bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing patient-friendly genetic and genomic test reports: formats to promote patient engagement and understanding
Authors: Haga Susanne B , Mills Rachel , Pollak Kathryn I , Rehder Catherine , Buchanan Adam H , Lipkus Isaac M , Crow Jennifer H , Datto Michael
Published: July 2014

With the emergence of electronic medical records and patient portals, patients are increasingly able to access their health records, including laboratory reports. However, laboratory reports are usually written for clinicians rather than patients, who may not understand much of the information in the report. While several professional guidelines define the content of test reports, there are no guidelines to inform the development of a patient-friendly laboratory report. In this Opinion, we consider patient barriers to comprehension of lab results and suggest several options to reformat the lab report to promote understanding of test results and their significance to patient care, and to reduce patient anxiety and confusion. In particular, patients’ health literacy, genetic literacy, e-health literacy and risk perception may influence their overall understanding of lab results and affect patient care. We propose four options to reformat lab reports: 1) inclusion of an interpretive summary section, 2) a summary letter to accompany the lab report, 3) development of a patient user guide to be provided with the report, and 4) a completely revised patient-friendly report. The complexity of genetic and genomic test reports poses a major challenge to patient understanding that warrants the development of a report more appropriate for patients.
Editorial: Pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 in tumor B lymphocytes: balancing migration and homing
Authors: Bauvois Brigitte
Published: July 2014

Discussion on how pro-MMP-9 has both stimulatory and inhibitory actions on tumor B cell motility, thus modulating homing to lymphoid tissues.
Experimental Shake Table Testing of an Adaptive Passive Negative Stiffness Device within a Highway Bridge Model
Authors: Attary Navid , Symans Michael , Nagarajaiah Satish , Reinhorn Andrei M. , Constantinou Michael C. , Sarlis Apostolos A. , Pasala Dharma T. R. , Taylor Douglas P.
Published: July 2014

The implementation of a mechanical negative stiffness device (NSD) within a reduced-scale highway bridge model and its performance under seismic loading conditions is evaluated via shaking table tests. Four different isolation system configurations are considered: isolated bridge (IB), IB with viscous dampers, IB with NSDs, and IB with viscous dampers and NSDs. In addition, two bridge pier configurations were considered: one with flexible piers (mimicking a middle span of a multi-span bridge) and one with braced piers (mimicking a single span bridge supported on abutments). The main feature of the NSD is a large pre-compressed spring, which can push the structure away from its initial undeformed position and thus induce negative stiffness behavior. The experimental results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the NSDs in limiting the seismic response of the bridge and provide validation of numerical simulation results wherein numerical models of the bridge model components were calibrated via system identification testing.
P120-catenin regulates REST/CoREST, and modulates mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Lee Moonsup , Ji Hong , Furuta Yasuhide , Park Jae-il , McCrea Pierre D.
Published: July 2014

While the canonical-Wnt pathway and beta-catenin have been extensively studied, less is known about p120-catenin in the nuclear compartment. We report that p120-catenin binds and negatively regulates REST and CoREST, a repressive transcriptional complex having diverse developmental and pathologic roles. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), mammalian cell lines, Xenopus embryos, and in vitro systems, we find that p120 directly binds REST/CoREST, displacing the complex from established gene-targets to permit their transcriptional activation. Importantly, p120 levels further modulate the mRNA and protein levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2, and have an impact upon the differentiation of mESCs towards neural fates. In assessing potential upstream inputs to this novel p120-REST/CoREST pathway, REST gene targets were found to respond to the level of E-cadherin, with evidence suggesting that p120-catenin transduces such signals between E-cadherin and the nucleus. In summary, we provide the first evidence for a direct upstream modulator/pathway regulating REST/CoREST, and reveal a significant role of p120-catenin in the modulation of stem cell differentiation.
Moonlighting cell surface GAPDH recruits Apo Transferrin to effect iron egress from mammalian cells
Authors: Sheokand Navdeep , Malhotra Himanshu , Kumar Santosh , Tillu Vikas A. , Chauhan Anoop S. , Raje Chaaya I. , Raje Manoj
Published: July 2014

Iron homeostasis is a tightly regulated process with precise control of its influx and egress from cells. Though mechanisms of its import into cells via iron carrier molecules are well characterized, iron export remains poorly understood. The current paradigm envisages unique functions associated with specialized macromolecules for its cellular import (transferrin receptors) or export (ferroportin) Earlier studies have revealed that, iron depleted cells recruit Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a moonlighting protein to their surface for internalization of the iron carrier holo transferrin (holo Tf). Here we report that under the contrary condition of intracellular iron excess, cells switch the isoform of GAPDH on their surface which now recruits iron free apo transferrin in close association with ferroportin to facilitate efflux of iron. Increased surface GAPDH expression synchronized with increased apo Tf binding and enhanced iron export from cells, a capability lost in GAPDH knockdown cells. These findings were confirmed in vivo utilizing a rodent model of iron overload. Besides identifying for the first time an apo transferrin receptor, our work uncovers two-way switching of multifunctional molecules for managing cellular micronutrient requirements.
Proteomic analysis of mammalian sperm cells identifies new components of the centrosome
Authors: Firat-Karalar Elif N. , Sante Joshua , Elliott Sarah , Stearns Tim
Published: July 2014

Centrioles are evolutionarily conserved microtubule-based structures at the core of the animal centrosome that are essential for nucleating the axoneme of cilia. We hypothesized that centriole proteins have been under-represented in proteomic studies of the centrosome, because of the larger amount of pericentriolar material making up the centrosome. In this study, we have overcome this problem by determining the centriolar proteome of mammalian sperm cells, which have a pair of centrioles but little pericentriolar material. Mass spectrometry of sperm centrioles identifies known components of centrioles and many previously uncharacterized candidate centriole proteins. Assessment of localization of a subset of these candidates in cultured cells identified CCDC113, CCDC96, C4orf47, CCDC38, C7orf31, CCDC146, CCDC81 and CCDC116 as centrosome-associated proteins. We examined the highly conserved protein CCDC113 further and found that it is a component of centriolar satellites, is in a complex with the satellite proteins HAP1 and PCM1, and functions in primary cilium formation.
The Effects of an Anti-Grade Inflation Policy at Wellesley College
Authors: Butcher Kristin F. , McEwan Patrick J. , Weerapana Akila
Published: July 2014

Average grades in colleges and universities have risen markedly since the 1960s. Critics express concern that grade inflation erodes incentives for students to learn; gives students, employers, and graduate schools poor information on absolute and relative abilities; and reflects the quid pro quo of grades for better student evaluations of professors. This paper evaluates an anti-grade-inflation policy that capped most course averages at a B+. The cap was biding for high-grading departments (in the humanities and social sciences) and was not binding for low-grading departments (in economics and sciences), facilitating a difference-in-differences analysis. Professors complied with the policy by reducing compression at the top of the grade distribution. It had little effect on receipt of top honors, but affected receipt of magna cum laude. In departments affected by the cap, the policy expanded racial gaps in grades, reduced enrollments and majors, and lowered student ratings of professors.
Evaluating Counterterrorism Spending
Authors: Mueller John , Stewart Mark G.
Published: July 2014

In this article, we present a simple back-of-the-envelope approach for evaluating whether counterterrorism security measures reduce risk sufficiently to justify their costs. The approach uses only four variables: the consequences of a successful attack, the likelihood of a successful attack, the degree to which the security measure reduces risk, and the cost of the security measure. After measuring the cost of a counterterrorism measure, we explore a range of outcomes for the costs of terrorist attacks and a range of possible estimates for how much risk might be reduced by the measure. Then working from this mix of information and assumptions, we can calculate how many terrorist attacks (and of what size) would need to be averted to justify the cost of the counterterrorism measure in narrow cost–benefit terms. To illustrate this approach, we first apply it to the overall increases in domestic counterterrorism expenditures that have taken place since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and alternatively we apply it to just the FBI's counterterrorism efforts. We then evaluate evidence on the number and size of terrorist attacks that have actually been averted or might have been averted since 9/11.
Seeking the Roots of Entrepreneurship: Insights from Behavioral Economics
Authors: Åstebro Thomas , Herz Holger , Nanda Ramana , Weber Roberto A.
Published: July 2014

There is a growing body of evidence that many entrepreneurs seem to enter and persist in entrepreneurship despite earning low risk-adjusted returns. This has lead to attempts to provide explanations—using both standard economic theory and behavioral economics— for why certain individuals may be attracted to such an apparently unprofitable activity. Drawing on research in behavioral economics, in the sections that follow, we review three sets of possible interpretations for understanding the empirical facts related to the entry into, and persistence in, entrepreneurship. Differences in risk aversion provide a plausible and intuitive interpretation of entrepreneurial activity. In addition, a growing literature has begun to highlight the potential importance of overconfidence in driving entrepreneurial outcomes. Such a mechanism may appear at face value to work like a lower level of risk aversion, but there are clear conceptual differences—in particular, overconfidence likely arises from behavioral biases and misperceptions of probability distributions. Finally, nonpecuniary taste-based factors may be important in motivating both the decisions to enter into and to persist in entrepreneurship.
The Lewis Model: A 60-Year Retrospective
Authors: Gollin Douglas
Published: July 2014

The Lewis model has remained, for more than half a century, one of the dominant theories of development economics. This paper argues that the power of the model lies in the simplicity of its central insight: that poor countries contain enclaves of economic activity just as rich countries contain enclaves of poverty; and that a proximate explanation for the difference in income per capita across countries is that there are large differences in the relative sizes of their “modern” and “traditional” sectors. But while the Lewis model contains a powerful and compelling macro narrative, its details have proved somewhat elusive to scholars and students who have followed, and its policy implications are unclear. This paper identifies several key insights of the Lewis model, discusses several different interpretations of the model, and then reviews modern evidence for the central propositions of the model. In closing, we consider the relevance of Lewis for current thinking about development strategies and policies.
Using telehealth for heart failure: Barriers, pitfalls and nursing service models
Authors: Crundall-Goode Amanda , Goode Kevin M
Published: July 2014

The management of long-term conditions such as chronic heart failure (CHF) will need to change due to a growing ageing population and the need to deliver health care within finite resources. Telehealth (or remote patient monitoring) is being introduced as a possible solution to meet these demands and has implications for the way nursing care is delivered and how services are reorganised. This paper guides nurses and their managers on how to meet the challenges of implementing a telehealth service for CHF management by exploring the possible barriers and pitfalls to its introduction, and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different nursing telehealth service models in use in the UK.
Patient and public involvement in research in the English NHS: a documentary analysis of the complex interplay of evidence and policy
Authors: Evans David
Published: July 2014

The last 20 years have seen significant international shifts towards greater patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research and development (R&D). In England, then first health R&D strategy in 1991 did not mention PPI. Twenty years later, PPI is deeply embedded within the National Institute for Health Research. This article examines the evolving relationship between evidence and policy on PPI in research through a documentary analysis of English health R&D policy documents published between 1991 and 2010. It then considers what model of the research-policy interface best explains the expansion of PPI in research and why this is important.
Spectral Changes Produced by Scattering of Polychromatic Light on Random Distribution of Particles
Authors: Dogariu Aristide , Wolf Emil
Published: July 2014

An expression is presented for the spectral changes generated by static scattering of polychromatic light on a random distribution of particles. The result is illustrated by specific cases of correlated systems of particles.
Automated Classification of Tissue by Type Using Real-Time Spectroscopy
Authors: Benaron David A. , Cheong Wai-Fung , Duckworth Joshua L. , Noles Kenneth , Nezhat Camran , Seidman Daniel , Hintz Susan R. , Levinson Carl J. , Murphy Aileen L. , Price John W. , Liu Frank W. H. , Stevenson David K. , Kermit Eben L.
Published: July 2014

Using the unique spectral signature of each tissue type (e.g. liver differs from bowel), we performed automated discrimination among normal tissue types (e.g. nerve, artery, vein, muscle) in laboratory and clinical studies.
Scattering properties of biological cells
Authors: Mourant J. R. , Hielscher A. H. , Freyer J. P. , Eick A. A. , Shen D. , Johnson T. M.
Published: July 2014

Optical light scattering properties of malignant and nonmalignant cells, and organelles isolated from these cells reveals information about scattering centers.
Backscattering Mueller Matrix Analysis for Biomedical Optical Diagnostics
Authors: Hielscher Andreas H. , Eick Angelia A. , Mourant Judith R. , Chen D. , Freyer James P. , Bigio Irving J.
Published: July 2014

We report on the development of a method that records spatially dependent intensity patterns of polarized light that is diffusely backscattered from highly scattering media. It is demonstrated that these intensity patterns can be used to differentiate turbid media, such as polystyrene-sphere and biological-cell suspensions. Our technique employs polarized light from a He-Ne laser, which is focused onto the surface of the scattering medium. A surface area of approximately 4×4 cm centered on the light input point is imaged through polarization-analysis optics onto a CCD camera. One can observe a large variety of intensity patterns by varying the polarization state of the incident laser light and changing the analyzer configuration to detect different polarization components of the back-scattered light. Introducing the Mueller-matrix concept for diffusely backscattered light, a framework is provided to select a subset of measurements that comprehensively describe the optical properties of backscattering media.
Investigation of Optical Reflectance from Human Brain in vivo for Guiding Brain Surgery
Authors: Liu Hanli , Johns Maureen , Giller Cole A.
Published: July 2014

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive disease of the basal ganglia (gray matter). The globus pallidus is one such mass that lies deep within the brain and is surrounded by white matter. A pallidotomy surgery involves inserting a thin probe into the globus pallidus and creating a small lesion with radio frequency current. These lesions help relieve the tremors associated with PD. Precise mapping of the globus pallidus border is essential. A lesion miscalculation could cause permanent damage, such as blindness or paralysis. Currently, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to identify aberrant locations prior to surgery. However, these tools are not sufficient for safe localization due to anatomic variations, and they are unavailable during the operation. It would be desirable to have portable, real-time display equipment available in the operating room for quick, simple and accurate lesion localization.
Multi-Pixel Frequency Domain Photon Migration Imaging of a Fluorescent Contrast Agent
Authors: Reynolds J.S. , Troy T.L. , Waters D. J. , Cornell K.K. , Sevick-Muraca E.M.
Published: July 2014

An RF phase sensitive camera is used to acquire frequency domain photon migration images of the fluorescent contrast agent indocyanine green (ICG) in diseased canine mammary tissue both in vivo and ex vivo. Using this system, images of 100 MHz modulation amplitude and phase are obtained for 128×128 pixels.
Noninvasive Renal Function Assessment by Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Dorshow Richard B. , Bugaj Joseph E. , Schmidt Michelle A. , Srinivasan Ananth
Published: July 2014

An in vivo fluorescence detection apparatus was employed to monitor exogenous dye clearance from the vasculature in an animal model. Renally excreted dyes were developed to assess kidney function.
Enhancement of Contrast Agent Images Using Spectral Fluorescence Difference
Authors: Wang W. B. , Demos S. G. , Ali J. , Zhang G. , Alfano R. R.
Published: July 2014

Differences between the native tissue emission and the contrast agent dye emission were measured and used to select fingerprint wavelengths for imaging. The image quality of contrast-agent-dyed tissues was significantly enhanced using spectral fluorescence difference imaging method.
Multispectral and lifetime imaging for the detection of skin tumors
Authors: Cubeddu Rinaldo , Pifferi Antonio , Taroni Paola , Valentini Gianluca , Canti Gianfranco , Lindquist Charlotta , Andersson-Engels Stefan , Svanberg Sune , Wang Ingrid , Svanberg Katarina
Published: July 2014

Multispectral and lifetime imaging systems have been used to detect skin cancer in humans after the topical application of δ-arninolevulinic acid ointment. Both systems allowed a clear detection of tumors based either on spectral or on temporal differences between the fluorescence signals in the neoplasia and in the healthy tissues nearby.
An Endogenous Dermal Fluorescence Band that may Serve as a Quantitative Marker of Aging and Photoaging
Authors: Tian Wei Dong , Gillies Robert , Kollias Nikiforos
Published: July 2014

The principal bands in the UV fluorescence excitation spectra from human skin as well as from the hairless mouse model consist of 295 nm due to tryptophan, 335 nm due to insoluble pepsin digestible collagen cross links and 370 nm due to insoluble collagenase digestible collagen cross links. Fluorescence excitation spectra were obtained from SKH mouse skin as a series of eight spectra each starting from 260 nm and ending 20 nm short of the emission wavelength which was sequentially increased from 340 nm to 480 nm.
Multi-wavelength Digital Colposcopy to Aid Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Pogue Brian W. , Burke Gregory C. , Weaver John , Harper Diane M.
Published: July 2014

The incidence and mortality of invasive cervical cancer in North
America has decreased by 70% over the last fifty years,
because of early detection through screening efforts (1,2). The test
characteristics of the Papanicolaou smear have never been proven
through rigorous sensitivity and specificity trials and range widely
depending on the study population used to derive them (3). False
positive and false negative results cause unnecessary morbidity, and
in some cases, mortality.
Real-Time Multiplexed Frequency-Domain Temperature and pH Sensor using a Single Optical Fiber
Authors: Liao Shih-Chu , Xu Zhong , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

Two independent parameters of physiological significance, temperature and pH, were remotely monitored simultaneously in real-time using a single fiber optic probe. The phosphorescence and fluorescence lifetimes of alexandrite and seminaphthofluorescein (SNAFL-2) indicators, respectively, were probed using a dual-frequency synthesized frequency-domain excitation signal. Heterodyne modulation of the fluorescence detector gain recovered the fluorescence emission modulation and phase at both widely separated excitation frequencies simultaneously using low-speed computer A/D hardware. The compact system employed either a green He-Ne laser or a super bright LED for fluorescence excitation. The accuracy of the temperature and pH measurements were 0.31 °C and 0.05, respectively. By choosing appropriate fluorescence indicator lifetimes, additional physiological sensors could be added. This technology has potential applications in minimally invasive medical diagnosis and patient monitoring.
Quantification of functional motor cortex activity using time-resolved spatially localized NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Ntziachristos Vasilis , Ma XuHui , Yodh Arjun , Chance Britton
Published: July 2014

We report the use of a home-made multi-channel time-correlated photon counting instrument, to monitor and quantify absorption changes in the contra-lateral primary motor cortex area occurring due to motor stimulation with voluntary finger tapping. The stimulation protocol is designed using an intensity modulated NIR instrument and optimized to quantify the maximum blood volume changes during activation.
Reconstruction of Fluorescent Lifetime and Quantum Efficiency Using Frequency Domain Photon Migration Measurements
Authors: Troy T. L. , Reynolds J. S. , Sevick-Muraca E. M.
Published: July 2014

Using a finite difference approach to solve the coupled diffusion equations for the excitation and emission light, tomographic maps of absorption, fluorescence quantum efficiency, and lifetime were reconstructed from simulated detector measurements of diffuse photon density waves made at the periphery of a tissue phantom.
Optical Probe and Frequency-Domain Instrumentation to Study Spatial and Temporal Correlations of Fluctuations in Tissues
Authors: Filiaci M. , Toronov V. , Fantini S. , Gratton E.
Published: July 2014

We have used Photon Density Wave Fluctuation Correlation Spectroscopy (PDW-FCS) to study spatial and temporal correlations of large-scale (~1 mm) optical fluctuations in turbid media such as tissues. Our method uses high frequency (110 MHz) intensity modulated near-infrared light traveling in multiply scattering media. We measure the power spectra of the average value (DC), modulation amplitude (AC) and phase (Φ) of the photon density wave launched in the turbid medium. We have designed an optical probe, consisting of two source-detector pairs, which in conjunction with a correlation algorithm restricts the region probed by the photon density wave.
Two-Photon Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Protein-Fluorophore Complexes
Authors: Allcock Philip , Andrews David L.
Published: July 2014

A microscopic theory of two-photon fluorescence energy transfer is presented with particular view to its use as a probe into the structure of protein-fluorophore complexes. The onset of a radiative character to the energy transfer is identified at comparatively short distances, and is apparent in substantially modified fluorescence polarization.
Bacterial Endospore Detection Using Terbium Dipicolinate Photoluminescence in the Presence of Chemical and Biological Materials
Authors: Pellegrino Paul M. , Fell Nicholas F. , Rosen David L. , Gillespie James B.
Published: July 2014

A determination of the viability of an endospore detection technique using terbium dipicolinate photoluminescence in the presence of other chemical and biological materials was performed. The compounds and organisms examined, possible environmental constituents, covered three broad categories: organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and biological materials. Each substance was tested for a false positive, which occurs if the intrinsic terbium photoluminescence is enhanced in the absence of a bacterial endospore. The detection technique was also investigated for false negatives, which occur if a known positive endospore signal is inhibited significantly. Although several materials may give rise to false negative signals, none caused a false positive signal to be observed.
Indirect Agents of Empire
Authors: McInnis Verity G.
Published: July 2014

The experiences of army officers’ wives stationed in British India and the U.S. West during the period 1830–1875 offer a critical dimension to understandings of imperialism. This comparative analysis argues that these women designed a distinct identity that blueprinted, directed, and legitimized the ambitions of empire. In feminizing the Army’s ranking system, officers’ wives appropriated and wielded male authority. Military homes—a space where class, race, ethnicity, and gender intersected—functioned as operational sites of empire, and, in managing household servants, officers’ wives both designed and endorsed the principles of benevolent imperialism. Whether adjudicating local disputes, emasculating soldier-servants of lower rank, or enacting the social norms of the metropole, these women confidently executed their duty as imperial agents.
Regulatory T cells suppress CD4+T cells through NFAT‐dependent transcriptional mechanisms
Authors: Shin Daniel S , Jordan Ayana , Basu Samik , Thomas Rajan M , Bandyopadhyay Sanmay , de Zoeten Edwin F , Wells Andrew D , Macian Fernando
Published: July 2014

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control autoreactive T cells by inhibiting activation‐induced proliferation and cytokine expression. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the inactivation of effector T cells by Tregs remain yet to be fully characterized. We report that T‐helper cells stimulated in the presence of Tregs quickly activate NFAT1 and have increased NFAT1‐dependent expression of the transcription repressor Ikaros. NFAT1 deficiency or dominant‐negative Ikaros compromises Treg‐mediated inhibition of T‐helper cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results place NFAT‐dependent mechanisms as general regulators of T‐cell tolerance and show that Treg‐mediated suppression of T‐helper cells results from the activation of NFAT‐regulated gene expression.
Minimal requirements for ubiquitination-mediated regulation of thyroid hormone activation
Authors: Egri Péter , Gereben Balázs
Published: July 2014

Activation of thyroxine by outer ring deiodination is the crucial first step of thyroid hormone action. Substrate-induced ubiquitination of type 2 deiodinase (D2) is the most rapid and sensitive mechanism known to regulate thyroid hormone activation. While the molecular machinery responsible for D2 ubiquitination has been extensively studied, the combination of molecular features sufficient and required to allow D2 ubiquitination have not previously been determined. To address this question, we constructed chimeric deiodinases by introducing different combinations of D2-specific elements into type 1 deiodinase (D1), another member of the deiodinase enzyme family, which, however, does not undergo ubiquitination in its native form. Studies on the chimeric proteins expressed transiently in HEK-293T cells revealed that combined insertion of the D2-specific instability loop and the K237/K244 D2 ubiquitin carrier lysines into the corresponding positions of D1 could not ubiquitinate D1 unless the chimera was directed to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements demonstrated that the C-terminal globular domain of the ER-directed chimera was able to interact with the E3 ligase subunit WSB1. However, this interaction did not occur between the chimera and the TEB4 (MARCH6) E3 ligase, although a native D2 could readily interact with the N-terminus of TEB4. In conclusion, insertion of the instability loop and ubiquitin carrier lysines in combination with direction to the ER are sufficient and required to govern WSB1-mediated ubiquitination of an activating deiodinase enzyme.
Protocatechuic acid exerts a cardioprotective effect in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Semaming Yoswaris , Kumfu Sirinart , Pannangpetch Patchareewan , Chattipakorn Siriporn C , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: July 2014

Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a phenolic compound, a main metabolite of anthocyanin, which has been reported to display various pharmacological properties. We proposed the hypothesis that PCA exerts cardioprotection in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats. T1DM was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats by a single i.p. injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) and groups of these animals received the following treatments for 12 weeks: i) oral administration of vehicle, ii) oral administration of PCA at a dose of 50  mg/kg per day, iii) oral administration of PCA at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day, iv) s.c. injection of insulin at a dose of 4 U/kg per day, and v) a combination of PCA, 100 mg/kg per day and insulin, 4 U/kg per day. Metabolic parameters, results from echocardiography, and heart rate variability were monitored every 4 weeks, and the HbA1c, cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), cardiac mitochondrial function, and cardiac BAX/BCL2 expression were evaluated at the end of treatment. PCA, insulin, and combined drug treatments significantly improved metabolic parameters and cardiac function as shown by increased percentage fractional shortening and percentage left ventricular ejection fraction and decreased low-frequency:high-frequency ratio in T1DM rats. Moreover, all treatments significantly decreased plasma HbA1c and cardiac MDA levels, improved cardiac mitochondrial function, and increased BCL2 expression. Our results demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, the efficacy of PCA in improving cardiac function and cardiac autonomic balance, preventing cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction, and increasing anti-apoptotic protein in STZ-induced T1DM rats. Thus, PCA possesses a potential cardioprotective effect and could restore cardiac function when combined with insulin treatment. These findings indicated that supplementation with PCA might be helpful for the prevention and alleviation of cardiovascular complications in T1DM.
On Problems of Characteristic and Nominal Values of Steel Yield Strength and Their Influence on Design Resistance of Steel Structural Members
Authors: Karmazínová Marcela , Melcher Jindrich J.
Published: July 2014

The paper deals with the problems of mechanical properties of structural steels used for load-carrying structures of civil engineering constructions. The attention is mainly paid to the values of yield strength from the viewpoint of the design concept of European Standards, i.e. Eurocode 3 for the design of steel structures, with respect to the structural reliability given by the failure probability. In the case of other materials, concrete or timber for example, characteristic and design values of strength given by the corresponding failure probability are used in the design procedures, where the partial safety factor of material is γM > 1.0. However, in the case of steel, the nominal values instead of characteristic values of steel yield strength are utilized in the structural design procedure, with the partial safety factor for material of γM = 1.0. These values have been derived based on the statistical and probabilistic evaluation of the data sets of actual material properties obtained from various recent steel producers. The paper presents the brief information on the results of the study oriented to the influence of the nominal or characteristic value of yield strength on the design resistance, which is shown on the examples of the member subjected to tension and bending moment, respectively. The influence mentioned is shown using the examples of structural steels used in constructions of the age of about 40 and 100 years.
The Efficiency of SiO2 Based Materials in Granulated Artificial Aggregates
Authors: Ogurtsova Yulia , Strokova Valeria , Zhernovsky Igor , Maksakov Aleksey , Kozhukhova Marina , Sobolev Konstantin
Published: July 2014

This paper reports on the development of a new type of low cost artificial aggregates based on granulated reactive silica (AAGS) for application in lightweight concrete. The functional principle of AAGS is based on the formation of polysilicate solutions under heat treatment (up to 80 °C) and migration of these solutions into the porous space of concrete under the thermal gradients, resulting in strengthening of inter-porous space. Developed AAGSs are based on low cost local raw materials, which may contain different amounts of amorphous silica. The activity coefficient (AC) and amorphous silica content are used to evaluate the performance of raw materials by suggested accelerated method.

Silica components with different genesis are investigated and ranked according to their AC. It is found out that chemogenic and biogenic siliceous rocks with a low degree of diagenetic transformations, which are mostly represented by CT-opals (a low-temperature nanoscale modification of tridymite and crystobalite, such as diatomite, tripoli and opoka) are the most highly active raw materials for AAGS. All tested siliceous materials including natural and artificial components are divided into three groups: highly active (with AC of 51–100%), active (with AC of 21–50 %) and low-active (with AC of 5–20 %). Based on theoretical and experimental studies, the requirements for AAGS raw materials are developed.
Mathematical Model of the melting of DRI in a slag melt
Authors: Ramírez-Argáez Marco A. , González-Rivera Carlos
Published: July 2014

Melting of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pellets in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) in steelmaking production is a common practice worldwide. Mathematical models are proper tools to study the phenomena involved in melting DRI. In this work we develop a mathematical model to predict melting kinetics of DRI in a liquid slag bath. The model is successfully validated against experimental results and it is used to develop a process analysis to estimate the effects of DRI size, stirring conditions, and temperatures of the bath and pellet on the melting kinetics of DRI.
Synthesis and Characterization of Micro and Nano Ba3-xKxHx(PO4)2 and Ba3-xNaxHx(PO4)2
Authors: Bang Sun Hwi , Chun Sam , Highower Adrian
Published: July 2014

Ba3-xKxHx(PO4)2 is a candidate solid-state proton conductor for solid acid fuel cells that is water-insoluble. The measured conductivity of ∼ 2.4 10-5 S cm-1 for the composition x=0.80 at 250°C is not competitive for solid acid fuel cell applications. This work investigates a methods for synthesizing solid acid electrolytes with the strategy of increasing proton conductivity by cation substitution and decreasing particle size. We report on the synthesis of nano Ba3-xKxHx(PO4)2 to a novel Ba3-xNaxHx(PO4)2. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the Ba3(PO4)2 crystal structure and measure lattice strain as a function of cation substitution. SEM confirmed the morphology of micro Ba3-xNaxHx(PO4)2 is substantially different from micro Ba3-xKxHx(PO4)2, suggesting that Ba3-xNaxHx(PO4)2 has a different growth kinetics.
Thermal effects on the physical properties of limestone from the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Gónzalez-Gómez W.S. , May-Crespo J. , Quintana P. , May-Pat A. , Avilés F. , Alvarado-Gil J. J. , Ortega B.O.
Published: July 2014

Rocks are composed of minerals, bounding matrix, cracks and pores. The study of changes in the physical properties of rocks as a function of heat treatment is relevant to various engineering and industrial applications. The effect of thermal damage on the compression, strength, ultimate compression strain, color and loss of mass of two different limestones extracted from the Yucatan Peninsula is studied. Different thermal treatments are applied by heating the sample from room temperature up to 600°C, with steps of 100°C. The results show a high correlation between the heat transport characteristics, mechanical properties, content of organic matter and the presence of carbonates and iron oxides in each type of limestone rock.
Avaliação dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares em uma população rural brasileira
Authors: Felisbino-Mendes Mariana Santos , Jansen Ann Kristine , Gomes Crizian Saar , Velásquez-Meléndez Gustavo
Published: July 2014

Trata-se de um estudo transversal que avaliou indicadores de saúde cardiovascular em 863 indivíduos adultos residentes em comunidades rurais do Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram avaliados sete fatores, quatro comportamentais (dieta, atividade física, tabagismo e peso corporal) e três biológicos (colesterol total, glicemia em jejum e pressão arterial), classificados em níveis ideal, intermediário e ruim. Considerando os fatores comportamentais os homens tiveram melhor desempenho (p = 0,01), sendo observado um maior número de homens com 2 e 3 fatores em níveis ideais (48,5 e 25,8%, respectivamente), em detrimento das mulheres (44,2 e 19,8%, respectivamente) (p = 0,01). Por outro lado, as mulheres apresentaram maior número de fatores biológicos em níveis ideais (19,1%) quando comparadas com os homens (7,9%) (p < 0,001). Somente três (0,4%) participantes apresentaram os sete fatores na categoria ideal. A prevalência dos indicadores em nível ideal foi muito baixa, demonstrando a urgência de estratégias visando melhorar a saúde cardiovascular desta população.
Health-related and socio-demographic factors associated with frailty in the elderly: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mello Amanda de Carvalho , Engstrom Elyne Montenegro , Alves Luciana Correia
Published: July 2014

Frailty is a syndrome that leads to practical harm in the lives of elders, since it is related to increased risk of dependency, falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and death. The objective of this systematic review was to identify the socio-demographic, psycho-behavioral, health-related, nutritional, and lifestyle factors associated with frailty in the elderly. A total of 4,183 studies published from 2001 to 2013 were detected in the databases, and 182 complete articles were selected. After a comprehensive reading and application of selection criteria, 35 eligible articles remained for analysis. The main factors associated with frailty were: age, female gender, black race/color, schooling, income, cardiovascular diseases, number of comorbidities/diseases, functional incapacity, poor self-rated health, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol use. Knowledge of the complexity of determinants of frailty can assist the formulation of measures for prevention and early intervention, thereby contributing to better quality of life for the elderly.
Gait energy expenditure in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: case study
Authors: Souza Mariana Angélica de , Ferreira Marília Ester , Baptista Cyntia Rogean de Jesus Alves de , Sverzut Ana Claudia Mattiello
Published: July 2014

This case study aimed to verify the model of Rose et al.1 as a feasible to assess energy expenditure in gait of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Three DMD patients aged 6, 7 and 8 years old participated of this study. It was obtained weight, height, leg length measurement (LLM), resting and gait heart rate (HR) held on as 55-meter oval circuit performed during a two-minute test at each speed. Energy expenditure was calculated using the HR. It was performed a descriptive analysis (average) and these were compared, individually, to normative data. The average gait speed of these three patients was similar to the normative data for slow speed and lower considering comfortable and fast speed. The energy expenditure to slow speed of the patients 2 and 3 was similar to the normality, and lowest for patient 1; at comfortable speed, the energy expenditure obtained for all patients was similar; at fast speed, the patients 1 and 2 presented similar to normal values, but the patient 3 presented higher energy expenditure. It was concluded that the energy expenditure evaluation using HR was easily executed in the clinical practice and it can help therapeutic choices. For patient 3, an aerobic training could be indicated and for the others, they could keep the routine assessments.
Factors associated with the risk of eating disorders among academics in the area of health
Authors: Reis Jeudi Aguiar dos , Silva Júnior Carlos Reeves Rodrigues , Pinho Lucinéia de
Published: July 2014

The object of this study was aimed at identifying factors associated with the risk of eating disorders in undergraduate students in the area of Health Sciences. It is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study carried out in Montes Claros, MG (Brazil), from August to October 2012. The profile of the university students was identified and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) applied. 200, students aged 23.4 ± 6.13 years participated in the study, 76.5% of them females. A frequency of 4.0% of the students were at high risk of developing eating disorders, 21.0% at low risk and 75.0% had no risk factors. Various inadequate self-perceptions of the body, dietary practice, missed breakfasts and snacking during intervals were associated with factors for eating disorder risk (p<0.05). For students with inadequate nutritional status, 34.4% were at risk of an eating disorder (p=0,004). The high risk of developing eating disorders among students in a nutritionally deficient condition indicates that they should receive preventive dietary advice.
Penetration resistance according to penetration rate, cone base size and different soil conditions
Authors: Junior Daniel Dias Valadão , Biachini Aloísio , Valadão Franciele Caroline Assis , Rosa Rodrigo Pengo
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of penetration rate and the size of the cone base on the resistance to penetration under different soil moistures and soil bulk density. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4x2x2x2 factorial arrangement, with the factors, soil bulk density of 1.0; 1.2; 1.4 and 1.6 Mg m-3, soil moisture at the evaluation of 0.16 and 0.22 kg kg-1, penetration rates of 0.166 and 30 mm s-1 and areas of the cone base of 10.98 and 129.28 mm² resulting in 32 treatments with 8 replicates. To ensure greater uniformity and similarity to field conditions, samples passed through cycles of wetting and drying. Only the interaction of the four factors was not significant. Resistance values varied with the density of the soil, regardless of moisture and penetration rate. Soil penetration resistance was influenced by the size of the cone base, with higher values for the smallest base independent of moisture and soil bulk density. The relationship between resistance to penetration and moisture is not always linear, once it is influenced by soil bulk density. Reduction in the area of the cone leads to an increase in the soil resistance to penetration.
Polymorphisms in candidate genes and their association with carcass traits and meat quality in Nellore cattle
Authors: Borges Bárbara Oliveira , Curi Rogério Abdallah , Baldi Fernando , Feitosa Fabieli Loise Braga , Andrade Willian Bruno Fernandes de , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão de , Oliveira Henrique Nunes de , Chardulo Luis Artur Loyola
Published: July 2014

The objective of this work was to estimate the allele polymorphism frequencies of genes in Nellore cattle and associate them with meat quality and carcass traits. Six hundred males were genotyped for the following polymorphisms: DGAT1 (VNTR with 18 nucleotides at the promoter region); ANK1, a new polymorphism, identified and mapped here at the gene regulatory region NW_001494427.3; TCAP (AY428575.1:g.346G>A); and MYOG (NW_001501985:g.511G>C). In the association study, phenotype data of hot carcass weight, ribeye area, backfat thickness, percentage of intramuscular fat, shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index, meat color (L*, a*, b*), and cooking losses were used. Allele B from the ANK1 gene was associated with greater redness (a*). Alleles 5R, 6R, and 7R from the DGAT1 VNTR gene were associated with increased intramuscular fat, reduced cooking losses and increased ribeye area, respectively. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TCAP gene was not polymorphic, and MYOG alleles were not associated with any of the evaluated characteristics. These results indicate that ANK1 and DGAT1 genes can be used in the selection of Nellore cattle for carcass and meat quality.
Educação, cidadania e agenciamentos formativos nas políticas culturais brasileiras
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Manoel Dias da
Published: July 2014

O presente artigo visa abordar as novas configurações das políticas culturais e algumas de suas implicações nas políticas e práticas educativas contemporâneas. No plano de uma análise sociológica, sobretudo ao considerar a hipótese do declínio da institucionalidade moderna da escola e reconhecer a ampliação e diversificação das políticas culturais, particularmente a partir da gestão Gilberto Gil, o autor pretende verificar os agenciamentos formativos que perfazem as ações e políticas culturais brasileiras. Considera, ainda, que tais agenciamentos redefinem as relações entre os atores e as instituições, tanto quanto são orientados por objetivos situados entre as expectativas de retorno social e de formação para a cidadania.
A formação de educadores na educação não formal pública
Authors: Fuhrmann Nadia , Paulo Fernanda dos Santos
Published: July 2014

O artigo se ocupa da discussão sobre a educação não formal no Brasil contemporâneo. Como subsídios, toma dados de uma pesquisa realizada na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul sobre o Programa de Apoio Socioeducativo (Sase) e de experiências empíricas da Associação dos Educadores Populares de Porto Alegre (Aeppa), como entidade de formação de educadores populares. Os resultados demonstram que o programa socioeducativo público usa um modelo de ensino-aprendizagem híbrido entre a pedagogia e a assistência social, com lacunas quanto à sistematização e avaliação das atividades, aos conteúdos e à formação dos profissionais que nele atuam.
Educación basada en competencias: hacia una pedagogía sin dicotomías
Authors: Alarcón Leiva Jorge , Hill Brianna , Frites Claudio
Published: July 2014

El artículo examina una comprensión de la noción educativa de "competencias" desde una perspectiva que cabría designar como su justificación. Se abordan tres tópicos centrales. En primer lugar, se caracteriza la competencia lingüística como paradigma explicativo de la noción de "competencia". En segundo lugar, se ensayan tres acercamientos a la educación por competencias, a partir de una comparación con la pedagogía por objetivos, desde su evolución histórica y finalmente desde una perspectiva conceptual, dando cuenta de la necesidad de una pedagogía "sin dicotomías". Se concluye examinando algunas descripciones de la noción educativa de competencia para subrayar su comprensión como "inteligencia de la situación", con el fin de discutir sus sentidos y alcances apelando al marco de referencia conceptual derivado del examen de la competencia lingüística.