bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical massage in multiplesclerosis.
Authors: Santos Iara , Laurito Gabrielle Stephanie Soares , Silva Maria Nazaré Soares , Carruba Marcelo , Leal Andrea Fernanda , Barcala Luciana
Published: September 2015

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, inflammatory that affects the white matter of the central nervous system,resulting in neurological signs and symptoms that after the outbreaks, may leave sequels as the location of the lesion. Symptoms mayinclude loss of double vision, muscle weakness, lack of balance, numbness, pain, problem in the control of the bladder and bowel,fatigue, emotional changes and intellectual impairment. Objective: To describe the effects and compromise in carrier of multiplesclerosis, to check the efficiency of classical massage in reduction of symptoms and their influence on the performance of activities ofdaily living. Method/Design: It is a study of controlled clinical trial with a convenience sample of individuals already framed in clinicalschool of physical therapy at the University Nine July (Uninove). Eight were selected individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis,between 30 and 50 years of age, without dermatological problems for the application of classical massage. The subjects were evaluatedbefore and after the proposed intervention consists of 20 sessions of classical massage performed twice a week having a duration of40minutes each session. Results: In the first three months, there have been significant results demonstrated the functional assessment(MIF), but from the sixth to the twelve months remained functional stability. The quality of life (SF-36) showed that in pre-requirementsof General Condition, Vitality, Social, Emotional and Mental, was increased in the first nine months and after this period, the resultswere not significant. In the evaluation of the balance by the scale of Berg in the first three months did not show satisfactory results,but from the third month to the sixth month there was a significant increase in the balance. The sensitivity surface showed an increaseafter the sixth month of application of classical massage, keeping up to twelve months proposed by the study. In profound sensitivitypresented significant results from nine months of treatment. Conclusions: The present study showed that the physical therapy, throughthe classical massage, does not eliminate the neurological damage that attends the disease, but can act in the treatment of specificsymptoms favoring the well-being and the features of patients with multiple sclerosis.
“The Value of Life and Labor” of Ukrainian Migrants Abroad
Authors: Koshulko Oksana
Published: September 2015

This article presents an investigation of the problems of Ukrainian migrants abroad. Due to the very difficult financial and socio-economic situation in Ukraine, many people have decided to go abroad to work, to study or to marry. Very often they face problems of attitude towards them as citizens of a “Third country”. They are sometimes seen as third class people and as modern slaves because even their own country does not value their lives and labor, does not care about them either at home or abroad. Their country does not know the numbers of Ukrainian migrants abroad and their children who are “orphans with living parents”. Therefore, the “value of life and labor” of Ukrainian labor migrants abroad is very cheap as they often accept heavy and unskilled jobs for little money in order to send this money to Ukraine. Unfortunately, this is the only time when their lives and their remittances are valued by the state as a part of Ukraine’s GDP and a source for future government tax revenue in Ukraine.
Cross Correlation Analysis of Reward & Punishment on Students Learning Behavior
Authors: Jabeen Lubna , Iqbal Nadeem , Haider Najib , Iqbal Sajid
Published: September 2015

The current study aims to investigate the impact of reward and punishment on students’ learning behavior. This paper is quantitative in nature. The study used questionnaire approach and acquired data from school teachers of D.G Khan, are selected as sample of the study. The study used convenient and simple random sampling technique for data acquisition. Moreover, paired sample T test approach is used to test correlation of variables. Hence it is concluded that both reward and punishment has positive significant impact on students’ learning behavior whereas punishment has greater impact and role towards learning behavior.
The Enchanted Storyteller: John Barth and the Magic of Scheherazade
Authors: Moosavi Majd Maryam , Elahipanah Nooshin
Published: September 2015

During the fifties he was considered to be an existentialist, and absurdist and later a Black Humorist, yet, John Barth proved that he would never subscribe to any specific theory and would make his own world of/about fiction by himself. A traditional postmodernist as some of the critics calls him; he was obsessed with Scheherazade the narrator of the Thousand and one Nights and her art of storytelling. This essay aims to depict Barth’s employment of the frame narrative and embedding structure which are the main devices of Scheherazade’s mystifying narratives. Revealing the architectonic structure of his writing, we would demonstrate how traditional technique can bridge postmodernist aesthetics to recreate and replenish the exhausted materials in writings.
Tom van den Berge, H.J. van Mook 1894-1965. Een vrij en gelukkig Indonesië
Authors: Meijer Hans
Published: September 2015

Tom van den Berge, H.J. van Mook 1894-1965. Een vrij en gelukkig Indonesië (Bussum: Thoth, 2014, 416 pp, ISBN 978 90 6868 626 5).
Jaap Moes, Onder aristocraten. Over hegemonie, welstand en aanzien van adel, patriciaat en andere notabelen in Nederland, 1848-1914
Authors: Janssens Paul
Published: September 2015

Jaap Moes, Onder aristocraten. Over hegemonie, welstand en aanzien van adel, patriciaat en andere notabelen in Nederland, 1848-1914 (Adelsgeschiedenis 9; Hilversum: Verloren, 2012, 358 pp. + cd-rom., ISBN 978 90 8704 295 0). Digitale versie: http://irs.ub.rug.nl/ppn/342091441.
ACESSO DOS ADOLESCENTES PRIVADOS DE LIBERDADE A SAÚDE: a guisa de problematização
Authors: Cavalcanti Patrícia Barreto , Dantas Andreza Silva , Carolino Jacqueline Alves , Carvalho Rafael Nicolau
Published: September 2015

Trata-se de um estudo empírico no qual se procurou constatar os limites e perspectivas para que o direito a saúde dos adolescentes privados de liberdade seja cumprido na perspectiva dos profissionais que atuam diretamente com tal segmento no Centro de Atendimento do Adolescente – CEA e nos serviços públicos de média e alta complexidade no município de João Pessoa. Para tanto, foram consultados profissionais de saúde que atuam no Centro Educacional do Adolescente e na rede em saúde de média complexidade ambos situados no município de João Pessoa. Os resultados do estudo apontaram que do ponto de vista normativo e documental há de fato planos e normas construídos que contemplam o atendimento à saúde do adolescente privado de liberdade na Paraíba. Ademais, a realidade concreta investigada é perpassada por lacunas e expressivas fragilidades na forma como o acesso à saúde dos adolescentes é provida. Os profissionais conseguem identificar a falta de diálogo entre as políticas sociais e seus impactos, provocados pela ausência da intersetorialidade nas ações. No entanto, a postura assumida pelos mesmos é de passividade, demonstrando um claro desconhecimento dos direitos sociais postos aos adolescentes privados de liberdade, nomeadamente o direito à saúde.
Arctic biodiversity: increasing richness accompanies shrinking refugia for a cold‐associated tundra fauna
Authors: Hope A. G. , Waltari E. , Malaney J. L. , Payer D. C. , Cook J. A. , Talbot S. L.
Published: September 2015

As ancestral biodiversity responded dynamically to late‐Quaternary climate changes, so are extant organisms responding to the warming trajectory of the Anthropocene. Ecological predictive modeling, statistical hypothesis tests, and genetic signatures of demographic change can provide a powerful integrated toolset for investigating these biodiversity responses to climate change, and relative resiliency across different communities. Within the biotic province of Beringia, we analyzed specimen localities and DNA sequences from 28 mammal species associated with boreal forest and Arctic tundra biomes to assess both historical distributional and evolutionary responses and then forecasted future changes based on statistical assessments of past and present trajectories, and quantified distributional and demographic changes in relation to major management regions within the study area. We addressed three sets of hypotheses associated with aspects of methodological, biological, and socio‐political importance by asking (1) what is the consistency among implications of predicted changes based on the results of both ecological and evolutionary analyses; (2) what are the ecological and evolutionary implications of climate change considering either total regional diversity or distinct communities associated with major biomes; and (3) are there differences in management implications across regions? Our results indicate increasing Arctic richness through time that highlights a potential state shift across the Arctic landscape. However, within distinct ecological communities, we found a predicted decline in the range and effective population size of tundra species into several discrete refugial areas. Consistency in results based on a combination of both ecological and evolutionary approaches demonstrates increased statistical confidence by applying cross‐discipline comparative analyses to conservation of biodiversity, particularly considering variable management regimes that seek to balance sustainable ecosystems with other anthropogenic values. Refugial areas for cold‐adapted taxa appear to be persistent across both warm and cold climate phases and although fragmented, constitute vital regions for persistence of Arctic mammals.
The Growth and Plankton Changes of Intensive Ecological Aquaculture
Model of Pseudosciaena crocea
Authors: Chengxu Ruan , Chonggui Yuan
Published: September 2015

The growth of Pseudosciaena crocea and changes of plankton were studied under intensive ecological aquaculture
model that does not involve any change in water. The results indicated that: the growth rate of Pseudosciaena crocea
was significantly higher than that in cage culture (p<0.05), the essential amino acids, flavor amino acids and total amino
acids of Pseudosciaena crocea were significantly higher than that in cage culture(p<0.05), the PUFA and DHA、EPA of
Pseudosciaena crocea were also significantly higher than that in cage culture(p<0.05). Plankton biomass of aquaculture
water increased with the cultivation time. The diversity of phytoplankton was better in the early stage, the diversity index
and evenness index decreased in the later stage, and the diversity of phytoplankton was poor at the end of the experiment.
The diversity of zooplankton was better along with a slightchange in its diversity index and evenness index with the zooplankton
being in an equilibrium state.
Efficient Culling Criteria for Continues Collision Detection Using a Fast
Statistical Analysis Method
Authors: Zhang Fengquan , Guo Jiaojiao , Wan Jianfei , Qin Junli
Published: September 2015

Continuous Collision Detection (CCD) between deforming triangle mesh elements in 3D is significant in many
computer and graphics applications, such as virtual surgery, simulation and animation. Although CCD is more accurate
than discrete methods, its application is limited mainly due to its time-consuming nature. To accelerate computation, we
present an efficient CCD method to perform both inter-object and intra-object collision queries of triangle mesh models.
Given a model set of different poses as training data, our method uses Statistic Analysis (SA) to make regression on a
deformation subspace and also on collision detection conditions in a pre-processing stage, under a uniform framework. A
data-driven training process selects a set of “key points” and produces a credible subspace representation, from which a
plug-in type of collision culling certificate can be then obtained by regression process. At runtime, our certificate can be
easily added to the classic BVH traversal procedure, as a sufficient condition of collision free cases, providing efficient
culling in overlapping test and reducing hierarchy updates frequency. In the end, we describe performance and quality of
our method using different experiments.
Inertia Force Balance of Crank-Group Driving Mechanism Based on
Crank Unit
Authors: Liu Yansong , Cao Jujiang , Ren Sheng , Wu Yao
Published: September 2015

The crank unit is defined as the basic unit of the crank-group driving mechanism for the modular design and
production, and the balance methods of inertia force are researched on the crank unit in crank-group driving mechanism’s
modular design. The factors affecting the balancing weight’s position and mass are studied. This indicates that the product
of the mass and gyration radius of the balancing weight is influenced by the number, mass, length of the crank and the
total mass moving rod in the mechanism. The balance method based on the crank unit is received to meet the modular
design and production. This approach achieves the balance of crank-group driving mechanism quickly and efficiently.
Quality Detection System of Transparent Nonel Tubes Based on Image Processing
Authors: Sun Guodong , Xu Wei , Peng Lei
Published: September 2015

The traditional quality detection method for transparent Nonel tubes relies on human vision, which is
inefficient and susceptible to subjective factors. Especially for Nonel tubes filled with the explosive, missed defects would
lead to potential danger in blasting engineering. The factors affecting the quality of Nonel tubes mainly include the
uniformity of explosive filling and the external diameter of Nonel tubes. The existing detection methods, such as Scalar
method, Analysis method and infrared detection technology, suffer from the following drawbacks: low detection
accuracy, low efficiency and limited detection items. A new quality detection system of Nonel tubes has been developed
based on machine vision in order to overcome these drawbacks. Firstly the system architecture for quality detection is
presented. Then the detection method of explosive dosage and the relevant criteria are proposed based on mapping
relationship between the explosive dosage and the gray value in order to detect the excessive explosive faults, insufficient
explosive faults and black spots. Finally an algorithm based on image processing is designed to measure the external
diameter of Nonel tubes. The experiments and practical operations in several Nonel tube manufacturers have proved the
defect recognition rate of proposed system can surpass 95% at the detection speed of 100m/min, and system performance
can meet the quality detection requirements of Nonel tubes. Therefore this quality detection method can save human
resources and ensure the quality of Nonel tubes.
Steel Plastic Geogrid Performance Testing and its Application in the
Reduction of Spring Back of Shotcrete
Authors: Qingbiao Wang , Cong Zhang , Rongshan LÜ , Xiaokang Wen , Lei Xu , Tiantian Wang , Junxian Zhang
Published: September 2015

In order to solve the problems of high springback of sprayed concrete and high dust concentration in the boltnetting
support of underground engineering, research the mechanical properties of steel plastic geogrid and analyze the
application of steel plastic geogrid replacing the metal net in the reduction of concrete through theoretical study, laboratory
test, field test and contrast analysis, thus got the conclusion that: (1) Through the analysis of influence factors of the
springback of surrounding rock supporting sprayed concrete, classification is carried on with the sampling survey method.
The interaction between the metal net and concrete is the main factor to influence the springback of the concrete. (2)
Study the performance differences of the steel plastic geogrid and the metal net. With the advantages of tensile strength,
strong durability and injection connection, steel plastic geogrid has stronger applicability, safety and stability in adjusting
the stress of the surrounding rock of the roadway and coordinating its deformation. (3)Through the tensile test and the deflection
test, study the relationship between the tensile strength and external load under different aperture, thus establish
the relation curve between the maximum deflection and load. (4) Through the roadway engineering construction and the
analysis of the data of the field test, steel plastic geogrid can greatly reduce the springback of sprayed concrete which can
guide the design and construction of underground bolt-netting support engineering.
Effect of Mingtang Culture Pattern on Architecture Layout of Tang
Liuzhou East Pavilion
Authors: He Li
Published: September 2015

As an important cultural pattern, Mingtang affected the construction law of generation and inheritance of Chinese
ancient architectural form. Further, it is proved that inherent relevance between cultural pattern and Tang Liuzhou
East Pavilion. With function of not only post hostel, but education, recreation and landscape, it still shouldered mission of
culture dissemination with political, cultural, landscape and living characteristic in mixed functions. According to relevant
literature available, post hostel layout under this model influence was preliminarily discussed and offered new perspectives
for architecture theory and innovation in new era.
Real-Time Simulation and Research on Photovoltaic Power System based on RT-LAB
Authors: Xiaodong Yuan , Yan Zhao , Weiping Zhu
Published: September 2015

The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller in the Photovoltaic system is the key to verify all kinds
of MPPT control algorithms. But the development of actual controller has the defects of needing long periods, artificial
code writing and so on. RT-LAB real-time simulation platform is an advanced model-based engineering design and test
application platform. The outstanding real-time performance in the current experimental study and engineering design
made it used more and more widely. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce its hardware and software structure and realtime
performance in detail. This paper gave a comprehensive and systematic introduction to hardware architecture,
software architecture and simulation process of RT-LAB. It also presented a semi-physical simulation experiment of
photovoltaic system MPPT using the features of Photovoltaic MPPT and semi-physical Real-Time simulation technology.
The MPPT control strategy is achieved by establishing model using Simulink package. Other parts of the main circuit
were physical circuit except controller. The parameter adjustment functions of online RT-LAB can easily optimize
controller parameters. Two special tools, ARTEMIS and RT-Events used in power electronics were described in detail.
The RT-LAB software modeling standard was also illustrated. The testing results showed that the usage of RT-LAB for
the development of photovoltaic controller can resolve many problems in the current controller development. The
application of RT-LAB in photovoltaic systems provides a reference for the micro grid, smart grid and other real-time
systems.
In vitro assessment of bacterial translocation during needle insertion through inoculated culture media as a model of arthrocentesis through cellulitic tissue
Authors: Smyth Travis T. , Chirino-Trejo Manuel , Carmalt James L.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine by use of an in vitro model the potential for translocating sufficient numbers of bacteria into a joint during arthrocentesis through cellulitic tissue to cause sepsis.

SAMPLE Culture media containing 4 concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus and needles of 3 sizes.

PROCEDURES Needles (22, 20, and 19 gauge) were inserted through Mueller-Hinton agar that contained known concentrations of S aureus (103,104,105, and 106 CFUs/mL). After a needle exited through the medium, any agar plug within the needle bore was ejected into a sterile syringe and the contaminated portion of the needle was harvested. Sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was used to emulsify the agar plug and wash the contaminated portion of the needle. The resulting solution was cultured to determine the number of bacterial CFUs that could be deposited into a joint during arthrocentesis through contaminated tissue.

RESULTS Needle gauge and bacterial concentration were both associated with the number of bacterial CFUs deposited after insertion through contaminated agar. Although all needle sizes were capable of bacterial translocation sufficient to cause septic arthritis, ORs for 20- and 22-gauge needles translocating > 33 CFUs of S aureus were significantly higher than the OR for a 19-gauge needle. The ORs for 20- or 22-gauge needles translocating > 33 CFUs of S aureus (the minimum population of S aureus known to cause joint sepsis) were 0.22.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results for this in vitro model indicated that caution should be used when performing arthrocentesis through cellulitic tissue.
Feature Extraction Method of Rolling Bearing Fault Signal Based on EEMD and Cloud Model Characteristic Entropy
Authors: Han Long , Li Chengwei , Liu Hongchen
Published: September 2015

The randomness and fuzziness that exist in rolling bearings when faults occur result in uncertainty in acquisition signals and reduce the accuracy of signal feature extraction. To solve this problem, this study proposes a new method in which cloud model characteristic entropy (CMCE) is set as the signal characteristic eigenvalue. This approach can overcome the disadvantages of traditional entropy complexity in parameter selection when solving uncertainty problems. First, the acoustic emission signals under normal and damage rolling bearing states collected from the experiments are decomposed via ensemble empirical mode decomposition. The mutual information method is then used to select the sensitive intrinsic mode functions that can reflect signal characteristics to reconstruct the signal and eliminate noise interference. Subsequently, CMCE is set as the eigenvalue of the reconstructed signal. Finally, through the comparison of experiments between sample entropy, root mean square and CMCE, the results show that CMCE can better represent the characteristic information of the fault signal.
Theoretical Analysis of Vibration Frequency of Graphene Sheets Used as Nanomechanical Mass Sensor
Authors: Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: September 2015

Nanoelectromechanical resonator sensors based on graphene sheets (GS) show ultrahigh sensitivity to vibration. However, many factors such as the layer number and dimension of the GSs will affect the sensor characteristics. In this study, an analytical model is proposed to investigate the vibration behavior of double-layered graphene sheets (DLGSs) with attached nanoparticles. Based on nonlocal continuum mechanics, the influences of the layer number, dimensions of the GSs, and of the mass and position of nanoparticles attached to the GSs on the vibration response of GS resonators are discussed in detail. The results indicate that nanomasses can easily be detected by GS resonators, which can be used as a highly sensitive nanomechanical element in sensor systems. A logarithmically linear relationship exists between the frequency shift and the attached mass when the total mass attached to GS is less than about 1.0 zg. Accordingly, it is convenient to use a linear calibration for the calculation and determination of attached nanomasses. The simulation approach and the parametric investigation are useful tools for the design of graphene-based nanomass sensors and devices.
Metropolises in the Twittersphere: An Informetric Investigation of Informational Flows and Networks
Authors: Förster Thorsten , Mainka Agnes
Published: September 2015

Information flows on social media platforms are able to show trends and user interests as well as connections between users. In this paper, we present a method how to analyze city related networks on the social media platform Twitter based on the user content. Forty million tweets have been downloaded via Twitter’s REST API (application programming interface) and Twitter’s Streaming API. The investigation focuses on two aspects: firstly, trend detection has been done to analyze 31 informational world cities, according the user activity, popularity of shared websites and topics defined by hashtags. Secondly, a hint of how connected informational cities are to each other is given by creating a clustered network based on the number of connections between different city pairs. Tokyo, New York City, London and Paris clearly lead the ranking of the most active cities if compared by the total number of tweets. The investigation shows that Twitter is very frequently used to share content from other services like Instagram or YouTube. The most popular topics in tweets reveal great differences between the cities. In conclusion, the investigation shows that social media services like Twitter also can be a mirror of the society they are used in and bring to light information flows of connected cities in a global network. The presented method can be applied in further research to analyze information flows regarding specific topics and/or geographical locations.
Investigation of Micro Square Structure Fabrication by Applying Textured Cutting Tool in WEDM
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Li Quansong , Zhang Hui , Sui Yongxin , Yang Huaijiang
Published: September 2015

This paper studies micro structure fabrication by means of a textured tool cutting edge, which is manufactured by applying the wire cut electrical discharge machining (WEDM). Machining performance of the square structure fabrication on the tool cutting edge is investigated in the WEDM process, and the machining accuracy is explored in experimental analyses. In this proposed method, undesired overcut comes from the discharge between the processing debris and the side wall of the target structure. Furthermore, by applying the textured cutting tool, the target square structure is directly fabricated on the alumina workpiece with just a simple turning process, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed tool cutting edge textured method by applying the WEDM. This technology is expected to become a potential method for the mass production of micro structure surfaces in the future.
Protective Effect of Plantago major Extract against t-BOOH-Induced Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Mello Joyce , Gonzalez Mariano , Moraes Vivian , Prieto Tatiana , Nascimento Otaciro , Rodrigues Tiago
Published: September 2015

Plantago major L. produces several chemical substances with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and its use in the treatment of oral and throat inflammation in popular medicine is well described. In this study, the antioxidant potential of the Plantago major hydroethanolic extract was screened and its protective action was evaluated against t-BOOH-induced oxidative stress. The extract was obtained by fractionated percolation using 50% ethanolic solution and, after drying, suspended in dimethyl sulfoxide. The chromatographic profile of crude extract was obtained with the identification of some phytochemical markers and the total phenols and flavonoids were quantified. The scavenger activity against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicals was determined and the antioxidant activity in biological systems was evaluated in isolated rat liver mitochondria and HepG2 cells. The extract exhibited a significant free radical scavenger activity at 0.1 mg/mL, and decreased the ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation in succinate-energized mitochondria. Such an effect was associated with the preservation of the intrinsic antioxidant defenses (reduced glutathione and NAD(P)H) against the oxidation by t-BOOH, and also to the protection of membranes from lipid oxidation. The cytoprotective effect of PmHE against t-BOOH induced cell death was also shown. These findings contribute to the understanding of the health benefits attributed to P. major.
Amination of Aryl Halides and Esters Using Intensified Continuous Flow Processing
Authors: Kohl Thomas , Hornung Christian , Tsanaktsidis John
Published: September 2015

Significant process intensification of the amination reactions of aryl halides and esters has been demonstrated using continuous flow processing. Using this technology traditionally difficult amination reactions have been performed safely at elevated temperatures. These reactions were successfully conducted on laboratory scale coil reactor modules with 1 mm internal diameter (ID) and on a preparatory scale tubular reactor with 6 mm ID containing static mixers.
Opioid Facilitation of β-Adrenergic Blockade: A New Pharmacological Condition?
Authors: Vamecq Joseph , Mention-Mulliez Karine , Leclerc Francis , Dobbelaere Dries
Published: September 2015

Recently, propranolol was suggested to prevent hyperlactatemia in a child with hypovolemic shock through β-adrenergic blockade. Though it is a known inhibitor of glycolysis, propranolol, outside this observation, has never been reported to fully protect against lactate overproduction. On the other hand, literature evidence exists for a cross-talk between β-adrenergic receptors (protein targets of propranolol) and δ-opioid receptor. In this literature context, it is hypothesized here that anti-diarrheic racecadotril (a pro-drug of thiorphan, an inhibitor of enkephalinases), which, in the cited observation, was co-administered with propranolol, might have facilitated the β-blocker-driven inhibition of glycolysis and resulting lactate production. The opioid-facilitated β-adrenergic blockade would be essentially additivity or even synergism putatively existing between antagonism of β-adrenergic receptors and agonism of δ-opioid receptor in lowering cellular cAMP and dependent functions.
Development and Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibodies for Paxilline
Authors: Maragos Chris
Published: September 2015

Paxilline (PAX) is a tremorgenic mycotoxin that has been found in perennial ryegrass infected with Acremonium lolii. To facilitate screening for this toxin, four murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed. In competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (CI-ELISAs) the concentrations of PAX required to inhibit signal development by 50% (IC50s) ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 ng/mL. One mAb (2-9) was applied to the detection of PAX in maize silage. The assay was sensitive to the effects of solvents, with 5% acetonitrile or 20% methanol causing a two-fold or greater increase in IC50. For analysis of silage samples, extracts were cleaned up by adsorbing potential matrix interferences onto a solid phase extraction column. The non-retained extract was then diluted with buffer to reduce solvent content prior to assay. Using this method, the limit of detection for PAX in dried silage was 15 µg/kg and the limit of quantification was 90 µg/kg. Recovery from samples spiked over the range of 100 to 1000 µg/kg averaged 106% ± 18%. The assay was applied to 86 maize silage samples, with many having detectable, but none having quantifiable, levels of PAX. The results suggest the CI-ELISA can be applied as a sensitive technique for the screening of PAX in maize silage.
Images familières, images familiales : imprimés de la Chine rurale (XVIe-XIXe siècle)
Authors: Bussotti Michela
Published: September 2015

Quand on mentionne l’imagerie populaire en Chine, on pense naturellement aux estampes dites du Nouvel An, le plus souvent dans leurs formes augurales passe-partout qui ont été autorisées, et parfois récupérées, par les autorités après 1949. Les travaux sur l’image imprimée les privilégient comme sujet d’étude, avec les illustrations xylographiques livresques, notamment si elles sont de bonne qualité. Dans une autre perspective, ces quelques notes présentent des imprimés monochromes, parfois frustes, éventuellement destinés à être brûlés lors d’une cérémonie. Certains étaient utilisés pour la réussite d’un mariage ou d’un horoscope. Nous mentionnons aussi les représentations d’ancêtres et de divinités, peintes ou imprimées. Ce sont autant d’images qui s’ancrent dans le religieux, dans des systèmes de croyances et de rites structurant la société traditionnelle et rurale dans son quotidien : mérites artistiques, prouesses techniques et qualités esthétiques ne manquent pas, mais ces éléments ne suffisent pas à les justifier.
Figures divines et démoniaques : les Ōtsu-e, peintures populaires japonaises de l’époque d’Edo
Authors: Marquet Christophe
Published: September 2015

Les « images d’Ōtsu » (Ōtsu-e), sont un genre de peinture populaire japonaise produit au cours de l’époque d’Edo, entre le XVIIe et le XIXe siècle. Elles étaient vendues aux pèlerins et aux voyageurs au relais d’Ōtsu, près de Kyōto, et dans les villages environnants, le long de la route du Tōkaidō. Ces peintures anonymes de style naïf et à la manière enlevée puisèrent d’abord leurs thèmes dans le répertoire de l’iconographie bouddhique traditionnelle. Elles devinrent par la suite des images profanes de bon augure, à caractère satirique ou moral, dont les thèmes s’élevèrent à plus d’une centaine. Leur message, parfois énigmatique, peut être interprété grâce aux poèmes moraux qui accompagnent certaines d’entre elles à partir de la seconde moitié du XVIIIe siècle. Longtemps oubliées, ces peintures fragiles et éphémères, dont il ne subsiste que quelques centaines d’exemples, furent redécouvertes et étudiées dans les années 1920 grâce au penseur Yanagi Sōetsu (1889-1961), qui œuvra pour la reconnaissance des «arts populaires » (mingei) au Japon. Elles ont été l’objet, depuis, de nouvelles interprétations. Cet article retrace l’histoire et interroge le sens de cette imagerie encore mal connue en Occident, où se côtoient figures divines et démoniaques issues des croyances populaires. Nous nous sommes intéressé en particulier à deux œuvres sur le thème de la divinité protectrice du Vajra au visage vert, conservées au musée Guimet, ainsi qu’aux variations autour de la figure du démon, jusqu’à sa réinterprétation satirique par des artistes de la fin du XIXe siècle.
La diversité de l’imagerie vietnamienne et les figures de la vie ordinaire
Authors: Papin Philippe
Published: September 2015

Our knowledge of Vietnamese popular prints stems largely from the formidable body of original works that Maurice Durand donated to the École Francaise d’Extrême Orient. A close study of these prints reveals an immense diversity, not only of themes but also, more importantly, of material, paper treatment, graphic quality, drawing technique and application of colours. Their audience was equally varied, for they were essentially made to be sold in shops and by street vendors. Appreciated by a wide range of customers, they relied on the demands of their clients and, depending on their price, could be executed more or less finely from the utmost sophistication to the perfectly ordinary, with as much variety in between as their clientele. It is in these common images that one finds what corresponded best to the use and tastes of the public. This article, after addressing the unavoidable issue of quality, that is of taste and social demand, will focus on the representations of daily life of the Vietnamese found within them, from the first half of the 20th century until the socialist period.
MODIFIED METHOD OF CHARACTERISTICS VARIATIONAL MULTISCALE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR TIME DEPENDENT NAVIER-STOKES PROBLEMS
Authors: Si Zhiyong , Wang Yunxia , Feng Xinlong
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a modified method of characteristics variational multiscale (MMOCVMS) finite element method is presented for the time dependent NavierStokes problems, which is leaded by combining the characteristics time discretization with the variational multiscale (VMS) finite element method in space. The theoretical analysis shows that this method has a good convergence property. In order to show the efficiency of the MMOCVMS finite element method, some numerical results of analytical solution problems are presented. First, we give some numerical results of lid-driven cavity flow with Re = 5000 and 7500 as the time is sufficient long. From the numerical results, we can see that the steady state numerical solutions of the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations are obtained. Then, we choose Re = 10000, and we find that the steady state numerical solution is not stable from t = 200 to 300. Moreover, we also investigate numerically the flow around a cylinder problems. The numerical results show that our method is highly efficient.
Investigation on the bioactivity of culturable endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with ethnomedicinal plants
Authors: Nongkhlaw Fenella MW , Joshi Santa R
Published: September 2015

Introduction: The growing need for the bioactive compounds of ethnomedicinal plants for the treatment of diseases has resulted in exploitation of medicinal plants. The present investigation aimed to study the diversity of endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with ethnomedicinal plants and to explore their potential as source of bioactive compounds. Methodology: Characterization of culturable endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with 11 ethnomedicinal plants and their potential as natural antioxidants was assessed through free radical scavenging activity, total phenolics, total flavonoids, metal ion chelation, and antagonistic activity. Genetic screening to assess the potential of endophytes and epiphytes to synthesize bioactive compounds was achieved by screening for the presence of the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene. Result: The frequently isolated endophytic bacterium recovered was Bacillus sp. Antioxidative property of the bacterial extracts revealed endophytes with potent antioxidant activity and better antagonistic activity as compared to epiphytes. Genetic screening revealed the presence of the NRPS gene in seven plant-associated bacteria, indicating the production of natural products. Conclusions: The study indicated the extracts of bacterial endophytes associated with ethnomedicinal plants as good sources of natural products with potential application in oxidative stress. The isolates could be used as new bioactive agents.
Culture proven Salmonella typhi co-infection in a child with Dengue fever: a case report
Authors: Srinivasaraghavan Rangan , Narayanan Parameswaran , Kanimozhi Thandapani
Published: September 2015

Infectious diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Sometimes concurrent infections with multiple infectious agents may occur in one patient, which make the diagnosis and management a challenging task. The authors here present a case of co-infection of typhoid fever with dengue fever in a ten-year-old child and discuss the pertinent issues. The authors emphasize that the risk factors predicting the presence of such co-infections, if developed, will be immensely useful in areas where dengue outbreak occurs in the background of high transmission of endemic infections.
Inhibitory effects of 19 antiprotozoal drugs and antibiotics on Babesia microti infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yao Jun-ming , Zhang Hao-bing , Liu Cong-shan , Tao Yi , Yin Meng
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Different results have been achieved in the evaluation of antiparasitic drug activity in Mongolian jirds, hamsters, and BALB/c mice infected with Babesia microti. The aims of the present study were to find a preferable method for drug screening and to re-evaluate the activity of several drugs against B. microti. Methodology: The activity of 19 drugs on B. microti-infected BALB/c mice was evaluated. The study was built on Peters' four-day suppressive test, and the pathogenicity of the blood from the treated mice was also used as indicator. Results: The results showed that 15 of the 19 drugs had little or no in vivo effect against B. microti. The inhibitory rates of atovaquone and azithromycin were high at all doses, but the microscopy-negative blood of recovered mice was still infectious. Similar to robenidine hydrochloride at 25 and 50 mg/kg, primaquine at 100 mg/kg had a 100% inhibitory rate. Robenidine hydrochloride achieved a 100% inhibitory rate at 100 mg/kg, and the blood of recovered mice did not result in parasitemia in subpassage experiments. Parasite-negative blood from mice treated with antimalarial drugs (clinically used for babesiosis) still caused parasitemia in subpassage experiments. This suggests that these drugs cannot eradicate the parasites. Conclusions: Peters' four-day suppressive test and the pathogenicity of the blood from the treated mice are suitable methods for preliminary investigating possible drugs against B. microti. Considering that robenidine hydrochloride achieved the best activity against B. microti in BALB/c mice in our study, further studies are needed.
Characterization of dengue epidemics in mainland China over the past decade
Authors: Ren Hongyan , Ning Wenyan , Lu Liang , Zhuang Dafang , Liu Qiyong
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Dengue is an important public health concern in developing countries. As it is increasingly serious in mainland China, its spatiotemporal variations in this region must be further understood. Methodology: On the basis of the data on dengue cases in 2004–2013 collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, examinations of spatiotemporal variations of local, imported, and total dengue cases were conducted to characterize this epidemic at the city scale in China. Results: Local cases in September and October accounted for more than half of the total cases in each year. The cities with more than 50 accumulative local cases were mainly distributed along the southeast coastal areas and southwest border regions of China. In 2004–2013, local dengue transmission (indicated by the number of local cases and the locally infected cities) increased yearly and was closely associated with epidemics (represented by the amount of imported cases and the cities with imported cases). At the city level, local transmission tended to be spatially clustered in the Zhejiang-Fujian coastal area, the Pearl River Delta, and Yunnan-Burma border region, especially in 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Conclusions: The results showed that China’s local dengue transmission is spatially and temporally featured, and that the prevalence of this epidemic is mostly related to imported cases from overseas epidemic areas. This study provides useful support for hygiene authorities of central and local governments to take effective measures to prevent and control this disease.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and overweight or obesity in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Yan , Du Tingting , Chen Xi , Yu Xuefeng , Tu Ling , Zhang Cuntai
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Recent studies found that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a role in cardiometabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to assess the association between H. pylori infection and overweight or obesity in a Chinese population. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the subjects who underwent a health examination between January 2010 and June 2012 in the department of comprehensive medicine was performed. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection was achieved using the carbon urea breath test (14C-UBT). The participants were divided into H. pylori infection-positive group and H. pylori infection-negative group by 14C-UBT. Results: A total of 2,050 subjects were enrolled in the study. The H. pylori infection-positive group had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) levels than did the H. pylori infection-negative group (25.32 vs 24.95, p = 0.008). There was a positive association between H. pylori infection and BMI levels (β = 0.30 ± 0.12, p = 0.015). After additional adjustment for white blood cell count (WBCC), the statistical significance disappeared (β = 0.24 ± 0.12, p = 0.053). Furthermore, a positive association between H. pylori infection and overweight/obesity according to different BMI criteria (BMI ≥ 24, BMI ≥ 23) was found. However, the association between H. pylori infection and obesity was consistently significant only based on the Asian criteria (BMI ≥ 27.5), but not significant based on the Chinese criteria (BMI ≥ 28). Conclusion: H. pylori infection was significantly and positively associated with overweight/obesity in a Chinese population.
An eight-year retrospective analysis of antenatal screening results for syphilis: is it still cost effective?
Authors: Ensari Tugba , Kirbas Ayse , Ozgu-Erdinc Ayse Seval , Gokay Saygan Sibel , Erkaya Salim , Uygur Dilek , Danisman Nuri
Published: September 2015

Introduction: This study aimed to document the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Turkey. Methodology: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 63,276 sera obtained between January 2007 and June 2014 from women who were routinely screened for syphilis as a part of antenatal care at a tertiary referral hospital in Turkey were analyzed. Serological screening was done with the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test on venous blood samples. Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) was the confirmation test for the diagnosis of syphilis in patients who had positive results in the screening test. Results: Between 2007 and the first six months of 2014, 41 RPR+ and only five confirmed syphilis-positive patients were determined. The syphilis seroprevalence rate was 0.0648%. Within these years, there was no case of congenital syphilis detected in the hospital. Conclusion: As there is evidence of effective screening of syphilis contributing to the effective treatment and prevention of adverse outcomes, routine antenatal screening of syphilis is recommended. The rationale depends on the consideration of the serious results of not treating the disease and the cost effectiveness of screening.
Incidence of the novel rmtF and rmtG methyltransferases in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from a hospital in India
Authors: Filgona Joel , Banerjee Tuhina , Anupurba Shampa
Published: September 2015

This item has no abstract. Follow the links belo to access the full text.
Influence of technology in genetic epidemiology
Authors: Morey Marcos , Fernández-Marmiesse Ana , Cocho Jose Angel , Couce María L.
Published: September 2015

Genetic epidemiology is the study of genetic factors and their influence on health and disease. Traditionally, these studies have been based on familial aggregation, segregation, or linkage analysis, mainly allowing the study of monogenic disorders. Advances in biotechnology have made techniques such as genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing possible, allowing more complex studies. In addition to the completion of large consortia projects, such as the Human Genome Project, ENCODE, and the 1000 Genome Project, these techniques make it possible to explain a higher proportion of the heritability in polygenic disorders compared to previous techniques. Here, we provide an overview of approaches to genetic epidemiology and how technological improvements have influenced experimentation in this area. These improvements have led genetic epidemiology to unprecedented advances, being excellent tools for understanding the genetic variability underlying complex phenotypes.