bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen as a Diagnostic Marker of Nasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Yamashita Yukashi , Uehara Takayuki , Hasegawa Masahiro , Deng Zeyi , Matayoshi Sen , Kiyuna Asanori , Kondo Shunsuke , Maeda Hiroyuki , Ganaha Akira , Suzuki Mikio
Published: February 2016

Background

Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) levels are elevated in sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP). However, the relationship between tumor volume and SCCA level, and the influence of skin or pulmonary diseases in which the SCCA level is high, have not been established.

Objective

To clarify whether the level of serum SCCA can be used as a diagnostic marker of IP.

Methods

Serum SCCA level was measured in 30 patients with IP (IP group) and 57 with inflammatory disease (inflammatory group).

Results

Overall, 83.3% in the IP group showed elevated serum SCCA levels regardless of whether they were new patients or patients with recurrent IP, and SCCA levels rapidly decreased after surgery. Only 5.3% had elevated SCCA levels in the inflammatory group. Before surgery, the IP group had a median preoperative SCCA level of 2.4 ng/mL, whereas the median preoperative SCCA level was 0.9 ng/mL in the inflammatory group. Pre- and postoperative SCCA levels were significantly different in the IP group. With regard to the IP diagnosis in the IP and inflammatory groups based on the SCCA level (ng/mL), sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 94.7%, respectively. There was no significant correlation between SCCA elevation and respiratory function, and skin disease in the two groups, except for smoking in the IP group. Preoperative SCCA levels were significantly higher in smokers than in never-smokers in the IP group. Tumor volume was significantly correlated with SCCA level in IP. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that tumor volume was a predictor of preoperative SCCA elevation (p = 0.036; 95% confidence interval, 1.027–2.176).

Conclusion

Serum SCCA level is a reliable diagnostic marker to distinguish new and recurrent IP from inflammatory disease. Because smokers tended to have higher SCCA levels in IP, a different cutoff level might be needed. Although respiratory dysfunction and skin disease were not related to SCCA level, they should be taken into consideration when evaluating SCCA level.
European public health policies for managing contacts of invasive meningococcal disease cases better harmonised in 2013 than in 2007
Authors: Vygen Sabine , Hellenbrand Wiebke , Stefanoff Pawel , Hanquet Germaine , Heuberger Sigrid , Stuart James
Published: February 2016

In 2007, a European survey identified variation in country policies on public health management of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). In 2009–10, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published evidence-based guidance on IMD. We therefore surveyed again European countries to describe policies for managing IMD cases and contacts in 2013. We asked national IMD public health experts from 32 European countries to complete a questionnaire focusing on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for IMD contacts and meningococcal vaccination. Proportions in 2007 and 2013 were compared using the chi-squared test. All 32 countries responded, with responses from two regions for Belgium and Italy; half stated having used ECDC guidance to update national recommendations. PEP was recommended to close contacts in 33 of 34 countries/regions, mainly ciprofloxacin for adults (29/32 countries) and rifampicin for children (29/32 countries). ECDC guidance for managing IMD contacts in airplanes was strictly followed by five countries/regions. Twenty-three countries/regions participated in both surveys. Compared with 2007, in 2013, more countries/regions recommended i) ceftriaxone for children (15/23 vs 6/20; p = 0.03), ii) PEP for all children in the same preschool group (8/23 vs 17/23; p = 0.02). More countries/regions recommended evidence-based measures for IMD public health management in 2013 than 2007. However, some discrepancies remain and they call for further harmonisation.
Targeted Therapy of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Present and Future
Authors: Koh Sarene , Tan Anthony , Li Lietao , Bertoletti Antonio
Published: February 2016

Cancer immunotherapy using a patient’s own T cells redirected to recognize and kill tumor cells has achieved promising results in metastatic melanoma and leukemia. This technique involves harnessing a patient’s T cells and then delivering a gene that encodes a new T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that allow the cells to recognize specific cancer antigens. The prospect of using engineered T cell therapy for persistent viral infections like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their associated malignancies is promising. We recently tested in a first-in-man clinical trial, the ability of HBV-specific TCR-redirected T cells to target HBsAg-productive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and demonstrated that these redirected T cells recognized HCC cells with HBV–DNA integration [1] We discuss here the possibility to use HBV-specific TCR-redirected T cells targeting hepatitis B viral antigens as a tumor specific antigen in patients with HBV-related HCC, and the potential challenges facing the development of this new immunotherapeutic strategy.
Spatial Autoregressive Models for Stand Top and Stand Mean Height Relationship in Mixed Quercus mongolica Broadleaved Natural Stands of Northeast China
Authors: Lou Minghua , Zhang Huiru , Lei Xiangdong , Li Chunming , Zang Hao
Published: February 2016

The relationship of stand top and stand mean height is important for forest growth and yield modeling, but it has not been explored for natural mixed forests. Observations of stand top and stand mean height can present spatial dependence or autocorrelation, which should be considered in modeling. Simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models, including spatial lag model (SLM), spatial Durbin model (SDM) and spatial error model (SEM), within nine spatial weight matrices were utilized to model the stand top and stand mean height relationship in the mixed Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. broadleaved natural stands of Northeast China, using ordinary least squares (OLS) as a benchmark model. The results showed that there was a high linear relationship between stand top and stand mean height and that there was a positive spatial autocorrelation pattern in model residuals of OLS. Moreover, SEM and SDM performed better than OLS in terms of reducing the spatial dependence of model residuals and model fitting, regardless of which spatial weight matrix was used. SEM was better than SDM. SLM scarcely reduced the spatial autocorrelation of model residuals. Among nine spatial matrices in SEM, rook contiguous matrix performed best in model fitting, followed by inverse distances raised to the second power (1/d2) and local statistics model matrix (LSM).
Pathogens in Ornamental Waters: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nascimento Maria , Rodrigues Joao , Reis Lucia , Nogueira Isabel , Carvalho Patricia , Brandão João , Duarte Aida , Jordao Luisa
Published: February 2016

In parks, ornamental waters of easy access and populated with animals are quite attractive to children and yet might hide threats to human health. The present work focuses on the microbiota of the ornamental waters of a Lisboa park, characterized during 2015. The results show a dynamic microbiota integrating human pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas spp. and Enterobacter spp., and also antibiotic resistant bacteria. K. pneumoniae and Aeromonas spp. were present as planktonic and biofilm organized bacteria. In vitro K. pneumoniae and Aeromonas spp. showed an enhanced ability to assemble biofilm at 25 °C than at 37 °C. Bacteria recovered from biofilm samples showed an increased antibiotic resistance compared to the respective planktonic counterparts.
miR-9-5p, miR-675-5p and miR-138-5p Damages the Strontium and LRP5-Mediated Skeletal Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Adhesion
Authors: Sun Tianhao , Leung Frankie , Lu William
Published: February 2016

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of strontium on the expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) and to explore their effects on skeletal cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and apoptosis. The targets of these miRNAs were also studied. Molecular cloning, cell proliferation assay, cell apoptosis assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assay were used. Strontium altered the expression levels of miRNAs in vitro and in vivo. miR-9-5p, miR-675-5p, and miR-138-5p impaired skeletal cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell adhesion. miR-9-5p and miR-675-5p induced MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis more specifically than miR-138-5p. miR-9-5p, miR-675-5p, and miR-138-5p targeted glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β), ATPase Aminophospholipid Transporter Class I Type 8A Member 2 (ATP8A2), and Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E Binding Protein 1 (EIF4EBP1), respectively. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) played a positive role in skeletal development. miR-9-5p, miR-675-5p, and miR-138-5p damage strontium and LRP5-mediated skeletal cell proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion, and induce cell apoptosis by targeting GSK3β, ATP8A2, and EIF4EBP1, respectively.
A Feature Selection Method for Large-Scale Network Traffic Classification Based on Spark
Authors: Wang Yong , Ke Wenlong , Tao Xiaoling
Published: February 2016

Currently, with the rapid increasing of data scales in network traffic classifications, how to select traffic features efficiently is becoming a big challenge. Although a number of traditional feature selection methods using the Hadoop-MapReduce framework have been proposed, the execution time was still unsatisfactory with numeral iterative computations during the processing. To address this issue, an efficient feature selection method for network traffic based on a new parallel computing framework called Spark is proposed in this paper. In our approach, the complete feature set is firstly preprocessed based on Fisher score, and a sequential forward search strategy is employed for subsets. The optimal feature subset is then selected using the continuous iterations of the Spark computing framework. The implementation demonstrates that, on the precondition of keeping the classification accuracy, our method reduces the time cost of modeling and classification, and improves the execution efficiency of feature selection significantly.
An Approach to the Classification of Cutting Vibration on Machine Tools
Authors: Chen Jeng-Fung , Lo Shih-Kuei , Do Quang
Published: February 2016

Predictions of cutting vibrations are necessary for improving the operational efficiency, product quality, and safety in the machining process, since the vibration is the main factor for resulting in machine faults. “Cutting vibration” may be caused by setting incorrect parameters before machining is commenced and may affect the precision of the machined work piece. This raises the need to have an effective model that can be used to predict cutting vibrations. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model to forecast and classify the cutting vibration of the intelligent machine tool is presented. The factors that may cause cutting vibrations is firstly identified and a dataset for the research purpose is constructed. Then, the applicability of the model is illustrated. Based on the results in the comparative analysis, the artificial neural network approach performed better than the others. Because the vibration can be forecasted and classified, the product quality can be managed. This work may help new workers to avoid operating machine tools incorrectly, and hence can decrease manufacturing costs. It is expected that this study can enhance the performance of machine tools in metalworking sectors.
Using Deep Learning to Challenge Safety Standard for Highly Autonomous Machines in Agriculture
Authors: Steen Kim , Christiansen Peter , Karstoft Henrik , Jørgensen Rasmus
Published: February 2016

In this paper, an algorithm for obstacle detection in agricultural fields is presented. The algorithm is based on an existing deep convolutional neural net, which is fine-tuned for detection of a specific obstacle. In ISO/DIS 18497, which is an emerging standard for safety of highly automated machinery in agriculture, a barrel-shaped obstacle is defined as the obstacle which should be robustly detected to comply with the standard. We show that our fine-tuned deep convolutional net is capable of detecting this obstacle with a precision of 99 . 9 % in row crops and 90 . 8 % in grass mowing, while simultaneously not detecting people and other very distinct obstacles in the image frame. As such, this short note argues that the obstacle defined in the emerging standard is not capable of ensuring safe operations when imaging sensors are part of the safety system.
Bias and Efficiency Tradeoffs in the Selection of Storm Suites Used to Estimate Flood Risk
Authors: Fischbach Jordan , Johnson David , Kuhn Kenneth
Published: February 2016

Modern joint probability methods for estimating storm surge or flood statistics are based on statistical aggregation of many hydrodynamic simulations that can be computationally expensive. Flood risk assessments that consider changing future conditions due to sea level rise or other drivers often require each storm to be run under a range of uncertain scenarios. Evaluating different flood risk mitigation measures, such as levees and floodwalls, in these future scenarios can further increase the computational cost. This study uses the Coastal Louisiana Risk Assessment model (CLARA) to examine tradeoffs between the accuracy of estimated flood depth exceedances and the number and type of storms used to produce the estimates. Inclusion of lower-intensity, higher-frequency storms significantly reduces bias relative to storm suites with a similar number of storms but only containing high-intensity, lower-frequency storms, even when estimating exceedances at very low-frequency return periods.
Energy Transfer between Conjugated Colloidal Ga2O3 and CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Nanocrystals for White Light Emitting Applications
Authors: Stanish Paul , Radovanovic Pavle
Published: February 2016

Developing solid state materials capable of generating homogeneous white light in an energy efficient and resource-sustainable way is central to the design of new and improved devices for various lighting applications. Most currently-used phosphors depend on strategically important rare earth elements, and rely on a multicomponent approach, which produces sub-optimal quality white light. Here, we report the design and preparation of a colloidal white-light emitting nanocrystal conjugate. This conjugate is obtained by linking colloidal Ga2O3 and II–VI nanocrystals in the solution phase with a short bifunctional organic molecule (thioglycolic acid). The two types of nanocrystals are electronically coupled by Förster resonance energy transfer owing to the short separation between Ga2O3 (energy donor) and core/shell CdSe/CdS (energy acceptor) nanocrystals, and the spectral overlap between the photoluminescence of the donor and the absorption of the acceptor. Using steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies, we quantified the contribution of the energy transfer to the photoluminescence spectral power distribution and the corresponding chromaticity of this nanocrystal conjugate. Quantitative understanding of this new system allows for tuning of the emission color and the design of quasi-single white light emitting inorganic phosphors without the use of rare-earth elements.
Suppression of Endogenous Glucose Production by Isoleucine and Valine and Impact of Diet Composition
Authors: Arrieta-Cruz Isabel , Su Ya , Gutiérrez-Juárez Roger
Published: February 2016

Leucine has been shown to acutely inhibit hepatic glucose production in rodents by a mechanism requiring its metabolism to acetyl-CoA in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). In the early stages, all branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are metabolized by a shared set of enzymes to produce a ketoacid, which is later metabolized to acetyl-CoA. Consequently, isoleucine and valine may also modulate glucose metabolism. To examine this possibility we performed intrahypothalamic infusions of isoleucine or valine in rats and assessed whole body glucose kinetics under basal conditions and during euglycemic pancreatic clamps. Furthermore, because high fat diet (HFD) consumption is known to interfere with central glucoregulation, we also asked whether the action of BCAAs was affected by HFD. We fed rats a lard-rich diet for a short interval and examined their response to central leucine. The results showed that both isoleucine and valine individually lowered blood glucose by decreasing liver glucose production. Furthermore, the action of the BCAA leucine was markedly attenuated by HFD feeding. We conclude that all three BCAAs centrally modulate glucose metabolism in the liver and that their action is disrupted by HFD-induced insulin resistance.
Glocalization and Transnationalization in (neo)-Mayanization Processes: Ethnographic Case Studies from Mexico and Guatemala
Authors: Farahmand Manéli
Published: February 2016

In this article, the author focuses on the field of neo-Mayanity and its current transformations. She analyzes these transformations using a historico-ethnographic approach, which includes two phases. The first one consists in reconstructing the historical development of the “Mayan” category in two different social contexts. The second one focuses on current narrative and imageries produced around this category, stemming from ethnographic fieldwork in Mexico and Guatemala. Since the “2012 phenomenon”, in both countries, the accelerating transnationalization of the religious leaders has triggered a resignification of contents through various logics of rearrangement, innovation, cohabitation and glocalization. Finally, she demonstrates that the variations in the different ethnographies are linked with the religious leaders’ biographies and the modes of signification of the “Mayan” category—influenced by the socio-historical contexts of production.
Research on the Changes to the Lipid/Polymer Membrane Used in the Acidic Bitterness Sensor Caused by Preconditioning
Authors: Harada Yuhei , Noda Junpei , Yatabe Rui , Ikezaki Hidekazu , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: February 2016

A taste sensor that uses lipid/polymer membranes can evaluate aftertastes felt by humans using Change in membrane Potential caused by Adsorption (CPA) measurements. The sensor membrane for evaluating bitterness, which is caused by acidic bitter substances such as iso-alpha acid contained in beer, needs an immersion process in monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution, called “MSG preconditioning”. However, what happens to the lipid/polymer membrane during MSG preconditioning is not clear. Therefore, we carried out three experiments to investigate the changes in the lipid/polymer membrane caused by the MSG preconditioning, i.e., measurements of the taste sensor, measurements of the amount of the bitterness substance adsorbed onto the membrane and measurements of the contact angle of the membrane surface. The CPA values increased as the preconditioning process progressed, and became stable after 3 d of preconditioning. The response potentials to the reference solution showed the same tendency of the CPA value change during the preconditioning period. The contact angle of the lipid/polymer membrane surface decreased after 7 d of MSG preconditioning; in short, the surface of the lipid/polymer membrane became hydrophilic during MSG preconditioning. The amount of adsorbed iso-alpha acid was increased until 5 d preconditioning, and then it decreased. In this study, we revealed that the CPA values increased with the progress of MSG preconditioning in spite of the decrease of the amount of iso-alpha acid adsorbed onto the lipid/polymer membrane, and it was indicated that the CPA values increase because the sensor sensitivity was improved by the MSG preconditioning.
Measuring the Level of Industrial Green Development and Exploring Its Influencing Factors: Empirical Evidence from China’s 30 Provinces
Authors: Chen Chaofan , Han Jing , Fan Peilei
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, with the green economy becoming mainstream in the world, an industrial revolution as the core of green development has emerged. Based on the empirical evidence from China’s 30 provinces, this study establishes an evaluation index system of China’s industrial green development and applies the analytic hierarchy process to determine the indices’ weights and properties to measure the level of industrial green development in China’s 30 provinces. Then, an empirical study is conducted to explore the relevant factors influencing China’s industrial green development by using the dynamic panel data model and a panel threshold test. The results show that China’s level of industrial green development has the characteristic of typical regional differentiation with a ladder-like distribution from the east and middle to the west, and the eastern region has the highest level on industrial green output, industrial green efficiency and industrial green innovation. Technological progress and innovation can stimulate industrial green development. The impact of environmental regulation and foreign investment on industrial green development presents a nonlinear “N”-type trend, and the positive effects are mainly observed in eastern China. Capital deepening, heavy chemical industries and an unreasonable energy structure are not effective in industrial green development. There is no direct relation between the enterprise scale and industrial green development.
Experimental Tests on Steel Plate-to-Plate Splices Bonded by C-FRPS Laminas with and without Wrapping
Authors: D’Aniello Mario , Portioli Francesco , Landolfo Raffaele
Published: February 2016

The results of an experimental investigation carried out on steel splices bonded by (Carbon-Fiber–Reinforced Polymers) C-FRPs are presented in this paper. The main aim of the study is to examine the influence of different parameters on the type of failure and on the ductility of splices. Different configurations of the specimens were considered, including butt and lapped joints using different arrangements for end anchorage of the bonded C-FRP laminas, such as (i) external bonding; and (ii) anchored jacketing with C-FRP sheets transversally wrapped to the longitudinal axis of the joints. The results in terms of failure modes and response curves are described and discussed, highlighting the potentiality of these types of bonded connections for metal structures. In particular, experimental results showed that (i) the failure modes exhibited by both butt and lapped wrapped splices were substantially similar; (ii) the wrapped anchoring is beneficial in order to achieve large deformations prior to failure, thus allowing a satisfactory ductility, even though a more timely installation process is necessary.
Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS): A New Tool for the Analysis of Toxicological Effects on Single Cell Level
Authors: Jungnickel Harald , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas
Published: February 2016

Single cell imaging mass spectrometry opens up a complete new perspective for strategies in toxicological risk assessment and drug discovery. In particular, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) with its high spatial and depth resolution is becoming part of the imaging mass spectrometry toolbox used for single cell analysis. Recent instrumentation advancements in combination with newly developed cluster ion guns allow 3-dimensional reconstruction of single cells together with a spatially resolved compound location and quantification on nanoscale depth level. The exact location and quantification of a single compound or even of a set of compounds is no longer restricted to the two dimensional space within single cells, but is available for voxels, a cube-sized 3-dimensional space, rather than pixels. The information gathered from one voxel is further analysed using multivariate statistical methodology like maximum autocorrelation factors to co-locate the compounds of interest within intracellular organelles like nucleus, mitochondria or golgi apparatus. Furthermore, the cell membrane may be resolved, including adhering compounds and potential changes of the lipid patterns. The generated information can be used further for a first evaluation of intracellular target specifity of new drug candidates or for the toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals and their intracellular metabolites. Additionally, single cell lipidomics and metabolomics enable for the first time an in-depth understanding of the activation or inhibition of cellular biosynthesis and signalling pathways.
Functional Genomic Analysis of Aspergillus flavus Interacting with Resistant and Susceptible Peanut
Authors: Wang Houmiao , Lei Yong , Yan Liying , Wan Liyun , Ren Xiaoping , Chen Silong , Dai Xiaofeng , Guo Wei , Jiang Huifang , Liao Boshou
Published: February 2016

In the Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus)–peanut pathosystem, development and metabolism of the fungus directly influence aflatoxin contamination. To comprehensively understand the molecular mechanism of A. flavus interaction with peanut, RNA-seq was used for global transcriptome profiling of A. flavus during interaction with resistant and susceptible peanut genotypes. In total, 67.46 Gb of high-quality bases were generated for A. flavus-resistant (af_R) and -susceptible peanut (af_S) at one (T1), three (T2) and seven (T3) days post-inoculation. The uniquely mapped reads to A. flavus reference genome in the libraries of af_R and af_S at T2 and T3 were subjected to further analysis, with more than 72% of all obtained genes expressed in the eight libraries. Comparison of expression levels both af_R vs. af_S and T2 vs. T3 uncovered 1926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs associated with mycelial growth, conidial development and aflatoxin biosynthesis were up-regulated in af_S compared with af_R, implying that A. flavus mycelia more easily penetrate and produce much more aflatoxin in susceptible than in resistant peanut. Our results serve as a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin production differences between A. flavus-R and -S peanut, and offer new clues to manage aflatoxin contamination in crops.
Influência da imagem corporal na qualidade de vida de estudantes de Farmácia-Bioquímica
Authors: Silva Wanderson Roberto , Martins Bianca Gonzalez , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: February 2016

OBJETIVO: Estimar as propriedades psicométricas do Body Image Quality of Life Inventory Brazilian Portuguese (BIQLI-BP) quando aplicado a universitários e verificar a influência da imagem corporal na qualidade de vida dos estudantes e sua relação com variáveis sociais e demográficas e com o estado nutricional.

MÉTODOS: Participaram 260 estudantes (81,9% do sexo feminino; idade: 20,9 anos - DP = 2,5 anos) do curso de Farmácia-Bioquímica de uma universidade pública brasileira. O BIQLI-BP foi utilizado como instrumento de medida. Foi estimada a validade de construto (fatorial e convergente) e a consistência interna (α) do BIQLI-BP. O ajustamento do instrumento foi verificado pelos índices qui-quadrado pelos graus de liberdade (c2/gl), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI) e Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). A influência da imagem corporal na qualidade de vida foi estimada a partir da matriz de pesos de regressão obtida na análise fatorial confirmatória e utilizou-se a Análise de Variância (ANOVA) para comparar seus escores médios segundo as variáveis de estudo.

RESULTADOS: O BIQLI-BP apresentou ajustamento inadequado. Realizou-se refinamento do modelo; excluiu-se o item 15 e foram inseridas 9 correlações entre os erros dos itens. Após refinamento, o BIQLI-BP apresentou ajustamento satisfatório (c2/gl = 3,50; CFI = 0,91, NFI = 0,88, RMSEA = 0,09). A validade convergente esteve no limite do aceitável (VEM = 0,47) e observou-se confiabilidade adequada (CC = 0,94; α = 0,94). Verificou-se relação significativa apenas entre a influência da imagem corporal na qualidade de vida e o ano do curso (p = 0,008).

CONCLUSÕES: O modelo refinado do BIQLI-BP apresentou ajustamento satisfatório, validade convergente limitada e boa confiabilidade para amostra de estudo. Estudantes dos dois últimos anos apresentaram influência mais negativa da imagem corporal em sua qualidade de vida.
Sintomas vocais em sujeitos encaminhados à tireoidectomia
Authors: Figueiroa Deborah Correia Lima , Dassie-Leite Ana Paula , Koga Marilu , Santos Rosane Sampaio
Published: February 2016

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os sintomas vocais de sujeitos encaminhados à cirurgia de tireoidectomia por fatores diversos.

MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Os dados foram coletados nas dependências do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HC). Participaram 20 pacientes encaminhados à cirurgia para retirada da glândula tireóidea, tireoidectomia, no período de julho a outubro de 2012, por diferentes patologias de base. Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário de identificação e à Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV), protocolo recentemente validado para o português brasileiro e que contempla aspectos de limitação, emocionais e físicos. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente.

RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio nos sintomas físicos, referentes principalmente as sensações laríngeas (pigarro, dor, incômodo, nódulos inchados na região do pescoço, entre outros). Pacientes com queixas vocais (n=10) apresentaram maiores índices na ESV do que pacientes sem queixas (n=10), com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,002). Quanto à etiologia, pacientes com bócio multinodular apresentaram escores mais elevados do que pacientes com outras patologias de base.

CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com doenças tireoidianas podem apresentar sintomas vocais mesmo antes da tireoidectomia. 
Atividade física, imagem corporal e estado nutricional de alunas de dança
Authors: Minuzzi Tatiane , Pandolfo Kelly Christine Maccarini , Machado Rafaella Righes , Azambuja Cati Reckelberg , Dos Santos Daniela Lopes
Published: February 2016

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre o nível de atividade física (NAF), a percepção da imagem corporal, o estado nutricional e o comportamento alimentar de risco em escolares praticantes de dança em uma escola pública do Sul do Brasil.

MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 67 estudantes do sexo feminino, com idade média de 15,57±0,57 anos, praticantes de dança nas aulas de educação física. O NAF foi avaliado através do IPAQ-versão curta; imagem corporal (IC) através de escala de silhuetas; estado nutricional pelo índice da massa corporal (IMC) e comportamento alimentar de risco através do Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26).

RESULTADOS: O grupo de estudo apresentou médias de massa corporal de 55,9±9,76 kg, estatura de 1,61±0,06 m, IMC de 21,43±3,06 kg/m2, NAF de 517,16±589,06 minutos/semana e o EAT de 18,09±9,86 pontos. Foram encontradas associações entre o NAF e a IC (p=0,025) e o estado nutricional (p=0,008).

CONCLUSÕES: As adolescentes praticantes de dança do ensino médio apresentaram NAF adequados e que estes se associaram de forma significativa com a IC e o estado nutricional.
Early Remission Is a Realistic Target in a Majority of Patients with DMARD-naive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rannio Tuomas , Asikainen Juha , Kokko Arto , Hannonen Pekka , Sokka Tuulikki
Published: February 2016

Objective.

We analyzed remission rates at 3 and 12 months in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were naive for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and who were treated in a Finnish rheumatology clinic from 2008 to 2011. We compared remission rates and drug treatments between patients with RA and patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA).

Methods.

Data from all DMARD-naive RA and UA patients from the healthcare district were collected using software that includes demographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity, medications, and patient-reported outcomes. Our rheumatology clinic applies the treat-to-target principle, electronic monitoring of patients, and multidisciplinary care.

Results.

Out of 409 patients, 406 had data for classification by the 2010 RA criteria of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism. A total of 68% were female, and mean age (SD) was 58 (16) years. Respectively, 56%, 60%, and 68% were positive for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and RF/anti-CCP, and 19% had erosive disease. The median (interquartile range) duration of symptoms was 6 (4–12) months. A total of 310 were classified as RA and 96 as UA. The patients with UA were younger, had better functional status and lower disease activity, and were more often seronegative than the patients with RA. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (3 variables) remission rates of RA and UA patients at 3 months were 67% and 58% (p = 0.13), and at 12 months, 71% and 79%, respectively (p = 0.16). Sustained remission was observed in 57%/56% of RA/UA patients. Patients with RA used more conventional synthetic DMARD combinations than did patients with UA. None used biological DMARD at 3 months, and only 2.7%/1.1% of the patients (RA/UA) used them at 12 months (p = 0.36).

Conclusion.

Remarkably high remission rates are achievable in real-world DMARD-naive patients with RA or UA.
Analysis of Choroidal and Retinal Vasculature in Inherited Retinal Degenerations Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: de Carlo Talisa E. , Adhi Mehreen , Salz David A. , Joseph Tony , Waheed Nadia K. , Seddon Johanna M. , Duker Jay S. , Reichel Elias
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe the retinal vasculature and choriocapillaris, as well as the transition zone between the diseased and healthy tissue, in eyes with inherited retinal degenerations using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients with inherited retinal degenerations were recruited for OCTA imaging. Retinal vasculature was assessed for increased intercapillary space and foveal avascular zone abnormalities. Choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and photoreceptor disruption were noted, and the borders were evaluated to speculate which layers become affected first.

RESULTS:

Fourteen eyes of seven subjects with inherited retinal degenerations were included. All eyes (100%) demonstrated retinal thinning and increased intercapillary spaces overlying focal outer retinal changes. In all eyes, the region of choriocapillaris changes was smaller than the region of overlying RPE and photoreceptor alteration, suggesting the vascular loss was secondary.

CONCLUSION:

OCTA is able to provide highly detailed vascular information in eyes with inherited retinal degenerations and may be useful to better understand the pathogenesis of these diseases.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Imaging Lasers Retina
. 2016;47:120–127.]
Imaging of Melanin Disruption in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Dugel Pravin U. , Zimmer Cheryl N.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether multispectral imaging (MSI) is able to obtain a noninvasive view of melanin disruption associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which could support early diagnosis and potential treatment strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A single retinal center, retrospective, observational, image analysis study of MSI images of 43 patients was done to determine the extent of melanin pigment exhibited in association with AMD, based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study classification and grading scale. Corresponding fundus photos were also graded for 12 of the eyes.

RESULTS:

Fifty-one of 61 eyes (84%) of 43 patients with AMD were determined to have melanin disruption in their MSI images in at least the central and/or one of four inner ETDRS areas. There was a relationship between severity of disease and the degree of melanin disruption. The sensitivity of fundus photography for melanin pigment as compared to MSI was only 62.5%, with three false-negatives.

CONCLUSION:

A direct, noninvasive, unobstructed view of melanin disruption associated with AMD can be observed using MSI.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Imaging Lasers Retina.
2016;47:134–141.]
RESÍDUOS QUÍMICOS EM LABORATÓRIOS DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO DE ENSINO AGRONÔMICO
Authors: Francisco da Paz Matheus , Bruno Fonseca Camilo , Kunde Corrêa Érico , Soares Lima Avelino , Bilhalva Corrêa Luciara
Published: February 2016

O uso da química é uma importante ferramenta nas atividades diárias de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES). Essas atividades multifacetadas desenvolvidas geram uma carga de resíduos diversificados e muitas vezes de difícil remediação. As IES, como unidades geradoras, têm a responsabilidade no tratamento e disposição final destes resíduos. Nesse contexto, o trabalho tem por objetivo uma análise através da aplicação de um questionário não estruturado sobre a manipulação e disposição dos resíduos químicos, bem como o perfil socioambiental de 24 colaboradores em 8 laboratórios da unidade estudada. Os resultados indicam que uma parte substancial dos resíduos químicos gerados tem disposição final inadequada, principalmente no lixo comum. Estes resíduos também são armazenados de forma precária, varias vezes devido à falta de informação dos colaboradores, que mesmo com intenções pró meio ambiente, desconhecem maneiras técnicas-científicas de tratamento e disposição final. Nesse sentido, ações desenvolvidas pelas IES pode resolver grande parte dos problemas, criando grupos de discussão, ensino e pesquisa na área de resíduos químicos, com uso da educação ambiental como premissa elementar para um efetivo plano de gerenciamento destes tipos de resíduos.
APRESENTAÇÃO 24ª EDIÇÃO DA REVISTA TECNOLÓGICA
Authors: Silva Camila da
Published: February 2016

A 24ª Edição da Revista Tecnológica apresenta artigos das áreas de Construção Civil, Ambiental, Ciências da Computação, Química, Física e Tecnologia de Informação.

Para esta Edição verificou-se o aumento do número e qualidade dos artigos submetidos, bem como a criteriosa revisão dos manuscritos, a qual é realizada por docentes e profissionais com experiência na área, indicados por membros do Conselho Editorial.

A revista, no momento, apresenta classificação Qualis da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) em diferentes áreas do conhecimento: B4 - Engenharias I, II e Interdisciplinar, B5 - Engenharias III e Arquitetura e Urbanismo, e C - Ciência dos Alimentos, Ciências Agrárias e Ciência da Computação.

Agradecemos o interesse de autores e leitores na Revista Tecnológica, bem como o trabalho dos revisores e do Conselho Editorial que torna possível a manutenção e crescimento desta revista.
Spinnable Sol Prepared by NHSG Method Used for Mullite Continues Fiber
Authors: Kong Qing Rong
Published: February 2016

Composite sol with spinnability was prepared from an aqueous solution using polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Al (NO3)3·9H2O (AN) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) via non-hydrolytic sol-gel method. The mullite fibers with good flexibility were also obtained. The viscosity of composite sol increased with the increasing PVB content, water-bathing temperature and aging time. FTIR spectroscopy of composite gel showed a new absorption peak due to the C=O group, which implied the presence of new reaction product. It could be explained by the reaction among PVB, AN and TEOS.
Determining Elastic Modulus of Ceramic Coatings at Elevated Temperature Using Impulse Excitation Technology
Authors: Wei Chen Guang , Bao Yi Wang , Cao Xue Qiang , Liu Zhao , Tian Yuan
Published: February 2016

Although elastic modulus of ceramic coatings at elevated temperature is difficult to measure, it was evaluated in this work simply by impulse excitation tests based on the relative method that need only the measured moduli of coated sample and substrate. This novel method was demonstrated to be valid not only for the single layer coating but also for multilayer coatings.
Synthesis Mechanism of ZrB2@A12O3-Y2O3 Composite Powders with Core-Shell Microstructure
Authors: Song Jie Guang , Du Da Ming , Wang Fang , Xu Ming Han , Li Shi Bin , Ji Gang Chang , Chen Lin
Published: February 2016

ZrB2 has some excellent high-temperature performance. However, due to it is easily oxidized in the high-temperature air to impact high-temperature strength, which restricts its applied range. To decrease the oxidization and sintering temperature, and improve the strength of ZrB2 at high temperature, in this paper, the prepared composite powders is analyzed with XRD, SEM, EDS and TEM, which proves ZrB2@A12O3-Y2O3 core-shell composite powders are successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method, the synthesis mechanism of ZrB2@A12O3-Y2O3 core-shell composite powders is received through the results discussion.
Combustion Synthesis of La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 and its Sensing Properties for NO2
Authors: Wu Lian Lian , Li Qiang , Jiang Dan Yu , Xia Jin Feng
Published: February 2016

In this paper, La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 (LSM) oxide powder with ultrafine structure has been synthesized by self-propagating combustion method. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and laser size analysis. Compared to the powders prepared by traditional solid-phase method, the grain size of powders prepared by self-propagating combustion method is relatively small and uniform. Starting from ultrafine LSM powders, sensing electrode (SE) for NO2 mixed-potential sensors based on yttria-stablized zirconia (YSZ) was fabricated. As-obtained NO2 sensor displays fast response and high sensitivity (25.4mV/decade). The response values of the sensor have good linear relationship with the logarithm of NO2 concentration varying from 30ppm to 500ppm.Keywords:Self-propagating combustion method; La0.65Sr0.35MnO3; NOx sensor; YSZ
Potentiometric NO2 Sensor Based on YSZ and WS2
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Cheng , Xia Jin Feng , Jiang Dan Yu
Published: February 2016

In this study, Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrochemical sensors attached with the WS2 sensing electrode (SE) were fabricated and examined for NO2 sensing properties. Due to its internal stratiform structure, surface and edge of the lamella have high chemical activity, WS2 was used as a kind of highly efficient catalyst. WS2 was partial oxidated to WO3 at 400°C, and with the increment of temperature, oxidation will accelerate. The ΔEMF to 500 ppm NO2 was as high as 125mv at 400°C, while the value of WO3-based sensor was as small as 10 mv in the same condition. These WS2-attached devices gave a linear correlation between EMF and the logarithm of NO2 concentration from 30 to 500 ppm in the temperature range 350–500°C. The response time of the device is about 1 min at 400°C.
Preparation and Properties of CaF2 Nano-Powder
Authors: Dong Meng Yun , Zhang Cheng , Xia Jin Feng , Nian Hong Qiang , Jiang Dan Yu
Published: February 2016

CaF2 nano-power was prepared by direct precipitation methods with Ca(NO3)2 and KF as raw materials. The influences of presintering temperature and sintering temperature on the particle size and distribution of CaF2 nano-power were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). This study provided an experimental method for preparation of CaF2 nano-power. The results show that the best presintering temperature of CaF2 nano-power is 500°C and the best sintering temperature of CaF2 ceramic is 900°C.
Preparation, Characterization and Visible-Light Catalytic Activity of Core-Shell Structure NiFe2O4@TiO2 Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Zhou Li , Gao Peng Zhao , Ma Rui Xue , Sun Yu Kun , Li Dong Yun
Published: February 2016

The core-shell structure NiFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles was successfully prepared using a sol-gel method, the influence of shell thickness and calcination temperatures on the composition, microstructure, magnetic properties and visible-light catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was studied by XRD, TEM, Uv–vis, vibrating sample magnetometer, etc. Results showed the main composition of core in NiFe2O4@TiO2 was spinel ferrite, and the shell was anatase TiO2, and theshell thickness increased significantly with the increase of TiO2 content, ranging from 10nm to 50nm. The Ms and Mr of nanoparticles decreased with the increase of TiO2 content, and no obvious reaction between the magnetic core and shell occurred; visible-light degradation percent of NiFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles increased along with the increase of TiO2 content, whereas the recovery rate of it decreased. Degradation percent and the recovery percent of NiFe2O4@TiO2-50 still reached 93.7% and 90.5%, even after 10 cycle times, respectively, possessing the excellent long-term stability.
Fabrication of Morphology Controllable Vertically Aligned TiO2 Nanorod Arrays for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Fen , Hu Su Juan , Wei Li Dong , Chi Bo , Li Jian
Published: February 2016

In this work, vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays (NR) are synthesized directly on FTO coated glass substrate by hydrothermal method. The samples are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and the results indicate that the 1-D nanorods are of single crystal rutile structure with growth direction along the [001] direction. The morphology (diameter, thickness and density) of the nanorods can be adjusted by changing the precursor amounts. The possible growth mechanism of TiO2 nanorods on FTO substrate has also been briefly discussed in this work. For dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated of different thickness nanorods, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.74% has been achieved by using ~3μm nanorod arrays under simulated AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm-2). It is expected that the 1-D nanorods can be composited with other nanomaterial of different structures and morphologies to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs.
Effects of Iron Oxide on the Crystallization of Calcium Alumino-Silicate Glass
Authors: Chen Lu , Dai Ying
Published: February 2016

Different amounts of iron oxide (Fe2O3) were added into a base calcium alumino-silicate glass (CaO 40, Al2O3 9, SiO2 51 wt%). The crystallization behavior of the glassed was investigated by DTA, XRD, SEM and optical microscopy. DTA analysis on the samples with and without the iron additions shows that the iron-containing glasses obviously absorb more heat energy than the base glass. All the glasses show two endothermal peaks correspondent to two transition temperatures, Tg1 and Tg2, indicating the existence of phase separation. Compared with the base glass, an initial addition of 5wt% Fe2O3 does not result in significant changes in Tg1, but a large decrease in Tg2 is observed. Further additions of 10 and 15wt% Fe2O3, both Tg1 and Tg2 decreases. The iron-containing glasses show two crystallization peaks in their DTA curves. Fe2O3 facilitates the crystallization of the calcium alumino-silicate glass indicated by the decreased activation energy and increased Avrami exponent. SEM observations evidenced that the crystallintes in the heat treated samples are nanosized. It is evidenced that the base glass and the glasses containing 5 and 10 wt% Fe2O3 are surface crystallized upon heat-treatment and the main crystalline phase is wollastonite. The surface crystallization layer and the grain size increase with Fe2O3. However, an addition of 15wt% Fe2O3 results in a bulk crystallization leading to the formation of iron-and aluminum-containing phases.
Preparation of Waterproof Silica Gel Coatings on Porous Silica Ceramic Substrates
Authors: Niu Si Xun , Yang Tong , Liu Shi Quan
Published: February 2016

Porous silica ceramic substrates were coated with silica sols via dip coating to obtain waterproof performance. Silica sols were prepared through acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The gelation temperature, ratio of ethanol/TEOS, times of coating, and sintering temperature have been studied. The sample with the best waterproof effect was prepared by 5 times of repeated coating using a sol prepared at 25 oC with an ethanol/TEOS ratio of 7 and sintering at 550 °C.