bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representações sociais do processo de envelhecimento de pacientes psiquiátricos institucionalizados
Authors: Silva Leandro Andrade da , Gomes Antônio Marcos Tosoli , Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Souza Maria das Graças Gazel de
Published: March 2011

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar a representação social do processo de envelhecimento de pacientes psiquiátricos institucionalizados para profissionais de saúde. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido com a abordagem estrutural das representações sociais, realizada em dois macro-hospitais do Rio de Janeiro, com 50 profissionais de saúde. Realizou-se a coleta de dados através da técnica de evocações livres e a análise com o software EVOC - Ensemble de Programmes Permettant L'analyse des Évocations. Foram evocadas 250 palavras em resposta ao termo indutor Envelhecer em Psiquiatria/Saúde Mental, que foram agrupadas em 3 dimensões, quais sejam, afetivo/emocional, exclusão/abandono e assistencial/institucional. O grupo explicitou, no bojo de sua representação, que o fenômeno envelhecimento dos pacientes com adoecimento mental em um ambiente institucional fechado e recluso é reconstituído como permeado por uma afetividade caracteristicamente negativa, possivelmente como consequência das demais dimensões presentes no núcleo central da representação, especialmente exclusão e abandono familiar, social, público e institucional.
Organização de serviços de capelania hospitalar: um estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Gentil Rosana Chami , Guia Beatriz Pinheiro da , Sanna Maria Cristina
Published: March 2011

Estudo bibliométrico que objetivou identificar a produção científica sobre Capelania Hospitalar, classificá-la segundo data de publicação, titulação dos autores, procedência institucional e geográfica dos trabalhos, tipo de texto e descritores de indexação dos trabalhos, além de organizar as palavras-chave em um mapa conceitual. Foram encontradas 772 publicações das quais 64 se referiam ao objeto de estudo. A análise compreensiva dos textos revelou que 29 títulos foram produzidos de 1977 a 2008, na Austrália, Canadá, Estados Unidos, Inglaterra e Portugal. Houve maior concentração de títulos em revistas especializadas em cuidado pastoral, embora a produção se estenda por periódicos de temática variada. Concluiu-se que a produção científica na área é recente, localizada fora do Brasil, com forte influência da Joint Comission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization. São variadas as titulações dos autores, e há evidências de que se trata de uma área do conhecimento em construção, dada a variedade de descritores.
Educação em saúde no trânsito para adolescentes estudantes do ensino médio
Authors: Jomar Rafael Tavares , Ribeiro Marcelo Rodrigues , Abreu Ângela Maria Mendes , Figueirò Rachel Ferreira Savary
Published: March 2011

Este é um relato de experiência de acadêmicos de enfermagem em uma atividade de Educação em Saúde no Trânsito que objetivou sensibilizar adolescentes estudantes de ensino médio quanto à relação perigosa do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e os acidentes de trânsito. Aproximadamente 150 estudantes de 14 a 19 anos participaram da atividade, que foi composta por exibição de vídeo, palestra, discussão e distribuição de material educativo. Com esta experiência, os acadêmicos de enfermagem puderam vivenciar um trabalho de Extensão Universitária com enfoque na prevenção de agravos na comunidade e concluíram que o profissional enfermeiro pode desempenhar um papel importante na prevenção dos acidentes de trânsito envolvendo uso de álcool; entretanto, este tema precisa ser mais trabalhado durante sua formação.
Suplemento artesanal oral: uma proposta para recuperação nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com câncer
Authors: Alves Fernanda Rodrigues , Garófolo Adriana , Maia Priscila dos Santos , Nóbrega Fernando José de , Petrilli Antonio Sergio
Published: March 2011

Objetivo Avaliar o impacto do suplemento oral artesanal na recuperação do estado nutricional de pacientes com desnutrição leve, grave e com risco nutricional. Métodos Propuseram-se oito receitas de suplementos visando ofertar entre 30,0% e 35,0% do gasto energético total. Os pacientes com desnutrição grave (grupo B) receberam o suplemento oral por duas semanas, e os demais pacientes (grupo A), por quatro semanas. Para a comparação dos resultados obtidos com o emprego do suplemento oral artesanal, foram utilizados dados referentes a um protocolo anterior, com o mesmo desenho, entretanto, com a utilização de suplemento oral industrializado. Resultados O suplemento oral artesanal fica muito aquém no que diz respeito a alguns micronutrientes, entretanto é cinco vezes mais barato do que a preparação com o suplemento oral industrializado. Os pacientes do grupo A com suplemento oral artesanal apresentaram 88,0% de resposta positiva na semana de avaliação, enquanto os com suplemento oral industrializado tiveram 84,0%. No grupo B, foram recuperados 22,0% dos pacientes com suplemento oral artesanal e 25,0% do grupo com suplemento oral industrializado, não apresentando, portanto, diferença significante. Comparando o impacto do industrializado com o do artesanal na prega cutânea tricipital e circunferência do braço, verificou-se que o suplemento oral industrializado no grupo A apresentou melhores resultados que o suplemento oral artesanal, e no grupo B, esse efeito observado na prega cutânea não foi significante (p=0,16). Os consumos de energia e de proteína, assim como a evolução nutricional, foram semelhantes entre suplemento oral industrializado e suplemento oral artesanal. Apenas a composição corpórea no grupo A com suplemento oral industrializado apresentou melhores resultados. Conclusão Os resultados apresentados neste estudo sugerem que o emprego da terapia com suplemento artesanal seja uma opção capaz de auxiliar na recuperação nutricional de pacientes oncológicos e uma opção para populações financeiramente desfavorecidas.
Tratamento nutricional da bulimia nervosa
Authors: Alvarenga Marle dos Santos , Scagliusi Fernanda Baeza
Published: March 2011

A bulimia nervosa é um transtorno alimentar caracterizado por compulsões alimentares e métodos compen-satórios recorrentes. Os pacientes apresentam ingestão alimentar inadequada e comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais. O adequado tratamento do transtorno requer uma equipe multiprofissional e terapia nutricional especializada. Compreender as características desse transtorno, os padrões de consumo e o comportamento alimentar, bem como atentar para as atitudes alimentares dos pacientes, é fundamental para o planejamento e para a adequada condução da abordagem nutricional. A terapia nutricional para esse transtorno é diferenciada, exigindo do nutricionista maiores habilidades de aconselhamento nutricional. Educação nutricional e acon-selhamento nutricional, com ênfase na abordagem de atitudes alimentares e insatisfação corporal, são o foco da terapia nutricional. Para o atendimento eficaz desses pacientes e o sucesso no tratamento nutricional, é importante que o profissional se mantenha atualizado sobre nutrição e transtornos alimentares e procure especialização e experiência nessa área do conhecimento.
Fatores associados à sintomatologia dolorosa e qualidade de vida em odontólogos da cidade de Teresina - PI
Authors: Carmo Ivaldo Coelho , Soares Eliene Andrade , Virtuoso Júnior Jair Sindra , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira
Published: March 2011

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à sintomatologia dolorosa e à qualidade de vida em odontológos da cidade de Teresina-PI. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo observacional de caráter transversal com 175 odontológos atuantes e registrados no Conselho Regional de Odontologia-PI entre os meses de março a maio de 2007. Para caracterização dos odontológos foi utilizado um questionário multidimensional contendo informações sociodemográficas (idade, sexo) e dados profissionais (tempo de serviço e jornada de trabalho). A avaliação da presença de dor foi realizada pelo o Protocolo de Sintomatologia Dolorosa de McGILL. O WHOQOL-Bref foi utilizado para avaliação da qualidade de vida através dos domíniosFísico, Psicológico, Social e Meio ambiente. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSÃO: A sintomatologia dolorosa foi relatada em 69,7% dos indivíduos, sendo observado em 77,3% das mulheres e 60,3% dos homens. As regiões do corpo onde foram mais prevalentes a presença de dor foram a região do pescoço (69,2%) e lombar (69,7%). Os odontológos apresentaram elevados níveis de autopercepção de satisfação da qualidade de vida e saúde. A maior parte dos indivíduos relatou a qualidade de vida como muito boa (96%), e apenas 16,6% dos indivíduos relataram insatisfação com a saúde. Os domínios Físico e Meio Ambiente do WHOQOL-Bref apresentaram escores mais baixos que os domínios Psicológico e Social. Através de análise multivariada mediante regressão logística, após ajuste pelas variáveis do estudo, apenas a sintomatologia dolorosa (OR=2,51; IC95%1,21-5,21) permaneceu associada com a qualidade de vida destes profissionais.
Germinação de sementes de sete espécies medicinais nativas do sul do Brasil
Authors: Ferreira A.G. , Rosa S.G.T.
Published: March 2011

Foram verificadas as condições ambientais de temperatura e de luz para germinação de diásporos de Borreria verticillata, Cayponia martiana, Echinodorus grandiflorus, Ocimum selloi, Plantago australis, Polygonum hydropiperoides e Waltheria douradinha. A germinação foi efetuada em placas de petri usando como substrato agar 1% ou em placas de gerbox com areia, em câmaras BOD, nas temperaturas constantes de 10 e 15ºC na ausência de luz ou nas temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 e 35ºC na ausência ou presença de luz branca. Foram usadas ainda, temperaturas alternantes de 10-20ºC, 15-25ºC, 20-30ºC, 25-35ºC, sendo a temperatura mais alta, de cada par, com presença de luz por 9 horas. B. verticillata, E. grandiflorus e P. australis se mostraram com sementes fotoblásticas positivas, enquanto O. selloi comportou-se como fotoblástica positiva relativa. C. martiana e W. douradinha foram classificadas como afotoblásticas. P. hydropiperoides revelou possuir sementes termo-dependentes de temperaturas variáveis obrigatórias, enquanto nas demais espécies, a germinação em temperaturas variáveis ou constantes teve desempenho similar.
Produção de β-ecdisona em Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen em função da adubação orgânica em 6 épocas de crescimento
Authors: Guerreiro C.P.V. , Marques M.O.M. , Ferracini V.L. , Queiroz S.C.N. , Ming L.C.
Published: March 2011

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a influência da adubação orgânica em 6 épocas de crescimento na produção de β-ecdisona por plantas de Pfaffia glomerata. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Santo Antonio do Araquá, distrito de Catâneo Ângelo, município de São Manuel, São Paulo, Brasil. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, num esquema fatorial 5x6, com quatro repetições, considerando-se 8 plantas úteis por parcela. Os blocos foram constituídos de 6 épocas de crescimento (60, 120, 180, 240, 300 e 360 dias após a germinação) e de 5 doses de esterco de galinha curtido [testemunha (sem adubação), 15, 30, 45 e 60 t ha-1]. Após cada colheita, as raízes das plantas foram secas em estufa com circulação de ar forçada a 40ºC e pesadas para posterior extração do β-ecdisona, seguindo metodologia desenvolvida por Magalhães (2000). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de separação de médias de Scott Knott, todos a 5% de probabilidade. Quando ocorreu interação os resultados foram avaliados usando-se análise de regressão polinominal. O teor de β-ecdisona não foi influenciado pelas doses de adubo e nem pela época do crescimento das plantas. Porém a quantidade total de β-ecdisona por raiz foi influenciada pela época de crescimento, sendo que aos 360 dias após a emergência ocorreu uma maior quantidade do princípio ativo em todos os tratamentos. Apesar de não diferir estatisticamente dos demais tratamentos, aos 360 dias após a emergência das plantas, o tratamento 30 t ha-1 foi o que proporcionou maior quantidade de β-ecdisona.
Avanços na elucidação dos mecanismos de ação de Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. nos sintomas do climatério
Authors: Silva A.G. , Brandão A.B. , Cacciari R.S. , Soares W.H.
Published: March 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi levantar os avanços ocorridos para a compreensão da atuação terapêutica de Cimicifuga racemosa, um fitoterápico utilizado no tratamento dos sintomas do climatério em mulheres nas quais a terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH) é contra-indicada. A revisão bibliográfica possibilitou concluir que existem quatro principais hipóteses para esclarecer a base mecanística de ação: indução de apoptose por meio da ativação de caspases, inibição do ciclo celular em G1 por alteração de proteínas reguladoras, efeito central em receptor 5HT e ação estrogênica evidenciada pela inibição seletiva dos receptores nicotínicos da acetilcolina. Porém, é incipiente a produção científica abordando as bases moleculares que sustentem os referidos mecanismos de ação. Ainda há necessidade de elucidação quanto à possível existência de pelo menos mais um receptor estrogênico que possa ser o alvo de ligação para as substâncias ativas de C. racemosa, bem como avançar no conhecimento da atividade reguladora seletiva de receptores estrogênicos já evidenciada em estudos de farmacologia experimental.
Root anatomy of nine orchidaceae species
Authors: Oliveira Virginia del Carmem , Sajo Maria das Graças
Published: March 2011

Studies on the root anatomy of nine Orchidaceae species presented a multisseriated velamen, a parenchymatous cortex and a definided endodermis, in all the studied species (Catasetum fimbriatum Lindl., Dichaea bryophila Rchb. f., Encyclia calamara(Lindl.) Pabst, Epidendrum campestre Lindl., Epidendrum secundum Jacq., Miltonia flavescens Lindl., Pleurothallis smithiana Lindl., Stanhopea lietzei (Regel) Schltr. and Vanda tricolor Lindl.) Structural characters, which could be considered root adaptations to an epiphytic habit, were also common for all species.
Age and growth of Pimelodella pappenheimi (siluriformes, pimelodidae) from an Atlantic Forest Stream in Southern Brazil
Authors: Amaral Marina Faria do , Aranha José Marcelo Rocha , Menezes Márcia Santos de
Published: March 2011

Studies were performed to determine the growth curves in length and weight for Pimelodella pappenheimi in the "das Pombas" stream, a coastal stream susceptible to the flash flood phenomenon. Samples were collected from September-95 to February-97, monthly, using electric fishing. The fishes were measured in total length and weight. A total of 156 pairs of otholits were taken for ring reading. The Ford-Walford transformation allowed the use of von Bertallanffy expression. The pale ring formation was annual, and it occurred between the summer and the autumn. This species grews in length according to Lt=15.86 (1-e-0.57(t+0.1551) ) equation and in weight according to Wt= 24.23 (1-e-0.57(t+0.1551) )3.12. The increase in length was faster until the second year of life, whereas the increase in weight was more noticeable between the first and fourth years of life.
Avaliação dos benefícios da ginástica localizada sobre a postura e a flexibilidade de mulheres na terceira idade
Authors: Lima Hélia Cristina Oliveira , Aguiar Jaina Bezerra de , Paredes Paulo Fernando Machado , Gurgel Luilma Albuquerque
Published: March 2011

Desvios posturais e redução na flexibilidade são alterações observadas com o avançar da idade, podendo desencadear dor e dificuldades de movimentação. Este estudo buscou avaliar a influência de um programa de ginástica, de dois meses de duração, sobre a postura e flexibilidade de idosas institucionalizadas (n = 10, 60-75 anos). A postura foi avaliada através do uso de simetrógrafo, fotografias e do teste de equilíbrio sagital pélvico, e a flexibilidade através do teste de sentar e alcançar. Cinco participantes modificaram a postura. Verificamos ainda redução da retroversão pélvica e aumento significativo (p < 0,001) de flexibilidade. Concluímos que um programa de ginástica é capaz de melhorar as alterações posturais de idosas, assim como resgatar a flexibilidade.
Efeitos do contínuo de níveis de interferência contextual na aprendizagem do "putt" do golfe
Authors: Dias Gonçalo , Mendes Rui
Published: March 2011

A estruturação da prática motora é uma variável de aprendizagem muito estudada na área de Controle Motor e Aprendizagem, sendo, neste âmbito, o efeito de Interferência Contextual um dos pressupostos teóricos mais investigados (TANI, 2005). Tendo como suporte a hipótese de PORTER e MAGILL (2004, 2005), o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o grupo com prática num contínuo de níveis Interferência Contextual alcançava melhores resultados na aprendizagem do "putt", do golfe, comparativamente com os grupos de prática por blocos, em séries e aleatória. Participaram voluntariamente 48 estudantes (24 de cada gênero) do ensino superior com 21,2 ± 1,4 anos de idade, todos destros e inexperientes. Na fase de aquisição foram realizados 126 ensaios de "putt" às distâncias de 2, 2,75 e 3,5 metros do buraco. Vinte e quatro horas depois ocorreu a fase de retenção e o teste de tranferência. Na fase de retenção foram praticados 30 ensaios de forma aleatória. O teste de tranferência consistiu em 20 ensaios, 10 ensaios a 2,5 metros e 10 ensaios a 2,5 metros com 10 graus de desvio face ao centro do buraco. A análise dos resultados demonstra que não existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre grupos. O efeito do incremento de Interferência Contextual não foi verificado neste estudo.
Price Regulation under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Grimm Veronika , Zöttl Gregor
Published: March 2011

In this paper we provide a taxonomy of price cap regulation in oligopoly under demand uncertainty. We show that independently of the nature of uncertainty high price caps always increase production and welfare as compared to setting no price cap. We also derive conditions on the demand distribution under which a price cap close to marginal cost can be optimal and when it is not. For demand distributions with an increasing hazard rate we show that price regulation under demand uncertainty can be viewed as a well behaved extension of the analysis for deterministic demand. For this class of distributions we characterize the optimal price cap, which is unique and may or may not be close to marginal cost. Our general framework nests the limit case of deterministic demand as well as results by Earle et al. (2007), who have shown that standard arguments supporting the imposition of price caps may break down in the presence of demand uncertainty.
Bertrand Competition in Markets with Fixed Costs
Authors: Saporiti Alejandro , Coloma Germán
Published: March 2011

This paper provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a pure strategy Bertrand equilibrium in a model of price competition with fixed costs. It unveils an interesting and unexplored relationship between Bertrand competition and natural monopoly. That relationship points out that the non-subadditivity of the cost function at the output level corresponding to the oligopoly break-even price, denoted by D(pL(n)), is sufficient to guarantee that the market sustains a (not necessarily symmetric) Bertrand equilibrium in pure strategies with two or more firms supplying at least D(pL(n)). Conversely, the existence of a pure strategy equilibrium ensures that the cost function is not subadditive at every output greater than or equal to D(pL(n)).
XRF analysis of mineralogical matrix effects and differences between pulverized and fused ferromanganese slag
Authors: Zivanovic Valentina
Published: March 2011

A determination and analysis is only as good as the sample preparation that
processed it .Even the most sophisticated analysis is worthless if it follows
sloppy sampling and poor preparation. Whether one does plasma emission,
infrared or X-ray fluorescence or other spectroscopic technique it is
essential to get reproducible and accurate analysis. This paper shows the
effect of mineralogical matrix differences in quantitative measurements by
XRF of the main elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Si, Mn and K as oxides) of
ferromanganese alloy slag. Fused and pulverized slag show a significant
difference in XRF microstructure, micro heterogeneity and mineralogy although
the results of measurements between pulverized and fused slag, expressed as a
percentage of the main elements is not different. Other analytical techniques
such as ICP-OES and classical gravimetric and titrimetric were also used for
checking the XRF calibration accuracy.
Lipoprotein(a) Is the Best Single Marker in Assessing Unstable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Djordjević Vidosava B. , Ćosić Vladan , Stojanović Ivana , Kundalić Slavica , Zvezdanović Lilika , Deljanin-Ilić Marina , Vlahović Predrag , Popović Lidija
Published: March 2011

This study evaluated whether statin therapy changed a diagnostic validity of lipid and inflammatory markers in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. Levels of lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, inflammatory markers, and atherogenic indexes were determined in 49 apparently healthy men and women, 82 patients having stable angina pectoris (SAP), 80 patients with unstable angina (USAP), and 106 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated or not treated with statins. Diagnostic accuracy of markers was determined by ROC curve analysis. Significantly lower apoA-I in all statin-treated groups and significantly higher apoB in statin-treated STEMI group compared to non-statin-treated groups were observed. CRP showed the best ROC characteristics in the assessment of STEMI patients. Lp(a) is better in the evaluation of SAP and USAP patients, considering that Lp(a) showed the highest area under the curve (AUC). Regarding atherogenic indexes, the highest AUC in SAP group was obtained for TG/apoB and in USAP and STEMI patients for TG/HDL-c. Statins lowered total cholesterol, LDL-c, and TG but fail to normalize apoA-I in patients with IHD.
Rock-Eval/TOC Data from Cambrian-Ordovician of the Saint Lawrence Platform and Humber Zone, and Silurian-Devonian of the Gaspe Belt Successions, Quebec
Authors: Lavoie D , Obermajer M , Fowler M
Published: March 2011

Over 3600 Rock-Eval/TOC analyses are given for samples from 66 petroleum exploration wells and outcrop samples from the Saint Lawrence Platform in Quebec. Each sample is assigned to a stratigraphic unit.
Communicating hope with one breath
Authors: Edwards Stephen D.
Published: March 2011

The central thesis of this article was that the phenomenon of hope involves states and stages of consciousness development, which can be enhanced through breath control, meditation, prayer and related practices that have formed the essence of various spiritual healing traditions for millennia. In particular, it was argued that breath control can provide a vital foundation for consciousness transformation and the development of hope. Whilst breath control alone may lead to a state of pure, transcendent and/or cosmic consciousness, the practical theological implications are that its effect of enhancing states and stages of consciousness may be anchored and amplified. This process can take place through further contemplative and intercessory meditation, prayer and related behaviour and will differ between people, groups, contexts, religious and/or spiritual traditions. A particular method of breath control called One Breath, which is associated with pure consciousness and the experience of hope was described. Such an experience typically leads to further spiritual practice, healing and transformation. It was concluded that such ongoing spiritual practice is crucial for improving consciousness development, healing and hope for individuals, societies, planet Earth and the cosmos.
Humor Scholarship and TESOL: Applying Findings and Establishing a Research Agenda
Authors: BELL NANCY D.
Published: March 2011

Research in the areas of second language (L2) pragmatics and of conversational humor has increased in recent decades, resulting in a strong base of knowledge from which applied linguists can draw information for teaching purposes and undertake future research. Yet, whereas empirical findings in L2 pragmatics are beginning to find their way into textbooks, recommendations and activities, intended to integrate humor into the L2 classroom with the goal of increasing learners' proficiency in the use and understanding of L2 humor, remain based on intuition alone. Despite parallel developments in L2 pragmatics and humor studies, the two areas of scholarship have largely ignored each other, with humor scholars focusing mainly on native language uses of humor, and applied linguists avoiding the study of humor by L2 users. The purpose of this article is to bring these two fields together by outlining some major linguistic and sociolinguistic findings of humor scholarship, discussing how these understandings might help us integrate humor into the L2 classroom in a principled manner, and suggesting directions for future research on humor and L2 learners.
CLIPS based decision support system for Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Kulshrestha S. , Khosa R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Water Distribution Networks (WDN) are managed by experts, who, over the years of their association and responsibility, acquire an empirical knowledge of the system and, characteristically, this knowledge remains largely confined to their respective personal domains. In the event of any new information and/or emergence of a new problem, these experts apply simple heuristics to design corrective measures and cognitively seek to predict network performance. The human interference leads to inefficient utilization of resources and unfair distribution. Researchers over the past, have tried to address to the problem and they have applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool to automate the decision process and encode the heuristic rules. The application of AI tool in the field of WDN management is meager. This paper describes a component of an ongoing research initiative to investigate the potential application of artificial intelligence package CLIPS (short for C Language Integrated Production System, developed at NASA/Johnson Space Center) in the development of an expert decision support system for management of a water distribution network. The system aims to meet several concerns of modern water utility managers as it attempts to formalize operational and management experiences, and provides a frame work for assisting water utility managers even in the absence of expert personnel.
Towards a more representative parametrisation of hydrological models via synthesizing the strengths of particle swarm optimisation and robust parameter estimation
Authors: Krauße T. , Cullmann J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The development of methods for estimating the parameters of hydrological models considering uncertainties has been of high interest in hydrological research over the last years. In particular methods which understand the estimation of hydrological model parameters as a geometric search of a set of robust performing parameter vectors by application of the concept of data depth found growing research interest. Bárdossy and Singh (2008) presented a first proposal and applied it for the calibration of a conceptual rainfall-runoff model with daily time step. Krauße and Cullmann (2011) further developed this method and applied it in a case study to calibrate a process oriented hydrological model with hourly time step focussing on flood events in a fast responding catchment. The results of both studies showed the potential of the application of the principle of data depth. However, also the weak point of the presented approach got obvious. The algorithm identifies a set of model parameter vectors with high model performance and subsequently generates a set of parameter vectors with high data depth with respect to the first set. These both steps are repeated iteratively until a stopping criterion is met. In the first step the estimation of the good parameter vectors is based on the Monte Carlo method. The major shortcoming of this method is that it is strongly dependent on a high number of samples exponentially growing with the dimensionality of the problem. In this paper we present another robust parameter estimation strategy which applies an approved search strategy for high-dimensional parameter spaces, the particle swarm optimisation in order to identify a set of good parameter vectors with given uncertainty bounds. The generation of deep parameters is according to Krauße and Cullmann (2011). The method was compared to the Monte Carlo based robust parameter estimation algorithm on the example of a case study in Krauße and Cullmann (2011) to calibrate the process-oriented distributed hydrological model focussing for flood forecasting in a small catchment characterised by extreme process dynamics. In a second case study the comparison is repeated on a problem with higher dimensionality considering further parameters of the soil module.
Flood quantiles estimation based on theoretically derived distributions: regional analysis in Southern Italy
Authors: Iacobellis V. , Gioia A. , Manfreda S. , Fiorentino M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A regional probabilistic model for the estimation of medium-high return period flood quantiles is presented. The model is based on the use of theoretically derived probability distributions of annual maximum flood peaks (DDF). The general model is called TCIF (Two-Component IF model) and encompasses two different threshold mechanisms associated with ordinary and extraordinary events, respectively. Based on at-site calibration of this model for 33 gauged sites in Southern Italy, a regional analysis is performed obtaining satisfactory results for the estimation of flood quantiles for return periods of technical interest, thus suggesting the use of the proposed methodology for the application to ungauged basins. The model is validated by using a jack-knife cross-validation technique taking all river basins into consideration.
How Artificial Intelligence Will Enhance Imaging Access and Analysis
Authors: Bock Anna , Hswen Yulin
Published: May 2024

This Medical News article is an interview with Saurabh Jha, a cardiothoracic radiologist and an associate professor of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania, and JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo.
Sociodemographic Heterogeneity in the Associations of Social Isolation With Mortality
Authors: Nakagomi Atsushi , Saito Masashige , Ojima Toshiyuki , Ueno Takayuki , Hanazato Masamichi , Kondo Katsunori
Published: May 2024

Importance

There are limited data on whether the vulnerabilities and impacts of social isolation vary across populations.

Objective

To explore the association between social isolation and mortality due to all causes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and malignant neoplasms focusing on heterogeneity by sociodemographic factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used a moderator-wide approach to examine the heterogeneity in the association of social isolation with all-cause, CVD, and malignant neoplasm mortality using baseline data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study in 2010 and 2011. Eligible participants were adults aged 65 years or older without heart disease, stroke, cancer, or impaired activity of daily living across 12 Japanese municipalities. Follow-up continued until December 31, 2017, identifying 6-year all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and malignant neoplasm mortality. Logistic regression assessed effect modification by age, gender, education, income, population density, marital status, and employment on mortality associations. Data analysis was performed from September 13, 2023, to March 17, 2024.

Exposure

Social isolation, determined by a 3-item scale (scores of 2 or 3 indicating isolation) was the primary exposure variable.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Six-year all-cause, CVD, and malignant neoplasms mortality.

Results

This study included 37 604 older adults, with a mean (SD) age of 73.5 (5.9) years (21 073 women [56.0%]). A total of 10 094 participants (26.8%) were classified as experiencing social isolation. Social isolation was associated with increased all-cause (odds ratio [OR], 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09-1.32]), CVD (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.98-1.52]), and malignant neoplasm mortality (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.01-1.28]). Stratified analysis showed associations of social isolation with all-cause and malignant neoplasm mortality among people with high income (highest tertile all cause: OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.06-1.53]; malignant neoplasm: OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.02-1.60]), living in areas with high population density (highest tertile all cause: OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.26-1.72]; malignant neoplasm: OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.11-1.70]), not married (all cause: OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.15-1.53]; malignant neoplasm: OR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.02-1.52]), and retirees (all cause: OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.14-1.43]; malignant neoplasm: OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.10-1.48]). Formal testing for effect modification indicated modification by population density and employment for all-cause mortality and by household income and employment for neoplasm mortality.

Conclusions and Relevance

Social isolation was associated with increased risks of all-cause, CVD, and malignant neoplasm mortality, with associations varying across populations. This study fills an important gap in research on social isolation, emphasizing its varied associations across demographic and socioeconomic groups.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Discontinuation Among Patients With Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Do Duy , Lee Tiffany , Peasah Samuel K. , Good Chester B. , Inneh Angela , Patel Urvashi
Published: May 2024

This cohort study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist discontinuation among new users.
Rectification in Ionic Field Effect Transistors Based on Single Crystal Silicon Nanopore
Authors: Hong Hao , Lei Xin , Wei Jiangtao , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yulong , Sun Jianwen , Zhang Guoqi , Sarro Pasqualina M. , Liu Zewen
Published: May 2024

Ionic FETs have enormous potential for energy conversion, sensing, and ionic circuits due to their efficient regulation of the nanochannel. Here ionic FETs based on single‐crystal silicon nanopores and the rectification of the fabricated devices are studied. The electrical characterization results demonstrated that since the silicon‐based nanopores have the advantage of modulating the surface charge due to their semiconductor nature and benefitting from the effective 3D gating effect on the nanochannel, the magnitude and polarity of surface charge can be modulated by the gate voltage. The rectification effect can be adjusted by applying a certain voltage and fulfilling a transition between anion selectivity and cation selectivity when the surface charge polarity is reversed. Moreover, current–voltage characteristics of the reported ionic FET can be switched between ohmic and diode‐like regimes. The proposed ionic FETs supply a novel platform to study the ionic properties and have great potential to be applied in large‐scale ionic circuits due to their excellent performance. Finally, simulation results prove the surface charge modulated by the gate voltage determines the magnitude and direction of rectification, which is consistent with the reported experiment result.
CAMEL2: Enhancing Weakly Supervised Learning for Histopathology Images by Incorporating the Significance Ratio
Authors: Xu Gang , Wang Shuhao , Zhao Lingyu , Chen Xiao , Wang Tongwei , Wang Lang , Luo Zhenwei , Wang Dahan , Zhang Zewen , Liu Aijun , Ba Wei , Song Zhigang , Shi Huaiyin , Zhong Dingrong , Ma Jianpeng
Published: May 2024

Histopathology image analysis plays a crucial role in cancer diagnosis. However, training a clinically applicable segmentation algorithm requires pathologists to engage in labor‐intensive labeling. In contrast, weakly supervised learning methods, which only require coarse‐grained labels at the image level, can significantly reduce the labeling efforts. Unfortunately, while these methods perform reasonably well in slide‐level prediction, their ability to locate cancerous regions, which is essential for many clinical applications, remains unsatisfactory. Previously, CAMEL is proposed, which achieves comparable results to those of fully supervised baselines in pixel‐level segmentation. However, CAMEL requires 1280 × 1280 image‐level binary annotations for positive WSIs. Here, CAMEL2 is presented, by introducing a threshold of the cancerous ratio for positive bags, it allows one to better utilize the information, consequently enabling us to scale up the image‐level setting from 1280 × 1280 to 5120 × 5120 while maintaining accuracy. The results with various datasets demonstrate that CAMEL2, with the help of 5120 × 5120 image‐level binary annotations, which are easy to annotate, achieves comparable performance to that of a fully supervised baseline in both instance‐ and slide‐level classifications.
CASK pathogenic variant which expands the clinical spectrum for MICPCH syndrome in an adult patient
Authors: Tellerday Jack , Black Jennifer , Schuessler Donald C. , Dosa Nienke P. , Alcaraz Wendy , Lebel Robert Roger
Published: May 2024

The CASK gene and its product protein kinase have been associated with microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH) syndrome and various other neurodevelopmental disorders. Clinical presentation is highly variable and generally includes intellectual disability, neurological disorders, and dysmorphic features, at a minimum. We present the case of one of the oldest known currently living patients with MICPCH syndrome with additional features not previously described in the literature (midface retrusion, macroglossia, dental crowding, adolescent‐onset contractures at large joints, laxity at finger joints, and prominent wrist dystonia). Progressive hypertonicity throughout the patient's life has been managed with serial botulinum toxin injections. A comprehensive multimodal care team including physiatry, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and audiology has been assisting her with hearing deficits, communication skills, and mobility. This potentially expands the phenotype of MICPCH syndrome and provides information about the management of this condition into adulthood.
A Highly Selective Synthesis of (E)‐11‐Arylidenebenzo [4′,5′] thieno [2′,3′ : 4,5] Pyrimido [2,1‐a] Isoindol‐13(1H)‐ones via Copper‐Catalyzed Sonogashira Coupling and Hydroamination
Authors: He Heng , Wang Zhen‐Xu , Zhang Mei‐Mei , Liu Jian‐Quan
Published: May 2024

An efficient and highly selective reaction of 2‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobenzo [4,5] thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one and terminal alkyne has been developed under palladium‐free conditions by CuI‐catalyzed sequential Sonogashira coupling reaction and 5‐exo‐dig hydroamination reaction. A series of 11‐arylidene‐2,3,4,11‐tetrahydrobenzo [4′,5′]thieno [2′,3′ : 4,5]pyrimido [2,1‐a]isoindol‐13(1H)‐one derivatives with only the (E)‐configuration were obtained.
From molecular variations to behavioral adaptations: Unveiling adaptive epistasis in primate oxytocin system
Authors: Vargas‐Pinilla Pedro , S. Oliveira Fam Bibiana , Medina Tavares Gustavo , Lima Thaynara , Landau Luane , Paré Pâmela , de Cássia Aleixo Tostes Rita , Pissinatti Alcides , Falótico Tiago , Costa‐Neto Cláudio , Maestri Renan , Bortolini Maria Cátira
Published: May 2024

Objective

Our primary objective was to investigate the variability of oxytocin (OT) and the GAMEN binding motif within the LNPEP oxytocinase in primates.

Materials and Methods

We sequenced the LNPEP segment encompassing the GAMEN motif in 34 Platyrrhini species, with 21 of them also sequenced for the OT gene. Our dataset was supplemented with primate sequences of LNPEP, OT, and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) sourced from public databases. Evolutionary analysis and coevolution predictions were made followed by the macroevolution analysis of relevant amino acids associated with phenotypic traits, such as mating systems, parental care, and litter size. To account for phylogenetic structure, we utilized two distinct statistical tests. Additionally, we calculated binding energies focusing on the interaction between Callithtrix jacchus VAMEN and Pro8OT.

Results

We identified two novel motifs (AAMEN and VAMEN), challenging the current knowledge of motif conservation in placental mammals. Coevolution analysis demonstrated a correlation between GAMEN, AAMEN, and VAMEN and their corresponding OTs and OTRs. Callithrix jacchus exhibited a higher binding energy between VAMEN and Pro8OT than orthologous molecules found in humans (GAMEN and Leu8OT).

Discussion

The coevolution of AAMEN and VAMEN with their corresponding OTs and OTRs suggests a functional relationship that could have contributed to specific reproductive and adaptive behaviors, including paternal care, social monogamy, and twin births, prominent traits in Cebidae species, such as marmosets and tamarins. Our findings underscore the coevolution of taxon‐specific amino acids among the three studied molecules, shedding light on the oxytocinergic system as an adaptive epistatic repertoire in primates.
Topical steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bhat Akash M. , Heiland Luke D. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Rathi Vinay K. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidence supporting topical steroids for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) is unclear. Recent trials describe alternative topical steroid delivery modalities, including rinses and exhalation delivery system (EDS), necessitating a re‐examination of the current literature.

Methods

Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 13, 2024 for placebo‐controlled randomized control trials on topical steroids used to treat CRSsNP, including topical spray, nasal irrigation, sinonasal catheter, and EDS modalities. Primary outcome measures included total symptom scores (TSS) (Δ) and response rates (odds ratio).

Results

Ten trials (N = 751) were included for meta‐analysis, with a mean age of 47.5 years (range: 18–80 years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.9–51.2 years). Topical steroids delivered by any method significantly improved TSS in CRSsNP patients (Δ0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.6; p < 0.0001). When stratified by allergy status, CRSsNP patients without allergy had significantly improved TSS when treated with EDS (Δ0.4; 95% CI: 0.1–0.7; p = 0.01), but not with topical spray (Δ0.04; 95% CI: −0.9 to 1.0; p = 0.94). Patients treated with EDS or sinonasal catheter responded significantly better compared to placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9–6.0; p < 0.0001; OR: 12.4; 95% CI: 1.8–83.8; p < 0.01), whereas patients treated with topical spray had no significant difference (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 0.9–4.0; p = 0.12).

Conclusions

Topical steroids are effective in treating CRSsNP, especially when delivered via EDS or sinonasal catheter. Future trials comparing steroid delivery mechanisms using validated outcome measures in CRSsNP populations are needed.
Heterogeneous blood‐brain barrier dysfunction in cerebral small vessel diseases
Authors: Ying Yunqing , Li Yingying , Yao Tingyan , Shao Xingfeng , Tang Weijun , Montagne Axel , Chabriat Hugues , Wang Danny J. J. , Wang Chaodong , Yang Qi , Cheng Xin
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

We explored how blood‐brain barrier (BBB) leakage rate of gadolinium chelates (Ktrans) and BBB water exchange rate (kw) varied in cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) subtypes.

METHODS

Thirty sporadic cSVD, 40 cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and 13 high‐temperature requirement factor A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA) ‐related cSVD subjects were investigated parallel to 40 healthy individuals. Subjects underwent clinical, cognitive, and MRI assessment.

RESULTS

In CADASIL, no difference in Ktrans, but lower kw was observed in multiple brain regions. In sporadic cSVD, no difference in kw, but higher Ktrans was found in the whole brain and normal‐appearing white matter. In HTRA1‐related cSVD, both higher Ktrans in the whole brain and lower kw in multiple brain regions were observed. In each patient group, the altered BBB measures were correlated with lesion burden or clinical severity.

DISCUSSION

In cSVD subtypes, distinct alterations of kw and Ktrans were observed. The combination of Ktrans and kw can depict the heterogeneous BBB dysfunction.

Highlights

We measured BBB leakage to gadolinium‐based contrast agent (Ktrans) and water exchange rate (kw) across BBB in three subtypes of cSVD.

CADASIL is characterized by lower kw, HTRA1‐related cSVD exhibits both higher Ktrans and lower kw, while sporadic cSVD is distinguished by higher Ktrans.

There are distinct alterations in kw and Ktrans among subtypes of cSVD, indicating the heterogeneous nature of BBB dysfunction.
Iron‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation/Ring Opening with Vinylbenzofurans Enabled by Triazoles
Authors: Cattani Silvia , Pandit Neeraj Kumar , Buccio Michele , Balestri Davide , Ackermann Lutz , Cera Gianpiero
Published: May 2024

We report an unprecedented iron‐catalyzed C−H annulation using readily available 2‐vinylbenzofurans as the reaction pattern. The redox‐neutral strategy, based on cheap, non‐toxic, and earth‐abundant iron catalysts, exploits triazole assistance to promote a cascade C−H alkylation, benzofuran ring‐opening and insertion into a Fe−N bond, to form highly functionalized isoquinolones. Detailed mechanistic studies supported by DFT calculations fully disclosed the manifold of the iron catalysis.
Unlocking Giant Third‐Order Optical Nonlinearity in (MA)2CuX4 through Introducing Jahn‐Teller Distortion
Authors: Li Bingyue , Li Hui , Wu Chao , Fu LuLu , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi , Huang Zhipeng
Published: May 2024

Nonlinear absorption coefficient and modulation depth stand as pivotal properties of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, while the existing NLO materials exhibit limitations such as low nonlinear absorption coefficients and/or small modulation depths, thereby severely impeding their practical application. Here we unveil that introducing Jahn–Teller distortion in a Mott‐Hubbard system, (MA)2CuX4 (MA=methylammonium; X=Cl, Br) affords the simultaneous attainment of a giant nonlinear absorption coefficient and substantial modulation depth. The optimized compound, (MA)2CuCl4, demonstrates a nonlinear absorption coefficient of (1.5±0.08)×105 cm GW−1, a modulation depth of 60 %, and a relatively low optical limiting threshold of 1.22×10−5 J cm−2. These outstanding attributes surpass those of most reported NLO materials. Our investigation reveals that a more pronounced distortion of the [CuX6]4− octahedron emerges as a crucial factor in augmenting optical nonlinearity. Mechanism study involving structural and spectral characterization along with theoretical calculations indicates a correlation between the compelling performance and the Mott‐Hubbard band structure of the materials, coupled with the Jahn–Teller distortion‐induced d‐d transition. This study not only introduces a promising category of high‐performance NLO materials but also provides novel insights into enhancing the performance of such materials.