bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of shallow landslide triggering scenarios through a physically-based approach: an example of application in the southern Messina area (north-eastern Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Schilirò L. , Esposito C. , Scarascia Mugnozza G.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Rainfall-induced shallow landslides are a widespread phenomenon that frequently causes substantial damage to property, as well as numerous casualties. In recent years a wide range of physically-based models has been developed to analyze the triggering process of these events. Specifically, in this paper we propose an approach for the evaluation of different shallow landslide triggering scenarios by means of TRIGRS numerical model. For the calibration of the model, a back-analysis of the landslide event occurred in the study area (located SW of Messina, north-eastern Sicily, Italy) on 1 October 2009 was performed, by using different methods and techniques for the definition of the input parameters. After evaluating the reliability of the model through the comparison with the 2009 landslide inventory, different triggering scenarios were defined using rainfall values derived from the rainfall probability curves, reconstructed on the basis of daily and hourly historical rainfall data. The results emphasize how these phenomena are likely to occur in the area, given that even short-duration (3–6 h) rainfall events having a relatively low return period (e.g. 10 years) can trigger numerous slope failures. On the contrary, for the same rainfall amount, the daily simulations overestimate the instability conditions. The tendency of shallow landslides to trigger in this area agrees with the high number of landslide/flood events occurred in the past and summarized in this paper by means of archival researches. Considering the main features of the proposed approach, the authors suggest that this methodology could be applied to different areas, even for the development of landslide early warning systems.
A novel method for analyzing the process of abrupt climate change
Authors: Yan P. C. , Feng G. L. , Hou W.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. A climate system which is transitioning from one state to another is known as an abrupt climate change. Most of the recent studies regarding abrupt climate change have focused on the changes occurring before and after the abrupt change point, while little attention has been given to the "transition process" which occurs when the system breaks away from the original state to a new state. In this study, a novel method for analyzing the process of abrupt climate change was presented. By using the mathematical model based on the logistic model, the process of the abrupt change could be analyzed and divided into different phases which include start moment, end moment, stable state, and unstable transition state. Meanwhile, the method was confirmed to be effective by testing in a study of Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) time sequence, and the results of this study specify that this abrupt change process (ACP) of PDO has a relationship with global warming.
Method to adjust Institute of Transportation Engineers vehicle trip-generation estimates in smart-growth areas
Authors: Schneider Robert James , Shafizadeh Kevan , Handy Susan L
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a practical method of adjusting existing Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) estimates to produce more accurate estimates of motor-vehicle trip-generation at developments in smart-growth areas. Two linear regression equations, one for an A.M. peak-hour adjustment and one for a P.M. peak-hour adjustment, were developed using vehicle trip counts and easily measured site and surrounding area context variables from a sample of 50 smart-growth sites in California. Many of the contextual variables that were associated with lower vehicle trip generation at the smart-growth study sites were correlated. Therefore, variables representing characteristics such as residential population density, employment density, transit service, metered on-street parking, and building setback distance from the sidewalk were combined into a single “smart-growth factor” that was used in the linear regression equations. The A.M. peak-hour and P.M. peak-hour adjustment equations are only appropriate for planning-level analysis at sites in smart-growth areas. In addition, the method is only appropriate for single land uses in several common categories, such as office, mid- to high-density residential, restaurant, and coffee/donut shop. The method uses data from California, but the methodological approach could provide a framework for adjusting ITE trip-generation estimates in smart-growth areas throughout the United States.
Liquid chromatographic determination of polyphenenols in czech beers during brewing proces
Authors: Ganbaatar Chunsriimyatav , Kubáň Vlastimil , Kráčmar Stanislav , Valášek Pavel , Fišera Miroslav , Hoza Ignác
Published: May 2015

High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC/UV) method was adapted for simultaneous determination of seven polyphenols, including derivatives of benzoic (gallic and vanillic acids) and cinnamic acids (p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids), flavan-3-ols (catechin) and flavonols (rutin) in worts and beers at the various stages of the brewing process. Based on the semi-quantitative HPLC analysis, total polyphenols chromatographic index (TPCI) was in the ranges of5.18 - 19.4 mg/L and 7.37 - 20.7 mg/L for all worts and beers, respectively. The HPLC analyses showed that relatively high levels of (+)-catechin and gallic acid were in all the worts and the beers, while the values were much lower for ferulic acid, rutin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid and p-coumaric acid. Polyphenols with relatively high concentrations, that were detected in all tested worts and beers, were gallic acid (1.29 - 4.75 mg/L resp. 2.59 - 4.97 mg/L), (+)-catechin (1.66 - 7.95 mg/L resp. 4.70 - 10.0 mg/L) and ferulic acid (0.41 - 4.53 mg/L resp. 1.05 - 2.87 mg/L). On the other side, the sinapic acid(0.72 - 1.59 mg/L resp. 0.72 - 2.5 mg/L), rutin (1.17 - 2.03 mg/L resp. 1.16 - 2.85 mg/L), p-coumaric acid(ND - 4.73 mg/L resp. ND - 1.44 mg/L) and vanillic acid (ND - 1.52 mg/L resp. 0.75 - 1.81 mg/L) were detected in lowest concentrations. In both, worts and beers investigated in this study, the changes in the contents of individual polyphenols were not uniform. In the case of some polyphenols, a decrease in the content was observed after boiling the worts with hops or after the main fermentation until maturation and filtration, but with some polyphenols, the concentrations were constant until the end of the process or even increased.
The effect of storage temperature on the quality and formation of blooming defects in chocolate confectionery
Authors: Machálková Lenka , Hřivna Luděk , Nedomová Šárka , Jůzl Miroslav
Published: May 2015

The study aimed at assessing changes in the quality of certain types of chocolate products over the storage period with particular focus on the formation and development of fat and sugar bloom in chocolate products. Seven products were selected in collaboration with a chocolate factory to undergo monitoring and analysis and stored at four temperature regimens (6 °C, 12 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C). Five samplings were carried out over the storing period (18 weeks) for evaluation of the dynamics of changes in their quality. Each sampling was accompanied by sensory evaluation; selected physical attributes were also analysed: changes in colour (∆E*ab) within the CIE (L*a*b) system and changes in hardness using the TIRAtest 27025. The results showed a significant effect of storing temperature on the intensity of changes in the quality of products. The results of sensory evaluation of selected products showed that the highest quality for the majority of descriptors was achieved by products stored at temperatures of 6 °C and 12 °C. As regards samples stored under the temperature regimen of 20 °C, the products started to show visible differences, caused primarily by the formation of fat bloom while storing at 30 °C proved to be extremely unsuitable for all the tested products. Since storing temperatures of 6, 12 and 20 °C did not considerably affect hardness and colour of each product, no distinct changes occurred under such temperature regimens. From the aspect of analytical measurements of colour and hardness of each product, storing at temperatures of 20 °C can be termed appropriate. In all the analyses, the effect of the temperature regimen of 30 °C was significantly negative due to defects caused by blooms on the chocolate, meaning that such temperatures are not advisable for storing chocolate products, even over a short term.
Oxidative stability of chicken meat after propolis extract application in their diets
Authors: Bobko Marek , Kročko Miroslav , Haščí­k Peter , Bobková Alica
Published: May 2015

In the experiment, the effect of the addition of propolis extract in a feed mixture for chicken broilers Hubbard JV on oxidative stability of breast and thigh muscles during refrigerated storage was investigated. In the experiment were included 90 pieces of one day-old chicks, which were divided into 3 groups (control, E1 and E2). Chickens were fed by ad libitum system until the age of 42 days. These feed mixtures were made without antibiotics preparation and coccidiostats.  Propolis extract in an amount of 150 mg.kg-1 (E1) and 450 mg.kg-1 (E2) was added into feed mixtures for experimental groups. During whole period of refrigerated storage were higher values of MDA determined in control group compare to experimental groups. The higher average MDA value determined in breast muscels of broiler chicken hybrid combination Hubbard JV was in samples of control group (0.157 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups E1 (0.140 mg.kg-1) and E2 (0.130 mg.kg-1) after 6-month of refrigerated storage. Significantly higher values of MDA were determined in control group compare to second experimental group from fourth month to the end of storage. The significantly lower value of MDA was determinated in first experimental group compare to control only at 6 month of storage. Trend of thigh muscle oxidation stability of chicken hybrid combination Hubbard JV was during 6 months of refrigerated storage similar than in breast muscle. The higher average MDA value determined in thigh muscels was in samples of control group (0.170 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups E1 (0.150 mg.kg-1) and E2 (0.139 mg.kg-1) after 6-month of refrigerated storage. Significantly higher values of MDA were determined in control group compare to second experimental group from fourth month to the end of storage. Higher amount of MDA in thigh muscle compare to breast muscle is due to by higher amount of fat occurred in thigh muscle.
The Chemical Composition of Grape Fibre
Authors: Karovičová Jolana , Kohajdová Zlatica , Minarovičová Lucia , Kuchtová Veronika
Published: May 2015

Dietary fibres from cereals are much more used than dietary fibres from fruits; however, dietary fibres from fruits have better quality. In recent years, for economic and environmental reasons, there has been a growing pressure to recover and exploit food wastes. Grape fibre is used to fortify baked goods, because the fibre can lower blood sugar, cut cholesterol and may even prevent colon cancer. Grape pomace is a functional ingredient in bakery goods to increase total phenolic content and dietary fibre in nourishment. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of commercial fibres, obtained from different Grape sources concerning their chemical properties such as moisture, ash, fat, protein, total dietary fibre. The chemical composition of Grape fibre is known to vary depending on the Grape cultivar, growth climates, and processing conditions. The obliged characteristics of the fibre product are: total dietary fibre content above 50%, moisture lower than 9%, low content of lipids, a low energy value and neutral flavour and taste. Grape pomace represents a rich source of various high-value products such as ethanol, tartrates and malates, citric acid, Grape seed oil, hydrocolloids and dietary fibre. Used commercial Grape fibres have as a main characteristic, the high content of total dietary fibre. Amount of total dietary fibre depends on the variety of Grapes. Total dietary fibre content (TDF) in our samples of Grape fibre varied from 56.8% to 83.6%. There were also determined low contents of moisture (below 9%). In the samples of Grape fibre were determined higher amount of protein (8.6 - 10.8%), mineral (1.3 - 3.8%) and fat (2.8 - 8.6%). This fact opens the possibility of using both initial by-products as ingredients in the food industry, due to the effects associated with the high total dietary fibre content.
Potential probiotic properties of Lactobacilli isolated from goat´s milk
Authors: Tomáška Martin , Drončovský Maroš , Klapáčová Lýdia , Slottová Anna , Kološta Miroslav
Published: May 2015

The three strains of lactobacilli isolated from goat's milk - Lactobacillus (Lbc.) casei 21L10, Lbc. johnsonii KB2-1 and Lbc. plantarum 25/1L were selected in previous studies because they showed good processing and protective properties in production of cheeses or lactic acid beverages from heat-treated milk or in model conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate their potential probiotic properties: resistance to lysozyme, survival in gastrointestinal tract, and hydrophobicity. Testing was carried out in vitro methods: comparison of growth and metabolic characteristics of the strains when cultivated in Man, Rogosa and Sharpe medium with and without the addition of lysozyme (400 mg.mL-1); viability of strains after incubation in simulated environment of gastric juice (pH = 2.0, pepsin) and subsequently in simulated small intestinal juice (pH = 8.0, pancreatin, bile salts) and an ability to adhere to the non-polar solvent in the two-phase system: xylene-water. Lbc. casei 21L10 and Lbc. johnsonii KB2-1 were resistant to the effect of lysozyme, the strain Lbc. plantarum 25/1L was moderately susceptible. To the action of simulated gastric juice was resistant only the Lbc. johnsonii KB2-1, that was subsequently inhibited in simulated small intestinal juice. When using xylene as a model agent, all strains were not hydrophobic. From all the tested strains, Lbc. johnsonii KB2-1 showed good potential probiotic properties, particularly in relation to resistance to lysozyme and the simulated environment of gastric juice.
The bacteriological quality of goat and ovine milk
Authors: Bogdanovičová Kateřina , Skočková Alena , Šťástková Zora , Koláčková Ivana , Karpí­šková Renáta
Published: May 2015

This study concentrates on information concerning the microbiological hazards that can be present in raw milk from animal species other than cows. A total of 54 (23 of ovine and 31 of goat) bulk tank milk samples from 10 farms in the Czech Republic were collected in years 2013 - 2014. The sampling was done at regular time intervals during the whole year, with five to eight samples collected from each of the 10 dairy farms involved in the study. All milk samples were collected into sterile sampling bottles and transported in a cooler sampling case to the laboratory for immediate examination. Farms were randomly selected to cover the whole area of the Czech Republic. The prevalence and characteristic of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes was studied. Raw cow's milk can be contaminated by E. coli intramammarily during clinical or subclinical mastitis and either directly through animal feces or indirectly during milk collection through farm employees or the milking equipment. E. coli was detected in 90.3% of the goat milk and 95.7% of the ovine milk samples. The genes encoding Shiga toxins 1 and 2- (stx1, stx2) were not detected and no STEC was identified. The Eae was the detected in 3 (4.6%) isolates. S. aureus was detected in 9 (29.0%) samples of goat milk and 8 (34.8%) samples of ovine milk. A total 12 (57.1%) enterotoxin positive S. aureus were obtained; 6 (28.6%) were positive for the production of sec encoding enterotoxin SEC; in 4 (19.0%) isolates the gene seh was detected; 2 (9.5%) isolates were proven positive for seg (4.8%) and combination seg and sei (4.8%). The presence of MRSA was not detected in the tested samples in our study. L. monocytogenes was detected in 1 (3.2%) samples of goat milk and 1 (4.3%) samples of ovine milk. The serotype (1/2a, 1/2b) was detected in our study. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. were not isolated from any of the samples. These results form the basis for determining the microbiological quality standards for goat and ovine milk.
Changing Islamism
Authors: TIBI BASSAM
Published: May 2015

Scholars, and in general writers, who critically study the politicization of religion characteristic of Islamism, are often accused of essentializing Islam. This is so, even though they are describing a process of change. Yet essentialism “precludes an investigation of change … in the name of natural and fixed characteristics” (Howarth 2010, 457). The present article argues that both Islam and Islamism are open to change. I begin with a description of the method by which such change may be identified. I then explain the way in which the argument fits with two articles previously published in Soundings, before proceeding to outline the kind of change Islamism represents and the meaning of recent changes in the program of some Islamist groups.
Meir Kahane and Contemporary Jewish Theology of Revenge
Authors: AFTERMAN ADAM , AFTERMAN GEDALIAH
Published: May 2015

The article analyzes a relatively unknown, yet influential, contemporary fundamentalist theology of revenge as put forward in the religious writings of Meir Kahane (1932–1990), the notorious militant nationalist. We seek to provide a theological context for this militancy, so as to display the motivational logic behind this troubling trend in Jewish thought and practice. While the doctrine itself has emerged only quite recently, it draws on theological ideas that reach back to the medieval period. In the article we outline the early sources and discussions (Biblical, Rabbinic, medieval, etc.) that constitute the background of Kahane's radical theology of revenge.
Sectoral Interfuel Substitution in Canada: An Application of NQ Flexible Functional Forms
Authors: Jadidzadeh Ali , Serletis Apostolos
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on the aggregate demand for electricity, natural gas, and light fuel oil in Canada as a whole and six of its provinces—Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia—in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. We employ the locally flexible normalized quadratic (NQ) expenditure function (in the case of the residential sector) and the NQ cost function (in the case of the commercial and industrial sectors), treat the curvature property as a maintained hypothesis, and provide evidence consistent with neoclassical microeconomic theory. We find that the Morishima interfuel elasticities of substitution are in general positive and statistically significant. Our results indicate limited substitutability between electricity and natural gas, but strong substitutability between light fuel oil and each of electricity and natural gas in most cases.
Point-Set Embedding in Three Dimensions
Authors: Meijer Henk , Wismath Stephen
Published: May 2015

Given a graph $G$ with $n$ vertices and $m$ edges, and a set $P$ of $n$ points on a three-dimensional integer grid,
the 3D Point-Set Embeddability problem is to determine a (three-dimensional) crossing-free drawing of $G$
with vertices located at $P$ and with edges drawn as poly-lines with bend-points at integer grid points.
We solve a variant of the problem in which the points of $P$ lie on a plane. The resulting drawing
lies in a bounding box of reasonable volume and uses at most $O(\log m)$ bends per edge.

If a particular point-set $P$ is not specified, we show that the graph $G$ can be drawn crossing-free with at most
$O(\log m)$ bends per edge in a volume bounded by $O((n+m) \log m)$. Our construction is asymptotically
similar to previously known drawings, however avoids a possibly non-polynomial preprocessing step.
Pregnancy and repeat breeding rate of high producing dairy cows for morning, evening or night artificial insemination
Authors: Breda José Carlos dos Santos , Kozicki Luiz Ernandes , Segui Márcio Saporski , Grebogi Alceu Miguel , Weiss Romildo Romualdo , Bertol Melina Andreia Formighieri
Published: May 2015

The study aimed (1) to verify if artificial insemination (AI), performed in the morning, evening or nighttimehas influence on the pregnancy rate on high production dairy cows, and (2) to determine the repeat breedingrate after the AI at intervals of 01-21, 22-43 and 44-65 days. We analyzed 1980 AI data from HolsteinFriesian cows from years 2004 to 2008. The average milk production on this period was 39 kg/milk/day/cow (305 days of lactation). The AI was performed 12 hours after the first detection of estrus. For the dataanalysis one AI was computed. The AI was done based on conventional method. The incidence of the AI in themorning, evening and night was 29.8; 50.4 and 19.8% respectively; and the pregnancy rate 45.7; 44.9 and48.4%. The frequency of the repeat breeding rate at the interval of 1-21 days on morning, evening and nightafter failed AI was 28.0; 22.3 and 19.8% respectively; at the interval of 22-43 days was 52.0; 52.2 and 55.2%,respectively and at interval of 44-65 days was respectively 20.0; 25.5 and 25.0%. Comparing the three timesof the day each other, the cows showed greater repeat breeding on 22-43 days (P<0.05) after the AI. It wasconcluded that times of the day has no influence on the on pregnancy rate; the highest repeat breeding ratetook place between 22 and 43 days after AI, resulting significant delaying of the open period.
Avaliação da eficácia da associação de tiabendazol, sulfato de neomicina, dexametasona e cloridrato lidocaína no tratamento da otoacaríase
Authors: Da Luz Gilmara De Paula , Anater Amanda , Ribeiro Deivid Roni , Fraiz Franciele Vilan , Barriuso Jorge Bárcena , Chi Kung Darh , De Farias Marconi Rodrigues , Pimpão Cláudia Turra
Published: May 2015

A otoacaríase é causada pela infestação de Otodectes cynotis, ácaro que habita a superfície cutânea e oscondutos auditivos de diversas espécies de animais. A infestação é também denominada sarna otodécica, ea transmissão ocorre por contato direto. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da associaçãode tiabendazol, neomicina, dexametasona e lidocaína no tratamento da otoacaríase em cães. Foramselecionados 11 cães, sem definição racial, adultos, independente do sexo, com otoacaríase (infestação natural)associados à otite externa bilateral hiperceruminosa. O diagnóstico foi realizado através de otoscopiabilateral e avaliação parasitológica. Cada conjunto auricular foi considerado uma unidade experimental(UE), aleatoriamente. Grupo controle – 5 animais (10 UE), realizou-se a higienização auricular com soluçãofisiológica estéril. Grupo tratado – 6 animais (12 UE) tratados com produto teste, uma vez ao dia, por 21 diasconsecutivos. A avaliação acaricida foi realizada nos dias zero, +7, +14, +21 e +60 dias. No grupo tratado, a eficácia do produto foi de 100%, de acordo com avaliação realizada 30 dias após o tratamento, mostrandouma redução significativa (P<0,001) no número de ácaros e ovos de O. cynotis. Os animais do grupo controleapresentaram ácaros vivos e ovos no conduto auditivo, não resultando em cura. Todos os sintomas lesionaisda otoacaríase reduziram no grupo tratado. Não foram observadas reações adversas relacionadas aotratamento durante o período experimental. Pode-se concluir que o produto testado mostrou-se eficaz notratamento de otoacaríase.
Casuística de tumores cutâneos em cães diagnosticados pelo Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica do Instituto Biológico, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1996 a 2013
Authors: Scattone Náyra Villar , Del Fava Claudia
Published: May 2015

A casuística de tumores cutâneos em cães nos arquivos do Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica do InstitutoBiológico no período de 1996 a 2013 foi revisada. De 79 amostras enviadas, 44,30% foram benignos e55,69% malignos. De 75 cães avaliados: 43,03% eram machos, 45,56% fêmeas e 6,32% não tiveram o sexoinformado. Quanto à idade: 9,33% tinham entre 1-3 anos, 16,00% entre 4-6 anos, 38,66% entre 6-9 anos,30,66% com 10 anos ou mais e 5,33% não tiveram idade informada. Os tumores não neoplásicos totalizaram13,92% (11/79), sendo: 11,39% cistos dermóides e 2,53% cistos foliculares. Os neoplásicos foramclassificados como epiteliais (34,17%), mesenquimais (48,10%) e melanocíticos (3,79%). Dos 27 tumoresepiteliais, 37,03% foram benignos e 62,96% malignos: carcinoma de células escamosas (13,92%), adenomaperianal (6,32%), carcinoma de células basais (5,06%), adenoma sebáceo (2,53%), papiloma (2,53%),carcinoma perianal (1,38%), cistoadenocarcinoma de glândula sudorípara (1,26%), cistoadenoma papilarde glândula sudorípara (1,26%). Dos 38 mesenquimais, 39,47% foram benignos e 60,52% malignos: lipoma(10,12%), linfoma (6,32%), tumor venéreo transmissível (6,32%), mastocitoma (5,06%), lipossarcoma(5,06%), fibroma (3,79%), fibrossarcoma (3,79%), hemangiossarcoma (5,26%), histiocitoma (5,26%),hemangioma (5,26%). Dos três melanocíticos, 100% foram malignos, sendo todos melanomas (3,79%).Observou-se maior frequência de neoplasias malignas mesenquimais, seguidas por epiteliais; tumores cutâneosnão neoplásicos e melanocíticos acometeram ambos os sexos na mesma frequência, diferenciando-sealgumas vezes no tipo histológico, sendo mais frequentes em animais de meia idade e idosos; não foi possívelfazer correlação racial.
A dança sênior como recurso terapêutico para idosos
Authors: Benetti Fernanda Antico
Published: May 2015

Não disponível
O benefício da dança sênior em relação ao equilíbrio e às atividades de vida diárias no idoso
Authors: Silva Aline Felipe Gomes da , Berbel Andréa Marques
Published: May 2015

Introdução: Com a chegada da velhice, ocorrem mudanças que determinam uma progressiva perda da capacidade de adaptação do indivíduo, resultando em dificuldades para manter o equilíbrio ao realizar suas atividades de vida diárias, dificultando a convivência na sociedade. A dança, por sua vez, proporciona a melhora da capacidade funcional e dos benefícios psicológicos. Objetivo: Avaliar o benefício da dança sênior em relação ao equilíbrio e às atividades de vida diárias no idoso. Métodos: Participaram do grupo de dança sênior 19 idosos entre 60 a 85 anos, que responderam as escalas de equilíbrio de Berg e de atividades de vida diárias de Lawton. A dança sênior foi aplicada duas vezes por semana, durante três meses e, ao final desse período, foram refeitas as duas escalas citadas. Resultados: A partir dos achados deste estudo, foi possível identificar que a prática de dança sênior trouxe melhora do equilíbrio e das atividades de vida diárias. Considerando que o equilíbrio e o risco de queda avaliados pela escala de Berg resultaram em avanços, mostrando um valor estatístico significativo de p=0,001 referente à independência nas atividades de vida diárias avaliadas pela escala de Lawton, observou-se o resultado de aperfeiçoamento com p=0,001. Conclusão: A dança sênior demonstrou ser benéfica em relação ao equilíbrio e às atividades de vida diárias no idoso.
Perfil de recém-nascidos pré-termo internados na unidade de terapia intensiva de hospital de alta complexidade
Authors: Oliveira Caroline De Sousa , Casagrande Gabriela Ay , Grecco Luanda Collange , Golin Marina Ortega
Published: May 2015

Introdução: A pesquisa epidemiológica consiste em alicerce para avanços nos cuidados da saúde. Nacionalmente, os estudos sobre caracterização de diferentes populações não são frequentes, principalmente no que concerne aos recém-nascidos pré-termo (RNPT). Objetivo: Caracterizar RNPT atendidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) Neonatal do Hospital Estadual Mário Covas de Santo André (SP) pelo delineamento gestacional, perinatal e período de internação. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal descritivo. Foram analisados 218 prontuários de todos os pacientes atendidos pelo serviço de fisioterapia no período de 2008 a 2011 e, então, delimitada a amostra consecutiva com 81 deles, que seguiram os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os dados foram organizados e tabulados pelo programa SPSS v.17.0. O teste do χ2 foi utilizado para comparar as frequências de complicações neonatais. Resultados: As genitoras tinham idade média de 25,7 anos; destas, 68,6% realizaram pré-natal. As intercorrências gestacionais foram observadas em 37,3% (as infecções do trato urinário foram as mais comuns, em 28%). A média do peso ao nascimento foi 1.478,6 g, e a de idade gestacional, de 30,8 semanas. O tempo médio de internação dos RNPT foi de 36 dias. As patologias respiratórias ocorreram em 93,8%, sendo o desconforto respiratório precoce a mais comum (95,2%). RNPT que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica foram 97,6% e as patologias neurológicas foram menos frequentes (9,87%). Conclusão: As complicações respiratórias foram frequentes nessa população e   associadas significantemente com idade gestacional inferior a 32 semanas. Longos períodos de internação após o nascimento estão intimamente relacionados com baixo peso e idade gestacional ao nascimento.
Prevalência e fatores associados ao doping cosmético entre frequentadores de academias
Authors: Lima-Oliveira Jhonatan , Schwingel Paulo Adriano
Published: May 2015

Introdução: O crescente culto ao corpo na sociedade atual tem levado diversos frequentadores de academia à prática sistemática de injetar óleos por via intramuscular, procedimento denominado doping cosmético. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência de doping cosmético na região do Vale do São Francisco, buscando estabelecer os perfis sociodemográfico e clínico desse grupo de indivíduos. Relato de caso: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e documental, com análise dos registros de 346 frequentadores de academias de ginástica, dos quais sete relataram utilização de doping cosmético. Destes registros, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, cineantropométricos, hemodinâmicos, história patológica pessoal e familiar pregressa e de consumo de drogas lícitas e ilícitas. A prevalência de doping cosmético foi 2,0% (IC95% 0,8–4,1), e a maioria dos usuários são adultos jovens com segundo grau completo, trabalhadores de classe média, sendo considerados ativos com baixo percentual de gordura. Eles utilizam suplementos alimentares, esteroides anabolizantes e outras drogas ilícitas. Conclusão: Os achados contribuem na determinação do perfil dessa população, demonstrando que os usuários de doping cosmético são adultos jovens preocupados com a estética corporal. As características sociodemográficas encontradas diferem de estudos prévios quanto ao nível de escolaridade, renda e ocupação. Nesse sentido, ações voltadas para a conscientização dessa população quanto aos riscos e perigos da utilização do doping cosmético devem ser apoiadas o mais breve possível.
A gene-expression-based neural code for food abundance that modulates lifespan
Authors: Entchev Eugeni V , Patel Dhaval S , Zhan Mei , Steele Andrew J , Lu Hang , Ch'ng QueeLim
Published: May 2015

How the nervous system internally represents environmental food availability is poorly understood. Here, we show that quantitative information about food abundance is encoded by combinatorial neuron-specific gene-expression of conserved TGFβ and serotonin pathway components in Caenorhabditis elegans. Crosstalk and auto-regulation between these pathways alters the shape, dynamic range, and population variance of the gene-expression responses of daf-7 (TGFβ) and tph-1 (tryptophan hydroxylase) to food availability. These intricate regulatory features provide distinct mechanisms for TGFβ and serotonin signaling to tune the accuracy of this multi-neuron code: daf-7 primarily regulates gene-expression variability, while tph-1 primarily regulates the dynamic range of gene-expression responses. This code is functional because daf-7 and tph-1 mutations bidirectionally attenuate food level-dependent changes in lifespan. Our results reveal a neural code for food abundance and demonstrate that gene expression serves as an additional layer of information processing in the nervous system to control long-term physiology.
Canadian DOs: International Expansion of Osteopathic Medical Education North of the Border
Authors: Evren Sevan , Chander Pranay , Kim Julia , Bi Andrew , Fiddler Dennis , Wayent Emily , Teitelbaum Howard S.
Published: May 2015

Context: The growth of osteopathic medicine in the United States has led to a vibrant expansion of the profession internationally. Canadian students represent the majority of international applicants and matriculants to US colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs); however, to our knowledge, no studies have explored this population.

Objective: To gain a better understanding of Canadian students attending US colleges of osteopathic medicine by examining their residency training preference, visa preference, intent to practice in the United States or Canada, receptiveness to incorporating osteopathic manipulative medicine into practice, specialty preference, estimated debt incurred, and effect of debt on specialty choice.

Methods: A 10-question electronic survey was sent to Canadian osteopathic medical students in the 17 COMs and branch campuses that accept international applicants. The initial survey pool consisted of frst-, second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students (classes of 2014-2017) compiled from a database managed by the Canadian Osteopathic Medical Student Association.

Results: Of the 102 students contacted, 66 (65%) completed the survey. Respondents had a strong desire to practice in Canada (44 [67%]) but were considering an Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or dually accredited residency program in the United States (46 [70%] and 15 [23%], respectively) that would sponsor an H1B visa. Respondents were receptive to incorporating osteopathic manipulative medicine into practice (44 [67%]). Most respondents chose non–primary care specialties (40 [61%]) and incurred a debt of more than $200,000 (44 of 65 [68%]); however, debt had a limited infuence on respondents’ choice of specialty (χ2
3=1.911; P=.591).

Conclusion: Most respondents planned to complete ACGME training, to return to Canada to practice medicine, and to practice in a non–primary care specialty. As a growing population that will play a large role in the expansion and reception of the profession internationally, Canadian osteopathic medical students and US-trained Canadian DOs merit further examination.
青海南部乌丽—开心岭冻土区 天然气水合物气源条件研究
Authors: Tang Shiqi , Lu Zhenquan , Luo Xiaolin , Wang Ting , Tan Panpan
Published: May 2015

Based on the past two years’ data on gas source survey in compliance with the National Thematic Project of Gas Hydrate Resources’ Exploration and Test-Production Engineering in the Wuli-Kaixinling permafrost of the southern Qinghai province, organic geochemical indicators were analyzed on the hydrocarbon (gas) source rocks of the Nayixiong Formation in the Upper Permian Wuli Group and the Bagong Formation in the Upper Triassic Jiezha Group. Results showed that organic matter contents were at moderate levels in the hydrocarbon (gas) source rocks of the two formations. The main organic matter was type III with high maturity. For most samples, organic matter was mature or over-mature, at the wet to dry gas phase. The source rocks produced a large amount of hydrocarbon gases to meet the needs of gas hydrate formation. Mudstones in the Nayixiong Formation in the Upper Permian Wuli Group and limestones in the Bagong Formation in the Upper Triassic Jiezha Group worked as major gas source rocks for gas hydrate formation.
井中岩屑碳酸盐含量与酸解烃关系新认识
Authors: Yang Jun , Shen Zhongmin , Wang Guojian , Cheng Tongjin , Lu Li
Published: May 2015

Using unary linear regression, the relationship between carbonate content and acidolysis hydrocarbon in a well was investigated, which was different in wells with long production history, dry wells or wells with short production history. The gradient in the mudstone and related coefficient were greater than that in the sandstone in the wells with long production history, but the reverse was true in the dry wells or the wells with short production history. Then the reasons for the characteristics were analyzed from the carbonate mineral formation and the different lithology’ s adsorption property. According to the characteristics, a new method was developed for hydrocarbon prediction in exploration wells and the re-examination of old wells. This method was fast and with low cost, and could effectively improve the success rate of new and old wells re-examination.
Quantification of Glutathione in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Caito Samuel W. , Aschner Michael
Published: May 2015

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular thiol with diverse functions from redox signaling, xenobiotic detoxification, and apoptosis. The quantification of GSH is an important measure for redox capacity and oxidative stress. This protocol quantifies total GSH from Caenorhabditis elegans, an emerging model organism for toxicology studies. GSH is measured using the 5,5′‐dithiobis‐(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) cycling method originally created for cell and tissue samples but optimized for whole worm extracts. DTNB reacts with GSH to from a 5′‐thio‐2‐nitrobenzoic acid (TNB) chromophore with maximum absorbance of 412 nm. This method is both rapid and sensitive, making it ideal for studies involving a large number of transgenic nematode strains. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
microRNA Profiling as Tool for Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing (DNT)
Authors: Smirnova Lena , Seiler Andrea E.M. , Luch Andreas
Published: May 2015

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNA molecules functioning as post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNAs play a significant role in organism development, regulating developmental timing, cell differentiation, and specification. In the developing brain, miRNAs regulate neural stem cell differentiation, lineage specification, synaptogenesis, and brain morphogenesis. Temporal and spatial specificity of miRNA expression make them an attractive marker to study cellular responses to toxicant exposure. Neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) has been established as an alternative method to study developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro. This unit will describe a method for miRNA profiling (miRNomics) as a molecular end point to study developmental neurotoxicity. A protocol for neural differentiation of mESC will be described as a cellular model for DNT testing. The miRNomics protocol is versatile and can be used with other DNT cellular systems such as primary cultures, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A seamless multitrack multitemporal InSAR algorithm
Authors: Shirzaei Manoochehr
Published: May 2015

The zones of overlap between adjacent Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite tracks are illuminated twice more frequently than elsewhere in the SAR scene. Here, an alternative approach is presented to combine the overlapping segments of SAR images acquired at adjacent tracks and generate accurate and high spatiotemporal resolution map of the surface deformation field. To this end, a new approach is developed to unify the datums. Effects due to the difference in look angle between two overlapping tracks and atmospheric delay are estimated and removed using Kalman and wavelet‐based filters. This approach is first tested at Hawaii Island, where tracks 200 and 429 of Envisat C‐band satellite overlap over the Kilauea south flank. The obtained time series improves the temporal sampling rate by a factor of two and comparison with GPS time series demonstrates that the presented method accurately measures the nonlinear deformation field. The advantages of this method are further demonstrated by combining SAR data sets acquired by Envisat C‐band and ALOS L‐band satellites over the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The validation test shows that the seamless combination of C‐band and L‐band time series accurately measures the surface deformation at higher resolution.
Greater Lateral Femorotibial Cartilage Loss in Osteoarthritis Initiative Participants With Incident Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hitzl Wolfgang , Wirth Wolfgang , Maschek Susanne , Cotofana Sebastian , Nevitt Michael , John Markus R. , Ladel Christoph , Eckstein Felix
Published: May 2015

Objective

To explore whether baseline to 12‐month followup change in femorotibial cartilage thickness differs between subjects who received a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 24 and 60 months from those without TKA (non‐TKA).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 531 right knees from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants with definite radiographic knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grades 2–4) were studied. Segmentation was applied to coronal fast low‐angle shot magnetic resonance images, to quantitatively determine cartilage thickness in 16 femorotibial subregions. Unadjusted P values (t‐tests) and P values adjusted for age, baseline body mass index (BMI), K/L grade, and sex (generalized estimating equation models) were used to evaluate differences in longitudinal 1‐year rates of cartilage thickness between TKAs and non‐TKAs, with total knee arthroplasty status as fixed effect.

Results

Of the 531 participants (mean ± SD ages 63 ± 9 years, BMI 30 ± 4.8 kg/m2), 40 received a femorotibial TKA within 4 years. At baseline, TKAs had thinner medial and lateral femorotibial cartilage (−15%; P < 0.001) than non‐TKAs. Longitudinal cartilage thickness change was significantly greater in TKAs than in non‐TKAs in the total femorotibial joint (area under the curve [AUC] 0.64), the lateral compartment (AUC 0.66), both tibiae (AUC ≥ 0.61), and the first 9 (of 16) ordered values of subregion change (AUC 0.64–0.69). Discrimination was stronger for TKAs that occurred at 24 and 36 months (n = 18) than for those at 48 and 60 months (n = 22).

Conclusion

Knees with incident TKA displayed smaller baseline cartilage thickness and greater lateral as well as location‐independent ordered value femorotibial cartilage loss than non‐TKAs. Discrimination of cartilage loss was greater for TKAs occurring within 2 years after the measurement than for those occurring later.
Some Physical Characteristics of Strain Hardening in Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Beygelzimer Yan , Toth Laszlo S. , Jonas John J.
Published: May 2015

It is shown here using group theory principles that the Hencky strain is not an appropriate measure for tests involving simple shear, for which the von Mises formulation should be used exclusively. It is also shown analytically that the application of self‐similarity principles to Stages III–IV indicates that these obey power laws, while the same principles do not apply to the other stages. As a result, they do not develop self‐similar microstructures. Finally, the effect of strain path on the work hardening rates themselves is also examined. It is shown that the lowest rates are again associated with simple shear because this is the path along which the number of intersecting slip systems is the lowest.
Simultaneous Detection of Diverse Glycoligand‐Receptor Recognitions Using a Single‐Excitation, Dual‐Emission Graphene Composite
Authors: Ji Ding‐Kun , Chen Guo‐Rong , He Xiao‐Peng , Tian He
Published: May 2015

Ligand–protein interactions (LPIs) are fundamental biological processes that manipulate a variety of cellular events. While multiple LPIs can occur concurrently or concertedly at a cellular interface, techniques which are able to simultaneously probe these diverse interactions remain challenging. Here, to the best of our knowledge, the first fluorogenic composite material (FCM) is developed that can probe diverse LPIs at a single biomimetic interface. We determined that two glycoligands coupled with fluorescence dyes with different emission colors can coassemble to a graphene oxide platform, producing an integrated FCM with a quenched fluorescence. The fluorescence of each “glycodye” is uniquely elicited upon interaction with a pairing protein (lectin) that selectively recognizes the glycoligand. Importantly, the dual emission of the FCM can be produced, on a single excitation, while both proteins exist, providing a concise means for the simultaneous probing of diverse LPIs.
Synthesis of Layer‐Tunable Graphene: A Combined Kinetic Implantation and Thermal Ejection Approach
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Miao , Liu Su , Xie Xiaoming , Ding Guqiao , Wang Yongqiang , Chu Paul K. , Gao Heng , Ren Wei , Yuan Qinghong , Zhang Peihong , Wang Xi , Di Zengfeng
Published: May 2015

Layer‐tunable graphene has attracted broad interest for its potentials in nanoelectronics applications. However, synthesis of layer‐tunable graphene by using traditional chemical vapor deposition method still remains a great challenge due to the complex experimental parameters and the carbon precipitation process. Herein, by performing ion implantation into a Ni/Cu bilayer substrate, the number of graphene layers, especially single or double layer, can be controlled precisely by adjusting the carbon ion implant fluence. The growth mechanism of the layer‐tunable graphene is revealed by monitoring the growth process, it is observed that the entire implanted carbon atoms can be expelled toward the substrate surface and thus graphene with designed layer number can be obtained. Such a growth mechanism is further confirmed by theoretical calculations. The proposed approach for the synthesis of layer‐tunable graphene offers more flexibility in the experimental conditions. Being a core technology in microelectronics processing, ion implantation can be readily implemented in production lines and is expected to expedite the application of graphene to nanoelectronics.
“Injury, illness, and work restriction in merchant seafarers”
Authors: Lefkowitz Rafael Y. , Slade Martin D. , Redlich Carrie A.
Published: May 2015

Background

Research on seafarer medical conditions at sea is limited. This study describes the frequency and distribution of seafarer injury and illness at sea, and explores potential risk factors for resultant lost work.

Materials and Methods

The study analyzed a telemedicine database of 3,921 seafarer medical cases between 2008 and 2011 using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

There were over twice as many illness cases (n = 2,764, 70.5%) as injury (n = 1,157, 29.5%) cases. Disability was more often secondary to illness (n = 646, 54.3%), predominantly from gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and respiratory conditions. Logistic regression revealed age, rank, and worksite as potential risk factors for lost work.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes illness as a significant problem occurring in seafarers at sea. Future research should further elucidate risk factors for illness, as well as injury, to inform preventive measures and reduce seafarer disability. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:688–696, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutrino mass: A gateway to new physics
Authors: Tanaka Hirohisa. A.
Published: May 2015

The discovery of non‐zero neutrino mass and mixing has opened a portal to physics beyond the Standard Model whose implications are only beginning to be understood. The next decade promises critical developments with a program of ambitious experiments that will probe the fundamental nature of neutrino mass and mixing, and provide important clues on the primordial matter‐dominance of the universe.

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