bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo da influência da configuração estrutural na resposta sísmica de uma estrutura de concreto armado
Authors: PEÑA L. A. P. , CARVALHO G. N. D. DE
Published: December 2015

Resumo Os recentes aumentos dos registros de abalos sísmicos no Brasil impulsionaram a publicação da NBR 15421:2006 [1] - Projeto de Estruturas Resistentes a Sismos - na qual são definidas as cargas sísmicas a serem consideradas no projeto em função da capacidade de dissipação de energia no regime inelástico das estruturas e da sismicidade do território brasileiro. Algumas edificações construídas antes da publicação dessa norma não foram projetadas para resistir a ações sísmicas aumentando a sua fragilidade e vulnerabilidade para terremotos de qualquer intensidade. Observa-se ainda que alguns desses edifícios foram projetados e construídos com distribuições irregulares de massa, rigidez ou resistência ao longo da sua altura que podem levar a um desempenho sísmico inadequado. Assim, torna-se essencial para os engenheiros e projetistas uma melhor compreensão dos efeitos dos abalos sísmicos no comportamento sísmico de edificações, especialmente aquelas com diversas irregularidades. Por simplicidade, utiliza-se neste trabalho o termo "estruturas irregulares" para referenciar estruturas como as descritas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o comportamento sísmico de uma estrutura de concreto armado de oito pavimentos e com diversas irregularidades introduzidas na planta da mesma, a fim de verificar a influência dessas irregularidades na perda da capacidade de resistir cargas laterais e dissipação de energia, as quais são calculadas utilizando o método dinâmico espectral e uma análise pushover, procedimentos descritos nas normas NBR15421:2006 [1] e na norma americana FEMA 356 [2]. Do mesmo modo, calcula-se o desempenho sísmico dos modelos usando o método do espectro de capacidade definido na norma ATC-40 [3]. Todos os resultados são comparados com os obtidos para uma estrutura totalmente regular chamada de caso base ou de referência, com o intuito de visualizar as diversas mudanças provocadas pelas irregularidades. O estudo proposto é realizado de forma numérica e as simulações são feitas no programa CSI ETABS(r) Nonlinear v9.5 [4]. Os resultados mostram que a capacidade da estrutura dependerá da plasticidade de seus elementos para não colapsar e do detalhamento adequado para garantir o bom funcionamento do sistema resistente.
A Novel Three–Dimensional Human Peritubular Microvascular System
Authors: Ligresti Giovanni , Nagao Ryan J. , Xue Jun , Choi Yoon Jung , Xu Jin , Ren Shuyu , Aburatani Takahide , Anderson Susan K. , MacDonald James W. , Bammler Theo K. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Muczynski Kimberly A. , Duffield Jeremy S. , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Zheng Ying
Published: December 2015

Human kidney peritubular capillaries are particularly susceptible to injury, resulting in dysregulated angiogenesis, capillary rarefaction and regression, and progressive loss of kidney function. However, little is known about the structure and function of human kidney microvasculature. Here, we isolated, purified, and characterized human kidney peritubular microvascular endothelial cells (HKMECs) and reconstituted a three-dimensional human kidney microvasculature in a flow-directed microphysiologic system. By combining epithelial cell depletion and cell culture in media with high concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor, we obtained HKMECs of high purity in large quantity. Unlike other endothelial cells, isolated HKMECs depended on high vascular endothelial growth factor concentration for survival and growth and exhibited high tubulogenic but low angiogenic potential. Furthermore, HKMECs had a different transcriptional profile. Under flow, HKMECs formed a thin fenestrated endothelium with a functional permeability barrier. In conclusion, this three-dimensional HKMEC-specific microphysiologic system recapitulates human kidney microvascular structure and function and shows phenotypic characteristics different from those of other microvascular endothelial cells.
Estimate of the Free Energy Using Calculations of Dynamics in the Semiclassical Holstein Model
Authors: Лахно В.Д. , Lakhno V.D.
Published: December 2015

We considered two ways of finding the free energy, using thermodynamic equilibrium characteristics, which are calculated by direct computational experiments.
The results of calculations are described for homogeneous nucleotide dimers AA, GG and TT. Both of these methods yield similar results for biologically
relevant temperatures.
The Risks We Are Willing to Take: Youth Civic Development in “Postwar” Guatemala
Authors: Bellino Michelle J.
Published: December 2015

In this article, Michelle J. Bellino explores contrasting approaches to civic education in two rural schools serving indigenous Maya youth in post–civil war Guatemala. Through comparative ethnography, she examines how youth civic pathways intersect with legacies of authoritarianism while young people shape their identity as members of historically oppressed groups. She suggests that student decisions about how and when to participate in civic issues function as a risk calculus, taking into consideration the costs and benefits of both participation and nonparticipation as well as the civic obligation to abstain or join communities in struggle. Although serving similarly impoverished communities hard-hit by state actors during the war and now struggling with issues of indigenous autonomy, both schools position daily experiences with injustice as an entry point for constructing youth citizenship. Beyond this shared experience of historical injustice and its ongoing effects, educators envision young peoples' roles according to different risk structures. In this way, youth construct civic pathways while traversing between the potential for risk and reward, in part informed by their experiences in school.
Cultural Capital and Transnational Parenting: The Case of Ghanaian Migrants in the United States
Authors: Coe Cati , Shani Serah
Published: December 2015

What does cultural capital mean in a transnational context? In this article, Cati Coe and Serah Shani illustrate through the case of Ghanaian immigrants to the United States that the concept of cultural capital offers many insights into immigrants' parenting strategies, but that it also needs to be refined in several ways to account for the transnational context in which migrants and their children operate. The authors argue that, for many immigrants, the folk model of success means that they seek for their children skills, knowledge, and ways of being in the world that are widely valued in the multiple contexts in which they operate. For Ghanaian migrants, parenting includes using social and institutional resources from Ghana as well as the United States. The multiplicity and contradictions in cultural capital across different social fields complicate their parenting “projects” and raise questions about the reproduction of social class through the intergenerational transmission of cultural capital.
The Shaping of Postcollege Colorblind Orientation Among Whites: Residential Segregation and Campus Diversity Experiences
Authors: Jayakumar Uma M.
Published: December 2015

In this article, Uma M. Jayakumar investigates the cumulative impact of experiences with segregation or racial diversity prior to and during college on colorblind ideological orientation among white adults. An analysis of longitudinal data spanning ten years reveals that, for whites from segregated and diverse childhood neighborhoods, some experiences in college may increase colorblind thinking, while others may facilitate a greater understanding of the racial context of US society. Segregated white environments, or white habitus, before, during, and after college are associated with whites' colorblind ideological orientations, with negative implications for racial justice. Campus racial diversity experiences can play a role in diminishing the influence of white habitus but are not necessarily doing so. In other words, the challenges of addressing colorblind orientation are greater for white students from segregated neighborhoods and high schools who also tend to choose segregated white campus environments and are less likely to engage across race lines while in college. This study speaks to the need for more direct interventions addressing colorblind ideology among white college students. The findings suggest that racial diversity and integration are potentially disruptive but insufficient conditions for unlearning harmful colorblind frames.
Sindbad Myth in the Poem by Khalil Hawi
Authors: Ghasemi Rozveh Nasser , Danaye Aida
Published: December 2015

Extensive use of mystery and myth as a means of expression is one of the most eminent artistic phenomena at new poetry experiences. The reflection of myths in poetry, is the most beautiful and artistic application of mythmaking. With reflection of myths, the mythological world became the parade ground for poet`s imagination and creation and also for mythmaker writer, so it can link past and present, and by this way shows social and political deductions and perceptions for readers, and fulfills human art and cultural needs. Also, Arab current poets used of Arabic and even other old nation`s myths, and expressed their thoughts and ideas by using these myths with respect to environment and circumstances. This paper aims to study the most dominant myths in Khalil Hawie`s poems, beside defining idiomatic and lexical of myth.
Selección de actuadores y sensores para el tobillo y la rodilla de EMI-UMNG
Authors: Oliveros Acosta Eduardo , Quintero Virgilio , Velasco Toledo Nelson
Published: December 2015

Los objetos pesados son transportados típicamente por vehículos de ruedas; sin embargo, muchos ambientes como laderas rocosas, escaleras, etc, plantean importantes desafíos para este tipo de sistema de locomoción. El Exoesqueleto para miembros inferiores de la Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (EMI-UMNG) es un sistema robótico que proporciona a su operador la capacidad para soportar cargas considerables con un esfuerzo mínimo sobre cualquier tipo de terreno. La actuación y control de un exoesqueleto presenta un problema de interés debido a la precisión para seguir lo movimientos de un usuario, evitando lesionarlo u obstaculizar la realización de tareas. Este artículo presenta el diseño y simulación del sistema de actuación del exoesqueleto, adicionalmente se presentan los criterios de selección para los sensores para cada una de las articulaciones. Se muestran parámetros cinemáticos como la máxima velocidad de desplazamiento de los actuadores en el sistema exoesquelético EMI (Exoesqueleto para Miembros Inferiores) de la Universidad Militar Nueva Granada.
Efecto del ángulo de incidencia sobre monocapas de HfN expuestas a fenómenos de corrosión erosión
Authors: Guzmán Duran Pablo Andrés , Aperador Chaparro William , Caballero Gómez José Luis
Published: December 2015

Los recubrimientos duros son una alternativa para el mejoramiento superficial de herramientas industriales, ya que son desarrollados con el fin de aumentar la vida de servicio del material mediante un mejoramiento de sus características frente a mecanismos de desgaste y fenómenos corrosivos. En el presente estudio se depositaron monocapas de nitruro de hafnio sobre sustratos de acero AISI 4140 mediante la técnica del magnetrón sputteringmulti-blanco en r.f. (13.56 MHz). Esto se hizo con el objetivo de determinar valores estimados de la pérdida de material, el desgaste mecánico y la sinergia en los fenómenos corrosivos y erosivos con base en la norma ASTM G119–03, que interrelaciona la corrosión con el desgaste. Las monocapas fueron evaluadas frente a fenómenos de corrosión-erosión, erosión y corrosión  a dos ángulos de impacto de 30º y 90º, en una solución compuesta por NaCl 0.5 M usando un equipo de incidencia de chorro de partícula. Se analizó el efecto del ángulo de impacto en la resistencia a la corrosión erosión de estos recubrimientos. Mediante curvas de polarización Tafel y microscopia electrónica de barrido se realizó la evaluación electroquímica y la caracterización micro-estructural de los recubrimientos respectivamente. Se observó un aumento en la velocidad de corrosión para los sistemas sometidos a 90° y una disminución para los sistemas a 30º.

 
Análisis de la solubilidad de la mezcla gasolina-etanol-agua a diferentes presiones y temperaturas.
Authors: Rondón Michael Fernando , Mantilla González Juan Miguel , Muñoz Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: December 2015

En este artículo se presenta el efecto de pruebas de solubilidad hechas a mezclas gasolina-etanol-agua mediante ensayos de tolerancia al agua (temperatura de separación de fase) para muestras de E10, E15, E20, E25 y E30. Adicionalmente, se estudia el efecto de la presión de vacío sobre la separación de la mezcla. Los resultados muestran que las temperaturas de separación dependen inversamente de la cantidad de etanol en la mezcla combustible y directamente de la cantidad de agua en la misma. Así mismo, se encontró que la influencia de la presión de vacío es mínima cuando la mezcla combustible se encuentra en estado líquido.
Modelos de regresión lineal para estimación de tiempos de viaje en sistemas de transporte masivo.
Authors: Sabogal Cardona Orlando Antonio , Hincapié Zea Juan David , Santa Chávez Jhon Jairo , Escobar Jhon Willmer
Published: December 2015

Uno de los aspectos más importantes en una implementación de Sistemas de Prioridad (TSP) para el transporte masivo es conocer el tiempo de llegada y de viaje de los buses solicitando prioridad. El presente artículo estima los tiempos de llegada de los buses usando técnicas de regresión lineal para un modelo de simulación del sistema de transporte masivo de la ciudad de Pereira, Colombia. Se presta especial atención a la validez de los supuestos de los modelos lineales en diferentes corredores bajo distintas condiciones. Las simulaciones se han realizado en el software Transmodeler® y los análisis de los modelos usando el lenguaje de programación R. Los resultados muestran que es difícil construir un modelo de regresión lineal válido y que las violaciones a los supuestos de normalidad, independencia y homocedasticidad son frecuentes. La única situación en la que fue posible construir modelos válidos fue en una zona sin intersecciones señalizadas ni estaciones de parada. Sin embargo, evaluaciones a las variables de respuesta de tiempos de viajes y análisis de residuales indican que se deben usar modelos lineales generalizados.
Sistemas automáticos para la adquisición de datos enfocados a examinar pavimentos flexibles.
Authors: Porras Díaz Hernan , Ramón Suárez Jorge Hernando , Mejía Melgarejo Yuri Hercilia , Parra Rodríguez Javier Mauricio
Published: December 2015

En este documento se hace una revisión de los principales métodos de recolección de datos para inspección de condición de pavimentos. Se muestra el contexto en el que surge la importancia de este tipo de datos, seguido de la descripción de cada metodología destacada en la literatura. Los métodos se clasifican fundamentalmente en manuales y automáticos. El desarrollo tecnológico ha permitido implementar sistemas automáticos que cumplen las características para realizar esta tarea. Sin embargo, actualmente la metodología manual sigue siendo la más común. 
Effective methods of consumer protection in Brazil. An analysis in the context of property development contracts
Authors: Salomão Deborah Alcici
Published: December 2015

This study examines consumer protection in arbitration, especially under the example of property development contract disputes in Brazil. This is a very current issue in light of the presidential veto of consumer arbitration on May 26, 2015. The article discusses the arbitrability of these disputes based on Brazilian legislation and relevant case law. It also analyzes of the advantages, disadvantages and trends of consumer arbitration in the context of real estate contracts. The paper concludes by providing suggestions specific to consumer protection in arbitration based on this analysis.
CO-EVOLUÇÃO DE CULTURA E AMBIENTE NA FORMAÇÃO DO JÊ MERIDIONAL
Authors: Nogueira Rafaela Vieira , Schmitz Pedro Ignácio , Rogge Jairo Henrique
Published: December 2015

O Jê Meridional, grupo nativo do sul do Brasil, segundo os lingüistas, teria sua origem no Planalto Central brasileiro, de onde teria se expandido a partir de cerca de 3.000 anos atrás. Arqueologicamente ele é representado no planalto por ‘casas subterrâneas’, ‘aterros-plataforma’ e ‘estruturas anelares’ e a cerâmica Taquara/Itararé; no litoral, por cemitérios coletivos e grandes casas com sepultamento ao longo das paredes e a mesma cerâmica da tradição Taquara/Itararé.
ISÓTOPOS DE ESTRÔNCIO NO SÍTIO ARMAÇÃO DO SUL, FLORIANÓPOLIS/SC: RESULTADOS PARCIAIS, REFLEXÕES INICIAIS
Authors: Oppitz Gabriela , DeBlasis Paulo , Lessa Andrea , Martins Veridiana T. S. , Bastos Murilo Q. R. , Scherer Luciane Z. , Petronilho Liliane A.
Published: December 2015

de estrôncio (87Sr/86Sr) presentes no esmalte dentário dos indivíduos sepultados no sítio Armação do Sul, procuramos compreender melhor as mudanças que ocorrem no sítio conchífero Armação do Sul (Florianópolis/SC) e no contexto maior de sambaquis do litoral catarinense a partir de 2.000 A.P.
Toxicidad in vitro de Micromicetos del Trópico Mexicano en Juveniles Infectivos de Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Gamboa-Angulo Marcela , Moreno-Escobar Jorge A. , Herrera-Parra Elizabeth , Pérez-Cruz Jaime , Cristobal-Alejo Jairo , Heredia-Abarca Gabriela
Published: December 2015

Filtrados de cultivos y extractos de micelio (acetato de etilo y metanol) de nueve cepas fúngicas Mexicanas tropicales se evaluaron en condiciones in vitro contra juveniles de segundo estadio (J2)de Meloidogyne incognita. Los micromicetos Acremonium kiliense TA31, Aspergillus sp. 2XA5, Gliocladium sp. MR41, Selenosporella sp. MR26, Stagonospora sp. TA34 y cuatro cepas no identificadas (TA13, 2TA6, 2TA7 y 2XA7) se cultivaron en medio Czapeck-Dox durante 14 días y la masa micelial se separó por filtración para la extracción de metabolitos. Aspergillus sp. 2XA5 y Selenosporella sp. MR26 mostraron la mayor actividad nematóxica, tanto en filtrados de cultivo (100% de mortalidad) como en extractos metanólicos (> 90% de mortalidad). La CE50 más baja (0.08 mg mL-1) se obtuvo con el extracto de metanol de la cepa 2XA7 no identificada. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la micobiota tropical tiene potencial como agentes de control biológico de nematodos fitopatógenos.
Exploring Risk and Protective Factors for Recent and Past Intimate Partner Violence Against New Zealand Women
Authors: Fanslow Janet , Gulliver Pauline
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to identify risk and protective factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) in a high-income country (New Zealand) and to identify those factors that distinguish between current versus previous exposure to IPV. Data were drawn from the New Zealand replication of the World Health Organization’s Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence. Logistic regression was conducted to identify those variables associated with experience of IPV. Problem drinking, a partner who has concurrent sexual relationships, and a partner who is violent outside the home were associated with increased likelihood of current as opposed to previous experience of IPV. Increased household income and both the respondent and her partner being employed were associated with reduced likelihood that women would experience current as opposed to prior IPV. The findings point toward the need for comprehensive approaches to reduce all forms of violence and to contribute to the primary prevention of IPV. Strategies that address early exposure to violence, problematic alcohol consumption, gender transformative approaches to working with boys and men, and economic empowerment for women may all hold promise.
Married Women’s Justification of Intimate Partner Violence in Bangladesh: Examining Community Norm and Individual-Level Risk Factors
Authors: Jesmin Syeda S.
Published: December 2015

One-third of the women worldwide experience intimate partner violence (IPV) that increases their vulnerability to both short- and long-term physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems. Surprisingly, IPV is justified by many women globally. Although the IPV literature to date is mostly focused on risk factors associated with actual occurrences, little is known on attitudinal acceptance of such violence. Also, despite the growing scholarship of community influence and health link, IPV research has relatively overlooked the effects of norms at the community level. Using a representative national sample of 13,611 married women in Bangladesh, this study examined the association of community attitudes and women’s individual attitudes toward wife beating. The results revealed that women living in communities with permissive attitudes toward wife beating were more likely to justify husbands’ beating (OR = 4.5). Women married at a younger age, who had less than primary-level education, lived in households categorized as poor or middle class, and did not consume media appeared to be at higher risk for justifying wife beating. This research adds to a growing research body on community influences on health by examining IPV attitudes and community norms link.
Child-to-Parent Violence: An Exploratory Study of the Roles of Family Violence and Parental Discipline Through the Stories Told by Spanish Children and Their Parents
Authors: Calvete Esther , Orue Izaskun , Gámez-Guadix Manuel , Hoyo-Bilbao Joana del , de Arroyabe Elena López
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to identify the role of exposure to family violence and parental discipline in the development of child-to-parent violence (CPV). A qualitative in-depth interview design was used. Fifteen adolescents (10 boys) who have perpetrated CPV (Mage = 16 years; SDage = 1.33 years) and their parents or foster parents took part in the study. Individually, they answered questions about exposure to violence and parenting practices. Results suggest that adolescents were frequently direct victims and also witnesses of violence. Furthermore, emotional neglect in the parent–child relationship was frequent and families were characterized by rules that are not consistently implemented. Different forms of violence seem to coexist in these families, and CPV should also be a target in the interventions.
Development and Initial Validation of the Nurses’ Comfort With Touch Scale
Authors: Pedrazza Monica , Trifiletti Elena , Berlanda Sabrina , Minuzzo Stefania , Motteran Arianna
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose: The extent to which nurses feel comfortable about the use of touch may affect the frequency and quality of nursing touch-based interventions. No valid instrument exists to assess nurses’ feelings of comfort with touch. In this study, the nurses’ scale was developed and preliminary validated. Methods: Items were generated through semistructured interviews. After testing the content validity with a team of experts, the psychometric properties were tested with a sample of 451 nurses. Results: Explorative factor analysis yielded a five-factor solution, which was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Examination of concurrent validity revealed that comfort with touch was correlated with positive affective states and emotional self-efficacy. Conclusion: Future directions and implications for nursing research, education, and practice are discussed.
Development of a Subjective Workload Assessment for Nurses: A Human Factors Approach
Authors: Neill Denise , Davis Gail C.
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose: Research has revealed nurses’ perception that traditional workload measures do not adequately capture the complexity of workload. Using a human factors approach to address the multiple and complex dimensions from the subjective perception of the worker, the Subjective Workload Assessment for Nurses (SWAN) was developed. Methods: Survey data from 188 medical-surgical registered nurses were used to establish the instrument’s psychometric properties. Results: SWAN Sections 1, 2, and 3; General Information Form Section 1; and the Nursing Texas Load Index demonstrated internal consistency with this sample. Findings supported interrelationships between activity complexity, performance circumstances, and individual characteristics described in the literature. Conclusion: Further study is needed to refine the SWAN and to establish psychometric properties with nurses in other practice areas.
Development and Psychometric Testing of a Sexual Concerns Questionnaire for Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Muehrer Rebecca J. , Lanuza Dorothy M. , Brown Roger L. , Djamali Arjang
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose: This study describes the development and psychometric testing of the Sexual Concerns Questionnaire (SCQ) in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. Methods: Construct validity was assessed using the Kroonenberg and Lewis exploratory/confirmatory procedure and testing hypothesized relationships with established questionnaires. Configural and weak invariance were examined across gender, dialysis history, relationship status, and transplant type. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and test–retest reliability. Results: Factor analysis resulted in a 7-factor solution and suggests good model fit. Construct validity was also supported by the tests of hypothesized relationships. Configural and weak invariance were supported for all subgroups. Reliability of the SCQ was also supported. Conclusions: Findings indicate the SCQ is a valid and reliable measure of KTx recipients’ sexual concerns.
Recovering From the Suicide of a Client With Schizophrenia: Recommendations for Case Managers
Authors: Walsh Joseph
Published: December 2015

Many case managers in mental health settings occasionally experience a client’s suicide, and this can be an emotionally devastating event. The symptoms of schizophrenia, including the difficulties those client face in forming trusting relationships with others, brings special challenges to the case manager’s recovery because of the efforts put into developing that relationship. The purposes of this article are to describe a range of possible reactions of case managers following the suicide of a client with schizophrenia and how those persons can be helped to make a positive recovery from such an event. A summary of suicide risk factors for case managers to assess when working with clients who have schizophrenia is included.
A Public Health Nursing Model Assists Women Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Benefits to Identify a Usual Source of Primary Care
Authors: Cook Christa L. , Hall Allyson G. , Garvan Cynthia S. , Kneipp Shawn M.
Published: December 2015

Women enrolled in Florida’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program experience high rates of chronic health problems and often lack a usual source of care. Thus, in this study, we aimed to identify variables related to being in a usual source of care at time of study enrollment and determine whether a public health nursing case management intervention affected the obtainment of a usual source of care. To achieve these aims, we conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of a public health nursing case management intervention, which included women with chronic health conditions enrolled in TANF (n = 432). Results indicated 35% of the women did not identify a usual source of care at time of study enrollment, and the public health nursing intervention was effective in helping women obtain a usual source of care (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.004–6.491). Thus, a public health nursing case management intervention is an effective way to connect TANF participants to a usual source of care, which may lead to improved health outcomes in this vulnerable population of women.
Experimental Studies and Verification of the Vertical Array-Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) Method for Rapid Sensing and Imaging of Subsurface Targets
Authors: Sternberg Ben K. , Feng Wanjie , Dvorak Steven L. , Reavis Richard D.
Published: December 2015

We have developed a new electromagnetic geophysical system that has significantly improved target sensing and imaging capabilities compared to conventional measurements. In a previous series of papers, we described a new measurement technology called the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) method, which used a magnetic-field transmitter (TX) and a magnetic-field receiver (RX), oriented in a horizontal array, with separation distances of the order of tens of meters, and up to tens of kilometers. In the present paper, we use the DTAC method in a vertical-array configuration, with the TX coil directly above two null-coupled RX coils. This vertical array provides a number of important advantages over the large-offset horizontal array for some applications. For example, the vertical array-DTAC method can be adapted to rapidly moving measurements, such as from a helicopter. In addition, the vertical array-DTAC method also suppresses surface clutter, such as fences, steel buildings, and parked vehicles.

The DTAC method uses at least two frequencies. One frequency is used as a reference signal to establish the null direction at that frequency, and then a different frequency is used to measure the change in the null at the new frequency. We can also use an arbitrary number of frequencies with just one reference frequency for wide-bandwidth spectral measurements. We first describe the vertical array-DTAC measurement system and discuss the calibration procedure for the instrumentation. Next, we discuss the methods employed for scale-model testing of the system. We validate the vertical array-DTAC method using small-scale controlled tests and demonstrate the enhanced resolution and sensitivity of the vertical array-DTAC method. Suitable TX moments and frequency ranges can be selected for effective study of near-surface targets (civil engineering, water resource, and environmental characterization) as well as deep targets (mining and other natural-resource exploration).
Numerical Studies and Potential Applications of the Vertical Array-Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) Method for Rapid Sensing and Imaging of Subsurface Targets
Authors: Sternberg Ben K. , Feng Wanjie , Dvorak Steven L.
Published: December 2015

A new electromagnetic geophysical system has been developed that significantly improves target sensing and imaging capabilities compared to conventional measurements. The Differential Target Antenna Coupling (DTAC) method uses at least two frequencies. One frequency is used as a reference signal to establish the null direction in the magnetic field at that frequency, and then a different frequency is used to measure the change in the null at the new frequency. We can also use an arbitrary number of frequencies with just one reference frequency for wide-bandwidth spectral measurements.

Using numerical simulations, we have demonstrated six key aspects of the vertical array-DTAC method: 1) Errors in the receiver coil orientation have little effect on the measurements; 2) anomalies caused by variations in the background resistivity have little effect on the measurements; 3) surface interference, e.g., fences, buildings, and vehicles, have little effect on the measurements; 4) high resolution mapping of targets has been demonstrated through a series of model simulations; 5) frequency-domain measurements, or off-time transient measurements, can be used to provide the required information. Current airborne electromagnetic (AEM) technology can be adapted to this method; and 6) the method can be adapted to a variety of rapidly moving survey applications, including near-surface targets (civil engineering, water resource, and environmental restoration) as well as deep targets (mining and other natural-resource exploration).
Resistivity Arrays as an Early Warning System for Monitoring Runoff Holding Ponds
Authors: Woodbury Bryan , Eigenberg Roger , Franz Trenton E.
Published: December 2015

Monitoring wells are installed to intercept contaminants inadvertently discharged from inground structures designed to retain salt-affected wastewaters; however, several difficulties with collection and data interpretation limit their effectiveness. Therefore, improved monitoring methods are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of resistivity array technology as an early warning system to monitor for unintended basin discharge. Subsurface resistivity arrays were installed at two Nebraska sites: a beef cattle feedyard located at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska (FyA) and a commercial cattle feeding operation (FyB). Monitoring well data did not identify any unintended discharge events during the study period. However, the resistivity array (RA) system detected a discharge event that was localized in the non-saturated zone adjacent to the pond at FyB within one day following a precipitation event. Monitoring the unsaturated portion allows the RA system a capacity beyond traditional monitoring wells, which can only intercept discharge carried in groundwater. Also, the RA system effectively measured a larger area (i.e., a virtual curtain) compared to the point measure typical of monitoring wells. Therefore, RA technology provides broader coverage and is more tolerant to placement issues for intercepting discharge. Finally, the capacity to automate the RA system provides a means to continuously monitor unintended subsurface discharge from runoff holding ponds. This continuous monitoring system is more likely to detect discharge events than the bi-annual sampling typically required for monitoring wells. Automatic and continuous monitoring provides feedyard operators options to better manage environmental impacts associated with runoff holding ponds.
The Sri Lanka environmental flow calculator: a science-based tool to support sustainable national water management
Authors: Eriyagama N. , Smakhtin V. , Jinapala K.
Published: December 2015

As Sri Lankan water resources are being increasingly exploited, particularly for hydropower and irrigation, ecologists, water practitioners and policymakers alike are realizing the importance of protecting these resources and setting environmental sustainability thresholds. Environmental flows (EF) – the concept that helps define such thresholds – has now become an integral part of environmental impact assessments of river basin development projects. Considering EF is especially vital in the context of the accelerated infrastructure development program, launched after the end of the war in the north and the east of the country in 2009. This paper describes a simple, user-friendly software tool that facilitates quick, first-hand estimation of EF in Sri Lankan rivers. The tool uses ‘natural’ or ‘unregulated’ monthly flow time series, at any river location to construct a flow duration curve that is then modified depending on the desired condition of a river – an environmental management class – to generate an EF time series. The tool includes historical flow records from 158 gauged locations, but users may also feed in (observed/simulated) external data. The paper illustrates the application of the tool at two locations of existing/planned infrastructure projects and discusses its usefulness as a policy tool.
Effect of Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness and Topography of Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Goo CL , Yap AUJ , Tan KBC , Fawzy AS
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the effect of different chairside polishing systems on the surface roughness and topography of monolithic zirconia. Thirty-five monolithic zirconia specimens (Lava PLUS, 3M ESPE) were fabricated and divided into five groups of seven and polished with the following: Group 1 (WZ)—Dura white stone followed by Shofu zirconia polishing kit; Group 2 (SZ)—Shofu zirconia polishing kit; Group 3 (CE)—Ceramiste porcelain polishers; Group 4 (CM)—Ceramaster porcelain polishers; and Group 5 (KZ)—Komet ZR zirconia polishers. All specimens were ground with a fine-grit diamond bur prior to polishing procedures to simulate clinical finishing. Baseline and post-polishing profilometric readings were recorded and delta Ra values (difference in mean surface roughness before and after polishing) were computed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe post hoc test (p<0.05). Representative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the ground but unpolished and polished specimens were acquired. Delta Ra values ranged from 0.146 for CE to 0.400 for KZ. Delta Ra values for KZ, WZ, and SZ were significantly greater than for CE. Significant differences in delta Ra values were also observed between KZ and CM. The SEM images obtained were consistent with the profilometric findings. Diamond-impregnated polishing systems were more effective than silica carbide–impregnated ones in reducing the surface roughness of ground monolithic zirconia.
Dementia Apraxia Test (DATE): A Brief Tool to Differentiate Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia from Alzheimer’s Dementia Based on Apraxia Profiles
Authors: Johnen Andreas , Frommeyer Jana , Modes Fenja , Wiendl Heinz , Duning Thomas , Lohmann Hubertus
Published: December 2015

Background: Standardized praxis assessments with modern, empirically validated screening tests have substantially improved clinical evaluation of apraxia in patients with stroke. Although apraxia may contribute to early differential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), no comparable test is readily available to clinicians for this purpose to date. Objective: To design a clinically useful apraxia test for the differentiation of AD and bvFTD. Methods: 84 test items pertaining to twelve praxis subdomains were evaluated for their efficacy to discriminate between patients with bvFTD (n = 24), AD (n = 28), and elderly healthy controls (HC; n = 35). Items were then selected based on discriminative value and psychometric properties. Results: Items indicative of mild AD comprised spatially complex imitation of hand and finger postures and to a lesser degree, pantomime of common object-use. Buccofacial apraxia including imitation of face postures, emblematic face postures, and repetition of multisyllabic pseudowords differentiated bvFTD from HC and AD. The final test version consisting of 20 items proved highly efficient for the discrimination of biologically confirmed dementia patients from HC (sensitivity 91% , specificity 71%) but also for differential diagnosis of bvFTD and AD (sensitivity 74% , specificity 93%). Conclusions: Assessment of praxis profiles effectively contributes to diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AD and bvFTD. The Dementia Apraxia Test (DATE) is a brief and easy to administer cognitive tool for dementia assessment, has a high inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s κ= 0.885) and demonstrates content validity.
Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated with the Cognitive and Emotional Efficacy of Regular Musical Activities in Dementia
Authors: Särkämö Teppo , Laitinen Sari , Numminen Ava , Kurki Merja , Johnson Julene K. , Rantanen Pekka
Published: December 2015

Recent evidence suggests that music-based interventions can be beneficial in maintaining cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in persons with dementia (PWDs). Our aim was to determine how clinical, demographic, and musical background factors influence the cognitive and emotional efficacy of caregiver-implemented musical activities in PWDs. In a randomized controlled trial, 89 PWD-caregiver dyads received a 10-week music coaching intervention involving either singing or music listening or standard care. Extensive neuropsychological testing and mood and quality of life (QoL) measures were performed before and after the intervention (n = 84) and six months later (n = 74). The potential effects of six key background variables (dementia etiology and severity, age, care situation, singing/instrument playing background) on the outcome of the intervention were assessed. Singing was beneficial especially in improving working memory in PWDs with mild dementia and in maintaining executive function and orientation in younger PWDs. Music listening was beneficial in supporting general cognition, working memory, and QoL especially in PWDs with moderate dementia not caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who were in institutional care. Both music interventions alleviated depression especially in PWDs with mild dementia and AD. The musical background of the PWD did not influence the efficacy of the music interventions. Our findings suggest that clinical and demographic factors can influence the cognitive and emotional efficacy of caregiver-implemented musical activities and are, therefore, recommended to take into account when applying and developing the intervention to achieve the greatest benefit.
The Oral Iron Chelator, Deferasirox, Reverses the Age-Dependent Alterations in Iron and Amyloid-β Homeostasis in Rat Brain: Implications in the Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Banerjee Priyanjalee , Sahoo Arghyadip , Anand Shruti , Bir Aritri , Chakrabarti Sasanka
Published: December 2015

The altered metabolism of iron impacts the brain function in multiple deleterious ways during normal aging as well as in Alzheimer’s disease. We have shown in this study that chelatable iron accumulates in the aged rat brain along with overexpression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and ferritin, accompanied by significant alterations in amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide homeostasis in the aging brain, such as an increased production of the amyloid-β protein precursor, a decreased level of neprilysin, and increased accumulation of Aβ42. When aged rats are given daily the iron chelator, deferasirox, over a period of more than 4 months starting from the 18th month, the age-related accumulation of iron and overexpression of TfR1 and ferritin in the brain are significantly prevented. More interestingly, the chelator treatment also considerably reverses the altered Aβ peptide metabolism in the aging brain implying a significant role of iron in the latter phenomenon. Further, other results indicate that iron accumulation results in oxidative stress and the activation of NF-κB in the aged rat brain, which are also reversed by the deferasirox treatment. The analysis of the results together suggests that iron accumulation and oxidative stress interact at multiple levels that include transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms to bring about changes in the expression levels of TfR1 and ferritin and also alterations in Aβ peptide metabolism in the aging rat brain. The efficacy of deferasirox in preventing age-related changes in iron and Aβ peptide metabolism in the aging brain, as shown here, has obvious therapeutic implications for Alzheimer’s disease.
Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Helen Zong Ying , Ong Kwok Leung , Seeher Katrin , Armstrong Nicola J. , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder , Mather Karen
Published: December 2015

Background: In recent years, microRNAs (miRNA), a class of non-coding RNA known to regulate protein expression post-transcriptionally, have been recognized as novel biomarkers of diseases. Objective: In this systematic review, we identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and evaluate their accuracy as potential blood biomarkers. Methods: Eligible studies of miRNAs in peripheral blood distinguishing patients with AD or MCI from cognitively normal controls were identified through standardized search strategies in Medline, PubMed, and Embase. MiRNAs that were differentially expressed were identified and where available their sensitivity and specificity for AD or MCI extracted from the retrieved studies. Results: Eighteen studies investigated the diagnostic value of miRNAs as peripheral biomarkers of AD/MCI. Twenty miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 32 miRNAs downregulated in AD compared to controls in ten AD studies. Nine miRNAs were consistently dysregulated in more than one study. Of the 8 MCI studies, only one miRNA, miR-132, was consistently upregulated in three independent studies. Of the studies that reported diagnostic accuracy data, the majority of miRNA panels and individual miRNAs had a sensitivity and specificity greater than 0.75. Conclusion: Individual studies suggest that miRNAs can differentiate patients with AD/MCI from cognitively normal controls with modest accuracy. However, the literature is constrained by methodological differences between studies, with few studies assessing the same miRNAs. To become potential biomarkers for AD, further studies with standardized study designs for replication and validation are required. Results from this review may help researchers select candidate miRNAs for further investigation.
Determination of Interleukin 31 (IL-31) serum levels according to severity of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mohd Ashari Noor Suryani , Mohd Amin Siti Noor Syuhada , Wan Abdul Hamid Wan Zuraida , Abdul Rahman Azriani , Muhammad Irfan
Published: December 2015

Objective: This study was conducted to compare IL-31 serum levels in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and normal controls as well as according to severity of AR. Materials and Methods: The subjects, normal controls and AR patients, were defined by history taking. Blood were collected from subjects and patients with AR. Serum was centrifuged and analyzed for IL-31 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. 70 samples of normal controls and 70 samples of AR were collected respectively. Results and Discussion: The result showed that IL-31 serum level was higher in allergic rhinitis patients, mean (SD) 4107.70 (16961.51) as compared with normal controls 2195.55 (9016.57), however it was not statistically significance with p-value, 0.406 by using independent-T test. The result also showed no significant difference of IL-31 levels according to severity of AR with p-value, 0.245 by using Mann-Whitney test. Conclusions: IL-31 serum level was higher in AR patients; however it was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference of IL-31 levels between the severity of AR. Further study which obtain the larger sample sizes should be done to get better findings.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.359-362
Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome: a rare case
Authors: Singal Kiran Kumar , Bhatti Karun Puran , Gupta Abhinav , Gupta Nitin , Samra Ravneet , Gautam Sumit
Published: December 2015

This case report describes a patient with Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome (SJMS) in an adult female diagnosed on the basis of findings on X-ray chest, high resolution CT (HRCT) of chest. This rare syndrome is considered to be an acquired disease due to repeated pneumonias in early childhood.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.402-404
Gasless laparoscopy in patients with prior ventriculoperitoneal shunt: yet another option!
Authors: Kapoor Dheeraj , Gupta Lalit Kumar , Dalal Ashwani Kumar , Kumari Kamlesh
Published: December 2015

Anaesthetic management of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) undergoing laparoscopic surgeries remains controversial for its safety concerns. At present, no standardized protocol exists for managing these patients during perioperative period. The prime concerns are the rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) and shunt dysfunction due to carbon dioxide insufflation. Anaesthetic considerations in these patients should focus primarily on the intrinsic characteristics and functioning of the VP shunt, the insufflation pressures for pneumoperitoneum creation and techniques to monitor the function of shunt. Gasless laparoscopy may be an option by warding off the complications associated with pneumoperitoneum. In our institution, surgeon improvises the laparoscopic technique to create a gasless condition. We discuss the anaesthetic concerns and considerations in this subset of patients for laparoscopy surgeries.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.420-421