bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five-year analysis of rickettsial fevers in children in South India: Clinical manifestations and complications
Authors: Thomas Rwituja , Puranik Preeti , Kalal Bhuvanesh , Britto Carl , Kamalesh Savitha , Rego Sylvan , Shet Anita
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Rickettsial infections are re-emerging in the Indian subcontinent, especially among children. Understanding geographical and clinical epidemiology will facilitate early diagnosis and management. Methodology: Children aged <18yrs hospitalized with clinically-diagnosed rickettsial fever were reviewed retrospectively. Frequency distributions and odds ratios were calculated from tabulated data. Results: Among 262 children hospitalized between January 2008-December 2012, median age was five years, and 61% were male children. Hospitalized cases increased steadily every year, with the highest burden (74%) occurring between September and January each year. Mean duration of fever was 11.5 days. Rash was present in 54.2% (142/262) of children, with 37.0% involving palms and soles. Prevalence of malnutrition was high (45% of children were underweight and 28% had stunting). Retinal vasculitis was seen in 13.7% (36/262), and the risk appeared higher in females. Severe complications were seen in 29% (purpura fulminans, 7.6%; meningitis and meningoencephalitis, 28%; septic shock, 1.9%; acute respiratory distress syndrome, 1.1%). Complications were more likely to occur in anemic children. Positive Weil-Felix test results (titers ≥1:160) were seen in 70% of cases. Elevated OX-K titers suggestive of scrub typhus were seen in 80% (147/184). Patients were treated with chloramphenicol (32%) or doxycycline (68%). Overall mortality among hospitalised children was 1.9%. Conclusions: This five-year analysis from southern India shows a high burden and increasing trend of rickettsial infections among children. The occurrence of retinal vasculitis and a high rate of severe complications draw attention to the need for early diagnosis and management of these infections.
Inhibition of Ebola Virus by Anti-Ebola miRNAs in silico
Authors: Golkar Zhabiz , Battaria Roshan , Pace Donald G , Bagasra Omar
Published: July 2016

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene regulation of the organisms. miRNA provides immune defense when the body is faced with challenges intracellular agents. miRNA molecules trigger gene silencing in eukaryotic cells. More than 3,000 different human miRNAs (hsa-miRs) have been identified thus far. During ontogenesis, viral or intracellular parasitic infections, miRNAs are differentially expressed to protect the host from intracellular invaders. In a viral infection context, miRNAs have been connected with the interplay between host and pathogen, and occupy a major role in pathogenesis. Methodology: An in silico approach was used to analyze the four major Ebola Virus genome sequences including the recently characterized Ebola virus responsible for West African epidemic that has killed over 10,000 people. All totaled, 2,543 mature human miRNA sequences were retrieved through an miR-database, and the identification of mature miRNAs were aligned with full length sequences of the four major Ebola viruses via computational tools. Results: We identified 32 miRNAs that exhibited significant inhibitory capacity to block more than one EBV strains. miR-607 showed capacity to quell all four major EBVs. Ten putative miRNAs were found to have near perfect identity at seed sequences with numerous targets of Ebola virus that may completely degrade the viral transcripts. Conclusion: We hypothesize that a miRNA-based vaccine can quell Ebola virus infection. Future approaches will focus on validation of these miRNAs in quelling the Ebola virus to further elucidate their biological functions in primate and other animal models.
Device-associated infections in the pediatric intensive care unit at the American University of Beirut Medical Center
Authors: Ismail Ali , El-Hage-Sleiman Abdul-Karim , Majdalani Marianne , Hanna-Wakim Rima , Kanj Souha , Sharara-Chami Rana
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are the principal threat to patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs).  The primary objective of this study was to identify the most common DA-HAIs in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Length of stay (LOS) and mortality, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and suitability of empiric antibiotic choices for DA-HAIs according to the local resistance patterns were also studied. Methodology: This was a retrospective study that included all patients admitted to the PICU at AUBMC between January 2007 and December 2011. All patients admitted to the PICU having a placed central line, an endotracheal tube, and/or a Foley catheter were included. Data was extracted from the patients’ medical records through chart review. A total of 22 patients were identified with 25 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), 25 ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and 9 catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The causing organisms, their resistance patterns, and the appropriateness of empiric antimicrobial therapy were reported. Results: Gram-negative pathogens were found in 53% of the DA-HAIs, Gram-positive ones in 27%, and fungal organisms in 20%. A total of 80% of K. pneumonia isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producers, and 30% of Pseudomonas isolates were multidrug resistant. No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were isolated. Based on culture results, the choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy was appropriate in 64% of the DA-HAIs. Conclusions: After the care bundle approach is adopted in our PICU, DA-HAIs are expected to decrease further.
Methylene blue inhibits lumefantrine-resistant Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Mwangi Victor Irungu , Mumo Ruth Mwende , Kiboi Daniel Muthui , Omar Sabah Ahmed , Ng'ang'a Zipporah Waithera , Ozwara Hastings Suba
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Chemotherapy still is the most effective way to control malaria, a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The large-scale use of the combination therapy artemether-lumefantrine for malaria treatment in Africa predisposes lumefantrine to emergence of resistance. There is need to identify drugs that can be used as substitutes to lumefantrine for use in combination therapy. Methylene blue, a synthetic anti-methemoglobinemia drug, has been shown to contain antimalarial properties, making it a candidate for drug repurposing. The present study sought to determine antiplasmodial effects of methylene blue against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant strains of P. berghei. Methodology: Activity of methylene blue was assessed using the classical four-day test on mice infected with lumefantrine-resistant and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei. A dose of 45 mg/kg/day was effective for testing ED90. Parasitemia and mice survival was determined. Results: At 45 mg/kg/day, methylene blue sustained significant parasite inhibition, over 99%, for at least 6 days post-treatment against lumefantrine-resistant and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei (p = 0.0086 and p = 0.0191, respectively). No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Our results indicate that methylene blue at a concentration of 45 mg/kg/day confers over 99% inhibition against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei for six days. This shows the potential use methylene blue in the development of antimalarials against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant parasites.
Vitamin D level is associated with mortality predictors in ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Haliloglu Murat , Bilgili Beliz , Haliloglu Ozlem , Gogas Yavuz Dilek , Cinel Ismail
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Vitamin D plays a role in host defense and is known to be associated with mortality in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to evaluate the relationships between vitamin D levels and predictors of mortality in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii (XDR A. baumanii). Methodology: A retrospective single-center study was conducted in an 18-bed adult ICU of a teaching hospital, including all patients with VAP due to XDR A. baumanii. Levels of 25(OH)D, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), n-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), as well as clinical scores (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE II], Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score [CPIS) were recorded. Results: Forty-for patients were studied over six months. All patients had vitamin D deficiency. The 28-day mortality in patients with 25(OH)D levels ≤ 10 ng/mL was higher than in patients with 25(OH)D > 10ng/mL (p = 0.001). The fourth- and seventh-day SOFA scores (p= 0.04 and p= 0.001) and first- and fourth-day procalcitonin levels (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004) were higher in patients with 25(OH)D levels ≤ 10 ng/mL. The clinical scores (SOFA, CPIS, and CEPPIS) and biomarkers (NT-proBNP, PCT) were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels in all study groups. Conclusions: Severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with adverse outcome in VAP due to XDR A. baumanii. Vitamin D levels may be a prognostic predictor of VAP. It is also important to evaluate the effect of rapid vitamin D replacement on mortality.
Ciencia en el Barroco español: nuevas fuentes documentales de Jerónimo de Ayanz
Authors: García Tapia Nicolás , Jiménez Muñoz Carlos , Martínez de Azagra Paredes Andrés
Published: July 2016

En la vida de Jerónimo de Ayanz hay un lapso de tiempo, desde noviembre de 1611 hasta su muerte, en marzo de 1613, del que no disponíamos de ninguna fuente documental. Recientemente, un impreso adquirido por la Biblioteca Nacional de España, y que hemos fechado en 1612, revela que el técnico estuvo activo hasta sus últimos días y nos muestra una nueva faceta suya: la experimentación científica. Este documento incluye una carta impresa dirigida al príncipe Emanuel Filiberto de Saboya. En la misiva, Ayanz presenta al príncipe un capítulo de un libro científico desconocido que estaba escribiendo en el que, a través de la experimentación, trata asuntos como la compulsión de los elementos, la existencia del vacío, el movimiento perpetuo, la esfera ígnea o la caída de los cuerpos. Nuestro objetivo es presentar este valioso documento y exponer los experimentos e innovadoras teorías científicas que Ayanz plantea.
Lucien Cuénot, Richard Goldschmidt y Miquel Crusafont Pairó
Authors: Casinos Adrià
Published: July 2016

Se analiza un texto inédito de Miquel Crusafont Pairó, correspondiente a comunicación que llevó a cabo en la Fundació Bosch i Cardellach, sobre la necrológica de Lucien Cuénot publicada por Richard Goldschmidt. La comunicación es un fuerte ataque a Goldschmidt por sus críticas a la deriva teleológica de Cuénot en los últimos años de su vida.
A introdução da penicilina nos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal (1944-1946)
Authors: Bell Victoria , Pereira Ana Leonor , Rui Pita João
Published: July 2016

A importação regular de penicilina para Portugal iniciou-se em Setembro de 1944 através da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa. Até Junho de 1945 a importação e distribuição do medicamento foram controladas por esta instituição humanitária mas a partir desta data, com o aumento da produção mundial, a penicilina começou a ser importada por intermédio da indústria farmacêutica. No Arquivo da Universidade de Coimbra consultamos papeletas (processos individuais) de doentes internados nos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra desde Setembro de 1944 até Agosto de 1946. A investigação realizada permitiu-nos recolher informações sobre a introdução da penicilina e sobre os primeiros tratamentos efetuados com o medicamento nestes hospitais. Com base nos dados recolhidos pretendemos, pelo presente artigo, mostrar como foi feita a receção da penicilina num hospital central de grande dimensão, um dos principais hospitais portugueses, saber a frequência com que era prescrita, as patologias mais comuns em que era empregue, as doses administradas, a posologia e o tempo de tratamento assim como os clínicos responsáveis pela sua prescrição.
Gestión de la rehabilitación sostenible en Grandes Conjuntos de las periferias urbanas por las administraciones públicas locales
Authors: Ruiz Palomeque G.
Published: July 2016

Parte de las viviendas españolas anteriores al año 1980 ocupan Grandes Conjuntos de las periferias urbanas. Se sitúan en edificios obsoletos y están habitadas por una población vulnerable. Se plantea la «rehabilitación sostenible» de estos Conjuntos, en los aspectos ambientales, económicos y sociales. El contexto actual presenta una serie de barreras, pero también de oportunidades. Algunas ligadas a la nueva financiación de los Fondos de la UE; y otras a la aplicación de la nueva Ley 8/2013 de rehabilitación, renovación y regeneración urbanas. Ésta incluye nuevos tipos de gestión, creando estructuras mixtas público-privadas. Estas estructuras han sido utilizadas en algunas experiencias previas que, a la vista de sus resultados, podrían constituir modelos a seguir para la rehabilitación sostenible de los Grandes Conjuntos Urbanos en España. Se describen los procedimientos seguidos en ellas, dirigidos por las instituciones, y que integran todos los aspectos financieros, de gestión y participación, normativos y técnicos.
Cuentas energéticas no habituales en edificación residencial
Authors: García de Diego M. de Luxán , Gómez Muñoz G. , Román López E.
Published: July 2016

La evaluación energética de edificios, suele cuantificar resultados referentes a consumos, ahorros energéticos y económicos, amortizaciones, emisiones de CO2, etc.; sin embargo, existen otros factores, habitualmente no considerados, que pueden ser determinantes en la elección de soluciones para el mejor comportamiento y la eficiencia energética global de las edificaciones y en el bienestar y la calidad de vida de sus usuarios. En el presente artículo se muestran casos reales en los que aparecen ejemplos y cuestiones, como la inadecuación de algunos parámetros en condiciones sociales de pobreza energética donde no cabe valorar ahorros sin consumos, la interrelación entre indicadores energéticos y otros temporales y sociales habitualmente poco tratados, la influencia de soluciones constructivas que se contabilizan energéticamente de modo poco efectivo, pero que consiguen resultados reales superiores, las variaciones en los modelos de confort, y la atención a las estrategias teniendo en cuenta los escenarios del cambio climático.
Obsolescencia de la envolvente térmica y acústica de la vivienda social de la postguerra española en áreas urbanas vulnerables. El caso de Zaragoza
Authors: Kurtz F. , Monzón M. , López-Mesa B.
Published: July 2016

En las ciudades españolas actuales, la vivienda de protección pública construida durante la etapa posterior a la Guerra Civil y hasta mediados de los 60 constituye un modelo ampliamente extendido. En este artículo se realiza un diagnóstico de la obsolescencia física de la envolvente térmica y acústica de 21 Conjuntos Urbanos de Interés de Zaragoza vulnerables de la posguerra española, definiendo de forma sistemática las soluciones constructivas empleadas y comparando su comportamiento energético y acústico con los estándares actuales. Se observa que el sistema envolvente semitransparente es débil tanto acústica como térmicamente, y que el sistema envolvente opaco presenta fuertes deficiencias a nivel energético particularmente en el caso de cubiertas.
Magnetic Nanoparticles Supported Carbene and Amine Based Metal Complexes in Catalysis
Authors: Patil Siddappa A. , Patil Shivaputra A. , Patil Renukadevi
Published: July 2016

Catalysis is one of the hottest research topics in chemistry. In recent years, metal complexes attracted great interest as catalysts towards various types of organic reactions. However, these catalysts, in most cases, suffer from the deficits during their recovery, recycling and the difficulty in separation of catalysts from the products. Therefore, the design and synthesis of recoverable and recyclable catalyst is very important aspect in catalysis. The aim of this review article is to highlight the speedy growth in the synthesis and catalytic applications of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, MNPs) supported N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and amine based metal complexes in various organic reactions. Furthermore, these catalysts can be easily separated from the reaction media with the external magnet and reused various times without a substantial loss of catalytic activity.
Manufacturing and Characterization of Nanostructures Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy with Diamond Tip
Authors: Lysenko Oleg G. , Grushko Vladimir I. , Dub Sergey N. , Mitskevich Eugene I. , Novikov Nikolay V. , Mamalis Athanasios G.
Published: July 2016

Nanoscale experiments with diamond tip that include processing, visualization and tunneling spectroscopy of the surface are presented. Single crystal diamond synthesized by the temperature gradient method under high pressure–high temperature (HPHT) conditions is proposed as a multifunctional tip for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Sequence of the procedures covering growing crystals with predetermined physical properties, selection of the synthesized crystals with the desired habit and their precise shaping have been developed. The original STM’s peculiarity is the electromagnetic probe-to-surface load measuring system. The results of fabrication and characterization of nanostructures for nanoelectronics, data storages and biology are demonstrated and discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Gold-Loaded Magnetite/Silica Core-Shell Composites
Authors: Huang Dan Dan , Dai Zhao , Yang Kun , Chu Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2016

The fabrication of gold-loaded magnetite/silica core-shell particles was presented in this paper. First, 250 nm of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by solvothermal reaction. Then, the Fe3O4 particles were coated by SiO2, and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), respectively. The core-shell structure of these microspheres was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Power X-ray diffraction (XRD). The magnetic property of the core-shell microspheres was investigated at room temperature. The results indicated that the core-shell composites had a well-retained high magnetic intensity, thus it can be easily separated from the mixture in less than a few minutes by simply using a magnet.
Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by a Microwave Method in Ethylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol Media: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sadr Manuchehri Qazale , Assi Navid , Pourmand Sanaz , Darwish Maher , Pakzad Amir
Published: July 2016

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized by a sol-gel microwave assisted method using either ethylene glycol (ZnO-EG) or poly ethylene glycol ethanolic solution (ZnO-PEG) as dispersing media. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. X-ray analysis revealed a hexagonal phase structure of both zinc oxides. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer equation was 27 nm and 53 nm in good agreement with 24 nm and 55 nm microscopic results for ZnO-EG and ZnO-PEG, respectively. The catalytic activity of the as-prepared nanoparticles was compared by the photodegradation of 2-nitrophenol under UVC. The effect of various parameters such as pH, catalyst weight, and pollutant concentration on the percent degradation was investigated. Best optimization was pH=7, 0.06g of nanoparticles weight, and 10 mg.L-1 pollutant concentration. Furthermore, pseudo first order kinetic based on Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) model was proposed for degradation reactions and experimental data were in good agreement with this model.
CoTiO3 Nanoparticles as a Highly Active Heterogeneous Catalyst of Peroxymonosulfate for the Degradation of Organic Pollutants under Visible-Light Illumination
Authors: Chi Fang Li , Zhou Guo Dong , Song Biao , Yang Bin , Lv Yao Hui , Ran Song Lin , Li Chun Guang
Published: July 2016

Visible light responsive CoTiO3 nanoparticles with average diameter of 100 nm were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method and were firstly applied to catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of organic pollutants (Rhodamine B (RhB)). Photocatalytic experiments illustrated that CoTiO3 nanoparticles reveal good photocatalytic activity and excellent ability to activate PMS, the synergistic effect of visible light photocatalysis and sulfate radical generated from activated PMS can degradate RhB efficiently. Besides, CoTiO3 nanoparticles maintain their high photocatalytic and activation efficiency after three times recycling.
A Secure, Social Media–Based “Case of the Month” Module in a Neurocritical Care Unit
Authors: Witherspoon Briana , Braunlin Kathryn , Kumar Avinash B.
Published: July 2016

Background

Systems to meet the on-demand learning needs of nurses in intensive care units are not well studied beyond the traditional classroom models.

Objective

To study the feasibility and effect of implementing an online discussion forum for nurses in a busy neuroscience intensive care unit.

Methods

A baseline survey was done to highlight the areas of educational need in the unit. Freeform—a password-protected, online discussion forum supported by the university—was used for the pilot project. Freeform has functions similar to Facebook, with “likes,” “follow,” discussion/comment spaces, and the capacity for uploading images and files. A page called “All things NeuroCritical Care” was created. All nurses working in the intensive care unit were automatically enrolled. Clinical vignettes relevant to neurocritical care were posted once a month with 1 to 2 lead questions. All participation was voluntary, and topics were chosen on the basis of the needs survey. At the end of each case, a recent review article on the topic was posted for secure download.

Results

Eight sentinel diagnoses have been presented as clinical vignettes, and 34 of 76 members formally follow the page. The mean number of discussion strings per case is 8.3 posts. The number of unique visitors to the page during active case discussions exceeds 100.

Conclusion

A secure, online, problem-based learning discussion format is a feasible point-of-care learning opportunity that can help overcome some of the traditional barriers to ongoing nursing education needs in a busy intensive care unit.
Sedimentary lipid biomarkers in the magnesium rich and highly alkaline Lake Salda (south-western Anatolia)
Authors: Kaiser Jérôme , Ön Bora , Arz Helge W. , Akçer-Ön Sena
Published: July 2016

Lake Salda located in south-western Anatolia is characterized by the presence of living stromatolites and by a low diversity of both phytoplankton and zooplankton due to high pH and magnesium concentration. The most abundant, free sedimentary lipids of the uppermost centimetres of the lake sediments were studied as potential environmental biomarkers, and proxies based on glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGT) were tested in this extreme environment. Dinosterol and tetrahymanol are potentially relevant biomarkers for the dinoflagellate Peridinium cinctum and ciliates, respectively. C20:1 and C25:2 highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) alkenes, and n-C17 alkane and n-C17:1 alkene are considered as representing, respectively, diatoms and Cyanobacteria involved in the formation of the stromatolites. Isoprenoid GDGT-0 is assumed to be derived mainly from Euryarchaeota (methanogens), and crenarchaeol from Thaumarchaeota. Allochthonous organic material is represented by long-chain n-alkanes and n-alkanols derived from land plant leaf waxes, as well as branched GDGTs produced by soil bacteria. While pH and temperature proxies based on branched GDGTs are likely not applicable in Lake Salda, TEX86 (tetraether index of tetraethers consisting of 86 carbons), a proxy based on isoprenoid GDGTs, potentially allows estimating mean annual lake surface temperature. Interestingly, C23 and C25 1,2 diols, which have a yet unknown origin, were found for the first time in lake sediments. This study represents the first investigation of sedimentary lipid distribution in an alkaline and magnesium-rich lake in Anatolia, and provides a basis for future biomarker-based paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Lake Salda.
Value of immunoglobulin G avidity for primary cytomegalovirus diagnosis in pregnant women compared to nested polymerase chain reaction
Authors: El Sayed Zaki Maysaa , Othman El Shabrawy Walaa
Published: July 2016

Primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in pregnancy especially in the first term carries high risks to foetus. Diagnosis depends mainly on laboratory tools as clinical diagnosis is non specific. The aim of the present study was to detect recent infection with HCMV in cohort pregnant Egyptian women in the first trimester by serological detection of specific IgM, IgG and IgG avidity test compared to nested PCR method. This study was performed on consecutive pregnant women. Blood samples were obtained and sera were separated from 120 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy and were screened for anti-CMV IgG, IgM and IgG avidity by ELISA and for HCMV-DNA by PCR. Positive IgG for HCMV was 62.5% and positive IgM was 15%. IgG avidity results showed that low, intermediate and high avidity represented 33.3%, 16.7% and 50%, respectively of IgM positive patients and 42.1%, 38.6% and 19.3%, respectively of IgM negative patients. Detection of HCMV DNA by PCR was positive in one of 24 IgM negative/low IgG avidity, in three of 22 IgM negative/intermediate IgG avidity and in all IgM positive/low IgG avidity patients. Confirmatory testing for primary infection with the combined use of IgG avidity with IgM antibody test in pregnant women during the first trimester is an accurate screening tool. The use of PCR as a diagnostic method can be applied to pregnant women with IgM antibodies and low IgG avidity results or in presence of isolated low or intermediate avidity IgG.
Vaccine hesitancy and refusal: why the Italian clinical microbiologists must get up and start acting
Authors: Editorial Board The
Published: July 2016

Not required
Bridging the gap between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and Ménière disease
Authors: Alpini Dario C. , Bavera Pietro M. , Di Berardino Federica , Barozzi Stefania , Cecconi Piero , Farabola Mario , Mattei Valentina , Mendozzi Laura , Pugnetti Luigi , Cesarani Antonio
Published: July 2016

Ménière disease (MD) is a chronic illness of the inner ear that affects a substantial number of patients every year worldwide. Because of a dearth of well-controlled studies, the medical and surgical management of MD remains quite empirical. The main reason is that it is very difficult to investigate patients affected with Certain MD due to the post-mortem criterion necessary for this diagnostic grade. Although Endolymphatic Hydrops (EH) is the worldwide accepted mechanism of MD, the causes that induce it are still not clear. In fact MD has been correlated mostly to a wide and different disturbances ranging from trauma to sleep disorders. It is nowadays sufficiently demonstrated that Chronic Cerebro Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is very frequent in MD. Even if CCSVI may potentially induce EH through a pure hydraulic mechanism CCSVI, per se does not explain how the various disorders correlated with MD may interact with CCSVI and provoke EH. The aim of this review is an attempt to approach MD into the context of the more recent findings about the global brain waste clearance system, to which inner ear is anatomically and functionally connected, in order to build a reasonable model of MD pathogenesis. The major part of the diseases correlated to MD may act on the inner ear disturbing the Glymphatic (GS) and/or Brain Lymphatic System (BLS) activity. The venous system interplays with GS and BLS. In this model CCSVI is considered more than a direct cause of MD rather the anatomical predisposition to develop the disease. In this model EH, and then MD, is the consequence of a failure of the compensation of the congenital venous abnormalities, anatomical compensation as collateral pathways and/or functional compensation as GS and BLS. In this model the major part of the disturbances correlated to MD and the various treatment proposed find their appropriate placement.
Матричный оператор Шрeдингера с $\delta$-взаимодействиями
Authors: Kostenko Aleksey Sergeevich , Malamud Mark Mikhailovich , Natyagajlo D D
Published: July 2016

Изучается матричный оператор Шрeдингера с точечными взаимодействиями
на полуоси. Используя теорию граничных троек и
соответствующих им функций Вейля, мы устанавливаем связь
между спектральными свойствами (индексы дефекта, самосопряженность,
полуограниченность и т.д.) исследуемых операторов и
некоторого класса блочных якобиевых матриц.
Библиография: 26 названий.
Квантовое исчисление и квазиконформные отображения
Authors: Sergeev Armen Glebovich
Published: July 2016

В статье обсуждается квантовая интерпретация квазисимметричных
гомеоморфизмов окружности, т.е. гомеоморфизмов, продолжающихся
до квазиконформных гомеоморфизмов единичного круга, и их
связь с основными конструкциями квантового исчисления.
Библиография: 7 названий.
Word Sketches of Separable Words Liheci in Chinese
Authors: PETROVČIČ Mateja
Published: July 2016

Separable words (liheci) are a special type of Chinese verbs with unique syntactical features in a sense that some elements come in between the two morphemes of a verb for a sentence to be grammatically acceptable. Not all separable words are extendable to the same degree. To understand the behaviour of words, it is generally advised to check word sketches, because they are based on large text corpora. This article examines how Chinese separable words are treated in Sketch Engine and discusses on the approprietness of the available Chinese corpora for word sketches. It further stresses the importance of including information on inserted elements in word sketches and gives suggestions on how to include them.
Crescimento e balanço nutricional de mudas de Enterolobium contortsiliquum com aplicação de substratos orgânicos e água residuária
Authors: Araújo Emanuel França , Arauco Adriana Miranda de Santana , Lacerda Julian Junio de Jesús , Ratke Rafael Felippe , Medeiros João Carlos
Published: July 2016

Diante da geração acentuada de resíduos orgânicos sólidos e efluentes, a utilização desses materiais como fonte primária de nutrientes consiste em uma importante prática de gestão ambiental, sobretudo na produção de mudas com ênfase à recuperação de áreas degradadas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento e o balanço nutricional de mudas de tamboril (Enterolobium contortsiliquum (Vell.) Morong) cultivadas em substratos com diferentes formulações e proporções de resíduos orgânicos irrigados com água residuária. Foram testados cinco proporções de composto orgânico e solo: 0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40 e 80:20 v/v, e duas qualidades de água de irrigação: água de abastecimento e água residuária de suinocultura, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial, 5 x 2, com quatro repetições. Aos 90 dias, foram avaliadas as variáveis morfológicas, índices do sistema integrado de diagnose e recomendação e do balanço nutricional médio das mudas. Constatou-se que o resíduo orgânico contribui para o crescimento e o equilíbrio nutricional das mudas. A proporção 80:20 mostrou-se a mais indicada à produção de mudas de tamboril. O crescimento e balanço nutricional das mudas foram inferiores nos tratamentos que receberam irrigação com água residuária de suinocultura.Growth and nutrient balance of Enterolobium contortsiliquum seedlings with addition of organic substrates and wastewaterGiven the strong generation of solid organic waste and wastewater, the use of these materials as a primary source of nutrients is an important practice in environmental management, especially in the production of seedlings with emphasis on degraded areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and nutrient balance of “tamboril” (Enterolobium contortsiliquum (Vell.) Morong) seedlings grown on substrates with different formulations proportions of organic matter irrigated with wastewater. It was tested five ratios of organic composts and soil: 0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40 and 80:20 v/v. Two procedences of irrigation water was tested: water supply and wastewater from swine farming, arranged in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme 5 x 2, with four replications. At 90 days, we evaluate seedlings morphological variables, the integrate diagnosis recommendation index and the nutrient balance index. The organic residue contributes to seedlings growth and nutritional balance. The proportion 80:20 proved to be the most suitable for “tamboril” seedlings production. Seedlings presented lower growth and nutritional balance when irrigate with swine farm wastewater.Index terms: “Bagana de carnaúba”; Bed aviary; Swine wastewater
Divergência genética entre progênies de polinização aberta de Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis a partir de caracteres quantitativos
Authors: Santos Wanderley Dos , Araújo Elton Gean , Souza Danilla Cristina Lemos , Silva Janaína Rodrigues da , Recco Camila Regina Silva Baleroni , Moraes Mário Luiz Teixeira de , Aguiar Ananda Virginia de
Published: July 2016

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar a divergência genética entre progênies de Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis, por meio de caracteres quantitativos. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento látice 10 x 10, triplo, com 100 tratamentos (96 progênies oriundas de polinização aberta de um pomar clonal da espécie e quatro testemunhas). Foram avaliados os caracteres: diâmetro a 1,30 m do solo, altura total de planta, volume cilíndrico, produção de resina total e resina por área de painel. Utilizou-se a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis (D2) e o método de otimização de Tocher. A maior distância genética observada entre as progênies foi de 100% (D2 = 65,51) e a menor foi de 0,09% (D2 = 0,15). O caractere volume foi o que mais contribuiu para a divergência genética entre os grupos avaliados. O agrupamento a partir do método de otimização de Tocher possibilitou a separação das progênies em quatro grupos, com concentração de 96,9% das progênies em um único grupo. Para que estas progênies possam ser incluídas em programas de melhoramento genético para produção de resina e madeira, cruzamentos controlados deverão ser priorizados entre indivíduos mais produtivos, que apresentaram maior divergência genética.Genetic divergence genetic between Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis progenies based on quantitative traitsThe proposal of this study was to estimate the genetic divergence among Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis progenies through quantitative traits. Trail was established in lattice design 10 x 10, triple, with 100 treatments (96 progenies from clonal seed orchard of P. caribaea var. hondurensis and four controls). The genetic divergence was estimated using the generalized Mahalanobis distance (D2) and Torcher’s optimization method. Diameter at 1.30 above the ground, total plant height, cylindrical volume, total resin production and resin per panel area were evaluated. The largest genetic distance observed between the progenies was 100% (D2 = 65.51) and the lowest was 0,09% (D2 = 0.15). Clustering by Torcher’s optimization method separated the progeny in four groups, with a concentration of 96.9% of the progenies in a single group. Volume was the largest contributor to the genetic divergence among groups. To include these progeny in breeding programs for resin and wood production controlled crossings should be prioritized among the most productive individuals that presented greater genetic divergence.Index terms: Genetic breeding; Generalized Mahalanobis distance; Tocher optimization
Hidrogel, calagem e adubação no desenvolvimento inicial, sobrevivência e composição nutricional de plantas híbridas de eucalipto
Authors: Bartieres Edinéia Messias Martins , Carnevali Natália Hilgert de Souza , Lima Elizeu De Souza , Carnevali Thiago Oliveira , Mallmann Viviane
Published: July 2016

Com a premissa de que a utilização de hidrogel associado à calagem e adubação em plantios de eucalipto aumenta a retenção de água e o teor de nutrientes no solo, objetivou-se avaliar a sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento inicial de clones híbridos de Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis, em função da utilização de hidrogel, calagem e adubação. Em um Argissolo Vermelho, foram dispostos os tratamentos: 1) controle, 2) hidrogel, 3) adubação convencional, 4) adubação + calagem, 5) adubação + hidrogel e 6) adubação + calagem + hidrogel. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis repetições e seis plantas por parcela. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência, a altura, o diâmetro do caule, o teor de macronutrientes na parte aérea e atributos químicos do solo. O tratamento adubação + hidrogel proporcionou maior altura e diâmetro aos 240 dias após o transplante. Contudo, a sobrevivência foi maior no tratamento com adubação convencional. Os resultados indicam a viabilidade do uso de hidrogel. Porém, mais estudos devem ser realizados para comprovação de seus efeitos e recomendação de dosagens adequadas.Hydrogel, liming and fertilizing in early development, survival and nutritional composition of eucalyptus hybrid plantsWith the premise that use of hydrogel associated with liming and fertilization in eucalyptus plantations increases water retention and nutrient content in the soil, this work aimed to evaluate the survival and early development of the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis when using hydrogel, liming and fertilization. In Ultisol, the treatments were: 1) control, 2) hydrogel, 3) conventional fertilization, 4) fertilizer + lime, 5) fertilizer + hydrogel and 6) fertilizer + lime + hydrogel. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design, with six replications and six plants per plot. We evaluated height, diameter, survival, macronutrient content in shoot and soil chemical properties. The hydrogel + fertilization treatment provided bigger height and diameter at 240 days after transplant, however, the survival was higher in fertilization treatment. The results indicate the viability of the hydrogel use. However but more studies are needed to prove its effects and recommendation of appropriate dosages.Index terms: Initial growth; Nutritional evaluation; Hidroretentor gel
Actitudes hacia la Estadística en el alumnado del grado de Pedagogía de la Universidad de Barcelona
Authors: Vilà Baños R. , Rubio Hurtado M.J.
Published: July 2016

El artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio en el que se midieron las actitudes de los estudiantes de Pedagogía de la Universidad de Barcelona hacia la Estadística, a través de la escala EAE de Auzmendi (1992). La investigación ha evidenciado niveles neutros-bajos de actitud general hacia la materia, pero también ha identificado grupos de estudiantes con perfiles diferenciados: un grupo con una actitud desfavorable, pero no especialmente ansioso, con apenas conocimientos previos de Estadística y muy pocas habilidades numéricas; otro grupo caracterizado por una actitud positiva, al que le gusta la Estadística, pero que muestra preocupación y ansiedad también; y un tercer grupo que destaca sobre todo por la ansiedad ante la Estadística. Dada la potencial relación entre actitud y logro académico, las conclusiones apuntan hacia la necesidad de explorar estrategias de enseñanza adaptativa para los diferentes grupos.
P-CSI v1.0, an accelerated barotropic solver for the high-resolution ocean model component in the Community Earth System Model v2.0
Authors: Huang Xiaomeng , Tang Qiang , Tseng Yuheng , Hu Yong , Baker Allison H. , Bryan Frank O. , Dennis John , Fu Haohuan , Yang Guangwen
Published: July 2016

Abstract. In the Community Earth System Model (CESM), the ocean model is computationally expensive for high-resolution grids and is often the least scalable component for high-resolution production experiments. The major bottleneck is that the barotropic solver scales poorly at high core counts. We design a new barotropic solver to accelerate the high-resolution ocean simulation. The novel solver adopts a Chebyshev-type iterative method to reduce the global communication cost in conjunction with an effective block preconditioner to further reduce the iterations. The algorithm and its computational complexity are theoretically analyzed and compared with other existing methods. We confirm the significant reduction of the global communication time with a competitive convergence rate using a series of idealized tests. Experimental results obtained with the CESM 0.1° global ocean model show that the proposed approach results in a factor of 1.7 speed-up over the original method with no loss of accuracy, achieving 10.5 simulated years per wall-clock day on 16,875 cores.
A process-based diagnosis of catchment coevolution in volcanic landscapes: synthesis of Newtonian and Darwinian approaches
Authors: Yoshida Takeo , Troch Peter A.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Catchment coevolution is a framework that seeks to find a rigorous connection between landscape evolution and the emergent hydrological responses, and formulate hypotheses about how such evolution affects their hydrological response. Empirical studies previously conducted by the authors in volcanic catchments in Japan have revealed that the hydrological signatures baseflow index and slope of the flow duration curve (SFDC) decline with the age of the catchment bedrock; however, the possible influence of external climate forcing on these signatures could not be eliminated, and the causality behind the empirical relationships could not be identified. To test the robustness of the relationship and attempt to understand why such simple and predictable relations have emerged across a climate gradient, we used a process-based hydrological model that was independently calibrated for eight catchments underlain by volcanic rock of different ages and conducted a numerical experiment to decouple the effects of internal and external properties of the catchments. The eight calibrated catchment models were independently forced by the eight different sets of climate properties corresponding to the prevailing climates of the eight catchments to investigate how the simulated relationship between SFDC and catchment age deviates from the empirically derived relationship on both per catchment (each catchment forced by eight climates) and per climate (each climate filtered by eight catchments) basis. We found that the mean of the residuals of the observed versus predicted SFDC from each catchment, exhibited a significant positive correlation with catchment age, providing numerical evidence of catchment coevolution to support that of the empirical study. We further investigated the causality of this relationship and found from several simulated time scales and model fluxes that younger catchments on average (1) require longer for the transmission zone storage to fill and empty, (2) take longer to release water from deep aquifers, and (3) have greater recharge to deep aquifers. These findings corroborate the hypothesis of coevolution of volcanic catchments, which is that in younger catchments more water percolates to the subsurface storage and the deeper hydrologically active systems release water at a slower rate. The analysis also revealed that the external climate characteristics interact with the catchment internal properties in forming the catchment hydrological responses. The mean throughfall rate, which is controlled by rainfall intensity and should be independent of catchment internal properties, significantly declined with catchment age in our data set. The mean transpiration rate was the only candidate for a causal link between climate and the hydrological signatures.
Glider Technology for Ocean Observations: A Review
Authors: Meyer David
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The total number of drones used in the air, on the land and in the water is growing in recent years. This review focuses on ocean robots and in particular on glider technology which seems to be one of the most promising oceanographic tools for future marine research. Glider are remotely controlled underwater vehicles carrying out missions with lifetime exceeding months, traveling thoundsands of kilometers, even through harsh environments. Depending on their scientific payload, they can be used for very specific research tasks, as well as for common environmental monitoring purposes. In combination with other technologies (e.g. moorings, satellites, drifters, floats) and as a part of existing observation networks they are of great advantage and thus help to get a more synoptic view on the world's oceans. This review covers a wide range of topics – from the history and the development of glider technology to its application in a variety of field studies regarding marine sciences. It offers a comprehensive overview of both, the technical and the scientific dimension, facilitating a fast access to the world of glider.
Asumiendo las consecuencias negativas de la adicción al juego
Authors: Blanco Miguel Pilar
Published: July 2016

La adicción al juego no sólo se caracteriza por la pérdida de control ante el juego, sino que esta conducta tiende a generar problemas en los diferentes ámbitos de la vida del ludópata. Por ello, este aspecto se recoge en el Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales-5 (DSM-V) como uno de los criterios para realizar su valoración diagnóstica. Objetivo: describir y analizar los diferentes elementos que conforman la compleja problemática aparejada a esta adicción y que pueden terminar en situaciones de exclusión social. Método: Se opta por una metodología cualitativa que se ajusta mejor a los intereses del estudio. Como técnica se ha seleccionado la historia de vida, instrumento de evaluación que permite conocer la verdadera magnitud del problema desde el punto de vista de los afectados. Resultados. De manera general, se ha descubierto que ser ludópata tiene muchos más consecuentes que el problema económico evidente. No debemos despreciar las implicaciones de esta conducta a otros niveles: familiar, laboral, legal y social, que pueden considerarse, a medio plazo, como factores mucho más execrables que el del mero gasto económico. Conclusión. Es fácil avistar que los graves problemas que acarrea la adicción al juego son capaces de desmembrar el proyecto vital del ludópata y el de su familia. Todo vale, aunque para ello tenga que jugarse su puesto de trabajo, su casa, su familia, sus amistades, su estatus social y su propia dignidad.