bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat use by giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in relation to roads in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, People’s Republic of China
Authors: Kang Dongwei , Wang Xiaorong , Yang Hongwei , Duan Lijuan , Li Junqing
Published: June 2014

The impacts of roads on wildlife and their habitats have been widely recognized. To assess the effects of roads on habitat use of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869)), we investigated the giant panda habitats and the roadside habitats in Wanglang Nature Reserve, People’s Republic of China. We found that giant pandas did not use the road-affected habitats, and compared with giant panda habitats, road-affected habitats were characterized by lower bamboo density and grazing disturbances. Therefore, our study demonstrated that roads negatively affected the habitat use of giant pandas, and such affected habitats could not meet the needs of these animals. These results suggest that to minimize the negative effects of roads on the conservation of species, a full evaluation of the effects of roads on wildlife and their habitats should be conducted before road construction, and effective protection measures should be taken to control for these negative effects.
New optimal asymmetric quantum codes from constacyclic codes
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Chen Bocong , Li Liangchen
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we construct two classes of asymmetric quantum codes by using constacyclic codes. The first class is the asymmetric quantum codes with parameters [[q2 + 1, q2 + 1 - 2(t + k + 1), (2k + 2)/(2t + 2)]]q2 where q is an odd prime power, t, k are integers with [Formula: see text], which is a generalization of [J. Chen, J. Li and J. Lin, Int. J. Theor. Phys. 53 (2014) 72, Theorem 2] in the sense that we do not assume that q ≡1 ( mod 4). The second one is the asymmetric quantum codes with parameters [Formula: see text], where q ≥ 5 is an odd prime power, t, k are integers with 0 ≤ t ≤ k ≤ q - 1. The constructed asymmetric quantum codes are optimal and their parameters are not covered by the codes available in the literature.
Opportunistic Routing in Low Duty-Cycle Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ghadimi Euhanna , Landsiedel Olaf , Soldati Pablo , Duquennoy Simon , Johansson Mikael
Published: June 2014

Opportunistic routing is widely known to have substantially better performance than unicast routing in wireless networks with lossy links. However, wireless sensor networks are usually duty cycled, that is, they frequently enter sleep states to ensure long network lifetime. This renders existing opportunistic routing schemes impractical, as they assume that nodes are always awake and can overhear other transmissions. In this article we introduce ORW, a practical opportunistic routing scheme for wireless sensor networks. ORW uses a novel opportunistic routing metric, EDC, that reflects the expected number of duty-cycled wakeups that are required to successfully deliver a packet from source to destination. We devise distributed algorithms that find the EDC-optimal forwarding and demonstrate using analytical performance models and simulations that EDC-based opportunistic routing results in significantly reduced delay and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional unicast routing. In addition, we evaluate the performance of ORW in both simulations and testbed-based experiments. Our results show that ORW reduces radio duty cycles on average by 50% (up to 90% on individual nodes) and delays by 30% to 90% when compared to the state-of-the-art.
SPMCloud
Authors: Bathen Luis Angel D. , Dutt Nikil D.
Published: June 2014

The era of cloud computing on-a-chip is enabled by the aggressive move towards many-core platforms and the rapid adoption of Network-on-Chips. As a result, there is a need for large-scale distributed on-chip shared memories that are reliable, low power, and seamlessly manageable. In this work, we propose
SPMCloud
, a novel scratchpad-memory-based cloud-inspired volatile storage subsystem designed to meet the needs of future-generation many-core platforms.
SPMCloud
is composed of several concepts, including: (1) a highly scalable data-center-like memory subsystem that exploits two enterprise-network-inspired memory configurations, namely, embedded Network Attached Storage (
eNAS
) and embedded Storage Area Network (
eSAN
), and (2) on-demand allocation of reliable memory space through memory virtualization and the use of embedded RAIDs. Our experimental results on Mediabench/CHStone benchmarks show that the
SPMCloud
's fully distributed reliable memory subsystems can achieve 48% energy savings and 70% latency reduction on average over state-of-the-art NoC memory reliability techniques. We then evaluate the scalability of the
SPMCloud
and compare it with traditional SPM allocation policies. The
SPMCloud
's dynamic allocator outperforms the best competition by an average 60% (
eNAS
) and 46% (
eSAN
) when the platform runs at 250 MHz and by an average 80% (
eNAS
) and 40% when running at 1 GHz. Moreover, the
SPMCloud
achieves an average 83% energy savings across all configurations (number of cores) with respect to the best competitors when running at 250 MHz and 1 GHz. We then studied the SPM hit ratio across the various allocation policies discussed in this article and showed that on average the
SPMCloud
's priority-driven dynamic allocation policy achieves 93.5% SPM hit ratio, 0.6% higher hit ratio than the closest allocation policy. We then showed that the
eNAS
and
eSAN
achieve an average of 67.9% and 29% reduction in execution time, respectively, over the best competitor. Similarly, the
eNAS
and
eSAN
achieve an average of 82.7% and 82.3% energy savings, respectively, over the best competitor. Furthermore, we evaluated the scalability of the
SPMCloud
and its performance/energy efficiency when providing support for some of the heavier E-RAID levels, and showed that the
eNAS
/
eSAN
configurations with SECDED achieve an average of 51.5% and 34.9% reduction in execution time, respectively, over the best competitor with SECDED. Similarly, the
eNAS
/
eSAN
configurations with E-RAID Level 1, + SECDED achieve an average of 82.3% and 75.6% energy savings, respectively, over the best competitor.
Power Modeling for GPU Architectures Using McPAT
Authors: Lim Jieun , Lakshminarayana Nagesh B. , Kim Hyesoon , Song William , Yalamanchili Sudhakar , Sung Wonyong
Published: June 2014

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are very popular for both graphics and general-purpose applications. Since GPUs operate many processing units and manage multiple levels of memory hierarchy, they consume a significant amount of power. Although several power models for CPUs are available, the power consumption of GPUs has not been studied much yet. In this article we develop a new power model for GPUs by utilizing McPAT, a CPU power tool. We generate initial power model data from McPAT with a detailed GPU configuration, and then adjust the models by comparing them with empirical data. We use the NVIDIA's Fermi architecture for building the power model, and our model estimates the GPU power consumption with an average error of 7.7% and 12.8% for the microbenchmarks and Merge benchmarks, respectively.
Reciprocal Habituation
Authors: Nansen Bjorn , Vetere Frank , Robertson Toni , Downs John , Brereton Margot , Durick Jeannette
Published: June 2014

We explore relationships between habits and technology interaction by reporting on older people's experience of the Kinect for Xbox. We contribute to theoretical and empirical understandings of habits in the use of technology to inform understanding of the habitual qualities of our interactions with computing technologies, particularly systems exploiting natural user interfaces. We situate ideas of habit in relation to user experience and usefulness in interaction design, and draw on critical approaches to the concept of habit from cultural theory to understand the embedded, embodied, and situated contexts in our interactions with technologies. We argue that understanding technology habits as a process of
reciprocal habituation
in which people and technologies adapt to each other over time through design, adoption, and appropriation offers opportunities for research on user experience and interaction design within human-computer interaction, especially as newer gestural and motion control interfaces promise to reshape the ways in which we interact with computers.
Innovations and Challenges by Applying Sublingual Laser Blood Irradiation in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ailioaie Laura Marinela , Litscher Gerhard , Weber Michael , Ailioaie Constantin , Litscher Daniela , Chiran Dragos Andrei
Published: June 2014

Sublingual laser blood irradiation (SLBI) was applied into a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), aimed at inducing disease remission. 105 children with JIA, without an adequate response to classical treatment, were administrated a disease modifying drug (Methotrexate) and were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I (36 patients) received SLBI with the Weberneedle Lasershower Mouth Applicator with three wavelengths (635 nm, 536 nm, and 405 nm), 5 mW maximum output power each, in continuous mode, simultaneously, for 20 minutes daily, 7 successive sessions per month, repeated every 7 weeks, for three times. Group II (36 patients) received placebo SLBI. Group III (33 patients) received only treatment with Methotrexate. Evaluation was performed using American College of Rheumatology Pediatric criteria (ACR Pedi) at study enrollment and at 8, 16, 24, and 48 weeks. At the end of study, there was an improvement of the ACR Pedi 30 by 86.11% in SLBI group compared to only 61.11% in Group II, respectively, and 60.6% in Group III (P=0.001), with significant statistical differences. SLBI has reduced the pain, lowered the number of articulations with movement limitation, increased the quality of life, and made it possible to avoid the administration of biological agents.
Bayesian Nonparametric Modeling for Rapid Design of Metamaterial Microstructures
Authors: Liu Bin , Ji Chunlin
Published: June 2014

We consider the problem of rapid design of massive metamaterial (MTM) microstructures from a statistical point of view. A Bayesian nonparametric model, namely, Gaussian Process (GP) mixture, is developed to generate the mapping relationship from the microstructure’s geometric dimension to the electromagnetic response, which is approximately expressed in a closed form of Drude-Lorentz type model. This GP mixture model is neatly able to tackle nonstationarity, discontinuities in the mapping function. The inference is performed using a Markov chain relying on Gibbs sampling. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is highly efficient in facilitating rapid design of MTM with accuracy.
Fast Algorithms for Solving FLSR-Factor Block Circulant Linear Systems and Inverse Problem ofAX=b
Authors: Jiang Zhaolin
Published: June 2014

Block circulant and circulant matrices have already become an ideal research area for solving various differential equations. In this paper, we give the definition and the basic properties of FLSR-factor block circulant (retrocirculant) matrix over fieldF. Fast algorithms for solving systems of linear equations involving these matrices are presented by the fast algorithm for computing matrix polynomials. The unique solution is obtained when such matrix over a fieldFis nonsingular. Fast algorithms for solving the unique solution of the inverse problem ofAX=bin the class of the level-2 FLS(R,r)-circulant(retrocirculant) matrix of type(m,n)over fieldFare given by the right largest common factor of the matrix polynomial. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the algorithms.
The Natural Science Underlying Big History
Authors: Chaisson Eric J.
Published: June 2014

Nature’s many varied complex systems—including galaxies, stars, planets, life, and society—are islands of order within the increasingly disordered Universe. All organized systems are subject to physical, biological, or cultural evolution, which together comprise the grander interdisciplinary subject of cosmic evolution. A wealth of observational data supports the hypothesis that increasingly complex systems evolve unceasingly, uncaringly, and unpredictably from big bang to humankind. These are global history greatly extended, big history with a scientific basis, and natural history broadly portrayed across ∼14 billion years of time. Human beings and our cultural inventions are not special, unique, or apart from Nature; rather, we are an integral part of a universal evolutionary process connecting all such complex systems throughout space and time. Such evolution writ large has significant potential to unify the natural sciences into a holistic understanding of who we are and whence we came. No new science (beyond frontier, nonequilibrium thermodynamics) is needed to describe cosmic evolution’s major milestones at a deep and empirical level. Quantitative models and experimental tests imply that a remarkable simplicity underlies the emergence and growth of complexity for a wide spectrum of known and diverse systems. Energy is a principal facilitator of the rising complexity of ordered systems within the expanding Universe; energy flows are as central to life and society as they are to stars and galaxies. In particular, energy rate density—contrasting with information content or entropy production—is an objective metric suitable to gauge relative degrees of complexity among a hierarchy of widely assorted systems observed throughout the material Universe. Operationally, those systems capable of utilizing optimum amounts of energy tend to survive, and those that cannot are nonrandomly eliminated.
ε-Coverings of Hölder-Zygmund Type Spaces on Data-Defined Manifolds
Authors: Ehler Martin , Filbir Frank
Published: June 2014

We first determine the asymptotes of theε-covering numbers of Hölder-Zygmund type spaces on data-defined manifolds. Secondly, a fully discrete and finite algorithmic scheme is developed providing explicitε-coverings whose cardinality is asymptotically near theε-covering number. Given an arbitrary Hölder-Zygmund type function, the nearby center of a ball in theε-covering can also be computed in a discrete finite fashion.
Duodenal Chromogranin A Cell Density as a Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: El-Salhy Magdy , Gilja Odd Helge , Gundersen Doris , Hatlebakk Jan Gunnar , Hausken Trygve
Published: June 2014

Background and Aim. Chromogranin A (CgA) is a common marker for endocrine cells. The density of duodenal CgA cells is reduced in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Methods. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the density of duodenal CgA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of IBS. Two hundred and three patients with IBS were recruited (180 females and 23 males; mean age, 36 years; range, 18–66 years). The control group comprised 86 healthy subjects without gastrointestinal complaints (77 females and 9 males; mean age, 38 years; range, 18–67 years). Biopsy samples were taken from the duodenum during gastroscopy. Sections from these biopsy samples were immunostained for CgA using the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method. CgA cell density was quantified by computerized image analysis.Results. The CgA cell density was lower in IBS-total and in all of the IBS subgroups than in the controls. The sensitivity and specificity for a cutoff of <200 cells/mm2were 86% and 95%, respectively.Conclusion. The duodenal CgA cell density seems to be a good biomarker for the diagnosis of IBS. It is an inexpensive, simple, and easy-to-use method that does not require sophisticated equipment or considerable experience.
Fabrication of Ultrafine Carbon Fibers Possessing a Nanoporous Structure from Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers Containing Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Sawada Koichi , Sakai Shinji , Taya Masahito
Published: June 2014

Ultrafine carbon fibers with a nanoporous structure were fabricated by the template method using silica nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in fibers of approximate diameter 500 nm, electrospun from an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, CoCl2, silica NPs, and N,N-dimethylformamide. Black, conductive fibers were obtained by heat treatment in air and a chemical vapor deposition reaction under methanol vapor for more than 5 h. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the fabricated fibers after silica removal had a porous structure originating from 15 nm diameter silica NPs. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis combined with TEM confirmed the removal of silica from the fibers by NaOH treatment at 80°C. Total surface area and total pore volume of the fibers after silica removal, determined by nitrogen adsorption measurement, were 318 m2/g and 1.67 cm3/g, respectively. The sheet resistivities of the fabricated fibers were 35.1–477 Ω/□, which were relatively high, compared with that reported for polyacrylonitrile‐based fibers carbonized at 800°C. D and G bands detected in the Raman spectrum of the NaOH‐treated fibers showed that the prepared carbon fibers were more crystalline than natural carbonaceous materials.
Detailed Molecular Dynamics of the Photochromic Reaction of Spiropyran: A Semiclassical Dynamics Study
Authors: Zhai Gaohong , Shao Shuai , Wu Shaomei , Lei Yibo , Dou Yusheng
Published: June 2014

A realistic semiclassical dynamics simulation study is reported for the photoinduced ring-opening reaction of spiropyran. The main simulation results show that one pathway involves hydrogen out-of-plane (HOOP) torsion of phenyl ring nearby N atom in 254 fs on the excited state and the isomerization from cis- to trans-SP that is complete in about 10 ps on the ground state after the electron transitionπσ*; the other dominate pathway corresponds to the ring-opening reaction of trans-SP to form the most stable merocyanine (MC) product. Unlike the previous theoretical finding, one C−C bond cleavage on the real molecule rather than the C−N dissociation of the model one is more probable than the ring-opening reaction after the photoexcitation of SP. The simulation findings provide more important complementarity for interpreting experimental observations, confirming the previously theoretical studies of photochromic ring-opening process and even supplying other possible reaction mechanisms.
Removal of Hazardous Pollutants from Wastewaters: Applications of TiO2‐SiO2 Mixed Oxide Materials
Authors: Rasalingam Shivatharsiny , Peng Rui , Koodali Ranjit T.
Published: June 2014

The direct release of untreated wastewaters from various industries and households results in the release of toxic pollutants to the aquatic environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have gained wide attention owing to the prospect of complete mineralization of nonbiodegradable organic substances to environmentally innocuous products by chemical oxidation. In particular, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been demonstrated to have tremendous promise in water purification and treatment of several pollutant materials that include naturally occurring toxins, pesticides, and other deleterious contaminants. In this work, we have reviewed the different removal techniques that have been employed for water purification. In particular, the application of TiO2‐SiO2 binary mixed oxide materials for wastewater treatment is explained herein, and it is evident from the literature survey that these mixed oxide materials have enhanced abilities to remove a wide variety of pollutants.
New Existence Results for Fixed Point Problem and Minimization Problem in Compact Metric Spaces
Authors: Heng Weng-Seng , Du Wei-Shih , Yen Chi-Lin
Published: June 2014

We first present some new existence theorems for fixed point problem and minimization problem in compact metric spaces without assuming that mappings possess convexity property. Some applications of our results to new fixed point theorems for nonself mappings in the setting of strictly convex normed linear spaces and usual metric spaces are also given.
Sequence Variation in the E2-Binding Domain of HPV16 and Biological Function Evaluation in Tunisian Cervical Cancers
Authors: Kahla Saloua , Kochbati Lotfi , Hammami Samia , Chanoufi Mohamed Badis , Maalej Mongi , Oueslati Ridha
Published: June 2014

HPV16 E2 variants have different effects on the transcriptional activity of the LCR. In this study, we examined the nucleotide and amino acid sequence variation within the HPV16 E2 gene and to correlate with disease progression. E2 gene disruption was detected by PCR amplification of the entire E2 gene using a single set of primers. Nucleotide variations were analyzed by bidirectional sequencing. mRNA expression patterns of E6 and E7 gene transcripts were evaluated by a reverse transcriptase-PCR method (RT-PCR). The detection of intact E2 genes was significantly higher among controls than cases (81.8% versus 37.5%, resp.,P<0.05). Among the E subgroup, variation at position 3684 C>A results in the amino acid substitution T310K and was more common among the E2 undisrupted cases (7/9; 77.7%), compared to controls (2/9; 22.2%). In addition, specific sequence variations identified in the E2 ORF at positions 3684 C>A were associated with increased viral oncogenes E6-E7 production. Besides HPV16 E2 disruption, the 3684 C>A variation within undisrupted E2 genes could be involved in an alternative mechanism for deregulating the expression of the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes and appears to be a major factor contributing to the development of cervical cancer in Tunisian women.
The Association between Platelet Count and Acute Phase Response in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Kasperska-Zając Alicja , Grzanka Alicja , Jarzab Jerzy , Misiołek Maciej , Wyszyńska-Chłap Magdalena , Kasperski Jacek , Machura Edyta
Published: June 2014

Background. The platelet parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) are markers reflecting a systemic inflammatory response. Among those, CRP is one of the major proteins helpful in determination of severity/activity of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).Aim. To determine relationships between platelet activation indices and serum concentration of CRP, the best marker of acute phase response, and their potential clinical use in CSU patients.Methods. Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count as well as serum CRP concentration were measured in CSU patients, showing different degrees of urticarial severity, and in the healthy subjects.Results. No significant differences were found in MPV and PDW between CSU group and the healthy subjects. The platelet count was significantly higher in moderate-severe CSU than that of the controls and mild CSU patients. Serum CRP concentrations were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects and significantly correlated with the platelet count in CSU patients.Conclusions. Acute phase response in CSU is associated with the increased number of circulating platelets in patients with more severe symptoms. It seems that simple determination of platelet size indices is not a reliable indicator of CSU severity/activity.
Symmetry and Solution of Neutron Transport Equations in Nonhomogeneous Media
Authors: Tsyfra Ivan , Czyżycki Tomasz
Published: June 2014

We propose the group-theoretical approach which enables one to generate solutions of equations of mathematical physics in nonhomogeneous media from solutions of the same problem in a homogeneous medium. The efficiency of this method is illustrated with examples of thermal neutron diffusion problems. Such problems appear in neutron physics and nuclear geophysics. The method is also applicable to nonstationary and nonintegrable in quadratures differential equations.
6DOF Wireless Tracking Wand Using MARG and Vision Sensor Fusion
Authors: Chintalapalli Harinadha Reddy , Patil Shashidhar , Nam Sanghun , Park Sungsoo , Chai Young Ho
Published: June 2014

We present a low cost battery-powered 6-degree-of-freedom wireless wand for 3D modeling in free space by tri-axis Magnetic, Angular Rate, Gravity (MARG) and vision sensor fusion. Our approach has two stages of sensor fusion, each with different algorithms for finding 3D orientation and position. The first stage fusion algorithm, a complementary filter, utilizes MARG sensors to compute 3D orientation relative to the direction of gravity and earth's magnetic field in a quaternion format, which was adjusted with compensations for magnetic distortion. The second stage fusion algorithm, a Kalman filter, utilizes accelerometer data and IR marker velocity to compute 3D position. In order to compute the IR marker linear velocity along the optical axis (the z-axis), we present a simple and efficient image-based technique to find the distance of the object from the camera using blob area pixels in the image. Our fusion (inside-in and outside-in) approach efficiently solves short time occlusion, needs of frequent calibration, and unbounded drift problems involved in numerical integration of inertial sensors data and improves the degrees of freedom at low cost without compromising accuracy. The results are compared with a leading commercial magnetic motion tracking system to demonstrate the performance of the wand.
Prevalence and Correlates of Video and Internet Gaming Addiction among Hong Kong Adolescents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Chong-Wen , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Mak Kwok-Kei , Ho Sai-Yin , Wong Paul W. C. , Ho Rainbow T. H.
Published: June 2014

This pilot study investigated the patterns of video and internet gaming habits and the prevalence and correlates of gaming addiction in Hong Kong adolescents. A total of 503 students were recruited from two secondary schools. Addictive behaviors of video and internet gaming were assessed using the Game Addiction Scale. Risk factors for gaming addiction were examined using logistical regression. An overwhelming majority of the subjects (94%) reported using video or internet games, with one in six (15.6%) identified as having a gaming addiction. The risk for gaming addiction was significantly higher among boys, those with poor academic performance, and those who preferred multiplayer online games. Gaming addiction was significantly associated with the average time spent gaming per week, frequency of spending money on gaming, period of spending money on gaming, perceived family disharmony, and having more close friends. These results suggest that effective educational and preventative programs or strategies are needed.
Nonlinear Quantitative Radiation Sensitivity Prediction Model Based on NCI-60 Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Zhang Chunying , Girard Luc , Das Amit , Chen Sun , Zheng Guangqiang , Song Kai
Published: June 2014

We proposed a nonlinear model to perform a novel quantitative radiation sensitivity prediction. We used the NCI-60 panel, which consists of nine different cancer types, as the platform to train our model. Important radiation therapy (RT) related genes were selected by significance analysis of microarrays (SAM). Orthogonal latent variables (LVs) were then extracted by the partial least squares (PLS) method as the new compressive input variables. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) regression model was trained with these LVs to predict the SF2 (the surviving fraction of cells after a radiation dose of 2 Gyγ-ray) values of the cell lines. Comparison with the published results showed significant improvement of the new method in various ways: (a) reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) of the radiation sensitivity prediction model from 0.20 to 0.011; and (b) improving prediction accuracy from 62% to 91%. To test the predictive performance of the gene signature, three different types of cancer patient datasets were used. Survival analysis across these different types of cancer patients strongly confirmed the clinical potential utility of the signature genes as a general prognosis platform. The gene regulatory network analysis identified six hub genes that are involved in canonical cancer pathways.
Nuclear Stopping in Central Au+Au Collisions at RHIC Energies
Authors: Yuan Ying , Guan Nana
Published: June 2014

Nuclear stopping in central Au+Au collisions at relativistic heavy-ion collider (RHIC) energies is studied in the framework of a cascade mode and the modified ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) transport model. In the modified mode, the mean field potentials of both formed and “preformed” hadrons (from string fragmentation) are considered. It is found that the nuclear stopping is increasingly influenced by the mean-field potentials in the projectile and target regions with the increase of the reaction energy. In the central region, the calculations of the cascade model considering the modifying factor can describe the experimental data of the PHOBOS collaboration.
Analysis of the Coupling Coefficient in Inductive Energy Transfer Systems
Authors: Mendes Duarte Rafael , Klaric Felic Gordana
Published: June 2014

In wireless energy transfer systems, the energy is transferred from a power source to an electrical load without the need of physical connections. In this scope, inductive links have been widely studied as a way of implementing these systems. Although high efficiency can be achieved when the system is operating in a static state, it can drastically decrease if changes in the relative position and in the coupling coefficient between the coils occur. In this paper, we analyze the coupling coefficient as a function of the distance between two planar and coaxial coils in wireless energy transfer systems. A simple equation is derived from Neumann’s equation for mutual inductance, which is then used to calculate the coupling coefficient. The coupling coefficient is computed using CST Microwave Studio and compared to calculation and experimental results for two coils with an excitation signal of up to 10 MHz. The results showed that the equation presents good accuracy for geometric parameters that do not lead the solution of the elliptic integral of the first kind to infinity.
Prolonged Diuretic Activity and Calcium‐Sparing Effect of Tropaeolum majus: Evidence in the Prevention of Osteoporosis
Authors: Barboza Lorena Neris , Prando Thiago Bruno Lima , Dalsenter Paulo Roberto , Gasparotto Francielly Mourão , Gasparotto Francielli , Jacomassi Ezilda , Araújo Valdinei de Oliveira , Lourenço Emerson Luiz Botelho , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: June 2014

Although several studies indicate high effectiveness in the use of the hydroethanolic extract from Tropaeolum majus (HETM) as a diuretic, the impact of its prolonged use in the presence of low estrogen levels remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the diuretic effects of prolonged administration of HETM in ovariectomized rats and their interrelationship between calcium excretion and bone turnover. Forty‐two female Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated orally with different doses of HETM (3, 30, and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. On the first day of treatment and at weekly intervals for four weeks the diuretic activity was evaluated. Electrolyte concentrations and creatinine levels were estimated from urine sample of each rat. The serum lipids, urea, creatinine, and osteocalcin were also measured at the end of the experiment. The data revealed that the HETM was able to sustain its diuretic effect after prolonged treatment. Moreover, its use has not affected the urinary calcium or potassium excretion, reduces lipid levels, and maintains osteocalcin levels similarly to untreated rats. These findings support the potential of HETM as a candidate to be used in clinical conditions in which the renal loss of calcium is not desired.
Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Brain Tumor Risks in the INTEROCC Study
Authors: Turner Michelle C. , Benke Geza , Bowman Joseph D. , Figuerola Jordi , Fleming Sarah , Hours Martine , Kincl Laurel , Krewski Daniel , McLean Dave , Parent Marie-Elise , Richardson Lesley , Sadetzki Siegal , Schlaefer Klaus , Schlehofer Brigitte , Schüz Joachim , Siemiatycki Jack , van Tongeren Martie , Cardis Elisabeth
Published: June 2014

Background: Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF) is a suspected risk factor for brain tumors, however the literature is inconsistent. Few studies have assessed whether ELF in different time windows of exposure may be associated with specific histologic types of brain tumors. This study examines the association between ELF and brain tumors in the large-scale INTEROCC study.

Methods: Cases of adult primary glioma and meningioma were recruited in seven countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom) between 2000 and 2004. Estimates of mean workday ELF exposure based on a job exposure matrix were assigned. Estimates of cumulative exposure, average exposure, maximum exposure, and exposure duration were calculated for the lifetime, and 1 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10+ years before the diagnosis/reference date.

Results: There were 3,761 included brain tumor cases (1,939 glioma and 1,822 meningioma) and 5,404 population controls. There was no association between lifetime cumulative ELF exposure and glioma or meningioma risk. However, there were positive associations between cumulative ELF 1 to 4 years before the diagnosis/reference date and glioma [odds ratio (OR) ≥ 90th percentile vs. < 25th percentile, 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36–2.07; PLinear trend < 0.0001], and, somewhat weaker associations with meningioma (OR ≥ 90th percentile vs. < 25th percentile, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.97–1.57; PLinear trend = 0.02).

Conclusions: Results showed positive associations between ELF in the recent past and glioma.

Impact: Occupational ELF exposure may play a role in the later stages (promotion and progression) of brain tumorigenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1863–72. ©2014 AACR.
Fontes documentais para o estudo da casa brasileira do século XIX
Authors: Aragão Solange de
Published: June 2014

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir quatro fontes documentais para o estudo da casa brasileira do século XIX: os relatos de viagem, os anúncios de jornal, as pinturas e fotografias paisagísticas - fontes em que a arquitetura brasileira, particularmente a casa, aparece ora descrita, ora retratada em seus aspectos externos ou internos, ora como parte integrante das paisagens do Brasil.
Antigas falas, novas aparências: o tombamento do Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká e a preservação dos bens patrimoniais no Brasil
Authors: Dourado Odete
Published: June 2014

O presente texto aborda o processo de tombamento do Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká ou Terreiro da Casa Branca em Salvador na Bahia, o mais antigo terreiro de candomblé ainda em funcionamento no Brasil e primeiro monumento dessa natureza a ser tombado pelo IPHAN, em 1986. Discutem-se as dificuldades de compreensão das especificidades relativas a esse bem patrimonial então enfrentadas por aquele órgão, dificuldades que de alguma maneira ainda persistem de forma generalizada nos dias atuais, sobretudo no que se refere à gestão ordinária desses bens.
Programa de Pós-graduação em Arquitetura e Urbanismo da EESC-USP: notícias sobre o curso de doutorado
Authors: Editor O
Published: June 2014

Programa de Pós-graduação em Arquitetura e Urbanismo da EESC-USP: notícias sobre o curso de doutorado
Lar e família: o discurso assistencialista sobre habitação popular nos anos 40 e 50
Authors: Nascimento Flávia Brito do
Published: June 2014

Estudando o pensamento e a prática intervencionista dos profissionais de Serviço Social nas décadas de 40 e 50, no que concerne às formas de habitar populares, este trabalho discute o processo de formação do "novo homem" estadonovista. Busca compreender o contexto em que surge o pensamento assistencialista no Brasil, suas relações com o Estado e com o pensamento católico. Por meio dos Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso defendidos nas escolas de Serviço Social entre 1942 e 1953 e dos Anais do I Congresso Brasileiro de Serviço Social, realizado em 1949, problematiza-se a relação entre moradia e popular e práticas intervencionistas.
O diagrama fundamental
Authors: Lacombe Octávio
Published: June 2014

O texto, um breve comentário ao artigo de Robert Somol, costura três pontos para tecer uma possível fundamentação da base diagramática da arquitetura contemporânea. Primeiro, a abordagem formalista que caracteriza esse modo de análise e produção da forma e do espaço. Segundo, a própria conceituação de diagrama e diagramático. E, por fim, a antecipação da relação da gênese da arquitetura com o suporte digital.
Habitação e design: um estudo comparativo entre residências em Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, e Columbia, Missouri, E.U.A.
Authors: Gressler Sandra Christina
Published: June 2014

O presente artigo procura apontar os fatores que influenciam a forma da casa. Explora o uso e significado da casa; a mulher na casa; a organização do espaço doméstico; a estrutura familiar, clima e topografia como fatores modificantes. Através de entrevistas, observações e análise de plantas baixas foram investigadas amostras de residências das cidades de Dourados, Brasil e de Colúmbia, Estados Unidos. O estudo evidenciou que as características culturais físicas, fatores socioculturais, sociopolíticos e econômicos influenciam a forma da casa. Pode-se afirmar que a forma da casa é determinada através dos fatores que criam a singularidade de cada grupo cultural.
Estudar e habitar em São Carlos: avaliação pós-ocupação da habitação estudantil no entorno do campus da USP São Carlos
Authors: Zancul Juliana de Senzi , Fabrício Márcio Minto
Published: June 2014

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade habitacional de apartamentos em edifícios de três a quatro pavimentos ofertados pela iniciativa privada para estudantes universitários em São Carlos - SP, por meio da aplicação de métodos e técnicas de Avaliação Pós-Ocupação, abordando aspectos funcionais e construtivos tanto das unidades habitacionais como das áreas comuns dos edifícios. Trata-se de um levantamento inédito na cidade de São Carlos e, a partir da avaliação de edifícios em uso, são geradas informações úteis tanto para a definição de políticas públicas e de planejamento urbano como para o setor imobiliário do município, auxiliando no planejamento habitacional para este mercado específico.
Conexão Borsói-Bardi: sobre os limites das casas populares
Authors: Bierrenbach Ana Carolina de Souza
Published: June 2014

Em uma edição da Revista Mirante das Artes (1967), Lina Bo Bardi escreve um artigo denominado "No limite da Casa Popular". Nesse artigo comenta o projeto de Acácio Gil Borsói para a construção de casas populares na Comunidade de Cajueiro Seco (Jaboatão - Pernambuco - 1963). Lina Bo Bardi também tem a possibilidade de projetar um conjunto de casas populares para a Comunidade de Camurupim (Propriá - Sergipe - 1975-1976). Este artigo pretende indicar as conexões entre os procedimentos e os pressupostos dessas duas propostas para elaboração de casas populares, que envolvem também a infra-estrutura urbana das duas comunidades. Também visa apontar as relações que ambos os projetos estabelecem com as conjunturas culturais, sociais e políticas Brasil, antes e durante a ditadura.
Discursos e imagens acerca de intervenções urbanas no Rio de Janeiro (1920-1940): a questão da valorização fundiária em planos e projetos urbanos
Authors: Furtado Fernanda , Rezende Vera Lucia Ferreira Motta
Published: June 2014

Este artigo enfoca a temática da valorização fundiária, no período entre 1920 e 1940, identificada entre os objetivos a serem alcançados nas grandes intervenções urbanas no Rio de Janeiro. Através da análise de imagens e discursos técnicos produzidos à época, são apresentados elementos que evidenciam como essas intervenções eram percebidas e sinais de como tal objetivo era justificado. Com este recorte, são analisados aspectos pertinentes de algumas das grandes intervenções urbanas planejadas ou realizadas na cidade: a complementação do desmonte do Morro do Castelo (1922), a abertura da Avenida Presidente Vargas (1940) e, entre essas realizações, o Plano Agache (1930).
Construção e desconstrução do conceito de jardim histórico
Authors: Andrade Inês El-Jaick
Published: June 2014

Este trabalho enfatiza o papel dos jardins históricos como a expressão de um ambiente historicamente produzido. Analisa e contextualiza essa recente categoria patrimonial tendo como referência a sua temporalidade e a integridade de sua permanência. Defende que esses" monumentos vivos" são documentos culturais que se renovam e se deterioram, e que a apropriação descomprometida põe em risco o significado e o testemunho futuro.
Simmetrie euritmiate: o Duomo de Milão sob o olhar de Cesare Cesariano
Authors: Pedro Ana Paula Giardini
Published: June 2014

Frente à elaboração da tradução comentada ao De Architectura (1521), Cesare Cesariano interpreta a symmetria vitruviana fundamentando-se no Duomo de Milão, um edifício do trezentos. O tradutor-comentarista desenvolve um sistema de comodulação para o edifício alicerçado nas geometrias do triângulo, quadrado e círculo. O estudo das imagens apresentadas por Cesariano permite desobscurecer graficamente o triplo sistema que rege a construção da ichnographia, orthographia e scaenographia do Duomo. O conúbio estabelecido entre os desenhos do edifício e essas formas geométricas revela como Cesariano assimila as simmetrie euritmiate do homo ad quadratum e ad circulum na concepção do organismo indiviso, o edifício.
Arquitetura e domínio técnico nas obras de Marcos Acayaba
Authors: Nakanishi Tatiana Midori , Fabrício Márcio Minto
Published: June 2014

Atualmente muitos arquitetos têm demonstrado certa deficiência no desenvolvimento e detalhamento de soluções construtivas. O artigo mostra a relação do arquiteto com a questão da técnica, desde o início do processo projetual até a obra construída, a partir da experiência de Marcos Acayaba, que se destaca por desenvolver soluções conceituais e espaciais intimamente atreladas a um rigoroso tratamento técnico, transitando por diversos materiais e sistemas construtivos. São apontados fatores determinantes que, embasados pelos estudos dos projetos e seus recursos construtivos, demonstram que o domínio técnico pode ser um importante instrumento para o pensar e o fazer arquitetônico.
O que é um estudo clínico randomizado?
Authors: Souza Raphael F.
Published: June 2014

O estudo clínico randomizado (ECR) é uma das ferramentas mais poderosas para a obtenção de evidências para o cuidado à saúde. Apesar de algumas possíveis variações, baseiam-se na comparação entre duas ou mais intervenções, as quais são controladas pelos pesquisadores e aplicadas de forma aleatória em um grupo de participantes. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever aspectos relativos à validades externa e interna dos ECRs, bem como apresentar bases de dados para sua obtenção e ferramentas para avaliação de qualidade.
Registros de ensaios clínicos e as consequências para as publicações científicas
Authors: Castro Regina Celia Figueiredo
Published: June 2014

O presente trabalho apresenta as recomendações do International Committee of Medical Journal Editors(ICMJE) e da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para os registros de ensaios clínicos. Discute as consequências para as publicações científicas e o papel da BIREME para a inclusão da América Latina e Caribe nessas iniciativas. Descreve o portal de acesso à Plataforma Internacional de Registro de Ensaios Clínicos (ICTRP), coordenada pela OMS, e as principais iniciativas existentes, destacando as da América Latina e Caribe.
Miíase furunculóide de localização atípica
Authors: Nunes Roberta V. , Ferraz Adriana C. P. , Gadelha Bárbara Q. , Coelho Valéria M. Aguiar , Lessa Cláudia S. S.
Published: June 2014

Paciente do sexo feminino de 63 anos, melanoderma, ingressou em hospital público se queixando de prurido e secreção nos glúteos por aproximadamente um mês, após visita em área rural. A mesma relatou que fazia uso de antibiótico pomada recomendado para tratamento de furúnculo. Ao exame clínico observou-se duas lesões hiperêmicas e com exsudato purulento, diagnosticadas como miíase furunculóide. Foi removida uma larva viva de Dermatobia hominis de cada lesão, com auxílio de curativo oclusivo com vaselina e pinça. Três doenças devem ser diferenciadas: furúnculo, miíase furunculóide, (causada por D. hominis) e miíase tecidual (causada por Cochliomyia hominivorax devido à extensa destruição tecidual causada por esta última.
Metabolismo e toxicidade do chumbo na criança e no adulto
Authors: Capitani Eduardo M.
Published: June 2014

O chumbo não participa de nenhum passo ou função metabólica essencial ao ser humano. Ao mesmo tempo é o metal não ferroso mais manipulado industrialmente pelo homem desde a antiguidade, o que tem levado à uma contaminação extensa do meio ambiente desde então, proporcionando ainda hoje um aporte regular excessivo desse metal através da ingestão e inalação. Nesta revisão são discutidos aspectos de cinética e dinâmica do chumbo na forma inorgânica, por ser a forma mais comum de apresentação ocupacional e no meio ambiente. Por ser um elemento metálico o chumbo não sofre biotransformação enzimática. O seu “metabolismo” restringe-se a um cinética de distribuição e excreção bastante complexa que, por sua vez, depende da forma química ingerida ou inalada, que definirá seu potencial de oxi-redução e ionização, ligação a proteínas, e passagem por membranas e barreiras, além do acúmulo tecidual e excreção renal. Adultos absorvem até 10% do que é ingerido, em contraste com a taxa das crianças que pode chegar a 50%. Distribui-se fácil e rapidamente por todos os tecidos, além de passar a barreira encefálica e a placentária, sendo secretado no leite materno. As meias vidas de eliminação de chumbo do organismo, conforme o compartimento, podem ser resumidas da seguinte forma: sangue = 25 a 30 dias (em crianças sob exposição ambiental a baixas doses = 10 a 12 meses); tecidos moles em geral = 60 dias; osso trabecular = 90 a 120 dias; osso cortical com depósitos estáveis = 25 a 30 anos. Tem ações tóxicas no sistema nervoso central, periférico, renal e hematopoiético principalmente, através de mecanismos que são discutidos no artigo.
Uma análise percentual dos artigos de periódicos publicados pelos docentes de fonoaudiologia da Universidade São Paulo
Authors: Herculano Rondinelli D. , Norberto Ana Maria Q.
Published: June 2014

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar/quantificar a produtividade científica dos docentes pertencentes aos três cursos de graduação em Fonoaudiologia ministrados pelas: 1-) Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), 2-) Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB), 3-) Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Estas três faculdades são unidades da Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Métodos: Para cada professor, analisamos o número total de artigos (na plataforma Lattes), o título e indexação destes periódicos. Resultados: Uma análise percentual mostrou o perfil de publicação de cada faculdade e a relevância destes artigos. Observamos que os docentes pertencentes à FMRP tiveram os artigos publicados restritos a apenas 6 revistas Estas revistas corresponderam a 50% dos artigos publicados por estes docentes. Na FOB, observamos uma menor concentração de artigos publicados, dos quais 62% dos artigos publicados foram distribuídos em 11 revistas. Entretanto, 30% destes artigos se concentraram na revista Pró-Fono, Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e na Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia. Neste grupo de docentes, observou-se uma quantidade ligeiramente maior de artigos indexados no ISI. Sobre os docentes pertencentes a FM, foi observada uma homogeneidade similar aos docentes pertencentes à FOB, ou seja, 72% dos artigos publicados pelos docentes da FM estão concentrados em 10 revistas. Entretanto, observamos que 40% dos artigos publicados por estes docentes se concentram na revista Pró-Fono e na Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia. Conclusão: Observamos uma grande concentração de publicação em poucas revistas nas três unidades da USP. Estes docentes publicaram poucos artigos em revistas indexados ao ISI.