bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Termination Clauses for Leasing Contracts with APR Cap
Authors: Quattrocchio Luciano , Tibiletti Luisa , Uberti Mariacristina
Published: December 2018

Terminating a leasing contract early may entail the payment of additional charges attributable to penalty and late payment costs. The occurrence of these extra charges push the lease effective Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up. The aim of this note is to discuss the contract early termination extra charge conditions which guarantee the no exceedance of a given APR threshold, whenever the contract expires. In the event the contract provides the lessee the option to terminate the lease prior to the first payment, extra charges shoot APR extraordinarily up and so the penalty costs should be set at zero. In the occurrence that the contract terminates upon the first payment date due to lessee’s exercise of the early termination option, the most severe compliance conditions are those if the termination occurs at the first payment date. If the early termination occurs for lessee’s insolvency, the most severe compliance condition is at correspondence of the first admissible date of the contract redemption for insolvency after a minimum number of unpaid payments. The late payment cost compliance condition requires only that the late payment interest rate not exceeds the given APR cap. Our findings hold whatever the payback amortization is set at the date of entering into the contract. If the French amortization (fixed installments) is used, the compliance constrains turn out looser than those valid for a general amortization.
Meat Quality of Goats Fed Hay, Sorghum Bagasse and Standard Diets
Authors: Olajide Adebamikale , Sismour Edward , Xu Yixiang , Yousuf Adnan
Published: December 2018

A study was conducted to determine effects of feeding hay (HAY), sorghum bagasse (SOB) and standard Virginia State University diet for small ruminants (STA) on the physiochemical and fatty acid profile of goat meat. Sixteen Myotonic (Tennessee Stiff Leg) male goats with body weight (BW) of 21.6±3.0 kg were divided into three groups and subjected to one of three dietary treatments for 76 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the animals were harvested and the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle samples analyzed to evaluate meat quality. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in initial pH (pH0) measured at 45 min post-harvest and ultimate pH (pHu) measured at 72 h postmortem. HAY and SOB diets did not affect (P > 0.05) water binding capacity (WBC), instrumental meat color (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), C* (Chroma), and H* (Hue Angle), and tenderness, as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Chemical composition and fatty acid profile were also not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). The findings of this study support the use of HAY and SOB as supplemental diet during times of feed shortages without impacting major meat quality characteristics in goats.
Initial Development of Safflower Submitted to Irrigation Water Salinity Levels
Authors: Fenner William , Bonfim-Silva Edna Maria , Silva Tonny José Araújo da , Martinez Túlio Santos , Castañon Thiago Henrique Ferreira Matos , Dourado Luana Gláup Araújo
Published: December 2018

Safflower cultivation is an alternative to tropical cropping systems, with a good rusticity and some tolerance to saline stress in some cultivars. With the increase of irrigated areas around the world, salinization of the soil is an inherent concern, being the management of irrigation and cultivated species fundamental. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and initial development of safflower culture submitted to irrigation water salinity levels. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design consisting of five irrigation water salinity levels (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m-1) and six replications. The saline solution was prepared using NaCl and measured with a conductivity meter. Plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter at 26 and 41 days after emergence, and shoot dry weight were evaluated; root volume; root dry mass; total dry mass and dry root/shoot mass ratio at 41 days after plant emergence. There was no visual influence of salinity levels in the evaluations at 26 days after plant emergence. However, 41 days after plant emergence, the increase in salinity levels promoted a decrease in all analyzed variables, except for root volume. Safflower does not tolerate irrigation with saline water. The damages occur from 2 dS m-1, but the largest reductions in the initial development of safflower occur from 6 to 8 dS m-1.
Determination of Microbiological Quality and Chlorophyll Levels Lettuce Grown Hydroponically With Wastewater
Authors: Xavier J. de F. , Azevedo C. A. V. de , Azevedo M. R. de Q. A. , Lima V. L. A. , Neto J. Dantas , Santos S. A. dos
Published: December 2018

The study aimed to determine the microbiological quality for coliform in three lettuce cultivars grown hydroponically with optimized solutions. The study was conducted in a protected environment and driven in a hydroponic system adopting the technique of laminar flow nutrientes-NFT, on the premises of the State University of Paraíba-Campus II in Lagoa Seca, PB having the following coordinates: 7°10′15″S; 35°51′14″W. The experimental design was a randomized block with a split-plot treatment in 7 × 3 factorial, with three replicates whose factors were 7 hydroponic solutions with three lettuce cultivars. The optimized solutions were formulated taking as reference the nutrient solution Furlani. The plot was constituted by nutrient solution (S). S1 = Furlani solution; S2 = domestic wastewater; S3 = optimized domestic wastewater; S4 = well water; S5 = optimized well water; S6 = wastewater from the UASB reactor and S7 = optimized wastewater from the UASB reactor and as for the subplot the three lettuce cultivars (Thais, Vanda and Veronica). In none of the samples of the three lettuce cultivars in the first experiment did the microbiological quality increase at 45°C, by the Most Probable Number (MPN) table, when the tube combination was 0-0-0, that is, without growth in none of the tubes, it is assumed that the MPN is less than 1.8 μg. ll samples were considered acceptable for the microbiological standard of thermotolerant coliforms at 45 °C/g. The leaf chlorophyll content is positively correlated with the N content in the plant.
Phosphate Fertilization Reduces the Severity of Asian Soybean Rust Under High Disease Pressure
Authors: Mochko Ana Claudia R. , Zambolim Laércio , Parreira Douglas F.
Published: December 2018

Mineral nutrition of plants is a strategy that can be used in the management of plant diseases. Therefore, the objective of this work is to determine which phosphorus dose reduces the severity of Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) with or without chemical control. Two trials were conducted under field conditions with six P doses (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/dm³), and two trials in 100 L pots at P doses 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/dm3. The inoculation of border rows and inoculation directly on plants in pots was performed with 105/mL of fungus urediniospores 15 days before the application of fungicide to increase the disease pressure. The application of fungicide (azoxystrobin + ciproconazole) was carried out at the R1 stage, and afterwards the mixture was reapplied three times in chemical control treatments. The results showed that the application of triazol + strobilurin fungicides in the presence of P decreased the severity of the disease (area under disease progress curve and disease infection rate) greater than in the absence of the fungicides. The productivity and levels of chlorophyll a, b and total also increased with chemical control in the presence of P. The dose 400 mg/dm3 of P was the most efficient in a soil with a low fertility, and 200 mg/dm³ was efficient in a soil with a high fertility. In conclusion the application of the fungicides triazol + strobilurin was very important to get good control of Asian soybean rust; phosphate fertilization contributed to the amelioration of Asian soybean rust.
Anthropic Impacts on Microbiota and Chemical Properties of Cerrado Soil Through Soybean Cultivation
Authors: Henrique J. , Luz J. M. R. da , Carvalho J. J. , Silva J. G. D. , Silva J. E. C. , Santos E. A. dos
Published: December 2018

Population growth and improved gross domestic product may increase food consumption. Soybean is the main source of protein, lipids and mineral salts for human and domestic animals’ foods. Brazil is responsible of most of the soybeans produced in the world. However, soybean production in Tocantins/Brazil state caused a decrease in the Cerrado’s biome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropic impact of planting of soybean on microbial and physical-chemical properties of Cerrado’s soil. Soil samples were collected in three soybean farms (SF) of the Tocantins/Brazil state. They were collected in the soybean field, in native vegetation field, and in anthropogenic fragmentation area in the dry and wet seasons. The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Regardless of the SF, physico-chemical indicators did not present significant differences between the seasons. The DGGE profiles of NFB and AMF genes were different between the soybean field and native vegetation field in both seasons. The viable cells counts and NFBs and AMFs diversity were influenced by the substitution of native vegetation for soybean. The increase of the agricultural production in Cerrado soil is worrisome, due to the endemic microorganisms that was observed in this study. In addition, anthropic action on the microbial community was more effective in the soybean field during the dry season, which showed the importance of maintaining an environmental reserve area within agricultural production units.
Farmers Status, Knowledge & Management Practices on Major Chickpea Insect Pests in Some Selected Zones of Ethiopia
Authors: Fite Tarekegn , Tefera Tadele , Negeri Mulugeta , Negeri Mulugeta , Legesse Hirpa
Published: December 2018

Survey were undertaken in five zones of Oromiya and Amhara regional states, Ethiopia from February to March 2018 to investigate farmers’ status, knowledge, major chickpea production constraints and insect pest management practices of chickpea. The survey involved 293 randomly taken farmers, who are interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Chickpea insect pests were considered as the main, among production constraints of chickpea by most of the interviewed farmers in Ethiopia. The majority of the farmers’ responded that Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is the most prevalent insect pests of chickpea under field condition and Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in storage. Development Agents (DAs) were the top pest advisory service providers in the current study. A conventional insecticide (namely; Lambda-cyhalotrin and Dimethoate) for the control of H. armigera was the most commonly used pest management methods. Moreover, Two times insecticide applications per cropping season were the most frequent, deployed by most of the interviewed farmers followed by cultural pest management practices. Use of biological control and resistant chickpea varieties against major insect pests were low to negligible in the current survey study in the area. The majority of the farmers began control decision when H. armigera larval stages were smaller and they did not consider larval number per chickpea plant for the decision. These results will be used to formulate future effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) in chickpea for Ethiopian farmers emphasizing ecologically and economically-based approaches.
Coating Guava Postharvest With the Use of Starch of Tamarind Seed and Pomegranate Seed Oil
Authors: Onias Elny A. , Araújo Railene H. C. R. , Queiroga Thais B. de , Teodosio Albert E. M. de M. , Onias Eliane A. , Ferreira Ana P. N. , Rodrigues Marília H. B. S. , Santos Adriana da S. , Oliveira Ágda M. F. de , Medeiros Maria L. da S.
Published: December 2018

The effect of coatings with different concentrations of tamarind seed starch associated with pomegranate seed oil in ‘Paluma’ guava was investigated in the present work. The fruits were harvested from an orchard in the morning, packed in containers previously lined with paper, and transported to a laboratory, where they were selected, washed, sanitized, and separated at random for the application of each treatment. The experiment design used was completely randomized, in the 6 × 6 factorial scheme, six coatings and six evaluation periods, with 3 replicates made up of 2 fruits. The treatments were: T1 (control or reference sample), without coating; T2 (0.24 mL of pomegranate seed oil/mL of coating); T3 (2% tamarind starch); T4 (1% tamarind starch); T5 (2% of tamarind starch); T6 (3% tamarind starch), T4, T5 and T6 were associated with 0.24 mL/mL of the pomegranate seed oil. The treatments were applied under immersion of the fruits in the solutions and then stored in a refrigerated chamber at 10±2 °C and 80±5% RH, and the evaluations were performed at intervals of 3 days to 12 days of storage. Due to the maintenance of the quality of the fruits, and without sufficient material, it was decided to extend storage time until the 21 days. Thus, the analyses were performed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 21 days with evaluations at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 21 days. The T6 treatment (3% tamarind starch + 0.24 mL/mL pomegranate seed oil) was more efficient regarding luminosity (L*) of the fruits and delaying color development , expressed by the values of C*, also showing the higher retention in the loss of firmness, lower mass loss and lower soluble solids content, suggesting that this treatment possibly inhibited the degradation of polysaccharides, delaying the ripening process of the fruits.
Changes in Root Architecture After Amino Acid Application in a Soybean Crop
Authors: Teixeira Walquíria F. , Fagan Evandro B. , Soares Luís H. , Cabral Ellen M. A. , Dourado-Neto Durval
Published: December 2018

Improving the root system favors better plant growth, since it promotes water and nutrient absorption, resulting in higher plant yield. In this respect, the use of products for this purpose has become promising. Applying amino acids has benefitted the root system of Arabidopsis and in some vegetables; however, little is known about their influence on soybean plants. As such, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of applying amino acids to seeds and leaves on the root architecture of soybean plants. Effects of amino acids such as glutamate, cysteine, glycine and phenylalanine on the main root length (MRL), total root length (TRL), projected area (PA), root volume (RV), number of secondary roots (NSR), secondary root length (SRL) and number of tertiary roots (NTR) were evaluated. All the amino acids studied improved root architecture. Seed-applied cysteine increased TRL by 55%, in relation to control. When applied on leaves, it raised TRL by 27% and MRL by 69%, compared to control. Applying glycine to seeds increased MRL by 54%, PA by 69%, RV by 96% and NTR by 119%, all in relation to control. Thus, amino acids enhanced the architecture of soybean roots. However, glutamate, glycine and phenylalanine produced better responses when applied to seeds, and cysteine, when applied to leaves. All of these changes may help roots absorb more water and nutrients, thereby raising crop yield.
Phytoregulators and Explant Size in the in vitro Culture of Malva sylvestris
Authors: Oliveira Leyza Paloschi de , Freire Cassio Geremia , Werner Simone Silmara , Boff Mari Inês Carissimi , Boff Pedro
Published: December 2018

In vitro propagation of plants makes it possible to accelerate the process of plant multiplication, the study of secondary metabolite production and the cultivation of biotrophic fungi. The objective of this work was to study the combination of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and benzylaminopurine (BAP) and explant sizes in in vitro multiplication of M. sylvestris. Five concentrations of BAP (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg L-1) and two of IAA (0 and 0.5 mg L-1) were used in explants of 4 to 9 mm and of 14 to 23 mm. Contaminated explants, oxidation, establishment, relative growth rate (RGR), sprouting, rooting and callus formation were evaluated. There was no interaction effect between BAP and IAA concentrations. At 28 days, explants were established at 32.76% and callus formation was 62.5% for explants associated with 0.0 mg L-1 of IAA. There was 32.14% establishment and 63.79% callus formation at 0.5 mg L-1 of IAA. Bacterial contamination at 28 days was 60.53%, twice as much the amount found at 14 days, suggesting that the explants presented endogenous contamination. It was found that explant size influences the subsequent meristematic development. The use of smaller explants (4 to 9 mm) allowed greater formation of calli and larger explants (14 to 23 mm) allowed greater formation of shoots. In conclusion, larger explants are preferable for production of M. sylvestris in vitro by organogenesis while smaller ones are preferable for embryogenesis.
Physiological, Histological, and Molecular Analyses of Avocado Mesocarp Fatty Acids During Fruit Development
Authors: Ge Yu , Dong Xiangshu , Wu Bin , Xu Zining , Zhou Zhaoxi , Lin Xinge , Wang Jiasui , Zang Xiaoping , Ma Weihong
Published: December 2018

Fatty acids are important components of the avocado mesocarp, so a better understanding of how their change during fruit development will contribute to improving the quality of avocado fruits and their nutritional value. The changes in fatty acids, lipid droplets, and expression of some key genes and regulators participating in late glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis were analyzed at different stages of the development of avocado mesocarp. The total fatty acid contents of the avocado mesocarp increased during fruit development, with an increase by a factor of seven (from 1,628.04 to 11,116.30 mg/100 g dry weight) in the late stage of fruit maturation, this was confirmed by the changes observed in the lipid droplets. The composition of the main fatty acids varied at four developmental stages of fruit development. Palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic acid contents generally increased during fruit development, reaching maxima at Harvest, with percentages of total fatty acids of 50%, 9%, 31%, and 8%, respectively. Meanwhile, the amount of PaWRI1, PaACP4-2, and PapPK-β1 expressed consistently increased by up to 4-fold during fruit development. This comprehensive analysis has indicated that the changes in the expressions of PaWRI1, PaACP4-2, and PapPK-β1 were consistent with those in the total fatty acid contents, so they might have key roles in the accumulation of oil in the avocado mesocarp.
The Applications of Mathematics and Modular Art in the Education of Interior Design
Authors: Hussein Mayyadah Fahmi
Published: December 2018

The new learning processes should be piloted therefore; Interior design schools should be updated according to the results of progress in teaching methods. For this reason, the objective of this study is to define the formulation of a mixed learning model for mathematics applications and technical models within the interior educational system. This paper’s main objective is to find explanations of incorporating the cotemporary interior design within the Mathematics & Modular art content, and to seek modern solutions featuring as new methods. This paper was carried out by experimental procedure in University of Petra/Department of Interior Design based on basic design courses in the academic years 2011-2012 where the researcher took a sample of ten student forms based on the models which were chosen in this experiment combining both difficulty & ease. The students have completed these ten shapes by altering mathematical approach (Latin square) to create a new pattern design. Art with Mathematical approaches have been applied in different practical applications as a basic design tool, and conclusions have been reached on the merits of the design. The advantages and disadvantages of teaching interior design have been introduced from Art & mathematical perspective as a method of design based on the results found during the practical applications of basic design projects and from information in publications on the subject. Relying on these proposed models, the proposals will constantly develop design tools. In conclusion, educating future designers to digest the essence of these approaches will make it possible to train professionals who correctly use and understand the developed technologies that can create futuristic designs.
Epidemiology of Candida colonization in medical surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India
Authors: AZİM Afzal , AHMED Armin , BARONİA Arvind Kumar , YADAV Reema , SHARMA Preeti , MARAK Rungmei S. K.
Published: December 2018

Objective: Invasive candidiasis is associated with increased

morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Current study was undertaken

to study the colonization trend in critically ill patients admitted to a

medical /surgical ICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methodology: Data for the current study has been derived from a

larger database generated for external validation of risk prediction scores for

invasive candidiasis conducted in a 12 bedded medical/surgical ICU of a

tertiary care hospital of North India. Non neutropenic adult patients with

>48 hours of ICU stay were included in the study. Colonization surveillance

samples were collected from oral cavity, endotracheal aspirates, axilla,

perineum and urine at the time of admission and then on 3rd, 7th,

14th and 21st day of ICU stay. Blood culture samples were

taken at admission and then as per physician’s discretion.

Results:

Total 200 patients were enrolled from July 2013 to November 2014. Ninety five

percent patients were colonized with Candida

either at admission or during their stay in ICU. The most common species

responsible for colonization was Candida

glabrata (27%) followed by C.

tropicalis (20.5%) and C. auris

(18%). Seventeen patients developed Candida

blood stream infection. C. tropicalis

was the most common species causing candidemia. C.auris was most frequent

colonizer of axilla (54.2%), while rectal swabs had high growth of C. glabrata (44.9%).

Conclusion: Our study population had high rate of Candida colonization. C. glabrata was the most common

colonizer followed by C. tropicalis.  J

Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(4):147-152.
Validação do modelo Ceres-Rice para a cultivar IRGA 424 no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Dockhorn Wendler De Almeida , Moreira Virnei Silva , Zimmer Tamíres , Roberti Débora Regina , Maldaner Silvana
Published: December 2018

The objective of this paper was to calibrate and validate the CERES-Rice model in relation to the productivity estimate for the cultivar IRGA 424 in Rio Grande do Sul, using only information found in the literature. CERES-Rice is a model that simulates the development and productivity of a cultivar. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to obtain the genetic coefficients of the cultivar through the calibration process. The genetic coefficients describe the behavior of the plant in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. The GENCALC module present in the DSSAT was used for the calibration. After the calibration process with 30% of the assembled experiments, the validation was performed in the others. The results for productivity were considered acceptable, since most of the values were below 15%, only one of the results showed an error of 16,88%. Note that the model did not consider neither phenological stages nor fertilization or water issues in the calibration and validation process.
Estudo das máximas e mínimas colunas totais de NO2 sobre a região nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Calado Paulo Antunes Dias Pereira , Mariano Glauber Lopes , Mariano Ericka Voss Chagas
Published: December 2018

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas emitted from anthropogenic sources directly into the atmosphere, with the most relevant being automotive vehicles. In this work were used the  softwares Erdas Imagine, GRADS and R with data obtained from the NASA Geovanni platform (available at http://giovanni.gsfc.nasa.gov/giovanni/) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) sensor located on the satellite AURA. In the data series, averages, minimum and maximum were used to observe and identify the areas with the highest concentration of NO2 in the Northeast region and the behavior of the pollutant on the same region. Among the maximum values identified in each of the months, nine occurred in Bahia including the maximum value of the whole series in July in the region near Roda Velha in Bahia and has a value of 4.88E+15 1/cm2, the state with the lowest occurrence of high concentration values is Rio Grande do Norte, but the lowest mean (2.06E+15 1/cm2) and the lowest value (1.75E+15 1/cm2) occur in the region near the city of São Luís (Maranhão) at 2.06E+15 1/cm2.
Um estudo numérico do vento em reservatórios de centrais hidroelétricas: efeito da estratificação atmosférica
Authors: Pellegrini Claudio De Castro
Published: December 2018

This work presents a numerical study of the wind in hydropower plants reservoir under non neutral conditions using WRF with high resolution. The Richardson number was used to evaluate the dynamic stability. The simulations were run for Furnas reservoir, where anemometric data were available at 20 and 40 m above the surface of the water, during a one week period.  The results were encouraging.
Análise preliminar da relação entre emissão de CO2 do solo e do ecossistema em um agroecossistema do sul do Brasil
Authors: Veeck Gustavo Pujol , Teichrieb Claudio , Diaz Marcelo , Bremm Tiago , Oliveira Maria Eduarda , Roberti Débora , Amado Telmo J. , Fiorin Jackson Ernani , Bortolotto Rafael Pivotto
Published: December 2018

The aim of this work is to perform an analysis of the CO2 relationship between nocturnal fluxes of soil and ecosystem, in na agroecossystem as atmospheric variables (soil temperature, solidity, and singleness), under the soya tillage system in southern Brazil. To calculate the fluxes, automatic soil chamber system and the EddyCovariance system were used. The preliminary analysis showed that soil moisture controls the emission of CO2 and the CO2 cumulative flux of the soil is greater than the atmosferic flow.
Student Learners and Preferred Agents in Mental Health-Seeking: Assessing Higher Educational Services in a Pilot Study
Authors: CRAMER KENNETH , SCHUURMAN EMILY , ROPAT JORDYNNE
Published: December 2018

The prevalence of mental health problems among student learners has increased in recent decades. University and college expectations, plus the requirement for effective time management (among other things), may significantly augment this problem. School assessment practices and learning demands may give rise to anxiety and depression within the student body, ultimately affecting both their psychological and academic outcomes. We considered the agencies that students typically approached in various daily situations (e.g., where do students turn with issues related to time management or personal adjustment and anxiety – Google, parents, best friends, professors, on-campus counseling centers). A sample of 103 students from the University of Windsor in Southwestern Ontario Canada indicated which of 15 agencies they would consult, should they encounter each of 50 scenarios related to broader categories (14 in total) such as death, school, time constraints, relationship, sexual harassment, etc. The non-use of Google and the under-utilization of the peer support and student counseling centers are discussed, as are the implications for university and college administrations' consideration of student mental health issues.
DNA sequence encodes the position of DNA supercoils
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Ganji Mahipal , Kim Eugene , van der Torre Jaco , Abbondanzieri Elio , Dekker Cees
Published: December 2018

The three-dimensional organization of DNA is increasingly understood to play a decisive role in vital cellular processes. Many studies focus on the role of DNA-packaging proteins, crowding, and confinement in arranging chromatin, but structural information might also be directly encoded in bare DNA itself. Here, we visualize plectonemes (extended intertwined DNA structures formed upon supercoiling) on individual DNA molecules. Remarkably, our experiments show that the DNA sequence directly encodes the structure of supercoiled DNA by pinning plectonemes at specific sequences. We develop a physical model that predicts that sequence-dependent intrinsic curvature is the key determinant of pinning strength and demonstrate this simple model provides very good agreement with the data. Analysis of several prokaryotic genomes indicates that plectonemes localize directly upstream of promoters, which we experimentally confirm for selected promotor sequences. Our findings reveal a hidden code in the genome that helps to spatially organize the chromosomal DNA.
Efecto de un enfoque estandarizado en lactantes hospitalizados por eventos de aparente amenaza de la vida
Authors: Zenteno Daniel , Peña Ruben , Fuentes Claudia , Tapia Jaime , Verbal Cornejo Daniela , Rodríguez-Núñez Iván
Published: December 2018

Introducción. Los eventos aparentemente letales (EAL) son una causa frecuente de hospitalización en lactantes. Hay poca evidencia sobre la existencia de un enfoque estandarizado para establecer la etiología; pese a que, un diagnóstico causal correcto, puede afectar la evolución clínica, estadía hospitalaria y recursos sanitarios.Objetivo. Comparar los efectos del enfoque diagnóstico estandarizado en lactantes hospitalizados por EAL.Materiales y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, realizado con datos recolectados de las fichas clínicas en lactantes hospitalizados por EAL en el servicio de pediatría entre el año 2002 y 2009. Se analizaron dos cohortes de pacientes, de acuerdo al enfrentamiento realizado. Cohorte 1 con guías clínicas y Cohorte 2 con guías clínicas, protocolo de estudio y seguimiento ambulatorio. Se comparó entre los grupos la causa etiológica, tiempo de hospitalización y tasa de re hospitalización.Resultados. Se hospitalizaron 255 lactantes por EAL, 57,6% integró la cohorte 1 y 42,3% la cohorte 2. No se observó diferencias en la edad y género entre grupos. En la cohorte 2 se observó un mayor porcentaje de causas atribuidas (63,9 versus 87,0% [p<0,0001] y un menor tiempo de hospitalización (8,0 versus 5,0 días [p=0,0001]). No hubo diferencia en los reingresos hospitalarios (10,5 versus 8,3% días [p=0,7435]).Conclusiones. El enfoque de enfrentamiento protocolizado para lactantes con EAL, se asoció a un mayor porcentaje de reconocimiento de causas atribuidas y a un menor período de hospitalización. A partir de estos resultados, es posible sugerir la implementación este tipo de estandarización para el manejo de estos pacientes.
Evaluación de la intercambiabilidad in vitro de diferentes marcas de tabletas de diclofenaco sódico del mercado colombiano
Authors: Matiz Germán Eduardo , Trujillo Mary , Pérez Diana Alexandra , Baena Yolima
Published: December 2018

Introducción. El diclofenaco sódico se clasifica como un antiinflamatorio no esteroideo. Siendo de venta libre, el paciente no tiene ningún seguimiento del equipo de salud. Al existir múltiples fuentes, se hace necesario establecer la equivalencia entre ellas, siendo los estudios in vitro, los más prácticos y con menor compromiso ético.Objetivos. Determinar la intercambiabilidad de diferentes marcas comerciales de diclofenaco sódico, frente al producto innovador, mediante un estudio comparativo in vitro de productos comerciales de 50 mg, siguiendo los lineamientos del sistema de clasificación biofarmacéutica.Materiales y métodos. Pruebas físicas y químicas se desarrollaron siguiendo las indicaciones de la farmacopea americana 39. Para la cuantificación, se validó una metodología analítica según lo establecido en la mencionada farmacopea, y la guía Q2 del Comité Internacional para la Armonización. Perfiles de disolución y sus análisis, se rigieron por lo establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y normatividad nacional.Resultados. Todos los productos aprobaron las pruebas físicas. En la disolución, la etapa ácida también fue superada por todas las marcas, pero en la alcalina, una marca falló. El análisis de similitud, reveló que sólo un producto fue equivalente con el innovador y tres fueron supradisponibles, no obstante, estas marcas también podrían ser consideradas equivalentes con el innovador.Conclusiones. De las 8 marcas evaluadas, 3 no cumplieron en su totalidad con la prueba de valoración de principio activo y porcentaje de disolución, solo una marca es intercambiable con el innovador, y tres son supradisponibles frente a este, los cual no constituye un riesgo para el paciente.
Inequalities on mortality due to acute respiratory infection in children: A Colombian analysis
Authors: Alvis-Zakzuk Nelson José , Castañeda-Orjuela Carlos , Díaz Diana Patricia , Castillo Liliana , Cotes Karol Patricia , Chaparro Pablo , Paternina-Caicedo Ángel José , Alvis-Guzmán Nelson Rafael , De la Hoz Fernando Pío
Published: December 2018

Introducción. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) son un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial.Objetivo. Explorar las desigualdades de la tasa de mortalidad debida a IRA (TM-IRA) en <5 años, de acuerdo a variables socioeconómicas.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis ecológico para estudiar las desigualdades a nivel municipal de las TM-IRA en <5 años. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de registros de muertes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. En análisis de desigualdades en <5 incluyó: 1) Clasificación de la población por estatus socioeconómico y 2) Medición del grado de desigualdad. Como resultado en salud se utilizó la TM-IRA en <5 años. Se estimaron tasas a nivel nacional y municipal para 2000, 2005, 2010, 2013. Se calcularon razones y diferencias de tasas y curvas de concentración para observar las desigualdades.Resultados. Entre 2000-2013 murieron en Colombia por IRA 18.012 <5 años. La TM-ARI fue mayor en niños que en niñas. En el periodo, se observó un incremento en la brecha de mortalidad infantil en ambos sexos. En 2013, la tasa en niños que murieron en municipios con mayor pobreza fue 1,6 veces mayor que la de niños en aquellos con menor. En niñas, para 2015 y 2013, la tasa en el tercil más pobre fue 1,5 y 2 veces mayor que la del primer tercil, respectivamente.Conclusión. Las desigualdades en la TM-IRA entre los municipios más pobres en comparación con los más ricos continúan siendo un reto importante en salud pública.
Abstract, emotional and concrete concepts and the activation of mouth-hand effectors
Authors: Mazzuca Claudia , Lugli Luisa , Benassi Mariagrazia , Nicoletti Roberto , Borghi Anna M.
Published: December 2018

According to embodied and grounded theories, concepts are grounded in sensorimotor systems. The majority of evidence supporting these views concerns concepts referring to objects or actions, while evidence on abstract concepts is more scarce. Explaining how abstract concepts such as “freedom” are represented would thus be pivotal for grounded theories. According to some recent proposals, abstract concepts are grounded in both sensorimotor and linguistic experience, thus they activate the mouth motor system more than concrete concepts. Two experiments are reported, aimed at verifying whether abstract, concrete and emotional words activate the mouth and the hand effectors. In both experiments participants performed first a lexical decision, then a recognition task. In Experiment 1 participants responded by pressing a button either with the mouth or with the hand, in Experiment 2 responses were given with the foot, while a button held either in the mouth or in the hand was used to respond to catch-trials. Abstract words were slower to process in both tasks (concreteness effect). Across the tasks and experiments, emotional concepts had instead a fluctuating pattern, different from those of both concrete and abstract concepts, suggesting that they cannot be considered as a subset of abstract concepts. The interaction between type of concept (abstract, concrete and emotional) and effector (mouth, hand) was not significant in the lexical decision task, likely because it emerged only with tasks implying a deeper processing level. It reached significance, instead, in the recognition tasks. In both experiments abstract concepts were facilitated in the mouth condition compared to the hand condition, supporting our main prediction. Emotional concepts instead had a more variable pattern. Overall, our findings indicate that various kinds of concepts differently activate the mouth and hand effectors, but they also suggest that concepts activate effectors in a flexible and task-dependent way.
Application of Straight Line Tunnel With Less Subcutaneous Separation in Transthoracic Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
Authors: Zhang XiWei , Liu Gang , Zhang Hao , Tang XueFeng , Huang JianPing
Published: December 2018

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the value of straight-line tunnel application in transthoracic endoscopic thyroidectomy. Forty patients were given 3-port transthoracic endoscopic thyroidectomy from March 2011 to June 2014. Preoperative diagnoses found 20 cases of nodular goiter, 16 cases of adenoma, and 4 cases of thyroid calcification. We used a metal rod to free skin flap in a straight way toward the neck, and a straight-line tunnel was created to obtain a good view. All 40 cases involving endoscopic thyroidectomy were performed successfully, 28 were performed with unilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, 5 were performed with unilateral thyroidectomy, 5 were performed with bilateral partial thyroidectomy, and 2 were performed with radical thyroidectomy for carcinoma. One is anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and the other is follicular thyroid carcinoma. Operation time was 78.5 ± 18.6 minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 40.2 ± 15.6 mL, intraoperative flap-freeing time was 14.3 ± 3.8 minutes, and the diameter of the thyroid tumor was 3.8 ± 2.5 cm. Postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 ± 2.0 days. One patient got voice hoarseness and recovered in 3 months. Two patients suffered from transient hypocalcemia and recovered without treatment. No subcutaneous effusion or seroma was observed. No recurrence was found during the 12- to 36-month (mean: 28 months) follow-up. One patient felt chest numbness 3 months after the surgery. Thirty-two patients were very satisfied with the cosmetic appearance and 8 patients were satisfied. The application of straight-line tunnel in transthoracic endoscopic thyroidectomy is a simple, safe, feasible procedure with less trauma, seroma, and skin contraction.
Clinician Distribution and Type in Rural and Urban Areas of the National Health Services Corps
Authors: Baker Olesya , Horvitz-Lennon Marcela , Yu Hao
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses long-term trends in clinician distribution between rural and urban areas and whether the trends differ by clinician discipline and type.
Distributed Adaptive Multi‐Lane Fusion Control for 2‐D Plane Vehicle Platoon With Distance Constraints and Angle Sensor Faults
Authors: Lin Manfei , Liu Chenglin , Cao Kecai
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the distributed adaptive multi‐lane fusion control for two‐dimensional (2‐D) plane vehicle platoons with variable distance constraints, input hysteresis, and angle sensor faults. Variable distance constraints occur within a limited time interval (VDCOLT), which limits vehicle spacing within a variable range during preset time intervals while keeping the vehicle spacing unconstrained at other times. Combined with a transformed error function, a new shifting function is introduced to convert the constrained spacing error variables into the unconstrained variables while keeping the unconstrained variable unchanged. Designing the position controller ensures that the distance satisfies VDCOLT and reduces the adverse effects caused by unknown signs of input hysteresis by using a Nussbaum function. Moreover, a new angle controller based on the hyperbolic tangent function is designed to solve the problem of angle sensor faults. Furthermore, the stability of the vehicle platoon is achieved through the backstepping control and sliding‐mode control methods. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to verify the proposed techniques.
Multifunctional Biocomposite Materials from Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae
Authors: Kellersztein Israel , Tish Daniel , Pederson John , Bechthold Martin , Daraio Chiara
Published: November 2024

Extrusion 3D‐printing of biopolymers and natural fiber‐based biocomposites enables the fabrication of complex structures, ranging from implants' scaffolds to eco‐friendly structural materials. However, conventional polymer extrusion requires high energy consumption to reduce viscosity, and natural fiber reinforcement often requires harsh chemical treatments to improve adhesion. We address these challenges by introducing a sustainable framework to fabricate natural biocomposites using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae as the matrix. Through bioink optimization and process refinement, we produced lightweight, multifunctional materials with hierarchical architectures. Infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals that hydrogen bonding plays a critical role in the binding and reinforcement of Chlorella cells by hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). As water content decreases, the hydrogen bonding network evolves from water‐mediated interactions to direct hydrogen bonds between HEC and Chlorella, enhancing the mechanical properties. A controlled dehydration process maintains continuous microalgae morphology, preventing cracking. The resulting biocomposites exhibit a bending stiffness of 1.6 GPa and isotropic heat transfer and thermal conductivity of 0.10 W/mK at room temperature, demonstrating effective thermal insulation. These characteristics make Chlorella biocomposites promising candidates for applications requiring both structural performance and thermal insulation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials in response to growing environmental demands.
A Skills Gap Analysis of Farmer Directors of US Farmer Cooperatives
Authors: Herchenbach Jody S. , Briggeman Brian C. , Bergtold Jason S. , Shanoyan Aleksan , Low Sarah A. , Miller Brandi
Published: November 2024

Boards of directors are vital to firm performance and are an integral part of the decision‐making process of any business. Several studies have been conducted that observe corporate or nonprofit board characteristics, skills, and the board's connection to firm performance. In the cooperative space, the literature has focused on exploring the impact directors have on governance and policy. Only a few studies have examined director skills. The present study adds to this literature by identifying the skill gaps for directors of US farmer cooperatives, and what skills are most important for a director to possess. We found that the largest skill gaps were in cooperative governance and policy and cooperative finance. Time management was found to be the least important skill for directors to possess. Asking critical questions, strategic planning, and understanding current economic and industry conditions were consistently among the top three skills.
Genetic variants associated with age‐related episodic memory decline implicate distinct memory pathologies
Authors: Ali Amanat , Milman Sofiya , Weiss Erica F. , Gao Tina , Napolioni Valerio , Barzilai Nir , Zhang Zhengdong D. , Lin Jhih‐Rong
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% of people aged ≥ 65 experience memory loss, particularly in episodic memory. Identifying the genetic basis of episodic memory decline is crucial for uncovering its underlying causes.

METHODS

We investigated common and rare genetic variants associated with episodic memory decline in 742 (632 for rare variants) Ashkenazi Jewish individuals (mean age 75) from the LonGenity study. All‐atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed to uncover mechanistic insights underlying rare variants associated with episodic memory decline.

RESULTS

In addition to the common polygenic risk of Alzheimer's disease, we identified and replicated rare variant associations in ITSN1 and CRHR2. Structural analyses revealed distinct memory pathologies mediated by interfacial rare coding variants such as impaired receptor activation of corticotropin releasing hormone and dysregulated L‐serine synthesis.

DISCUSSION

Our study uncovers novel risk loci for episodic memory decline. The identified underlying mechanisms point toward heterogenous memory pathologies mediated by rare coding variants.

Highlights

We demonstrated the contribution of the common polygenic risk of Alzheimer's disease to episodic memory decline.

We discovered and replicated two risk genes associated with episodic memory decline implicated by rare variants, were discovered and replicated.

We demonstrated molecular mechanisms and potential novel memory pathologies underlying interfacial rare coding variants.

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand the downstream effects of risk rare coding variants.
Association of precuneus Aβ burden with default mode network function
Authors: Cui Liang , Zhang Zhen , Tu You‐Yi , Wang Min , Guan Yi‐Hui , Li Yue‐Hua , Xie Fang , Guo Qi‐Hao
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether the local amyloid‐beta (Aβ) burden in key regions within the default mode network (DMN) affects network and cognitive functions.

METHODS

Participants included 1002 individuals from the Chinese Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease Study cohort who underwent 18F‐florbetapir positron emission tomography resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and neuropsychological tests. The correlations between precuneus (PRC) Aβ burden, DMN function, and cognitive function were investigated.

RESULTS

In individuals with high PRC Aβ burden, there is a bidirectional relationship between DMN local function or functional connectivity and PRC Aβ deposition across various cognitive states, which is also linked to cognitive function. Even below the PRC Aβ threshold, DMN function remains related to PRC Aβ deposition and cognitive performance.

DISCUSSION

The findings reveal the critical role of PRC Aβ deposition in disrupting neural networks associated with cognitive decline and the necessity of early detection and monitoring of PRC Aβ deposition.

Highlights

Precuneus (PRC) Aβ burden impacts DMN function in different cognitive stages.

High PRC Aβ burden is linked to early neural compensation and subsequent dysfunction.

Low PRC Aβ burden correlates with neural changes before significant Aβ accumulation.

Changes in DMN function and connectivity provide insights into AD progression.

Early detection of regional Aβ burden can help monitor the risk of cognitive decline.