bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A competitividade e a diversificação da fileira florestal Portuguesa
Authors: Sarmento Elsa De Morais , Dores Vanda , Nogueira Guida
Published: March 2014

Apesar da conjuntura desfavorável verificada após o ano de 2008, a orientação exportadora da Fileira Florestal para o mercado externo continuou a expandir-se. Este trabalho aprofunda o estudo da sua orientação exportadora e diversificação, e fornece uma análise comparada de competitividade a nível mundial, recorrendo a um conjunto vasto de instrumentos, como as quotas de mercado no mundo e as vantagens comparativas reveladas. Em 2010, a Fileira Florestal tornou-se o quarto «sector» nacional com maior vantagem comparativa. A nível mundial, Portugal é sexto neste ranking e aufere do 22.º lugar na quota mundial de exportação. A delimitação estatística do que intitulámos a «Fileira Florestal», resulta de um trabalho criterioso de selecção e validação do contexto e da importância de cada produto, ao nível mais desagregado da Nomenclatura Combinada (NC) do Comércio Internacional, de onde resultou uma lista de 413 códigos da NC-8.
A disfunção sexual em homossexuais masculinos: Potencialidades e desafios
Authors: Garrett Ana , Sousa Mónica
Published: March 2014

Neste artigo efectuou-se uma revisão da literatura sobre a etiologia, a prevalência, o diagnóstico e o tratamento das disfunções sexuais em homossexuais masculinos, destacando as principais fragilidades, os desafios e as lacunas que revestem esta temática. A síntese e integração dos principais desenvolvimentos teóricos e empíricos da literatura científica, nacional e internacional, sublinha que os estudos que abordam esta temática são escassos e apresentam resultados pouco consistentes e por vezes contraditórios. A literatura revela, ainda, a inexistência de critérios clínicos específicos, de programa de reabilitação ou de modelos de actuação para a disfunção sexual no campo da homossexualidade, pois estes centram-se no referencial teórico e prático dos heteros - sexuais e renegam para segundo plano as necessidades e especificidades da população homossexual. Por fim, e de modo a potenciar o desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas nesta área, são ainda dadas algumas sugestões para ulteriores trabalhos.
Delinquência juvenil no feminino: Um estudo comparativo de raparigas institucionalizadas
Authors: Pechorro Pedro , Gama Ana Paula , Guerreiro Maria Manuela , Marôco João , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa
Published: March 2014

A presente investigação teve como objectivo analisar o papel desempenhado na delinquência juvenil feminina pelos constructos de traços psicopáticos, problemas de comportamento, comportamentos delinquentes e auto-estima. Recorrendo a 249 jovens do sexo feminino, subdivididas em grupo forense (n=93) e em grupo escolar (n=156), foram analisadas diferenças a nível de variáveis sócio-demográficas, traços psicopáticos, perturbação do comportamento, problemas de comportamento, comportamentos delituosos, auto-estima e desejabilidade social. Os resultados indicaram que as jovens do grupo forense apresentam valores significativamente mais elevados em traços psicopáticos, categoria psicopática, perturbação de comportamento, problemas de comportamento e comportamentos delituosos, mas não foram encontradas diferenças relativamente a auto-estima e desejabilidade social. Um modelo de regressão logística binaria confirmou a importância dos traços psicopáticos e da categoria psicopática na predição de pertença das jovens aos grupos forense e escolar.
O desenvolvimento da socialização e o papel da família
Authors: Morgado Alice Murteira , Dias Maria da Luz Vale , Paixão Maria Paula
Published: March 2014

O estudo apresentado procurou analisar o papel da família no desenvolvimento da socialização em crianças e adolescentes, nomeadamente no que concerne ao papel da estrutura familiar e das relações pais-filhos. Assim, foi nosso objectivo verificar, por um lado, se a estrutura familiar seria por si só uma variável significativa para o desenvolvimento dos comportamentos sociais ou se, por outro lado, as relações pais filhos seriam melhores preditores da socialização dos filhos. Para o efeito, auscultaram-se 182 crianças e adolescentes a frequentarem o ensino básico, do 6º ao 9º ano de escolaridade, através de três questionários de auto-resposta que avaliaram aspectos sócio-demográficos, variáveis de socialização e relações pais-filhos. De um modo geral, os resultados obtidos permitem assumir que, mais do que a estrutura familiar por si só, será o modo como os elementos da família se relacionam que influenciará o desenvolvimento da socialização dos filhos. Acreditamos que tal conclusão poderá trazer importantes e úteis implicações no que ao desenvolvimento dos comportamentos sociais de crianças e adolescentes diz respeito, não apenas para a família, como para todas as instituições e profissionais que com ela lidam.
“Os meus pais só me criticam” – Relações entre práticas educativas parentais (perfecionismo e crítica) e a autoestima, o autoconceito académico, a motivação e a utilização de estratégias de self-handicapping
Authors: Reis Ivone de Guadalupe , Peixoto Francisco
Published: March 2014

Os trabalhos sobre práticas educativas parentais têm evidenciado a existência de uma relação com o ajustamento académico e social de crianças e adolescentes. Neste estudo pretendemos analisar a relação entre as práticas educativas parentais crítica e perfecionismo, percecionadas pelos estudantes, e a autoestima, o autoconceito, as orientações motivacionais e o uso de estratégias de self-handicapping. Participaram 170 adolescentes do 7º, 8º e 9º ano de um colégio particular da zona da grande Lisboa, que responderam ao Critical Parenting Inventory (Randolph & Dyckman, 1998, adaptada por Miguel,2010), a uma escala multidimensional de perfecionismo (Soares, Gomes, Macedo, & Azevedo, 2003,adaptada por Miguel, 2010), a uma escala de autoconceito e autoestima (Peixoto & Almeida, 1999) a uma escala de orientações motivacionais (Skaalvik, 1997, adaptada por Peixoto, Mata, & Monteiro,2008) e a uma escala de self-handicapping académico (Martin, 1998, adaptada por Borralho, 2005). Os resultados das diversas análises efetuadas permitem mostrar que os alunos que percecionam os seus pais como sendo perfecionistas e críticos relativamente ao seu desempenho académico apresentam autoestima mais baixa, autoconceito mais baixo, motivação mais orientada para a autodefesa, para o evitamento e menos orientada para a tarefa, bem como uma maior tendência a usar estratégias de selfhandicapping, do que os seus colegas que não percecionam os seus pais desta forma.
A psicologia cognitiva e o estudo do raciocínio dedutivo no último meio século
Authors: Quelhas Ana Cristina , Juhos Csongor
Published: March 2014

Para assinalar os 50 anos de ensino da Psicologia em Portugal, ou seja, o nascimento do ISPA, iremos reflectir sobre este meio século de estudos e trabalhos no âmbito da psicologia cognitiva, nomeadamente no domínio do raciocínio dedutivo, revendo as principais tarefas utilizadas para o estudar, bem como as principais teorias psicológicas que o explicam. Na parte final, apresentaremos o nosso contributo mais recente neste domínio.
A Joint Examination of Quality Choice and Satisfaction: The Impact of Circumstantial Variables
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kalra Ajay
Published: March 2014

Using data from an online hotel reservation site, the authors jointly examine consumers’ quality choice decision at the time of purchase and subsequent satisfaction with the hotel stay. They identify three circumstantial variables at the time of purchase that are likely to influence both the choice decisions and the postpurchase satisfaction: the time gap between purchase and consumption, distance between purchase and consumption, and time of purchase (business/nonbusiness hours). The authors incorporate these three circumstantial variables into a formal two-stage economic model and find that consumers who travel farther and make reservations during business hours are more likely to select higher-quality hotels but are less satisfied. Consumers who book earlier are more likely to select higher-quality hotels and are more satisfied. The findings suggest that incorporating circumstantial variables into formal choice models is useful in helping managers understand and predict consumer choices and satisfaction assessments.
Percutaneous treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms: comparison of fibrin sealant against thrombin
Authors: Pinto Daniel Mendes , Bastianetto Paulo
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: Femoral pseudoaneurysms are a complication that occurs in connection with up to 8% of percutaneous procedures. Of the available treatments, ultrasound guided thrombin injection has a high success rate and is well-tolerated by patients. The combination of thrombin and fibrinogen known as fibrin sealant forms a stable clot and can be used to treat pseudoaneurysms, particularly those with complex anatomy and larger size. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of treating femoral pseudoaneurysm in two ways: Group T was treated with thrombin alone and Group T+F was treated with fibrin sealant (thrombin+fibrinogen). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of femoral pseudoaneurysm cases treated between January 2005 and December 2012. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were treated, 21 with thrombin alone and seven with fibrin sealant. All patients in group T were treated successfully, but only four patients in group T+F were treated successfully (57.1% success rate in Group T+F, p<0.01). The three cases of failure in group T+F needed surgery and in one of these cases the complication was embolization to the femoral bifurcation. The pseudoaneurysms that were treated with fibrin sealant were larger (25 cm3 in Group T and 57.7 cm3 in Group T+F, p=0.02) and required larger volumes of thrombin (0.5 mL in Group T and 1.0 mL in Group T+F, p<0.01). There was one complication in Group T and two complications in Group T+F (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the small number of cases reviewed, treatment with thrombin alone was superior to treating with fibrin sealant, since it caused few complications and was more effective at correcting pseudoaneurysms.
Subclavian and axillary arterial aneurysms: two case reports
Authors: Esteves Fernando Pinho , Ferreira Andre Ventura , Santos Vanessa Prado dos , Novaes Gabriel Santos , Razuk Filho Alvaro , Caffaro Roberto Augusto
Published: March 2014

Aneurysms of the subclavian-axillary segment are rare, but when diagnosed they must be treated. This article describes two cases of aneurysms of the upper extremities, one in a subclavian artery and the other in an axillary artery. The first case was a 71-year-old male with a pulsating supraclavicular bulge on the right and muscle weakness in the ipsilateral extremity. Duplex scanning and arteriography confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysm of the right subclavian artery and the patient underwent aneurysmectomy and end-to-end anastomosis. The second case was a 24-year-old female patient, with no history of comorbidities, who presented with a pulsating mass in the right axillary region and paresthesia of the ipsilateral extremity. Duplex scanning and arteriography confirmed an aneurysm in the right axillary artery, which was successfully treated with aneurysmectomy and end-to-end anastomosis. Pathology findings showed that the first case was an atherosclerotic aneurysm and the second was a congenital aneurysm.
Concrete upgrade to improve the vibration response of timber floors
Authors: Skinner Jonathan , Martins Carlos , Bregulla Julie , Harris Richard , Paine Kevin , Walker Peter , Dias Alfredo M. P. G.
Published: March 2014

Timber floors suffering from poor serviceability performance can be upgraded with a concrete topping to form a timber–concrete composite. The upgrade stiffens the floor, reducing the perception of a vibration response to dynamic excitation. Despite timber–concrete composites becoming an established research area in recent years, relatively little is known about the vibration response of these floor types. This paper explores how the vibration response of a timber floor changes when upgraded with a concrete topping, with particular attention given to the fundamental frequency of vibration. An analytical model, utilising the gamma method of Eurocode 5 (EN 1995-1-1), is used to predict how the fundamental frequency of vibration changes with the addition of a topping. The model is compared with experimental testing of timber–concrete panels before it is used to conduct a parametric study to establish the effect of common factors. It is found that high interaction between the topping and timber floor, identifying a suitable topping thickness and considering the change in transverse stiffness are key to a successful upgrade. It is suggested that topping upgrades which are thin (20 mm or less) are suitable for this application.
The Influence of Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) and Glass Ionomer (GI) Base Materials on the Microhardness of Various Composite and GI Restorative Materials
Authors: Itskovich Roee , Lewinstein Israel , Zilberman Uri
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Re-examining the well accepted concept that Zinc-Oxide-Eugenol bases (ZOE) have a negative effect on composite restoration materials microhardness, in light of the advancement in composite materials and newer publications.

Methods:

Five modern composite restoration materials were used, including hybrid (Xtra-fill and Z250), micro-fill hybrid (G-aenial and Gradia-direct) and methacrylate-free restorative material (Silorane- oxirane). Two base materials were used IRM (ZOE-base) and Fuji-IX (GI-base). Samples were made using a designed mold, in which composite discs were cured on top and in close relation to base materials. Micro-hardness testing was performed using a DMH-2 microhardness tester utilizing the Knoop method.

Results:

Statistic analysis demonstrated significantly better microhardness of three composite materials when IRM was used as base in comparison to control (G-aenial, Gradia direct and Filtek silorane), and no differences in two materials (Filtek universal Z250 and Voco Xtra-fil). Fuji-IX bases showed a significant positive effect on the microhardness of four composite materials, and a negative effect on one material (Voco Xtra-fill). In comparison with other tested restoration materials, both Voco Xtra-fill and Fuji-IX showed higher microhardness results (P<0.05).

Significance:

Related to microhardness, both ZOE and GI bases can be used safely as bases under composite restorations. The results of this study together with the results published recently showed that the concept of not using ZOE or GI bases under composite must be reconsidered. Fuji IX showed microhardness results similar to the best composite material and therefore it can be used as a restorative material.
Alarming situation of food adulteration
Authors: Rasul CH
Published: March 2014

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18230 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 1-2
Risk of cervical cancer associated with HPV infection among the gynae outdoor patients
Authors: Rahman Tanjila , Tabassum Shahina , Jahan Munira
Published: March 2014

Human papilloma virus is an oncogenic DNA virus, which is identified in 99.7% case of invasive cancer. It is the most prevalent virus involved in sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and an important public health challenge for the prevention of cervical carcinoma. Cervical cancer is the second cause of malignant neoplasia and death in women. The present study was thus designed to detect the risk factors for HPV infection in normal and unhealthy cervix of women attending tertiary care hospital (BSMMU). HPV DNA was detected among the study population using the Hybrid Capture 2 assay, which determined HPV high risk types. A total of 68 women between 25-70 years of age were included in this cross sectional study. Among them 13 (19.1%) cases were tested positive for HPV DNA. The risk factors for HPV infection identified from this result are early sexual activity, lower level of education, early marriage, multi-parity, total duration of sexual activity in years and long term use of oral contraceptive pill and poor socioeconomic condition. Increased awareness and understanding regarding HPV infection would improve the risk of infection and control in sexually active women. HPV diagnosis at early stages of infection is of fundamental importance. The use of HPV test in routine cervical mass screening may not be possible in developing countries like Bangladesh due to its high cost. Nevertheless, it has been shown to be a useful tool when combined with cytology to diagnose high-risk infection in apparently normal tissues, and may help to reduce the risk of cervical cancers. The results obtained from this study ultimately contribute to cervical cancer prevention among Bangladeshi women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18231 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 3-6
Effect of intralesional bleomycin as an alternative therapy for cystic hygroma
Authors: Saha Amar Kumar , Haque Shaikh Sayidul , Islam KM Saiful
Published: March 2014

Cystic hygroma is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, but injection of a sclerosing agent into the cyst is an alternative procedure. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of intralesional bleomycin injection in cystic hygroma. This study was carried out in a private clinic in Khulna over a period of 2 years on 7 patients. Bleomycin at a dosage of 0.4-0.6 mg/kg was injected into the cyst and repeated injection was given at an interval of 4-8 weeks. Clinical outcomes were reviewed and analyzed. Seven patients, 4 males and 3 females, aged between one month and 4 years were treated with intralesional bleomycin injections. Complete clinical resolution was obtained in 6 cases (86%). Mass reduction was noted in 1 (14%) patient. Adverse reactions including mild fever, local swelling, redness and pain at the site of injection occurred in 3 cases (43%). These reactions persisted for only a few days. Transient systemic side effect like vomiting noted in one patient. So intralesional bleomycin injection is a safe and effective alternative to the surgical treatment of cystic hygroma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18233 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 12-15
Consultation-liaison psychiatry in a medical college hospital
Authors: Fariduzzaman SM , Bakar Md Abu , Biswas Dhiraj Mohon , Mujtaba Shahabuddin Md
Published: March 2014

This study was done to evaluate the trend of liaison of different clinical department with Psychiatry considering their referral rate to the Psychiatry Unit of Khulna Medical College Hospital. The study was done over a twelve month period (Jan 2012 to December 2012). All the patients (672) referred by different departments were included. Among the patients, 72.9% was referred by Medicine & 8.9% by Pediatrics department. Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorders and Schizophrenia was found in 19.6%, 18.7% and 14.2% respectively. Status of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry needs to be improved by concerned physicians to deliver a better service to the patients in this hospital. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18235 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 21-23
Effective uterovaginal anastomosis done in cervical agenesis with menouria
Authors: Sultana Razia , Haque Nazmul , Begum Ferdousi
Published: March 2014

Agenesis of the uterine cervix is uncommon uterine anomaly. We report a case of 22 year old woman who was admitted in a private hospital with menouria and pelvic mass. Examination found no communication between vagina and uterus. Cervix was absent. Utero-vaginal anastomosis was done and a Foleys catheter was inserted in the uterine cavity for 14 days. During follow up of 1 month and 6 month after surgery patient was menstruating normally and examination revealed that the communication between the uterus and vagina was healed and had been sexually active at 6 months after the procedure. So uterovaginal anastomosis can be safely done in cervical agenesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18237 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 28-30
Tuberous sclerosis misdiagnosed as epilepsy
Authors: Mostafa Khan Golam , Rasul Choudhury Habibur , Baruri Nitya Nanda , Sultana Razia
Published: March 2014

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare genodermatoses characterized by neurological symptoms and hamartomas in multiple organs including brain, skin, kidney, eyes, heart, lungs & G.I tract. The classic triad of epilepsy, adenoma sebaceum and mental retardation usually occurs in one third of the patients, thus requiring high index of suspicion to diagnose TS. Otherwise it may easily be misdiagnosed as epilepsy or neurofibromatosis. Here we present a case of tuberous sclerosis in 11 year old girl misdiagnosed as epilepsy because of her convulsions. A comprehensive medical history including family history, thorough physical examinations, clinical suspicion and neuroimaging are required to confirm the diagnosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18238 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 31-33
Abstract from current literature Vol.46(1-2)
Authors: Rasul CH
Published: March 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18240 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 37-40
Isolation and identification of Avibacterium paragallinarum, the causal agent of infectious coryza (IC) from layer chickens in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter S , Ali M , Das PM , Hossain MM
Published: March 2014

This study was carried out for the isolation and identification of Avibacterium paragallinarum, the etiological agent of infectious coryza (IC). Pathological changes were also investigated that occurred in organs in layer chickens obtained from some selected areas of Bangladesh. A nasal swabs (n=30) from dead chickens and four swabs from live chickens were collected aseptically. The organisms from swabs were cultured in different media, stained, and followed by sugar fermentation and biochemical tests for identification of causal agent. Histopathology of the affected tissues was also carried out. Swabs from nasal passage (n=30) of dead birds died of other diseases cultured but no A. paragallinarum was isolated and identified. Two out of four suspected clinical cases of IC was confirmed by isolation of A. paragallinarum. The clinical signs of all four cases were nasal discharge; conjunctivitis with swelling of the sinuses, face and wattles; decreased feed and water intake with reduced egg production. At necropsy, hemorrhages were in mucous membrane of nasal passage and trachea. Histopathology of the nasal septum showed acanthosis, congestion, mucous glandular cell hyperplasia, hyperplasia of nasal sinus and parakeratosis. Further studies involving serological and molecular identification of the etiological agent of IC are warranted. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18218 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 87-96, 2013
Effects of probiotics and enzymes on growth performance and haematobiochemical parameters in broilers
Authors: Rahman MS , Mustari A , Salauddin M , Rahman MM
Published: March 2014

An study was conducted on "Cobb-500" broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of probiotics and enzymes supplementation on growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters. A total of 20, fourteen days old broiler chicks were divided randomly into four groups using five broiler chicks in each group. Group A was designated as control group was given only normal broiler ration and rest of the groups were fed probiotics and enzymes, [Group B (probiotic Microguard® @ 1 gm/L), Group C (enzymes preparation Acmezyme* 1 gm/L), Group D (Microguard* g 1 gm/L and Acmezyme @ 1 gm/L)] with drinking water respectively from 1St to 21st day of study. It was observed that probiotics and enzymes supplementation enhanced the body growth rate. At the final day of experiment the body weight was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the treated groups in comparison with that of control group. Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were significantly increased (p<0.01) in treated groups than the control group. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels were decreased significantly (p<0.01) than the control group. The serum Serum aspertate aminotransaminase (AST) level was decreased significantly (p<0.01) in all treated groups except group D than the control group. It is suggests that the poultry farming may be benefited using probiotics and enzymes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18221 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 111-118, 2013
Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Replication Checkpoint Activation
Authors: Recolin Bénédicte , Van der Laan Siem , Tsanov Nikolay , Maiorano Domenico
Published: March 2014

The major challenge of the cell cycle is to deliver an intact, and fully duplicated, genetic material to the daughter cells. To this end, progression of DNA synthesis is monitored by a feedback mechanism known as replication checkpoint that is untimely linked to DNA replication. This signaling pathway ensures coordination of DNA synthesis with cell cycle progression. Failure to activate this checkpoint in response to perturbation of DNA synthesis (replication stress) results in forced cell division leading to chromosome fragmentation, aneuploidy, and genomic instability. In this review, we will describe current knowledge of the molecular determinants of the DNA replication checkpoint in eukaryotic cells and discuss a model of activation of this signaling pathway crucial for maintenance of genomic stability.
Habitat Mapping and Change Assessment of Coastal Environments: An Examination of WorldView-2, QuickBird, and IKONOS Satellite Imagery and Airborne LiDAR for Mapping Barrier Island Habitats
Authors: McCarthy Matthew , Halls Joanne
Published: March 2014

Habitat mapping can be accomplished using many techniques and types of data. There are pros and cons for each technique and dataset, therefore, the goal of this project was to investigate the capabilities of new satellite sensor technology and to assess map accuracy for a variety of image classification techniques based on hundreds of field-work sites. The study area was Masonboro Island, an undeveloped area in coastal North Carolina, USA. Using the best map results, a habitat change assessment was conducted between 2002 and 2010. WorldView-2, QuickBird, and IKONOS satellite sensors were tested using unsupervised and supervised methods using a variety of spectral band combinations. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation and texture data pan-sharpening, and spatial filtering were also tested. In total, 200 maps were generated and results indicated that WorldView-2 was consistently more accurate than QuickBird and IKONOS. Supervised maps were more accurate than unsupervised in 80% of the maps. Pan-sharpening the images did not consistently improve map accuracy but using a majority filter generally increased map accuracy. During the relatively short eight-year period, 20% of the coastal study area changed with intertidal marsh experiencing the most change. Smaller habitat classes changed substantially as well. For example, 84% of upland scrub-shrub experienced change. These results document the dynamic nature of coastal habitats, validate the use of the relatively new Worldview-2 sensor, and may be used to guide future coastal habitat mapping.
Transformation-Induced Relaxation and Stress Recovery of TiNi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Takeda Kohei , Matsui Ryosuke , Tobushi Hisaaki , Pieczyska Elzbieta
Published: March 2014

The transformation-induced stress relaxation and stress recovery of TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) in stress-controlled subloop loading were investigated based on the local variation in temperature and transformation band on the surface of the tape in the tension test. The results obtained are summarized as follows. (1) In the loading process, temperature increases due to the exothermic martensitic transformation (MT) until the holding strain and thereafter temperature decreases while holding the strain constant, resulting in stress relaxation due to the MT; (2) In the unloading process, temperature decreases due to the endothermic reverse transformation until the holding strain and thereafter temperature increases while holding the strain constant, resulting in stress recovery due to the reverse transformation; (3) Stress varies markedly in the initial stage followed by gradual change while holding the strain constant; (4) If the stress rate is high until the holding strain in the loading and unloading processes, both stress relaxation and stress recovery are large; (5) It is important to take into account this behavior in the design of SMA elements, since the force of SMA elements varies even if the atmospheric temperature is kept constant.
Dereplication Strategies for Targeted Isolation of New Antitrypanosomal Actinosporins A and B from a Marine Sponge Associated-Actinokineospora sp. EG49
Authors: Abdelmohsen Usama , Cheng Cheng , Viegelmann Christina , Zhang Tong , Grkovic Tanja , Ahmed Safwat , Quinn Ronald , Hentschel Ute , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie
Published: March 2014

High resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry (HRFTMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed as complementary metabolomic tools to dereplicate the chemical profile of the new and antitrypanosomally active sponge-associated bacterium Actinokineospora sp. EG49 extract. Principal Component (PCA), hierarchical clustering (HCA), and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate the HRFTMS and NMR data of crude extracts from four different fermentation approaches. Statistical analysis identified the best culture one-strain-many-compounds (OSMAC) condition and extraction procedure, which was used for the isolation of novel bioactive metabolites. As a result, two new O-glycosylated angucyclines, named actinosporins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the broth culture of Actinokineospora sp. strain EG49, which was cultivated from the Red Sea sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda. The structures of actinosporins A and B were determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, as well as high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Testing for antiparasitic properties showed that actinosporin A exhibited activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei with an IC50 value of 15 µM; however no activity was detected against Leishmania major and Plasmodium falciparum, therefore suggesting its selectivity against the parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei; the causative agent of sleeping sickness.
Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of a 2-Oxoquinoline Carboxylic Acid Derivative for PET Imaging the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor
Authors: Mu Linjing , Slavik Roger , Müller Adrienne , Popaj Kasim , Čermak Stjepko , Weber Markus , Schibli Roger , Krämer Stefanie , Ametamey Simon
Published: March 2014

Cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2) has been shown to be up-regulated in activated microglia and therefore plays an important role in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. The CB2 receptor is therefore considered as a very promising target for therapeutic approaches as well as for imaging. A promising 2-oxoquinoline derivative designated KP23 was synthesized and radiolabeled and its potential as a ligand for PET imaging the CB2 receptor was evaluated. [11C]KP23 was obtained in 10%–25% radiochemical yield (decay corrected) and 99% radiochemical purity. It showed high stability in phosphate buffer, rat and mouse plasma. In vitro autoradiography of rat and mouse spleen slices, as spleen expresses a high physiological expression of CB2 receptors, demonstrated that [11C]KP23 exhibits specific binding towards CB2. High spleen uptake of [11C]KP23 was observed in dynamic in vivo PET studies with Wistar rats. In conclusion, [11C]KP23 showed promising in vitro and in vivo characteristics. Further evaluation with diseased animal model which has higher CB2 expression levels in the brain is warranted.
Assessing the Temporal Stability of the Accuracy of a Time Series of Burned Area Products
Authors: Padilla Marc , Stehman Stephen , Litago Javier , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: March 2014

Temporal stability, defined as the change of accuracy through time, is one of the validation aspects required by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites’ Land Product Validation Subgroup. Temporal stability was evaluated for three burned area products: MCD64, Globcarbon, and fire_cci. Traditional accuracy measures, such as overall accuracy and omission and commission error ratios, were computed from reference data for seven years (2001–2007) in seven study sites, located in Angola, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Portugal, and South Africa. These accuracy measures served as the basis for the evaluation of temporal stability of each product. Nonparametric tests were constructed to assess different departures from temporal stability, specifically a monotonic trend in accuracy over time (Wilcoxon test for trend), and differences in median accuracy among years (Friedman test). When applied to the three burned area products, these tests did not detect a statistically significant temporal trend or significant differences among years, thus, based on the small sample size of seven sites, there was insufficient evidence to claim these products had temporal instability. Pairwise Wilcoxon tests comparing yearly accuracies provided a measure of the proportion of year-pairs with significant differences and these proportions of significant pairwise differences were in turn used to compare temporal stability between BA products. The proportion of year-pairs with different accuracy (at the 0.05 significance level) ranged from 0% (MCD64) to 14% (fire_cci), computed from the 21 year-pairs available. In addition to the analysis of the three real burned area products, the analyses were applied to the accuracy measures computed for four hypothetical burned area products to illustrate the properties of the temporal stability analysis for different hypothetical scenarios of change in accuracy over time. The nonparametric tests were generally successful at detecting the different types of temporal instability designed into the hypothetical scenarios. The current work presents for the first time methods to quantify the temporal stability of BA product accuracies and to alert product end-users that statistically significant temporal instabilities exist. These methods represent diagnostic tools that allow product users to recognize the potential confounding effect of temporal instability on analysis of fire trends and allow map producers to identify anomalies in accuracy over time that may lead to insights for improving fire products. Additionally, we suggest temporal instabilities that could hypothetically appear, caused by for example by failures or changes in sensor data or classification algorithms.
Towards a Holistic Framework for the Evaluation of Emergency Plans in Indoor Environments
Authors: Serrano Emilio , Poveda Geovanny , Garijo Mercedes
Published: March 2014

One of the most promising fields for ambient intelligence is the implementation of intelligent emergency plans. Because the use of drills and living labs cannot reproduce social behaviors, such as panic attacks, that strongly affect these plans, the use of agent-based social simulation provides an approach to evaluate these plans more thoroughly. (1) The hypothesis presented in this paper is that there has been little interest in describing the key modules that these simulators must include, such as formally represented knowledge and a realistic simulated sensor model, and especially in providing researchers with tools to reuse, extend and interconnect modules from different works. This lack of interest hinders researchers from achieving a holistic framework for evaluating emergency plans and forces them to reconsider and to implement the same components from scratch over and over. In addition to supporting this hypothesis by considering over 150 simulators, this paper: (2) defines the main modules identified and proposes the use of semantic web technologies as a cornerstone for the aforementioned holistic framework; (3) provides a basic methodology to achieve the framework; (4) identifies the main challenges; and (5) presents an open and free software tool to hint at the potential of such a holistic view of emergency plan evaluation in indoor environments.
The Effects of the Toxic Cyanobacterium Limnothrix (Strain AC0243) on Bufo marinus Larvae
Authors: Daniels Olivia , Fabbro Larelle , Makiela Sandrine
Published: March 2014

Limnothrix (strain AC0243) is a cyanobacterium, which has only recently been identified as toxin producing. Under laboratory conditions, Bufo marinus larvae were exposed to 100,000 cells mL−1 of Limnothrix (strain AC0243) live cultures for seven days. Histological examinations were conducted post mortem and revealed damage to the notochord, eyes, brain, liver, kidney, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. The histopathological results highlight the toxicological impact of this strain, particularly during developmental stages. Toxicological similarities to β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine are discussed.
Statuettes religieuses et certificats de consécration en Chine du Sud (XVIIe-XXe siècle)
Authors: Arrault Alain , Bussotti Michela
Published: March 2014

Les statuettes en bois de la province du Hunan présentent la particularité d'inclure dans une cache creusée dans leur dos un document mentionnant l'adresse et le nom des commanditaires, le nom de la statuette et celui du sculpteur, la date et les raisons de la consécration. Grâce aux informations issues d'un catalogage informatisé de deux collections, nous pouvons pour la première fois localiser géographiquement et temporellement ces statuettes, et déterminer avec précision l'identité religieuse des personnages, qui sont objets de culte (divinités, ancêtres, maîtres). Ces informations rendent également possibles des recherches sur les sculpteurs, auteurs d'ordinaire « oubliés » lorsqu'il s'agit d'art populaire. Une analyse matérielle tente enfin de cerner les différentes typologies iconographiques de cette production, dont il n'est pas anodin de signaler qu'elle est toujours vivante. En somme, nous discernons, par l'entremise de cette statuaire, les autels domestiques, ouvrant de cette manière un pan de la société chinoise jusqu'alors méconnu.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF HIGHER INDEX NONLINEAR INTEGRAL ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS OF HESSENBERG TYPE USING DISCONTINUOUS COLLOCATION METHODS
Authors: Shiri Babak
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we deal with a system of linear and nonlinear integral algebraic equations (IAEs) of Hessenberg type. Convergence analysis of the discontinuous collocation methods is investigated for the large class of IAEs based on the new definitions. Finally, some numerical experiments are provided to support the theoretical results.
Review of the genus Metopheltes Uchida, 1932 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) with description of a new species from Vietnam
Authors: Reshchikov Alexey , van Achterberg Kees
Published: March 2014

A new species of the genus Metopheltes Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Ctenopelmatinae), M. clypeoarmatus sp. n. is described from Vietnam. M. petiolaris Uchida, 1932 is recorded for the first time from the Russian Far East. The other previously described species are also illustrated and discussed.
KINEMATIC AND KINETIC ADAPTATIONS IN THE LOWER EXTREMITIES OF EXPERIENCED WEARERS DURING HIGH-HEELED GAIT
Authors: Chien Hui-Lien , Lu Tung-Wu , Liu Ming-Wei , Hong Shih-Wun , Kuo Chien-Chung
Published: March 2014

High-heeled shoes are associated with falling, leading to injuries such as fracture and ankle sprain. The study aimed to investigate the kinematic and kinetic adaptations in the lower extremities resulting from habitual use of high-heeled shoes. A total of 15 female experienced wearers and 15 matched controls walked with high-heeled shoes (7.3 cm) while kinematic and ground reaction force data were measured and used to calculate the joint angles and moments, as well as the temporal-distance parameters. Compared with inexperienced wearers, experienced wearers appeared to adopt a specific control strategy to improve the stability of the support ankle and knee while preventing excessive loading at the knee and hip. Increased hip abduction during early stance phase and increased pelvis rotation toward the ipsilateral side at contralateral heel-strike appeared to contribute toward the reduced step width for a better adjustment of the medio-lateral motion of the body's center of mass in order to maintain stability. At the hip, increased abductor moments may help to increase the pelvis stability and prevent excessive loading at the knee, and reduced internal rotator moments may reduce the torsional loading at the hip. At the knee, reduced ranges of flexion-extension and adduction-abduction motions may increase its stability. At the ankle, increased external rotation angles, together with increased pronator and external rotator moments through increased ground reaction force, may enhance the ankle stability. The current results identified the changes in the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities in females after long-term use of high-heeled shoes, providing a basis for future development of training programs and design of new high-heeled shoes to help those who have higher risks of falling and injuries during high-heeled gait.
Evolutionary Model of the Bank Size Distribution
Authors: Kaldasch Joachim
Published: March 2014

An evolutionary model of the bank size distribution is presented based on the exchange and creation of deposit money. In agreement with empirical results the derived size distribution is lognormal with a power law tail. The theory is based on the idea that the size distribution is the result of the competition between banks for permanent deposit money. The exchange of deposits causes a preferential growth of banks with a fitness that is determined by the competitive advantage to attract permanent deposits. While growth rate fluctuations are responsible for the lognormal part of the size distribution, treating the mean growth rate of banks as small, large banks benefit from economies of scale generating the Pareto tail.
Measuring the Antarctic ozone hole with the new Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS)
Authors: Kramarova N. A. , Nash E. R. , Newman P. A. , Bhartia P. K. , McPeters R. D. , Rault D. F. , Seftor C. J. , Xu P. Q. , Labow G. J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The new Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS), which launched on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite in October 2011, gives a detailed view of the development of the Antarctic ozone hole and extends the long series of satellite ozone measurements that go back to the early 1970s. OMPS includes two modules – nadir and limb – to measure profile and total ozone concentrations. The new limb module is designed to measure the vertical profile of ozone between the lowermost stratosphere and the mesosphere. The OMPS observations over Antarctica show excellent agreement with the measurements obtained from independent satellite and ground-based instruments. This validation demonstrates that OMPS data can ably extend the ozone time series over Antarctica in the future. The OMPS observations are used to monitor and characterize the evolution of the 2012 Antarctic ozone hole. While large ozone losses were observed in September 2012, a strong ozone rebound occurred in October and November 2012. This ozone rebound is characterized by rapid increases of ozone at mid-stratospheric levels and a splitting of the ozone hole in early November. The 2012 Antarctic ozone hole was the second smallest on record since 1988.
Near-infrared remote sensing of Los Angeles trace gas distributions from a mountaintop site
Authors: Fu D. , Pongetti T. J. , Blavier J.-F. L. , Crawford T. J. , Manatt K. S. , Toon G. C. , Wong K. W. , Sander S. P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The Los Angeles basin is a significant anthropogenic source of major greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) and the pollutant CO, contributing significantly to regional and global climate change. We present a novel approach for monitoring the spatial and temporal distributions of greenhouse gases in the Los Angeles basin using a high-resolution spectroscopic remote sensing technique. A new Fourier transform spectrometer called CLARS-FTS has been deployed since May, 2010, at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)'s California Laboratory for Atmospheric Remote Sensing (CLARS) on Mt. Wilson, California, for automated long-term measurements of greenhouse gases. The instrument design and performance of CLARS-FTS are presented. From its mountaintop location at an altitude of 1673 m, the instrument points at a programmed sequence of ground target locations in the Los Angeles basin, recording spectra of reflected near-IR solar radiation. Column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of greenhouse gases (XGHG) including XCO2, XCH4, and XCO are retrieved several times per day for each target. Spectra from a local Spectralon® scattering plate are also recorded to determine background (free tropospheric) column abundances above the site. Comparisons between measurements from LA basin targets and the Spectralon® plate provide estimates of the boundary layer partial column abundances of the measured species. Algorithms are described for transforming the measured interferograms into spectra, and for deriving column abundances from the spectra along with estimates of the measurement precision and accuracy. The CLARS GHG measurements provide a means to infer relative, and possibly absolute, GHG emissions.
New foliage growth is a significant, unaccounted source for volatiles in boreal evergreen forests
Authors: Aalto J. , Kolari P. , Hari P. , Kerminen V.-M. , Schiestl-Aalto P. , Aaltonen H. , Levula J. , Siivola E. , Kulmala M. , Bäck J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Estimates of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from forests are based on the assumption that foliage has a steady emission potential over its lifetime, and that emissions are mainly modified by short-term variations in light and temperature. However, in many field studies this has been challenged, and high emissions and atmospheric concentrations have been measured during periods of low biological activity, such as in springtime. We conducted measurements during three years, using an online gas-exchange monitoring system to observe volatile organic emissions from a mature (1 year-old) and a growing Scots pine shoot. The emission rates of organic vapors from vegetative buds of Scots pine during the dehardening and rapid shoot growth stages were one to two orders of magnitude higher than those from mature foliage; this difference decreased and finally disappeared when the new shoot was maturing in late summer. On average, the springtime monoterpene emission rate of the bud was about 500 times higher than that of the mature needles; during the most intensive needle elongation period, the monoterpene emission rate of the growing needles was 3.5 higher than that of the mature needles, and in September the monoterpene emission rate of the same years' needles was even lower (50%) than that of the previous years' needles. For other measured compounds (methanol, acetone and methylbutenol) the values were of the same order of magnitude, except before bud break in spring, when the emission rates of buds for those compounds were on average about 20–30 times higher than that of mature needles. During spring and early summer the buds and growing shoots are a strong source of several VOCs, and if they are not accounted for in emission modeling a significant proportion of the emissions – from a few percent to even half of the annual cumulative emissions – will remain concealed. The diurnal emission pattern of growing shoots differed from the diurnal cycle in temperature as well as from the diurnal emission pattern of mature shoots, which may be related to processes involved in shoot or needle elongation. Our findings imply that global estimations of monoterpene emission rates from forests are in need of revision, and that the physiological state of the plants should be taken into account when emissions of the reactive gases such as monoterpenes are estimated.