bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Perception on Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods in Adigrat Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gebremariam Alem , Addissie Adamu
Published: July 2014

Background. Long acting and permanent contraceptive methods have the potential to reduce unintended pregnancies but the contraceptive choice and utilization in Ethiopia are highly dominated by short term contraceptives. Objective. To assess the knowledge and perception on long acting and permanent contraceptives of married women and men in Northern Ethiopia. Method. A qualitative method was conducted in Adigrat on January, 2012. Four focus group discussions with married women and men and six in-depth interviews with family planning providers were conducted. Content analysis was used to synthesize the data. Result. Participants’ knowledge on long acting and permanent contraceptives is limited to recognizing the name of the methods. Most of the participants are not able to identify permanent methods as a method of contraception. They lack basic information on how these methods work and how they can use it. Women had fears and rumors about each of these methods. They prefer methods which do not require any procedure. Family planning providers stated as they have weakness on counseling of all contraceptive choices. Conclusion. There are personal barriers and knowledge gaps on these contraceptive methods. Improving the counseling service program can help women to increase knowledge and avoid misconceptions of each contraceptive choice.
Modeling of a High Force Density Fishbone Shaped Electrostatic Comb Drive Microactuator
Authors: Megat Hasnan Megat Muhammad Ikhsan , Mohd Sabri Mohd Faizul , Mohd Said Suhana , Nik Ghazali Nik Nazri
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a high force density fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator. This comb drive actuator has a branched structure similar to a fishbone, which is intended to increase the capacitance of the electrodes and hence increase the electrostatic actuation force. Two-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate the motion of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator and compared against the performance of a straight sided electrostatic comb drive actuator. Performances of both designs are evaluated by comparison of displacement and electrostatic force. For both cases, the active area and the minimum gap distance between the two electrodes were constant. An active area of 800 × 300 μm, which contained 16 fingers of fishbone shaped actuators and 40 fingers of straight sided actuators, respectively, was used. Through simulation, improvement of drive force of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb driver is approximately 485% higher than conventional electrostatic comb driver. These results indicate that the fishbone actuator design provides good potential for applications as high force density electrostatic microactuator in MEMS systems.
An Analysis of a Heuristic Procedure to Evaluate Tail (in)dependence
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Silva Sérgio
Published: July 2014

Measuring tail dependence is an important issue in many applied sciences in order to quantify the risk of simultaneous extreme events. A usual measure is given by the tail dependence coefficient. The characteristics of events behave quite differently as these become more extreme, whereas we are in the class of asymptotic dependence or in the class of asymptotic independence. The literature has emphasized the asymptotic dependent class but wrongly infers that tail dependence will result in the overestimation of extreme value dependence and consequently of the risk. In this paper we analyze this issue through simulation based on a heuristic procedure.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New Schiff Base Compounds Containing 2-Hydroxy-4-pentadecylbenzaldehyde Moiety
Authors: Naganagowda Gadada , Meijboom Reinout , Petsom Amorn
Published: July 2014

Various novel Schiff base compounds have been synthesized by reaction of 2-hydroxy-4-pentadecylbenzaldehyde with substituted benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide and different substituted aromatic or heterocyclic amines in the presence of acetic acid in ethanol. The structures of all these compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectral data and have been screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity.
Novel Axillary Approach for Brachial Plexus in Robotic Surgery: A Cadaveric Experiment
Authors: Tetik Cihangir , Uzun Metin
Published: July 2014

Brachial plexus surgery using the da Vinci surgical robot is a new procedure. Although the supraclavicular approach is a well known described and used procedure for robotic surgery, axillary approach was unknown for brachial plexus surgery. A cadaveric study was planned to evaluate the robotic axillary approach for brachial plexus surgery. Our results showed that robotic surgery is a very useful method and should be used routinely for brachial plexus surgery and particularly for thoracic outlet syndrome. However, we emphasize that new instruments should be designed and further studies are needed to evaluate in vivo results.
Solar UV-Assisted Pretreatment of River Water Samples for the Voltammetric Monitoring of Nickel and Cobalt Ultratraces
Authors: Woldemichael Gelaneh , Flechsig Gerd-Uwe
Published: July 2014

The application of solar UV radiation as sample digestion method is reported. The method is employed in adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of nickel and cobalt in river water samples. The river water samples were collected from downstream of Warnow River (Germany) and acidified to pH of 2±0.2 by addition of ultrapure 65% HNO3. Furthermore, 3.4 mgL−1 ultrapure hydrogen peroxide solution was added to the samples as photochemical reaction initiator. The samples were transferred to UV-A transparent polyethylene terephthalate bottles and put in the sunshine for UV irradiation for six and 12 hours at a UV-A intensity of 3.90 mW/m2. The comparison of the concentration values showed that, 6 hours of solar UV irradiation at 3.90 mW/m2 UV-A intensity is not sufficient to complete the digestion process though it yields much better results than the undigested original sample. However, 12 hours of solar UV-A irradiation under similar conditions is almost as effective as a 30 W artificial UV lamp (254 nm) and can be applied to the digestion of dissolved organic carbon in trace nickel (II) and cobalt (II) analysis in natural waters such as river water, lake waters, and well waters.
Three New Species and One New Record of GenusChimarraStephens (Trichoptera: Philopotamoidea: Philopotamidae) from Indian Himalaya
Authors: Pandher Manpreet Singh , Kaur Simarjit
Published: July 2014

Three new species and one new record are added to the philopotamid fauna of India from the Indian Himalaya. The newly described species under the genusChimarraStephens includeChimarra butticulatasp.n. andC. gangotriensissp.n. both from Uttarakhand andC. sangtamisp.n. from Nagaland. The record ofC. nigraKimmins (from Sikkim) constitutes the first record of that species from India, although it was previously known from Nepal. It is redescribed here from India as there are minor differences in the male genitalia from previously described species (in original paper of Kimmins only lateral view of the phallus was illustrated and in the redescribed species the ventral view of phallus is illustrated along with the lateral view). The four species belong to two different species groups and one species is unplaced in the species group. These species are distinguishable from each other as well as from the previously known allied species by consistent taxonomic features of the inferior appendages, tergite X, and the phallic apparatus of males.
Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution Study of Chlorogenic Acid from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos Following Oral Administrations in Rats
Authors: Zhou Yulu , Zhou Ting , Pei Qi , Liu Shikun , Yuan Hong
Published: July 2014

Chlorogenic acid (ChA) is proposed as the major bioactive compounds of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF). Forty‐two Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of ChA, via oral administration of LJF extract, using ibuprofen as internal standard, employing a high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry. Analytes were extracted from plasma samples and tissue homogenate by liquid–liquid extraction with acetonitrile, separated on a C18 column by linear gradient elution, and detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in negative selected multiple reaction monitoring mode. Our results successfully demonstrate that the method has satisfactory selectivity, linearity, extraction recovery, matrix effect, precision, accuracy, and stability. Using noncompartment model to study pharmacokinetics, profile revealed that ChA was rapidly absorbed and eliminated. Tissue study indicated that the highest level was observed in liver, followed by kidney, lung, heart, and spleen. In conclusion, this method was suitable for the study on pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of ChA after oral administration.
PÔR-SE COM, COMPOR: corresponsabilidades no encontro performer-espectador
Authors: Nadai Carolina Camargo de
Published: July 2014

Este texto propõe que na construção cênica da performance, performer e espectador são corresponsáveis. Tal pensamento emerge através de reflexões acerca das noções de performance, performatividade, teatro e teatralidade em articulação com o Modo Operativo AND proposto pelo artista João Fiadeiro e pela antropóloga Fernanda Eugénio.
AS RELAÇÕES ENTRE ARTE E VIDA EM LUKÁCS E VIGOTSKI
Authors: Assumpção Mariana de Cássia
Published: July 2014

O objetivo desse estudo é analisar as relações entre educação escolar e prática social na pedagogia histórico-crítica, adotando como referência as elaborações realizadas por Vigotski e Lukács acerca das relações entre arte e vida. Para tanto, utilizamos o método de pesquisa bibliográfica, cujas fontes principais são as obras de Vigotski e Lukács sobre arte.
JOSEPH BEUYS: uma investigação sobre modos de ação
Authors: Pereira Daniela Alves
Published: July 2014

O artigo é um recorte da atual pesquisa de mestrado intitulada A crise da noção de ação no teatro contemporâneo o as Aktionen de Joseph Beuys. A investigação recorre à aproximação entre o teatro e as práticas artísticas que aspiram a uma experiência com o “real", como a arte performática. Através das Aktionen, do artista alemão Joseph Beuys, pretende-se investigar elementos importantes para se repensar o processo criativo dos artistas que trafegam entre as áreas do teatro e da performance em relação à construção de uma ação expandida que possa ir além do campo da arte.
SORT1
Protective Allele Is Associated With Attenuated Postprandial
Authors: Connors Kimberly E. , Karlos Angela E. , Gnatiuk Elizabeth A. , Shearer Jane , Reimer Raylene A. , Hittel Dustin S.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Elevated levels of lipids and lipoproteins have strong genetic determinants and are recognized as key risk factors for atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease, particularly in the postprandial state. The aim of the study to determine whether young adults, when stratified by genotype at the rs646776 variant of the 1p13 locus, displayed differential postprandial responses to an oral fat tolerance test.

Methods and Results—

Participants (n=30) received a high-fat mixed meal (91 g; 55% kcal from fat) after an overnight fast and a fat-exclusion meal (3.9 g; 6% kcal from fat) at 8 hours postprandially. Blood samples were obtained at
t
=0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours for lipoprotein analyses via nuclear magnetic resonance profiling. Carriers of the minor, protective allele (TC/CC) displayed lower fasting (TC/CC, 30.1±3.0 nmol/L versus TT, 48.8±5.1 nmol/L;
P
<0.01) and mean postprandial (TC/CC, 44.2±3.1 nmol/L versus TT, 57.0±4.5 nmol/L;
P
=0.03) very low-density lipoprotein and chylomicron particle number in addition to triglyceride content when compared with individuals homozygous for the major, risk allele (TT).

Conclusions—

We report a novel association between the
SORT1
1p13 locus and extent of postprandial lipaemia. These results provide evidence of decreased exposure to atherogenic particles in carriers of the minor
SORT1
allele, suggesting relative protection against cardiovascular disease when compared with TT homozygotes.
First mature male record of Bathyraja schroederi Elasmobranchii, Arhynchobatidae) from the South Atlantic, with descriptions of its clasper and skeletal characters
Authors: STEHMANN MATTHIAS F.W. , POMPERT JOOST H.W.
Published: July 2014

The first mature male of Bathyraja schroederi (Krefft, 1968) is reported based on a single specimen caught by longline in nearly 2000 m depth at 53°S, 57°W in the Western South Atlantic. This is only the third record after the original description of this very rare deepwater skate that is mainly found in the southwestern Atlantic and with records off southern Chile. The hitherto unknown clasper and skeletal characters of this mature male are described here and compared with the original series of seven specimens. The mature male differs in some morphometrics and meristics from the exclusively female type specimens and shows in its clasper the peculiarity of large dorsal and ventral pseudosiphons.
Last instar larvae and pupae of Ourocnemis archytas and Anteros formosus (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), with a summary of known host plants for the tribe Helicopini
Authors: MOTA LUÍSA L. , KAMINSKI LUCAS A. , FREITAS ANDRÉ V. L.
Published: July 2014

Last instar larvae and pupae of Ourocnemis archytas (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) are described for the first time and compared with those of Anteros formosus, which are also described in detail. Last instars of both species present body covered with long white plumose setae, a row of orange balloon setae on the prothoracic shield, and clusters of perforated cupola organs (PCOs) near the spiracles; differences are the black cephalic capsule, the placement and format of balloon setae cluster, and the presence of enlarged black tips on some plumose setae. Pupae of O. archytas resemble that of Anteros, covered with the last instar setae and with no balloon setae. Characteristics of the immature stages of these two genera could be useful to establish the still unresolved relationship between them. A summary of the host plants of Helicopini is presented, showing a polyphagous pattern for Anteros, recorded in 21 host plant families, which contrasts with the specialized diet observed in Helicopis and Sarota.
Multivariate Probabilistic Analysis and Predictability of Medium-Range Ensemble Weather Forecasts
Authors: Keune Jessica , Ohlwein Christian , Hense Andreas
Published: July 2014

Ensemble weather forecasting has been operational for two decades now. However, the related uncertainty analysis in terms of probabilistic postprocessing still focuses on single variables, grid points, or stations. Inevitable dependencies in space and time and between variables are often ignored. To address this problem, two probabilistic postprocessing methods are presented, which are multivariate versions of Gaussian fit and kernel dressing, respectively. The multivariate case requires the estimation of a full rank, invertible covariance matrix. For this purpose, a Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operators (GLASSO) estimator has been employed that is based on sparse undirected graphical models regularized by an L1 penalty term in order to parameterize the full rank inverse covariance. In all cases, the result is a multidimensional probability density. The forecasts used to test the approach are station forecasts of 2-m temperature and surface pressure from four main global ensemble prediction systems (EPS) with medium-range weather forecasts: the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS), the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) Global Ensemble Prediction System (GEPS), and the ECMWF EPS. To evaluate the multivariate probabilistic postprocessing, especially the uncertainty estimates, common verification methods such as the analysis rank histogram and the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) are applied. Furthermore, a multivariate extension of the CRPS, the energy score, allows for the verification of a complete medium-range forecast as well as for determining its predictability. It is shown that the predictability is similar for all of the examined ensemble prediction systems, whereas the GLASSO proved to be a useful tool for calibrating the commonly observed underdispersion of ensemble forecasts during the first few lead days by using information from the full covariance matrix.
Designing Institutions to Support Local-Level Climate Change Adaptation: Insights from a Case Study of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System
Authors: Brugger Julie , Crimmins Michael
Published: July 2014

In light of global climate change, adaptation will be necessary at all levels of social organization. However, the adaptation literature emphasizes that because the impacts of climate change and vulnerability are locally specific, adaptation is inevitably local. In this paper, in order to inform the design of institutions that can encourage and support effective local-level adaptation, the authors derive principles for their design theoretically and use a case study to explore how these principles could be practically implemented. Ten design principles are synthesized from principles derived from reviews of the literatures on local-level adaptation, usable science, and boundary organizations. Bringing these three literatures together highlights the characteristics of boundary organizations that make them particularly valuable for addressing the challenges of local-level adaptation. The case study then illustrates how an existing boundary organization, The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System (CES), implements these principles in its organizational structure and in the daily practice of Extension professionals. It also highlights the significance of the CES’s existing social networks and social capital for facilitating their implementation. From the case study it is concluded that the CES is uniquely positioned to serve an important role in a national adaptation strategy for the United States in supporting local-level adaptation in urban and rural communities across the country.
Who owns urban waste? Appropriation conflicts in emerging countries
Authors: Cavé Jérémie
Published: July 2014

Managing solid waste in developing cities is not an easy task and many public policies have failed to bring the expected results. It is here argued that comprehending the solid waste handling in the South implies reconsidering the proper definition of waste. Where does the product end and where does rubbish begin? The answer to this question is far from being obvious. Solid waste appears as a blurred concept. Such a thorny issue is all the more relevant today, as municipal solid waste management approaches in the developing world are being reformulated: dumping sites are banned, sanitary landfills are imposed, and separate collection is being introduced. The current sector transformations are here analysed through a novel theoretical analysis combined with an original qualitative and quantitative empirical work.

Through two case-studies of one-million inhabitant cities from emerging countries, it is shown that if appropriation conflicts arise that is because the urban solid waste deposit in Southern countries can be defined as an impure public good. This issue does not only involve private service operators and informal wastepickers; several other actors covet the urban solid waste deposit’s cream, that is, recyclable items. In emerging countries, huge industrial groups are starting to target domestic recyclable waste as an alternative for raw materials, which costs are increasing ever more.
The adoption and use of through-life engineering services within UK manufacturing organisations
Authors: Redding LE , Tiwari A , Roy R , Phillips P , Shaw A
Published: July 2014

Manufacturing organisations seek ever more innovative approaches in order to maintain and improve their competitive position within the global market. One such initiative that is gaining significance is ‘through-life engineering services’. These seek to adopt ‘whole life’ service support through the greater understanding of component and system performance driven by knowledge gained from maintenance, repair and overhaul activities. This research presents the findings of exploratory research based on a survey of UK manufacturers who provide through-life engineering services. The survey findings illustrate significant issues to be addressed within the field before the concept becomes widely accepted. These include a more proactive approach to maintenance activities based on real-time responses; standardisation of data content, structure, collection, storage and retrieval protocols in support of maintenance; the development of clear definitions, ontologies and a taxonomy of through-life engineering services in support of the service delivery system; lack of understanding of component and system performance due to the presence of ‘No Fault Found’ events that skew maintenance metrics and the increased use of radio-frequency identification technology in support of maintenance data acquisition.
Modeling and optimization of equivalent plastic strain in equal-channel angular rolling using response surface methodology
Authors: Chari Reza Nemati , Kami Abdolvahed , Dariani Bijan Mollaei
Published: July 2014

The mechanical properties of metallic strips can be improved by producing an ultra-fine-grained microstructure. The equal-channel angular rolling process is a severe plastic deformation technique suitable for such a purpose. In this article, the effect of the equal-channel angular rolling parameters on the equivalent plastic strain is investigated and their optimum values are reported. The analysis is focused on the following parameters: thickness ratio ( K), die channel angle ( ϕ), die outer corner angle ( ψ), fillet radius ( r), friction coefficient between strip and rolls ( µ), and friction factor between strip and die ( m). Using a combination of the finite element modeling and the response surface methodology with central composite design, a simple and efficient quadratic model is developed to predict the equivalent plastic strain dependence on the equal-channel angular rolling process parameters. The analysis of variance is applied to assess the validity of the model and find the significant parameters. The results show that the die channel angle is the most significant parameter, while the friction coefficient between strip and rolls has no considerable effect on equivalent plastic strain. Moreover, the following optimum values of the parameters are obtained: K = 0.96, ϕ = 90.10°, ψ = 21.21°, r = 2.31 mm, µ = 0.20, and m = 0.19. An increase of about 14.86% in the equivalent plastic strain can be achieved by adopting these values for the process parameters.
Making equality relevant: Gender, housework, and sick leave legitimacy in online interaction
Authors: Flinkfeldt Marie
Published: July 2014

This article uses discursive psychology and conversation analysis to examine a Swedish online forum thread in which participants, who present as women on long-term sick leave, make gender equality relevant when discussing housework. Doing housework can challenge the legitimacy of the sick leave, and as a woman, one risks being categorized as a “housewife.” Such a categorization can work to undermine sick leave legitimacy and is also problematic given norms of gender equality in Sweden. In the studied data, such inferences are managed by invoking a (male) partner in accounts for housework or by humorous and ironic gendered categorizations. The analysis focuses on how this is done in the fine details of the interaction, showing how sick leave legitimacy is managed within a normative framework of gender equality. The study provides a practically oriented approach to the gendered aspects of sick leave legitimacy and sheds light on the delicate interplay between gender equality and sick leave in everyday life.
Collateral vessel number, plaque burden, and functional decline in peripheral artery disease
Authors: McDermott Mary M , Carr James , Liu Kiang , Kramer Christopher M , Yuan Chun , Tian Lu , Criqui Michael H , Guralnik Jack M , Ferrucci Luigi , Zhao Lihui , Xu Dongxiang , Kibbe Melina , Berry Jarett , Carroll Timothy J
Published: July 2014

Associations of collateral vessels and lower extremity plaque with functional decline are unknown. Among people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), we determined whether greater superficial femoral artery (SFA) plaque burden combined with fewer lower extremity collateral vessels was associated with faster functional decline, compared to less plaque and/or more numerous collateral vessels. A total of 226 participants with ankle–brachial index (ABI) <1.00 underwent magnetic resonance imaging of lower extremity collateral vessels and cross-sectional imaging of the proximal SFA. Participants were categorized as follows: Group 1 (best), maximum plaque area < median and collateral vessel number ≥6 (median); Group 2, maximum plaque area < median and collateral vessel number <6; Group 3, maximum plaque area > median and collateral vessel number ≥6; Group 4 (worst), maximum plaque area > median and collateral vessel number <6. Functional measures were performed at baseline and annually for 2 years. Analyses adjust for age, sex, race, comorbidities, and other confounders. Annual changes in usual-paced walking velocity were: Group 1, +0.01 m/s; Group 2, –0.02 m/s; Group 3, –0.01 m/s; Group 4, –0.05 m/s ( p-trend=0.008). Group 4 had greater decline than Group 1 ( p<0.001), Group 2 ( p=0.029), and Group 3 ( p=0.010). Similar trends were observed for fastest-paced 4-meter walking velocity ( p-trend=0.018). Results were not substantially changed when analyses were repeated with additional adjustment for ABI. However, there were no associations of SFA plaque burden and collateral vessel number with decline in 6-minute walk. In summary, a larger SFA plaque burden combined with fewer collateral vessels is associated with a faster decline in usual and fastest-paced walking velocity in PAD.
Cheating in Contests
Authors: Mohan Vijay , Hazari Bharat
Published: July 2014

We examine the impact of regulation on the doping decisions of athletes in a Tullock contest. The regulatory measures we consider are greater monitoring by sports authorities and a lowering of the prize in the contest. When legal efforts and illegal drugs are substitutes, an increase in anti-doping regulation may, counterintuitively, increase the levels of doping activity by athletes. Anti-doping regulation can also have the undesirable consequence of decreasing legal efforts; in our model, this always occurs when legal efforts and illegal drugs are complements, and under certain circumstances when they are substitutes.
A team approach to anterior lumbar spine surgery in the military
Authors: Dua Anahita , Fox Jennifer , Patel Bhavin , Martin Eric , Rosner Michael , Fox Charles J
Published: July 2014

We report a five year military experience with anterior retroperitoneal spine exposure combining vascular and neurosurgical spine teams. From August 2005 through April 2010 (56 months), hospital records from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Complications, estimated blood loss, transfusions, operative time and length of stay were documented. Eighty-four patients with lumbar spondylosis underwent primary (63, 75%) or secondary exposure (21, 25%) of a single- (66, 79%) or multilevel disc space (18, 21%). Median operative time and estimated blood loss were 127 minutes (range, 30–331 minutes) and 350 mL (range, 0–2940 mL). The overall complication rate was 23.8%. Postoperative complications included six blood transfusions (7%), three patients with retrograde ejaculation (3.57%) or surgical site infection; two with a prolonged ileus (2.38%) or ventral hernia and one each with a bowel obstruction (1, 1.19%), deep venous thrombosis or lymphocele. All-cause mortality was 1%. In conclusion, a team approach can minimize complications while offering the technical benefits and durability of an anterior approach to the lumbar spine.
Dietary and Supplement Intake of HIV-Infected Children and Young Adults
Authors: Frank Laura B. , Schall Joan I. , Samuel Julia , Zemel Babette S. , Dougherty Kelly A , Tuluc Florin , Rutstein Richard M. , Stallings Virginia A.
Published: July 2014

Objective. To describe the dietary intake of HIV-infected urban children and young adults and to evaluate their diet quality. Methods. Participants were children and youth with both perinatally and behaviorally acquired HIV infection participating in a study of vitamin D supplementation. Data collected included dietary intake, anthropometrics, and HIV status, with medical history abstracted from participants’ medical records. Results. Of 55 participants, 38 were male, 46 were African American, with a mean age of 20.7 ± 3.8 years. Growth and nutritional status were comparable to reference norms. Only 22% either met or exceeded their estimated energy requirement at low-active and 40% at sedentary activity levels. Fiber, potassium, and intakes of vitamins D and E were <50% of recommended dietary allowance/adequate intake (RDA/AI), whereas vitamins A and K, choline, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were ≤75% of RDA/AI. Sodium intake exceeded the dietary reference intake upper limit in 92%. Vitamin D intake was significantly and positively associated with CD4% HIV status indicator. Conclusion. Dietary intake was inadequate for multiple micronutrients, particularly vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Overall poor dietary quality was observed (in terms of intake of sodium, sugar, saturated fat, cholesterol, and fiber). Participants had high rates of overweight and obesity. These dietary and body weight concerns were similar to those seen in healthy American peers. The vitamin D intake and immunological status correlation deserves further investigation. HIV-infected individuals may benefit from routine dietary assessment and counseling.
Polymer-based nanopiezoelectric generators for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Crossley S. , Whiter R. A. , Kar-Narayan S.
Published: July 2014

Energy harvesting from ambient vibrations originating from sources such as moving parts of machines, fluid flow and even body movement, has enormous potential for small power applications, such as wireless sensors, flexible, portable and wearable electronics, and bio-medical implants, to name a few. Nanoscale piezoelectric energy harvesters, also known as nanogenerators (NGs), can directly convert small scale ambient vibrations into electrical energy. Scavenging power from ubiquitous vibrations in this way offers an attractive route to provide power to small devices, which would otherwise require direct or indirect connection to electrical power infrastructure. Ceramics such as lead zirconium titanate and semiconductors such as zinc oxide are the most widely used piezoelectric energy harvesting materials. This review focuses on a different class of piezoelectric materials, namely, ferroelectric polymers, such as polyvinlyidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers. These are potentially superior energy harvesting materials as they are flexible, robust, lightweight, easy and cheap to fabricate, as well as being lead free and biocompatible. We review some of the theoretical and experimental aspects of piezoelectric energy recovery using Polymer-based NGs with a novel emphasis on coupling to mechanical resonance, which is relevant for efficient energy harvesting from typically low frequency (<1 kHz) ambient vibrations. The realisation of highly efficient and low cost piezoelectric polymer NGs with reliable energy harvesting performance could lead to wide ranging energy solutions for the next generation of autonomous electronic and wireless devices.
Dislocation slip distance during compression of Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloy with additions of Ti–Zr–V
Authors: Shaha S. K. , Czerwinski F. , Chen D. L. , Kasprzak W.
Published: July 2014

The plastic deformation behaviour of the Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloy with micro-additions of Zr–V–Ti was measured in the temperature range of 298–673 K and the true stress–true strain compression curves were used to calculate the dislocation slip distance (DSD). A new constitutive equation for the temperature dependent DSD was developed, based on Mott's theory of strain hardening. The DSD predicted by the model was in good agreement not only with values achieved for the Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloy tested but also for other Al based and Pb–Sb alloys with deformation data available in the literature. A comparison of deformation and microstructure suggests that the grain refinement during hot compression deformation occurring due to continuous dynamic recrystallisation is responsible for a drastic growth of the DSD.
Venous thromboembolism after total joint arthroplasty: results from a Japanese multicenter cohort study
Authors: Migita Kiyoshi , Bito Seiji , Nakamura Mashio , Miyata Shigeki , Saito Masanobu , Kakizaki Hirosi , Nakayama Yuichiro , Matsusita Tomohiro , Furuichi Itaru , Sasazaki Yoshihiro , Tanaka Takaaki , Yoshida Mamoru , Kaneko Hironori , Abe Isao , Mine Takatomo , Ihara Kazuhiko , Kuratsu Shigeyuki , Saisho Koichiro , Miyahara Hisaaki , Segata Tateki , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Kamei Masataka , Torigoshi Takafumi , Motokawa Satoru
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Real-world evidence of the effectiveness of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is limited. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylactic regimens in Japanese patients undergoing joint replacement in a real-world setting.

Method

Overall, 1,294 patients (1,073 females and 221 males) who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 868 patients (740 females and 128 males) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 34 Japanese national hospital organization (NHO) hospitals were enrolled. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detected by mandatory bilateral ultrasonography up to post-operative day (POD) 10 and pulmonary embolism (PE) up to POD28. The main safety outcomes were bleeding (major or minor) and death from any cause up to POD28.

Results

Patients undergoing TKA (n = 1,294) received fondaparinux (n = 360), enoxaparin (n = 223), unfractionated heparin (n = 72), anti-platelet agents (n = 45), or no medication (n = 594). Patients undergoing THA (n = 868) received fondaparinux (n = 261), enoxaparin (n = 148), unfractionated heparin (n = 32), anti-platelet agents (n = 44), or no medication (n = 383). The incidence rates of sonographically diagnosed DVTs up to POD10 were 24.3% in patients undergoing TKA and 12.6% in patients undergoing THA, and the incidence rates of major bleeding up to POD28 were 1.2% and 2.3%, respectively. Neither fatal bleeding nor fatal pulmonary embolism occurred. Significant risk factors for postoperative VTE identified by multivariate analysis included gender (female) in both TKA and THA groups and use of a foot pump in the TKA group. Only prophylaxis with fondaparinux reduced the occurrence of VTE significantly in both groups. Propensity score matching analysis (fondaparinux versus enoxaparin) showed that the incidence of DVT was lower (relative risk 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.85, P = 0.002 in TKA and relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.99, P = 0.134 in THA) but that the incidence of major bleeding was higher in the fondaparinux than in the enoxaparin group (3.4% versus 0.5%, P = 0.062 in TKA and 4.9% versus 0%, P = 0.022 in THA).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that prophylaxis with fondaparinux, not enoxaparin, reduces the risk of DVT but increases bleeding tendency in patients undergoing TKA and THA.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000001366. Registered 11 September 2008.
Influence of molecular genetics in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Ng Joanne YW , Luk Fiona OJ , Lai Timothy YY , Pang Chi-Pui
Published: July 2014

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder against melanocytes. Recent studies have identified multiple genetic factors that might be associated with the pathogenesis of VKH disease. We performed an electronic database search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, and all relevant papers published up to 13 June 2014 were reviewed. A total of 1,031 publications including articles relevant to the genetics of VKH disease and the references of these articles were reviewed. The review identified a number of genetic factors which might be involved in the pathogenesis of VKH disease, some of which may alter the clinical course of VKH disease. Genes which might be involved in the pathogenesis of VKH disease included genes expressing HLA, complement factor H, interleukins, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1), protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22), osteopontin, tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and other immune response genes. Further studies to explore the correlation among different genotypes and phenotypes of VKH disease will be useful to shed light on the pathogenesis of uveitis in VKH disease and may facilitate the development of new treatment modalities of uveitis in VKH disease.
Automatic generation of 3D geophysical models using curvatures derived from airborne gravity gradient data
Authors: Cevallos Carlos
Published: July 2014

A method for automatic 3D model generation derived from airborne gravity gradient data was illustrated. The proposed method computed a volumetric distribution of curvatures that form a 3D image of possible density distributions. The method relies on spectral analysis and the equivalence of the power spectra of the classical mean and differential curvatures of equipotential surfaces to create pseudodepth slices of a quantity that describes the geometry of the surfaces: the shape index. The method was carried out in three steps. First, the pseudodepth slices of the vertical gravity gradient and the magnitude of the differential curvature components were generated. Second, equivalent pseudodepth slices of the shape index were generated. Finally, 3D interpolation was carried out to obtain the final model. The synthetic model data indicated that the vertical density contrasts were well modeled. A 3D model derived from FALCON airborne gravity gradiometer data from the Canning Basin, Australia, was compared to an independently interpreted integrated 3D earth geologic model.
Deletion of ENTPD3 does not impair nucleotide hydrolysis in primary somatosensory neurons or spinal cord
Authors: McCoy Eric , Street Sarah , Taylor-Blake Bonnie , Yi Jason , Edwards Martin , Wightman Mark , Zylka Mark
Published: July 2014

Ectonucleotidases are membrane-bound or secreted proteins that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides.  Recently, we identified three ectonucleotidases that hydrolyze extracellular adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine in primary somatosensory neurons.  Currently, it is unclear which ectonucleotidases hydrolyze ATP and ADP in these neurons.  Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ENTPDs) comprise a class of enzymes that dephosphorylate extracellular ATP and ADP.  Here, we found that ENTPD3 (also known as NTPDase3 or CD39L3) was located in nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and in free nerve endings in the skin.  To determine if ENTPD3 contributes directly to ATP and ADP hydrolysis in these tissues, we generated and characterized an Entpd3 knockout mouse.  This mouse lacks ENTPD3 protein in all tissues examined, including the DRG, spinal cord, skin, and bladder.  However, DRG and spinal cord tissues from Entpd3-/- mice showed no reduction in histochemical staining when ATP, ADP, AMP, or UTP were used as substrates.  Additionally, using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), adenosine production was not impaired in the dorsal spinal cord of Entpd3-/- mice when the substrate ADP was applied.  Further, Entpd3-/- mice did not differ in nociceptive behaviors when compared to wild-type mice, although Entpd3-/- mice showed a modest reduction in β-alanine-mediated itch.  Taken together, our data indicate that deletion of Entpd3 does not impair ATP or ADP hydrolysis in primary somatosensory neurons or in dorsal spinal cord.  Moreover, our data suggest there could be multiple ectonucleotidases that act redundantly to hydrolyze nucleotides in these regions of the nervous system.
Two-Stage Decomposition Algorithms for Single Product Maritime Inventory Routing
Authors: Papageorgiou Dimitri J. , Keha Ahmet B. , Nemhauser George L. , Sokol Joel
Published: July 2014

We present two decomposition algorithms for single product deep-sea maritime inventory routing problems (MIRPs) that possess a core substructure common in many real-world applications. The problem involves routing vessels, each belonging to a particular vessel class, between loading and discharging ports, each belonging to a particular region. Our algorithms iteratively solve a MIRP by zooming out and then zooming in on the problem. Specifically, in the “zoomed out” phase, we solve a first-stage master problem in which aggregate information about regions and vessel classes is used to route vessels between regions, while only implicitly considering inventory and capacity requirements, berth limits, and other side constraints. In the “zoomed in” phase, we solve a series of second-stage subproblems, one for each region, in which individual vessels are routed through each region and load and discharge quantities are determined. Computational experience shows that an integrated approach that combines these two algorithms is vastly superior to solving the problem directly with a commercial mixed-integer programming solver.
Sticking with What (Barely) Worked: A Test of Outcome Bias
Authors: Lefgren Lars , Platt Brennan , Price Joseph
Published: July 2014

Outcome bias occurs when an evaluator considers ex post outcomes when judging whether a choice was correct ex ante. We formalize this cognitive bias in a simple model of distorted Bayesian updating. We then examine strategy changes made by professional basketball coaches. We find that they are more likely to revise their strategy after a loss than a win—even for narrow losses, which are uninformative about team effectiveness. This increased strategy revision following a loss occurs even when a loss was expected and even when failure is due to factors beyond the team's control. These results are consistent with our model's predictions.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1966 .

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, judgment and decision making.
Biodiversity of Insect Larvae in Streams at Jobolarangan Forest
Authors: MAHAJOENO EDWI , EFENDI MANAN , ARDIANSYAH ARDIANSYAH
Published: July 2014

Insect larvae are macro-invertebrate that becomes the most perfect indicator of aquatic-environmental health. Natural streams usually determined by its insect-larvae community in a good condition, in which their taxonomic diversity and richness are high. The objective of the research was to know the taxonomic diversity and richness of insect-larvae family in streams at Jobolarangan forest. The larvae were sampled using net-surber (dip-net) in three location of streams, i.e.: Parkiran (1773 m asl.), Mrutu (1875 m asl.), and Air Terjun (1600 m asl.). The screened insect-larvae were grouped its family and counted their individual number. The diversity was counted using Shanon-Weiner diversity indices. In this research was found 12 families of insect-larvae consisted of two families of Odonata order, 3 families of Coleopteran order, and a family of Lepidoptera. Nine families identified, while the three insect-larvae i.e. 2 of Coleoptera and 1 of Lepidoptera were not identified yet. The Parkiran station indicated the highest diversity index of 0.1436.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: insect-larvae, diversity, streams, Jobolarangan
Plants Biodiversity of Jobolarangan Forest Mount Lawu: 2. Spermatophyta
Authors: SUTARNO SUTARNO , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI , IRIANTO SUHAR , KUSUMANINGRUM APRIANA
Published: July 2014

The objectives of the research were to make: (1) a list of Spermatophyte plants at Jobolarangan forest in mount Lawu, and (2) the ecological and the economical benefits of the plants. All Spermatophyte plants on the forest were studied. The research procedures were including species collection in the field, make up herbaria, morphological observations in the laboratory, and interview to residents and government administrations. The results showed that in the forest were found 142 species Spermatophyte plants, in which 126 species of 54 family were identified, consisting of 78 species of herbs, 26 species of bushes, and 21 species of trees. Ecological benefits of the plants were hydrological regulation, keep out landslide and erosions etc., however economical benefits of the plants were log, firewood, charcoal, honey bee, medicinal plants, etc.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: biodiversity, Spermatophyte plants, Jobolarangan forest, mount Lawu.
REVIEW: Possibilities of Mount Lawu to be a National Park
Authors: SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: July 2014

National Park is an area of natural conservation that having indigenous ecosystem managed with zonation system and can be utilized for education, research, crop development and recreation. This concept seems still to be the most suitable technique for biodiversity conservation, and can be applied in Indonesia, where the high biodiversity richness taken place. Mount Lawu and surrounding areas are ideal location to be developed in to National Park. This is due to all criteria needed such as: the width was mare than 10.000 ha, the natural ecosystem and endemic species are still existing, having ancient sites, spiritual and aesthetic value; having typical physiography and physiognomy, as well as the high chance of developing tourism industries. Jobolarangan area is a natural ecosystem that represents the whole ecosystem and problems of Lawu Mountains. This area having quite high diversity and richness consisted of plants, animals and microbes. That development of National Park at Mount Lawu need to be supported by the formation of biodiversity conservation centers, i.e. botanical garden, wild live sanctuary, agro-tourism park, etc., so that becomes an integrated biodiversity conservation area.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: biodiversity, Jobolarangan, mount Lawu
Polyploid induction of Allium ascalonicum L. by colchicine
Authors: SUMINAH SUMINAH , SUTARNO SUTARNO , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: July 2014

The low production rate of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) in Indonesia could be caused by rarely excellent cultivars.Colchicine was one of the mutation agents frequently used in plant breeding in order to get polyploidy of cultivars. The aim of this research was to find out the differentiation of morphometric evidences and ploidy of shallot chromosomesinduced by colchicines 1%. Preparation was made by squash method and stained by acetocarmine. The results indicated that the amount, length and shape of chromosomes altered by the application of the agent. The polyploids produced could be grouped into tetraploids, pentaploids, hexaploids, octaploids, and nonaploids.Â© 2002 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey Words: chromosome, polyploids, Allium ascalonicum L., colchicines.