bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilização da válvula unidirecional de tórax como sistema de drenagem no pós-operatório de ressecções pulmonares
Authors: Vega Nelson de Araujo , Ortega Hugo Alejandro Vega , Tincani Alfio José , Toro Ivan Felizardo Contrera
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a drenagem pleural através de válvula unidirecional de tórax no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 39 ressecções pulmonares, de forma prospectiva e com análise descritiva, em pacientes que utilizaram a válvula unidirecional de tórax (VUT) como o método de drenagem pleural durante o período pós-operatório. Foram excluídos os pacientes com idade inferior a 12 anos, os submetidos à pneumectomia ou a operação de urgência, os que não completaram o seguimento do estudo e os pacientes que utilizaram o sistema de frasco em selo d'água como método inicial de drenagem pleural. Observou-se a expansão pulmonar, o tempo de permanência com o sistema de drenagem, o período de internação e as complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: Neste estudo, foram incluídos e analisados 36 pacientes. A média de permanência com o sistema de drenagem pleural foi de 3,0 ± 1,6 dias. O laudo da radiografia de tórax, realizado após 30 dias do procedimento cirúrgico foi considerado normal em 34 (95,2%) pacientes. Ocorreram oito (22,4%) casos de complicações pós-operatórias, sendo três (8,4%) relacionadas à VUT. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização da VUT no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva foi eficiente, bem tolerada e apresentou baixo índice de complicação.
Análise das internações por doenças respiratórias em Tangará da Serra - Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Rosa Antonia Maria , Ignotti Eliane , Hacon Sandra de Souza , Castro Hermano Albuquerque de
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Analisar as internações hospitalares por doenças respiratórias em menores de 15 anos de idade em uma área com elevados níveis de poluição ambiental. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal da morbidade hospitalar por doenças respiratórias de residentes no município de Tangará da Serra (MT) na Amazônia brasileira, no período de 2000 a 2005, através de dados de internações hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro e de estimativas populacionais do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. RESULTADOS: Em 2005, a taxa de internações por doenças respiratórias em menores de 15 anos foi de 70,1/1.000 crianças na microrregião de Tangará da Serra. Entre 2000 a 2005 ocorreram, no município de Tangará da Serra, 12.777 internações de crianças, das quais 8.142 (63,7%) por doenças respiratórias. No período da seca (maio a outubro) houve 10% mais internações por doenças respiratórias que no período da chuva (novembro a abril). As principais causas de internação foram: pneumonias (90,7%) e insuficiência respiratória (8,5%). Em menores de 5 anos de idade, as internações por pneumonia foram mais de 4 vezes o esperado para o município. Os menores de 12 meses de idade foram mais frequentemente internados, com incremento médio de 32,4 internações por 1.000 crianças a cada ano. CONCLUSÕES: Tangará da Serra tem apresentado elevado número de internações por doenças respiratórias, portanto, é coerente considerá-lo como área prioritária para investigação e monitoramento dos fatores de risco ambientais para tais doenças.
Pré-condicionamento isquêmico por oclusão seletiva da artéria pulmonar em ratos
Authors: Pilla Eduardo Sperb , Vendrame Giovani Schirmer , Sánchez Pablo Gerardo , Grun Gustavo , Fontena Eduardo , Forgiarini Júnior Luiz Alberto , Marroni Norma Anair Possa , Andrade Cristiano Feijó , Cardoso Paulo Francisco Guerreiro
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do pré-condicionamento isquêmico (PCI) em modelo de isquemia e reperfusão (I/R) pulmonar normotérmica em ratos, quantificando a produção de espécies reativas do oxigênio. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete ratos Wistar foram randomizados em quatro grupos: controle, sham, I/R e PCI. Após anestesia, animais do grupo controle foram sacrificados por decapitação, pneumonectomizados, e os pulmões esquerdos armazenados em nitrogênio líquido. Animais dos grupos sham, I/R e PCI foram anestesiados, traqueostomizados, ventilados, anticoagulados e submetidos a uma toracotomia esquerda com dissecção da artéria pulmonar esquerda para clampeamento. No grupo sham procedeu-se a dissecção da artéria pulmonar esquerda; no grupo I/R, clampeamento hilar total de 30 min e no grupo PCI, clampeamento da artéria pulmonar esquerda por 5 min seguido por reperfusão de 10 min e um clampeamento hilar total de 30 min. Pulmões foram reperfundidos por 90 min e ventilados com os mesmos parâmetros, acrescidos de pressão expiratória final positiva de 1 cmH2O. Foram obtidas medidas hemodinâmicas e gasométricas antes da toracotomia, antes do clampeamento hilar total, aos 30 e 90 min de reperfusão. A peroxidação lipídica foi estabelecida por meio da determinação das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico. RESULTADOS: A determinação das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico analisada nos grupos controle, sham, I/R, PCI não revelou diferenças significativas, o mesmo ocorrendo com a pressão parcial arterial de oxigênio, pressão parcial arterial de gás carbônico e medidas hemodinâmicas entre os grupos sham, I/R e PCI. CONCLUSÕES: O PCI de 5 min da artéria pulmonar esquerda em modelo de I/R in situ em ratos não atenua a lesão de I/R.
Perfil epidemiológico dos casos notificados de tuberculose entre os profissionais de saúde no Hospital Universitário em Vitória (ES) Brasil
Authors: Prado Thiago Nascimento do , Galavote Heleticia Scabelo , Brioshi Ana Paula , Lacerda Thamy , Fregona Geisa , Detoni Valdério do Valle , Lima Rita de Cássia Duarte , Dietze Reynaldo , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos notificados de tuberculose entre os profissionais de saúde no Programa de Controle da Tuberculose do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes, em Vitória (ES) Brasil. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de dados secundários no período de 2002 a 2006. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 25 casos de profissionais de saúde com tuberculose: 8 técnicos de enfermagem (32%); 4 médicos (16%); 3 enfermeiros (12%); 2 técnicos em radiologia (8%) e 8 profissionais pertencentes a outras categorias (32%); 14 do sexo masculino (56%) e 11 do sexo feminino (44%). A faixa etária com maior incidência foi a de 35-39 anos. A forma clínica predominante foi a extrapulmonar com 12 casos (48%), seguido da pulmonar com 11 casos (44%), e 2 casos (8%) apresentaram ambas as manifestações. Entre os agravos associados, AIDS, etilismo e tabagismo apresentaram a mesma proporção entre a população do estudo: 33,3%. Quanto ao desfecho, houve 22 casos de cura (88%), 2 transferências (8%) e 1 óbito (4%). A proporção de profissionais de saúde com diagnóstico de tuberculose no período estudado foi de 2,53%. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados deste estudo apontam a necessidade de os profissionais de saúde que trabalham nos programas de controle da tuberculose preencherem o campo "ocupação profissional" nas fichas de notificação do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Além disso, apontam para a necessidade da implementação de um programa de controle de tuberculose ocupacional.
Métodos empregados na verificação da adesão à corticoterapia inalatória em crianças e adolescentes: taxas encontradas e suas implicações para a prática clínica
Authors: Jentzsch Nulma Souto , Camargos Paulo Augusto Moreira
Published: September 2008

Adesão inadequada à corticoterapia inalatória é comum e contribui para um controle clínico insatisfatório, aumento da morbidade, mortalidade e dos custos do setor. Este artigo de revisão foi conduzido utilizando-se bancos de dados Medline, HighWire, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e pesquisa direta, entre 1992 e 2008. Os métodos para avaliar a adesão, citados em ordem crescente de sua objetividade, são: relato do paciente ou seus familiares, julgamento clínico, pesagem da medicação, dispensação de medicação, dosadores eletrônicos e análise bioquímica (pouco utilizada). As taxas de adesão variaram de 30 a 70%. A adesão determinada pelo relato do paciente/familiares e julgamento clínico é reconhecidamente exagerada quando comparada à obtida através do dosador eletrônico. O clínico deve sempre lembrar que as taxas reais de adesão são menores do que as relatadas pelo paciente e isso deve ser considerado, se não houver bom controle da doença. A pesagem do spray quantifica a medicação e infere adesão, porém pode ocorrer esvaziamento deliberado e compartilhamento da medicação. A farmácia fornece datas de dispensação e recarga da medicação. Esta estratégia é válida e deveria ser utilizada em nosso meio. O uso de dosador eletrônico é o método mais acurado para avaliar adesão, ele fornece a data e horário de cada disparo na utilização da medicação, porém é oneroso. Os resultados obtidos com dosadores demonstraram que a adesão foi menor que a esperada. Melhorar o conhecimento do médico sobre a adesão do seu paciente e utilizar métodos acurados para acessá-la é um caminho a seguir.
Doença de Castleman associada a derrame pleural
Authors: Pinheiro Valéria Góes Ferreira , Fernandes Geórgea Hermógenes , Cezar Lia Cavalcante , Alves Newton de Albuquerque , Menezes Dalgimar Beserra de
Published: September 2008

A doença de Castleman é uma rara afecção do tecido linfóide. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino com otosclerose bilateral, sem sintomas respiratórios e com achado incidental de derrame pleural esquerdo em uma radiografia de tórax. A tomografia computadorizada de tórax revelou uma massa mediastinal. A biópsia demonstrou tratar-se de variante plasmocitária da doença de Castleman. A paciente foi submetida à ressecção da massa mediastinal. Houve regressão do derrame, o qual persistiu como pequena loculação no espaço pleural esquerdo.
Teratoma de mediastino com degeneração maligna
Authors: Squeff Fabiano Alves , Gerace Eduardo Salvador , Saad Júnior Roberto , Botter Márcio , Gonçalves Roberto , Paes Juliana Fracalossi
Published: September 2008

No presente artigo, relatamos o caso de um paciente portador de teratoma de mediastino anterior, de evolução lenta, o qual foi submetido à ressecção cirúrgica. O exame anatomopatológico da peça revelou degeneração maligna para tumor carcinóide. Tal evolução é extremamente rara, sendo encontrados na literatura apenas três artigos correlatos. Apresentamos uma descrição clínico-patológica do tumor e, por fim, discutimos a conduta terapêutica. Houve evolução satisfatória, e o paciente foi submetido a tratamento oncológico.
Effect of Intravenous Propacetamol on Blood Pressure in Febrile Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hersch Moshe , Raveh David , Izbicki Gabriel
Published: September 2008

Study Objectives. To investigate the effect of intravenous propacetamol, a parenteral bioprecursor of acetaminophen, on systemic blood pressure in critically ill patients with fever, and to establish the prevalence and clinical significance of this effect.

Design. Prospective, observational study.

Setting. A six‐bed medical‐surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university‐affiliated tertiary care hospital in Israel.

Patients. Fourteen critically ill patients (aged 17–83 yrs) with sepsis and fever (body temperature ≥ 38°C) who received an intravenous infusion of propacetamol 2 g over 15–20 minutes every 6 hours as needed to reduce fever.

Measurements and Results. Demographic data, including degree of sepsis, were collected at baseline (before propacetamol infusion). Blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and need for fluid or vasopressor therapy were recorded at baseline, at end of infusion, and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after propacetamol administration. The drug was administered on 72 occasions in the 14 patients. Mean ± SE systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures recorded 15 minutes after propacetamol administration were significantly lower than baseline measurements: 123 ± 29 versus 148 ± 33, 62 ± 12 versus 70 ± 15, and 83 ± 16 versus 97 ± 19 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.05). In 24 (33%) of the 72 infusions, systolic blood pressure decreased to below 90 mm Hg and required intervention with fluid bolus administration on six occasions; a fluid bolus was accompanied by a dosage increase or initiation of a norepinephrine infusion on 18 occasions. No correlation, however, was noted between the degree of decrease in mean arterial pressure and decrease in temperature (r2=0.01), or the degree of decrease in mean arterial pressure and decrease in heart rate (r2=0.23), at each data collection time point, as measured by linear regression.

Conclusion. Intravenous propacetamol, given in antipyretic doses, caused a significant decrease in blood pressure 15 minutes after administration in febrile critically ill patients. This drug‐induced hypotension was clinically relevant in that interventions to control blood pressure were required. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this potential deleterious effect, particularly in specific populations such as critically ill patients.
Lapatinib and Ixabepilone for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Halterman Patti A.
Published: September 2008

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Treatment options for advanced‐stage disease, although numerous, remain suboptimal. Lapatinib and ixabepilone are two new agents approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 for the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). When added to the existing endocrine therapies—single‐agent cytotoxic therapies and combination chemotherapy regimens—lapatinib and ixabepilone offer potential treatment strategies for disease that has become resistant to trastuzumab and the taxanes, respectively. Lapatinib is an oral dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor against members of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family (HER1 or epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], and HER2). It is indicated for combination therapy with capecitabine for the treatment of patients with HER2‐overexpressing LABC or MBC whose disease has progressed after receiving previous treatment with an anthracycline, a taxane, and trastuzumab. Of note, lapatinib is the first FDA‐approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for use in MBC. Ixabepilone, the first FDA‐approved analog of the antimicrotubule agent epothilone B, is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of LABC or MBC in patients whose tumors are refractory or resistant to anthracyclines, taxanes, and capecitabine. It is also indicated in combination with capecitabine for treatment of LABC or MBC that is resistant to anthracycline and taxane. Both lapatinib and ixabepilone are fairly well tolerated. The most common toxicities with lapatinib are diarrhea (65%) and hand‐and‐foot syndrome (53%), whereas peripheral neuropathy (62%), fatigue (56%), and neutropenia (54%) are most common with ixabepilone. Though the conventional standard end point of overall survival has not yet been assessed in clinical trials, these agents have been shown to improve surrogate markers of clinical benefit: progression‐free survival and the related time to progression. Future clinical trials should focus on elucidation of optimal combination or sequential therapies, as well as patient‐specific therapies based on tumor characteristics, such as biomarkers and tumor subtypes.
Determining Effective Insulin Analog Therapy Based on the Individualized Needs of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gong William C.
Published: September 2008

To manage patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus effectively and delay the onset of diabetes‐related complications, therapeutic targets for glycemic control, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, should be implemented in clinical practice. Initiation of treatment with insulin is a critical step in achieving target glycemic levels. A variety of insulin formulations are available in the United States that can be matched to meet the diverse needs and lifestyles of patients with type 2 diabetes. In particular, insulin analogs have more predictable profiles of action and thus are able to more closely mimic physiologic insulin action. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the use of different types of insulin analogs in various situations as supported by data from clinical trials. The needs of the individual patient are considered in terms of his or her particular preferences, medical history, and adjustments for lifestyle concerns. The involvement of pharmacists in this individualized therapy is critical in order to enhance patients' understanding of their disease and their most effective treatment options.
Ventricular Free Wall Rupture: Ten Year Survival After Surgical Repair
Authors: Leff Richard A , Hoffman Irwin
Published: September 2008

Ventricular free wall rupture is a devastating complication of acute myocardial infarction. It occurs in 15-25% of fatal cases. However, the overall incidence in acute MI cases is about 2%. [1] Clinical markers suggesting free wall rupture include pulseless electrical activity in a first MI, and pericardial tamponade. Subacute rupture takes hours or days to develop, and is suggested clinically by pericardial pain, transient hypotension, nausea, restlessness and agitation. [2, 3] When the diagnosis is established by pericardiocentesis or echocardiography, surgical patch repairs are possible, using standard or even sutureless technique. [4] The long term course of survivors of free wall rupture repair has not been extensively reported. There are scattered reports in the literature of survival up to eight years. [5, 3] We report herein a case of a status freewall rupture from an inferior-posterior wall myocardial infarction with survival of ten years after surgical repair. We believe this to be the longest survival thus far reported in the literature.
Friedman's Follies: Insights on the Globalization/Regionalization Debate
Authors: Rugman Alan , Oh Chang H.
Published: September 2008

In this paper we deconstruct the popular book by Thomas Friedman which argues that the world is integrated through the advent of a new form of globalization based on the Internet. We use the logic of international business strategy to demonstrate that Friedman's examples of worldwide integration are special cases which ignore the empirical realities of multinational enterprises (MNEs). We provide empirical evidence to demonstrate that the world's largest MNEs do not operate globally, but sell and produce the vast majority of their output within their home region of the triad. We develop a new analytical framework to explain the limited nature of Friedman's thinking, and we contrast this with the more robust frameworks available in international business. The latter frameworks, which take into account country level and regional level barriers to integration, are better at explaining the activities of MNEs. We conclude that, from the viewpoint of international business strategy, the prescriptive thinking from Friedman is misleading if it is believed that a global strategy is feasible. Instead, MNEs need to develop strategies to accommodate the realities of intra-regional integration and to overcome the liabilities of inter-regional expansion across the triad.
Does Public Opinion Affect Trade Policy?
Authors: Kono Daniel Y.
Published: September 2008

Although scholars have begun to explore the determinants of public attitudes toward trade policy, we still do not know whether these attitudes have policy consequences. This paper presents the first systematic analysis of this question. I find that higher public support for free trade leads to lower tariffs, but only in democracies. I also find that democracy leads to lower tariffs only where public support for free trade is relatively high. Hence, although both public opinion and regime type are important, neither matters independently of the other. This finding suggests a need for further research on the conditional effects of both.
Market Democracy Unleashed? Business Elites and the Crisis of Competitive Authoritarianism in Ukraine
Authors: Gould John A. , Hetman Yaroslav
Published: September 2008

This paper examines the political economy of the Orange Revolution in an effort to understand routes by which less democratic postcommunist countries might break with an illiberal status quo. The fusion of Ukraine's rent-seeking economic interests and illiberal political regime produced an unstable equilibrium that is poorly explained by two leading theoretical frameworks: ‘market reform’ and ‘political competition’ theory. Only by combining key insights from each do we get a full explanation of the pressures that generated Ukraine's challenge to illiberalism in 2004. We examine this story with a particular focus on the crisis-prone nature of ‘competitive authoritarian regimes’ and the related strategic calculations of business elites.
Optimization of a synthetic siRNA delivery for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Lesko Ewa , Miekus Katarzyna , Grabowska Agnieszka , Gładys Aleksandra , Majka Marcin
Published: September 2008

Silencing of a target-genes by small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful new tool not only for basic research but also with potential therapeutic benefits. This paper demonstrates that optimal delivery strategy is crucial for effective target-gene silencing. Using lipofection, under defined conditions, we were able to markedly down-regulate expression of the selected genes involved in rhabdomyosarcoma metastasis: MET, CXCR4, LIFR and PAX3-FKHR.
Mark-recapture estimates of the survival and recapture rates of Cerambyx welensii Küster (Coleoptera cerambycidae) in a cork oak dehesa in Huelva (Spain)
Authors: López-Pantoja Gloria , Nevado Luis , Sánchez-Osorio Israel
Published: September 2008

The oak decline is probably the most severe plant health problem faced in the Mediterranean region which is one of the habitats of community interest under the EU’s environmental legal regime. More information on the role of Cerambycids species in this decay is still needed. This paper reports the apparent survival rate (Phi) and recapture rate (P) for a population of Cerambyx welensii Küster (Coleoptera cerambycidae) in a highly degraded cork oak grove near the Doñana National Park (Huelva, Spain) as calculated using the mark-capture-recapture method. High and constants in the time values of apparent survival rates for males and females are detected. The male overall recapture rate (P) exceeded that of the female group with relatively low, but significant, values. The presence of transient individuals suggests a nucleus of population with many immigrants and emigrants in the study plot. The results are used to discuss various aspects of the insect biology, and the potential effect of the gradual deterioration of the studied ecosystem on theinsect population it supports.
Impact of Locality on Location Aware Unit Disk Graphs
Authors: Wiese Andreas , Kranakis Evangelos
Published: September 2008

Due to their importance for studies oi wireless networks, recent years have seen a surge of activity on the design of local algorithms for the solution of a variety of network tasks. We study the behaviour of algorithms with very low localities. Despite of this restriction we propose local constant ratio approximation algorithms for solving minimum dominating and connected dominating set, maximum independent set and minimum vertex cover in location aware Unit Disk Graphs. We also prove the first ever lower bounds for local algorithms for these problems with a given locality in the location aware setting.
Axiomatic Characterizations of Information Measures
Authors: Csiszár Imre
Published: September 2008

Axiomatic characterizations of Shannon entropy, Kullback I-divergence, and some generalized information measures are surveyed. Three directions are treated: (A) Characterization of functions of probability distributions suitable as information measures. (B) Characterization of set functions on the subsets of {1; : : : ;N} representable by joint entropies of components of an N-dimensional random vector. (C) Axiomatic characterization of MaxEnt and related inference rules. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the relevance of the axiomatic approach for information theory.
The Entropy Principle from Continuum Mechanics to Hyperbolic Systems of Balance Laws: The Modern Theory of Extended Thermodynamics
Authors: Ruggeri Tommaso
Published: September 2008

We discuss the different roles of the entropy principle in modern thermodynamics. We start with the approach of rational thermodynamics in which the entropy principle becomes a selection rule for physical constitutive equations. Then we discuss the entropy principle for selecting admissible discontinuous weak solutions and to symmetrize general systems of hyperbolic balance laws. A particular attention is given on the local and global well-posedness of the relative Cauchy problem for smooth solutions. Examples are given in the case of extended thermodynamics for rarefied gases and in the case of a multi-temperature mixture of fluids.
Entropy Diagnostics for Fourth Order Partial Differential Equations in Conservation Form
Authors: Broadbridge Phil
Published: September 2008

The entropy evolution behaviour of a partial differential equation (PDE) in conservation form, may be readily discerned from the sign of the local source term of Shannon information density. This can be easily used as a diagnostic tool to predict smoothing and non-smoothing properties, as well as positivity of solutions with conserved mass. The familiar fourth order diffusion equations arising in applications do not have increasing Shannon entropy. However, we obtain a new class of nonlinear fourth order diffusion equations that do indeed have this property. These equations also exhibit smoothing properties and they maintain positivity. The counter-intuitive behaviour of fourth order diffusion, observed to occur or not occur on an apparently ad hoc basis, can be predicted from an easily calculated entropy production rate. This is uniquely defined only after a technical definition of the irreducible source term of a reaction diffusion equation.
Esterification of Oleic Acid for Biodiesel Production Catalyzed by SnCl2: A Kinetic Investigation
Authors: Cardoso Abiney  L. , Neves Soraia  Cristina Gonzaga , Da Silva Marcio  J.
Published: September 2008

The production of biodiesel from low-cost raw materials which generally contain high amounts of free fatty acids (FFAs) is a valuable alternative that would make their production costs more competitive than petroleum-derived fuel. Currently, the production of biodiesel from this kind of raw materials comprises a two-stage process, which requires an initial acid-catalyzed esterification of the FFA, followed by a basecatalyzed transesterification of the triglycerides. Commonly, the acid H2SO4 is the catalyst on the first step of this process. It must be said, however, that major drawbacks such as substantial reactor corrosion and the great generation of wastes, including the salts formed due to neutralization of the mineral acid, are negative and virtually unsurmountable aspects of this protocol. In this paper, tin(II) chloride dihydrate (SnCl2·2H2O), an inexpensive Lewis acid, was evaluated as catalyst on the ethanolysis of oleic acid, which is the major component of several fat and vegetable oils feedstocks. Tin chloride efficiently promoted the conversion of oleic acid into ethyl oleate in ethanol solution and in soybean oil samples, under mild reaction conditions. The SnCl2 catalyst was shown to be as active as the mineral acid H2SO4. Its use has relevant advantages in comparison to mineral acids catalysts, such as less corrosion of the reactors and as well as avoiding the unnecessary neutralization of products. Herein, the effect of the principal parameters of reaction on the yield and rate of ethyl oleate production has been investigated. Kinetic measurements revealed that the esterification of oleic acid catalyzed by SnCl2·2H2O is first-order in relation to both FFAs and catalyst concentration. Experimentally, it was verified that the energy of activation of the esterification reaction of oleic acid catalyzed by SnCl2 was very close those reported for H2SO4.
Lessons from a “Failed” Experiment: Zinc Silicates with Complex Morphology by Reaction of Zinc Acetate, the Ionic Liquid Precursor (ILP) Tetrabutylammonium Hydroxide (TBAH), and Glass
Authors: Li Zhonghao , Khimyak Yaroslav Z. , Taubert Andreas
Published: September 2008

At elevated temperatures, the ionic liquid precursor (ILP) tetrabutylammonium hydroxide reacts with zinc acetate and the glass wall of the reaction vessel. While the reaction of OH- with the glass wall is not surprising as such and could be considered a failed experiment, the resulting materials are interesting for a variety of applications. If done on purpose and under controlled conditions, the reaction with the glass wall results in uniform, well-defined hemimorphite Zn4Si2O7(OH)2·nH2O and willemite Zn2SiO4 microcrystals and films. Their morphology can be adjusted by variation of the reaction time and reaction temperature. The hemimorphite can be transformed to Zn2SiO4 via calcination. The process is therefore a viable approach for the fabrication of porous films on glass surfaces with potential applications as catalyst support, among others.
Motives, Rural Images, and Tourism Brokering Roles of Rural Accommodation Entrepreneurs in South Western Ontario, Canada
Authors: Carmichael Barbara A. , McClinchey Kelley A.
Published: September 2008

This study focuses on the rural images of rural accommodation operators, their motivations in terms of "lifestyle" aspirations, and their "brokering" role in the understanding of tourists' needs and experiences in rural areas. We know little about the rural image perceptions of tourism
entrepreneurs, the importance that they place on a rural lifestyle, and how they influence their guests' experiences of rural life. Similarly, little is known about knowledge transfer between hosts and their guests. The study area for this research is in a rural region of small towns and villages
in South Western Ontario, Canada. Through personal interviews, rural entrepreneurs showed a strong interaction with tourists, a sound knowledge of tourist motivations, and where tourists go in the region. They performed a role of validating and recommending tourist activities and thus influencing
consumption patterns. Their role as tourism "brokers" is important because as well as recommending the tourism product, they can get feedback on the quality of tourist experiences in the region. This article supports the notion of lifestyle entrepreneurship as the norm in rural tourism, at
least in this region, and emphasizes the importance of the rural landscape to quality of life for both hosts and guests.
Obstacles to Ethical Travel: Attitudes and Behaviors of New Zealand Travel Agents with Respect to "Politically Repressed" Destinations
Authors: Lovelock Brent
Published: September 2008

This article examines the attitudes and behaviors of New Zealand travel agents in relation to providing travel advice for destinations that have known human rights abuses. A postal survey was undertaken of travel agencies throughout New Zealand. Generally, while supportive in principle
of ethical travel, travel agents do not operationalize this concern in terms of their workplace behavior (e.g., continuing to sell products for destinations that have known human rights issues). A range of workplace and personal factors appear to be influential in the way in which travel agents
behave. However, the primary obstacle acting against travel agents participating more actively in ethical travel is the ethical dissonance imposed on the ethical decision-making situation through the agent's obligation to give credence to their clients' rights of freedom of choice over where
they travel.
An Evaluation of the Implementation of a Responsible Gambling Code of Practice at the Gold Coast, Queensland
Authors: Breen Helen , Hing Nerilee
Published: September 2008

The Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice is a voluntary commitment by gambling providers to assist with responsible gambling. This qualitative research involving interviews with 20 managers and staff from 14 gambling venues at the Gold Coast aims to examine awareness and
implementation of the Code plus perceptions of its effectiveness. After the first year, the average level of implementation of all the elements in the Code was 78% for these venues. Of the Code's six major practice areas, the physical layout and environment practice was reported as being very
effective while the provision of information, including signage and the odds of winning, was perceived as the least effective practice. Training and education were seen as important facilitators in encouraging responsible gambling. The implementation of the Code supports the goal of sustainability
for the Gold Coast as a tourist destination.
Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells on Glass Ceramic Substrates
Authors: Muecke Ulrich P. , Beckel Daniel , Bernard André , Bieberle‐Hütter Anja , Graf Silvio , Infortuna Anna , Müller Patrik , Rupp Jennifer L. M. , Schneider Julian , Gauckler Ludwig J.
Published: September 2008

Miniaturized solid oxide fuel cells are fabricated on a photostructurable glass ceramic substrate (Foturan) by thin film and micromachining techniques. The anode is a sputtered platinum film and the cathode is made of a spray pyrolysis (SP)‐deposited lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF), a sputtered platinum film and platinum paste. A single‐layer of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) made by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and a bilayer of PLD–YSZ and SP–YSZ are used as electrolytes. The total thickness of all layers is less than 1 µm and the cell is a free‐standing membrane with a diameter up to 200 µm. The electrolyte resistance and the sum of polarization resistances of the anode and cathode are measured between 400 and 600 °C by impedance spectroscopy and direct current (DC) techniques. The contribution of the electrolyte resistance to the total cell resistance is negligible for all cells. The area‐specific polarization resistance of the electrodes decreases for different cathode materials in the order of Pt paste > sputtered Pt > LSCF. The open circuit voltages (OCVs) of the single‐layer electrolyte cells ranges from 0.91 to 0.56 V at 550 °C. No electronic leakage in the PLD–YSZ electrolyte is found by in‐plane and cross‐plane electrical conductivity measurements and the low OCV is attributed to gas leakage through pinholes in the columnar microstructure of the electrolyte. By using a bilayer electrolyte of PLD–YSZ and SP–YSZ, an OCV of 1.06 V is obtained and the maximum power density reaches 152 mW cm−2 at 550 °C.
Hemoglobin‐CdTe‐CaCO3@Polyelectrolytes 3D Architecture: Fabrication, Characterization, and Application in Biosensing
Authors: Cai Wen‐Yi , Feng Liang‐Dong , Liu Shan‐Hu , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: September 2008

A Hemoglobin‐CdTe‐CaCO3@polyelectrolyte 3D architecture is synthesized by a stepwise layer‐by‐layer method and is further used to fabricate an electrochemistry biosensor. While the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microsphere acts as an effective host for the loading of cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots due to its channel‐like structure, the polyelectrolyte layers further increase the loading amount and help in the formation of a thick and uniform quantum‐dot “shell”, which not only improves the stability of the spheres in water, but also contributes to the fast and effective direct electron transfer between the protein redox center and the macroscopic electrode. The materials are characterized and compared, and the possible mechanism for the direct electrochemistry phenomenon is hypothesized. Our work not only provides a facile and effective route for the preparation of quantum‐dot‐loaded spheres, but also sets an example of how the structure of functional materials can be tuned and related to their applications. In addition, it is one of the few examples of using CaCO3 microspheres in quantum‐dot loading and biosensing.
Organic Phenolic Configurationally Locked Polyene Single Crystals for Electro‐optic and Terahertz Wave Applications
Authors: Kwon O‐Pil , Kwon Seong‐Ji , Jazbinsek Mojca , Brunner Fabian D. J. , Seo Jung‐In , Hunziker Christoph , Schneider Arno , Yun Hoseop , Lee Yoon‐Sup , Günter Peter
Published: September 2008

We investigate a configurationally locked polyene (CLP) crystal 2‐(3‐(4‐hydroxystyryl)‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohex‐2‐enylidene)malononitrile (OH1) containing a phenolic electron donor, which also acts as a hydrogen bond donor. The OH1 crystals with orthorhombic space group Pna21 (point group mm2) exhibit large second‐order nonlinear optical figures of merit, high thermal stability and very favorable crystal growth characteristics. Higher solubility in methanol and a larger temperature difference between the melting temperature and the decomposition temperature of OH1 compared to analogous CLP crystals, are of advantage for solution and melt crystal growth, respectively. Acentric bulk OH1 crystals of large sizes with side lengths of up to 1 cm with excellent optical quality have been successfully grown from methanol solution. The microscopic and macroscopic nonlinearities of the OH1 crystals are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The OH1 crystals exhibit a large macroscopic nonlinearity with four times larger powder second harmonic generation efficiency than that of analogous CLP crystals containing dimethylamino electron donor. A very high potential of OH1 crystals for broadband THz wave emitters in the full frequency range of 0.1–3 THz by optical rectification of 160 fs pulses has been demonstrated.
Enhanced circadian phase resetting in R192Q Cav2.1 calcium channel migraine mice
Authors: van Oosterhout Floor , Michel Stephan , Deboer Tom , Houben Thijs , van de Ven Rob C. G. , Albus Henk , Westerhout Joost , Vansteensel Mariska J. , Ferrari Michel D. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Meijer Johanna H.
Published: September 2008

Objective

Mammalian circadian rhythms are driven by the circadian pacemaker of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and are synchronized to the external 24‐hour light/dark cycle. After advance time zone transitions (eastbound jet lag), overt circadian rhythms require several days to adjust. The retarded adaptation may protect against acute imbalance of different brain systems. Abrupt circadian rhythm changes may trigger migraine attacks, possibly because migraineurs have an inadequate adaptation mechanism. The novel R192Q knock‐in migraine mouse model carries mutated Cav2.1 calcium channels, causing increased presynaptic calcium influx and neurotransmitter release. We investigated whether these mice have an abnormal adjustment to phase advance shifts.

Methods

We examined phase resetting to 6‐hour advance shifts of the light/dark cycle with behavioral and electroencephalographic recordings in R192Q and wild‐type mice. We recorded excitatory postsynaptic currents in the SCN, and electrical impulse frequency in vitro and in vivo.

Results

R192Q mice showed a more than twofold enhanced adjustment of behavioral wheel‐running activity and electroencephalographic patterns, as well as enhanced shifts of electrical activity of SCN neurons in vivo. No differences were found for in vitro recordings of the electrical impulse frequency in SCN slices.

Interpretation

R192Q migraine mice lack the physiological retardation in circadian adaptation to phase advance shifts. The opposite findings in vivo and in vitro exclude involvement of the retinal input pathway or the phase‐shifting capacity of the SCN. Thus, the physiological inhibitory process appears to be mediated by Cav2.1 channel–dependent afferent signaling from extra‐SCN brain areas to the SCN. Ann Neurol 2008;64:315–324
Collagen VI glycine mutations: Perturbed assembly and a spectrum of clinical severity
Authors: Pace Rishika A. , Peat Rachel A. , Baker Naomi L. , Zamurs Laura , Mörgelin Matthias , Irving Melita , Adams Naomi E. , Bateman John F. , Mowat David , Smith Nicholas J. C. , Lamont Phillipa J. , Moore Steven A. , Mathews Katherine D. , North Kathryn N. , Lamandé Shireen R.
Published: September 2008

Objective

The collagen VI muscular dystrophies, Bethlem myopathy and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, form a continuum of clinical phenotypes. Glycine mutations in the triple helix have been identified in both Bethlem and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, but it is not known why they cause these different phenotypes.

Methods

We studied eight new patients who presented with a spectrum of clinical severity, screened the three collagen VI messenger RNA for mutations, and examined collagen VI biosynthesis and the assembly pathway.

Results

All eight patients had heterozygous glycine mutations toward the N‐terminal end of the triple helix. The mutations produced two assembly phenotypes. In the first patient group, collagen VI dimers accumulated in the cell but not the medium, microfibril formation in the medium was moderately reduced, and the amount of collagen VI in the extracellular matrix was not significantly altered. The second group had more severe assembly defects: some secreted collagen VI tetramers were not disulfide bonded, microfibril formation in the medium was severely compromised, and collagen VI in the extracellular matrix was reduced.

Interpretation

These data indicate that collagen VI glycine mutations impair the assembly pathway in different ways and disease severity correlates with the assembly abnormality. In mildly affected patients, normal amounts of collagen VI were deposited in the fibroblast matrix, whereas in patients with moderate‐to‐severe disability, assembly defects led to a reduced collagen VI fibroblast matrix. This study thus provides an explanation for how different glycine mutations produce a spectrum of clinical severity. Ann Neurol 2008
Developmental impact of a familial GABAA receptor epilepsy mutation
Authors: Chiu Cindy , Reid Christopher A. , Tan Heneu O. , Davies Philip J. , Single Frank N. , Koukoulas Irene , Berkovic Samuel F. , Tan Seong‐Seng , Sprengel Rolf , Jones Mathew V. , Petrou Steven
Published: September 2008

Objective

A major goal of epilepsy research is to understand the molecular and functional basis of seizure genesis. A human GABAA γ2 gene mutation (R43Q) is associated with generalized epilepsy. Introduction of this mutation into a mouse by gene targeting recapitulates the human phenotype demonstrating a strong genotype to phenotype link. GABAA receptors play a role in the moment‐to‐moment control of brain function and also on the long‐term wiring of the brain by directing neuronal development. Our objective was to determine whether developmental expression of the mutation alters seizure susceptibility later in life.

Methods

A tetracycline‐based conditional model for activation of a hypomorphic Q43 disease allele was created and validated. Seizure susceptibility was assessed using the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole model.

Results

Seizure susceptibility was significantly reduced in mice where the Q43 allele was suppressed during development.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate that a human epilepsy‐causing mutation impacts network stability during a critical developmental period. These data suggest that identification of presymptomatic children may provide a window for therapeutic intervention before overt symptoms are observed, potentially altering the course of epileptogenesis. Ann Neurol 2008
Human parechovirus causes encephalitis with white matter injury in neonates
Authors: Verboon‐Maciolek Malgorzata A. , Groenendaal Floris , Hahn Cecil D. , Hellmann Jonathan , van Loon Anton M. , Boivin Guy , de Vries Linda S.
Published: September 2008

Objective

To assess the role of human parechoviruses (HPeVs) as a cause of neonatal cerebral infection and to report neuroimaging findings of newborn infants with encephalitis caused by HPeVs.

Methods

Clinical presentation, cranial ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and neurodevelopmental outcome of 10 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and diagnosed with encephalitis caused by HPeVs are reported.

Results

Nine of 10 infants, with a gestational age of 29 to 41 weeks, presented at 36 to 41 weeks postmenstrual age with clinical seizures. Seven had a fever and six had a rash. Clinical presentation was similar to that of infants with enterovirus infection. Cranial ultrasonography showed increased echogenicity in the periventricular white matter in all infants. Neonatal MRI confirmed white matter changes in nine infants, which changed to gliosis on later MRI. Outcome was variable with cerebral palsy in one, a suspect outcome at 18 months in one, learning disabilities at 7 years of age in one, epilepsy in one, and normal neurodevelopmental outcome in five children. Follow‐up of one infant was only 9 months.

Interpretation

HPeVs should be added to the list of neurotropic viruses that may cause severe central nervous system infection in the neonatal period. White matter injury can be visualized with cranial ultrasonography, but more detailed information is obtained with MRI and especially diffusion‐weighted imaging. Because clinical presentation of HPeV encephalitis is similar to that of enterovirus, real‐time polymerase chain reaction for both viruses should be performed in atypical presentation of neonatal seizures. Ann Neurol 2008
Autoantibodies in gluten ataxia recognize a novel neuronal transglutaminase
Authors: Hadjivassiliou Marios , Aeschlimann Pascale , Strigun Alexander , Sanders David S. , Woodroofe Nicola , Aeschlimann Daniel
Published: September 2008

Objective

Gluten sensitivity typically presents as celiac disease, a chronic, autoimmune‐mediated, small‐intestinal disorder. Neurological disorders occur with a frequency of up to 10% in these patients. However, neurological dysfunction can also be the sole presenting feature of gluten sensitivity. Development of autoimmunity directed toward different members of the transglutaminase gene family could offer an explanation for the diversity in manifestations of gluten sensitivity. We have identified a novel neuronal transglutaminase isozyme and investigated whether this enzyme is the target of the immune response in patients with neurological dysfunction.

Methods

Using recombinant human transglutaminases, we developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and inhibition assays to analyze serum samples of patients with gluten‐sensitive gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, and various control groups including unrelated inherited or immune conditions for the presence and specificity of autoantibodies.

Results

Whereas the development of anti‐transglutaminase 2 IgA is linked with gastrointestinal disease, an anti‐transglutaminase 6 IgG and IgA response is prevalent in gluten ataxia, independent of intestinal involvement. Such antibodies are absent in ataxia of defined genetic origin or in healthy individuals. Inhibition studies showed that in those patients with ataxia and enteropathy, separate antibody populations react with the two different transglutaminase isozymes. Furthermore, postmortem analysis of brain tissue showed cerebellar IgA deposits that contained transglutaminase 6.

Interpretation

Antibodies against transglutaminase 6 can serve as a marker in addition to human leukocyte antigen type and detection of anti‐gliadin and anti‐transglutaminase 2 antibodies to identify a subgroup of patients with gluten sensitivity who may be at risk for development of neurological disease. Ann Neurol 2008;64:332–343