Determining star formation rates for infrared galaxies

We show that measures of star formation rates (SFRs) for infrared galaxies using either single-band 24 μm or extinction-corrected Paα luminosities are consistent in the total infrared luminosity = L(TIR) ~ 10^10 L_☉ range. MIPS 24 μm photometry can yield SFRs accurately from this luminosity upward: SFR(M_☉ yr^–1) = 7.8 × 10^–10 L(24 μm, L_☉) from L(TIR) = 5× 10^9 L_☉ to 10^11 L_☉ and SFR = 7.8 × 10^–10 L(24 μm, L_☉)(7.76 × 10^–11 L(24))^0.048 for higher L(TIR). For galaxies with L(TIR) ≥ 10^10 L_☉, these new expressions should provide SFRs to within 0.2 dex. For L(TIR) ≥ 10^11 L_☉, we find that the SFR of infrared galaxies is significantly underestimated using extinction-corrected Paα (and presumably using any other optical or near-infrared recombination lines). As a part of this work, we constructed spectral energy distribution templates for eleven luminous and ultraluminous purely star forming infrared galaxies and over the spectral range 0.4 μm to 30 cm. We use these templates and the SINGS data to construct average templates from 5 μm to 30 cm for infrared galaxies with L(TIR) = 5× 10^9 to 10^13 L_☉. All of these templates are made available online.

The food choice at work study: effectiveness of complex workplace dietary interventions on dietary behaviours and diet-related disease risk - study protocol for a clustered controlled trial

Background: Dietary behaviour interventions have the potential to reduce diet-related disease. Ample opportunity exists to implement these interventions in the workplace. The overall aim is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of complex dietary interventions focused on environmental dietary modification alone or in combination with nutrition education in large manufacturing workplace settings. Methods/design: A clustered controlled trial involving four large multinational manufacturing workplaces in Cork will be conducted. The complex intervention design has been developed using the Medical Research Council's framework and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and will be reported using the TREND statement for the transparent reporting of evaluations with non-randomized designs. It will draw on a soft paternalistic 'nudge' theoretical perspective. It will draw on a soft paternalistic "nudge" theoretical perspective. Nutrition education will include three elements: group presentations, individual nutrition consultations and detailed nutrition information. Environmental dietary modification will consist of five elements: (a) restriction of fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, (b) increase in fibre, fruit and vegetables, (c) price discounts for whole fresh fruit, (d) strategic positioning of healthier alternatives and (e) portion size control. No intervention will be offered in workplace A (control). Workplace B will receive nutrition education. Workplace C will receive nutrition education and environmental dietary modification. Workplace D will receive environmental dietary modification alone. A total of 448 participants aged 18 to 64 years will be selected randomly. All permanent, full-time employees, purchasing at least one main meal in the workplace daily, will be eligible. Changes in dietary behaviours, nutrition knowledge, health status with measurements obtained at baseline and at intervals of 3 to 4 months, 7 to 9 months and 13 to 16 months will be recorded. A process evaluation and cost-effectiveness economic evaluation will be undertaken. Discussion: A 'Food Choice at Work' toolbox (concise teaching kit to replicate the intervention) will be developed to inform and guide future researchers, workplace stakeholders, policy makers and the food industry. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN35108237.

Reconstructions of eolian dust accumulation in northwest African margin sediments

Reconstructions of eolian dust accumulation in northwest African margin sediments provide important continuous records of past changes in atmospheric circulation and aridity in the region. Existing records indicate dramatic changes in North African dust emissions over the last 20 ka, but the limited spatial extent of these records and the lack of high-resolution flux data do not allow us to determine whether changes in dust deposition occurred with similar timing, magnitude and abruptness throughout northwest Africa. Here we present new records from a meridional transect of cores stretching from 31°N to 19°N along the northwest African margin. By combining grain size endmember modeling with 230Th-normalized fluxes for the first time, we are able to document spatial and temporal changes in dust deposition under the North African dust plume throughout the last 20 ka. Our results provide quantitative estimates of the magnitude of dust flux changes associated with Heinrich Stadial 1, the Younger Dryas, and the African Humid Period (AHP; ~11.7-5 ka), offering robust targets for model-based estimates of the climatic and biogeochemical impacts of past changes in North African dust emissions. Our data suggest that dust fluxes between 8 and 6 ka were a factor of ~5 lower than average fluxes during the last 2 ka. Using a simple model to estimate the effects of bioturbation on dust input signals, we find that our data are consistent with abrupt, synchronous changes in dust fluxes in all cores at the beginning and end of the AHP. The mean ages of these transitions are 11.8±0.2 ka (1Sigma) and 4.9±0.2 ka, respectively.

Calcium carbonate content in surface sediments and benthic fauna on Antarctic shelves

We analyzed 214 new core-top samples for their CaCO3 content from shelves all around Antarctica in order to understand their distribution and contribution to the marine carbon cycle. The distribution of sedimentary CaCO3 on the Antarctic shelves is connected to environmental parameters where we considered water depth, width of the shelf, sea-ice coverage and primary production. While CaCO3 contents of surface sediments are usually low, high(> 15%) CaCO3 contents occur at shallow water depths (150-200 m) on narrow shelves of the eastern Weddell Sea and at a depth range of 600-900 m on the broader and deeper shelves of the Amundsen, Bellingshausen and western Weddell Seas. Regions with high primary production, such as the Ross Sea and the western Antarctic Peninsula region, have generally low CaCO3 contents in the surface sediments. The predominant mineral phase of CaCO3 on the Antarctic shelves is low-magnesium calcite. With respect to ocean acidification, our findings suggest that dissolution of carbonates in Antarctic shelf sediments may be an important negative feedback only after the onset of calcite undersaturation on the Antarctic shelves. Macrozoobenthic CaCO3 standing stocks do not increase the CaCO3 budget significantly as they are two orders of magnitude lower than the budget of the sediments. This first circumpolar compilation of Antarctic shelf carbonate data does not claim to be complete. Future studies are encouraged and needed to fill data gaps especially in the under-sampled southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean sectors of the Southern Ocean.

Chemotherapy patient perception regarding communication with the healthcare staff

Purpose: To qualitatively explore the communication between healthcare professionals and oncology patients based on the perception of patients undergoing chemotherapy.Method: Qualitative and exploratory design. Participants were 14 adult patients undergoing chemotherapy at different stages of the disease. A socio-demographic and clinical data form was utilized along with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and content analysis was performed. Two independent judges evaluated the interview content in regards to emerging categories and obtained a Kappa index of 0.834.Results: Three categories emerged from the data: 1) Technical communication without emotional support, in which the information provided is composed of strictly technical information regarding the diagnosis, treatment and/or prognosis; 2) Technical communication, in which the information provided is oriented towards the technical aspects of the patient’s physical condition, while also providing psychological support for the patients’ subjective needs; and 3) Insufficient technical communication, win which there are gaps in the information provided causing confusion and suffering to the patient.Conclusions: Communication with emotional support contributes to greater satisfaction of chemotherapy patients. Practical implications: the results provide elements for the training of healthcare professionals regarding the importance of the emotional support that can be offered to cancer patients during their treatment.

Rightful Resistance in the Colombian conflict. A theoretical reflection based on a Peace Community

This article considers the opportunities of civilians to peacefully resist violent conflicts or civil wars. The argument developed here is based on a field-based research on the peace community San José de Apartadó in Colombia. The analytical and theoretical framework, which delimits the use of the term ‘resistance’ in this article, builds on the conceptual considerations of Hollander and Einwohner (2004) and on the theoretical concept of ‘rightful resistance’ developed by O’Brien (1996). Beginning with a conflict-analytical classification of the case study, we will describe the long-term socio-historical processes and the organizational experiences of the civilian population, which favoured the emergence of this resistance initiative. The analytical approach to the dimensions and aims of the resistance of this peace community leads to the differentiation of O`Brian’s concept of ‘rightful resistance’.

Effect of weather and the hybrid energy storage on the availability of standalone microgrid

This paper presents a model for availability analysis of standalone hybrid microgrid. The microgrid used in the study consists of wind, solar storage and diesel generator. Boolean driven Markov process is used to develop the availability of the system in the proposed method. By modifying the developed model, the relationship between the availability of the system with the fine (normal) weather and disturbed (stormy) weather durations are analyzed. Effects of different converter technologies on the availability of standalone microgrid were investigated and the results have shown that the availability of microgrid increased by 5.80 % when a storage system is added. On the other hand, the availability of standalone microgrid could be overestimated by 3.56 % when weather factor is neglected. In the same way 200, 500 and 1000 hours of disturbed weather durations reduced the availability of the system by 5.36%, 9.73% and 13.05 %, respectively. In addition, the hybrid energy storage cascade topology with a capacitor in the middle maximized the system availability.

Ação de polissacarídeos sulfatados de Fucus Vesiculosus na Hemostasia e no sistema complemento

Fucans are a family of sulfated homo and teropolysaccharides respectively, composed mainly of a- (1®2) and a- (1®3) linked by L-fucose residues. Properties such as the ability to act as an anti-contraceptive, to reduce cholesterol levels, and to act as an anti-tumor agent are much related. We have focused our attention on the anticoagulant properties, platelet aggregation, hemorrhagic activity and complement system in vitro of commercial fucoidan (F) and their purified fractions (F1, F2 and F3) from Fucus vesiculosus obtained from fractionation of the fucoidan with different concentrations of acetone 1, 2 and 3v. These compounds were chemically characterized and the fucoidan (F) was modified by desulfation. The anticoagulant activity of the compounds was assessment by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombine time assay (PT) using citrated normal human plasma. The results of APPT test showed that F, F1 and F2 have high anticoagulants activities 240.0 s (5 µg). The F3 showed 73.7 s in the same concentrations. The results obtained with PT test to F, F1, F2 and F3 were 81.5 s, 120.0 s, 57.1 and 32.5 s respectively with 50 µg. The dessulfated polymer showed a decrease in the anticoagulant activity in these two tests. Platelet aggregation assay was measured turbidimetrically with platelet aggregometer by method of Born. The aggregation platelet with F and fractions F1, F2 and F3 exhibited a two-phase answer in the concentration of 5 mg/mL with maximum aggregation of 76.36 ± 10.3% ; 69.54 ± 9.40%; 75.94 ± 9.01%; 51.13 ± 9.59% respectively. However, was observed a hipoaggregate profile F (15.17 ± 5.2%), F1 (7.40 ± 3.04 %), F2 (19.1 ± 5.41%) and F3 (5.09 ± 3.02%) at 0.1 mg/mL. The hemorrhagic activity assay was carried in Wistar rats and showed that these compounds have low hemorrhagic effect when compared to heparin. The complement system ( alternative pathway was made using non-sensibilized rabbit red blood cells The results of complement system essay showed that F , F2 and F3 have action inhibitory in relation to the group control 0.544, 0.697, 0.622 and 0.958 respectively The results showed that these compounds have action on this system. Interaction of the polisaccharides with proteins C3 and C4 showed that the fraction F1 stimulated the activity assay hemolytic using red blood cells

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of solvent fractions of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less leaf extract.

Background: Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less is used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. Objectives: The present study reports antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of solvent fractions of Vernonia cinerea. Methods: The antioxidant properties of solvent fractions of V. cinerea were evaluated by determining radicals scavenging activity, total flavonoid and phenolic contents measured with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) test, the aluminum chloride and the Folin-ciocalteau methods, respectively. Antimicrobial activities were tested against human pathogenic microorganisms using agar diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of each active extract were determined. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction having the IC50 value of 6.50 μg/mL demonstrated comparable DPPH radical-scavenging activity with standard antioxidants, gallic acid and quercetin included in the study. All fractions displayed moderate antimicrobial potential against the tested pathogens with the zone of inhibition that ranged from 9.0 to 13.5 mm. The MIC (1.56 mg/mL) and MBC (3.13 mg/mL) indicated highest susceptibility of Candida albicans in all fractions. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the solvent fractions of V. cinerea possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, hence justifying the folkloric use of the plant for the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo para enterocolitis necrosante en recién nacidos de 1,000 a 1,500 g en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González desde el 1 de agosto del 2005 hasta el 31 de julio del 2006

Antecedentes: la enterocolitis necrosante es la enfermedad gastrointestinal médica y quirúrgica más frecuente de la etapa neonatal. Objetivo: conocer su prevalencia y sus factores de riesgo en recién nacidos de 1,000 a 1,500 g en la unidad de cuidados intensivos eonatales del Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo de casos y controles. Se recopilaron los datos de los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes nacidos en el Hospital Universitario durante el periodo del 1 de agosto del 2005 al 31 de julio del 2006 con peso de 1,000 a 1,500 g. Se excluyeron pacientes que nacieron en otro hospital o que tuvieran malformaciones congénitas. Se analizaron los datos mediante las pruebas de la χ2, la t de Student y razón de momios. Resutados: de los 55 pacientes que reunieron los criterios de inclusión, 18% tuvieron enterocolitis necrosante grado II o mayor. Se encontraron como factores de riesgo con significación estadística al Apgar de 0 a 6 al primer minuto, uso de presión positiva continua nasal, uso de aminofi lina y sepsis tardía (p < 0.05). Conclusiones: su prevalencia es mayor en el hospital en donde se efectuó el presente estudio que la reportada en países desarrollados o en hospitales privados de países en vías de desarrollo, pero con menor mortalidad. Los factores de riesgo con significación estadística fueron los relacionados con episodios de isquemia, reperfusión e infección.

Bioadsorción de Pb2+ en una columna empacada con biomasa inmovilizada

Se realizó la bioadsorciónde Pb2+ a escala laboratorio utilizando una columna empacada con biomasa de alga Chlorella sp. inmovilizada en pellets de alginato de calcio, variando el tamaño de partícula, el pH, y la concentraciónde Pb2+.

Criterion validity of the activPAL™ and ActiGraph for assessing children's sitting and standing time in a school classroom setting

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the accuracy of the ActiGraph (AG) GTX3 accelerometer for assessing children's sitting and standing time. The activPAL (aP) has an inclinometer function that enables it to distinguish between sitting/lying and standing; however, its accuracy for assessing sitting and standing in older children is unknown. This study validated the accuracy of these devices for estimating sitting and standing time in a school classroom against a criterion measure of direct observation (DO). <br /><br />FINDINGS: Forty children in grades 5-7 wore both devices while being video recorded during two school lessons. AG and aP data were simultaneously collected in 15-s epochs. Individual participant DO and aP data were recorded as total time spent sitting/lying, standing and stepping. AG data were converted into time spent sitting and standing using previously established cut-points. Compared with DO, the aP underestimated sitting time (mean bias&thinsp;=&thinsp;-1.9 min, 95 % LoA&thinsp;=&thinsp;-8.9 to 5.2 min) and overestimated standing time (mean bias&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.8 min, 95% LoA&thinsp;=&thinsp;-9.6 to 13.3 min). The best-performing AG cut-point across both sitting and standing (&lt;75 counts/15 s) was more accurate than the aP, underestimating sitting time (mean bias&thinsp;=&thinsp;-0.8 min, 95 % LoA&thinsp;=&thinsp;-10.5 to 9.9 min) and standing time (mean bias&thinsp;=&thinsp;-0.4 min, 95% LoA&thinsp;=&thinsp;-9.8 to 9.1 min), but was less precise as evidenced by wider LoAs and poorer correlations with DO (sitting r&thinsp;=&thinsp;0.86 aP vs 0.80 AG; standing r&thinsp;=&thinsp;0.78 aP vs 0.60 AG). <br /><br />CONCLUSIONS: The aP demonstrated good accuracy and precision for assessing free-living sitting and standing time in classroom settings. The AG was most accurate using a cut-point of&thinsp;&lt;&thinsp;75 counts/15 s. Further studies should validate the monitors in settings with greater inter- and intra-individual variation in movement patterns.

Structure and temporal variations of fish assemblages of the Castro Marim salt marsh, southern Portugal

We studied the ichthyofauna of the Castro Marim salt marsh based on monthly sampling surveys at five sites between September 2000 and August 2001. Sampling took place at night during rising neap tides using a 40-m long beach seine. We sampled a total of 7955 fish specimens (37 995.7 g), comprising 34 species and 17 families. The occurrence of most species was occasional, with Pomatoschistus microps (51.9%) and Atherina spp. (10.3%) being the most abundant species, accounting for 62.2% of the total fish captured. Biomass was dominated by the marine species Liza ramado (15.9%), Mullus surmuletus (13.5%), and Liza aurata (13.4%). Temperature and salinity showed a seasonal pattern, with minimums during the winter months and maximums during the summer months. In contrast, river flow peaked in winter and was lowest during summer. This pattern in river flow appears to be correlated with variations in the fish assemblages, which present two distinct compositions during the two periods. A few species characterise the winter fish assemblage, with dominance by residents and the presence of freshwater species, while the summer assemblage is characterised by the presence of many marine visitors that use the salt marsh in their first months/years of life. Temporal variations in total abundance and biomass reflect fluctuations in the dominant species. Resident species presented the highest abundance values, while marine adventitious species and marine species that use the salt marsh as a nursery ground contributed most to community species richness. Castro Marim salt marsh constitutes an important ecosystem for fishes, providing habitat for many species, especially juveniles, which find conditions within the salt marsh suitable for their development. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales en menores de dos años: prevalencia y factores asociados en una IPS Bogotá 2015 - 2016

Antecedentes: Los trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales de la infancia (TGFI) son manifestaciones gastrointestinales crónicas en cualquier parte del tubo digestivo sin daño estructural o bioquímico los cuales se pueden clasificar según los criterios de ROMA III. Se desconoce su prevalencia en niños latinoamericanos menores de 4 años. Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de los TGFI y cada una de sus entidades en menores de 2 años y explorar sus factores asociados. Metodología: Estudio corte trasversal con muestra aleatoria (n=323) tomada de la población de una institución de salud en la ciudad de Bogotá, realizando mediante encuesta diligenciada por los padres. El análisis se realizó por medio del software SPSS© utilizando estadística descriptiva y análisis bivariado, como medida de asociación se calculó las Razones de Disparidad (RD) con IC95%. Resultados: Se encontró una prevalencia de TGFI de 22.1%, diarrea funcional 14.6%, disquecia 12%, regurgitación 9.2%, estreñimiento 3.3%, vómito cíclico 2%, cólico infantil 1.6% y rumiación 0%. La administración de tetero durante la estancia hospitalaria neonatal se asocia con vómito cíclico RD= 6 IC 95% (1.076 – 33.447) p=0.021. La administración de formula infantil durante los primeros 6 meses de vida se asocia con diarrea funcional RD= 0.348 IC 95% (0.149 – 0.813) p=0.012 Conclusiónes: Los TGFI son una causa frecuente de molestias en los menores de 2 años de edad. Sugerimos realizar la validación del cuestionario “questionnaire on infant/toddler gastrointestinal symptoms rome version III” con el fin de mejorar la validez y precisión de los hallazgos en estudios futuros.