bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Stochastic Voltage/VAr Optimization Considering Renewable Energy Resources for Smart Grid
Authors: Momoh James A. , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes a stochastic optimization technique for solving the Voltage/VAr control problem including the load demand and Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) variation. The RERs often take along some inputs like stochastic behavior. One of the important challenges i. e., Voltage/VAr control is a prime source for handling power system complexity and reliability, hence it is the fundamental requirement for all the utility companies. There is a need for the robust and efficient Voltage/VAr optimization technique to meet the peak demand and reduction of system losses. The voltages beyond the limit may damage costly sub-station devices and equipments at consumer end as well. Especially, the RERs introduces more disturbances and some of the RERs are not even capable enough to meet the VAr demand. Therefore, there is a strong need for the Voltage/VAr control in RERs environment. This paper aims at the development of optimal scheme for Voltage/VAr control involving RERs. In this paper, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method is used to cover full range of variables by maximally satisfying the marginal distribution. Here, backward scenario reduction technique is used to reduce the number of scenarios effectively and maximally retain the fitting accuracy of samples. The developed optimization scheme is tested on IEEE 24 bus Reliability Test System (RTS) considering the load demand and RERs variation.
Hepatoprotective effect of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn. against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in SD rats
Authors: Usmani Afreen , Mujahid Md. , Khushtar Mohammad , Siddiqui Hefazat H. , Rahman Md. Azizur
Published: April 2016

Background: Traditional remedies employ herbal drugs for the treatment of liver ailments and hepatoprotection. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of “extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn” (APE) against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Group I rats (normal control) received vehicle (1 % CMC), while group II rats (hepatotoxic control) isoniazid (INH) plus rifampicin (RIF) each 50 mg/kg/day po, for 28 days. Group III, IV and V rats were administered with APE 200, APE 400 and silymarin 100 mg/kg/day po, respectively, for 28 days. Concurrently, hepatotoxicity was tried to induce by coadministration of INH and RIF each 50 mg/kg/day po for 28 days in group III, IV and V rats. After 24 h of the last dosing, blood was obtained under light anesthesia and the rats were killed. Hepatoprotective effect was assessed by liver weight, relative liver weight and biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum bilirubin, cholesterol, total protein and albumin levels.

Results: Group IV rats showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in SGPT, SGOT, ALP, LDH, cholesterol, serum bilirubin, liver weight and relative liver weight Levels, while significant (p<0.01) increase in final body weight (b. wt.), total protein and albumin levels as compared to group II rats. Hepatoprotective effect of APE 400 mg/kg/day was comparable to that of silymarin 100 mg/kg/day and the hepatic marker levels were also restored. Hepatoprotective effect of APE was well supported by the histopathological results.

Conclusions: Hydroalcoholic APE root possesses hepatoprotective activity as it exhibited the protective effect against INH plus RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
Searching for the GOAT of tennis win prediction
Authors: Kovalchik Stephanie Ann
Published: April 2016

Sports forecasting models – beyond their interest to bettors – are important resources for sports analysts and coaches. Like the best athletes, the best forecasting models should be rigorously tested and judged by how well their performance holds up against top competitors. Although a number of models have been proposed for predicting match outcomes in professional tennis, their comparative performance is largely unknown. The present paper tests the predictive performance of 11 published forecasting models for predicting the outcomes of 2395 singles matches during the 2014 season of the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour. The evaluated models fall into three categories: regression-based, point-based, and paired comparison models. Bookmaker predictions were used as a performance benchmark. Using only 1 year of prior performance data, regression models based on player ranking and an Elo approach developed by FiveThirtyEight were the most accurate approaches. The FiveThirtyEight model predictions had an accuracy of 75% for matches of the most highly-ranked players, which was competitive with the bookmakers. The inclusion of career-to-date improved the FiveThirtyEight model predictions for lower-ranked players (from 59% to 64%) but did not change the performance for higher-ranked players. All models were 10–20 percentage points less accurate at predicting match outcomes among lower-ranked players than matches with the top players in the sport. The gap in performance according to player ranking and the simplicity of the information used in Elo ratings highlight directions for further model development that could improve the practical utility and generalizability of forecasting in tennis.
Phylogeny explains better than ecology or body size the variation of the first lower molar in didelphid marsupials
Authors: Magnus Luíza Z. , Cáceres Nilton
Published: April 2016

Tribosphenic molars are considered great innovations in mammals and are related to several structures and variables that can explain adaptation. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of body size and habitat relation, using a phylogenetic approach, in the first lower molar shape in didelphid marsupials. Geometric morphometric analyses of the lower molar’s shape were performed on 261 specimens, 130 females and 131 males, covering 14 genera and 37 species of the Didelphidae family. The molar conformation showed a larger talonid in relation to the trigonid in more arboreal genera, and narrower and longer molars in genera with a larger body size. Phylogeny was the variable with the highest explanation for both females and males (16.17% and 9.02%, respectively). The body size was significant in males, presenting an important influence on molar shape, while the body size in females was not significant when phylogenetic relationship was controlled for. In both sexes, habitat presents a strong effect of phylogeny, with no direct effect on molar shape. Didelphid molar shape is another result of its phylogenetic history and does not respond very much to environmental pressures. Male body size influences molar shape in didelphids, even in the presence of a strong phylogenetic signal.
Influences of egg white-egg yolk MnO2-NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalytic activity on the desulfurization performance
Authors: Lei Zhang , Lei Zhang , Xiangling Sha , Xu Zhang , Lixin Zhang , Weiqiang Hu , Rui Wang , Xi Liu
Published: April 2016

This paper used an equal volume impregnation method to produce egg yolk-egg white bimetallic-supported catalyst. Phase structure and crystal morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and inductive coupling plasma methods, and the paper discussed the effect of different metal loading, calcination temperature, and calcination time on the desulfurization activity. The experimental results showed that desulfurization performance increased first and then gradually decreased as metal loading, calcination temperature, and calcination time increased. The optimum preparation conditions of bimetallic catalyst were 8% NiO and 5% MnO2, the most suitable calcination temperature was 400°C, and the most suitable calcination time was 4 h. Finally, the eggshell, the egg white, and the egg yolk catalysts had its own different characteristics in the desulfurization processing: the eggshell catalyst showed a rapid reaction rate but lasted for a short time, the egg yolk catalyst showed a slow reaction rate but lasted for a long time, and the reaction rate and lasting time of the egg white were between the eggshell and the egg yolk.
Jaspiferin G, a new isomalabaricane-type triterpenoid from the sponge Jaspis stellifera
Authors: Xu Wei-Guo , Wang Jia , Xing Guo-Sheng , Xu Jiao-Jiao , Qiao Wei , Zhao Chuan , Tang Sheng-An
Published: April 2016

A new isomalabaricane-type triterpenoid, jaspiferin G (1), together with four known isomalabaricane-type triterpenoids, isogeoditin A (2), 13-(E)-isogeoditin A (3), jaspolide E (4), and 22,23-dihydrostellettin D (5), was isolated from the marine sponge Jaspis stellifera. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (1H and 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY) and mass spectrometry.
Electromyographic Comparison of Squats Using Constant or Variable Resistance
Authors: Andersen Vidar , Steiro Fimland Marius , Knutson Kolnes Maria , Jensen Susanne , Laume Martine , Hole Saeterbakken Atle
Published: April 2016

Andersen, V, Fimland, MS, Kolnes, MK, Jensen, S, Laume, M and Saeterbakken, AH. Electromyographic comparison of squats using constant or variable resistance. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3456–3463, 2016—The aim of the study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris when performing the squat with constant resistance or variable resistance with 2 or 4 elastic bands, respectively, contributing with a mean of 39 and 73% of the total loads. Nineteen resistance-trained women performed 6 repetition maximum using 3 different experimental conditions: free weights (FW), free weights + 2 elastic bands (FW + 2EB), and free weights + 4 elastic bands (FW + 4EB). During analyses, each repetition was divided into 6 phases: upper (more extended knee), middle, and lower phase of the descending and ascending movements. Increased activation in the upper parts of the movement was observed for both variable resistance conditions compared with constant resistance (9–51%, p < 0.001–0.050). Further, a dose-response effect of variable resistance was observed in the upper ascending movement, with 4 elastic bands increasing muscle activation more than 2 elastic bands (7–28%, p = 0.003–0.007). For the whole movement, a 12% higher activation of the biceps femoris was observed for FW + 4EB compared with FW (p = 0.005). There were no differences between the other conditions in any of the muscles (p = 0.077–1.000). In conclusion, performing the squat using free weights in combination with elastic bands seems to be preferable compared with free weights alone and more so with a high contribution from variable resistance to the total load.
Chest Press Exercises With Different Stability Requirements Result in Similar Muscle Damage Recovery in Resistance-Trained Men
Authors: Ferreira Diogo V. , Ferreira-Júnior João B. , Soares Saulo R.S. , Cadore Eduardo L. , Izquierdo Mikel , Brown Lee E. , Bottaro Martim
Published: April 2016

Ferreira, DV, Ferreira-Júnior, JB, Soares, SRS, Cadore, EL, Izquierdo, M, Brown, LE, and Bottaro, M. Chest press exercises with different stability requirements result in similar muscle damage recovery in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 71–79, 2017—This study investigated the time course of 96 hours of muscle recovery after 3 different chest press exercises with different stability requirements in resistance-trained men. Twenty-seven men (23.5 ± 3.8 years) were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups: (a) Smith machine bench press; (b) barbell bench press; or (c) dumbbell bench press. Participants performed 8 sets of 10 repetition maximum with 2 minutes rest between sets. Muscle thickness, peak torque (PT), and soreness were measured pre, post, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after exercise. There were no differences in the time course of PT or muscle thickness values of the pectoralis major (p = 0.98 and p = 0.91, respectively) or elbow extensors (p = 0.07 and p = 0.86, respectively) between groups. Muscle soreness of the pectoralis major was also not different between groups (p > 0.05). However, the Smith machine and barbell groups recovered from triceps brachii muscle soreness by 72 hours after exercise (p > 0.05), whereas the dumbbell group did not present any triceps brachii muscle soreness after exercise (p > 0.05). In conclusion, resistance-trained men experience similar muscle damage recovery after Smith machine, barbell, and dumbbell chest press exercise. However, muscle soreness of the elbow extensors takes a longer time to recover after using a barbell chest press exercise.
The Potentiating Effect of an Accentuated Eccentric Load on Countermovement Jump Performance
Authors: Hughes Jonathan D. , Massiah Ricky G. , Clarke Richard D.
Published: April 2016

Hughes, JD, Massiah, RG, and Clarke, RD. The potentiating effect of an accentuated eccentric load on countermovement jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3450–3455, 2016—Postactivation potentiation (PAP) following a bout of high-intensity exercise of short duration is known to produce both a fatigued and a potentiated state. There has been much research in the effectiveness of various PAP protocols, yet the type of dynamic muscle action utilized has seldom been investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess whether an accentuated eccentric load (AE) could enhance subsequent performance. Eleven men (21 ± 2 years, 179.1 ± 6.9 cm, 83.2 ± 10.1 kg) performed 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) before and 6 minutes after an AE and a back squat (BSq) PAP protocol. The participant's maximum CMJ height (cm) was determined before and after both protocol. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of PAP condition and time on vertical jumping performance. A significant condition × time interaction was found (p = 0.02). Post hoc tests revealed that AE PAP had a significant (p = 0.03) potentiating effect on CMJ jump height. Whereas, the BSq PAP revealed no significant differences (p = 0.32). In conclusion, this study has shown that jump performance can be enhanced by eccentric muscle action when compared with a traditional BSq PAP protocol. This may provide a more practical method for coaches to enhance short-term explosive movements in athletic populations.
Mutated KCNJ5 activates the acute and chronic regulatory steps in aldosterone production
Authors: Hattangady Namita G , Karashima Shigehiro , Yuan Lucy , Ponce-Balbuena Daniela , Jalife José , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E , Auchus Richard J , Rainey William E , Else Tobias
Published: April 2016

Somatic and germline mutations in the inward-rectifying K+channel (KCNJ5) are a common cause of primary aldosteronism (PA) in aldosterone-producing adenoma and familial hyperaldosteronism type III, respectively. Dysregulation of adrenal cell calcium signaling represents one mechanism for mutatedKCNJ5stimulation of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression and aldosterone production. However, the mechanisms stimulating acute and chronic production of aldosterone by mutantKCNJ5have not been fully characterized. Herein, we defined the effects of the T158AKCNJ5mutation (KCNJ5T158A) on acute and chronic regulation of aldosterone production using an adrenal cell line with a doxycycline-inducibleKCNJ5T158Agene (HAC15-TRE-KCNJ5T158A). Doxycycline incubation caused a time-dependent increase inKCNJ5T158AandCYP11B2mRNA and protein levels. Electrophysiological analyses confirm the loss of inward rectification and increased Na+permeability inKCNJ5T158A-expressing cells.KCNJ5T158Aexpression also led to the activation ofCYP11B2transcriptional regulators, NURR1 and ATF2. Acutely,KCNJ5T158Astimulated the expression of total and phosphorylated steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR).KCNJ5T158Aexpression increased the synthesis of aldosterone and the hybrid steroids 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol, measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All of these stimulatory effects ofKCNJ5T158Awere inhibited by the L-type Ca2+channel blocker, verapamil. Overall,KCNJ5T158AincreasesCYP11B2expression and production of aldosterone, corticosterone and hybrid steroids by upregulating both acute and chronic regulatory events in aldosterone production, and verapamil blocksKCNJ5T158A-mediated pathways leading to aldosterone production.
Glucagon receptor antagonist and GIP agonist combination for diet-induced obese mice
Authors: McShane L M , Irwin N , O’Flynn D , Franklin Z J , Hewage C M , O’Harte F P M
Published: April 2016

Ablation of glucagon receptor signaling represents a potential treatment option for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Additionally, activation of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor signaling also holds therapeutic promise for T2DM. Therefore, this study examined both independent and combined metabolic actions of desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon (glucagon receptor antagonist) andd-Ala2GIP (GIP receptor agonist) in diet-induced obese mice. Glucagon receptor binding has been linked to alpha-helical structure and desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon displayed enhanced alpha-helical content compared with native glucagon. In clonal pancreatic BRIN-BD11 beta-cells, desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon was devoid of any insulinotropic or cAMP-generating actions, and did not impeded-Ala2GIP-mediated (P<0.01 toP<0.001) effects on insulin and cAMP production. Twice-daily injection of desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon ord-Ala2GIP alone, and in combination, in high-fat-fed mice failed to affect body weight or energy intake. Circulating blood glucose levels were significantly (P<0.05 toP<0.01) decreased by all treatments regimens, with plasma and pancreatic insulin elevated (P<0.05 toP<0.001) in all mice receivingd-Ala2GIP. Interestingly, plasma glucagon concentrations were decreased (P<0.05) by sustained glucagon inhibition (day 28), but increased (P<0.05) byd-Ala2GIP therapy, with a combined treatment resulting in glucagon concentration similar to saline controls. All treatments improved (P<0.01) intraperitoneal and oral glucose tolerance, and peripheral insulin sensitivity.d-Ala2GIP-treated mice showed increased glucose-induced insulin secretion in response to intraperitoneal and oral glucose. Metabolic rate and ambulatory locomotor activity were increased (P<0.05 toP<0.001) in all desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon-treated mice. These studies highlight the potential of glucagon receptor inhibition alone, and in combination with GIP receptor activation, for T2DM treatment.
Accurate Profiling of Gene Expression and Alternative Polyadenylation with Whole Transcriptome Termini Site Sequencing (WTTS-Seq)
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Li Rui , Michal Jennifer J , Wu Xiao-Lin , Liu Zhongzhen , Zhao Hui , Xia Yin , Du Weiwei , Wildung Mark R , Pouchnik Derek J , Harland Richard M , Jiang Zhihua
Published: April 2016

Construction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries involves RNA manipulation, which often creates noisy, biased, and artifactual data that contribute to errors in transcriptome analysis. In this study, a total of 19 whole transcriptome termini site sequencing (WTTS-seq) and seven RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries were prepared from Xenopus tropicalis adult and embryo samples to determine the most effective library preparation method to maximize transcriptomics investigation. We strongly suggest that appropriate primers/adaptors are designed to inhibit amplification detours and that PCR overamplification is minimized to maximize transcriptome coverage. Furthermore, genome annotation must be improved so that missing data can be recovered. In addition, a complete understanding of sequencing platforms is critical to limit the formation of false-positive results. Technically, the WTTS-seq method enriches both poly(A)+ RNA and complementary DNA, adds 5′- and 3′-adaptors in one step, pursues strand sequencing and mapping, and profiles both gene expression and alternative polyadenylation (APA). Although RNA-seq is cost prohibitive, tends to produce false-positive results, and fails to detect APA diversity and dynamics, its combination with WTTS-seq is necessary to validate transcriptome-wide APA.
Occupational rhinitis affects occupational asthma severity
Authors: Moscato Gianna , Pala Gianni , Folletti Ilenia , Siracusa Andrea , Quirce Santiago
Published: April 2016

Background

The strong interactions between asthma and rhinitis, and the influence of rhinitis in the severity and/or control of asthma, have clearly been demonstrated. Nevertheless, no specific study has been conducted in the occupational setting.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the severity of occupational asthma and rhinitis and evaluate whether rhinitis is a predictor for increased asthma severity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 72 patients who received a diagnosis of allergic occupational asthma, with or without associated occupational rhinitis.

Results

Our findings suggested that persistent asthma tended to be more common in subjects with associated occupational asthma and rhinitis, and occupational asthma severity was associated with occupational rhinitis severity. Moderate‐severe persistent occupational rhinitis is a risk factor for persistent occupational asthma.

Conclusions

We demonstrated, for the first time in the occupational setting, a significant association between occupational rhinitis and asthma severity.
Does long‐term experience of nonstandard employment increase the incidence of depression in the elderly?
Authors: Kang Mo‐Yeol , Kang Young‐Joong , Lee Woncheol , Yoon Jin‐Ha
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Our prospective study aimed to elucidate the effect of long‐term experience of nonstandard employment status on the incidence of depression in elderly population using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) study.

Methods

This study used the first‐ to fourth‐wave cohorts of KLoSA. After the exclusion of the unemployed and participants who experienced a change in employment status during the followup periods, we analyzed a total of 1,817 participants. Employment contracts were assessed by self‐reported questions : standard or nonstandard employment. The short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) served as the outcome measure. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between standard/nonstandard employees and development of depression.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 53.90 (± 7.21) years. We observed that nonstandard employment significantly increased the risk of depression. Compared with standard employees, nonstandard employees had a 1.5‐fold elevated risk for depression after adjusting for age, gender, CES‐D score at baseline, household income, occupation category, current marital status, number of living siblings, perceived health status, and chronic diseases [HR=1.461, 95% CI=(1.184, 1.805)]. Moreover, regardless of other individual characteristics, the elevated risk of depression was observed among all kinds of nonstandard workers, such as temporary and day workers, full‐time and part‐time workers, and directly employed and dispatched labor.

Conclusions

The 6‐year follow‐up study revealed that long‐term experience of nonstandard employment status increased the risk of depression in elderly population in Korea.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae sepsis deteriorated by uncontrolled underlying disease in a decontamination worker in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Sawano Toyoaki , Tsubokura Masaharu , Leppold Claire , Ozaki Akihiko , Fujioka Sho , Nemoto Tsuyoshi , Kato Shigeaki , Oikawa Tomoyoshi , Kanazawa Yukio
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Patients with underlying conditions are at a higher risk of developing sepsis, a systematic response to infection, which has a high mortality rate. After the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, there has been an influx of migrant decontamination workers; however, little is known about their health status.

Case

A Japanese 55‐year‐old male decontamination worker, who had several underlying diseases, was transferred to our hospital in cardiopulmonary arrest. He had a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and a past history of tuberculosis. Control of underlying conditions was poor, with HbA1c of 13.8% at presentation. He was diagnosed with pneumonia‐induced bacteremia and sepsis due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Although spontaneous circulation returned in emergency room, he died a day after admission.

Conclusion

The poor control of underlying diseases seen in this patient could have been influenced by his recent job transfer and engagement in decontamination work and additionally related to his socioeconomic status (SES). This case highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying diseases, working conditions, and SES of this population.
Decontamination of industrial textile wastewater using photocatalysis
Authors: Ramirez Jose Herney , Zea Hugo Ricardo
Published: April 2016

Iron-doped TiO2 catalysts were prepared by impregnation in order to study their photocatalytic activity in the treatment of wastewater from the textile industry. Characterization of the catalysts before and after reaction was performed using techniques including total surface area measurement, X-Ray diffraction and elemental analysis via X-Ray fluorescence. Varying pH conditions, H2O2 concentrations and catalyst quantities were evaluated during the photocatalytic reactions. Fe-TiO2 catalysts were shown to be highly active in the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (% COD) and % color reduction in the water treated.
The influence of design methodology on a designer's emotional parameters and on design results
Authors: Chulvi Vicente , González-Cruz Mª Carmen
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of an experiment carried out on 21 subjects, all of whom had an engineering background, with the aim of determining the influence of the designer’s attitude on the design process and on the finished design. The participants were asked to solve a range of design problems by employing different methods while their emotional response parameters were being registered by a noninvasive neuroheadset. The recorded data was used firstly to compare the different reactions of the subjects when using different design methods. A second analysis was carried out to determine whether the variations in the emotional parameters bore any direct relation to the creativity of the outcomes. The results obtained indicate a relation between emotional parameters, individuals and the design method used. However, there does not appear to be any direct association between emotional parameters and the creativity of the results.
Synthesis and modification of beta zeolite for use in toluene disproportionation reaction
Authors: Mesa Espinal Santiago , Arboleda Johana , Echavarría Adriana
Published: April 2016

In this paper zeolite Beta was synthesized and characterized by XRD, ATG, ATD, XRF and SEM. Subsequently various modifications were made using a surface passivation process in liquid phase with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), using two loads of TEOS and three passivation cycles, in order to obtain six catalysts. These materials were characterized by NH3-TPD and tested in tolune disproportionation reaction, under different conditions of pressure and temperature. As modification cycles were increased for each catalyst, there was a change in the acidity of the solids, mainly due to deposition of an inert layer of silica on the external surface. These results were confirmed with the improvement in para-selectivity and decreasing in conversion. Despite zeolite Beta is a large pore zeolite, an improvement of the para-selectivity was obtained, achieving almost stable values for the entire range of temperature and pressure conditions.
Lectura comparada de El queso y los gusanos de Carlo Ginzburg y La herencia inmaterial de Giovanni Levi
Authors: Evans Restrepo Michelle
Published: April 2016

El queso y los gusanos y La herencia inmaterial son dos obras emblemáticas de la microhistoria italiana. Lo que sigue es un ejercicio comparativo entre ambas publicaciones, en un intento por extraer algunas claves sobre ese paradigma historiográfico. El método utilizado es la comparación por similitud y contraste, usando como parámetros de verificación las premisas clásicas de la microhistoria. Las fuentes consultadas, además de los libros en cuestión, privilegian el testimonio directo de los autores en entrevistas o textos teóricos, con el fin de capturar el espíritu de sus ideas con la menor mediación posible. El paralelo dejó en evidencia un alto grado de disonancia conceptual, incompatible con la percepción de la microhistoria como una corriente monolítica, por lo menos en lo que a sus dos líderes italianos se refiere. En ese sentido, la conclusión es que, más que uniformidad de criterios, los escritos reflejan la convivencia bajo un mismo modelo, de dos formas de acercamiento al pasado.
Microhistoria italiana, antropología y archivos judiciales
Authors: Hernández Ciro Eulalia
Published: April 2016

A partir de los cruces entre la microhistoria italiana y la antropología, este artículo pretende aportar a un debate central de la historiografía contemporánea: el de la comprensión de la cultura popular y las clases subalternas a partir del trabajo intensivo y exhaustivo basado en expedientes judiciales. Para ello, se abordarán algunas de las influencias de la antropología en la investigación histórica, tales como la aparición y problematización de la noción de cultura popular, y el reconocimiento del valor etnográfico de los documentos judiciales. Por último, este artículo propone algunas posibilidades de investigación en el Archivo Histórico Judicial de Medellín (Colombia), resaltando el valor microhistórico de las expresiones e información que se pueden rescatar de procesos de la primera mitad del siglo XX.
Libertad civil y patriotismo en el Rio de la Plata revolucionario: la experiencia de los esclavos negros en la provincia de Cuyo, 1812-1820
Authors: Morales Orlando Gabriel , Bragoni Beatriz Elsa
Published: April 2016

En este trabajo recuperamos algunas voces y prácticas de esclavos y libertos de la Gobernación de Cuyo (Argentina) relativas a las concepciones e iniciativas colectivas e individuales a favor de la libertad civil que prevalecieron en el ciclo de las guerras de revolución e independencia. Las mismas proceden de un conjunto de expedientes judiciales (que remiten a un intento de alzamiento armado por parte de un grupo de negros esclavos y a tres litigios distintos planteados por mujeres negras contra sus amos) los cuales permiten apreciar la intersección entre las oportunidades y variaciones operadas en el sistema normativo e institucional, y la capacidad de agencia de los sectores subalternos en el plano político, sujeto a la nueva legitimidad patriótica y revolucionaria.
Representaciones del animal en la poesía de Pablo Neruda
Authors: Donoso Aceituno Arnaldo , Araya Grandón Juan Gabriel
Published: April 2016

En este artículo reflexionamos acerca de la figura del animal en la escritura de Pablo Neruda (1904-1973). A partir de la comparación de las posturas de la crítica nerudiana frente a este tema, los postulados de Derrida, Deleuze y Guattari sobre la cuestión y el devenir animal y el seguimiento a distintos momentos de la poesía de Neruda podemos ver que el animal simbólico, el animal explotado o perseguido por el hombre y el animal que el sujeto poético asume como un yo componen una rica textura de representaciones que permite repensar ciertas zonas de la obra del poeta chileno.
La batalla contra el lenguaje y contra el tiempo: un acercamiento a los poemas de Samuel Beckett
Authors: Pulido Mancera Ángela
Published: April 2016

En este ensayo se hace una lectura interpretativa de algunos poemas de Samuel Beckett a la luz de los problemas de la crisis del lenguaje y el paso devastador del tiempo, los cuales atraviesan la obra del autor. El objetivo es mostrar las distintas facetas de estos problemas y la relación entre ambos. Así, se comenta el recurso de los ecos y las repeticiones, característico del libro Echo’s Bones, la relación del lenguaje con el tiempo, las ideas de que el lenguaje se interpone entre el yo y los objetos, que es una obligación expresarse y que el acto poético es una forma de resistencia. El análisis de estos problemas permite destacar el valor estético de los poemas de Beckett y leer, a través de estos, su posición frente a una de las cuestiones más importantes de la tradición de la lírica moderna.
Where are the Beds? Housing Locations for Transition Age Youth Exiting Public Systems
Authors: Tam Christina C. , Freisthler Bridget , Curry Susanna R. , Abrams Laura S.
Published: April 2016

Transition age youth (TAY) from the child welfare and juvenile justice systems experience high rates of homelessness, but little is known about the neighborhoods to which they return after they exit these systems. This exploratory study investigates whether housing options are located in areas where TAY exit public systems and if the characteristics of areas surrounding these facilities support their transition to adulthood. Results show that housing is not related to areas where TAY exit public systems. Further, supportive housing and shelter density is related to low-income areas. Implications for practice and policy on housing locations for TAY are discussed.
Adolescent Mental Health Case Management: Consumer Perspectives
Authors: Grube Whitney , Mendenhall Amy N.
Published: April 2016

This qualitative study describes case management practices and suggestions for mental health service delivery improvement from the perspective of parents and guardians of adolescent service recipients, as well as youth service recipients over the age of 18. Data were collected during a series of 10 personal semistructured interviews. Parent/guardian interview participants discussed case management and what they perceived as barriers to effective case management services, as well as those aspects found within quality services. Interview participants also discussed their ideas on how to improve mental health case management service at both the micro and macro level. Interview results indicate mental health case management is not meeting its full capacity as a service that can positively impact adolescent outcomes.
Leadership Development: A Pathway to Transforming the Public Child Welfare System
Authors: Gentles-Gibbs Natallie
Published: April 2016

Calls for systemic reform within public child welfare have been consistent, yet the system has struggled to respond adequately. This article discusses the issue of system reform by examining perspectives of caseworkers and supervisors on organizational readiness for change. It presents data from semistructured qualitative interviews with 29 public child welfare employees. The findings indicate that organizational leadership is the core determining condition for employees' perceptions of readiness for change. The article discusses practice and policy recommendations for child welfare leadership in order to effect organizational transformation and, ultimately, meaningful and long-term change for the families served by the system.
Living on the Edge: Access to Liquid Assets as a Determinant of Unmarried Urban Mothers' Life Satisfaction
Authors: Crocker Tianca , Padilla Yolanda C.
Published: April 2016

According to recent estimates, more than 70% of female-headed households lack access to liquid assets such as emergency cash or credit in times of need. Liquid assets support a household's ability to manage unpredictable changes in income and expenses. Aside from the economic benefits, however, to what extent does having access to resources affect subjective well-being? This study explored the effects of access to liquid assets on unmarried mothers' life satisfaction using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Controlling for socioeconomic status, health, and financial situation, unmarried mothers with even limited access to liquid assets (compared to no access) had 61% higher odds of being satisfied with life; mothers with greater access had 182% higher odds. This study provides evidence for safety net programs that aim to improve access to liquid assets in this group.
SAJSM 1986 No.2
Authors: . .
Published: April 2016

SAJSM 1986 No.2
SAJSM 1989 No.1
Authors: . .
Published: April 2016

SAJSM 1989 No.1
SAJSM 1994 No.1
Authors: . .
Published: April 2016

SAJSM 1994 No.1
Isokinetic evaluation of neck strength
Authors: Du Toit DE , Buys FJ , Venter DJL , Olivier PE
Published: April 2016

SA Sports Medicine Vol.15(3) 2003: 3-10
Shoulder injuries in provincial male fast bowlers - predisposing factors
Authors: Aginsky KD , Lategan L , Stretch RA
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To investigate the relationship between shoulder flexibility and isokinetic strength as possible factors that may predispose provincial fast bowlers to shoulder injuries. Design. Twenty-one players, 12 of whom had no history of shoulder injuries and 9 of whom had experienced a shoulder injury to the bowling arm, were assessed for shoulder strength using a Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer. Absolute and relative peak torque measures were obtained at isokinetic speeds of 90°/s and 180°/s, with both concentric and eccentric contractions performed. Shoulder flexibility was tested using a Leighton Flexometer in both internal and external shoulder rotation. The players were classified into a front-on (N = 7), semi front-on (N = 7) or side-on (N = 7) bowling action from video footage recorded after a bowling trial in the nets. Results. Shoulder injuries were more common in fast bowlers with a front-on action (N = 5) than the bowlers with a side-on (N = 2) or semi front-on (N = 2) action. Sixteen of the 21 fast bowlers showed low stability ratios compared with gravity corrected functional ratios, indicating an imbalance and the presence of possible dysfunction. The injured group of fast bowlers showed higher concentric weight-normalised torque values for internal rotation at the higher velocity (180°/s) (65.20 ± 10.03 vs. 45.91 ± 10.26 Nm.kg-1 p < 0.009: injured vs. uninjured), which would suggest greater instability when compared with the uninjured players. This imbalance could indicate the presence of a predisposition to impingement syndrome in the injured subjects. There was an increase in the external rotation ranges of movement for both groups, indicating a degree of hypermobility in both groups. The results indicate that the presence of possible dysfunction in the shoulder rotators, combined with a front-on bowling action and external rotation hypermobility, are possible predisposing factors for chronic shoulder injuries in cricket fast bowlers. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 25-28
Drugs in sport — testing results from the South African Laboratory 1995 - 2002
Authors: Van der Merwe PJ
Published: April 2016

Objective. To summarise the results of the past 8 years obtained at the South African Doping Control Laboratory and to compare the results with international statistics. Method. Screening procedures were performed on 14 017 urine samples collected from competitors in 54 different sporting codes during the period 1995 - 2002. Samples were analysed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for the presence of prohibited substances, which are listed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Results. The results obtained were compared with those of the IOC-accredited laboratories. Prohibited substances were detected in 300 samples (2.14%), of which 45.6% contained anabolic agents and 34.6% stimulants. The positive samples from the IOC laboratories contained 58.7% anabolic agents and 20.8% stimulants. Testosterone and nandrolone were the anabolic agents most frequently detected in positive samples, both in South Africa and internationally. The ephedrines as a group accounted for most stimulants detected in positive samples. Conclusion. It is of concern that the percentage of positive samples (2.14%) obtained in our laboratory is higher than the 1.70% in IOC laboratories. It is therefore necessary that doping control to curb the use of prohibited substances should continue and expand. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 29-32
Airways inflammatory and atopy-related responses in athletes
Authors: McKune AJ , Smith LL
Published: April 2016

The prevalence of asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in highly trained endurance athletes is rising. The type of training (i.e. endurance, or speed and power) seems to influence the airway symptoms. High-intensity exercise and training might contribute to the development of asthma or AHR in athletes previously unaffected by these airway disorders. Repeated hyperventilation of unconditioned air, as well as air containing irritants and/or allergens has been suggested to cause thermal, mechanical, or osmotic airway trauma resulting in damage to the airway epithelium. Subsequent airway inflammatory responses may be responsible for the development of atopy-related symptoms in endurance athletes such as those observed in asthma and AHR. Eosinophils and neutrophils are the inflammatory cells that have been frequently observed to be elevated in the airways of endurance athletes. The trafficking of these cells to the airways may possibly be regulated by TH2 cytokines that are expressed in the airways in response to epithelial cell damage. In addition, these airway inflammatory responses may lead to airway remodelling similar to that which occurs in asthma. The effect of the exercise challenge itself may initiate airway atopy-related and inflammatory responses in endurance athletes. While the literature seems to support the role of local airway conditions and/or events in inducing atopy-related symptoms in athletes, it is proposed that alterations in the hormonal and/or cytokine milieu with intense competition and/or training may also play a role. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (2) 2006: pp. 46-51
The effect of icepack cooling on skin and muscle temperature at rest and after exercise
Authors: Mars M , Hadebe B , Tufts M
Published: April 2016

Objective. To compare cooling of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle, produced by an icepack, at rest and after short-duration exhaustive exercise. Methods. Eight male subjects were studied. With the subject supine, hypodermic needle-tip thermistors were inserted into the subcutaneous fat and the mid-portion of the left rectus femoris, to a depth of 1 cm plus the adipose thickness at the site, and a temperature probe was placed on the skin overlying the needle tips. A pack of crushed ice was applied for 15 minutes and temperatures were recorded before, during, and for 45 minutes after icepack application. Thereafter, subjects underwent a ramped, treadmill, VO2max test, an icepack was applied after temperature probes were inserted into the right leg and measurements were made as before. Results. After the treadmill run, skin (Sk), subcutaneous (SC) and muscle (Ms) temperatures (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) were 0.9 ± 1.3, 1.0 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.8°C higher than at rest. After 15 minutes of icepack cooling, temperatures fell in the exercised limb by 22.7 ± 1.5°C (Sk), 13.5 ± 4.2°C (SC) and 9.3 ± 5.5°C (Ms) and in the control limb by 20.7 ± 2.9°C (Sk), 11.4 ± 2.0°C (SC) and 8.7 ± 2.6°C (Ms). The reductions in temperature were significant in both the control and exercised limbs. Forty-five minutes after icepack cooling, muscle temperature was still approximately 5°C lower in both the rested and exercised muscle (p < 0.001). Individual variations in response to cooling were noted. Conclusions. Cooling of superficial muscle occurs after high-intensity exercise. The degree of cooling is not uniform. This may be due to differences in the sympathetic response to cooling, influencing haemodynamic and thermoregulatory changes after exercise. This needs further investigation. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (3) 2006: pp. 60-66
The effects of exercise training in patients with peripheral vascular disease - a review
Authors: Parr BM , Derman EW
Published: April 2016

Patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) suffer from the symptom of intermittent claudication and are therefore intolerant to walking. Exercise training has been shown to be a beneficial treatment for patients with PVD. Therefore studies have aimed to assess the efficacy of exercise training programmes. This review summarises the data on the efficacy of exercise training programmes in patients with PVD. Recommendations are made for the mode, duration, frequency and intensity of exercise training programmes. A systematic review of Medline, Pubmed and Science Direct was done of studies on exercise training and patients with PVD, particularly those using randomised controlled trials. Exercise training improves walking tolerance in patients with PVD. The common mode of training in patients with PVD in the past decade has been walking on a treadmill; however recently an upper-limb cycle ergometry programme proved to be as effective as lower-limb cycle ergometry in improving walking tolerance in patients with PVD. As weight-bearing walking programmes are uncomfortable for patients with PVD, this is an important development in exercise prescription for these patients. Most successful exercise programmes have been 3-6 months in duration for a period of 30 minutes to 1 hour, 2-3 times per week. However, 1 study showed that a shorter period (6 weeks) was of sufficient duration to improve functional capacity in patients with PVD. This is helpful for practitioners as exercise programmes of 3 or 6 months can be daunting for a patient to embark on. Finally, patients should exercise to maximal claudication pain in order to elicit the best training response. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (4) 2006: pp. 116-121
Sports medicine – still evolving?
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Sports medicine – still evolving?
Ethically we can no longer sit on the fence?
Authors: Patricios J
Published: April 2016

To the Editor: We would like to comment on the review article by Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. 'Ethically we can no longer sit on the fence – a neuropsychological perspective on the cerebrally hazardous contact sports', published in the July edition of your Journal.
Rugby setting the pace
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Rugby setting the pace
Tune in while you tune out
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Tune in while you tune out
The power of sport
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

The power of sport
Lack of transformation in sport and the long-term athlete development programme
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Lack of transformation in sport and the long-term athlete development programme
CPD Questionnaire
Authors: . .
Published: April 2016

CPD questionnaire
Hunter-gatherer fitness- implications for health
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Hunter-gatherer fitness- implications for health
Physical activity as a global risk factor for non-communicable diseases: time for action, what, why, when, who and how?
Authors: Lambert E V
Published: April 2016

Chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than two-thirds of global mortality, at least 50% of which is preventable on the basis of modifiable lifestyle behaviours. In the wake of the UN Global Summit on NCDs, the World Health Organization produced a discussion paper that emphasised the need for a global monitoring framework and voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of NCDs.1 The WHO discussion paper presents 10 suggested voluntary targets including the reduction in deaths due to NCDs, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, an overall reduction in blood pressure and obesity, as well as reduced smoking, alcohol and dietary salt intake, increased screening for cervical cancer and the elimination of trans-fats from the food supply. Physical activity is notable by its absence from this critical list of voluntary global targets for preventing and controlling NCDs