bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic sparse-layer reflectivity inversion using basis pursuit decomposition
Authors: Zhang Rui , Castagna John
Published: December 2011

A basis pursuit inversion of seismic reflection data for reflection coefficients is introduced as an alternative method of incorporating a priori information in the seismic inversion process. The inversion is accomplished by building a dictionary of functions representing reflectivity patterns and constituting the seismic trace as a superposition of these patterns. Basis pursuit decomposition finds a sparse number of reflection responses that sum to form the seismic trace. When the dictionary of functions is chosen to be a wedge-model of reflection coefficient pairs convolved with the seismic wavelet, the resulting reflectivity inversion is a sparse-layer inversion, rather than a sparse-spike inversion. Synthetic tests suggest that a sparse-layer inversion using basis pursuit can better resolve thin beds than a comparable sparse-spike inversion. Application to field data indicates that sparse-layer inversion results in the potentially improved detectability and resolution of some thin layers and reveals apparent stratigraphic features that are not readily seen on conventional seismic sections.
Estimating surface-wave dispersion curves from 3D seismic acquisition schemes: Part 1 — 1D models
Authors: Boiero Daniele , Bergamo Paolo , Bruno Rege Roberto , Socco Laura Valentina
Published: December 2011

Surface-wave analysis is based on the estimation of surface-wave dispersion curves, which are then inverted to provide 1D S-wave velocity profiles. Surface-wave dispersion curves can be extracted from P-wave records obtained in seismic exploration and used to characterize the ground structure at a shallow depth. Dispersion curve estimation using 2D wavefield transforms is well-established for 2D acquisition schemes (in-line source and receiver spread). It is possible to extract surface-wave dispersion curves using 2D wavefield transforms from 3D seismic data acquired with any acquisition scheme. In particular, we focus on areal geometry and orthogonal geometry, and we provide a method based on the analysis in the offset domain and the [Formula: see text] multiple signal classification (MUSIC) transform. We assess the performance of the method on synthetic and field data concerning 1D sites.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly regulates Foxj1 expression and ciliogenesis in zebrafish Kupffer’s vesicle
Authors: Caron Alissa , Xu Xiaolei , Lin Xueying
Published: December 2011

Cilia are essential for normal development. The composition and assembly of cilia has been well characterized, but the signaling and transcriptional pathways that govern ciliogenesis remain poorly studied. Here, we report that Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly regulates ciliogenic transcription factor foxj1a expression and ciliogenesis in zebrafish Kupffer’s vesicle (KV). We show that Wnt signaling acts temporally and KV cell-autonomously to control left-right (LR) axis determination and ciliogenesis. Specifically, reduction of Wnt signaling leads to a disruption of LR patterning, shorter and fewer cilia, a loss of cilia motility and a downregulation of foxj1a expression. However, these phenotypes can be rescued by KV-targeted overexpression of foxj1a. In comparison to the FGF pathway that has been previously implicated in the control of ciliogenesis, our epistatic studies suggest a more downstream function of Wnt signaling in the regulation of foxj1a expression and ciliogenesis in KV. Importantly, enhancer analysis reveals that KV-specific expression of foxj1a requires the presence of putative Lef1/Tcf binding sites, indicating that Wnt signaling activates foxj1a transcription directly. We also find that impaired Wnt signaling leads to kidney cysts and otolith disorganization, which can be attributed to a loss of foxj1 expression and disrupted ciliogenesis in the developing pronephric ducts and otic vesicles. Together, our data reveal a novel role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling upstream of ciliogenesis, which might be a general developmental mechanism beyond KV. Moreover, our results also prompt a hypothesis that certain developmental effects of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are due to the activation of Foxj1 and cilia formation.
Deficient Notch signaling associated with neurogenicpecanexis compensated for by the unfolded protein response inDrosophila
Authors: Yamakawa Tomoko , Yamada Kenta , Sasamura Takeshi , Nakazawa Naotaka , Kanai Maiko , Suzuki Emiko , Fortini Mark E. , Matsuno Kenji
Published: December 2011

The Notch (N) signaling machinery is evolutionarily conserved and regulates a broad spectrum of cell-specification events, through local cell-cell communication. pecanex (pcx) encodes a multi-pass transmembrane protein of unknown function, widely found from Drosophila to humans. The zygotic and maternal loss of pcx in Drosophila causes a neurogenic phenotype (hyperplasia of the embryonic nervous system), suggesting that pcx might be involved in N signaling. Here, we established that Pcx is a component of the N-signaling pathway. Pcx was required upstream of the membrane-tethered and the nuclear forms of activated N, probably in N signal-receiving cells, suggesting that pcx is required prior to or during the activation of N. pcx overexpression revealed that Pcx resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Disruption of pcx function resulted in enlargement of the ER that was not attributable to the reduced N signaling activity. In addition, hyper-induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) by the expression of activated Xbp1 or dominant-negative Heat shock protein cognate 3 suppressed the neurogenic phenotype and ER enlargement caused by the absence of pcx. A similar suppression of these phenotypes was induced by overexpression of O-fucosyltransferase 1, an N-specific chaperone. Taking these results together, we speculate that the reduction in N signaling in embryos lacking pcx function might be attributable to defective ER functions, which are compensated for by upregulation of the UPR and possibly by enhancement of N folding. Our results indicate that the ER plays a previously unrecognized role in N signaling and that this ER function depends on pcx activity.
αE-catenin regulates cell-cell adhesion and membrane blebbing during zebrafish epiboly
Authors: Schepis Antonino , Sepich Diane , Nelson W. James
Published: December 2011

αE-catenin is an actin-binding protein associated with the E-cadherin-based adherens junction that regulates cell-cell adhesion. Recent studies identified additional E-cadherin-independent roles of αE-catenin in regulating plasma membrane dynamics and cell migration. However, little is known about the roles of αE-catenin in these different cellular processes in vivo during early vertebrate development. Here, we examined the functions of αE-catenin in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration and plasma membrane dynamics during morphogenetic processes that drive epiboly in early Danio rerio (zebrafish) development. We show that depletion of αE-catenin caused a defect in radial intercalation that was associated with decreased cell-cell adhesion, in a similar manner to E-cadherin depletion. Depletion of αE-catenin also caused deep cells to have protracted plasma membrane blebbing, and a defect in plasma membrane recruitment of ERM proteins that are involved in controlling membrane-to-cortex attachment and membrane blebbing. Significantly, depletion of both E-cadherin and αE-catenin suppressed plasma membrane blebbing. We suggest that during radial intercalation the activities of E-cadherin and αE-catenin in the maintenance of membrane-to-cortex attachment are balanced, resulting in stabilization of cell-cell adhesion and suppression of membrane blebbing, thereby enabling proper radial intercalation.
LACHESIS-dependent egg-cell signaling regulates the development of female gametophytic cells
Authors: Völz Ronny , von Lyncker Ludwig , Baumann Nadine , Dresselhaus Thomas , Sprunck Stefanie , Groß-Hardt Rita
Published: December 2011

In contrast to animals, plant germ cells are formed along with accessory cells in specialized haploid generations, termed gametophytes. The female gametophyte of flowering plants consists of four different cell types, which exert distinct functions in the reproductive process. For successful fertilization, the development of the four cell types has to be tightly coordinated; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. We have previously isolated the lachesis (lis) mutant, which forms supernumerary gametes at the expense of adjacent accessory cells. LIS codes for the Arabidopsis homolog of the pre-mRNA splicing factor PRP4 and shows a dynamic expression pattern in the maturing female gametophyte. Here, we used LIS as a molecular tool to study cell-cell communication in the female gametophyte. We show that reducing LIS transcript amounts specifically in the egg cell, affects the development of all female gametophytic cells, indicating that cell differentiation in the female gametophyte is orchestrated by the egg cell. Among the defects observed is the failure of homotypic nuclei fusion in the central cell and, as a consequence, a block in endosperm formation. LIS-mediated egg cell signaling, thus, provides a safeguard mechanism that prevents the formation of nurturing tissue in the absence of a functional egg cell.
Robo2 determines subtype-specific axonal projections of trigeminal sensory neurons
Authors: Pan Y. Albert , Choy Margaret , Prober David A. , Schier Alexander F.
Published: December 2011

How neurons connect to form functional circuits is central to the understanding of the development and function of the nervous system. In the somatosensory system, perception of sensory stimuli to the head requires specific connections between trigeminal sensory neurons and their many target areas in the central nervous system. Different trigeminal subtypes have specialized functions and downstream circuits, but it has remained unclear how subtype-specific axonal projection patterns are formed. Using zebrafish as a model system, we followed the development of two trigeminal sensory neuron subtypes: one that expresses trpa1b, a nociceptive channel important for sensing environmental chemicals; and a distinct subtype labeled by an islet1 reporter (Isl1SS). We found that Trpa1b and Isl1SS neurons have overall similar axon trajectories but different branching morphologies and distributions of presynaptic sites. Compared with Trpa1b neurons, Isl1SS neurons display reduced branch growth and synaptogenesis at the hindbrain-spinal cord junction. The subtype-specific morphogenesis of Isl1SS neurons depends on the guidance receptor Robo2. robo2 is preferentially expressed in the Isl1SS subset and inhibits branch growth and synaptogenesis. In the absence of Robo2, Isl1SS afferents acquire many of the characteristics of Trpa1b afferents. These results reveal that subtype-specific activity of Robo2 regulates subcircuit morphogenesis in the trigeminal sensory system.
Ruffles limit diffusion in the plasma membrane during macropinosome formation
Authors: Welliver Timothy P. , Chang S. Laura , Linderman Jennifer J. , Swanson Joel A.
Published: December 2011

In murine macrophages stimulated with macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), signals essential to macropinosome formation are restricted to the domain of plasma membrane enclosed within cup-shaped, circular ruffles. Consistent with a role for these actin-rich structures in signal amplification, microscopic measures of Rac1 activity determined that disruption of actin polymerization by latrunculin B inhibited ruffling and the localized activation of Rac1 in response to M-CSF. To test the hypothesis that circular ruffles restrict the lateral diffusion of membrane proteins that are essential for signaling, we monitored diffusion of membrane-tethered, photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (PAGFP-MEM) in ruffling and non-ruffling regions of cells. Although diffusion within macropinocytic cups was not inhibited, circular ruffles retained photoactivated PAGFP-MEM inside cup domains. Confinement of membrane molecules by circular ruffles could explain how actin facilitates positive feedback amplification of Rac1 in these relatively large domains of the plasma membrane, thereby organizing the contractile activities that close macropinosomes.
Sign Restrictions in Structural Vector Autoregressions: A Critical Review
Authors: Fry Renée , Pagan Adrian
Published: December 2011

The paper provides a review of the estimation of structural vector autoregressions with sign restrictions. It is shown how sign restrictions solve the parametric identification problem present in structural systems but leaves the model identification problem unresolved. A market and a macro model are used to illustrate these points. Suggestions have been made on how to find a unique model. These are reviewed. An analysis is provided of whether one can recover the true impulse responses and what difficulties might arise when one wishes to use the impulse responses found with sign restrictions. (JEL C32, C51, E12)
Labor Supply and Taxes: A Survey
Authors: Keane Michael P
Published: December 2011

I survey the male and female labor supply literatures, focusing on implications for effects of wages and taxes. For males, I describe and contrast results from three basic types of model: static models (especially those that account for nonlinear taxes), life-cycle models with savings, and life-cycle models with both savings and human capital. For women, more important distinctions are whether models include fixed costs of work, and whether they treat demographics like fertility and marriage (and human capital) as exogenous or endogenous. The literature is characterized by considerable controversy over the responsiveness of labor supply to changes in wages and taxes. At least for males, it is fair to say that most economists believe labor supply elasticities are small. But a sizable minority of studies that I examine obtain large values. Hence, there is no clear consensus on this point. In fact, a simple average of Hicks elasticities across all the studies I examine is 0.31. Several simulation studies have shown that such a value is large enough to generate large efficiency costs of income taxation. For males, I conclude that two factors drive many of the differences in results across studies. One factor is use of direct versus ratio wage measures, with studies that use the former tending to find larger elasticities. Another factor is the failure of most studies to account for human capital returns to work experience. I argue that this may lead to downward bias in elasticity estimates. In a model that includes human capital, I show how even modest elasticities—as conventionally measured—can be consistent with large efficiency costs of taxation. For women, in contrast, it is fair to say that most studies find large labor supply elasticities, especially on the participation margin. In particular, I find that estimates of “long-run” labor supply elasticities—by which I mean estimates that allow for dynamic effects of wages on fertility, marriage, education and work experience—are generally quite large. (JEL D91, J13, J16, J22, J31, H24)
Can a care pathway help streamline the care process for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome?
Authors: Verhelst D , Nachtergaele M , Hindryckx C , Vandevyvere K , Seghers S , Smessaert K , Vanderschueren S
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the authors show how the implementation of a care pathway can streamline the care for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The methodology of seven phases is used as a guide to develop, implement and evaluate the CFS care pathway. Some patients have already completed the care pathway. With the help of these case studies, a few strengths and weaknesses of the care process can be formulated. The development and implementation of the care pathway result in a structured process. Patients are diagnosed and treated based on an evidence-based method. The care path also leads to an enhancement of the interdisciplinary cooperation. Nevertheless, the criteria for inclusion and exclusion of patients are taken into account insufficiently. Moreover, family doctors should be involved more often. In the future, it is also important to pay more attention to the role of the family members during the treatment. The entire steering group now needs to engage in a discussion about the test pathway and then subsequently put it to use in daily practice. Additional challenges for the steering group include the objective evaluation and the continuous follow-up of the care pathway.
Methodological support for business process redesign in health care: a literature review protocol
Authors: Vanwersch R J B , Shahzad K , Vanhaecht K , Grefen P W P J , Pintelon L M , Mendling J , van Merode G G , Reijers H A
Published: December 2011

Research efforts that aim to develop methodological support for the redesign of business processes in the health-care domain are fragmented and performed in different domains. Due to these characteristics, it can be expected to be difficult to establish the state-of-the art with respect to this body of knowledge. This paper presents a research protocol that was developed prior to a literature review in this field, which illustrates the structure and rigor that we deem necessary to overcome the noted obstacles.
The economic evaluation of health technologies in Cuba: results achieved and challenges for the country
Authors: Herrera Manuel Collazo , García Ariana Fernández , Lorenzo Irma Sosa
Published: December 2011

The aim of the paper is to describe the importance and need for the implementation of the economic evaluation of health technologies for increasing efficiency in the field of health in Cuba, as well as exposing the implementation of this activity in the National Health System (NHS) and projections of work being developed in the country. We performed a literature review to search for information on this subject at national and international level to gauge the incorporation of this discipline as an element to increase efficiency in the Cuban health system. The economic evaluation applied to the health field in Cuba is considered an aspect that contributes to the efficient use of resources. Although the costs of new technology are large, their value in terms of efficiency can identify the most effective and less costly ways to support the process of decision-making. In conclusion, the economic evaluation of health technologies has become a necessity for the NHS, since its incorporation can guide decision-making to increase the efficiency of health interventions.
The management of isolated closed femoral shaft fractures in a district hospital in Malawi
Authors: Doorgakant Ashtin , Mkandawire N C
Published: December 2011

We prospectively studied the inpatient management of closed femoral shaft fractures in adults over 10 months at Ntcheu District Hospital, Malawi. Results: We had 20 patients, who stayed for an average of 46 days in hospital. The average time to apply traction was 2.3 days. The average time from admission to X-ray was 1.1 days. We recorded 11 complications: seven pinsite infections; two leg length discrepancies of >2 cm; one delayed union; and one malunion. Owing to logistics, we were unable to survey late complications. Check X-rays (available in 17/20 patients) at discharge showed satisfactory callus in 16 patients and minimal callus in one. Ten showed improved radiological position but none had external clinical deformities. We therefore feel that, despite using far from modern techniques such as acute intramedullary nailing, overall the treatment in Ntcheu produced good results. We discuss some methods that might enhance the quality of this conservative care.
A novel role of RNA helicase A in regulation of translation of type I collagen mRNAs
Authors: Manojlovic Zarko , Stefanovic Branko
Published: December 2011

Type I collagen is composed of two α1(I) polypeptides and one α2(I) polypeptide and is the most abundant protein in the human body. Expression of type I collagen is primarily controlled at the level of mRNA stability and translation. Coordinated translation of α(I) and α2(I) mRNAs is necessary for efficient folding of the corresponding peptides into the collagen heterotrimer. In the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR), collagen mRNAs have a unique 5′ stem–loop structure (5′ SL). La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6 (LARP6) is the protein that binds 5′ SL with high affinity and specificity and coordinates their translation. Here we show that RNA helicase A (RHA) is tethered to the 5′ SL of collagen mRNAs by interaction with the C-terminal domain of LARP6. In vivo, collagen mRNAs immunoprecipitate with RHA in an LARP6-dependent manner. Knockdown of RHA prevents formation of polysomes on collagen mRNAs and dramatically reduces synthesis of collagen protein, without affecting the level of the mRNAs. A reporter mRNA with collagen 5′ SL is translated three times more efficiently in the presence of RHA than the same reporter without the 5′ SL, indicating that the 5′ SL is the cis-acting element conferring the regulation. During activation of quiescent cells into collagen-producing cells, expression of RHA is highly up-regulated. We postulate that RHA is recruited to the 5′ UTR of collagen mRNAs by LARP6 to facilitate their translation. Thus, RHA has been discovered as a critical factor for synthesis of the most abundant protein in the human body.
Remote sensing in coastal water monitoring: Applications in the
eastern Mediterranean Sea (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Dassenakis Manos , Paraskevopoulou Vasiliki , Cartalis Constantinos , Adaktilou Nektaria , Katsiabani Katerina
Published: December 2011

Remote sensing/satellite observation of land and oceans is a field of research
that was developed during the second half of the 20th century, and
its importance is widely recognised because of the amount of information it can
provide to the scientific community and the general public. The outcomes of
remote sensing/satellite observation can be used to address and study
significant aspects of environmental concern, such as habitat destruction,
environmental degradation, forest fires, oil spills, and climate change. There
is continuous improvement of the methods and means of remote sensing
observations in order to achieve more accurate and useful information. The main
advantage is the possibility of observing large areas, and the main disadvantage
is that it can observe only the water and land surface. The present paper is an
effort to review the technologies used in remote sensing and the general
applications in a comprehensive manner addressed to scientists who do not
specialize in this area of research. Furthermore, this paper reviews case
studies/applications in the Mediterranean Sea, an area affected by various
polluting activities (industrial cities, agriculture, shipping, etc.) that
should be continuously monitored so that the coastal countries are able to
successfully manage this sensitive environment.
Suspicious Minds: Exploring Neural Processes during Exposure to Deceptive Advertising
Authors: Craig Adam W. , Loureiro Yuliya Komarova , Wood Stacy , Vendemia Jennifer M.C.
Published: December 2011

When viewing advertisements, consumers must decide what to believe and what is meant to deceive. Accordingly, much behavioral research has explored strategies and outcomes of how consumers process persuasive messages that vary in perceived sincerity. New neuroimaging methods enable researchers to augment this knowledge by exploring the cognitive mechanisms underlying such processing. The current study collects neuroimaging data while participants are exposed to advertisements with differing levels of perceived message deceptiveness (believable, moderately deceptive, and highly deceptive). The functional magnetic resonance imaging data, combined with an additional behavioral study, offer evidence of two noteworthy results. First, confirming multistage frameworks of persuasion, the authors observe two distinct stages of brain activity: (1) precuneus activation at earlier stages and (2) superior temporal sulcus and temporal-parietal junction activation at later stages. Second, the authors observe disproportionately greater brain activity associated with claims that are moderately deceptive than those that are either believable or highly deceptive. These results provoke new thinking about what types of claims garner consumer attention and which consumers may be particularly vulnerable to deceptive advertising.
Morphology of γ′ Precipitates in a First Stage Low Pressure Turbine Blade of a Ni-Based Superalloy after Service and after Following Aging
Authors: Miura Nobuhiro , Kondo Yoshihiro
Published: December 2011

To estimate the temperature distribution, stress distribution, and stress direction in a blade in service, the morphology of γ′ precipitates in Ni-based superalloy serviced in the first stage low pressure turbine (1st LPT) blade of a jet engine was investigated before and after aging. Using a field emission scanning electron microscope, microstructures were observed in forty portions of the blade. Most of the γ′ precipitates remained cuboidal in the serviced blade. Many secondary γ′ precipitates were observed in the γ matrix at the root part. In contrast, there were no secondary γ′ precipitates at the leading edge of the tip part. After simple aging, low-completion rafted γ/γ′ structures appeared on the suction side of the 70 mm part, while in other portions, coarsening of the γ′ precipitates was observed. Therefore, the leading edge of the 1st LPT blade tip was exposed to the highest temperatures in service. However, the stresses were extremely low in all portions of the blade.
Impact of a Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry Program on Resource Utilization and Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Wainer Stephen , Parmar Seema M. , Allegro Donna , Rabi Yacov , Lyon Martha E.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

Our goal was to assess the impact of programmatic and coordinated use of transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) on the incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and measures of laboratory, hospital, and nursing resource utilization.

Methods:

We compared the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia-related outcomes of 14 796 prospectively enrolled healthy infants ≥35 weeks gestation offered routine TcB measurements in both hospital and community settings by using locally validated nomograms relative to a historical cohort of 14 112 infants assessed by visual inspection alone.

Results:

There was a 54.9% reduction (odds ratio [OR]: 2.219 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.543–3.193]; P < .0001) in the incidence of severe total serum bilirubin values (≥342 µmol/L; ≥20 mg/dL) after implementation of routine TcB measurements. TcB implementation was associated with reductions in the overall incidence of total serum bilirubin draws (134.4 vs 103.6 draws per 1000 live births, OR: 1.332 [95% CI: 1.226–1.446]; P < .0001) and overall phototherapy rate (5.27% vs 4.30%, OR: 1.241 [95% CI: 1.122–1.374]; P < .0001), a reduced age at readmission for phototherapy (104.3 ± 52.1 vs 88.9 ± 70.5 hours, P < .005), and duration of phototherapy readmission (24.8 ± 13.6 vs 23.2 ± 9.8 hours, P < .05). There were earlier (P < .01) and more frequent contacts with public health nurses (1.33 vs 1.66, P < .01) after introduction of the TcB program.

Conclusions:

Integration of routine hospital and community TcB screening within a comprehensive public health nurse newborn follow-up program is associated with significant improvements in resource utilization and patient safety.
Sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária na região do Cerrado
Authors: Vilela Lourival , Martha Junior Geraldo Bueno , Macedo Manuel Cláudio Motta , Marchão Robélio Leandro , Guimarães Júnior Roberto , Pulrolnik Karina , Maciel Giovana Alcantara
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os benefícios e as perspectivas potenciais de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária no processo de intensificação de uso das áreas em exploração com lavoura de grãos e pastagens no Cerrado, e apontar as principais lacunas de informação sobre o sistema. Os principais benefícios da integração lavoura-pecuária são: melhoria das propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo; redução da ocorrência de doenças, insetos-pragas e plantas daninhas; maior produtividade das plantas e dos animais; e redução de riscos pela diversificação de atividades. No entanto, a adoção do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária ainda é pequena, provavelmente em virtude da maior complexidade desse sistema. Concentrar esforços nos fatores que limitam a adoção desse sistema no Cerrado parece ser um ponto estratégico para novos estudos. A busca por melhoria na qualidade de cobertura de solo para o sistema plantio direto, por meio de gramíneas forrageiras, pode auxiliar na adoção da integração lavoura-pecuária no Cerrado. A expectativa é de que a adoção de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária resulte em melhorias significativas na sustentabilidade socioeconômica e ambiental das propriedades e da sua região de influência.
Desempenho agronômico de trigo cultivado para grãos e duplo propósito em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Santos Henrique Pereira dos , Fontaneli Renato Serena , Caierão Eduardo , Spera Silvio Tulio , Vargas Leandro
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade e os componentes de produção de trigo cultivado para grãos e duplo propósito em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP), em plantio direto. A produtividade de grãos dos dois tipos de trigo e os componentes de produção do trigo para produção de grãos foram avaliados nos anos agrícolas de 2003 a 2008, em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico, em Coxilha, RS, nos sistemas de rotação: 1, trigo/soja e ervilhaca/milho; 2, trigo/soja e pastagem de aveia-preta/milho; 3, trigo/soja e pastagem de aveia-preta/soja; 4, trigo/soja e ervilha/milho; 5, trigo/soja, triticale de duplo propósito/soja e ervilhaca/soja; e 6, trigo/soja, aveia-branca de duplo propósito/soja e trigo de duplo propósito/soja. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Não houve diferença entre as médias dos componentes de produção (número de espigas, número de grãos por espiga e massa de grãos) do trigo para produção de grãos, nos diferentes sistemas ILP. Os sistemas 2, 3, 4 e 5 proporcionaram maior produtividade do trigo para grãos em comparação ao 6. Não há diferença significativa na produtividade de grãos, na massa hectolítrica e na massa de mil grãos, entre os trigos cultivados para produção de grãos e para duplo propósito.
Da pesquisa à prática de enfermagem aplicando o modelo de adaptação de Roy
Authors: Coelho Sónia Margarida Santos , Mendes Isabel Margarida Dias Monteiro
Published: December 2011

Os modelos e as teorias de enfermagem contribuem para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento em enfermagem, guiando as investigações no sentido do desenvolvimento da disciplina e, consequentemente, da prática. De acordo como o Modelo de Adaptação de Roy, a pessoa é vista como um ser adaptável com mecanismos que permitem a adaptação de comportamentos em resposta aos estímulos ambientais. De fato, a pessoa é o enfoque central dos cuidados de enfermagem, visando-se sempre a melhoria dos cuidados prestados baseados em investigação. A metodologia do Modelo de Adaptação de Roy baseia-se na aplicabilidade do processo de enfermagem, facilitando aos enfermeiros a coleta de dados, estabelecimento de objetivos e diagnósticos de enfermagem, a determinação de intervenções de enfermagem e a posterior avaliação do processo. Assim o objetivo desta pesquisa é realizar uma revisão crítica da aplicação do Modelo Adaptação de Roy aplicado à prática e à pesquisa em Enfermagem.
Escolaridade materna e desenvolvimento da linguagem em crianças de 2 meses à 2 anos
Authors: Escarce Andrezza Gonzalez , Camargos Thaís Vital de , Souza Valquíria Conceição , Mourão Marlene Pedrosa , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: verificar a influência do nível de escolaridade materna no desenvolvimento da linguagem de crianças de 2 a 24 meses. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) localizada no Distrito de Venda Nova em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. A amostra foi composta por 351 crianças, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 2 e 24 meses. A pesquisa se deu por meio da aplicação do Protocolo de Perfil Comunicativo. RESULTADOS: a maioria (70,1%) das crianças avaliadas possuía desenvolvimento adequado à sua idade e a maioria das mães da amostra (54,1%) possuía entre 9 e 12 anos de estudo. CONCLUSÃO: o presente estudo não demonstrou diferenças com significância estatística no que diz respeito à escolaridade materna e o desenvolvimento da linguagem de crianças de 2 a 24 meses, pertencentes a uma UBS, localizada no Distrito Sanitário de Venda Nova em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. No entanto, vale ressaltar a homogeneidade da amostra, em que a maioria das mães possuía entre 9 e 12 anos de estudo, ou seja, até o ensino médio completo ou não, sendo este um fator diferencial.
Concession of sickness benefit to social security beneficiaries due to mental disorders
Authors: Siano Adriana Kelmer , Ribeiro Luiz Cláudio , Ribeiro Mário Sérgio
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE: Assess the odds of having an initial claim for statutory sickness benefit awarded (ascribed to mental disorder as the main registered diagnosis), in relation to institutional, clinical, sociodemographic and welfare factors in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. METHOD: Two models of logistic regression, taking into account the categories of the medical examiners, were built with the aim of characterizing the relative weight of several variables affecting the medical conclusion. RESULTS: The factors more strongly related to an award of benefit were a claimant assessed by a physician without a specialization in psychiatry; with a diagnosis of psychosis; up to 29 years of age; with other non-psychiatric (musculoskeletal and cardiovascular) co-morbidities; registered with the national insurance system as employed; and male. DISCUSSION: In both models, examiners with a specialization in psychiatry were associated with a lower likelihood of award of benefit. This suggests that examinations undertaken by doctors having a specialty related to the diagnosis supporting the sickness benefit claim are stricter than those undertaken by non-specialists. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that benefit award odds were associated with the specialty of the examiner, medical diagnosis, age, gender and claimant category.
Development of deep geothermal energy resources in the UK
Authors: Younger Paul L. , Gluyas Jon G. , Stephens W. Edryd
Published: December 2011

Deep geothermal exploration in the UK in the 1980s resulted in only one operative borehole (in Southampton). In 2004, a 995 m deep borehole was drilled into the Weardale granite in County Durham. This project differed markedly from the earlier ‘hot dry rock’ investigations in the granites of Cornwall, in that it deliberately targeted possible high natural permeability derived from large fault zones. The new approach met with success, discovering what is believed to be the highest natural permeability ever found in granite anywhere in the world. Drilling of a second borehole at Eastgate in 2010 confirmed that high permeability is preferentially associated with major west–east geological faults. Further deep drilling is now targeting similar faults cutting nearby sedimentary sequences. Meanwhile, renewed interest is being shown in Cornish prospects, as well as in previously unexplored resources in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There is also significant interest in the possible geothermal exploitation of hot brines, which are co-produced with hydrocarbons in existing oilfields. Technological advances in directional drilling, reservoir stimulation and power generation using binary-cycle turbine plants are finally making deep geothermal energy a realistic target for full-scale development in the UK.
Managing uncertainty in the provision of safe drinking water
Authors: Hrudey S. E. , Conant B. , Douglas I. P. , Fawell J. , Gillespie T. , Hill D. , Leiss W. , Rose J. B. , Sinclair M.
Published: December 2011

The Canadian Water Network, the Alberta Water Research Institute, and the Ontario Centres of Excellence have collaborated to create the Canadian Municipal Water Management Research Consortium, a new initiative to engage municipal water authorities and allow them to access research capacity to tackle mutually identified, critical issues. The challenge of managing uncertainty in the provision of safe drinking water was selected as one such issue. An international expert panel with scientists from Australia, Canada, the USA and Europe was assembled to work with a steering committee of municipal water providers and drinking water regulators. This group has posed the challenge: How best can drinking water providers address risk and uncertainty to assure safe drinking water? Five key drivers to this challenge were identified: the current large list of drinking water contaminants, the inevitable growth of that list as a result of analytical advances not matched by our ability to assess small, mostly immeasurable health risks, the lack of clarity on public expectations for safe drinking water, misunderstanding of new, small risks and a need to assure aesthetic quality. Promoting the means for achieving a common understanding of risk and uncertainty among water providers and regulators was identified as a priority objective. The project has been initiated by developing, in a Canadian drinking water context, working definitions for safe drinking water, risk and uncertainty, with appropriate illustrative examples. The limitations of sole reliance on compliance monitoring for numerical contaminant limits compared with the merits of a preventive risk management/water safety plan approach were elaborated. Based on the foundations adopted, a toolkit is being developed to assist with issues ranging from a risk hierarchy, various products to promote better understanding of how risk assessment is performed, and products to enhance communications with consumers about drinking water safety.
Heating Affects Structure, Enterocyte Adsorption and Signalling, As Well as Immunogenicity of the Peanut Allergen Ara h 2
Authors: Starkl Philipp , Krishnamurthy Durga , Szalai Krisztina , Felix Ferdinand , Lukschal Anna , Oberthuer Dominik , A. Sampson Hugh , Swoboda Ines , Betzel Christian , Untersmayr Eva , Jensen-Jarolim Erika
Published: December 2011

Previous studies have indicated that specific molecular properties of proteins may determine their allergenicity.
Allergen interaction with epithelia as the first contact site could be decisive for a resulting immune response. We
investigate here for the major peanut allergen Ara h 2 whether thermal processing results in structural changes which may
impact the protein's molecular interactions with enterocytes, subsequent cellular signalling response, and immunogenicity.

Ara h 2 was heat processed and analyzed in terms of patient IgE binding, structural alterations, interaction with human
enterocytes and associated signalling as well as immunogenicity in a food allergy mouse model.

Heating of Ara h 2 led to significantly enhanced binding to Caco-2/TC7 human intestinal epithelial cells. Structural
analyses indicated that heating caused persistent structural changes and led to the formation of Ara h 2 oligomers in
solution. Heated protein exhibited a significantly higher immunogenic potential in vivo as determined by IgG and IgE
serum antibody levels as well as IL-2 and IL-6 release by splenocytes. In human Caco-2/TC7 cells, Ara h 2 incubation led
to a response in immune- and stress signalling related pathway components at the RNA level, whereas heated allergen
induced a stress-response only.

We suggest from this peanut allergen example that food processing may change the molecular immunogenicity and
modulate the interaction capacity of food allergens with the intestinal epithelium. Increased binding behaviour to
enterocytes and initiation of signalling pathways could trigger the epimmunome and influence the sensitization capacity of
food proteins.
Debate on the Chernobyl Disaster: Response to Dr. Sergei V. Jargin
Authors: Yablokov Alexey
Published: December 2011

The author responds, point by point, to Dr. Jargin's critique in this Journal issue of A. V. Yablokov, V. B. Nesterenko, and A. B. Nesterenko, Chernobyl: Consequences of the Catastrophe for People and the Environment, published in 2009 by the New York Academy of Sciences.
Who is Driving Mexico's Asbestos Policy?
Authors: Kazan-Allen Laurie
Published: December 2011

The publication of an article on the global asbestos industry in April 2011 provided a fitting reminder of the contradictory forces engaged in the international struggle over asbestos. In his essay, author James Rice wrote: “Asbestos is now widely recognized as an occupational hazard and an ambient environmental contaminant…. [Nevertheless] production and consumption appear to have stabilized and, indeed, have been increasing in recent years.” A pertinent question to ask, and one often posed by ban-asbestos campaigners, is, why has the developing world seen an escalation of asbestos consumption in the face of ever more knowledge about the deadly risks associated with its use? After all, human beings have an extraordinary capacity to learn from their mistakes. A child who has burned his finger on an open flame will be wary of repeating the experience. Why, then, do governments, consumers, workers, and members of the public refrain from acting, when the dangers of not doing so are so widely known? The answer is to be found in the complex interaction of asbestos industry stakeholders, government officials, diplomatic representatives, politicians, and professional advisors; the dirty dealings engaged in by the global band of asbestos profiteers rival anything you will have read about “Big Tobacco.” A good place to begin the unraveling of the industry's machinations is Mexico.
Implementing Team Based Learning in Large Classes: Nurse Educators' Experiences
Authors: Andersen Elizabeth Ann , Strumpel Charlene , Fensom Irene , Andrews Wendy
Published: December 2011

Team-based learning (TBL) is an interactive teaching method promoted as an alternative to traditional lectures. TBL was implemented in four large second year classes in a baccalaureate nursing program but the implementation process was found to require much more effort than indicated in the literature. A predominant theme during the implementation phase was the importance of collegial support. Faculty workload increased significantly and they were challenged by occasional student confrontations and technological difficulties. The benefits for students included reduced attrition, reading workloads, and enhanced preparedness for classes, which allowed for more time to be spent in class discussing complex realistic nursing problems. Although TBL was not enthusiastically embraced by all of the students, the majority indicated that they liked and valued TBL, hence commitment to continuing to teach using the TBL method remains.
Relational incentives in Chinese family firms
Authors: Pi Jiancai
Published: December 2011

This paper mainly discusses the choice of managerial compensation contracts
in Chinese family firms. Relation or guanxi in Chinese language is an
important factor that should be considered because it can bring the shirking
cost to the relation-based manager and the caring cost to the owner under
Chinese-style differential mode of association (?chaxu geju?). Our
theoretical analysis shows that under some conditions it is optimal for the
owner to choose the efficiency wage contract, and that under other conditions
it is optimal for the owner to choose the share-based incentive contract.
Transvenous embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistula through the facial and ophthalmic vein
Authors: Prstojevic Branko , Micovic Mirko , Vukasinovic Ivan , Nagulic Mirjana
Published: December 2011

Introduction. Dural carotid cavernous fistula is acquired, relatively rare,
condition comprising of numerous smallcaliber meningeal arterial branches,
draining directly into cavernous sinus. Endovascular therapy is the treatment
of choice, preferably by a transvenous approach. In the case of inaccessible
inferior petrosal sinus, other alternative routes are considered. We
presented a case of dural carotid cavernous fistula completely occluded with
Guglielmi detachable coils, using a transvenous approach through facial and
superior ophthalmic vein. Case report. A 62-year-old man was referred with a
gradual worsening proptosis, red eye, and decreased visual acuity, on the
right side. Digital subtraction angiography revealed the presence of a right
dural carotid cavernous fistula, predominantly supplied from dural branches
of the right internal carotid artery siphon, with minimal contribution from
the right middle meningeal artery and contralateral dural branches of the
left internal carotid artery siphon. The fistula was drainaged through the
dilated superior ophthalmic vein, and via the facial to the internal jugular
vein. There was neither pacification of pterygoid and petrous sinuses, nor
cortical venous reflux. Endovascular treatment was performed by a transvenous
approach. A guiding catheter was placed in the right facial vein. A
microcatheter was advanced through the dilated angular and superior
ophthalmic vein, and its tip positioned into the right cavernous sinus. Coils
were deployed, until a complete angiographic occlusion of the fistula had
been achieved. The patient experienced rapid improvement in the symptoms,
with complete normalization of his condition one month after the treatment.
Conclusion. Coil embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistula by
transvenous catheterization, through the facial and superior ophthalmic vein,
can be considered as safe and effective treatment option in the presence of
marked anterior drainage.
Transitions from Exile to Academia: Experiences and Identities of Refugee Women Teachers from the Former Yugoslavia
Authors: Ratković Snežana
Published: December 2011

Western academic literature frequently represents refugee women through the lens of deficit, particularly as powerless victims of war, rape, domestic violence, and mental disorder. This representation is, however, limited in scope and problematic in its colonising nature. This article explores the experiences of three refugee women teachers from the former Yugoslavia who immigrated to Ontario and Quebec during and after the Yugoslav wars (1991–1995) and whose narratives remain largely outside the master narrative of exile and settlement research. These women's stories challenge the image of a victimised and submissive refugee woman in the Canadian context and bring to the centre of the discourse the image of a refugee woman who is an aspiring academic. Through narrative inquiry, the ‘storying stories' model, transcript poems and personal narrative of the researcher this article explores the issues of gender, forced migrations, and academic identity.
Power, Education and Migration into Ireland
Authors: Darmody Merike
Published: December 2011

Due to globalisation, recent decades have seen a rapid change in the demographic and cultural composition of countries across Europe. The number of migrant children in the receiving countries has also increased. In this framework, the right to education of migrant children and equality of access to schools has become an important policy issue. This article focuses on the ways schools in Ireland address increased cultural diversity among the pupil population and in so doing discusses the overt and covert power relations present in the education system that are likely to disadvantage migrant pupils. It draws on teachers' perspectives with regard to their perception of migrant students as well as the perspectives of native Irish and migrant pupils. The article utilises data gathered for a large-scale mixed methods study on the experiences of ethnic minority children in Irish schools, the first of its kind in Ireland. The analysis of the data highlights the unequal power dynamics in schools system and how this impacts on the experiences of migrant students and their parents.