bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Computer‐Assisted Surgery with Conventional Technique for the Treatment of Axial Distal Phalanx Fractures in Horses: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Andritzky Juliane , Rossol Melanie , Lischer Christoph , Auer Joerg A.
Published: April 2005

Objectives— To compare the precision obtained with computer‐assisted screw insertion for treatment of mid‐sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) with results achieved with a conventional technique.

Study Design— In vitro experimental study.

Sample Population— Thirty‐two cadaveric equine limbs.

Methods— Four groups of 8 limbs were studied. Either 1 or 2 screws were inserted perpendicular to an imaginary axial fracture of P3 using computer‐assisted surgery (CAS) or conventional technique. Screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, fit of the screw, and errors in placement were recorded.

Results— CAS technique took 15–20 minutes longer but resulted in greater precision of screw length and placement compared with the conventional technique.

Conclusion— Improved precision in screw insertion with CAS makes insertion of 2 screws possible for repair of mid‐sagittal P3 fractures.

Clinical Relevance— CAS although expensive improves precision in screw insertion into P3 and consequently should yield improved clinical outcome.
Destructive Lesions of the Proximal Sesamoid Bones as a Complication of Dorsal Metatarsal Artery Catheterization in Three Horses
Authors: Barr Elizabeth D. , Clegg Peter D. , Mark Senior J. , Singer Ellen R.
Published: April 2005

Objective—To describe focal destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization performed for direct blood pressure monitoring during equine general anesthesia.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Three client‐owned horses.

Methods—A dorsal metatarsal artery was catheterized in each of 3 horses for direct blood pressure monitoring during anesthesia. Radiography, ultrasonography, synoviocentesis, and arthroscopy were used to diagnose postoperative lameness that occurred in the limb used for blood pressure monitoring.

Results—Horses developed severe lameness, localized to the fetlock region of the catheterized limb within 21 days of surgery. Antibiotic therapy was administered. Surgical debridement was possible in 1 horse. Two horses that had lesions that were inaccessible, failed to respond to medical management and were euthanatized. The 3rd horse that had surgical debridement of affected bone, survived. Changes in hospital protocol, by improving aseptic technique during catheter insertion and use of new manometer tubing and heparinized saline for each arterial catheter inserted in the dorsal metatarsal artery, have eliminated this complication.

Conclusions—Diagnosis and treatment of destructive lesions of the PSB were difficult. Strict aseptic technique should be followed during insertion of arterial catheters.

Clinical Relevance—Focal destructive lesions of the PSB subsequent to dorsal metatarsal arterial catheterization is a rare but serious complication of equine anesthesia.
DISCRETIZED BRST TRANSFORMATIONS AND QUANTUM MECHANICAL POTENTIAL OF A FREE PARTICLE ON SD
Authors: SHIMIZU KATSUTARO
Published: April 2005

We evaluated a quantum mechanical potential of a free particle on D-dimensional sphere. This system has the second-class constraints. We change the second-class constraints into first-class ones with new canonical variables. A BRST transformation is induced by the first-class constraints and is discretized. A discretized BRST invariant path integral is considered and the quantum mechanical potential is evaluated as R/12.
Hypoxia alters biophysical properties of endothelial cells via p38 MAPK- and Rho kinase-dependent pathways
Authors: An Steven S. , Pennella Corin M. , Gonnabathula Achuta , Chen Jianxin , Wang Ning , Gaestel Matthias , Hassoun Paul M. , Fredberg Jeffrey J. , Kayyali Usamah S.
Published: April 2005

Hypoxia alters the barrier function of the endothelial cells that line the pulmonary vasculature, but underlying biophysical mechanisms remain unclear. Using rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMEC) in culture, we report herein changes in biophysical properties, both in space and in time, that occur in response to hypoxia. We address also the molecular basis of these changes. At the level of the single cell, we measured cell stiffness, the distribution of traction forces exerted by the cell on its substrate, and spontaneous nanoscale motions of microbeads tightly bound to the cytoskeleton (CSK). Hypoxia increased cell stiffness and traction forces by a mechanism that was dependent on the activation of Rho kinase. These changes were followed by p38-mediated decreases in spontaneous bead motions, indicating stabilization of local cellular-extracellular matrix (ECM) tethering interactions. Cells overexpressing phospho-mimicking small heat shock protein (HSP27-PM), a downstream effector of p38, exhibited decreases in spontaneous bead motions that correlated with increases in actin polymerization in these cells. Together, these findings suggest that hypoxia differentially regulates endothelial cell contraction and cellular-ECM adhesion.
Inositol polyphosphate derivative inhibits Na+ transport and improves fluid dynamics in cystic fibrosis airway epithelia
Authors: Moody Mark , Pennington Carey , Schultz Carsten , Caldwell Ray , Dinkel Carlo , Rossi Michael W. , McNamara Sharon , Widdicombe Jonathan , Gabriel Sherif , Traynor-Kaplan Alexis E.
Published: April 2005

Amiloride-sensitive, epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)-mediated, active absorption of Na+ is elevated in the airway epithelium of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, resulting in excess fluid removal from the airway lumen. This excess fluid/volume absorption corresponds to CF transmembrane regulator-linked defects in ENaC regulation, resulting in the reduced mucociliary clearance found in CF airways. Herein we show that INO-4995, a synthetic analog of the intracellular signaling molecule, d- myo-inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate, inhibits Na+ and fluid absorption across CF airway epithelia, thus alleviating this critical pathology. This conclusion was based on electrophysiological studies, fluid absorption, and 22Na+ flux measurements in CF airway epithelia, contrasted with normal epithelia, and on electrophysiological studies in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and 3T3 cells overexpressing ENaC. The effects of INO-4995 were long-lasting, dose-dependent, and more pronounced in epithelia from CF patients vs. controls. These findings support preclinical development of INO-4995 for CF treatment and demonstrate for the first time the therapeutic potential of inositol polyphosphate derivatives.
On a class of semilinear elliptic equations with boundary conditions and potentials which change sign
Authors: Ouanan M. , Touzani A.
Published: April 2005

We study the existence of nontrivial solutions for the problem Δu = u, in a bounded smooth domain Ω ⊂ ℝℕ, with a semilinear boundary condition given by ∂u/∂ν = λu − W(x)g(u), on the boundary of the domain, where W is a potential changing sign, g has a superlinear growth condition, and the parameter λ ∈ ]0, λ1]; λ1 is the first eigenvalue of the Steklov problem. The proofs are based on the variational and min‐max methods.
Regularization of nonlinear Ill-posed equations with accretive operators
Authors: Alber YaI , Chidume CE , Zegeye H
Published: April 2005

We study the regularization methods for solving equations with arbitrary accretive operators. We establish the strong convergence of these methods and their stability with respect to perturbations of operators and constraint sets in Banach spaces. Our research is motivated by the fact that the fixed point problems with nonexpansive mappings are namely reduced to such equations. Other important examples of applications are evolution equations and co-variational inequalities in Banach spaces.
A fixed point theorem for analytic functions
Authors: Matache Valentin
Published: April 2005

We prove that each analytic self-map of the open unit disk which interpolates between certain "Equation missing"-tuples must have a fixed point.
Quality of life in children newly diagnosed with cancer and their mothers
Authors: Eiser Christine , Eiser J Richard , Stride Christopher B
Published: April 2005

Background

With current treatments, approximately 75% of children diagnosed with cancer can expect to achieve disease-free survival. However, treatments are complex and aggressive, potentially compromising QOL for children and their parents. Although previous work has shown increased anxiety and depression among parents after diagnosis, the recent development of standardised measures of QOL enables us to look more directly at the impact of diagnosis on mothers' and children's QOL. The aims of this study are to i) describe QOL for children and their mothers after diagnosis by comparing their scores with population norms, ii) explore the relationship between mothers' worries about the illness and their QOL, and iii) determine the relationship between mothers ratings of their own QOL and their child.

Method

A total of 87 families took part, constituting 60% of those eligible. The children included 58 males and 29 females aged between 2 years 6 months to 16 years 3 months (mean = 7 years, median = 5 years 8 months). Diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL, n = 57), brain tumours (n = 11), bone tumours (n = 17) and 2 rare cancers. Mothers completed questionnaires about their own and the child's QOL.

Results

Mothers' reported their own and the child's QOL to be significantly lower than population norms. There were significant correlations between mothers' worries and their own and their ratings of the child's QOL and mothers' ratings of their own QOL correlated with their ratings of the child's QOL.

Conclusion

Both children and their mothers experience significantly compromised QOL in the months following diagnosis. Mothers who rated their own QOL to be poor also rate their child's QOL to be low. These results suggest caution is required where mothers rate their child's QOL. Efforts must continue to be made to improve QOL of children especially in the period immediately following diagnosis.
Dissecting Wnt/β-catenin signaling during gastrulation using RNA interference in mouse embryos
Authors: Lickert Heiko , Cox Brian , Wehrle Christian , Taketo Makoto M. , Kemler Rolf , Rossant Janet
Published: April 2005

Differential gene regulation integrated in time and space drives developmental programs during embryogenesis. To understand how the program of gastrulation is regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we have used genome-wide expression profiling of conditional β-catenin mutant embryos. Known Wnt/β-catenin target genes, known components of other signaling pathways, as well as a number of uncharacterized genes were downregulated in these mutants. To further narrow down the set of differentially expressed genes, we used whole-mount in situ screening to associate gene expression with putative domains of Wnt activity. Several potential novel target genes were identified by this means and two, Grsf1 and Fragilis2, were functionally analyzed by RNA interference (RNAi) in completely embryonic stem(ES) cell-derived embryos. We show that the gene encoding the RNA-binding factor Grsf1 is important for axial elongation, mid/hindbrain development and axial mesoderm specification, and that Fragilis2,encoding a transmembrane protein, regulates epithelialization of the somites and paraxial mesoderm formation. Intriguingly, the knock-down phenotypes recapitulate several aspects of Wnt pathway mutants, suggesting that these genes are components of the downstream Wnt response. This functional genomic approach allows the rapid identification of functionally important components of embryonic development from large datasets of putative targets.
Perivascular cells expressing annexin A5 define a novel mesenchymal stem cell-like population with the capacity to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages
Authors: Brachvogel Bent , Moch Helga , Pausch Friederike , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Hofmann Clementine , Hallmann Rupert , von der Mark Klaus , Winkler Thomas , Pöschl Ernst
Published: April 2005

The annexin A5 gene (Anxa5) was recently found to be expressed in the developing and adult vascular system as well as the skeletal system. In this paper, the expression of an Anxa5-lacZ fusion gene was used to define the onset of expression in the vasculature and to characterize these Anxa5-lacZ-expressing vasculature-associated cells. After blastocyst implantation, Anxa5-lacZ-positive cells were first detected in extra-embryonic tissues and in angioblast progenitors forming the primary vascular plexus. Later, expression is highly restricted to perivascular cells in most blood vessels resembling pericytes or vascular smooth muscle cells. Viable Anxa5-lacZ+perivascular cells were isolated from embryos as well as adult brain meninges by specific staining with fluorescent X-gal substrates and cell-sorting. These purified lacZ+ cells specifically express known markers of pericytes, but also markers characteristic for stem cell populations. In vitro and in vivo differentiation experiments show that this cell pool expresses early markers of chondrogenesis, is capable of forming a calcified matrix and differentiates into adipocytes. Hence, Anxa5 expression in perivascular cells from mouse defines a novel population of cells with a distinct developmental potential.
Electrometric studies on uranyl molybdates as a function of pH
Authors: PRASAD Shiva , BARROS Jaqueline Viana
Published: April 2005

The formation and composition of uranyl molybdates obtained by the interaction of uranyl acetate and sodium molybdate at specific pH levels 7.6, 5.5 and 4.1 have been studied by employing electrometric techniques involving pH and conductometric titrations. The results provide cogent evidence for the formation of three uranyl molybdates having the molecular formulae UO2O.MoO3, 3UO2O.7MoO3 and 2UO2O.8MoO3 in the vicinity of pH 5.7, 4.6 and 3.8, respectively. Analytical investigations of the compounds have also been carried out which substantiate the results of electrometric study.
Impacto de múltiplas biópsias em dois pontos distintos da superfície pleural no diagnóstico de tuberculose
Authors: CHALHOUB MARCELO , FIDELIS RONALD , BARRETO ANA PAULA , RAMOS EDUARDO , BARRAL-NETTO MANOEL , BARBOSA JR. ARYON ALMEIDA
Published: April 2005

Com o objetivo de avaliar se a retirada de maior número de fragmentos pleurais em um único sítio (A), bem como se a biópsia em um segundo sítio (B) da sua superfície, através do mesmo orifício cutâneo, acrescenta em rendimento diagnóstico aos três fragmentos habitualmente retirados, conduzimos um estudo prospectivo no Hospital Octávio Mangabeira, envolvendo 115 pacientes com indicação de biópsia pleural. Os fragmentos pleurais foram colocados em três frascos distintos: FRA1-3 = 3 primeiros fragmentos, FRA4-8 = 5 fragmentos subseqüentes e FRB1-5 = 5 fragmentos em segundo sítio da superfície pleural. Era retirada a agulha até o subcutâneo, feitas inclinação lateral e reintrodução no espaço pleural. A análise dos fragmentos provindos do FRA1-3 evidenciou granuloma em 72/92 casos de tuberculose (78,3%) e no FRA4-8 e FRB1-5, em 74/92 casos (80,5%). Em 6/92 pacientes foram encontrados pleurite inespecífica no FRA1-3 e granuloma no FRA4-8, resultando em acréscimo diagnóstico de 8,3% (6 aos 72 pacientes). Em 7/92 pacientes (7,6%) a HP foi inespecífica no sítio A e mostrou granuloma no sítio B, resultando em acréscimo diagnóstico de 9,0% (7 aos 78 pacientes). A concordância histológica intra-observador teve um índice kappa de 0,62 (0,54 a 0,70) e interobservador de 0,64 (0,56 a 0,72). Concluímos que a realização de múltiplas biópsias em dois sítios diferentes da superfície pleural diagnosticou 13 pacientes que não obteriam diagnóstico definitivo se fossem retirados apenas três fragmentos pleurais, resultando em incremento diagnóstico de 18,0% (13 aos 72 diagnosticados no FRA1-3), sendo considerado significativo do ponto de vista médico e social.
Marcadores tumorais no câncer de pulmão: um caminho para a terapia biológica
Authors: PACHECO FERNANDO AZEVEDO , PASCHOAL MARCOS EDUARDO MACHADO , CARVALHO MARIA DA GLÓRIA DA COSTA
Published: April 2005

Os avanços recentes na genética e na biologia molecular permitiram a identificação de genes e proteínas produzidos ou superexpressados pelos tumores. Tais produtos, os chamados marcadores tumorais, antes utilizados apenas como ferramentas de diagnóstico e prognóstico, vêm atualmente tomando papel importante no desenvolvimento de novas modalidades de tratamento, direcionadas a quebrar o ciclo biológico da progressão tumoral. Neste artigo, revisa-se o papel de alguns marcadores tumorais tradicionalmente conhecidos (CEA, p53, NSE, K-ras), e descrevem-se a prevalência e a função da superexpressão do receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR) e do seu produto protéico (p185neu). Novos agentes têm sido desenvolvidos baseando-se no bloqueio da sinalização iniciada pelo EGFR. Destes, destaca-se o ZD1839 (Iressa), uma droga via oral que inibe de modo reversível e seletivo a atividade tirosina-quinase do EGFR, e que vem demonstrando bons resultados tanto isoladamente quanto em combinação com outros agentes quimioterápicos. Tais avanços devem contribuir de modo significativo no tratamento do câncer, principalmente no carcinoma de pulmão do tipo não-pequenas células.
Sleep pattern in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and correlation among gasometric, spirometric, and polysomnographic variables
Authors: Santos Carlos Eduardo Ventura Gaio dos , Assis Viegas Carlos Alberto de
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: There are few studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) establishing differences between the functional parameters of the disease and sleep variables. The aim of the study was to describe the sleep pattern of these patients and to correlate spirometric, gasometric and polysomnographic variables. METHODS: Transversal study using COPD patients submitted to spirometry, arterial gasometry, and polysomnography. RESULTS: 21 male patients were studied with average age = 67 ± 9; 7 ± 4 average points in the Epworth sleepiness scale, average Tiffenau's index (FEV1/FVC) = 54 ± 13.0%, average PaO2 = 68 ± 11 mmHg, average PaCO2 = 37 ± 6 mmHg. Sleep efficiency decreased (65 ± 16%) with the reduction of slow wave sleep (8 ± 9%) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (15 ± 8%). Average T90 was 43 ± 41%. Average apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 3 ± 5/h, where two patients (9.5%) presented obstructive sleep apnea. A significant correlation was observed between PaO2 and T90 (p < 0.01), PaCO2 and T90 (p < 0.05), and AHI and the cardiac rate during REM (p < 0.01). A higher number of arousals and stage change was observed. There was no linear correlation between spirometric and polysomnographic variables. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality of these patients was characterized by low sleep efficiency, high number of awakenings and shift of stages. There were no correlations between the spirometric and polysomnographic variables.
Tuberculous pericarditis in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients
Authors: Guidugli Ruggero Bernardo , Hamrick Paul Albert , Rezende Nancy Figueiroa de
Published: April 2005

Two quite dyspneic HIV positive patients were admitted to the Emergency Room; they presented clinical signs and images suggesting pericardial effusion. The analysis of an initial liquid puncture did not show any specificity and the patients did not exhibit any clinical improvement. Both patients were submitted to a subxiphoid pericardial window, all the effusion liquid was drained, and a biopsy of the pericardium tissue was completed, revealing a granulomatous process. Immediately after the onset of specific treatment, the patients showed a good evolution. Such findings draw attention to a high possibility of pericardial suffusion in AIDS patients being tuberculosis, particular if one considers the high prevalence of this disease in Brazil. The results also showed that the opening of a subxiphoid pericardial window and the specific triple scheme was a procedure that led to good therapeutic evolution in these patients.
Dialética positiva: de Mead a Habermas
Authors: Haddad Fernando
Published: April 2005

O autor discute a importância da psicologia social de G. H. Mead para o pensamento social de Habermas. De especial interesse para o filósofo alemão é a confluência, em Mead, de duas linhas de reflexão do pragmatismo norte-americano - a filosofia analítica da linguagem e a teoria psicológica do comportamento - na crítica à filosofia da consciência. Apesar de denominar sua teoria ''behaviorismo social'', Mead se afasta das teorias do comportamento clássicas, ao enfatizar a experiência interna do indivíduo, e fazê-lo tendo como ponto de partida o ''todo social''. O artigo expõe, então, como a teoria da razão comunicativa pretende incorporar e, ao mesmo tempo, ultrapassar essa abordagem.
Pancreatic islet isolation by mechanical-enzymatic separation, stationary collagenase digestion and dextran discontinuous density gradient purification: experimental study in dogs
Authors: Waisberg Jaques , Soares Heloísa Prado , Altieri Luís Gustavo , Ramaciotti Osíris , Speranzini Manlio Basilio
Published: April 2005

The prospects for allotransplantation of pancreatic islets in man depend on the development of methods that provide sufficient quantities of pancreatic islets from a single donor, which are capable, when transplanted, of achieve the normalization of carbohydrate metabolism. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the isolation of Langerhans islets from dogs, by means of mechanical-enzymatic separation technique with stationary digestion using collagenase, and purification with a discontinuous dextran density gradient. Methods: The counting of islet numbers and evaluation of their sizes was accomplished by staining with diphenylthiocarbazone and using stereoscopic microscopes equipped with eyepiece reticule for the measurement of average diameters of stained islets. Results: The results disclosed that the average number of islets isolated was 81032.20 ± 24736.79 and the average number of islets isolated per kg of body weight was 6938.70 ± 1392.43. The average number of islets isolated per kg of body weight showed significant correlation with body weight and weight of the pancreas resected. Conclusion: The number of islets isolated, of a single donor, by mechanical-enzymatic separation, stationary collagenase digestion and discontinuous dextran density gradient purification can be sufficient to success of pancreatic islets transplant in dogs.
In vivo acute changes in ATP and glucose concentrations in the testicles of prepubertal rats following unilateral torsion
Authors: Guimarães Sérgio Botelho , Vasconcelos Paulo Roberto Leitão de
Published: April 2005

Objective: An experimental study has been conducted to investigate acute changes in testicular concentrations of ATP and glucose following one-hour unilateral 720° testicular torsion. Methods: Sixty prepubertal male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups. Group 1 (Ischemia) animals (n=30) were divided into 5 subgroups (n=6). All animals were subjected to right testicular torsion of 720° lasting one hour followed by detorsion. Testicles were collected and arterial blood samples taken from abdominal aorta at the end of ischemic period and 0.5, 1, 6 and 24 hours following detorsion. The remaining rats (Group 2 - Sham operated) were divided into 5 subgroups and submitted to a similar procedure but detorsion was performed immediately following torsion of the right testis. Results: ATP and glucose concentrations were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in ischemia group as compared to sham group at the end of ischemic period. There was no difference in glycemia when comparing ischemic versus sham-operated rats. Conclusions: Unilateral one-hour testicular torsion causes a decrease in ipsilateral testicular perfusion resulting in decreased testicular concentrations of glucose and ATP. This finding suggests that one-hour unilateral testicular torsion impairs testicular capacity to produce ATP (energy) due to glucose storage depletion and reduced glucose uptake. Similar concentrations of glucose and ATP in testicular tissues of rats submitted to ischemia (Group 1) and sham-operated rats (Group 2) following detorsion implies the possible reversibility of these changes.
A padronização na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos da carne bovina por supermercados
Authors: Brum Bruno Leonardo Ravaiani , Jank Marcos Sawaya
Published: April 2005

Com o objetivo de identificar a relação estabelecida entre a padronização na comercialização de carne bovina in natura por supermercados, a coordenação de fornecedores e o tamanho da firma supermercadista, foi realizada uma pesquisa junto a lojas de supermercados do estado de São Paulo e da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, a partir de um questionário estruturado que abordou também aspectos relacionados ao conhecimento de novas tecnologias do varejo e aos hábitos de compra de carne bovina in natura. Utilizando-se da análise de tabelas de contingência, foram relacionadas as variáveis, concluindo-se que existe a esperada forte dependência estatística entre a coordenação de fornecedores e o tamanho da firma supermercadista, bem como entre a coordenação de fornecedores e a padronização de processos na comercialização de carne bovina, mas não entre a padronização e o tamanho da firma. De maneira geral, concluiu-se que a implantação de ferramentas como a gestão de cadeias de suprimento tem uma viabilidade comprometida no curto prazo, devido principalmente à reduzida difusão de práticas de padronização entre os estratos de tamanho de firmas e às dificuldades impostas pelo baixo conhecimento de novas tecnologias.
Empresas de revestimento cerâmico e suas estratégias competitivas e de produção
Authors: Nogueira Edemilson , Alves Filho Alceu Gomes , Torkomian Ana Lúcia Vitale
Published: April 2005

Neste trabalho identificamos e discutimos as estratégias competitivas e de produção adotadas por doze empresas da indústria brasileira de cerâmica para revestimento. Realizamos entrevistas em empresas nos Estados de São Paulo e Santa Catarina e identificamos cinco grupos estratégicos. Os resultados obtidos mostram que existem muitas combinações possíveis de estratégias competitivas e de produção. Mesmo dentro de cada grupo estratégico, encontramos estruturas de manufatura e sistemas administrativos muito diferenciados.
Estratégias das empresas do setor calçadista diante do novo ambiente competitivo: análise de três casos
Authors: Francischini Andresa Silva Neto , Azevedo Paulo Furquim de
Published: April 2005

O ambiente competitivo dos anos 90, marcado pelo processo de abertura comercial, pela adoção da Constituição de 1988, pela sobrevalorização cambial e pelas mudanças nos padrões de concorrência internacional, afetou de maneira diferenciada os setores industriais brasileiros. Este estudo avalia as estratégias tecnológicas, de localização e reorganizadoras adotadas por três empresas calçadistas diante desse novo ambiente competitivo da década de 1990. Esse conjunto de estratégias é avaliado segundo a formulação de quatro proposições, as quais mostram o impacto diferenciado do ambiente competitivo conforme as características das empresas estudadas.
Uma proposta de solução para o problema da construção de escalas de motoristas e cobradores de ônibus por meio do algoritmo do matching de peso máximo
Authors: Siqueira Paulo Henrique , Carnieri Celso , Steiner Maria Teresinha Arns , Barboza Ângela Olandoski
Published: April 2005

O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar a aplicação do Algoritmo do Matching de peso máximo, na elaboração de jornadas de trabalho para motoristas e cobradores de ônibus. Este problema deve ser resolvido levando-se em consideração o maior aproveitamento possível das tabelas de horários, com o objetivo de minimizar o número de funcionários, de horas extras e de horas ociosas. Desta forma, os custos das companhias de transporte público são minimizados. Na primeira fase do trabalho, supondo-se que as tabelas de horários já estejam divididas em escalas de curta e de longa duração, as escalas de curta duração são combinadas para a formação da jornada diária de trabalho de um funcionário. Esta combinação é feita com o Algoritmo do Matching de peso máximo, no qual as escalas são representadas por vértices de um grafo, e o peso máximo é atribuído às combinações de escalas que não formam horas extras e horas ociosas. Na segunda fase, uma jornada de final de semana é designada para cada jornada semanal de dias úteis. Por meio destas duas fases, as jornadas semanais de trabalho para motoristas e cobradores de ônibus podem ser construídas com custo mínimo. A terceira e última fase deste trabalho consiste na designação das jornadas semanais de trabalho para cada motorista e cobrador de ônibus, considerando-se suas preferências. O Algoritmo do Matching de peso máximo é utilizado para esta fase também. Este trabalho foi aplicado em três empresas de transporte público da cidade de Curitiba - PR, nas quais os algoritmos utilizados anteriormente eram heurísticos, baseados apenas na experiência do encarregado por esta tarefa.
Positivismo e ciência médica no Rio Grande do Sul: a Faculdade de Medicina de Porto Alegre
Authors: Weber Beatriz Teixeira
Published: April 2005

O texto procura analisar conflitos e interesses em um dos principais focos de ciência médica no Rio Grande do Sul, a Faculdade de Medicina de Porto Alegre, e os princípios positivistas de liberdade profissional adotados pelos governos gaúchos. Trata do significado e do impacto do surgimento de um campo próprio e exclusivo do saber, a partir do qual os médicos de formação acadêmica gaúchos puderam iniciar uma guerra de trincheiras pela afirmação da ciência em face da fé e da política, enfrentando o positivismo do partido que empolgou o poder no Estado em todo o período inicial da República. Essa perspectiva cresceu em meio a conflitos e com dilemas entre médicos, positivistas e médicos-positivistas, numa conjuntura política diversa da que prevalecia no restante do Brasil.
Richard Spruce, botânico e desbravador da América do Sul
Authors: Seaward Mark R. D.
Published: April 2005

No período entre 1849 e 1864, o botânico e explorador inglês Richard Spruce promoveu minucioso estudo da flora amazônica e dos costumes dos povos que habitavam essa região. Ainda hoje, grande parte do conhecimento sobre várias famílias botânicas daquela região advém do esforço desenvolvido por esse cientista. A amplitude de seus interesses, a meticulosidade e a exatidão de suas descrições foram fenomenais: nada parece ter escapado à sua atenção e capacidade de documentação. Spruce era não apenas notável botânico, mas também admirável antropólogo, lingüista (sabia francês, espanhol e português), geólogo, e geógrafo, bem como arguto observador sociológico dos sistemas políticos e dos hábitos das tribos amazônicas e andinas entre as quais esteve, trazendo considerável contribuição para o entendimento das crenças e práticas nativas e para o conhecimento das propriedades e usos das plantas, no contexto amazônico. Sua participação na exploração econômica de espécies locais também foi importante, particularmente em relação aos gêneros Hevea e Cinchona.
Homens e mulheres: o imaginário sobre a esterilidade na América portuguesa
Authors: Del Priore Mary
Published: April 2005

Este artigo trata dos usos e costumes em torno da esterilidade no Brasil Colônia. Vivida como uma maldição que se abatia mais comumente sobre as mulheres, a esterilidade era combatida com práticas simbólicas e medicina fitoterápica, com o objetivo de "desobstruir" ou "desenfeitiçar" o berço da criação.
História do lugar: um método de ensino e pesquisa para as escolas de nível médio e fundamental
Authors: Santos Joaquim Justino Moura dos
Published: April 2005

O artigo apresenta o método que chama de 'história do lugar', como instrumento de recuperação da memória e das identidades locais, bem como de aproximação entre escola e comunidade, gerando nos alunos maior interesse pelo estudo da realidade. Demonstra a importância da aplicação do método em escolas do subúrbio carioca nas últimas décadas; expõe os procedimentos metodológicos e de pesquisa; descreve resultados de experiências preliminares com 7ª e 8ª séries; aponta desdobramentos possíveis e destaca, ao final, barreiras impostas à aplicação de métodos educativos e de ensino empenhados em formar para a vida em sociedade, e não só para o trabalho, nas redes públicas de 1º e 2º graus.
A confecção de desenhos de peixes oceânicos das "Viagens philosophicas" (1783) ao Pará e à Angola
Authors: Pataca Ermelinda Moutinho
Published: April 2005

Com o objetivo de avaliar a confecção e a utilização de imagens na Viagem Philosophica de Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira, avaliaremos os desenhos de peixes oceânicos produzidos por J. J. Freire e J. J. Codina durante a travessia entre Lisboa e Belém. Para apreendermos as técnicas e os métodos de desenhar comuns em todas as representações, compreendemos que devemos confrontar os desenhos resultantes das Viagens Philosophicas ao Pará e às colônias portuguesas na África, pois seus 'desenhadores' (ou riscadores, como eram denominados os desenhistas na época) foram formados em conjunto e designados para a mesma função, do risco de produtos de história natural. Através dos documentos textuais resultantes das Viagens Philosophicas ao Pará e para Angola, como relações de remessas de coleções, correspondências de viagens e inventários de museus, localizamos e comparamos os desenhos de peixes oceânicos confeccionados pelos desenhadores das duas expedições.
Inovação tecnológica em saúde na Fundação Oswaldo Cruz
Authors: Buss Paulo Marchiori
Published: April 2005

Atual presidente da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Paulo Marchiori Buss é médico sanitarista e professor da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. Nesta entrevista, destaca as iniciativas tomadas em sua gestão no sentido de fortalecer a área de desenvolvimento tecnológico, visando sintonizar a instituição em relação às tendências internacionais de inovação em saúde.
Colônia do Sacramento: a situação na fronteira platina no século XVIII
Authors: Prado Fabrício Pereira
Published: April 2005

A Colônia do Sacramento, no atual Uruguai, na primeira metade do século XVIII, constituiu uma cidade de pródigo comércio na região platina. Inseridos tanto nas rotas comerciais e sociais portuguesas quanto nas castelhanas, os habitantes de Sacramento materializavam uma fronteira múltipla, onde coexistiam espanhóis, portugueses e diferentes grupos indígenas. O presente estudo analisa os vínculos sociais e comerciais existentes entre os habitantes de Sacramento e os de Buenos Aires. No interior do espaço platino as redes sociais estabelecidas através do rio da Prata, ligando Sacramento e Buenos Aires, eram vias de acúmulo de prestígio, poder e riqueza em uma sociedade de antigo regime.
Ciberespaço e rituais: tecnologia, antropologia e criatividade
Authors: Domingues Diana Maria Gallicchio
Published: April 2005

O ciberespaço provoca uma revolução antropológica sem precedentes. O autor propõe que as tecnologias interativas nos fazem retornar a formas de comunicação próximas a rituais tribais e religiosos e suas lógicas de participação e pensamentos mágicos. As interações do cibercorpo geram uma zona de intervalo entre o corpo e as tecnologias. A ciberarte explora qualidades artísticas e estéticas das tecnologias interativas oferecendo momentos onde o corpo interfaceado habita limites entre o mundo real e virtual. Diferentes tipos e níveis de interatividade, o princípio da mutabilidade, do efêmero, do vir a ser, em processos que demandam reciprocidade, implicação, colaboração, partilhando informações no ciberespaço são propostos em dois recentes projetos artísticos relacionados à herança cultural de rituais.
Mild clinical expression of S-b thalassemia in a Brazilian patient with the b+ IVS-I-6 (T®C) mutation
Authors: Sonati Maria de Fátima , Kaeda Jaspal , Kimura Elza Miyuki , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Luzzatto Lucio
Published: April 2005

We report on an eight-year-old Brazilian girl with S-b+ thalassemia. The patient had a steady 10.1 g/dl hemoglobin with 57% HbS. Direct sequence analysis of b-globin gene showed her to be heterozygous for the IVS-I-6 (T®C) mutation. This b+ thalassemia mutation, sometimes referred to as the Portuguese type, was found to be associated with the C®T polymorphism at codon 2. In combination with the bS gene, this mutation results in very mild sickle cell disease symptoms.
Effect of self-fertilization on Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny, 1835) (Pulmonata: Planorbidae)
Authors: Tuan Roseli , Simões Luiz Carlos Gomes
Published: April 2005

Biomphalaria tenagophila is a simultaneous hermaphrodite freshwater snail, which can breed by self and cross-fertilization. It is, therefore, well suited for studying reproduction as an evolutive strategy. Several characteristics (shell size and age at sexual maturity, egg fecundity and fertility) were analyzed in four consecutive self-fertilized generations and compared to cross-fertilized individuals. The reproductive parameters were similar in the two groups. Shell size was significantly greater in the fourth self-fertilized generation than in the cross-fertilized individuals.
Selection for later flowering in soybean (Glycine max L.Merrill) F2 populations cultivated under short day conditions
Authors: Oliveira Antonio Carlos Baião de , Sediyama Carlos Sigueyuki , Cruz Cosme Damião
Published: April 2005

Several different selection strategies were used to estimate expected gain of days to flowering and other related characters in two F2 soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) populations. The sample originated from crosses of lines whose seeds do not contain the three lipoxygenase isozymes with the commercially cultivated IAC-12. IAC-12 is a gene carrier for an extended juvenile period. This study was conducted during the winter of 1994 in Viçosa, Minas Gerais. The plants were grown under natural photoperiod. One population was grown in a heated greenhouse, and the other in the field under natural temperature conditions. Lower temperatures early in the field planting caused a delay in flowering. Delayed flowering caused a broader amplitude in all characters evaluated, and resulted in higher selection gains for the field-grown plants than for the greenhouse-grown plants. Direct selection for number of flowering days proved to be efficient for improving this character in both populations. Gains were also obtained for other characters. Interactions of temperature and photoperiod and temperature and genotypes affected soybean flowering time and produced alterations in other correlated agronomic characters, including productivity.
RAPD-PCR typing of Yersinia enterocolitica (Enterobacteriaceae) O:3 serotype strains isolated from pigs and humans
Authors: Leal Tereza Cristina A. , Leal Nilma C. , Almeida Alzira M. Paiva de
Published: April 2005

Sixteen strains of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3, isolated from apparently healthy pigs collected in Rio de Janeiro, and four human strains of serotypes O:4, O:5, O:6 and O:13 were analyzed by RAPD-PCR. The strains were grouped into five genotypic profiles according to the amplification patterns obtained with three random primers. Fifteen of the 16 pig strains had identical amplification patterns, which was named genotypic profile 1. The one different profile was named genotypic profile 2. Genotypic profile 1 was also exhibited by the O:6 human serotype strain. The O:4 and O:13 human serotype strains showed similar amplification profiles with two primers. However, the third primer induced a distinct profile in each strain. Therefore, these two strains were placed into genotypic profile 3 and 4, respectively. Each primer produced a completely different amplification profile in the O:5 human serotype strain; therefore, it was named genotypic profile 5. The presence or absence of plasmids in the strains studied did not affect the amplification results. These results show that genetic variations can exist within a serotype, and strains of different serotypes can exhibit the same amplification profile when compared using other primers.
Morphological dimorphism in the Y chromosome of "pé-duro" cattle in the Brazilian State of Piauí
Authors: Britto Carmen M.C. , Mello Maria Luiza S.
Published: April 2005

"Pé-duro" (hard foot) is a rare breed of beef cattle of European (Bos taurus taurus) origin, originated in northern and northeastern Brazil. Y chromosome morphology, outer genital elements and other phenotypic characteristics were examined in 75 "pé-duro" bulls from the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa) herd in the Brazilian State of Piauí. The purpose was to investigate possible racial contamination with Zebu animals (Bos taurus indicus) in a cattle that has been considered closest to its European origin (B. t. taurus). The presence of both submetacentric and acrocentric Y chromosomes, typical of B. t. taurus and B. t. indicus, respectively, and the larger preputial sheath in bulls with an acrocentric Y chromosome indicated racial contamination of the "pé-duro" herd with Zebu cattle. Phenotypic parameters involving horn, dewlap, ear, chamfer, and coat color characteristics, indicative of apparent racial contamination, were not associated with acrocentric Y chromosome.
Contribution to the validation of the anaphase-telophase test: aneugenic and clastogenic effects of cadmium sulfate, potassium dichromate and nickel chloride in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Seoane A.I. , Dulout F.N.
Published: April 2005

There is increasing evidence that aneuploidy during mitosis may be a factor in the etiology of somatic malignancy. The analysis of alterations in anaphase-telophase of mitosis is a useful test for evaluating the aneuploidogenic and clastogenic ability of chemicals. Several metals have been found to be carcinogenic to humans and animals. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study the aneugenic and clastogenic abilities of cadmium sulfate, potassium dichromate and nickel chloride were analyzed using the anaphase-telophase test. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells cultured for two cycles were treated with the desired compound for 8 h before cell harvesting. The frequency of cells with chromatin bridges, lagging chromosomes and lagging chromosomal fragments was scored. The mitotic index was determined by counting the number of mitotic cells per 1,000 cells on each coverslip and was expressed as a percentage of the number of mitotic plates. Statistical comparisons were done using the "G" method. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate variations of the mitotic index. Chromium and cadmium were clastogenic and aneugenic and increased the frequencies of the three types of aberrations scored; nickel had only aneugenic activity because it increased the frequency of lagging chromosomes. These results indicate that the anaphase-telophase test is sufficiently sensitive to detect dose-response relationships that can distinguish clastogenic and/or aneugenic activities and that the results obtained using the anaphase-telophase test were similar to those obtained by chromosome counting.
Detection of microsatellite instability but not truncating APC mutations in gastric adenocarcinomas in Brazilian patients
Authors: Bevilacqua Roberta A.U. , Corvello Cassandra M. , Duarte Ana Paula , Simpson Andrew J.G.
Published: April 2005

A crucial role for the adenomatous polyposis colonic (APC) gene in colorectal carcinogenesis has been conclusively established, but, the role of APC in gastric tumors remains controversial. APC mutations have been detected at a relatively high frequency in gastric tumors of Japanese patients, yet such mutations have been reported to be extremely rare in British patients and patients from north-central-Italy. We here report the analysis of 40 primary sporadic gastric adenocarcinomas and 35 primary sporadic colon adenocarcinomas (from patients resident in São Paulo, Brazil), for mutations in the APC gene between codons 686 and 1693 using the protein truncation test. Although 19 truncating mutations were detected in 35 colon adenocarcinomas (54.2%) none were found in any of the gastric adenocarcinomas. As an internal control the tumor samples were also evaluated for microsatellite alterations, which are also common features of both tumor types. Microsatellite instability was present in 1 colon and 7 gastric tumor samples. This suggests that in relation to APC mutations gastric adenocarcinomas from Brazilian patients are similar to those that occur in Europe, and support a fundamental difference both between gastric carcinomas that occur in different geographical regions and between the molecular etiology of gastric and colorectal adenocarcinomas occurring in São Paulo, Brazil.
Null expectation of spatial correlograms under a stochastic process of genetic divergence with small sample sizes
Authors: Telles Mariana Pires de Campos , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: April 2005

An Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process was used to simulate the exponential relationship between genetic divergence and geographic distances, as predicted by stochastic processes of population differentiation, such as isolation-by-distance, stepping-stone or coalescence models. These simulations were based only on the spatial coordinates of the local populations that defined a spatial unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) link among them. The simulated gene frequency surfaces were then analyzed using spatial autocorrelation procedures and Nei's genetic distances, constructed with different numbers of variables (gene frequencies). Stochastic divergence in space produced strong spatial patterns at univariate and mutivariate levels. Using a relatively small number of local populations, the correlogram profiles varied considerably, with Manhattan distances greater than those defined by other simulation studies. This method allows one to establish a range of correlogram profiles under the same stochastic process of spatial divergence, thereby avoiding the use of unnecessary explanations of genetic divergence based on other microevolutionary processes.
Development of microsatellite markers for the genetic analysis of Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Brondani Claudio , Brondani Rosana Pereira Vianello , Garrido Lucas da Ressurreição , Ferreira Márcio Elias
Published: April 2005

An AG microsatellite-enriched genomic DNA library was constructed for Magnaporthe grisea (anamorph Pyricularia grisea), the causal agent of rice blast. Seventy-two DNA clones containing microsatellite repeats were isolated and sequenced in order to develop a series of new PCR-based molecular markers to be used in genetic studies of the fungus. Twenty-four of these clones were selected to design primer pairs for the PCR amplification of microsatellite alleles. Single spore cultures of M. grisea isolated from rice and wheat in Brazil, Colombia and China were genotyped at three microsatellite loci. Isolates from southern Brazil were predominantly monomorphic at the tested SSR loci, indicating a low level of genetic variability in these samples. However, seven alleles were observed at the MGM-1 locus in isolates from Central Brazil and at least nine alleles were detected at the same locus in a sample of Colombian isolates. Polymorphism analysis at SSR loci is a simple and direct approach for estimating the genetic diversity of M. grisea isolates and a powerful tool for studying M. grisea genetics.