensaios reunidos: 1942-1978, organizado por Olavo de Carvalho em 1999, História da literatura ocidental: VI, de 1964, e A literatura alemã, também de 1964. A intenção é apontar as semelhanças e dessemelhanças apresentadas pelos dois críticos acerca da obra de Thomas Mann.
Edward Lear e Renato Pompeu
Authors: Granato Fernanda Marques , Bastazin Vera
Published: September 2015

RESUMO:
Este ensaio tem por objetivo resgatar o conceito do gênero nonsense com a finalidade de testar a hipótese de um possível diálogo entre textos de duas obras de características e épocas distintas: Viagem numa peneira, de Edward Lear (1846) e Quatro-olhos, de Renato Pompeu (1976).  Os estudos feitos permitem comprovar que, entre os textos analisados, existem traços que possibilitam não apenas aproximá-los, mas também realizar uma reinterpretação do gênero nonsense no contexto da contemporaneidade. Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho, elegemos alguns teóricos que dão suporte à análise das obras ficcionais, são eles: Aristóteles (2011), Croce (1995), Sewell (1952), Stewart (1978), Huizinga (2010) e Agamben (2009).  A partir de uma breve retomada histórico-conceitual, nossa atenção volta-se para a perspectiva de comprovação da hipótese sobre o gênero literário nonsense, sua ligação com a era vitoriana e as reverberações que o referido gênero traz para a nossa contemporaneidade, deixando como saldo a tendência para a fragmentação narrativa.
Obsolete Pesticides: Their Environmental and Human Health Hazards
Authors: Shah Binod P , Devkota Bhupendra
Published: September 2015

UN FAO estimates that half a million tonnes of obsolete pesticides are in storage world-wide. In Nepal there are 74.5 metric tonnes of obsolete pesticides stored in warehouses in many places of the country. Many stocks are located near farm fields, human settlements, schools or water sources. Lack of health related studies and very limited studies on environmental contamination by obsolete pesticides led to undertake this study, which focuses on health and environmental impacts of obsolete pesticides stored in a warehouse at Amlekhgunj, Bara district, Nepal. The present study found an interrelation between the pesticide residue level in soil samples of a nearby school-ground and the health impacts seen on the students of the same school. The government and concerned agencies should take out the initiatives to quick and safe disposal of obsolete pesticides and also take care that no new stock will be accumulated in the future. Key words: Obsolete pesticides; Soil contamination; Health effects The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 60-66
Effects of Agriculture on Climate Change: A Cross Country Study of Factors Affecting Carbon Emissions
Authors: Pant Krishna Prasad
Published: September 2015

Agriculture affects atmosphere by releasing green house gases and get affected in turn, from climate change. This paper reviews the literature on both the aspects and test empirically that what affects emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Data on carbon emissions, energy consumption and agriculture related national level variables are obtained for 120 countries from the World Bank's Green Data Book. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that agricultural land, irrigation, forest area, biomass energy, and energy use efficiency negatively affect the Carbon dioxide emission. But, fertilizer use and per capita energy use affect it positively. The analysis confirms that the people in rich countries are more responsible for carbon emission than the people in poor countries. It recommends for cross subsidization for low external input agriculture, particularly for organic farming in poor countries.Key words : Agriculture; Carbon emissions; Climate change; Energy consumption; GHGsThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 84-102
Parenting skills affect child behaviors in a selected area of Nepal
Authors: Hossain Sarder Mahmud , Huq Sazia , Adhikari Biswas , Eusuf Zai Sumaiya Zabin , Haque Syed Mohammad Tanjilul
Published: September 2015

Acting out, or misbehavior, is often associated with ineffective parenting. It negatively affects children across socio-economic backgrounds. While ineffective parenting might not solely be the blame for negative behaviors in children, parenting contributes significantly to children's behavioral outcomes. Till now there is lack of data regarding child behavior affected by parenting skill in Nepal. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of parenting skill on children behavior. In this descriptive type of cross-sectional study 369 respondents were selected by purposive sampling in some selected areas of Nepal. The mean age of the respondents was 36.14±6.69 years with 92.7% female and of them 92.1% were married. Out of 184 respondents, 45.1% gave proper childcare/love/sufficient time to children. Among the respondents 68% had spent quality time with their children very frequently. Statistically an association was found between parenting skill (quality time with children) and different behavior of children. Rearing children always needs good parenting skills which help to change the future of the nation by pro-ducing skilled, well behaved, intelligent citizens in the days to come. As such awareness about parenting skill should be made generalized and easily accessible to all eligible couples in the country.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 44-48
The Application of Federal Character Principle and Its Implication on Service Delivery in Nigerian Federal Civil Service
Authors: Justine Igbokwe-Ibeto Chinyeaka , Chinelo Agbodike Flowrence , Ogomegbulam Anazodo Rosemary
Published: September 2015

The study examined the application of federal character principle and its implication on service delivery in Nigerian federal civil service. The Nigerian federal civil service is the bedrock of Nigeria’s quest for socio-economic development. However, over the years, service delivery and infrastructural development have remained a hydra headed problem. The study relied heavily on primary and secondary data and multi the stage sampling method was used to select the sample population. The data collected was presented in frequency tables and analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, table and standard deviation. Pearson chi-square test of goodness was used to test the hypotheses.  Findings of the study show that there is a relationship between federal character principle and employees’ service delivery as well as poor attitude to work by bureaucrats. To achieve efficient service delivery and better attitude to work by civil servants in the service, government should imbibe the prescripts of Marx Weber bureaucratic theory as regards recruitment based on merit, technical competency and qualification, as well as re-examine the reliability and validity of the application of federal character principle or better be situated within grade levels 03-06 while recruitment into the senior officers cadre grade levels 07-17 and appointments should be strictly based on merit.
Workload and Work Stress on Caring Behavior in nurse on Nursing Services
Authors: Hamim Nur
Published: September 2015

Introductions: imbalance between the number of personnel and the workload of nurses in a hospital, so that nurses can implement caring behavior in the process of health care. Objective: The aim of this study is to know is there any relation Workload and Stress Work With Application Behavior Caring Behavior Nurses in Service Nursing In the main hall of hospitals Probolinggo. Methods: This study uses correlation analyticdesign with cross sectional approach Comparative. The population in this study were nurses in the Main room number 13 of the respondents, the sampling technique used "Total sampling". The study was conducted on January 5 to February 3, 2014. The instruments used are questionnaires and observation sheets. After the data collected includes the coding of data collection, editing and tabulating, and then analyzed using statistical tests Loglinier. Results and Analyzed: The results showed the majority of nurses in the main room of the workload being experienced by 7 respondents (53.8%), experienced moderate job stress as much as 8 respondents (61.5%), and behave caring as much as 10 respondents (76.9%). Based on statistics Loglinier Test results showed that the value of α p value of 0.001 with a significance level of 0.05. Thus, the Jerusalem Bible p value less than α (0.05) so that it can be concluded H1 accepted which means no relationship Workload and Stress Working with Application Behavior Behavior Nurse Caring Orphanage in Service Kepera watan. Discussion: Based on this study it can be concluded that there relationship workload and stress of work in the application of behavioral nurse caring behaviors in the nursing care services.Although the nurse workload and stress suffered heavy work, nurses are expected to remain implement caring behavior behavior, so that the client feels safe and comfortable. Keywords: Workload, Work Stress, Caring Behavior, Nurse.
Development of Ag/GO Incorporated onto PES Membrane with Improved Anti-Fouling Property
Authors: Vatsha Banele , Ngila Jane C. , Moutloali Richard
Published: September 2015

Graphene and its derivatives have got increasingly application interests emanating from its unique properties. This work reports silver-graphene oxide sheets (Ag-GO) composite synthesis and then incorporated into Polyethersulfone (PES) casting solution. The composite casting mixtures were cast via phase inversion method. Graphene and its derivatives were characterised by ATR/FTIR, Raman, XRD and TEM. The morphology and performance of the neat PES and composite PES membranes were characterised by SEM, AFM, CA, permeation flux, protein (BSA) rejection, antifouling and antibacterial tests. The composite membranes exhibited a slightly higher permeation flux and then gradual decreased compared to neat PES membranes. However, the antifouling tests revealed that the composite membranes with Ag particles showed a preferable antifouling performance. The antibacterial tests confirmed that the composite membranes exhibited a effective antibacterial performance against both gram-positive (E. coli) and gram-negative (S. Aureus) strains.
Vapor Permeation of Aqueous Ethanol through Agarose-Sericin Membrane
Authors: Okada Kazunari , Yoshikawa Masakazu
Published: September 2015

A self-standing membrane was obtained from renewable polymers, such as agarose and sericin. Differential scanning calorimetric study revealed that there were two states of water in the membrane, such as bound water and free water. The membrane preferentially transported water from aqueous ethanol mixture by vapor permeation. Preliminary study revealed that the present membrane was applicable to forward osmosis.