bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NR3C1 polymorphisms in Brazilians of Caucasian, African, and Asian ancestry: glucocorticoid sensitivity and genotype association
Authors: Souza Manoel Carlos L. A. , Martins Clarissa S. , Silva Junior Ivan M. , Chriguer Rosangela S. , Bueno Ana C. , Antonini Sonir R. , Silva Jr. Wilson Araújo , Zago Marco A. , Moreira Ayrton C. , Castro Margaret de
Published: March 2014

Objective : The Brazilian population has heterogeneous ethnicity. No previous study evaluated NR3C1 polymorphisms in a Brazilian healthy population. Materials and methods : We assessed NR3C1 polymorphisms in Brazilians of Caucasian, African and Asian ancestry (n = 380). In a subgroup (n = 40), we compared the genotypes to glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity, which was previously evaluated by plasma (PF) and salivary (SF) cortisol after dexamethasone (DEX) suppression tests, GC receptor binding affinity (K d ), and DEX-50% inhibition (IC 50 ) of concanavalin-A-stimulated mononuclear cell proliferation. p.N363S (rs6195), p.ER22/23EK (rs6189-6190), and BclI (rs41423247) allelic discrimination was performed by Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Exons 3 to 9 and exon/intron boundaries were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Results : Genotypic frequencies (%) were: rs6195 (n = 380; AA:96.6/AG:3.14/GG:0.26), rs6189-6190 (n = 264; GG:99.6/GA:0.4), rs41423247 (n = 264; CC:57.9/CG:34.1/GG:8.0), rs6188 (n = 155; GG:69.6/GT:25.7/TT:4.7), rs258751 (n = 150; CC:88.0/CT:10.7/TT:1.3), rs6196 (n = 176; TT:77.2/TC:20.4/CC:2.4), rs67300719 (n = 137; CC:99.3/CT:0.7), and rs72542757 (n = 137; CC:99.3/CG:0.7). The rs67300719 and rs72542757 were found only in Asian descendants, in whom p.N363S and p.ER22/23EK were absent. The p.ER22/23EK was observed exclusively in Caucasian descendants. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed, except in the Asian for rs6188 and rs258751, and in the African for p.N363S. The K d , IC 50 , baseline and after DEX PF or SF did not differ between genotype groups. However, the mean DEX dose that suppressed PF or SF differed among the BclI genotypes (P = 0.03). DEX dose was higher in GG- (0.7 ± 0.2 mg) compared to GC- (0.47 ± 0.2 mg) and CC-carriers (0.47 ± 0.1 mg). Conclusion : The genotypic frequencies of NR3C1 polymorphisms in Brazilians are similar to worldwide populations. Additionally, the BclI polymorphism was associated with altered pituitary-adrenal axis GC sensitivity.
Gamma knife surgery for pineal region tumors: an alternative strategy for negative pathology
Authors: Wang Peng , Mao Qing , Wang Wei , Zhou Liang-Xue , Liu Yan-Hui
Published: March 2014

Objective : Pineal region tumors (PRTs) are uncommon, and treatments vary among neoplasm types. The authors report their experience with gamma knife surgery (GKS) as an initial treatment in a series of PRT patients with unclear pathological diagnoses. Method : Seventeen PRT patients with negative pathology who underwent GKS were retrospectively studied. Nine patients had further whole-brain and spinal cord radiotherapy and chemotherapy 6–9 months after GKS. Results : Sixteen of 17 cases were followed up over a mean of 33.3 months. The total response rate was 75%, and the control rate was 81.3%. No obvious neurological deficits or complications were attributable to GKS. Conclusion : The findings indicate that GKS may be an alternative strategy in selected PRT patients who have negative pathological diagnoses, and that good outcomes and quality of life can be obtained with few complications.
The role of xerostomia in burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study
Authors: Silva Luciana Alvarenga da , Siqueira José Tadeu Tesseroli de , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Siqueira Silvia Regina Dowgan Tesseroli de
Published: March 2014

Objective : To assess the efficacy of anti-xerostomic topical medication (urea 10%) in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Method : Thirty-eight subjects diagnosed with BMS according to the International Association for the Study of Pain guidelines were randomized to either placebo (5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 0.15% methyl paraben, and 10% glycerol in distilled water qsp 100 g) or treatment (urea 10%) to be applied to the oral cavity 3-4 times per day for 3 months. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment with the following instruments: the EDOF-HC protocol (Orofacial Pain Clinic – Hospital das Clínicas), a xerostomia questionnaire, and quantitative sensory testing. Results : There were no differences in salivary flow or gustative, olfactory, or sensory thresholds (P>0.05). Fifteen (60%) patients reported improvement with the treatments (P=0.336). Conclusion : In conclusion, there were no differences between groups, and both exhibited an association between reported improvement and salivation.
Memory in children with symptomatic temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Guimarães Catarina A. , Rzezak Patrícia , Fuentes Daniel , Franzon Renata C. , Montenegro Maria Augusta , Cendes Fernando , Valente Kette D. , Guerreiro Marilisa M.
Published: March 2014

In children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), memory deficit is not so well understood as it is in adults. The aim of this study was to identify and describe memory deficits in children with symptomatic TLE, and to verify the influence of epilepsy variables on memory. We evaluated 25 children with TLE diagnosed on clinical, EEG and MRI findings. Twenty-five normal children were compared with the patients. All children underwent a neuropsychological assessment to estimate intellectual level, attention, visual perception, handedness, and memory processes (verbal and visual: short-term memory, learning, and delayed recall). The results allowed us to conclude: besides memory deficits, other neuropsychological disturbances may be found in children with TLE such as attention, even in the absence of overall cognitive deficit; the earlier onset of epilepsy, the worse verbal stimuli storage; mesial lesions correlate with impairment in memory storage stage while neocortical temporal lesions correlate with retrieval deficits.
Treadmill training as an augmentation treatment for Alzheimer?s disease: a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Arcoverde Cynthia , Deslandes Andrea , Moraes Helena , Almeida Cloyra , Araujo Narahyana Bom de , Vasques Paulo Eduardo , Silveira Heitor , Laks Jerson
Published: March 2014

Objective To assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognition and functional capacity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Method Elderly (n=20) with mild dementia (NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) on a treadmill (30 minutes, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO2max) and control group (GC) 10 patients. The primary outcome measure was the cognitive function using Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Specifics instruments were also applied to evaluate executive function, memory, attention and concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and functional capacity. Results After 16 weeks, the EG showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the CG declined. Compared to the CG, the EG presented significant improvement on the functional capacity. The analysis of the effect size has shown a favorable response to the physical exercise in all dependent variables. Conclusion Walking on treadmill may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.
Higher risk of complications in odynophagia-associated dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Luchesi Karen Fontes , Kitamura Satoshi , Mourão Lucia Figueiredo
Published: March 2014

Objective This investigation aimed to identify associated factors with dysphagia severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Method We performed a cross-sectional study of 49 patients with ALS. All patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopy evaluation of swallowing and answered a verbal questionnaire about swallowing complaints. The patients were divided into groups according to dysphagia severity. Results Among the factors analyzed, only odynophagia was associated with moderate or severe dysphagia. Conclusion Odynophagia was associated with moderate and severe dysphagia in ALS and suggests a high risk of pulmonary and nutritional complications.
The payment for performance model and its influence on British general practitioners' principles and practice
Authors: Norman Armando Henrique , Russell Andrew J. , Macnaughton Jane
Published: March 2014

This article explores some effects of the British payment for performance model on general practitioners’ principles and practice, which may contribute to issues related to financial incentive modalities and quality of primary healthcare services in low and middle-income countries. Aiming to investigate what general practitioners have to say about the effect of the British payment for performance on their professional ethos we carried out semi-structured interviews with 13 general practitioner educators and leaders working in academic medicine across the UK. The results show a shift towards a more biomedical practice model and fragmented care with nurse practitioners and other health care staff focused more on specific disease conditions. There has also been an increased medicalisation of the patient experience both through labelling and the tendency to prescribe medications rather than non-pharmacological interventions. Thus, the British payment for performance has gradually strengthened a scientific-bureaucratic model of medical practice which has had profound effects on the way family medicine is practiced in the UK.
Age, class and race discrimination: their interactions and associations with mental health among Brazilian university students
Authors: Bastos João Luiz , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Celeste Roger Keller , Paradies Yin , Faerstein Eduardo
Published: March 2014

Although research on discrimination and health has progressed significantly, it has tended to focus on racial discrimination and US populations. This study explored different types of discrimination, their interactions and associations with common mental disorders among Brazilian university students, in Rio de Janeiro in 2010. Associations between discrimination and common mental disorders were examined using multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for confounders. Interactions between discrimination and socio-demographics were tested. Discrimination attributed to age, class and skin color/race were the most frequently reported. In a fully adjusted model, discrimination attributed to skin color/race and class were both independently associated with increased odds of common mental disorders. The simultaneous reporting of skin color/race, class and age discrimination was associated with the highest odds ratio. No significant interactions were found. Skin color/race and class discrimination were important, but their simultaneous reporting, in conjunction with age discrimination, were associated with the highest occurrence of common mental disorders.
A dissecação como ferramenta pedagógica no ensino da Anatomia em Portugal
Authors: Pontinha Carlos Marques , Soeiro Cristina
Published: March 2014

Ao longo da História, a importância da utilização de cadáveres humanos para o ensino e investigação não tem sido consensual. No passado, a obtenção dos cadáveres indispensáveis ao ensino passou pelo recurso a cadáveres de reclusos, de não reclamados e ao roubo e/ou compra. Para além da inadmissibilidade ética e jurídica destas soluções, estas revelaram-se insuficientes para as necessidades das escolas médicas. Nas últimas décadas, a consciência global da legitimidade da doação de cadáveres foi-se intensificando, considerando-se, hoje, a forma digna de colmatar essa falta. Neste artigo realizou-se uma revisão da literatura com o objetivo de se fazer uma resenha histórica, jurídica e pedagógica sobre a importância da utilização de cadáveres humanos no ensino da Anatomia Humana nos cursos de Medicina, incluindo em Portugal, nomeadamente pelo recurso à dissecação cadavérica em complementaridade com outras ferramentas pedagógicas.
Advertising of ultra-processed foods and beverages: children as a vulnerable population
Authors: Mallarino Christina , Gómez Luis F , González-Zapata Laura , Cadena Yazmín , Parra Diana C
Published: March 2014

The rapid nutrition transition occurring in Latin America has resulted in a sharp increase of childhood overweight and obesity. Recent evidence has shown that food and beverage advertising has a great influence on children’s eating behavior. This population has become a key target market for the ultra-processed foods and beverages industry, which is marketing products in an aggressive way. Evidence shows that Latin American countries have poor regulation of ultra-processed foods and beverages advertising, where the discourse of self-regulation still prevails over statutory regulations. The following commentary explores how advertising might play an important role in developing unhealthy dietary patterns and obesity in Latin American children, as well as the urgent need for government action and the involvement of civil society to tackle this public health issue.
Avaliação da segurança de diferentes doses de suplementos de ácido fólico em mulheres do Brasil
Authors: Santos Quenia dos , Sichieri Rosely , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo , Verly Jr Eliseu
Published: March 2014

OBJETIVO Avaliar a distribuição da ingestão de ácido fólico e a segurança de diferentes doses de suplementos em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados de consumo a partir de dois dias não consecutivos de registro alimentar de 6.837 mulheres em idade reprodutiva (19 a 40 anos) participantes do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação, módulo da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Médias e percentis de consumo habitual de folato natural e ácido fólico foram estimados utilizando o método do National Cancer Institute . Cinco cenários foram simulados somando-se diferentes doses diárias de fortificação (400 mcg, 500 mcg, 600 mcg, 700 mcg e 800 mcg) ao ácido fólico oriundo dos alimentos consumidos pelas mulheres. Comparou-se o total de ácido fólico (dieta + suplemento) com o nível máximo de ingestão tolerável (UL = 1.000 mcg) para definir a dose segura de suplementação. RESULTADOS Mulheres com ingestão habitual de ácido fólico acima do nível máximo de ingestão tolerável foram observadas para doses de suplemento de 800 mcg (7,0% das mulheres). Abaixo desse valor, qualquer dose de suplementação mostrou-se segura. CONCLUSÕES O uso de suplementos de até 700 mcg de ácido fólico mostrou-se seguro.
Estudo do trabalho e do trabalhar no Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família
Authors: Lancman Selma , Gonçalves Rita Maria de Abreu , Cordone Nicole Guimarães , Barros Juliana de Oliveira
Published: March 2014

OBJETIVO Compreender características da organização, das condições de trabalho e das vivências subjetivas relacionadas ao trabalhar de dois núcleos de apoio à saúde da família. MÉTODOS Estudo de caso realizado entre 2011 e 2012 em dois núcleos de apoio à saúde da família de São Paulo, SP. Para coleta e análise dos dados, utilizaram-se referenciais teórico-metodológicos da ergonomia e da psicodinâmica do trabalho pautados, respectivamente, na análise ergonômica do trabalho, desenvolvida a partir de observações abertas de diversas tarefas e de entrevistas e na ação em Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, realizada por meio de grupos de reflexão sobre o trabalho. RESULTADOS O trabalho dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família estudados era constituído a partir de ações diversificadas e complexas devendo ser compartilhado entre profissionais e equipes envolvidas. Eram utilizadas ferramentas tecnológicas inovadoras, pouco adotadas pelos profissionais da atenção primária em saúde, e os parâmetros e instrumentos de produtividade não davam conta da especificidade e complexidade do trabalho realizado. Tais situações exigiam rearranjos organizacionais constantes, sobretudo entre os Núcleos de Apoio e as Equipes de Saúde da Família, provocando dificuldades na realização do trabalho e na própria constituição identitária dos profissionais estudados. CONCLUSÕES Procurou-se dar maior visibilidade aos processos de trabalho do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família de forma a contribuir para avanços da política pública de atenção primária à saúde. A introdução de mudanças no trabalho é antes de tudo um compromisso que deve ser permanente e contemplar todos os atores envolvidos.
The relationship between depressive symptoms and family functioning in institutionalized elderly
Authors: Oliveira Simone Camargo de , Santos Ariene Angelini dos , Pavarini Sofia Cristina Iost
Published: March 2014

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between family functioning and depressive symptoms among institutionalized elderly. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study of quantitative character. A total of 107 institutionalized elderly were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale (to track depressive symptoms) and the Family APGAR (to assess family functioning). The correlation coefficient of Pearson’s, the chi-square test and the crude and adjusted logistic regression were used in the data analysis with a significance level of 5 %. The institutionalized elderly with depressive symptoms were predominantly women and in the age group of 80 years and older. Regarding family functioning, most elderly had high family dysfunctioning (57 %). Family dysfunctioning was higher among the elderly with depressive symptoms. There was a significant correlation between family functioning and depressive symptoms. The conclusion is that institutionalized elderly with dysfunctional families are more likely to have depressive symptoms.
Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) and flowers in natural forest patches of southern Pantanal
Authors: Boff Samuel , Araujo Andréa Cardoso , Pott Arnildo
Published: March 2014

This is the first systematic survey of bees in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. We recorded bee species and their floral resources within grassland and natural forest edge habitats in the Pantanal. Surveys were conducted during two to four-days per month, for a total of 12 months. Overall, we recorded 56 bee species visiting a total of 63 flowering plants. Asteraceae and Fabaceae presented the highest number of visited species, however Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) was the plant most visited by different bee species (18). The most generalist native bee was Trigona fuscipennis visiting a total of 17 flowering plant species. Apis mellifera, an exotic bee, visited 27 species. We also report the overlap (37.5%) in the use of floral resources between the exotic bee Apis mellifera and native bee species. Our updated bee checklist here presented includes 10 new records for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. These data will support management strategies targeting the conservation of plant-pollinator interactions in the Pantanal ecosystem.
Protozooplankton and its relationship with environmental conditions in 13 water bodies of the Mogi-Guaçu basin - SP, Brazil
Authors: Bagatini Inessa Lacativa , Spínola Ana Lúcia Gerardi , Peres Bianca de Miranda , Mansano Adrislaine da Silva , Rodrigues Mafalda Alexandra Antunes , Batalha Marco Antônio Portugal Luttembarck , Lucca José Valdecir de , Godinho Mirna Januária Leal , Tundisi Takako Matsumura , Seleghim Mirna Helena Regali
Published: March 2014

Protozooplankton is an important component of the aquatic microbial food webs and its composition, density, and distribution reflect the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the environment. Considering the scarce literature on freshwater protozoans in Brazil and on protozoan ecology in subtropical environments, we listed the ciliates and amoebae taxa found in 13 water bodies in São Paulo State and analyzed their abundance in relation to the environmental variables. We collected two samples in each environment, fixed immediately with mercuric chloride and stained with bromophenol blue. After microscopical analysis, 74 protozoan genera were identified and the Ciliophora were dominant in the majority of the environments. The Stichotrichia, represented mostly by the genus Halteria, occurred in all environments, and was the dominant subclass in five of them. The canonic correspondence analysis of the most frequent genera and the environmental variables showed that nitrite and nitrate were the variables that better explained the distribution of Limnostrombidium, Urotricha, and Vorticella. The densities of the genera Halteria, Coleps, and of the species Cinetochilum margaritaceum were positively affected by increasing concentrations of dissolved oxygen, particulate phosphate, conductivity, and temperature. C. margaritaceum were also negatively affected by increasing concentrations of nitrite and nitrate. Considering that we made only one sampling in each environment, the richness was high compared to the mean diversity of lakes in the São Paulo State. The Diogo Lake, located in an ecological reserve, was the richest one, confirming the need of more research on the biodiversity of more preserved environments.
Flora vascular da Serra da Pedra Branca, Caldas, Minas Gerais e relações florísticas com áreas de altitude da Região Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Rezende Munike Gonçalves de , Elias Ricardo Cunha Loyola , Salimena Fátima Regina Gonçalves , Menini Neto Luiz
Published: March 2014

Serra da Pedra Branca (SPB) is a mountain range located in the Southwestern portion of the state Minas Gerais, in the municipality of Caldas (21°58′-21°55′S, 46°24′-46°22′W). It is a striking feature in the landscape, between 1100 and 1780 m.s.m., in a region that is part of the Atlantic Forest Domain and is considered as a priority area for conservation of the flora in Minas Gerais state. The vegetation is composed by a mosaic of “campo de altitude” (which occupy the greatest extension in the area), Seasonal Semidecidual Montane Forest, Dense Ombrophilous High-Montane Forest and Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. The aims of this study was the elaboration of a floristic survey of SPB added to the specimens collected by Anders Fredrik Regnell in the nineteenth century in Caldas and to analyze its floristic similarity with altitude areas of the Southeastern Region of Brazil. There were recorded 502 vascular plant species, distributed in 274 genera and 100 families. The majority of recorded species present herbaceous habit, terricolous, saxicolous and/or rupicolous (representing around 58% of recorded species), predominantly occurring in the “campo de altitude” (ca. 46%). The richest families were Polypodiaceae (20 spp.) and Dryopteridaceae (10 spp.) among the ferns, and Orchidaceae (56 spp.), Asteraceae (27 spp.) and Fabaceae (26 spp.) among the angiosperms. Just one species of gymnosperm was recorded, Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae). Five new records were made for the Minas Gerais flora, 13 species are cited as threatened with extinction in the state and at least six are endemic to SPB. Amongst 127 species collected in XIX century in the region, only 29 collected again, while 375 new records were made for SPB. The analysis of floristic similarity performed between the flora of SPB and other altitude areas of Southeastern Region revealed isolation of SPB in relation to other areas, highlighting its floristic peculiarity, which can probably be explained by its location in a distinct hydrographic basin. The vegetation of the SPB must be considered as endangered since the presence of endemic species and/or threatened species, associated with local environmental conditions suffering accelerated rate of destruction, highlight the need for urgent actions to preserve local biodiversity.
Diet of two sit-and-wait lizards, Phyllopezus pollicaris (Spix, 1825) (Phyllodactylidae) and Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) (Gekkonidae) in a perianthropic area of Mato Grosso do Sul, western Brazil
Authors: Albuquerque Nelson Rufino de , Costa-Urquiza Arianna da Silva , Soares Michelly Pereira , Alves Ledilene Saucedo , Urquiza Marcus Vinícius Santiago
Published: March 2014

The dietary compositions of two sit-and-wait lizard species, Hemidactylus mabouia and Phyllopezus pollicaris, which co-occur over rocky substrate and vertical rock walls in a perianthropic area of western Brazil, were described. Both species showed a generalist feeding pattern, feeding mainly on insects. The most frequent prey items in the diet of P. pollicaris were Coleoptera, Araneae and Homoptera whereas the most important were Coleoptera and Homoptera, respectively. For H. mabouia the most frequent prey items were Araneae followed by Coleopterae and Hemiptera, whereas the most important items were H. mabouia followed by Formicidae and Hemiptera. Our identification into broader prey-types categories (i.e., order or family-level) suggests that some degree of food resource partitioning may occur, possibly through the occupation of different temporal niches.
Effects of high dose olive leaf extract on haemodynamic and oxidative stress parameters in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Dekanski Dragana , Mihailovic-Stanojevic Nevena , Milanovic Grujic , Jovovic Djurdjica , Miloradovic Zoran
Published: March 2014

Antihypertensive activity of natural antioxidant, olive leaf extract (OLE) is
known, but its influence on cardiovascular system when administered in a high
dose has not been investigated yet. Our aim was to determine the acute
effects of excessive intake of standardized OLE on blood pressure, heart rate
and oxidative status in both spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive
Wistar rats. Systolic arterial pressure and heart rate were measured using a
tail-cuff, pneumatic pulse detector, before, 60 and 120 minutes after
intragastric OLE administration. Activities of catalase, glutathione
peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase in
erythrocytes, as well as lipid peroxidation in plasma (pTBARS) were measured
at the same time points, spectrophotometrically. High-dose OLE did not
influence blood pressure, heart rate and pTBARS in normotensive rats, while
SOD, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities significantly increased.
The same dose significantly decreased blood pressure in hypertensive rats,
but increased pTBARS and SOD activity. Excessive oral intake of OLE induced
moderate hypotensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats only,
suggesting absence of harmful haemodynamic effects after oral overdose in
both rats strain. However, its prooxidative role when given in high dose in
hypertensive organism should not be neglected.
Thermal plume behaviour in the Kadra reservoir at Kaiga atomic power station – Part 2: studies for the case of four and six units in operation
Authors: Goyal P. , Sharma P. K. , Markandeya S. G. , Ghosh A. K.
Published: March 2014

A computational model was developed earlier for 2 units of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) operational at Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) to understand the thermal plume behaviour in the Kadra reservoir wherein the hot water from the plant condensers is discharged. The model was successfully validated against the site data. The same model has now been extended for analyzing the thermal plume bahaviour in case of 4 NPP units as well as 6 NPP units operational at the same site. The present paper briefly describes details of the studies along with the results of earlier study to understand the overall behavior of thermal plume in Kadra reservoir.
Priority-Based Hierarchical Operational Management for Multiagent-Based Microgrids
Authors: Kato Takumi , Takahashi Hideyuki , Sasai Kazuto , Kitagata Gen , Kim Hak-Man , Kinoshita Tetsuo
Published: March 2014

Electricity consumption in the world is constantly increasing, making our lives become more and more dependent on electricity. There are several new paradigms proposed in the field of power grids. In Japan, especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, the new power grid paradigms are expected to be more resilient to survive several difficulties during disasters. In this paper, we focus on microgrids and propose priority-based hierarchical operational management for multiagent-based microgrids. The proposed management is a new multiagent-based load shedding scheme and multiagent-based hierarchical architecture to realize such resilient microgrids. We developed a prototype system and performed an evaluation of the proposed management using the developed system. The result of the evaluation shows the effectiveness of our proposal in power shortage situations, such as disasters.
An Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Temperature on the Normal Impact of Fine Particles with a Plane Surface
Authors: Dong Ming , Xie Jun , Bai Linying , Li Sufen
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the rebound behavior of SiO2 particles normally impacting a planar surface under different temperature conditions. The system has been characterized for an aerosol inlet temperature range of 20–190 °C, flow velocities of 0–20 ms−1, and an impaction surface temperature range of 20–140 °C. For the first time, while keeping the same temperature gradient from the high- to low-temperature regions, the influences of varying temperature on the rebound behavior of SiO2 particles normally impacting a plane surface were examined. At increased temperatures, the plastic deformation increases and the coefficient of restitution reduces. The critical velocity is between 0.542 and 0.546 m/s under condition 1 (the carrier gas temperature (Tg) and the impaction surface temperature (TW) remain at room temperature of 20 °C), which increases to between 0.829 and 0.847 m/s under condition 4 (Tg and TW remain at temperatures of 190 °C and 140 °C, respectively). The experimental results show that the critical velocity increases with increasing temperature.
BMP4 Enhances Foam Cell Formation by BMPR-2/Smad1/5/8 Signaling
Authors: Feng Jun , Gao Jiangfei , Li Yuxin , Yang Yanhua , Dang Lili , Ye Yuanpeng , Deng Jingyuan , Li Antai
Published: March 2014

Atherosclerosis and its complications are characterized by lipid-laden foam cell formation. Recently, an obvious up-regulation of BMP4 was observed in atherosclerotic plaque, however, its function and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In our study, BMP4 pretreatment induced macrophage foam cell formation. Furthermore, a dramatic increase in the ratio of cholesteryl ester (CE) to total cholesterol (TC) was observed in BMP4-treated macrophages, accompanied by the reduction of cholesterol outflow. Importantly, BMP4 stimulation inhibited the expression levels of the two most important cellular cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, indicating that BMP4 may induce formation of foam cells by attenuating transporters expression. Further mechanism analysis showed that BMPR-2, one of the BMP4 receptors, was significantly increased in BMP4 treated macrophage foam cells. That blocking its expression using specific siRNA significantly increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 levels. Additionally, BMP4 treatment triggered the activation of Smad1/5/8 pathway by BMPR-2 signaling. After blocking the Smad1/5/8 with its inhibitor, ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression levels were up-regulated significantly, suggesting that BMP4 inhibited the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 through the BMPR-2/Smad1/2/8 signaling pathway. Therefore, our results will provide a new insight about how BMP4 accelerate the progressio of atherosclerosis, and it may become a potential target against atherosclerosis and its complications.
miR-27b and miR-23b Modulate Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Vilches José , Pulido Antonio , Hernández-Torres Francisco , Franco Diego , Aránega Amelia
Published: March 2014

Diverse types of stem cells represent a potentially attractive source of cardiac cells for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, most of the functional benefits reported for stem cell have been modest and mainly due to paracrine effects rather than differentiation into cardiomyocytes of the applied cells. Therefore, new tools need to be developed in order to improve the efficiency of stem cell differentiation towards specific cardiovascular lineages. Here we show that microRNAs that display early differential expression during ventricular maturation, such as miR-27b, inhibits cardiac differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells whereas miRNAs that display late differential expression, such as miR-23b, regulates the beating phenotype during in vitro cardiac differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). This study could have an impact on regenerative medicine since we showed that miR-27b and miR-23b overexpression differentially modify the ESC cell fate towards the cardiac lineage.
Extracts from New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida Containing Fucoxanthin as Potential Functional Biomaterials against Cancer in Vitro
Authors: Wang Sheng , Li Yan , White William , Lu Jun
Published: March 2014

This study tested extracts from New Zealand seaweed Undaria pinnatifida containing fucoxanthin, in parallel with pure fucoxanthin, in nine human cancer cell lines, for anticancer activity. Growth inhibition effects of extracts from Undaria pinnatifida were found in all types of cancer cell lines in dose- and time- dependent manners. Cytotoxicity of fucoxanthin in three human non-cancer cell lines was also tested. Compared with pure fucoxanthin, our extracts containing low level of fucoxanthin were found to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of lung carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma and neuroblastoma. Our results suggest that fucoxanthin is a functional biomaterial that may be used as a chemopreventive phytochemical or in combination chemotherapy. Furthermore, we show for the first time that some unknown compounds with potential selective anti-cancer effects may exist in extracts of New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida, and New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida could be used as a source for either functional biomaterial extraction or production of functional food.
Nonlinear Progressive Damage Analysis of Notched or Bolted Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Laminates Based on a Three-Dimensional Strain Failure Criterion
Authors: Liu Yue , Zwingmann Bernd , Schlaich Mike
Published: March 2014

Notching and bolting are commonly utilised in connecting fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates. These mechanical methods are usually superior to other connections, particularly when joining thick composite laminates. Stress distributions, damage modes and ultimate strengths in notched or bolted FRP laminate designs are of particular interest to the industrial community. To predict the ultimate strengths and the failure processes of notched or bolted composite laminates, nonlinear progressive damage analyses (PDA) based on the finite element method (FEM) at the meso-scale level are performed in this paper. A three-dimensional strength criterion in terms of strains, which can distinguish different damage modes, was developed and adopted in the analysis model to detect damage initiation in the laminates. Different material degradation methods and the influence of cohesive layers were discussed and compared with results of verification experiments. The results showed that the analysis model that used the succinct strength criterion proposed in this paper could properly predict the damage initiation and the ultimate strengths of notched or bolted FRP laminates. The errors between the numerical results and experimental data were small. The material degradation method with continuum damage mechanics (CDM)-based exponential damage factors using the damage index as the independent variable achieved greater accuracy and convergence than the method with CDM-based exponential damage factors using the square index as the independent variable or than the method with constant damage factors. Adding cohesive layers in the model had negligible influence on the final results, largely because the succinct analysis model proposed in this paper is sufficiently accurate in cases of small delamination.
Design and Validation of a Cyclic Strain Bioreactor to Condition Spatially-Selective Scaffolds in Dual Strain Regimes
Authors: Goodhart J. , Cooper Jared , Smith Richard , Williams John , Haggard Warren , Bumgardner Joel
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to design and validate a unique bioreactor design for applying spatially selective, linear, cyclic strain to degradable and non-degradable polymeric fabric scaffolds. This system uses a novel three-clamp design to apply cyclic strain via a computer controlled linear actuator to a specified zone of a scaffold while isolating the remainder of the scaffold from strain. Image analysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) woven scaffolds subjected to a 3% mechanical stretch demonstrated that the stretched portion of the scaffold experienced 2.97% ± 0.13% strain (mean ± standard deviation) while the unstretched portion experienced 0.02% ± 0.18% strain. NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells were cultured on the PET scaffolds and half of each scaffold was stretched 5% at 0.5 Hz for one hour per day for 14 days in the bioreactor. Cells were checked for viability and proliferation at the end of the 14 day period and levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (hydroxyproline) were measured as indicators of extracellular matrix production. Scaffolds in the bioreactor showed a seven-fold increase in cell number over scaffolds cultured statically in tissue culture plastic petri dishes (control). Bioreactor scaffolds showed a lower concentration of GAG deposition per cell as compared to the control scaffolds largely due to the great increase in cell number. A 75% increase in hydroxyproline concentration per cell was seen in the bioreactor stretched scaffolds as compared to the control scaffolds. Surprisingly, little differences were experienced between the stretched and unstretched portions of the scaffolds for this study. This was largely attributed to the conditioned and shared media effect. Results indicate that the bioreactor system is capable of applying spatially-selective, linear, cyclic strain to cells growing on polymeric fabric scaffolds and evaluating the cellular and matrix responses to the applied strains.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “Optomechatronics”
Authors: Koch Alexander
Published: March 2014

The field of optomechatronics combines the synergistic effects of optics, mechanics and electronics for efficient sensor development. Optical sensors for the measurement of mechanical quantities, equipped with appropriate electronic signal (pre)processing have a wide range of applications, from surface testing, stress monitoring, and thin film analysis to biochemical sensing. The aim of this special issue is to provide an overview of current research and innovative applications of optomechatronics in sensors. [...]
Development of Symmetry Concepts for Aperiodic Crystals
Authors: Janssen Ted
Published: March 2014

An overview is given of the use of symmetry considerations for aperiodic crystals. Superspace groups were introduced in the seventies for the description of incommensurate modulated phases with one modulation vector. Later, these groups were also used for quasi-periodic crystals of arbitrary rank. Further extensions use time reversal and time translation operations on magnetic and electrodynamic systems. An alternative description of magnetic structures to that with symmetry groups, the Shubnikov groups, is using representations of space groups. The same can be done for aperiodic crystals. A discussion of the relation between the two approaches is given. Representations of space groups and superspace groups play a role in the study of physical properties. These, and generalizations of them, are discussed for aperiodic crystals. They are used, in particular, for the characterization of phase transitions between aperiodic crystal phases.
One pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles using a cyclodextrin containing polymer as reductant and stabilizer
Authors: Maciollek Arkadius , Ritter Helmut
Published: March 2014

A facile and one pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles with narrow size distributions using silver nitrate and a copolymer 1 from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and mono-(1H-triazolylmethyl)-2-methylacryl-β-cyclodextrin acting as reductant and stabilizer without using any additional reducing agent is reported. The reduction was carried out in aqueous solution under pH neutral conditions at room temperature. The results of dynamic light scattering analysis and transmission electron microscopy show adjustable particle sizes from 30–100 nm, due to variation of silver nitrate concentration, the polymeric reducing and stabilisation agent concentration or reaction time. The spherical structure of the silver nanoparticles has been confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the nanoparticles have also been characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy. The formed spherical particles are stable in aqueous medium at room temperature over a period of several weeks. Furthermore the changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles due to thermo induced volume phase transition behavior of the thermoresponsive cyclodextrin containing polymer 1 have been characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy.
Group-assisted purification (GAP) chemistry for the synthesis of Velcade via asymmetric borylation of N-phosphinylimines
Authors: Xie Jian-bo , Luo Jian , Winn Timothy R , Cordes David B , Li Guigen
Published: March 2014

A new approach to the anticancer drug Velcade was developed by performing asymmetric borylation of an imine anchored with a chiral N-phosphinyl auxiliary. Throughout the 7-step synthesis, especially in the imine’s synthesis and in the asymmetric borylation reactions, operations and work-up were conducted in simple and easy ways without any column chromatographic purification, which defines the GAP (group-assisted purification) chemistry concept. It was found that the optically pure isomer (dr > 99:1) can be readily obtained by washing the crude mixture of the asymmetric borylation reaction with hexane; the chiral N-phosphinyl auxiliary can be easily recovered after deprotection is finished. Several other N-phosphinylimines were also investigated for the asymmetric borylation reaction. The absolute configuration of the borylation product was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Consequences of Diminishing Trust in Cyberspace
Authors: Dasgupta Dipankar , Ferebee Denise M.
Published: March 2014

The cyberspace has become an integral part of modern day life—social, economic, political, religious, medical and other aspects. Without the availability of the Internet, many businesses, governments and society would not function properly. Presently, the Internet brings people together to share their ideas, and allow their voices to be heard. In its inception and ideally, cyberspace has no political, geographical or social boundaries; as a result it facilitates in globalization and the uniting of people all over the world by providing a means for communication. While the potential benefits of this interconnectivity are unlimited, this virtual world is also becoming hackers' playground, nation-states' battle ground, and a vehicle for propaganda and misinformation. In this article, the authors argue that with the growing threat of coordinated attacks, creation of complex malware and gradually diminished trust in freely-available information, the openness of the web and the global connectivity will no longer exist. If this trend continues, the Internet will be partitioned, users will rely on information and news through membership-based services, the information flow will be highly regulated by governments, online businesses and critical knowledge will only be shared among alliance of friendly nations.
Information Security Management
Authors: Martins José , dos Santos Henrique , Rosinha António , Valente Agostinho
Published: March 2014

The authors present a Case Study conducted in a Portuguese military organization, to answer the following research questions: (1) what are the most relevant dimensions and categories of information security controls applied in military organizations? (2) What are the main scenarios of information security incidents that are expected to occur? (3) What is the decision process used for planning and selection information security controls? This study reveals that: (1) information security within the military organization is built on the basis of physical and human attack vectors, and targeting the infrastructure that supports the flow of information in the organization; (2) the information security controls applied in the military organization are included in ISO/IEC 27001; (3) planning and selection of applied information security controls are made by decision makers and information security specialists. It appears that specialists impose their planning options essentially seeking to select and retrieve past successful information security cases.
Tools and Technologies for Professional Offensive Cyber Operations
Authors: Grant T. J.
Published: March 2014

Since 2008, several countries have published new national cyber security strategies that allow for the possibility of offensive cyber operations. Typically, national strategies call for the establishment of a cyber operations unit capable of computer network defence, exploitation, and, in some nations, attack. The cyber operations unit will be manned by professionals and operate under government authority compliant with national and international law. Our research focuses on offensive cyber operations (i.e. computer network exploitation and attack). The cyber unit must be provided with the right resources, in the form of accommodation, computing and networking infrastructure, tools and technologies, doctrine, and training. We contend that the open literature gives an unbalanced view of what tools and technologies a professional group needs because it emphasizes malware and, to a lesser extent, the delivery media used by cyber criminals. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify systematically the tools and technologies needed for professional, offensive cyber operations. A canonical model of the cyber attack process was obtained by rationally reconstructing a set of existing attack process models found in the literature. This canonical model was formalized using Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) notation, in which processes are logically linked by inputs, outputs, controls, and mechanisms. A set of tools and technologies was extracted from the mechanisms. The canonical model and set of tools and technologies have been checked by subject matter experts.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Authors: Tabansky L.
Published: March 2014

Cyber Warfare holds a grave hazard of striking national infrastructure while circumventing traditional defense systems. This article examines the evolution of Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) policy in Israel and analyses its performance. Israel has developed a unique legal and regulatory model for critical infrastructure protection, which was implemented in late 2002. Recently, a comprehensive review of cyber security posture has been conducted, and significant policy changes are in progress. The Israeli approach to CIP and beyond, fostering cooperation between public, security, academic and private sectors, appears to be successful. This study of the evolution of Israeli Critical Infrastructure Protection policy may assist policy-making in other countries.