bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chest imaging findings in hospitalized patients with H1N1 influenza
Authors: Jartti Airi , Rauvala Erkki , Kauma Heikki , Renko Marjo , Kunnari Marjaana , Syrjälä Hannu
Published: March 2011

Background

Previous studies have reported chest radiographic findings of consolidation and ground-glass opacity in patients with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1). However, most of these studies include both hospitalized and outpatients.

Purpose

To evaluate initial chest radiographic and CT findings of hospitalized swine flu patients, adults and children, confirmed with a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for H1N1 virus.

Material and Methods

All PCR-verified swine flu patients admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine (October 1 to December 15, 2009) at Oulu University Hospital, in Northern Finland, who underwent frontal chest radiography within 24 hours of presentation and who were hospitalized, were included. The radiographs and CT scans were assessed for the presence of pneumonia and characterized by pattern and distribution. The patients' medical records were analyzed for demographics, underlying medical conditions, the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), initiation of mechanical ventilation or non-invasive ventilation support (NIV) and death.

Results

Of 159 H1N1 influenza patients, 135 (85%) underwent chest radiographs at admission; 113 adults and 22 children. Findings of pulmonary infiltrates were detected in 62% (70/113) of adults and 64% (14/22) of children, being bilateral in 67% of adults and 64% of the children. The anatomic location of infiltrates was more often peripheral in adults; 42/70 (60%) vs. 4/14 (29%), P = 0.041, and diffuse among children; 9/14 (64%) vs. 26/70 (37%), P = 0.078. When the ICU and NIV patients were compared to less severe cases, on their chest radiographs four or five lobes were more often affected (65%, 11/17 vs. 34% 23/67, P = 0.029 ). The predominant radiographic findings were consolidation (93% of all patients, 91% of adults and 100% of children) and ground-glass opacity (74% of all, 77% of adults and 57% of children). Pulmonary emboli were detected by CT in 2/9 (22%) patients.

Conclusion

The pandemic 2009 swine influenza causes common and widely distributed infiltrates on chest radiographs among hospitalized patients, which are not peculiar to usual respiratory viral infections, and these findings can not be differentiated from usual bacterial pneumonia.
Ivy signs on FLAIR images before and after STA-MCA anastomosis in patients with Moyamoya disease
Authors: Ideguchi Reiko , Morikawa Minoru , Enokizono Mikako , Ogawa Yoji , Nagata Izumi , Uetani Masataka
Published: March 2011

Background

Leptomeningeal high signal intensity (ivy sign) on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) MR imaging is one of the features of Moyamoya disease. However, the correlation between ivy sign and cerebral perfusion status has not been fully evaluated.

Purpose

To characterize ivy sign on FLAIR images in Moyamoya disease and compare this finding with hemodynamic alterations on perfusion single-photon emission CT (SPECT) obtained before and after bypass surgery.

Material and Methods

Sixteen patients with angiographically confirmed Moyamoya disease who underwent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis were included in the study. The presence of ivy sign on FLAIR images was classified as ‘negative’, ‘minimal’ and ‘positive’. We evaluated the relationship between ivy sign and findings of SPECT, including cerebral vascular reserve (CVR) before and after surgery.

Results

Minimal or positive ivy sign was seen in 13 (81%) of 16 patients, and 21 (66%) of 32 hemispheres. CVR in the areas with positive or minimal ivy sign was lower than that in the areas with negative ivy sign. After STA-MCA anastomosis, ivy sign disappeared or decreased in all 21 hemispheres demonstrating ivy sign. SPECT demonstrated apparent hemodynamic improvement in areas demonstrating disappearance or decrease of ivy sign.

Conclusion

Ivy sign on FLAIR image is seen in areas with decreased cerebral perfusion. The sign is useful for non-invasive assessment of cerebral hemodynamic status before and after surgery.
Successful Use of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver
Authors: Ranucci Giusy , Cirillo Francesco , Corte Claudia Della , Vecchione Raffaella , Vallone Gianfranco , Iorio Raffaele
Published: March 2011

Objective:

To report, to our knowledge, the first case of a patient with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRHL) associated with portal hypertension in whom ursodeoxycholic acid (UOCA) therapy had a therapeutic effect on liver enzymes and was associated with nonprogression of portal hypertension.

Case Summary:

A symptom-free 13-year-old boy was hospitalized for splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia identified during a routine check-up. Infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic causes were ruled out. Two years later, laboratory findings revealed high levels of aminotransferases and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. Ultrasound scanning of the abdomen confirmed portal hypertension. Results of liver pathology studies showed diagnostic features of NRHL Given the biochemical evidence of cholestasis, UDCA was administered, with an initial dosage of 10 mg/kg/day that was progressively increased to 20 mg/kg/day (1800 mg/day). After 5 months of treatment, GGT and then aminotransferase levels normalized and remained within normal limits in the following months. With arbitrary withdrawal of UDCA after 30 months of therapy, a rapid increase in transaminase levels was observed. Prompt reinstitution of UOCA was followed by sustained normalization of liver enzymes. Laboratory and sonographic signs of portal hypertension remained stable and tended to improve during UDCA therapy, as demonstrated by regularization of the mean portal vein flow velocity, reduction of the congestion index, progressive increase of the platelet count, and improvement of the esophagogastroscopy pattern.

Discussion:

NRHL is a rare disease that is characterized by multiple regenerative nodules in the hepatic parenchyma that may lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension. No specific treatment is available, and management of patients with a primary form of NRHL consists mainly of treating the complications of portal hypertension. In our patient, UDCA therapy was followed by a prompt reduction and sustained normalization of liver enzyme levels and no progression of portal hypertension throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

Since in this patient with primary NRHL, ongoing UDCA administration resulted in improved biochemical and portal hypertension markers, this therapy can be considered in cases of NRHL associated with abnormalities of liver enzymes.
Hyperplasia–adenoma sequence in pituitary tumorigenesis related to aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein gene mutation
Authors: Villa Chiara , Lagonigro Maria Stefania , Magri Flavia , Koziak Maria , Jaffrain-Rea Marie-Lise , Brauner Raja , Bouligand Jerome , Junier Marie Pierre , Di Rocco Federico , Sainte-Rose Christian , Beckers Albert , Roux François Xavier , Daly Adrian F , Chiovato Luca
Published: March 2011

Mutations of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene are associated with pituitary adenomas that usually occur as familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA). Detailed pathological and tumor genetic data on AIP mutation-related pituitary adenomas are not sufficient. Non-identical twin females presented as adolescents to the emergency department with severe progressive headache caused by large pituitary macroadenomas require emergency neurosurgery; one patient had incipient pituitary apoplexy. Post-surgically, the patients were found to have silent somatotrope adenomas on pathological examination. Furthermore, the light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies demonstrated tumors of virtually identical characteristics. The adenomas were accompanied by multiple areas of pituitary hyperplasia, which stained positively for GH, indicating somatotrope hyperplasia. Genetic analyses of the FIPA kindred revealed a novel E216X mutation of the AIP gene, which was present in both the affected patients and the unaffected father. Molecular analysis of surgical specimens revealed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the adenoma but showed that LOH was not present in the hyperplastic pituitary tissue from either patient. AIP immunostaining confirmed normal staining in the hyperplastic tissue and decreased staining in the adenoma in the tumors from both patients. These results demonstrate that patients with AIP germline mutation can present with silent somatotrope pituitary adenomas. The finding of somatotrope hyperplasia unaccompanied by AIP LOH suggests that LOH at the AIP locus might be a late event in a potential progression from hyperplastic to adenomatous tissue.
Expression and function of the novel proto-oncogene PBF in thyroid cancer: a new target for augmenting radioiodine uptake
Authors: Smith Vicki E , Franklyn Jayne A , McCabe Christopher J
Published: March 2011

Pituitary tumor-transforming gene (PTTG)-binding factor (PBF; PTTG1IP) was initially identified through its interaction with the human securin, PTTG. Like PTTG, PBF is upregulated in multiple endocrine tumours including thyroid cancer. PBF is believed to induce the translocation of PTTG into the cell nucleus where it can drive tumourigenesis via a number of different mechanisms. However, an independent transforming ability has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PBF is itself a proto-oncogene. Studied in only a limited number of publications to date, PBF is emerging as a protein with a growing repertoire of roles. Recent data suggest that PBF possesses a complex multifunctionality in an increasing number of tumour settings. For example, PBF is upregulated by oestrogen and mediates oestrogen-stimulated cell invasion in breast cancer cells. In addition to a possible role in the induction of thyroid tumourigenesis, PBF overexpression in thyroid cancers inhibits iodide uptake. PBF has been shown to repress sodium iodide symporter (NIS) activity by transcriptional regulation of NIS expression through the human NIS upstream enhancer and further inhibits iodide uptake via a post-translational mechanism of NIS governing subcellular localisation. This review discusses the current data describing PBF expression and function in thyroid cancer and highlights PBF as a novel target for improving radioiodine uptake and thus prognosis in thyroid cancer.
Inducible trehalase enzyme activity of Morchella conica Persoon mycelium
Authors: Czövek Pálma , Király I.
Published: March 2011

Morchella conica Pers. strains of the study were isolated from fruit bodies collected in ash-mixed forests. At first, the strains were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA), then on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS*) solid agar media. A normal-growing strain was chosen for the trehalase induction experiments. During the trehalase induction treatment, mycelia were grown in liquid culture containing different concentrations of trehalose. After the induction period of trehalase enzymes, physiological state of the mycelium and the oxidative stress were monitored in the vegetative mycelia by measuring the change of the malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, the fresh and dry weight. The examined Morchella conica strain utilized the trehalose properly. The rising amount of the trehalose triggered the increase of the mycelial trehalase enzyme activity. Our results clearly proved that both neutral and acidic trehalase isoenzyme activity of the Morchella conica mycelium are inducible and are playing important role in the utilization of external trehalose.
Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers for Photonic-Bandgap Materials
Authors: Yoon Jongseung , Lee Wonmok , Thomas Edwin L.
Published: March 2011

Self-assembled block copolymer systems with an appropriate molecular weight to produce a length scale that will interact with visible light are an alternative platform material for the fabrication of large-area, well-ordered photonic-bandgap structures at visible and near-IR frequencies.Over the past years, one-, two-, and three-dimensional photonic crystals have been demonstrated with various microdomain structures created through microphase separation of block copolymers. The size and shape of periodic microstructures of block copolymers can be readily tuned by molecular weight, relative composition of the copolymer, and blending with homopolymers or plasticizers.The versatility of photonic crystals based on block copolymers is further increased by incorporating inorganic nanoparticles or liquid-crystalline guest molecules (or using a liquid-crystalline block), or by selective etching of one of the microdomains and backfilling with high-refractive-index materials. This article presents an overview of photonic-bandgap materials enabled by self-assembled block copolymers and discusses the morphology and photonic properties of block-copolymer-based photonic crystals containing nanocomposite additives.We also provide a view of the direction of future research, especially toward novel photonic devices.
The Long-Reaching Influence of Arthur von Hippel: Interdisciplinarity and Semiconductors
Authors: Fowler Alan B.
Published: March 2011

While Arthur von Hippel did not work directly in semiconductors, his interdisciplinary style introduced a way of doing science in universities that was applied to semiconductors and now is applicable to nanotechnology as well as many other technologically important areas. This article covers the major developments and players in semiconductors from their early discovery and understanding, in the context of von Hippel's seminal development of the interdisciplinary approach to research and its impact on the field.
The Molecular Designing of Materials and Devices
Authors: Cohen Morrel H.
Published: March 2011

Arthur von Hippel, a pioneer in the emergence of modern materials science, had a great goal: “the molecular designing of materials and devices.” In this article, I describe how computational materials theory has evolved over the last half century, helping to transform that goal from dream to reality. I start with two great puzzles of the 1950s: why band theory and the nearly free electron picture work. These were resolved by Landau's quasiparticle theory and by pseudopotential theory, respectively.Together with the creation and development of density functional theory, key methodological advances, and the rapid evolution of computer hardware and software, these two insights have resulted in the achievement of the quantitative prediction of the structures and properties of complex materials. Bandgapengineering and design of multilayer multifunctional materials are given as examples of “molecular design.”
The New “p–n Junction”: Plasmonics Enables Photonic Access to the Nanoworld
Authors: Atwater Harry A. , Maier Stefan , Polman Albert , Dionne Jennifer A. , Sweatlock Luke
Published: March 2011

Since the development of the light microscope in the 16th century, optical device size and performance have been limited by diffraction. Optoelectronic devices of today are much bigger than the smallest electronic devices for this reason. Achieving control of light—material interactions for photonic device applications at the nanoscale requires structures that guide electromagnetic energy with subwavelength-scale mode confinement. By converting the optical mode into nonradiating surface plasmons, electromagnetic energy can be guided in structures with lateral dimensions of less than 10% of the free-space wavelength. A variety of methods—including electron-beam lithography and self-assembly—have been used to construct both particle and planar plasmon waveguides. Recent experimental studies have confirmed the strongly coupled collective plasmonic modes of metallic nanostructures. In plasmon waveguides consisting of closely spaced silver rods, electromagnetic energy transport over distances of 0.5 m has been observed. Moreover, numerical simulations suggest the possibility of multi-centimeter plasmon propagation in thin metallic stripes. Thus, there appears to be no fundamental scaling limit to the size and density of photonic devices, and ongoing work is aimed at identifying important device performance criteria in the subwavelength size regime. Ultimately, it may be possible to design an entire class of subwavelength-scale optoelectronic components (waveguides, sources, detectors, modulators) that could form the building blocks of an optical device technology—a technology scalable to molecular dimensions, with potential imaging, spectroscopy, and interconnection applications in computing, communications, and chemical/biological detection.
Quantum Chemical Calculations of Reorganization Energy for
Self-Exchange Electron and Hole Transfers of Aromatic Diamines as
Electron-donor Molecules
Authors: Wei Qi , Tegshjargal Khishigjargal , Sarangerel Davaasambuu , Ganzorig Chimed
Published: March 2011

Reorganization energy is one of the important factors to decide the rate of
electron transfer according to the Marcus theory. Small reorganization
energy is highly desirable in design of optoelectronic and electronic
devices like as organic light emitting diode. For this reason,
reorganization energy of aromatic diamine derivatives,
N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-
(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (TPD) and
4,4′-diphenyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenylbenzidine (DTPB) have
been studied theoretically by self-exchange electron transfer theory. By
executing the Gaussian 03 calculation we can easily figure out the
optimization point which needed for calculation of the inner reorganization
energy (λ) of self-exchange electron transfer reaction. Also ionization
potential and electron affinities of these molecules can be calculated at
the density functional theory level with basis set 6-31G** and
6-31G* using Gaussian 03 software on the basis of
ab initio method. It gives possibility to develop a
semi-empirical model for the observed absorption and photoluminescence
spectrum.
Electronic transport properties of top-gated monolayer and bilayer graphene devices on SiC
Authors: Tanabe Shinichi , Sekine Yoshiaki , Kageshima Hiroyuki , Nagase Masao , Hibino Hiroki
Published: March 2011

We studied the electronic transport properties of monolayer and bilayer graphene in top-gated geometries. Monolayer and bilayer graphene were epitaxially grown by thermal decomposition of SiC. The half-integer quantum Hall effect under the gated environment was observed in monolayer graphene devices. The mobility of the monolayer and bilayer graphene devices showed distinct characteristics as a function of carrier density, which reflect their electronic structures. Strong temperature dependence at the charge neutrality point was observed in bilayer graphene devices, suggesting band gap opening.
Materials Challenges for CMOS Junctions
Authors: Taylor William J. , Rendon Michael J. , Verret Eric , Jiang Jack , Capasso Cristiano , Sing Dave , Nguyen Jen-Yee , Smith James , Luckowski Eric , Martinez Arturo , Schaeffer Jamie , Tobin Phil
Published: March 2011

Against a backdrop of the latest ITRS predictions for CMOS junctions, we compare methods for dopant introduction and activation, methods for making contact to these regions, and methods for measurement of material and device properties. As activation without diffusion (sub-melt laser, capacitor discharge flash, or solid phase epitaxy) becomes more feasible, the burden on Xj, Rsh and abruptness falls on the implanters, and the process margin appears slim, opening the door for other methods of doping. For contact resistance, a major component of transistor parasitics, we find that either a move to a different substrate, or from a single midgap silicide to two band-edge metals/silicides can be quite beneficial. Through the use of simple test structures, we describe a means of extracting each component of the parasitic resistance, facilitating development of materials for CMOS junctions.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C infection markers among children and adolescents in the southern Brazilian region
Authors: Livramento Andréa do , Cordova Caio Mauricio Mendes de , Spada Celso , Treitinger Arício
Published: March 2011

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for a substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV serological markers among children and adolescents and verify the epidemiology of the HBV infection over than a decade of the introduction of vaccination program. Serologic markers to HBsAg, total anti-HBc and anti-HCV had been tested in 393 samples. The seropositivity for HBsAg was 0.76% and for total anti-HBc was 1.02%. Copositivity between HBsAg and total anti-HBc was verified in 0.76% of the analyzed samples. There was no seropositivity for anti-HCV marker. The seroprevalence of HBV infection markers among children and adolescents in the southern Brazilian region is high compared to that reported in other countries. Preventive measures, such as educational activities in addition to the universal childhood HBV vaccination, should be initiated in order to reduce the morbimortality and the economic burden associated with the disease.
Disturbance in hemoglobin metabolism and in vivo antimalarial activity of azole antimycotics
Authors: Rodrigues Juan Ricardo , Lourenco Diana , Gamboa Neira
Published: March 2011

Plasmodium parasites degrade host hemoglobin to obtain free amino acids, essential for protein synthesis. During this event, free toxic heme moieties crystallize spontaneously to produce a non-toxic pigment called hemozoin or ß-hematin. In this context, a group of azole antimycotics, clotrimazole (CTZ), ketoconazole (KTZ) and fluconazole (FCZ), were investigated for their abilities to inhibit ß-hematin synthesis (IßHS) and hemoglobin proteolysis (IHbP) in vitro. The ß-hematin synthesis was recorded by spectrophotometry at 405 nm and the hemoglobin proteolysis was determined by SDS-PAGE 12.5%, followed by densitometric analysis. Compounds were also assayed in vivo in a malaria murine model. CTZ and KTZ exhibited the maximal effects inhibiting both biochemical events, showing inhibition of β-hematin synthesis (IC50 values of 12.4 ± 0.9 µM and 14.4 ± 1.4 µM respectively) and inhibition of hemoglobin proteolysis (80.1 ± 2.0% and 55.3 ± 3.6%, respectively). There is a broad correlation to the in vivo results, especially CTZ, which reduced the parasitemia (%P) of infected-mice at 4th day post-infection significantly compared to non-treated controls (12.4 ± 3.0% compared to 26.6 ± 3.7%, p = 0.014) and prolonged the survival days post-infection. The results indicated that the inhibition of the hemoglobin metabolism by the azole antimycotics could be responsible for their antimalarial effect.
Susceptibility of Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection
Authors: Carneiro Liliane Almeida , Silveira Fernando Tobias , Campos Marliane Batista , Brígido Maria do Carmo de Oliveira , Gomes Claudia Maria C. , Corbett Carlos E.P. , Laurenti Márcia D.
Published: March 2011

In Amazonian Brazil, the Cebus apella monkey (Primates: Cebidae) has been associated with the enzootic cycle of Leishmania (V.) shawi, a dermotropic parasite causing American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). It has also been successfully used as animal model for studying cutaneous leishmaniasis. In this work, there has been investigated its susceptibility to experimental Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection, the etiologic agent of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). There were used ten C. apella specimens, eight adult and two young, four males and six females, all born and raised in captivity. Two experimental infection protocols were performed: i) six monkeys were inoculated, intra-dermal via (ID), into the base of the tail with 2 x 10(6) promastigotes forms from the stationary phase culture medium; ii) other four monkeys were inoculated with 3 x 10(7) amastigotes forms from the visceral infection of infected hamsters by two different via: a) two by intravenous via (IV) and, b) other two by intra-peritoneal via (IP). The parameters of infection evaluation included: a) clinical: physical exam of abdomen, weigh and body temperature; b) parasitological: needle aspiration of the bone-marrow for searching of amastigotes (Giemsa-stained smears) and promastigotes forms (culture medium); c) immunological: Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and, Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). In the six monkeys ID inoculated (promastigotes forms) all parameters of infection evaluation were negative during the 12 months period of follow-up. Among the four monkeys inoculated with amastigotes forms, two IV inoculated showed the parasite in the bone-marrow from the first toward to the sixth month p.i. and following that they cleared the infection, whereas the other two IP inoculated were totally negative. These four monkeys showed specific IgG-antibody response since the third month p.i. (IP: 1/80 and IV: 1/320 IgG) toward to the 12th month (IP: 1/160 and IV: 1/5120). The DTH-conversion occurred in only one IV inoculated monkey with a strong (30 mm) skin reaction. Considering these results, we do not encourage the use of C. apella monkey as animal model for studying the AVL.
Transfusion-transmitted malaria: case report of asymptomatic donor harboring Plasmodium malariae
Authors: Scuracchio Patricia , Vieira Sergio Domingos , Dourado Denise Albuquerque , Bueno Luciana Moro , Colella Rafael , Ramos-Sanchez Eduardo Milton , Lima Giselle F. M. Castro , Inoue Juliana , Sanchez Maria Carmen Arroyo , Di Santi Silvia Maria
Published: March 2011

Malaria in Brazil is endemic in the Amazon region, but autochthonous cases with low parasitaemia occur in the Atlantic Forest area of the country. According to Brazilian legislation no test is mandatory for blood donors from non-endemic areas. However if they have traveled to malaria transmission regions they are deferred for six months before they can donate. This report describes a transfusion-transmitted malaria case in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where one recipient received infected blood and developed the disease. He lived in Sao Paulo and had no previous transfusion or trips to endemic areas, including those of low endemicity, such as Atlantic Forest. Thick blood smears confirmed Plasmodiummalariae. All donors lived in Sao Paulo and one of them (Donor 045-0) showed positive hemoscopy and PCR. This asymptomatic donor had traveled to Juquia, in the Atlantic Forest area of S ao Paulo State, where sporadic cases of autochthonous malaria are described. DNA assay revealed P. malariae in the donor's (Donor 045-0) blood. Serum archives of the recipient and of all blood donors were analyzed by ELISA using both P. vivax and P. falciparum antigens, and IFAT with P. malariae. Donor 045-0's serum was P. malariae IFAT positive and the P. vivax ELISA was reactive. In addition, two out of 44 donors' archive sera were also P. vivax ELISA reactive. All sera were P. falciparum ELISA negative. This case suggests the need of reviewing donor selection criteria and deferral strategies to prevent possible cases of transfusion-transmitted malaria.
Produção fora de época da videira 'BRS Clara' sob cultivo protegido
Authors: Colombo Larissa Abgariani , Assis Adriane Marinho de , Sato Alessandro Jefferson , Tessmann Dauri José , Genta Werner , Roberto Sérgio Ruffo
Published: March 2011

No norte do Paraná, a viticultura diferencia-se de outras regiões produtoras, pois são obtidas, nessa região, duas safras em um ano, uma regular e outra fora de época. Entretanto, o clima quente e úmido da região favorece a ocorrência do míldio (Plasmopara viticola) e uma alternativa para minimizar esse problema é o emprego do sistema de produção de uvas sob cultivo protegido. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção fora de época da videira 'BRS Clara' sobre os porta-enxertos 'IAC 572 Jales' e 'IAC 766 Campinas', submetida à diferentes tipos de cultivo protegido. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 7x2 (sete tipos de cultivo protegido e dois porta-enxertos). Os tratamentos foram: a. sombrite sem fungicidas para míldio; b. sombrite com fungicidas para míldio (padrão de controle da região); c. cobertura plástica sem fungicidas para míldio; d. cobertura plástica e 50% de redução do padrão de fungicidas para míldio; e. cobertura plástica e 75% de redução do padrão de fungicidas para míldio; f. cobertura plástica com fosfito e cobre; e g. cobertura plástica sem fungicidas. Os porta-enxertos 'IAC 766' e 'IAC 572' são indicados para a produção da uva sem semente 'BRS Clara' na região norte do Paraná; o emprego da cobertura plástica permite a redução de até 75% do número de aplicações de fungicidas no cultivo da uva 'BRS Clara', mas essa cobertura, por si só, não é suficiente para prevenir a ocorrência de míldio nos cachos, em condições de umidade elevada.
As covariantes da confiança política na América Latina
Authors: Colen Célia Mara Ladeia
Published: March 2011

Resumo: As abordagens culturalistas, baseadas nos fatores relacionados com a socialização, e institucionalistas, baseadas nos fatores relacionados à experiência com o sistema político, competem pela explicação dos fatores relacionados aos baixos níveis de confiança política na América Latina. Este artigo faz uma breve revisão das duas perspectivas, compara seus poderes preditivos para explicar a confiança política na região. A partir do Latinobarômetro 2005, aplicou-se a técnica do modelo hierárquico linear com o objetivo de considerar a dependência entre as observações no nível do país. A confiança política é maior entre os que apoiam o presidente; entre aqueles que estão em países considerados mais democráticos; entre os indivíduos que avaliam positivamente a situação econômica, as políticas públicas e a capacidade do governo para combater a corrupção e entre os indivíduos com maior sofisticação política. As variáveis culturais, por sua vez, quais sejam, a confiança interpessoal e a avaliação dos concidadãos também aumentam a confiança política, mas têm efeito muito menor do que as variáveis institucionais.
"Muro baixo, o povo pula": iniciativas institucionais de participação digital e seus desafios fundamentais
Authors: Marques Francisco Paulo Jamil Almeida
Published: March 2011

Resumo: O artigo investiga as dificuldades mais comuns enfrentadas pelos projetos governamentais voltados para incrementar a participação através do emprego dos media digitais. Após breve diagnóstico dos recursos participativos existentes nos Portais da Presidência da República e da Câmara dos Deputados, é verificado se os constrangimentos técnicos e políticos que a literatura aponta em relação à adoção das ferramentas de comunicação digital se refletem em tais experiências. À luz dos elementos fornecidos pela investigação dos casos empíricos, defende-se o argumento de que promover a participação requer mais do que a oferta de recursos de comunicação, uma vez que cultura cívica e outras peculiaridades de cada democracia são fatores determinantes a influenciarem os padrões de envolvimento político. Se a idéia dos autores mais eufóricos se refere ao argumento de que a Internet torna o "muro" que protege as instituições representativas mais fácil de pular, deve-se considerar que o jogo político tradicional conta, muitas vezes, com artifícios próprios a fim de evitar o emprego efetivo das capacidades da rede digital.
Informação política e atitudes sobre gastos governamentais e impostos no Brasil: evidências a partir de um experimento de opinião pública
Authors: Turgeon Mathieu , Rennó Lucio
Published: March 2011

Resumo: Não é novidade que o cidadão brasileiro, como outros vivendo em países democráticos, em média sabem pouco sobre seus governos e sobre as orientações ideológicas da maioria dos candidatos e partidos políticos. No entanto, poucos pesquisadores estudaram de maneira sistemática as conseqüências da falta de informação política para a vida democrática. Segundo alguns, a falta de informação afeta de maneira importante as atitudes políticas dos eleitores. Já para outros, a informação política não é relevante para formação de opiniões. O artigo examina essa questão no Brasil, usando pela primeira vez dados de um experimento conduzido em uma pesquisa de opinião pública realizada em 2004. Mais especificamente, examinamos como a informação sobre o governo federal brasileiro afeta as preferências políticas do cidadão em termos de gastos públicos. No experimento utilizado, alguns participantes receberam informação sobre as fontes de renda do governo federal, suas despesas e políticas públicas, enquanto outros entrevistados não receberam qualquer informação adicional. Os resultados indicam que os participantes que receberam informação política preferem menos impostos e redução nos gastos públicos daqueles que não receberam informação política. Estes resultados têm conseqüências importantes para o estudo do processo democrático, pois indicam que uma cidadania mais informada tem atitudes e preferências políticas distintas de uma menos informada.
Visão além do alcance: uma introdução à análise fatorial
Authors: Figueiredo Filho Dalson Brito , Silva Júnior José Alexandre da
Published: March 2011

Resumo: Como mensurar fenômenos que não podem ser diretamente observados? O principal objetivo desse artigo é demonstrar por que a análise fatorial é a resposta mais adequada para responder a essa pergunta. Metodologicamente, utilizamos um banco de dados com diferentes medidas de democracia para ilustrar como a técnica de análise fatorial de componentes principais pode ser utilizada para medir as duas dimensões da poliarquia propostas por Robert Dahl (1971): contestação e inclusividade. Em termos substantivos, esperamos facilitar a compreensão dessa técnica nas Ciências Sociais em geral e na Ciência Política em particular.
Clinical characteristics associated with hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase
Authors: Narciso-Schiavon Janaína Luz , Schiavon Leonardo de Lucca , Carvalho-Filho Roberto José de , Hayashida Débora Yumi , Wang Jenny Hue Jiuan , Souza Tatiana Santana , Emori Christini Takemi , Ferraz Maria Lucia Gomes , Silva Antonio Eduardo Benedito
Published: March 2011

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The main causes of hepatic steatosis (HS) are alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although liver biopsy is the gold standard for NAFLD diagnosis, the finding of abnormal aminotransferases in abstinent individuals, without known liver disease, suggests the diagnosis of NAFLD in 80-90% of the cases. Identification of clinical factors associated with HS on abdominal ultrasound may enable diagnoses of fatty liver non-invasively and cost-effectively. The aim here was to identify clinical variables associated with HS in individuals with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a single tertiary care center. METHODS: Individuals with elevated ALT, serologically negative for hepatitis B and C, were evaluated by reviewing medical files. Patients who did not undergo abdominal ultrasonography were excluded. RESULTS: Among 94 individuals included, 40% presented HS on ultrasonography. Compared with individuals without HS, those with fatty liver were older (P = 0.043), with higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.003), diabetes prevalence (P = 0.024), fasting glucose levels (P = 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI (odds ratio, OR = 1.186; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.049-1.341; P = 0.006) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 12.721; 95% CI: 1.380-117.247; P = 0.025) were independently associated with HS. CONCLUSIONS: Simple clinical findings such as history of diabetes and high BMI may predict the presence of HS on ultrasonography in individuals with elevated ALT and negative serological tests for hepatitis.
Predictive Value of In Vitro Mutation Data to Guide Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Selection: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Silver Richard T.
Published: March 2011

Significant advances in treatment and monitoring for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia have occurred over the last decade. With the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib, long-term outcomes have improved and new challenges, such as resistance, including mutations, have emerged. Research efforts into mutational analysis have intensified, with emphasis on the potential of using this technique to guide second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor selection. Although some data suggest that a small number of mutations may be associated with a less favorable response to treatment with one second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor versus another, these data need to be interpreted cautiously because they are derived primarily retrospectively from single-institution studies and a small number of patients. More research and clinical experience and a better understanding of the implications of in vitro data are needed before these data can be routinely incorporated into therapeutic decisions. Currently, there is no consensus on when to screen patients for mutations, what technique should be used, or how values should be reported. Selection of a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor should therefore be based upon its toxicity profile in conjunction with the patient's comorbidities and the practitioner's experience.
EXCLUSIVE PREFERENCE DEVELOPS LESS READILY ON CONCURRENT RATIO SCHEDULES WITH WHEEL‐RUNNING THAN WITH SUCROSE REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Belke Terry W.
Published: March 2011

Previous research suggested that allocation of responses on concurrent schedules of wheel‐running reinforcement was less sensitive to schedule differences than typically observed with more conventional reinforcers. To assess this possibility, 16 female Long Evans rats were exposed to concurrent FR FR schedules of reinforcement and the schedule value on one alternative was systematically increased. In one condition, the reinforcer on both alternatives was .1 ml of 7.5% sucrose solution; in the other, it was a 30‐s opportunity to run in a wheel. Results showed that the average ratio at which greater than 90% of responses were allocated to the unchanged alternative was higher with wheel‐running reinforcement. As the ratio requirement was initially increased, responding strongly shifted toward the unchanged alternative with sucrose, but not with wheel running. Instead, responding initially increased on both alternatives, then subsequently shifted toward the unchanged alternative. Furthermore, changeover responses as a percentage of total responses decreased with sucrose, but not wheel‐running reinforcement. Finally, for some animals, responding on the increasing ratio alternative decreased as the ratio requirement increased, but then stopped and did not decline with further increments. The implications of these results for theories of choice are discussed.
DYNAMICS OF CHOICE: A TUTORIAL
Authors: Baum William M.
Published: March 2011

Choice may be defined as the allocation of behavior among activities. Since all activities take up time, choice is conveniently thought of as the allocation of time among activities, even if activities like pecking are most easily measured by counting. Since dynamics refers to change through time, the dynamics of choice refers to change of allocation through time. In the dynamics of choice, as in other dynamical systems that include feedback, change is away from perturbation and toward a steady state. Steady state or equilibrium is assessed on a longer time scale than change because change is only visible on a smaller time scale. When we compare laws of equilibrium, such as the matching law with laws of dynamics, two possibilities emerge. Self‐similarity occurs when the same law can be seen across smaller time scales, with the result that the law at longer time scales may be understood as the expression of its application at smaller time scales. Reduction occurs when the dynamics at a small time scale are incommensurate with the dynamics at longer time scales. Then the process at the longer time scale is reduced to a qualitatively different process at the smaller time scale, as when choice is reduced to switching patterns. When reduction occurs, the dynamics at the longer time scale may be derived from the process at the smaller time scale, but not the other way around. Research at different time scales is facilitated by the molar view of behavior.
DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF CHOICE IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Rodewald Andrew M. , Hughes Christine E. , Pitts Raymond C.
Published: March 2011

Four pigeons were exposed to a concurrent procedure similar to that used by Davison, Baum, and colleagues (e.g., Davison & Baum, 2000, 2006) in which seven components were arranged in a mixed schedule, and each programmed a different left:right reinforcer ratio (1:27, 1:9, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1, 9:1, 27:1). Components within each session were presented randomly, lasted for 10 reinforcers each, and were separated by 10‐s blackouts. These conditions were in effect for 100 sessions. When data were aggregated over Sessions 16–50, the present results were similar to those reported by Davison, Baum, and colleagues: (a) preference adjusted rapidly (i.e., sensitivity to reinforcement increased) within components; (b) preference for a given alternative increased with successive reinforcers delivered via that alternative (continuations), but was substantially attenuated following a reinforcer on the other alternative (a discontinuation); and (c) food deliveries produced preference pulses (immediate, local, increases in preference for the just‐reinforced alternative). The same analyses were conducted across 10‐session blocks for Sessions 1–100. In general, the basic structure of choice revealed by analyses of data from Sessions 16–50 was preserved at a smaller level of aggregation (10 sessions), and it developed rapidly (within the first 10 sessions). Some characteristics of choice, however, changed systematically across sessions. For example, effects of successive reinforcers within a component tended to increase across sessions, as did the magnitude and length of the preference pulses. Thus, models of choice under these conditions may need to take into account variations in behavior allocation that are not captured completely when data are aggregated over large numbers of sessions.
A DECISION MODEL FOR STEADY‐STATE CHOICE IN CONCURRENT CHAINS
Authors: Christensen Darren R. , Grace Randolph C.
Published: March 2011

Grace and McLean (2006) proposed a decision model for acquisition of choice in concurrent chains which assumes that after reinforcement in a terminal link, subjects make a discrimination whether the preceding reinforcer delay was short or long relative to a criterion. Their model was subsequently extended by Christensen and Grace (2008, 2009a, 2009b) to include effects of initial‐ and terminal‐link duration on choice. We show that an expression for steady‐state responding can be derived from the decision model, which enables a model for choice that provides an account of archival data that is equal or superior to the contextual choice model (Grace, 1994) and hyperbolic value‐added model (Mazur, 2001) in terms of goodness of fit, parsimony, and parameter invariance. The success of the steady‐state decision model validates the strategy of understanding acquisition phenomena as a bridge toward explaining choice at the molar level.
TOWARD A MECHANICS OF ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR: EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS AND MATCHING THEORY STATICS
Authors: McDowell J. J. , Popa Andrei
Published: March 2011

One theory of behavior dynamics instantiates the idea that behavior evolves in response to selection pressure from the environment in the form of reinforcement. This computational theory implements Darwinian principles of selection, reproduction, and mutation, which operate on a population of potential behaviors by means of a genetic algorithm. The behavior of virtual organisms animated by this theory may be studied in any experimental environment. The evolutionary theory was tested by comparing the steady‐state behavior it generated on concurrent schedules to the description of steady state behavior provided by modern matching theory. Ensemble fits of modern matching theory that enforced its constant‐krequirement and the parametric identities required by its equations, accounted for large proportions of data variance, left random residuals, and yielded parameter estimates with values and properties similar to those obtained in experiments with live organisms. These results indicate that the dynamics of the evolutionary theory and the statics of modern matching theory together constitute a good candidate for a mechanics of adaptive behavior.
The associated risks on water resources in Western Macedonia under climate change
Authors: Baltas E. A.
Published: March 2011

This paper assesses the impacts of climate change on water resources in the Western Macedonia water district, located in northern Greece. Some critical water management issues, such as reservoir storage and water supply for agriculture and domestic use, are investigated. A conceptual water balance model was calibrated using monthly historical hydrometeorological data. The proposed model was applied in the entrance of the Polyfyto reservoir in order to estimate runoff values under a transient scenario (UKTR) referring to years 2032 and 2080. The results show that the mean annual runoff, mean winter runoff and summer runoff values, annual maximum and minimum values, as well as monthly maximum and minimum, would be reduced. By using this transient scenario, the risk associated with the water supply for power production, agriculture and domestic use has been evaluated under conditions of altered runoff. Increases of the risks associated with the annual quantities of water supply have been observed.
Impact of sea level rise and over-pumping on seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers
Authors: Abd-Elhamid H. F. , Javadi A. A.
Published: March 2011

Climate change, sea level rise, over-pumping and saltwater intrusion present some of the future challenges of water resources management in coastal areas. Over-abstraction is considered one of the main causes of seawater intrusion and the rise in sea levels accelerates the intrusion. With the combined impact of sea level rise and over-pumping the problem becomes exacerbated and requires urgent solutions. Previous studies have mainly focused on the study of impact of sea level rise or over-abstraction on seawater intrusion separately and their combined effects have not been studied in the literature. This paper presents application of a coupled transient density-dependent finite element model to simulate seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers and investigates the individual and combined effects of likely sea level rise and over-pumping on seawater intrusion. Three scenarios are considered: rise in sea levels due to climate change, decline in groundwater table due to over-pumping and combination of sea level rise and over-pumping. The results show that, in the case study considered in this paper, the rise in the sea level moved the transition zone inland by about 5%. However, the combination of sea level rise and over-pumping resulted in further inland movement of the transition zone (about 8%). The amount of intrusion greatly depends on the depth, size and properties of the aquifer. While the intrusion is a few metres in a small aquifer, it could be several kilometres in a large aquifer.