bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nostalgia
Authors: Gomes Eugênio
Published: August 2015

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Oito/tempos de rosa-flor
Authors: Neves Regina Lúcia Ferreira
Published: August 2015

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Reminiscência
Authors: Emediato Luiz Fernando De Souza
Published: August 2015

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O Homem da Rua
Authors: Neves Libério
Published: August 2015

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Intercomunicação
Authors: Felipe Carlos
Published: August 2015

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Verão II
Authors: Gomes Duílio
Published: August 2015

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Antigo amar de amor amigo
Authors: Laterza Moacyr
Published: August 2015

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O gato
Authors: Bianchini Orlando
Published: August 2015

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A estação das uvas
Authors: Lyon Sandra
Published: August 2015

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O gado
Authors: Carvalho Antônio De Pâdua Barreto
Published: August 2015

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O ensino superior brasileiro nos anos de ditadura: a reforma universitária e a revista de cultura da UFPE (1964-1968)
Authors: Veras Dimas Brasileiro
Published: August 2015

Este artigo investiga o ensino superior brasileiro nos primeiros anos do regime militar-civil no Brasil (1964– 1968). Para isso analisaram-se os processos normativos de modernização da universidade brasileira e uma série de ensaios sobre a reforma universitária publicados na revista Estudos Universitários (1966–1968). A pesquisa histórica elucidou questões referentes à normatização das práticas acadêmicas e aos conflitos da comunidade universitária no quadro da ditadura no Brasil.
Acoustic Velocities in Petroleum Oils
Authors: Wang Zhijing , Nur A. M. , Batzle M. L.
Published: August 2015

A series of experiments were carried out in the laboratory on acoustic wave velocities in oils. The samples include 8 dead crude oils (here dead oil refers to stock tank oil which does not contain dissolved gas), 2 refined petroleum hydrocarbons, and 1 live oil (here live oil refers to oil which has high content of dissolved gas).

The results show that the measured acoustic velocities in these oils are strong functions of both temperature and pressure. The experimental results are discussed in light of the various existing theories and models of the liquid state for the purpose of interpreting and understanding the acoustic velocity behaviors of the oils. Correlations are made between the acoustic velocity and temperature, pressure, API gravity, and molecular weight. Empirical equations are established which can be used to calculate the acoustic velocities in oils with known API gravities. Various applications or potential applications of the experimental results are also discussed.
Soybean Maturity Group Choices for Maximizing Radiation Interception across Planting Dates in the Midsouth United States
Authors: Salmerón Montserrat , Gbur Edward E. , Bourland Fred M. , Earnest Larry , Golden Bobby R. , Purcell Larry C.
Published: August 2015

Cumulative interception of photosynthetically active radiation (CIPAR) is a key factor affecting soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. Under well‐watered conditions, differences in CIPAR across planting dates, maturity groups (MGs) and row spacing in the US Midsouth could partially explain yield differences. Irrigated experiments were conducted for 2 yr at three locations in Arkansas with four planting dates and 16 cultivars (MG 3–6) using a narrow (0.46–0.48 m) and a twin‐row spacing (0.19–0.20 m twin rows on 0.96 m beds) with a seeding density of 35 plants m−2. The fraction of radiation intercepted (FRI) from emergence to beginning seedfill (or complete canopy closure) was well defined for each row spacing as a sigmoidal relationship with cumulative thermal time. A bilinear relationship between CIPAR and relative yield explained 46% of the yield variation. Relative yield increased with CIPAR, reached a maximum at 687 MJ m−2 and then declined. Simulations estimated the FRI and CIPAR for a range of planting dates, MG choices, narrow and twin‐row spacings, and two locations with 30‐yr of historical weather data. Simulations identified scenarios where management of row spacing and MGs avoid low FRI during flowering and at the start of seedfill. Simulations also identified management scenarios that ensure sufficient CIPAR to obtain 95% of maximum yields. Late MGs provided greater CIPAR compared with earlier MGs, but yield decreased at high values of CIPAR emphasizing the importance of understanding mechanisms underlying the yield response to CIPAR across planting dates and MGs.
Transformation Of The S-N Curves For Al 2024 Alloy
Authors: Kłysz Sylwester
Published: August 2015

The article compared the results of high cycle fatigue tests in samples of aluminum alloy 2024-T4, which is used in aircraft construction, especially for highly loaded structural elements, including for plating and fuselage frames and girders rotor blades of helicopters - with results available in the literature. The tests were performed on cylindrical samples, of a parallel and perpendicular orientation relative to the "direction of embodiment" or the rolling direction of the blank sheet metal with a coefficient of asymmetry cycle R = −1. Material for the study was collected from the production line design elements PZL-130 Orlik TC-II. There have been a description of the analytical results in the form of Morrow equations. The results were referred to the respective curves contained in a database of material U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. There have been a presentation the transformation method of S-N curves for different stress ratio R, stress concentration factors Kt and safety factors βN and βσ.
EVALUATION OF ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF MYSIDS AS A FOOD ITEM IN THE DIET OF FISH, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Punchihewa N. N.
Published: August 2015

The main objective of this study is to determine the ecological importance of mysids as a food item of selected fish species using C and N isotopes (stable isotopic study) and gut content analysis of fish. Fish samples (Galaxias maculates and Athrinidae sp.) and mysid samples (Tenagomysis chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae) were collected from Kakamatua Stream situated on the west coast of Auckland region in late January 2009 (summer). All the collected samples were oven-dried, and then ground to obtain a homogeneous powder. Three replicates of each sample were prepared. Samples were processed by the Waikato Stable Isotope Unit (Scientific/20). For gut content analysis, ten specimens of each fish species, G. maculates and Athrinidae sp. were collected and were fixed in 5% formalin immediately. These fish specimens were dissected out and the stomach contents were mixed in a beaker with 10 ml water. After mixing, the contents were examined under the light microscope fitted with an eye piece micrometer. It is evident from both methods that two mysid species T. chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae form a substantial component of the diet of commercially important G. maculates, at Kakamatua stream. Changes in the diet, during the ontogenetic development, in relation to body size have shown a significant enrichment of ?15N values and ?13C values of T. chiltoni and G. maculates.International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015Page: 35-41
SECONDARY SUCCESSION IN ABANDONED CROP FALLOWS: A REVIEW
Authors: Pathak Hom N
Published: August 2015

The succession in areas once vegetated before the disturbance to a forest as climax community is called secondary succession. Secondary succession is influenced by soil type and the vegetation that invades the community. During the literature survey we found that the cropping areas are abandoned in different parts of the world and the fallows left are under secondary succession. There the socio-economy of the people has been found to affect the succession. Species diversity, species richness, rate of replacement and the soil type etc. have been studied by succession researchers. Succession study has also been carried out by using the tools like remote sensing, geographical information system etc.International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015Page: 166-176
Management of traumatic double-level spondyloptosis of the thoracic spine with posterior spondylectomy: case report
Authors: Rahimizadeh Abolfazl , Rahimizadeh Ava
Published: August 2015

Traumatic spondyloptosis of the thoracic spine is an uncommon injury. In most cases, spondyloptosis is confined to one vertebral body, whereas double-level spondyloptosis is extremely rare. Most patients who sustain traumatic spondyloptosis immediately become paraplegic, but in some cases neurological function is preserved. If this occurs, it is due to detachment of the pedicles from the corresponding vertebral body, resulting in spontaneous decompression of neural elements.

Herein, the authors describe a case of undetected traumatic double-level spondyloptosis in the upper thoracic region in an adult male patient who was neurologically intact for 2 days but later became paraplegic. Initially, management of this pathology seemed a very challenging scenario. However, with review of the reconstructed CT images and reproduction of the injury on a plastic model, a posterior-only approach was chosen as an alternative operative solution for this catastrophic injury. Via this single-stage posterior approach, long-segment pedicle screw/rod instrumentation resulted in successful reduction, restoration of alignment, and stabilization after 1-level posterior spondylectomy.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first example reported in the literature of double-level spondyloptosis of the thoracic and the lumbar spine. This report describes the rationale, mechanism, and technical details afforded for reduction and stabilization of this rare injury.
The user of the future: Reimagining how we think about information
Authors: Leetaru Kalev Hannes
Published: August 2015

Abstract

We live in world today where the average citizen can zoom into the planet from Google Earth, walk down a virtual street in Google Street View, access live imagery and video on breaking events from remote regions via YouTube and Instagram, and search 100 petabyte indexes that learn and evolve to tailor themselves to hundreds of millions of individual users and even adjust the material returned based on our daily life patterns, calendar, and present location. Searches look across hundreds of millions of distinct archives and deliver their results via APIs and advanced analytics accessible through mobile devices while we walk down the street. In this brave new world of information access, what does the information platform of the future look like and how does the user of the future think about, access, consume, and interact with this reimagined world of information? This transcript of the NFAIS 2015 keynote opening address explores the user of the future and what we can learn from current trends to reimagine how we think about information and how it is delivered.
Serum High Sensitive C - reactive protein in Male Smokers of Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Shamima , Akhter Qaz Shamima
Published: August 2015

Background: Smoking may cause systemic inflammation, and high level of serum high sensitive Creactive protein may be found in smoker as an indicator of inflammation.Objective: To assess the serum high sensitive C - reactive protein level in male smokers of Bangladesh.Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka between July 2013 and June 2014. Hundred apparently healthy male regular cigarette smokers aged 20 to 40 years who smokes at least 5 sticks of cigarette per day for the last 5 years were included as study group. They were further divided in to 5-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-20 years and 1-10 cigarette sticks, 11- 20 cigarette sticks, more than 20 cigarette sticks/day depending on the duration of smoking and also according to consumption of number of sticks/day respectively. Age matched 100 apparently healthy male nonsmokers were included for control. To assess their inflammatory status, serum hs-CRP level was estimated by particles enhanced immunonephelometry using BN Systems in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. In addition, BMI and blood pressure were measured by standard method to observe their association with smoking.Results: The mean serum hs-CRP level was significantly higher in male smokers than that of non smokers which was progressively increased with duration of smoking and number of cigarette sticks consumed per day. Again, mean BMI was significantly lower and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in male smokers than those of non smokers.Conclusion: The result of this study can be concluded that serum hs-CRP level progressively increases with duration of smoking and number of cigarette sticks consumed per day in male smokers.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2015, June; 10(1): 36-40
Monga in northern region of Bangladesh: a study on peoples survival strategies and coping capacities
Authors: Paul Shitangshu Kumar , Hossain Md. Nazir , Ray Shudarshan Kumar
Published: August 2015

The objective of this paper is to explore peoples survival strategies and coping capacities to combat monga at household level in the northern region of Bangladesh. The agriculture based rural economy, extreme poverty, highpercentage of landless, lack of sufficient caloric intake, unemployment of vast agricultural labour force etc. are the root causes of vulnerability to monga in the northern regions specifically few districts of greater Rangpur. Moreover, geographically this region is vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods and droughts. The past records of food shortages and famine reveal that the trend is still continuing in the monga-prone areas. The present study found that the most vulnerable groups in the monga-prone areas were agricultural wage labourers, landless and marginal farmers, female headed households, children, pregnant women and aged people. The present study also found that with a view to cope with the monga, various coping strategies such as selling of labour with advance payment at cheap rate, borrowing of money, selling of assets, looking for work in other areas, dependency on relief, selling of field crops in advance at cheap rate etc. were adopted by the affected households. The present study also found that coping capacity was associated with household heads socio-economic status e.g. level of education, monthly income, types of occupation, etc. Vulnerability to monga was higher for the illiterate and low income groups than the educated andhigh income groups. The present study argues that the policy makers ofGovernment and NGOs should emphasize on enhancing of coping capacities of poor and marginalized groups through rural centric development, ruralemployment generation, maximum utilization of agricultural land, proper credit support and agro-based industrialisation in the northern Bangladesh.
Adoption of production technologies by potato growers in northwest Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin A. B. M. Sharif , Rahman M. M. , Alam M. B. , Kamaly M. H. K.
Published: August 2015

Determining the extent of adoption of modern variety potato production technologies by the potato growers was the main focus of the study. The study was conducted in the Rajshahi district. Out of 1547 potato growers, 232 respondents were randomly selected as a sample for data collection from twenty villages. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents during July 2010 to February 2011. For measuring the adoption of modern variety potato production technologies by the potato growers, 11 technologies on modern potato production were considered. Majority (46.55%) of the growers had medium adoption compared to high (29.74%) and low (23.71%) adoption. Among the extent of adoption of eleven selected technologies recommended irrigation was at top highest ranking as indicated by the adoption index where as plant spacing was bottom lowest. The adoption variations in different technologies will not be improved unless effective steps are taken to increase growers exposure to get benefits of using such technologies as per recommendations.
Glass sand potentiality of bar sediments from Tista and Dharla rivers, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Ismail , Ahmed Syed Shamsuddin , Islam Md. Najmul , Biswas Pradip Kumar , Rahman Md. Aminur
Published: August 2015

The present investigation deals with the glass sand potentiality of the barsediments of Tista and Dharla rivers from different locations of Nilfamari,Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts, Bangladesh. Accordingly, fourteen sampleswere selected for grain size distributions with separation of magnetic minerals.Magnetic mineral content ranges from about trace amount to 0.06 wt%. Lightminerals separated by tetrabromoethane technique ranging from about 88 to 98 wt%. Moreover, glass sand as final products by flotation process evaluationranges from 58 to 80 wt%, which indicate good quantity of glass sand.Geochemical data also suggest that glass sands are suitable for commercial grade glass owing to its SiO2 content (80.794.1 wt%). In particular, the Tista Barrage site shows high SiO2 (94.1 wt%) with reasonably low Al2O3, TiO2, andMgO+CaO percentages, which suggest an excellent glass grade quality.Unfortunately, some impurities (e.g., Fe2O3, Zr) are comparatively higher thanstandards, which poses difficulties making high grade glass. However, if it ispossible to remove and/or decrease the major impurities, it may be used tomanufacture high grade glass (colourless glass).
An archaeological excavation of a medieval fishermen's midden at Castle Hill Pumping Station, Banff
Authors: Bailey Laura , Holden Tim , Franklin Julie , Smith Catherine , Cerón-Carrasco Ruby
Published: August 2015

An archaeological excavation in the footprint of a proposed pumping station at the foot of the seaward slope of Castle Hill, Banff, revealed the remains of a late medieval coastal processing centre. Several features were uncovered including an extensive spread of midden material dating between the 11thand 13thcenturies, a series of shallow enclosure ditches and a later rectangular building. Contained within the midden were knives, animal and fish bone, marine shells together with medieval pottery and possibly the largest collection of medieval fish hooks recovered in Scotland. The archaeological material provides evidence that the stretch of shoreline along the west bank of the River Deveron was the site of a small fishing settlement during the early development of the burgh of Banff. Results of the excavation make an important contribution to our understanding of late medieval economies in Scotland, particularly in relation to the collection and use of local resources and the development of the commercial fishing industry.
Excavations on Sheep Hill, West Dunbartonshire, 1966–69: A Late Bronze Age timber-framed dun and a small Iron Age hillfort
Authors: MacKie Euan W.
Published: August 2015

Excavations at Sheep Hill hillfort, West Dunbartonshire, took place at weekends between 1966 and 1969, with a small team of volunteers. The fort is sited on a volcanic plug of basalt with extensive views up and down the river Clyde. The finds are in the Hunterian Museum of the University of Glasgow, and a preliminary account of the discoveries was published a few years later ( MacKie 1976 ).

The hilltop stronghold was found in fact to have been two successive forts. The first (Fort 1) was a timber-framed dun – a drystone enclosure on the summit of the hill. This was destroyed by fire and partly vitrified near the end of the Bronze Age, and most of the rubble from the walls was re-used in the larger Iron Age hillfort (Fort 2) which was built on top of it. A midden from this early fort was found under the rampart of the later one and contained gritty Dunagoil pottery as well as pieces of fired clay moulds for bronze implements. It is possible that a palisaded enclosure preceded the vitrified fort. Nearby on the north was once one of the finest cup-and-ring carved rocks in the country which may have been damaged for building material.

The later hillfort consisted of several enclosures defended by rubble and earth ramparts. An important element in the associated material culture was the shale armlet, several examples of which were found. They appear to have been made on the site. The fort is difficult to date precisely but was almost certainly pre-Roman. No Roman artefacts were found although the fort at the west end of the Antonine wall is only a short distance to the east.
Breemie Stanes, Aberdeenshire: A note on a modern stone circle
Authors: Bradley Richard , Watson Aaron
Published: August 2015

This note describes a stone circle in north-east Scotland which was inspired by prehistoric prototypes but built in 2004. It considers the circumstances in which the monument was constructed and used, the intentions of the original designer and its relationship to authentic examples in the same region. The circle is a particularly close copy of ancient structures in the vicinity, yet it was conceived by a modern shaman and its layout was apparently influenced by contacts with supernatural powers.
Network Community Detection on Metric Space
Authors: Saha Suman , Ghrera Satya
Published: August 2015

Community detection in a complex network is an important problem of much interest in recent years. In general, a community detection algorithm chooses an objective function and captures the communities of the network by optimizing the objective function, and then, one uses various heuristics to solve the optimization problem to extract the interesting communities for the user. In this article, we demonstrate the procedure to transform a graph into points of a metric space and develop the methods of community detection with the help of a metric defined for a pair of points. We have also studied and analyzed the community structure of the network therein. The results obtained with our approach are very competitive with most of the well-known algorithms in the literature, and this is justified over the large collection of datasets. On the other hand, it can be observed that time taken by our algorithm is quite less compared to other methods and justifies the theoretical findings.
Design and Status of the ELIMED Beam Line for Laser-Driven Ion Beams
Authors: Cirrone G. , Cuttone Giacomo , Romano Francesco , Schillaci Francesco , Scuderi Valentina , Amato Antonino , Candiano Giacomo , Costa Michele , Gallo Giuseppe , Larosa Giuseppina , Korn Georg , Leanza Renata , Manna Rosanna , Maggiore Mario , Marchese Valentina , Margarone Daniele , Milluzzo Giuliana , Petringa Giada , Tramontana Antonella
Published: August 2015

Charged particle acceleration using ultra-intense and ultra-short laser pulses has gathered a strong interest in the scientific community and it is now one of the most attractive topics in the relativistic laser-plasma interaction research. Indeed, it could represent the future of particle acceleration and open new scenarios in multidisciplinary fields, in particular, medical applications. One of the biggest challenges consists of using, in a future perspective, high intensity laser-target interaction to generate high-energy ions for therapeutic purposes, eventually replacing the old paradigm of acceleration, characterized by huge and complex machines. The peculiarities of laser-driven beams led to develop new strategies and advanced techniques for transport, diagnostics and dosimetry of the accelerated particles, due to the wide energy spread, the angular divergence and the extremely intense pulses. In this framework, the realization of the ELIMED (ELI-Beamlines MEDical applications) beamline, developed by INFN-LNS (Catania, Italy) and installed in 2017 as a part of the ELIMAIA beamline at the ELI-Beamlines (Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines) facility in Prague, has the aim to investigate the feasibility of using laser-driven ion beams in multidisciplinary applications. ELIMED will represent the first user’s open transport beam line where a controlled laser-driven ion beam will be used for multidisciplinary and medical studies. In this paper, an overview of the beamline, with a detailed description of the main transport elements, will be presented. Moreover, a description of the detectors dedicated to diagnostics and dosimetry will be reported, with some preliminary results obtained both with accelerator-driven and laser-driven beams.
Homogeneous Crystallization of Micro-DispensedTIPS-Pentacene Using a Two-Solvent System toEnable Printed Inverters on Foil Substrates
Authors: Bose Indranil , Tetzner Kornelius , Borner Kathrin , Bock Karlheinz
Published: August 2015

We report on a micro-dispensing system for 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) to enable homogenous crystallization and uniform filmmorphology of the dispensed droplets using a two-solvent mixture along with the use of aninsulating binder. This solution composition results in a controlled evaporation of the dropletin ambient air such that the Marangoni flow counteracts the outward convective flow toenable uniform radial crystal growth from the edge towards the center of the drops.The consequence of this process is the high degree of uniformity in the crystallization of thedrops, which results in a reduction in the performance spread of the organic field effecttransistors (OFET) created using this process. The addition of the insulating binder furtherimproves the reduction in the spread of the results as a trade-off to the reduction in mobilityof the transistors. The transfer curves of the OFETs show a tight grouping due to thecontrolled self-alignment of the TIPS-pentacene crystals; this repeatability was furtherhighlighted by fabricating p-type inverters with driver to load ratios of 8:1, wherein theoutput inverter curves were also grouped tightly while exhibiting a gain of greater than 4 inthe switching region. Therefore, the reliability and repeatability of this process justifies itsuse to enable large area solution-processed printed circuits at the cost of reduced mobility.
Use of the Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio to Predict Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Yue Song , Zhang Jiahua , Wu Jingyang , Teng Weiping , Liu Lei , Chen Lei
Published: August 2015

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the leading cause of blindness in adults. DR pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, but inflammation is widely accepted to play an important role. Emerging evidence suggests that the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are novel potential markers of inflammatory responses. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between DR and the PLR, MLR, and NLR. Patients and Methods: We performed a case-control study involving 247 patients with T2DM. The patients were divided into three groups: 125 control subjects with T2DM, 63 diabetic subjects with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 59 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Results: The mean PLR and NLR were significantly higher in patients with DR compared with patients without DR (p < 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively). The mean MLR in the NPDR group was higher than that of patients without DR, but there were no significant differences among the three groups (p = 0.07). Logistic regression showed that the MLR was an independent risk factor for DR (odds ratio [OR]: 54.574, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.708–1099.907). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, use of the MLR as an indicator for DR diagnosis was projected to be 2.25, and yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 47.1% and 69.6%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.581 (95% CI: 0.510–0.653). Conclusions: The PLR and NLR are significantly increased in the setting of DR. After correcting for possible confounding factors, the MLR was found to be a risk factor for DR. Although the MLR may be pathophysiologically and clinically relevant in DR, its predictive ability was limited.
Mindfulness, Physical Activity and Avoidance of Secondhand Smoke: A Study of College Students in Shanghai
Authors: Gao Yu , Shi Lu
Published: August 2015

Introduction: To better understand the documented link between mindfulness and longevity, we examine the association between mindfulness and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke (SHS), as well as the association between mindfulness and physical activity. Method: In Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) we surveyed a convenience sample of 1516 college freshmen. We measured mindfulness, weekly physical activity, and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke, along with demographic and behavioral covariates. We used a multilevel logistic regression to test the association between mindfulness and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke, and used a Tobit regression model to test the association between mindfulness and metabolic equivalent hours per week. In both models the home province of the student respondent was used as the cluster variable, and demographic and behavioral covariates, such as age, gender, smoking history, household registration status (urban vs. rural), the perceived smog frequency in their home towns, and the asthma diagnosis. Results: The logistic regression of consciously avoiding SHS shows that a higher level of mindfulness was associated with an increase in the odds ratio of conscious SHS avoidance (logged odds: 0.22, standard error: 0.07, p < 0.01). The Tobit regression shows that a higher level of mindfulness was associated with more metabolic equivalent hours per week (Tobit coefficient: 4.09, standard error: 1.13, p < 0.001). Discussion: This study is an innovative attempt to study the behavioral issue of secondhand smoke from the perspective of the potential victim, rather than the active smoker. The observed associational patterns here are consistent with previous findings that mindfulness is associated with healthier behaviors in obesity prevention and substance use. Research designs with interventions are needed to test the causal link between mindfulness and these healthy behaviors.
Microbiological Food Safety for Vulnerable People
Authors: Lund Barbara
Published: August 2015

Foodborne pathogens are more likely to cause infection and to result in serious consequences in vulnerable people than in healthy adults. People with some increase in susceptibility may form nearly 20% of the population in the UK and the USA. Conditions leading to increased susceptibility are listed. The main factors leading to foodborne disease caused by major pathogens are outlined and examples are given of outbreaks resulting from these factors. Measures to prevent foodborne disease include procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles and prerequisite programmes and, especially for vulnerable people, the use of lower-risk foods in place of higher—risk products.
Characterization of the Bacterial Community Naturally Present on Commercially Grown Basil Leaves: Evaluation of Sample Preparation Prior to Culture-Independent Techniques
Authors: Ceuppens Siele , Delbeke Stefanie , De Coninck Dieter , Boussemaere Jolien , Boon Nico , Uyttendaele Mieke
Published: August 2015

Fresh herbs such as basil constitute an important food commodity worldwide. Basil provides considerable culinary and health benefits, but has also been implicated in foodborne illnesses. The naturally occurring bacterial community on basil leaves is currently unknown, so the epiphytic bacterial community was investigated using the culture-independent techniques denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Sample preparation had a major influence on the results from DGGE and NGS: Novosphingobium was the dominant genus for three different basil batches obtained by maceration of basil leaves, while washing of the leaves yielded lower numbers but more variable dominant bacterial genera including Klebsiella, Pantoea, Flavobacterium, Sphingobacterium and Pseudomonas. During storage of basil, bacterial growth and shifts in the bacterial community were observed with DGGE and NGS. Spoilage was not associated with specific bacterial groups and presumably caused by physiological tissue deterioration and visual defects, rather than by bacterial growth.
Use of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron (NZVI) Particles for Chemical Denitrification under Different Operating Conditions
Authors: Siciliano Alessio
Published: August 2015

The nitrate pollution of waters and groundwaters is an important environmental and health concern. An interesting method to remove the oxidized forms of nitrogen from waters and wastewaters is chemical denitrification by means of metallic iron (Fe0). Particularly advantageous is the use of nanoscopic zero-valent iron particles due to the elevated surface area, which allows reaching extremely high reaction rates. In the present paper, the efficiency of nitrate reduction by means of nanoscopic Fe0 has been investigated under several operating conditions. The iron nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical reduction of ferric ions with sodium borohydride. The effects of Fe0 dosage, initial N–NO3− concentration and pH on chemical denitrification were identified. In particular, the results of the tests carried out showed that it is possible to reach an almost complete nitrate reduction in treating solutions with a nitrate nitrogen concentration higher than 50 mg/L. Moreover, the process performance was satisfactory also under uncontrolled pH. By means of the trends detected during the experiments, the kinetic-type reaction was identified. Furthermore, a relation between the kinetic constant and the process parameters was defined.
α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Vauquelinia corymbosa
Authors: Flores-Bocanegra Laura , Pérez-Vásquez Araceli , Torres-Piedra Mariana , Bye Robert , Linares Edelmira , Mata Rachel
Published: August 2015

The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of an aqueous extract and compounds from the aerial parts of V. corymbosa was demonstrated with yeast and rat small intestinal α-glucosidases. The aqueous extract inhibited yeast α-glucosidase with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 28.6 μg/mL. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of several compounds, including one cyanogenic glycoside [prunasin (1)], five flavonoids [(−)-epi-catechin (2), hyperoside (3), isoquercetin (4), quercitrin (5) and quercetin-3-O-(6′′-benzoyl)-β-galactoside (6)] and two simple aromatic compounds [picein (7) and methylarbutin (8)]. The most active compound was 6 with IC50 values of 30 μM in the case of yeast α-glucosidase, and 437 μM in the case of the mammalian enzyme. According to the kinetic analyses performed with rat and yeast enzymes, this compound behaved as mixed-type inhibitor; the calculated inhibition constants (Ki) were 212 and 50 μM, respectively. Molecular docking analyses with yeast and mammalian α-glucosidases revealed that compound 6 bind differently to these enzymes. Altogether, the results of this work suggest that preparations of V. corymbosa might delay glucose absorption in vivo.
Distance-Dependent Multimodal Image Registration for Agriculture Tasks
Authors: Berenstein Ron , Hočevar Marko , Godeša Tone , Edan Yael , Ben-Shahar Ohad
Published: August 2015

Image registration is the process of aligning two or more images of the same scene taken at different times; from different viewpoints; and/or by different sensors. This research focuses on developing a practical method for automatic image registration for agricultural systems that use multimodal sensory systems and operate in natural environments. While not limited to any particular modalities; here we focus on systems with visual and thermal sensory inputs. Our approach is based on pre-calibrating a distance-dependent transformation matrix (DDTM) between the sensors; and representing it in a compact way by regressing the distance-dependent coefficients as distance-dependent functions. The DDTM is measured by calculating a projective transformation matrix for varying distances between the sensors and possible targets. To do so we designed a unique experimental setup including unique Artificial Control Points (ACPs) and their detection algorithms for the two sensors. We demonstrate the utility of our approach using different experiments and evaluation criteria.
A Store-and-Forward Tele-Audiology Solution to Promote Efficient Screenings for Ototoxicity during Cisplatin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Dille Marilyn F. , McMillan Garnett P. , Helt Wendy J. , Konrad-Martin Dawn , Jacobs Peter
Published: August 2015

Background:Tele-audiology improves access, controls cost, and improves efficiency of many aspects within health care. We have developed and validated a device, the ototoxicity identification device (OtoID), which enables remote hearing monitoring by a patient during chemotherapy
treatment. Aspects of the design such as patient self-testing and texting of results to the audiology clinic are important features of this device.Purpose:The purpose of this article is to present the efficacy and effectiveness of the OtoID hearing screener.Research Design:A
repeated measures design was used in this study.Study Sample:Twenty-one veterans undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy were recruited in this study.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants were tested using the OtoID at each cisplatin treatment by an audiologist using the manual
mode of test and the participant using the automated mode of test. Test sensitivity and specificity were developed from the detection (yes/no) of an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) change in hearing.Results:The OtoID had a test sensitivity of 80.6% and specificity
of 85.3%. A logistic regression model analysis of the probability of an ASHA shift identified by the automated OtoID was conducted. Separate models were fit to establish effects of age, average baseline thresholds in the sensitive range for ototoxicity (SRO), and dose of cisplatin on the probability
of a positive hearing change result. Interactions were also included to evaluate these effects on the sensitivity and false-positive rates of the automated test. Results indicated no statistically significant effects of age, of baseline hearing in the SRO frequencies, or of cisplatin dose.Conclusions:The
OtoID automated test can be recommended for use. The automated test provides significant personnel efficiencies. The modem with simple text messaging function recently added to the device improves on these efficiencies.
INFLUENCE OF COMPOSITE ELASTIC MODULUS AND LATERAL LOAD PATTERN ON DEFLECTION OF ANTI-SLIDE PILE HEAD
Authors: LI Changdong , LIU Qingtao , HU Xinli , WANG Liangqing , M. A. M. Ez Eldin
Published: August 2015

This paper develops a new method to directly determine the composite elastic modulus of the reinforced con­crete cantilever pile rather than adopt theoretical or empirical approaches. On the basis of the theory of material mecha­nism, the load-deflection equation was deduced to create the relationship between the elastic modulus and the ratio of load-deflection. The numerical modelling tests based on ANSYS separation modelling technology were carried out to determine the composite elastic modulus under different reinforcement ratio, concrete strength grade and distribution pat­tern of driving force. The results can be used to create the quantitative relationship between the composite elastic modulus and reinforcement ratio as well as concrete strength grade. Comparison amongst various lateral load pattern were made to show that the deflection of pile head is obviously affected by the lateral load pattern, and the corresponding equations of the deflection of the pile head under different lateral load pattern were proposed, which can reflect the ranking of the great influence on the deflection of the pile head, rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular lateral load pattern in order.
Extended Paratricipital Approach for Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Humerus
Authors: Shemesh Shai , Loebenberg Mark Yan , Kosashvili Yona , Sidon Eliezer , Velkes Steven , Cohen Nir
Published: August 2015

This article describes an extensile surgical exposure to the distal humerus that is suitable for complex fractures involving the articular surface and extending into the humeral diaphysis proximal to the radial nerve. This method combines 2 approaches: olecranon osteotomy and the lateral paratricipital approach. This combination allows an appropriate exposure of both the articular surface and the humeral diaphysis up to the level of the deltoid tuberosity, while maintaining the extensor mechanism unharmed. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(7):435–438.]
Impact of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear on Posteromedial Elbow Biomechanics
Authors: Anand Prashanth , Parks Brent G. , Hassan Sheref E. , Osbahr Daryl C.
Published: August 2015

Ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency has been shown to result in changes in contact pressure and contact area in the posteromedial elbow. This study used new digital technology to assess the effect of a complete ulnar collateral ligament tear on ulnohumeral contact area, contact pressure, and valgus laxity throughout the throwing motion. Nine elbow cadaveric specimens were tested at 90° and 30° of elbow flexion to simulate the late cocking/early acceleration and deceleration phases of throwing, respectively. A digital sensor was placed in the posteromedial elbow. Each specimen was tested with valgus torque of 2.5 Nm with the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament intact and transected. A camera-based motion analysis system was used to measure valgus inclination of the forearm with the applied torque. At 90° of elbow flexion, mean contact area decreased significantly (107.9 mm
2
intact vs 84.9 mm
2
transected,
P
=.05) and average maximum contact pressure increased significantly (457.6 kPa intact vs 548.6 kPa transected,
P
<.001). At 30° of elbow flexion, mean contact area decreased significantly (83.9 mm
2
intact vs 65.8 mm
2
transected,
P
=.01) and average maximum contact pressure increased nonsignificantly (365.9 kPa intact vs 450.7 kPa transected,
P
=.08). Valgus laxity increased significantly at elbow flexion of 90° (1.1° intact vs 3.3° transected,
P
=.01) and 30° (1.0° intact vs 1.7° transected,
P
=.05). Ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency was associated with significant changes in contact area, contact pressure, and valgus laxity during both relative flexion (late cocking/early acceleration phase) and relative extension (deceleration phase) moments during the throwing motion arc. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(7):e547–e551.]
Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Associated With Total En Bloc Spondylectomy
Authors: Yokogawa Noriaki , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Kato Satoshi , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Ishii Takayoshi , Igarashi Takashi , Fang Xiang , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: August 2015

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a serious postoperative complication associated with total en bloc spondylectomy. The authors examined the risk factors for CSF leakage after this procedure. A total of 72 patients underwent total en bloc spondylectomy at the authors’ institution between May 2010 and April 2013. Postoperative CSF leakage was observed in 17 of the 72 patients (23.6%). The results of univariate analysis suggested that age 54 years or older, preoperative surgical site irradiation, resection of 3 or more vertebral bodies, and dural injury were significant risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage after total en bloc spondylectomy. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative surgical site irradiation was the only significant risk factor for postoperative CSF leakage (adjusted odds ratio, 5.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–26.45,
P
=.046). The authors also assessed the course of treatment for postoperative CSF leakage in each patient. Of 17 patients with postoperative CSF leakage, 13 recovered without further complications, but 4 required reoperation (2 for wound dehiscence, 1 for surgical site infection, and 1 for severe intracranial hypotension). All 4 patients who required reoperation had a history of surgical site irradiation. Thus, this study suggests that careful consideration should be given to postoperative CSF leakage in patients with a history of surgical site irradiation. These findings may contribute to the management of postoperative CSF leakage associated with total en bloc spondylectomy and supplement the information given to the patient in the process of obtaining informed consent. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(7):e561–e566.]
Pretensioning of Soft Tissue Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Pilia Marcello , Murray Matthew , Guda Teja , Heckman Michael , Appleford Mark
Published: August 2015

To determine which preconditioning and pretensioning techniques should be applied to soft tissue grafts during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to avoid loss of tension after surgery, fresh semitendinosus and tibialis anterior tendons underwent tensile mechanical testing with 4 pretensioning and/or preconditioning techniques. A mechanical tester was used to collect the data. Group I (n=5) was given only an initial 80 N pull for tensioning, Group II (n=4) was given pretensioning and initial tensioning, Group III (n=5) was given cyclic tensioning and initial tensioning, and Group IV (n=5) was given a combination of the 3 techniques. Group I lost 50% of the initial tension at 30 minutes. The residual tension in Groups II, III, and IV was significantly higher than that in Group I after 1, 10, and 30 minutes (
P
<.001). Group IV consistently showed significantly higher residual tension than Groups II and III after 10 and 30 minutes (
P
<.05). All groups experienced elongation during testing: Group I (10.8 mm)<Group IV (14.6 mm)<Group III (15.6 mm)<Group II (16.6 mm), with significant differences observed between groups (
P
<.05). All experimental groups showed significantly greater stiffness than the control group (Group I) (
P
<.001). This study confirmed that pretensioning or preconditioning after 30 minutes leaves a graft with higher residual tension. Moreover, pretensioning and preconditioning had an additive effect and resulted in significantly greater retained tension than either method performed individually. A simple pull up to 80 N before fixation does not impart sufficient tension to a graft to prevent it from failing. The authors recommend that clinicians performing ACL reconstructions with soft tissue grafts precondition or pretension the tendons before final tibial fixation to achieve greater retained tension in the graft after placement. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(7):e582–e587.]