bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences Exist in the Cognitive Profile of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease and Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Dementia
Authors: Kandiah N. , Narasimhalu K. , Lee J. , Chen C.L.P.H.
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: Our objective was to characterize the cognitive profile of patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) matched using a functional scale. Methods: AD and SIVD were diagnosed using the NINCDS-ADRDA and the criteria proposed by Erkinjuntti et al., respectively. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale was used to guide the identification of patients with mild dementia from a prospective clinical database. Regression analysis was applied to compare the 2 groups on global and individual cognitive domains. Results: The greatest cognitive differences between the 2 groups were observed in the domains of visuospatial function (p = 0.001), working memory (p = 0.013) and visuomotor speed (p = 0.028). No significant variation was demonstrated in the executive function domain (p = 0.646). Statistically significant differences between AD and SIVD patients were found in episodic memory delayed recall tasks but not in the immediate recall tasks. A trend towards severer depressive symptoms (p = 0.052) was observed among the SIVD patients. Conclusions: SIVD patients with mild dementia have greater deficits in visuospatial function, working memory and visuomotor speed and may also be more depressed compared to AD patients. Executive function tests in general do not distinguish the 2 groups, although timed executive tasks can separate them.
Early and Differential Diagnosis of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kornhuber Johannes , Schmidtke Klaus , Frölich Lutz , Perneczky Robert , Wolf Stefanie , Hampel Harald , Jessen Frank , Heuser Isabella , Peters Oliver , Weih Markus , Jahn Holger , Luckhaus Christian , Hüll Michael , Gertz Hermann-Josef , Schröder Johannes , Pantel Johannes , Rienhoff Otto , Seuchter Susanne A. , Rüther Eckart , Henn Fritz , Maier Wolfgang , Wiltfang Jens
Published: April 2009

Background: The German Dementia Competence Network (DCN) has established procedures for standardized multicenter acquisition of clinical, biological and imaging data, for centralized data management, and for the evaluation of new treatments. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was set up for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), patients with mild dementia and control subjects. The aims were to establish the diagnostic, differential diagnostic and prognostic power of a range of clinical, laboratory and imaging methods. Furthermore, 2 clinical trials were conducted with patients suffering from MCI and mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of the combination of galantamine and memantine versus galantamine alone. Results: Here, we report on the scope and projects of the DCN, the methods that were employed, the composition and flow within the diverse groups of patients and control persons and on the clinical and neuropsychological baseline characteristics of the group of 2,113 subjects who participated in the observational and clinical trials. Conclusion: These data have an impact on the procedures for the early and differential clinical diagnosis of dementias, the current standard treatment of AD as well as on future clinical trials in AD.
Correlation between Circulating Adhesion Molecule Levels and Albuminuria in Type-2 Diabetic Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Rubio-Guerra Alberto Francisco , Vargas-Robles Hilda , Lozano Nuevo José Juan , Escalante-Acosta Bruno Alfonso
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: Endothelial dysfunction, a common feature among hypertensive and type-2 diabetic patients, is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules (SAM), and urinary albumin excretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating SAM levels in the development of albuminuria in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. Methods: We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 non-diabetic normotensive subjects, and measured their VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels by ELISA, and their 24-hour urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry; the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and albuminuria were correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: We found that the diabetic patients had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of circulating SAM than control subjects. When levels of circulating SAM were correlated with albuminuria, we found a significant correlation between VCAM-1 levels and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (r = 0.4, p < 0.02). Conclusion: Our results suggest that VCAM-1 may be a marker of nephropathy in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.
Clinical and Biochemical Effects of an Oral Leukotriene Biosynthesis Inhibitor (MK886) in Psoriasis
Authors: de Jong E.M.G.J. , van Vlijmen I.M.M.J. , Scholte J.C.M. , Buntinx A. , Friedman B. , Tanaka W. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M.
Published: April 2009

Antipsoriatic agents have been shown to decrease skin levels of arachidonic acid and its metabolites including 12-monohydroxy-eicosatetranoic acid (12-HETE), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). In addition, specific systemic and topical lipoxygenase inhibitors have been reported to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a potent oral leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor (MK886) in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Clinical response together with the changes of LTB4 levels in lesional skin biopsy specimens, and urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) excretion were evaluated. In addition, markers of inflammation, proliferation and keratinization were studied immunohistochemically. No change in clinical scores or lesional LTB4 levels were observed with a 101/3-day course of MK886. A statistically significant reduction in urinary LTE4 excretion was observed: mean LTE4 (ng/h) were 5.14 before treatment and 1.51 on day 11 with MK886; and 7.55 before treatment and 6.57 on day 11 with placebo treatment. Epidermal accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) tended to diminish in the MK886 treatment group. These results indicate that although a reduction ( > 70%) in urinary LTE4 excretion was found, and a slight decrease of epidermal PMN accumulation was observed, no correlative changes in clinical scores or LTB4 levels in skin lesion were found with a short course of MK886.
Effect of H1 -Receptor Blockade on Anthralin Inflammation
Authors: Speight E.L. , Ramsay B. , Lawrence C.M.
Published: April 2009

The effect of terfenadine, an H1-receptor antagonist, on anthralin inflammation was studied in 12 subjects. Subjects were randomised to receive terfenadine 60 mg or placebo b.d. in a double-blind, cross-over study. Anthralin 5, 10 and 20 μg in 10 μ1 chloroform was pipetted onto flexor forearm skin. Anthralin inflammatory oedema and erythema were measured using Harpenden calipers and a reflectance photometer, 48 h after anthralin application. After a 3-day washout period, placebo and terfenadine were restarted and the procedures repeated on the opposite arm. Anthralin erythema and oedema increased with dose but the dose-response curves showed no significant difference with or without terfenadine (p > 0.05). This study shows that H1-receptor blockade does not inhibit anthralin inflammation.
The Local Side Effects of Transdermally Absorbed Nicotine
Authors: Smith Eric W. , Smith Karen A. , Maïbach Howard I. , Andersson Per-Olof , Cleary Gary , Wilson Donald
Published: April 2009

Percutaneous nicotine administration induces predominant sudorific and rubiform responses in the skin which may be accompanied by subtle piloerection, hyperalgesia and pruritus (although these signs are not overtly manifest). These dermal responses are complex and mechanisms have been proposed for the direct nicotine-stimulation of sweat glands, piloerection and vasoconstriction. These reactions are accompanied by secondary activation and release of vasodilator peptides which produce a predominating vasodilator tone following topical administration, this response masking the direct axon reflex-mediated vasoconstriction.
Photoageing of Hair Fiber and Photoprotection
Authors: Braida Damarys , Dubief Claude , Lang Gérard
Published: April 2009

Examination by transmission electron microscopy of hair exposed to sunlight has revealed important damage. Findings indicate an alteration of various cell components. Damage occurs in the cuticle and leads to its loss. Separation of macro-fibrils and destruction of melanin pigments result in cortex damage. Some of the chemical and physical changes which occur in hair exposed to sunlight were studied: formation of carbonyl groups, cystine destruction, modification of the proteins obtained by reduction of the disulfide bonds, losses in mechanical strength and discoloration are discussed. Effects of UV and visible radiations were studied. All of them cause modification in hair properties. Experiments with artificial light sources were carried out to reproduce these alterations. The role of water during exposure was studied. In particular, discoloration of brown hair is largely affected by it. We showed that Xenon lamps were useful to follow the photooxi-dation of hair and simulate natural alterations. The properties of some protective materials were examined.
Thermoanalytical Investigations on the Age-Related Changes in Articular Cartilage, Meniscus and Tendon
Authors: Bihari-Varga Magdolna , Biró T.
Published: April 2009

A complex thermoanalytical method, the derivato-graphy, has been applied for the study of age-related changes in the composition and structural stability of human articular hyaline cartilage, meniscus and tendon. Structurally bound water content in all the three types of tissues, as well as the concentration of sulfated acid glycosaminoglycans in cartilage and meniscus were found to decrease significantly with age; the amount of keratan sulfate showed increasing tendency. Correlation could be demonstrated between the accumulation of covalent crosslinks in the aging structural proteins and the thermostability of the samples between 450°C and 800°C. Structural differences as well as differences in the rate of maturation of cartilage, meniscus and tendon tissues resulted in alterations in their thermal decomposition.
Age Changes in the Human Kidney of the Different Races
Authors: Tauchi H. , Tsuboi K. , Okutomi J.
Published: April 2009

Comparative study has been made histologically and micrometrically on the senile changes of the kidney between Caucasians and Japanese. In both races, weight loss of the kidney, decrease in number of the parenchymal cells and tendency to increase in size of the cells were considered to be main characteristics of the senile changes, but in the process of the senile changes some differences were noticed between the two races. The race differences may be partly due to the difference in the process of sclerotic changes of the intrarenal arteries. These differences have been discussed with special consideration to the nutritional conditions of the two races.
Altersabhängige geschlechtsdifferente Drüsenzellveränderungen. I.
Authors: Paulini K. , Beneke G. , Kulka R.
Published: April 2009

Lacrimal gland, glandula orbitalis externa and glandula infraorbitalis were investigated in rats of different ages and both sexes with light microscopy and by chemical methods. Cells of the lacrimal gland displayed no sexually-dependent properties. Only the glandula orbitalis externa and the glandula infraorbitalis showed sexual dependence and age-dependent changes, beginning in 3-month-old rats. While both glands of the female rats displayed only enlargement of the nucleus, the cells of the male rats, beginning at the onset of puberty, displayed marked enlargement, changes in shape, and the appearance of inclusion bodies and cytoplasmic inclusions. With the occurrence of these manifestations in the males, there was also a reduction in the DNA content in these glands. Sexually-dependent manifestations of the glandula orbitalis externa and glandula infraorbitalis in the male rats may be caused by a viral infection.
Nature of Cellular Deficiencies in Age-Related Decline of the Immune System
Authors: Heidrick Margaret L. , Makinodan T.
Published: April 2009

Studies investigating deficiencies of immunocompetent cells of aged mice indicate the following. (1) Both the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses decline with advancing age. (2) Approximately 10% of the decline in the humoral response can be attributed to a defective environment in old animals. This environmental defect is humoral in nature and in some manner necessitates a 10-fold increase in the required antigen dose to maximally stimulate old spleen cells. (3) Approximately 90% of the decline in the humoral response is intrinsic to the immunocompetent cells. Studies of the cellular defects indicate: (a) the ability of the adherent cell population to initiate an immune response does not deteriorate with age; (b) the functional capacity of the nonadherent cell population is defective and possibly related to (i) a decreased ability of both T- and B-cells to proliferate, (ii) defects in required cellular interactions, and (iii) an altered T:B cell ratio. (4) The decline in the cell-mediated response may be related to the inability of effector T-cells to proliferate.
Age-Related Differences in Strategies for Locating Hidden Targets
Authors: Sanford A.J.
Published: April 2009

A brief experiment is described in which it was found that a smaller proportion of old than young people were systematic in the way they searched for a hidden target.The unsystematic strategy employed by relatively more old than young people is arguably suboptimal. Similar instances of suboptimality in older peoples’ prediction behaviour may be interpreted in terms of an age difference in the ability of Ss to detach their attention from ‘hunches’. It is clear that research on age-related strategies of performance is a viable and possibly important area for investigation.
The Thymus in Relation to Problems of Cellular Growth and Ageing
Authors: Bellamy D.
Published: April 2009

This review is an attempt to place the thymus in perspective as a special tissue, which by virtue of a high rate of cell division and ease of experimental manipulation, both in vitro and in vivo, offers unique opportunities for answering fundamental questions relating to cellular proliferation. The article begins with an account of the organ’s structure, embryonic origin and evolutionary history. Details of the role of the thymus in immunity have not been included, although current views on this topic have been summarized. Attention is also drawn to old ideas on the role of thymic products in growth and wound healing, which are worthy of further investigation. An argument is presented that the mass of the thymus is maintained as a steady state, regulated mainly by the rate of cellular death, and that organ mass is controlled largely by intrinsic non-humoral mechanisms. An account is given of work on age involution, emphasizing the possible relationship between this phenomenon and deficiencies of the immune system that occur in old age. Particular attention is paid to the role of the steroid endocrine system in age involution. Steroid hormones partly control the balance between cell division and cellular death, but their precise sites and modes of action are far from being established. Sex hormones do not determine the time of onset of age involution, and are not essential for involution to occur. Special reference has been made to the value of the thymus in studies on the ageing of mitotic cells. Recent work has stressed the possibilities of interplay between the various cell types in the tissue which is associated with a shift in the balance between cell populations with age. Morphological changes in both nucleus and cytoplasm of thymic lymphocytes indicate that ageing in these cells proceeds by an epigenetic mechanism. An important new field, with implications for experimental gerontology, is beginning to develop around experiments on thymic transplants. Transplantation work points to the importance of intrinsic processes in the control of cellular proliferation, but shows that systemic factors also play an important part in growth. Both intrinsic and extrinsic influences alter with age. The basic properties of thymic lymphocytes relating to involution change on transplantation, and this finding has important implications for cell biology in general. The final section of the review is devoted to a summary of current views on thymus and cancer. There are several similarities between proliferation of thymic lymphocytes and the growth of certain tumours, suggesting that cellular proliferation in the thymus may be worth studying as a model for work on cancerous growth.
Effect of Long-Term Physical Stress on Collagen Growth in the Lung, Heart, and Femur of Young and Adult Rats
Authors: Chvapil Milos , Bartos Dagmar , Bartos Frantisek
Published: April 2009

Male Wistar rats, 1.8 and 7.5 months old, were adapted to exercise on the treadmill for a period of 7 weeks. The animals were trained 3 h daily at the treadmill speed of 24 m/min. Wet and dry weights and collagenous hydroxyl-proline content in the lung, heart, and femur were analyzed. Physical stress did not affect any of the parameters studied in the lung. Cardiomegaly developed only in the young rats exposed to training. There was significantly higher total amount and density of collagen in the hyper-trophic heart. In contrast to the reactivity of the heart to physical stress, the amount and density of collagen in the femora was significantly increased only in the adult rats. There was no effect on the content of calcium in the bone. The calcium-collagen ratio was, therefore, significantly lower in the trained rats. It is concluded that collagen in every organ reacts differently to physical stress in relation to age.
Blockierung der Keratansulfatfärbung im alternden menschlichen Rippenknorpel. II.
Authors: Sames K.
Published: April 2009

Selective blocking of keratan sulphate basophilia is attempted by cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and also with Alcian blue staining in presence of CPC with different MgCl2 concentrations. Purified mucopolysaccharides, human rib cartilage of different ages, sections of rat eye and human umbilical cord were used for investigation. Pure hyaluronate and, to a lower extent, chondroitin sulphate show high staining intensity with Alcian blue in CPC solutions. The cartilage matrix of the baby as well as the territories of young and aged cartilage are intensely coloured, while other structures show lower staining intensity in the cryostat sections. In paraffin-embedded sections the interterritories are preferred in staining in all age groups. In the eye, the sclera shows more intensive colour than the cornea; in the umbilical cord, the matrix is more intensely coloured than the blood vessels. After incubation in CPC with 0.6–0.75 m MgCl2, the interterritories in young cartilage and the peripheral territories in old cartilage are stained by Alcian blue after 30 min. Toluidine blue, however, produces coloration of those structures which presumably contain chondroitin sulphate, i. e. all territories except those in the center of old cartilage. Purified substances on filter paper show no uptake of Alcian blue over a period of 24 h following CPC incubation with high MgCl2 concentrations. The age-related distribution of chondroitin sulphate in rib cartilage is discussed.
Changes in Personality of Older People over a 5-Year Period of Observation
Authors: Angleitner Alois
Published: April 2009

Analyses of variance show no longitudinal changes on several attitude scales in a sample of 140 subjects, 60–79 years old, tested over a time span of 5 years. The scales used are general rigidity, personal rigidity, intolerance, general dogmatism, pro- and retrospective attitude toward life, and contemporaneous attitude toward life. Coefficients of generalizability give evidence that the results can be satisfactorily replicated for other measurement periods. The intolerance scale proved to be least satisfactory.
Changes with Age in Pituitary-Adrenal Responsiveness and Reactivity to Mild Stress in Mice
Authors: Eleftheriou B.E.
Published: April 2009

Plasma corticosterone levels were measured fluorometrically in male DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice at various ages, under control conditions and after exposure to an open-field activity situation. Additionally, mice of the two strains were injected with varying doses of ACTH in order to observe the responsiveness of the aging adrenal. Results indicate a progressive and declining adrenal response to ACTH which is significantly more pronounced in DBA/2J than C57BL/6J mice. Exposure to the open-field situation revealed significantly higher reactivity of C57BL/6J than DBA/2J mice when compared to basal conditions. A number of hypotheses are offered for explaining the differences with advancing age in the two strains.
Electroencephalographic Changes with Age in Male Mice
Authors: Eleftheriou B.E. , Zolovick A.J. , Elias M.F.
Published: April 2009

Electroencephalographic (EEG) changes, as measured by the awake state, slow-wave sleep (SWS), rapid-eye movement (REM) patterns and ratio of REM/total sleep, were recordered in aging male mice of DBA/2J and C57BL/6J strains. Results indicate that there is a significant increase in the awake state accompanied by significant decrease in SWS with advancing age for both strains, although these changes appear more pronounced in DBA/2J mice than C57BL/6J mice. Of considerable significance is the finding that REM sleep is absent in mice of DBA/2J strain at 23.5 months of age. Based on these findings, the conclusion was reached that strain DBA/2J ages significantly faster than C57BL/6J. The difference in aging between the two strains emphasizes the need for additional studies dealing with genetic aspects of aging.
Emotionality, Exploratory Behavior, and Locomotion in Aging Inbred Strains of Mice
Authors: Elias Penelope Kelly , Elias Merrill F. , Eleftheriou Basil E.
Published: April 2009

Two inbred strains of mice, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J, ranging in age from 2 to 38 months, were tested in an open field using the free exploration method. Scores were obtained for locomotor activity, exploratory behavior and emotionality. Strain differences were observed for all three variables. Beginning at late maturity (12 months), locomotor activity decreased with increasing age. Exploratory behavior was at a low level for DBA/2J mice at all ages. For C57BL/6J mice, exploratory behavior decreased significantly between 2 and 6 months and remained stable thereafter. Emotionality remained unchanged with advancing age for both strains of mice.
Ageing and Autoimmunity
Authors: Fixa Bohumil , Komárková Olga , Nožička Zdeněk
Published: April 2009

A total of 483 healthy persons from Czechoslovakia, divided into three age groups (below 40, 41–60 and above 61 years) were examined for eight types of autoantibodies (antibodies to epithelial cells and to colloid of thyroid gland, parietal cell antibodies, antibody to interstitial duct cells of parotis and to adrenal cells, anti-nuclear and anti-mitochondrial antibodies, intrinsic factor antibodies). A significantly increased occurrence was observed in the oldest age group, the results being more manifest in women. A conspicious increase was seen particularly in the thyroid antibodies. The results correspond to those of other authors from different geographic areas.
Endothelial cell lumen and vascular guidance tunnel formation requires MT1-MMP–dependent proteolysis in 3-dimensional collagen matrices
Authors: Stratman Amber N. , Saunders W. Brian , Sacharidou Anastasia , Koh Wonshill , Fisher Kevin E. , Zawieja David C. , Davis Michael J. , Davis George E.
Published: April 2009

Here we show that endothelial cells (EC) require matrix type 1-metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) for the formation of lumens and tube networks in 3-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices. A fundamental consequence of EC lumen formation is the generation of vascular guidance tunnels within collagen matrices through an MT1-MMP-dependent proteolytic process. Vascular guidance tunnels represent a conduit for EC motility within these spaces (a newly remodeled 2D matrix surface) to both assemble and remodel tube structures. Interestingly, it appears that twice as many tunnel spaces are created than are occupied by tube networks after several days of culture. After tunnel formation, these spaces represent a 2D migratory surface within 3D collagen matrices allowing for EC migration in an MMP-independent fashion. Blockade of EC lumenogenesis using inhibitors that interfere with the process (eg, integrin, MMP, PKC, Src) completely abrogates the formation of vascular guidance tunnels. Thus, the MT1-MMP-dependent proteolytic process that creates tunnel spaces is directly and functionally coupled to the signaling mechanisms required for EC lumen and tube network formation. In summary, a fundamental and previously unrecognized purpose of EC tube morphogenesis is to create networks of matrix conduits that are necessary for EC migration and tube remodeling events critical to blood vessel assembly.
Frequency-domain Green’s functions for radar waves in heterogeneous 2.5D media
Authors: Ellefsen Karl J. , Croizé Delphine , Mazzella Aldo T. , McKenna Jason R.
Published: April 2009

Green’s functions for radar waves propagating in heterogeneous 2.5D media might be calculated in the frequency domain using a hybrid method. The model is defined in the Cartesian coordinate system, and its electromagnetic properties might vary in the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-directions, but not in the [Formula: see text]-direction. Wave propagation in the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-directions is simulated with the finite-difference method, and wave propagation in the [Formula: see text]-direction is simulated with an analytic function. The absorbing boundaries on the finite-difference grid are perfectly matched layers that have been modified to make them compatible with the hybrid method. The accuracy of these numerical Green’s functions is assessed by comparing them with independently calculated Green’s functions. For a homogeneous model, the magnitude errors range from [Formula: see text] through 0.44%, and the phase errors range from [Formula: see text] through 4.86%. For a layered model, the magnitude errors range from [Formula: see text] through 2.06%, and the phase errors range from [Formula: see text] through 2.73%. These numerical Green’s functions might be used for forward modeling and full waveform inversion.
Painting the near surface using geology, geophysics, and satellites
Authors: Vesnaver Aldo , Bridle Ralph , Ley Robert , Liner Christopher
Published: April 2009

A smooth interpolation of a sparse uphole survey may be the main tool available for modeling the near surface in desert areas. An uphole survey does not properly define sharp, near-surface velocity changes associated with lithologic and topographic variations such as cliffs, canyons, or outcrops, which may be delineated by satellite imagery instead. We present a patchy interpolation technique to build a consistent near-surface model. The algorithm is based on [Formula: see text]-means clustering to integrate geological, geophysical, and remote-sensing information. A somewhat arbitrary aspect of the method is the choice of how many clusters are used in segregating the data. Linking this parameter to surface geologic formations may be inadequate because P- or S-wave velocities are unlikely to have a sufficiently unique correlation with geologic age and lithology. We suggest an empirical criterion: improvement in the seismic stack section achieved by processing with parameters derived by various clustering choices and data-type combinations. This approach was tested using field data from Saudi Arabia.
Ensaios preliminares de adubação do arroz de sequeiro: III - Cultivar 'Dourado Precoce'
Authors: Oliveira Domingos de Azevedo , Montojos J. Casado , Igue Toshio , Miranda Hilário da Silva , Freitas Júnior Martinho Lúcio de
Published: April 2009

São relatados os resultados de três ensaios de adubação de arroz de sequeiro, com o cultivar 'Dourado Precoce'. O esquema estatístico foi o fatorial 3 X 3 X 3 para N, P e K, com um tratamento extra de micronutrientes. Os ensaios foram localizados na variação Lins, dos solos Podzolizados de Lins e Marília. Em duas localidades houve efeito para a adubação nitrogenada. A dose de 30 kg/ha de N foi suficiente para o máximo efeito. A adubação fosfatada proporcionou a maior produção com 60 kg/ha de P2O5, em dois casos. No terceiro, esta foi alcançada com 120 kg/ha. O potássio e a mistura de micro-elementos não trouxeram acréscimos significativos na produção.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro: V - Efeitos de N, P, K, S e de uma mistura de micronutrientes, em dois solos do Vale do Paraíba
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro , Freire E. S. , Igue Toshio , Schmidt Nelson C. , Leite Norberto
Published: April 2009

Na safra "da sêca" de 1962 conduziram-se, no Vale do Paraíba, quatro experiências de adubação do feijoeiro, tendo-se instalado, em cada localidade, duas em áreas vizinhas, uma das quais recebeu calagem. Onde as experiências foram realizadas numa encosta, sem irrigação, a sêca reduziu dràsticamente as produções e somente se constatou efeito favorável do fósforo. Entretanto, nas conduzidas numa várzea com solo orgânico, com irrigação, as produções foram elevadas. Enquanto o nitrogênio, o potássio e o enxôfre não concorreram para aumentá-las, o fósforo proporcionou grandes aumentos, tanto na área sem calagem como na que recebeu o corretivo. Uma mistura de micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B e Mo), empregada na presença de NPKS, também provocou grandes aumentos de produção, sendo muito maior o obtido na área sem calcário.
Levantamento do estado nutricional de cafèzais de São Paulo, pela análise foliar: I - Solo massapê-salmourão
Authors: Gallo J. Romano , Hiroce Rúter , Coelho F. A. Soares , Toledo Sérgio V.
Published: April 2009

Êste trabalho é o primeiro de uma série para o levantamento da situação geral de nutrição dos cafèzais nos principais tipos de solo do Estado de São Paulo. Foram colhidas amostras de folhas para análise em 107 cafèzais de 20 municípios, compreendendo as variedades Mundo Novo, Bourbon e Caturra, entre 5 e 10 anos de idade. Nas amostras foram determinados 12 elementos essenciais, e os resultados comparados com os níveis limiares conhecidos. As análises para determinação de N, B, Zn, Fe e Mg confirmaram os sintomas de deficiência observados no campo. Os resultados indicam que, para melhorar a produção nesse tipo de solo, deve ser dada atenção ao nitrogênio e boro.
Marcos regulatórios estaduais em saneamento básico no Brasil
Authors: Galvão Junior Alceu de Castro , Nishio Sandra Regina , Bouvier Beatriz Baraúna , Turolla Frederico Araujo
Published: April 2009

Este artigo analisa os marcos regulatórios estaduais para o setor de saneamento básico. A pesquisa documental identificou a presença de leis estaduais em apenas cinco estados (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte e Goiás). Os marcos legais estaduais são descritos quanto a um conjunto de atributos ou funções selecionadas: universalização, instrumentos financeiros, regulação e controle social. A principal conclusão é que o desenvolvimento dessas políticas, assim como sua regulamentação, encontra-se em estágio incipiente e poderá receber impulso com aprovação de nova lei federal de dezembro de 2006.
Impacto das ações de imunização pelo Programa Saúde da Família na mortalidade infantil por doenças evitáveis em Olinda, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Guimarães Tânia Maria Rocha , Alves João Guilherme Bezerra , Tavares Márcia Maia Ferreira
Published: April 2009

Este artigo aborda o impacto do Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) na saúde infantil no Município de Olinda, Pernambuco, Brasil, por meio da avaliação da vacinação e mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis. Realizou-se um estudo de série temporal com os dados dos principais sistemas de informação em saúde, usando-se a análise dos indicadores ex-ante e ex-post da implantação do PSF, em 1995. A variável independente foi o ano de nascimento relacionado com grau de cobertura da população pelo PSF. Analisou-se três períodos: 1990/1994 (anterior), 1995/1996 (implantação: cobertura de 0% a 30%), 1997/2002 (intervenção: cobertura de 38,6% a 54%). A tendência dos indicadores foi analisada pela regressão linear simples, sendo testada a significância pelo teste t. No período de implantação houve aumento de todas as médias das coberturas vacinais (176% BCG, 223% pólio, 52% DPT, 61% sarampo) e redução da mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis (12,7 óbitos/ano), mesmo não havendo diminuição da pobreza absoluta no município ou aumento das coberturas das redes públicas de saúde nem de esgotamento. A melhoria nos indicadores demonstra a efetividade das ações do PSF no município.
Preço pago pelo consumidor de carne bovina nas diferentes regiões econômicas do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Silveira Vicente Celestino Pires , Viana João Garibaldi Almeida , Werner Júnior Carlos
Published: April 2009

O Estado do Rio Grande do Sul apresenta inúmeras diferenças no aspecto geográfico-econômico-ambiental. No presente trabalho, considera-se a divisão regional proposta por ALONSO et al. (1994), a qual apresenta o Estado dividido em três regiões: metade sul, metade norte e nordeste. Na metade sul, a economia é baseada no setor primário, tendo a pecuária, como principal produto. A metade norte tem sua economia baseada na agricultura e a região nordeste caracteriza-se pela presença de vários setores industriais, com grandes concentrações urbanas. Sabe-se que o consumo é influenciado pela idade, renda, nível de educação, padrão de mobilidade e gosto dos consumidores. O objetivo, neste trabalho, foi verificar o comportamento do preço de diferentes cortes de carne bovina, em nível de consumidor, nas três regiões econômicas do Estado. A pesquisa caracterizou-se por um levantamento mensal em supermercados, durante os anos agrícolas 2006/2007 e 2007/2008, do preço de diferentes cortes de carne bovina em onze cidades. Os menores e os maiores preços da carne bovina verificados nas regiões metade Sul e nordeste, respectivamente, decorrem provavelmente do fato de que uma é a região produtora e a outra principal consumidora. Outro resultado importante é que as maiores variações, no preço dos cortes, ocorreram também nessas regiões. Portanto, num cenário em que a demanda é maior que a oferta, essas regiões parecem ser as primeiras a receberem o impacto nos preços da carne bovina.
Desenvolvimento de empresários em empresas de pequeno porte do setor hoteleiro: processo de aprendizagem, competências e redes de relacionamento
Authors: Teixeira Rivanda Meira , Morrison Alison
Published: April 2009

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento dos empresários em empreendimentos de pequeno porte do setor hoteleiro e enfocar o processo de aprendizagem por meio da análise das competências percebidas como necessárias ao desempenho dos negócios, das necessidades de treinamento, de como esses empresários percebem que aprendem e, finalmente, de como as redes de relacionamento (networks) interferem no processo. Tem natureza exploratória, qualitativa e interpretativa. Entrevistas pessoais semi-estruturadas foram realizadas com 30 proprietários de empreendimentos hoteleiros de pequeno porte em Sergipe, que foram estimulados a explicar as suas respostas. A discussão do seu desenvolvimento reforça algumas das constatações observadas na literatura quanto às dificuldades de descobrir formas de aumentar o nível de competência gerencial desses empresários e identificar estratégias de estímulo ao aprendizado contínuo.
Theoretical reflections about the concept of social networks
Authors: Lopes Humberto Elias Garcia
Published: April 2009

The recent literature on organizational theory has been dedicating a considerable attention to the relationship networks. In spite of this, however, it is possible to notice that there are many theoretical problems concerning this subject matter. In fact, dealing with relationship networks can be considered as one of the most complex challenges to be faced by researchers in organizational theory. This paper intends to contribute to clarify some of those theoretical problems. Through a review of part of the literature on organizational theory this paper tries to propose new analytical paths to understanding the complexity of the relationship networks.
Reproduction of Cichla kelberi Kullander and Ferreira, 2006 introduced into an artificial lake in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Gomiero LM. , Villares Junior GA. , Naous F.
Published: April 2009

The objective of this study was to characterize the reproduction of Cichla kelberi in an artificial lake, located in the municipality of Leme, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Breeding occurred in spring, and summer. The L50 and the L100 of this species were 192 and 235 mm (L50), for males and females, respectively, and 290 mm (L100) for both sexes. Spawning was parceled. The oocytes matured at a size of 428.4 µm, reaching their maximum at 2,203.2 µm. A mean of fecundity were of 12,129.2 oocytes, with the mean of oocytes in each batch of 4,897.7. This species has external fertilization, is nonmigratory, and with parental care of the young. Various attributes of the peacock bass make their introduction a temptation. However, due to their feeding and reproductive characteristics, they have no natural predators, making it difficult to control their population growth or eradicate them.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LMX AND SUBORDINATES' FEEDBACK-SEEKING BEHAVIORS
Authors: Lee Hye Eun , Park Hee Sun , Lee Tai Sik , Lee Dong Wook
Published: April 2009

Relationships among subordinates' feedback-seeking strategy preferences, Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), social cost, and source credibility were examined. Employees (N = 134) of civil engineering companies in South Korea completed a questionnaire. Findings showed that LMX
quality, social cost, and source credibility either independently or jointly influenced subordinates' feedback-seeking strategy preferences. LMX was positively related to preference for using direct strategies, but not significantly related to preferences for using indirect strategies
and for using third-party strategies. As moderators, increases in social cost and source credibility were associated with changes in the relationship between LMX and preference for third-party strategies. More detailed explanations and implications of these findings are discussed.
Rate of Discordant Findings in Bilateral Temporal Artery Biopsy to Diagnose Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: BREUER GABRIEL S. , NESHER GIDEON , NESHER RONIT
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To determine to what extent performing simultaneous bilateral temporal artery biopsies might increase the diagnostic sensitivity in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods.

In total 173 consecutive pathology reports of temporal artery biopsies were reviewed for histological findings by a single pathologist. The rate of discordance of biopsy results was calculated in patients with GCA.

Results.

Biopsies were performed bilaterally and simultaneously in 132 cases; 51 had positive results. In 38 the biopsy was positive on both sides (concordant results), while in 13 patients only one side was positive (discordant results), reaching a discordance rate of 13/51 = 0.255. Therefore 12.7% of the patients (one-half of the discordance rate) could have been misdiagnosed as biopsy-negative had a biopsy been done only unilaterally in those 51 cases.

Conclusion.

These data suggest that performing bilateral temporal artery biopsies increases the diagnostic sensitivity of the procedure by up to 12.7%, compared to unilateral biopsies.
Effectiveness, Safety, and Predictors of Good Clinical Response in 1250 Patients Treated with Adalimumab for Active Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: RUDWALEIT MARTIN , CLAUDEPIERRE PASCAL , WORDSWORTH PAUL , CORTINA EDUARDO LOZA , SIEPER JOACHIM , KRON MARTINA , CARCERERI-DE-PRATI ROBERTO , KUPPER HARTMUT , KARY SONJA
Published: April 2009

Objective.

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in a large cohort of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and identified clinical predictors of good clinical response.

Methods.

Patients with active AS [Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥4] received adalimumab 40 mg every other week in addition to their standard antirheumatic therapies in a multinational 12-week, open-label study. We used 3 definitions of good clinical response: 50% improvement in the BASDAI (BASDAI = 50), 40% improvement in the ASsessments of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria (ASAS40), or ASAS partial remission. Response predictors were determined by logistic regression with backward elimination (selection level 5%).

Results.

Of 1250 patients, 1159 (92.7%) completed 12 weeks of adalimumab treatment. At Week 12, 57.2% of patients achieved BASDAI 50, 53.7% achieved ASAS40, and 27.7% achieved ASAS partial remission. Important predictors of good clinical response (BASDAI 50, ASAS40, and partial remission) were younger age (p < 0.001), and greater C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration (p ≤ 0.001), HLA-B27 positivity (p ≤ 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist naivety (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Adalimumab was effective in this large cohort of patients with AS, with more than half of patients achieving a BASDAI 50 or ASAS40 response and more than a quarter of patients reaching partial remission at Week 12.Younger age, greater CRP concentrations, HLA-B27 positivity, and TNF antagonist naivety were strongly associated with BASDAI 50, ASAS40, and partial remission responses. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00478660.
Selection of Transfected Mammalian Cells
Authors: Mortensen Richard M. , Kingston Robert E.
Published: April 2009

To determine the function of a gene in vitro, expression in heterologous cells is often employed. This can be done by transient expression, but often requires a more permanent expression of the gene and the creation of a cell line. This process can involve decisions as to the nature of construct used for expression, and invariably uses some strategy to select the transfected cells. Typically, these strategies use one of a number of genes that confer resistance to an added drug that will kill untransfected cells but not the transfected cells (positive selection). Alternatively, sometimes the strategy uses a gene that will confer sensitivity to a compound and kills the transfected cells (negative selection). This chapter discusses some of the strategies and genes used in creating cell line for in vitro study of gene function. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 86:9.5.1‐9.5.13. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Well‐Defined Silica‐Supported Mo–Alkylidene Catalyst Precursors Containing One OR Substituent: Methods of Preparation and Structure–Reactivity Relationship in Alkene Metathesis
Authors: Rendón Nuria , Berthoud Romain , Blanc Frédéric , Gajan David , Maishal Tarun , Basset Jean‐Marie , Copéret Christophe , Lesage Anne , Emsley Lyndon , Marinescu Smaranda C. , Singh Rojendra , Schrock Richard R.
Published: April 2009

Silica supports: Well‐defined silica‐supported Mo–alkylidene complexes containing one alkoxy/aryloxy substituent are selectively obtained by grafting onto silica either well‐defined molecular bis(alkoxy) or alkoxyamido complexes (see scheme). These silica‐supported complexes are highly efficient catalyst precursors for the metathesis of acyclic alkenes. However, they display poor performances in ring‐closing metathesis reactions, possibly due to the relatively large siloxy ligand (silica) inducing a greater rigidity.

magnified image

The monosiloxy surface complexes [(SiO)Mo(NAr)(=CHCMe2R′)(OR)] (R′=Me or Ph; OR=OtBu, OCMe(CF3)2 or OAr) are obtained by grafting onto SiO2−(700) either symmetric Mo–alkylidene derivatives [Mo(NAr)(=CHCMe2R′)(OR)2] or asymmetric derivatives, that is, with two different pendant ligands, one amido and one alkoxy/aryloxy, [Mo(NAr)(=CHCMe2R′)(OR)(NC6H8)]. The formation of these complexes was confirmed by mass‐balance analysis, and infrared (IR) and NMR spectroscopies. These systems are highly efficient catalyst precursors for the metathesis of acyclic alkenes; the best results were seen when OR=OCMe(CF3)2. Nevertheless, they display poor performances in ring‐closing metathesis, possibly due to the rigidity of the metal center (as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy), which therefore slows the rate of the metathesis.
Nucleophilic displacement of aromatic fluorine, Part III, indoloquinolines and benzofuranoquinolines
Authors: Walser Armin , Silverman Gladys , Flynn Thomas , Fryer R. Ian
Published: April 2009

Variously substituted indolo[2,3‐c]quinolines, benzofurano[2,3‐c]quinolines and their positional isomers indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines and benzofurano[3,2‐c]quinolines respectively, were prepared from both indole and quinoline derivatives by intramolecular nucleophilic displacement of aromatic fluorine. The formation of an indolo[2,3‐d]benzazepine was also observed.
Reaction of pyromeconic acid with β‐diazopropionic ester. Synthesis and attempted cyclization of β‐(4H‐pyran‐4‐on‐3‐yloxy)propionic acid
Authors: Looker James H. , Brannigan Lawrence H. , Prokop Robert J.
Published: April 2009

A procedure which utilizes a special sublimate condenser for preparation of pyromeconic acid (I) by decarboxylation of either meconic or comenic acid is reported. O‐Alkylation of pyromeconic acid with ethyl β‐diazopropionate ex situ yields ethyl β‐(4H‐pyran‐4‐on‐3‐yloxy)‐propionate (II), acidic hydrolysis of which affords the free acid III. The acid III is refractory to ring‐closure to a chromanone analog IV under a wide range of acidic conditions. O‐Allylation of 1 gives 3‐allyloxy‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (V) as a low‐melting crystalline solid.
Benzomorphan related compounds. II. New synthesis route to thienomorphans
Authors: Bosch J. , Granados R. , López F.
Published: April 2009

A new synthesis route to α‐2,5,9‐trimethylthieno[3,2‐f]morphan and two analogous compounds from cyanopyridines and 2‐thienyllithium is described. Spectroscopic data of these substances and their intermediates are included.
Mechanism of the waller reaction. Investigation of methods for the synthesis of pteridines
Authors: Temple Carroll , Rose Jerry D. , Montgomery John A.
Published: April 2009

The preparation of aminopterin analogs via 6‐halomethylpteridine intermediates either were unsuccessful or gave low yields of pteridines by reaction of 2,4,5,6‐tetraaminopyrimidine (1) with 2,3‐dibromopropionaldehyde (2), 1,1,3‐trichloroacetone (11), and 1,1,3‐tribromoacetone (12), respectively. Similarly, the preparation of a 6‐formylpteridine was unsuccessful by the alkylation of 1 with bromomalonaldehyde and by the addition of the 5‐acetyl derivative of 1 to 2‐bromopropenal (17). In contrast, the oxidation of 2,4‐diaminopteridine‐6‐methanol (23) with N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide gave the corresponding 6‐formylpteridine 20.

In related work, a mechanism for the Waller reaction was suggested by the identification of some of the products resulting from the reaction of 2‐bromopropenal with p‐aminobenzoyl derivatives.
Synthesis of purine‐like ring systems derived from 1,2,6‐thiadiazine 1,1‐dioxide
Authors: García‐Muñoz G. , Madroñero R. , Ochoa C. , Stud M. , Pfleiderer W.
Published: April 2009

7‐Amino‐1H,4H‐imidazo[2,3‐c][1,2,6]thiadiazine 5,5‐dioxide was prepared by a multi‐step reaction sequence form 3,5‐diamino‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazine 1,1‐dioxide. 7‐Amino‐4H‐furazano‐[3,4‐c][1,2,6]thiadiazine 5,5‐dioxide was obtained by lead tetraacetate oxidation of 3,5‐diamino‐4‐hydroxyimino‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazine 1,1‐dioxide.
Régiospécificite et stéréosélectivite de la cycloaddition de l'oxyde de benzonitrile sur la phényl‐5 A‐3‐pyrazoline
Authors: Aspisi C. , Gibert J.‐P. , Petrus C. , Petrus F.
Published: April 2009

La cycloaddition de l'oxyde de benzonitrile sur la diméthyl‐1,2 phényl‐5 A‐3‐pyrazoline est un exemple de réaction régiospécifique et stéréoselective. La structure des diméthyl‐5,6 diphényl‐3,4 pyrazolidino[4,3‐d]isoxazoline‐2 épiméres est démontree. Le passage à l'isomére le plus stable est réalisé et discuté.