bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of naturally occurring transglutaminase 2 mutants implicated in early-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Salter Neil W , Ande Sudharsana R , Nguyen Hoa K , Nyomba B L Grégoire , Mishra Suresh
Published: March 2012

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an enzyme with diverse biological functions. TG2 catalyzes transamidation reactions, has intrinsic kinase activity, and acts as a G-protein in intracellular signaling. TG2 (Tgm2)-null mice are glucose intolerant and have impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Furthermore, three naturally occurring missense mutations in the human TGM2 gene, corresponding to amino acid substitutions of Met330Arg, Ile331Asn, and Asn333Ser in the TG2 protein, have been reported and found to be associated with early-onset type 2 diabetes. However, their effect on TG2 function is not fully understood. To determine this, we have reproduced naturally occurring mutations in TG2 using site-directed mutagenesis. Overexpression of Myc-TG2 mutants in INS-1E cells resulted in a reduction of GSIS in comparison with cells overexpressing wild-type Myc-TG2 (WT-TG2). The maximum reduction was found in cells overexpressing Ile331Asn-TG2 (32%) followed by Met330Arg-TG2 (20%), and the least in Asn333Ser-TG2 (7%). Enzymatic analysis revealed that TG2 mutants have impaired transamidation and kinase activities in comparison with WT-TG2. GTP-binding assays showed that TG2 mutants also have altered GTP-binding ability, which is found to be modulated in response to glucose stimulation. Collectively, these data suggest that naturally occurring mutations in TG2 affect transamidation, kinase, and GTP-binding functions of TG2. While reduced insulin secretion, as a result of naturally occurring mutations in TG2, is due to the impairment of more than one biological function of TG2, it is the transamidation function that appears to be impaired during the first phase, whereas the GTP-binding function affects the second phase of insulin secretion.
Estrogen stimulates leptin receptor expression in ATDC5 cells via the estrogen receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways
Authors: Wang Shan-Jin , Li Xin-Feng , Jiang Lei-Sheng , Dai Li-Yang
Published: March 2012

Regulation of the physiological processes of endochondral bone formation during long bone growth is controlled by various factors including the hormones estrogen and leptin. The effects of estrogen are mediated not only through the direct activity of estrogen receptors (ERs) but also through cross talk with other signaling systems implicated in chondrogenesis. The receptors of both estrogen and leptin (OBR (LEPR)) are detectable in growth plate chondrocytes of all zones. In this study, the expression of mRNA and protein of OBR in chondrogenic ATDC5 cells and the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulation were assessed using quantitative PCR and western blotting. We have found that the mRNA of Obr was dynamically expressed during the differentiation of ATDC5 cells over 21 days. Application of E2 (10−7 M) at day 14 for 48 h significantly upregulated OBR mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). The upregulation of Obr mRNA by E2 was shown to take place in a concentration-dependent manner, with a concentration of 10−7 M E2 having the greatest effect. Furthermore, we have confirmed that E2 affected the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (MAPK1/MAPK3) in a time-dependent manner where a maximal fourfold change was observed at 10 min following application of E2. Finally, pretreatment of the cells with either U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) or ICI 182 780 (ER antagonist) blocked the upregulation of OBR by E2 and prevented the E2-induced phosphorylation of ERK. These data demonstrate, for the first time, the existence of cross talk between estrogen and OBR in the regulation of bone growth whereby estrogen regulates the expression of Obr in growth plate chondrocytes via ERs and the activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
Influence of post-deposition annealing on structural, optical and electrical characteristics of NiO/ZnO thin film hetero-junction
Authors: Tyagi Manisha , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: March 2012

Transparent p-n hetero-junction diodes are fabricated using, p-type NiO and n-type ZnO thin films deposited onto a Pt/Ti/glass substrate utilizing RF sputtering technique. The prepared hetero-junctions are studied for the structural, electrical and optical properties and the effect of post-deposition annealing is investigated through I-V measurements and XRD analysis. The as deposited hetero-junction is found to be giving ohmic behaviour while with post-annealing treatment it result in rectification with a ratio of forward-to-reverse current as high as 15 in the range -1.0 to 1.0 V. Forward threshold and the reverse breakdown voltages are found to be about 0.5 and -2.7 V, respectively. The forward-bias I-V characteristics are dominated by the flow of space-charge-limited current with an optical transmission of above 50 % in the visible region important for the transparent electronic device fabrication.
Revision of the Neotropical spider genus Berlandiella (Araneae, Philodromidae)
Authors: Lise Arno Antonio , Silva Estevam L. Cruz da
Published: March 2012

The spider genus Berlandiella Mello-Leitão, 1929 is revised and the three known species, Berlandiella insignis Mello-Leitão, 1929 (Rio de Janeiro), B. magna Mello-Leitão, 1929 (Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul), and B. polyacantha Mello-Leitão, 1929 (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo), are redescribed and illustrated. Lectotypes for Berlandiella insignis, B. magna and B. polyacantha are designated. Descriptions and illustrations of three new species are presented: B. robertae sp. nov. (Brazil and Argentina), B. meridionalis sp. nov. (Brazil) and B. querencia sp. nov. (Brazil). The geographical distribution of the representatives of the genus is presented.
O papel do diretor escolar na implantação de uma cultura educacional inclusiva
Authors: Silva Claudia Lopes da , Leme Maria Isabel da Silva
Published: March 2012

Investiga-se aqui o papel do diretor escolar na constituição de uma cultura escolar inclusiva, tendo como referencial teórico a Psicologia histórico-cultural de Vigotski. Busca-se estabelecer uma relação entre a democratização da escola e a implantação de uma cultura escolar inclusiva através da atuação do diretor escolar. Como hipótese, considerou-se que o diretor influencia de maneira decisiva a forma como se constitui a cultura escolar, facilitando ou dificultando a efetivação da inclusão escolar. Os conceitos de cultura escolar, educação inclusiva e ambiente inclusivo foram examinados de forma a estabelecer a importância do contexto da escola na inclusão escolar de alunos com deficiência. Realizou-se um estudo de caso, tendo sido colhidos dados por meio de análise documental e realizada entrevista com uma diretora escolar. Foi utilizado como método a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Como resultado, concluiu-se que a democratização da gestão e a educação inclusiva se encontram estreitamente relacionadas, o que sugere que uma escola inclusiva é, antes de tudo, uma escola democrática.
Estágio supervisionado em Psicologia Escolar: desmistificando o modelo clínico
Authors: Lima Maria de Fátima Evangelista Mendonça
Published: March 2012

O objetivo deste relato é apresentar a prática de Estágio Supervisionado em Psicologia Escolar da UFMS, desenvolvida em unidades de CEINFs (Centros de Educação Infantil) de Campo Grande, MS. O estágio teve como objetivos: o conhecimento e a análise do espaço institucional de educação infantil, o reconhecimento da especificidade da atuação psicológica e o planejamento da intervenção. A prática de estágio foi desenvolvida por meio de visitas semanais às instituições, de aproximadamente 2h, e supervisão semanal de 4h aula. O relato aponta principalmente a presença de comportamentos cristalizados quanto ao papel do psicólogo escolar, assim como os principais desafios que se apresentam no caminho rumo a um atendimento educacional consistente e coerente à criança de 0 a 6 anos de idade, em creches e pré-escolas.
Teoria e prática no curso de pedagogia
Authors: Cruz Giseli Barreto da
Published: March 2012

Este estudo discute a complexa relação entre teoria e prática no curso de pedagogia a partir da visão de pedagogos primordiais. A pesquisa realizada voltou-se para um grupo de 17 pedagogos que testemunharam, como alunos, os tempos iniciais de implantação do curso no Brasil e que se destacaram no campo acadêmico educacional como referenciais de formação e de pesquisa. Dois objetivos orientaram o estudo: levantar características do início do curso e das mutações por ele sofridas para analisar as implicações, resistências e avanços em sua trajetória, bem como sua importância no âmbito acadêmico; e obter, junto aos participantes, suas opiniões acerca da pedagogia como domínio de conhecimento e curso de graduação, para então interpretar sua posição no contexto do campo educacional brasileiro. Como principais interlocuções teóricas situam-se Dermeval Saviani (2007) e Jean Houssaye (2004). Metodologicamente, trabalhou-se com análise de depoimentos colhidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. A investigação revelou aspectos que evidenciam como o curso de pedagogia construiu-se entre nós e a posição conflituosa, porém importante, que ele ocupa no espaço acadêmico da educação. O trabalho apresenta uma análise parcial desses dados, abordando especificamente o histórico embate entre a teoria e a prática no curso em seus tempos iniciais e na atualidade, mediante as diretrizes curriculares de 2006.
Participação da comunidade educativa na gestão escolar
Authors: Veloso Luísa , Craveiro Daniela , Rufino Isabel
Published: March 2012

O presente texto discute as modalidades de participação da comunidade educativa na gestão escolar, examinando essa dimensão já há muito tempo presente na agenda política portuguesa. Centra-se na análise da dimensão organizacional de 297 escolas portuguesas, tendo como base informações contempladas nos relatórios da avaliação externa nos anos lectivos 2006/2007, 2007/2008 e 2008/2009. O corpus analisado permitiu atender a dois eixos centrais dos processos de participação: a modalidade de integração da comunidade envolvente na vida escolar e os processos e limitações inerentes à participação de dois grupos de actores - os encarregados de educação e os alunos. Apesar de as imagens organizacionais das escolas presentes nos relatórios de avaliação externa serem semelhantes entre si, são significativos os aspectos diferenciadores. Os processos de participação não se mostram consolidados da mesma forma nas diferentes organizações escolares e nos respectivos territórios, mas assiste-se à crescente importância da presença dos vários agentes nas tarefas de gestão escolar. Esse envolvimento implica um conhecimento que se requer cada vez mais aprofundado sobre os processos de construção das aprendizagens culturais que atravessam as escolas. Detecta-se a presença de diferentes agentes nas escolas estudadas, o que acompanha uma mudança na concepção de comunidade educativa, a qual abarca alunos, professores, encarregados de educação e a comunidade envolvente em que as escolas se inserem.
Avaliação audiométrica de pacientes em tratamento para tuberculose pulmonar
Authors: Vasconcelos Karla Anacleto de , Lima Marco Antonio de Melo Tavares de , Frota Silvana , Ruffino Netto Antonio , Kritski Afrânio Lineu
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Analisar a condição auditiva de uma população em tratamento para tuberculose pulmonar em dois hospitais de referência no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo envolvendo 97 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 18 anos e 60 anos, que estivessem em tratamento para tuberculose pulmonar ativa, internados ou em acompanhamento ambulatorial em dois hospitais de referência no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os participantes foram entrevistados e realizaram audiometria tonal liminar. RESULTADOS: Na população estudada, 65 pacientes (67%) eram homens, 52 (54%) estavam em tratamento de primeira linha e 45 (46%) estavam em tratamento de segunda linha, o qual incluía aminoglicosídeos. Tabagismo, uso de bebidas alcoólicas, exposição a ruído e uso de medicamentos ototóxicos foram identificados respectivamente em 65 (67%), 51 (53%), 53 (55%) e 45 (46,4%) pacientes. As queixas auditivas e vestibulares mais frequentemente mencionadas foram tontura, em 28 (28,8%); zumbido, em 27 (27,8%); e hipoacusia, em 23 (23,7%). CONCLUSÕES: Devido ao elevado número de casos de perda auditiva encontrado neste estudo, recomenda-se que todos os pacientes em tratamento para tuberculose sejam submetidos a monitoramento auditivo.
A Educação Permanente em Saúde como estratégia pedagógica de transformação das práticas: possibilidades e limites
Authors: Lima Josiane Vivian Camargo de , Turini Bárbara , Carvalho Brígida Gimenez , Nunes Elisabete de Fátima Pólo Almeida , Lepre Rafaela de Lemos , Mainardes Priscila , Cordoni Junior Luiz
Published: March 2012

Para contribuir com a transformação das práticas profissionais, foi desenvolvido um curso a distância para facilitadores de Educação Permanente em Saúde, e de Londrina participaram mais de 150 profissionais. Este estudo visa analisar as contribuições desse curso, sob a ótica dos participantes. Tratase de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, e a coleta dos dados se deu a partir de grupos focais e entrevista semiestruturada. As discussões do grupo focal e da entrevista foram gravadas e transcritas, e as questões fechadas processadas pelo programa Epi Info. Os resultados apontam que o curso possibilitou a instituição de espaços coletivos de reflexão das práticas e promoveu a integração das equipes. As facilidades e dificuldades referiram-se à garantia de espaço, tempo, material e apoio, porém a motivação, interesse e participação também foram destacados. Conclui-se que houve contribuição para uma prática mais humanizada e acolhedora dos profissionais de saúde, tanto da gestão como do cuidado.
Evaluation of an Educational Program to Improve Communication with Patients About Early-Phase Trial Participation
Authors: Fallowfield Lesley J. , Solis-Trapala Ivonne , Jenkins Valerie A.
Published: March 2012

Background.

Discussing early-phase cancer trials is challenging; most offer little personal benefit to patients with life-limiting illnesses who frequently have a poor understanding of and misconceptions about the therapeutic aims. We evaluated an evidence-based training program aimed at enhancing communication.

Methods.

Prior to and after the intervention, 47 health care professionals (HCPs) experienced in early-phase trial recruitment were audio taped discussing trials with patient simulators who completed postinterview evaluations. Coders rated the interviews for the presence of information areas required to elicit ethical consent. HCPs reported their self-confidence on 15 different aspects of trial discussion.

Results.

Significant objective and subjective improvements in communication were found after the workshop. Analyses of audio tapes showed positive shifts in: establishing the patient's knowledge of their prognosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; p = .002), discussing symptomatic care (OR, 3.8; p < .001), the aims of the trial (OR, 2.6; p =.002), and the unlikelihood of medical benefit (OR, 3.0; p = .021). Patient simulator ratings showed improvements in: the awareness of palliative care and symptom control (OR, 2.1; p = .004), the voluntariness of participation (OR, 3.7; p = .015), the opportunity to ask questions (OR, 2.9; p = .044), and the time to consider participation (OR, 6.1; p = .009). HCPs' self-confidence increased significantly for all 15 items (OR range, 1.5–2.9; p ≤ .001).

Conclusion.

This short, intensive workshop changed communication skills competency and self-efficacy in ways likely to promote valid, ethically informed consent from patients contemplating trial entry.
Adult Brainstem Gliomas
Authors: Reyes-Botero German , Mokhtari Karima , Martin-Duverneuil Nadine , Delattre Jean-Yves , Laigle-Donadey Florence
Published: March 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the different types of brainstem glioma in adults and their radiological features.Select the most accurate diagnostic test and propose options for treatment in patients suffering from brainstem gliomas.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Brainstem gliomas are uncommon in adults and account for only 1%–2% of intracranial gliomas. They represent a heterogeneous group of tumors that differ from those found in their pediatric counterparts. In adults, a low-grade phenotype predominates, which is a feature that likely explains their better prognosis compared to that in children. Because biopsies are rarely performed, classifications based on the radiological aspect of magnetic resonance imaging results have been proposed to establish treatment strategies and to determine outcomes: (a) diffuse intrinsic low-grade, (b) enhancing malignant glioma, (c) focal tectal gliomas, and (d) exophytic gliomas. Despite significant advances in neuroradiology techniques, a purely radiological classification remains imperfect in the absence of a histological diagnosis. Whereas a biopsy may often be reasonably avoided in the diffuse nonenhancing forms, obtaining histological proof seems necessary in many contrast-enhanced brainstem lesions because of the wide variety of differential diagnoses in adults. Conventional radiotherapy is the standard treatment for diffuse intrinsic low-grade brainstem gliomas in adults (the median survival is 5 years). In malignant brainstem gliomas, radiotherapy is the standard treatment. However, the possible benefit of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide or other agents) has not been thoroughly evaluated in adults. The role of anti-angiogenic therapies in brainstem gliomas remains to be defined. A better understanding of the biology of these tumors is of primary importance for identifying homogeneous subgroups and for improving therapy options and outcomes.
Short-Term Hyperinsulinemia and Hyperglycemia Increase Myocardial Lipid Content in Normal Subjects
Authors: Winhofer Yvonne , Krššák Martin , Janković Draženka , Anderwald Christian-Heinz , Reiter Gert , Hofer Astrid , Trattnig Siegfried , Luger Anton , Krebs Michael
Published: March 2012

Increased myocardial lipid content (MYCL) recently has been linked to the development of cardiomyopathy in diabetes. In contrast to steatosis in skeletal muscle and liver, previous investigations could not confirm a link between MYCL and insulin resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that cardiac steatosis might develop against the background of the metabolic environment typical for prediabetes and early type 2 diabetes: combined hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, we aimed to prove the principle that acute hyperglycemia (during a 6-h clamp) affects MYCL and function (assessed by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging) in healthy subjects (female subjects: n = 8, male subjects: n = 10; aged 28 ± 5 years; BMI 22.4 ± 2.6 kg/m2). Combined hyperglycemia (202.0 ± 10.6 mg/dL) and hyperinsulinemia (110.6 ± 59.0 μU/mL) were, despite insulin-mediated suppression of free fatty acids, associated with a 34.4% increase in MYCL (baseline: 0.20 ± 0.17%, clamp: 0.26 ± 0.22% of water signal; P = 0.0009), which was positively correlated with the area under the curve of insulin (R = 0.59, P = 0.009) and C-peptide (R = 0.81, P < 0.0001) during the clamp. Furthermore, an increase in ejection fraction (P < 0.0001) and a decrease in end-systolic volume (P = 0.0002) were observed, which also were correlated with hyperinsulinemia. Based on our findings, we conclude that combined hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induce short-term myocardial lipid accumulation and alterations in myocardial function in normal subjects, indicating that these alterations might be directly responsible for cardiac steatosis in metabolic diseases.
A characterization of diameter-2-critical graphs with no antihole of length four
Authors: Haynes Teresa , Henning Michael
Published: March 2012

A graph G is diameter-2-critical if its diameter is two and the deletion of any edge increases the diameter. In this paper we characterize the diameter-2-critical graphs with no antihole of length four, that is, the diameter-2-critical graphs whose complements have no induced 4-cycle. Murty and Simon conjectured that the number of edges in a diameter-2-critical graph of order n is at most n
2/4 and that the extremal graphs are complete bipartite graphs with equal size partite sets. As a consequence of our characterization, we prove the Murty-Simon Conjecture for graphs with no antihole of length four.
Gromov hyperbolic cubic graphs
Authors: Pestana Domingo , Rodríguez José , Sigarreta José , Villeta María
Published: March 2012

If X is a geodesic metric space and x
1; x
2; x
3 ∈ X, a geodesic triangle T = {x
1; x
2; x
3} is the union of the three geodesics [x
1
x
2], [x
2
x
3] and [x
3
x
1] in X. The space X is δ-hyperbolic (in the Gromov sense) if any side of T is contained in a δ-neighborhood of the union of the two other sides, for every geodesic triangle T in X. We denote by δ(X) the sharp hyperbolicity constant of X, i.e., δ(X) = inf {δ ≥ 0: X is δ-hyperbolic}. We obtain information about the hyperbolicity constant of cubic graphs (graphs with all of their vertices of degree 3), and prove that for any graph G with bounded degree there exists a cubic graph G* such that G is hyperbolic if and only if G* is hyperbolic. Moreover, we prove that for any cubic graph G with n vertices, we have δ(G) ≤ min {3n/16 + 1; n/4}. We characterize the cubic graphs G with δ(G) ≤ 1. Besides, we prove some inequalities involving the hyperbolicity constant and other parameters for cubic graphs.
Physical implications of Fisher-information’s scaling symmetry
Authors: Flego Silvina , Plastino Angelo , Plastino Angel
Published: March 2012

We study the scaling properties of Fisher’s information measure (FIM) and show that from these one can straightforwardly deduce significant quantum-mechanical results. Specifically, we investigate the scaling properties of Fisher’s measure I and encounter that, from the concomitant operating rules, several interesting, albeit known, results can be derived. This entails that such results can be regarded as pre-configured by the conjunction of scaling and information theory. The central notion to be arrived at is that scaling entails that I must obey a certain partial differential equation (PDE). These PDE-solutions have properties that enable the application of a Legendre-transform (LT). The conjunction PDE+LT leads one to obtain several quantum results without recourse to the Schrödinger’s equation.
Self-assembly mechanism in colloids: perspectives from statistical physics
Authors: Giacometti Achille
Published: March 2012

Motivated by recent experimental findings in chemical synthesis of colloidal particles, we draw an analogy between self-assembly processes occurring in biological systems (e.g. protein folding) and a new exciting possibility in the field of material science. We consider a self-assembly process whose elementary building blocks are decorated patchy colloids of various types, that spontaneously drive the system toward a unique and predetermined targeted macroscopic structure. To this aim, we discuss a simple theoretical model — the Kern-Frenkel model — describing a fluid of colloidal spherical particles with a pre-defined number and distribution of solvophobic and solvophilic regions on their surface. The solvophobic and solvophilic regions are described via a short-range square-well and a hard-sphere potentials, respectively. Integral equation and perturbation theories are presented to discuss structural and thermodynamical properties, with particular emphasis on the computation of the fluid-fluid (or gas-liquid) transition in the temperaturedensity plane. The model allows the description of both one and two attractive caps, as a function of the fraction of covered attractive surface, thus interpolating between a square-well and a hard-sphere fluid, upon changing the coverage. By comparison with Monte Carlo simulations, we assess the pros and the cons of both integral equation and perturbation theories in the present context of patchy colloids, where the computational effort for numerical simulations is rather demanding.
Synthesis of conjugated (E,E)-1,3-diene-containing troponoid-based compounds
Authors: Gao Wen-Tao , Yan Yan , Li Yang
Published: March 2012

Through exploration of the electrophilic substitution reaction of 3-((2E,4E)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienoyl)-2-hydroxy-2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one (3-((2E,4E)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienoyl)tropolone) with halogen and diazonium salts as well as the nucleophilic cyclisation reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and substituted phenylhydrazine hydrochlorides by employing our reliable methods, we have synthesised a series of new (E,E)-1,3-diene-bearing troponoid-based compounds. All the newly synthesised molecules represent an issue of great interest, since the presence of conjugated 1,3-diene moiety can be developed further via other reactions.
Predictive Capability of Bedload Equations Using Flume Data
Authors: Talukdar S. , Kumar Bimlesh , Dutta S.
Published: March 2012

Predictive Capability of Bedload Equations Using Flume Data

The study on bedload transport behaviour is widely explored from the last few decades and many semiempirical or empirical equilibrium transport equations are developed. The phenomenon is a very complex due to its varied physical properties like velocity, depth, slope, particle size in the alluvial system. In practical applications, these formulae have appreciable deviation from each other in derivation and also their ranges of applications are different. Here, bedload transports have been categorized into moderate bedload transport and intense bedload transport depending upon the Einstein bedload transport parameter. Based on large database of different bedload measurements, a comparative analysis has been performed to ascertain prediction ability of different bedload equations based on various statistical criteria such as the coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient and index of agreement. It has been found that equations based on shear stress have worked better than other approaches (discharge, probabilistic and regression) for flume observations.
Hydrodynamic and kinetic study of an elution of a high viscosity liquid from the sand bed using eluent of low viscosity
Authors: Sęk Jerzy , Błaszczyk Mariola , Bartos Michał
Published: March 2012

Hydrodynamic and kinetic study of an elution of a high viscosity liquid from the sand bed using eluent of low viscosity

The study was aimed to determine the hydrodynamic of water seepage through a porous bed saturated with different amounts of high viscosity liquids. An attempt was made to describe the process of seepage through beds saturated with oils using the theory of outflow of a liquid from the tank. It was assumed that the discharge coefficient will represent changes of flow resistance during the process. It was found that the dependence of this factor on time is linear. In the second part of this work kinetics of the seepage process was investigated. Dependence of oil concentrations, eluted from the deposit with the flowing water, on time has been evaluated. Thanks to these studies it was possible to determine the effectiveness of an elution of high viscosity liquids from porous beds using water as the washing out liquid.
Effects of stent-graft geometry and blood hematocrit on hemodynamic in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Polańczyk Andrzej , Podyma Marek , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Zbiciński Ireneusz
Published: March 2012

Effects of stent-graft geometry and blood hematocrit on hemodynamic in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

CFD technique was used to determine the effect of a stent-graft spatial configuration and hematocrit value on blood flow hemodynamic and the risk of a stent-graft occlusion. Spatial configurations of an endovascular prosthesis placed in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) for numerical simulations were developed on the basis of AngioCT data for 10 patients. The results of calculations showed that narrows or angular bends in the prosthesis as well as increased hematocrit affects blood flow reducing velocity and WSS which might result in thrombus development.
Impact of bioreactor scale on lovastatin biosynthesis by Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542 in a batch culture
Authors: Pawlak Marta , Bizukojć Marcin , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: March 2012

Impact of bioreactor scale on lovastatin biosynthesis by Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542 in a batch culture

Biosynthesis of lovastatin (a polyketide metabolite of Aspergillus terreus) in bioreactors of different working volume was studied to indicate how the change of scale of the process influences the formation of this metabolite. The experiments conducted in shake flasks of 150 ml working volume allowed to obtain lovastatin titres at the level of 87.5 mg LOV l-1, when two carbon sources, namely lactose and glycerol were used. The application of the same components in a large stirred-tank bioreactor of 5.3-litre working volume caused a decrease of lovastatin production by 87% compared to the shake flask culture. The deficiency of nitrogen in this bioreactor did not favour the formation of lovastatin, in contrast to the small bioreactor of 1.95-litre working volume, in which lovastatin titres comparable to those in the shake flasks could be achieved, when organic nitrogen concentration was two-fold decreased. When the control of pH and/or pO2 was used simultaneously, an increase in lovastatin production was observed in the bioreactors. However, these results were still slightly lower than lovastatin titres obtained in the shake flasks.
Analysis of the breakage rate function for selected process parameters in quartzite milling
Authors: Olejnik Tomasz
Published: March 2012

Analysis of the breakage rate function for selected process parameters in quartzite milling

The paper presents the results of studies on quartzite milling in a ball mill. The milling was conducted in a batch system, for diversified compositions of balls. The milling product was subjected to granulometrical, morphological and strength analyses. On the basis of the developed Reid's theory and using the Austin-Gardner equation, a form of the function circumscribing the specific rate of comminution of selected size fractions was determined. The values of the breakage rate function bi, j for the mill's apparatus conditions were determined. The impact was investigated for a variable number of grinding media contact points on the values of specific rate S and the values of the breakage rate function bi, j. Furthermore, the values of coefficients occurring in the equations circumscribing the specific rate of milling S and breakage parameter bi, j were determined.
Verification of Anaerobic Threshold Indicators for Cross-Country Skiers in Natural Conditons
Authors: Klusiewicz Andrzej , Cempa Wiesław
Published: March 2012

Verification of Anaerobic Threshold Indicators for Cross-Country Skiers in Natural Conditons

Introduction.
The objective of this paper was to verify hart rate values for the anaerobic threshold in cross-country skiers during long-term submaximal intensity training effort.
Material and methods.
Stress tests were conducted for 6 athletes (4 female and 2 male members of the Polish National Team). The first test involved a graded-intensity laboratory stress test on a mechanical treadmill which consisted of 5-minute exercising periods and enable determining the anaerobic threshold values. The subsequent test (performed within 2-7 days after the first test) involved a submaximal intensity run test based on the determined heart rate (HR) ranges for 400 m on a tartan track. The test involved a 10-minute run done three times at a given intensity based on the HR values for blood lactate level at 4 mmol/l (HRppa), previously determined during the laboratory tests. First exercise: a run at a speed corresponding to HRppa minus 10 bpm, second exercise: HRppa minus 5 bpm and third exercise: HRppa.
Results.
The verification of the HRppa values recorded in the laboratory tests on a mechanical treadmill confirmed that this indicator is moderately useful for the purpose of selecting the exercise load during race trainings in natural conditions.
Conclusion.
The race speeds determined on a mechanical treadmill for the anaerobic threshold need to be corrected (increased speed) for the purpose of finding similar exercise load for race trainings in natural conditions.
Charisma and Communion
Authors: Araújo Vera
Published: March 2012

In the context of reflections on modernity, an increasingly widespread belief seems to be emerging: the subject at which it is necessary to direct our attention, to which to throw a lifeline as it were, is the concrete and real human being, alone and at the same time besieged by increasingly tight and numerous systemic schemes. Are the “human subject” and his social context only undergoing a deep transformation, or are they actually in danger? This “new” knowledge involves all the humanistic and social sciences, such as philosophy, anthropology, psychology, economics, political science, and theology, in a sort of fusion and pact for mankind.

Great spiritualities include life experiences and ideas that reverberate on everyday life, lifestyles, and culture. From the very beginning, Chiara Lubich’s spirituality, is based on two fundamental concepts: unity and forsaken Jesus, has been perceived as a new way to know God, but also as an idea that is able to renew human life, as well as to penetrate social and cultural realities.
The Gift of Oneself from the Perspective of New Readings of “The Gift” by Marcel Mauss
Authors: Malatesta Freitas Maria Do Socorro
Published: March 2012

The Gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Societies, by Marcel Mauss, is an important reference in Social Sciences for thinking about the theme of the gift, proposed in this congress. This brief work has as goal to present a rereading of The Gift by contemporary authors that try to think today’s society under this perspective. It’s a literature review of books and articles by Allain Caillé, Jacques Godbout and some Brazilian authors: Eric Sabourin, Marcos Lanna, Paulo Henrique Martins and Jorge Luiz Villela.

It is important to emphasize, according to Caillé, 1998, that “the paradigm of the gift is not a machine for blowing solutions, but for inspiring questions”.
Masculinity and Femininity: Essential to the Identity of the Human Person
Authors: O'Donnell Nancy
Published: March 2012

The title of this congress begins with the word “identity”. It also includes the word “reciprocity,” which indicates a form of relationship and finally, “gift of self”. This would lead us to conclude that the identity of the human person has something to do with reciprocity and that reciprocity involves giving of oneself to others. This talk will attempt to shed light on how the concept of gender might in some way be incorporated into these three concepts.

Defining what constitutes the identity of the human person has been explored, and attempts to define it have been made by every major theorist in the field of psychology. At a previous Psychology and Communion congress one of the talks (Ionata, 2002) spoke of loving and being loved in return as the basic foundation of human identity. In that presentation we find the following observation: “The identity of the human person can be compared to the identity of a book: we know where and when it was printed; but the author is certainly not the publishing house, nor is the typesetter who prepared the text…The same is true for us human beings: we know the time and date of birth. But who is author?” (31).

We ask ourselves, therefore: what lies at the core of the identity of this being who is born at a certain time on a certain date?

Before proceeding, I think it is important to note that the basic idea regarding the identity of the human person, as we have defined and understood it from the inception of psychology and communion and explored in previous encounters, remains unchanged. I will use a quote of Chiara Lubich here that perhaps many of you know but which can serve the purpose of laying the foundation for what follows: Human beings are “(…) all equal but distinct. To each person [God] gave his own beauty so that they would be desirable and lovable by others; and so that in love (the common substance in which they recognize themselves as one and see themselves in each other) they would be recomposed into the One who had created them with his Light, which is Himself.”

Now we ask ourselves: What exactly is this “beauty” that Chiara is speaking of? What are the components, if you will, of our identity that makes us “… desirable and lovable by others…”?
Paradigm of Unity as a Prospect for Research and Treatment in Psychology
Authors: Biela Adam
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this paper is to show the methodological power and potentiality of the concept paradigm of unity introduced originally in the ceremony on the occasion of honoring Chiara Lubich with the doctor honoris causa title by the Catholic University of Lublin in 1996. Originally this conception was used to suggest the societal activity of Chiara Lubich in building, via the Focolari movement, psychosocial infrastructures for unity in various social domains, (for example in the economy of communion, in politics (politicians for unity project), in public media (journalists for unity), in ecumenism and inter-religious contacts (ecumenical and inter-religion Focolari Centers) This conception is a kind of a great inspiration (a kind of Copernican revolution in the social sciences) which would motivate the social sciences to build their own research paradigm of a type of mental and methodological power and potentiality which could give a new vision of social world (as Copernicus did in natural sciences (Biela, 1996, 2006)). Thomas Kuhn (1962) regarded the Copernician revolution as the one which, in the history of science, best illustrates the nature of scientific revolution. The essence of paradigm in a Kuhnian sense is a mentality change in its nature. Copernicus had to change the well-established geocentric system which functioned not only in the science of his day but also in culture, tradition, social perception, and even in the mentality of religious and political authorities. And he did it in a well prepared empirical, methodological and psychological way.

In a similar way Chiara Lubich created by her social acting a revolutionary inspiration for building paradigm in social science She decided in an extremely difficult and risky situation in 1944 in Trento not only to escape from her own life emergency but she with her friends made a decision to help other people who were in a much more difficult situation to survive. She decided to take a war bombing risk to be with lost children and older people who were in need. It was a practical building of the unity with the real people who were in need. This kind of experience rediscovered the community as a model for the real life and made a concretization and clarification of the charisma of the unity. However, the development of this charisma shows that it is simply a concrete and practical actualization of the new vision of social, economic, political and religious relationships which advises, recommends, suggests, and promotes the unity with others persons (Lubich, 2007).
The Present Moment and Giving Oneself as a Gift
Authors: Molinari Enrico , Spatola Chiara , Cappella Emanuele , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: March 2012

The contemporary individual is immersed in a reality characterized by a rapid sequence of stimuli and actions and he is often unable to fully live the present moment.

Several authors in the field of psychology have discussed on the individual’s ability to live his own experience in the present moment, each highlighting some peculiar aspects and potential of this concept within their models.

The major aim of the present article is to discuss these different psychological perspectives moving from more traditional models such ad Gestalt psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis to contemporary approaches such as Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy (Kabat-Zinn) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Hayes), and to highlight some points of convergence between such approaches and Chiara Lubich’s thought. In fact Lubich investigated the concept of the present moment from a spiritual perspective, drawing on the life experience inspired by the charisma of unity.
Ghent Developmental Balance Test: A New Tool to Evaluate Balance Performance in Toddlers and Preschool Children
Authors: De Kegel Alexandra , Baetens Tina , Peersman Wim , Maes Leen , Dhooge Ingeborg , Van Waelvelde Hilde
Published: March 2012

Background

Balance is a fundamental component of movement. Early identification of balance problems is important to plan early intervention. The Ghent Developmental Balance Test (GDBT) is a new assessment tool designed to monitor balance from the initiation of independent walking to 5 years of age.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to establish the psychometric characteristics of the GDBT.

Methods

To evaluate test-retest reliability, 144 children were tested twice on the GDBT by the same examiner, and to evaluate interrater reliability, videotaped GDBT sessions of 22 children were rated by 3 different raters. To evaluate the known-group validity of GDBT scores, z scores on the GDBT were compared between a clinical group (n=20) and a matched control group (n=20). Concurrent validity of GDBT scores with the subscale standardized scores of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (M-ABC-2), the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Second Edition (PDMS-2), and the balance subscale of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test–Second Edition (BOT-2) was evaluated in a combined group of the 20 children from the clinical group and 74 children who were developing typically.

Results

Test-retest and interrater reliability were excellent for the GDBT total scores, with intraclass correlation coefficients of .99 and .98, standard error of measurement values of 0.21 and 0.78, and small minimal detectable differences of 0.58 and 2.08, respectively. The GDBT was able to distinguish between the clinical group and the control group (t38=5.456, P<.001). Pearson correlations between the z scores on GDBT and the standardized scores of specific balance subscales of the M-ABC-2, PDMS-2, and BOT-2 were moderate to high, whereas correlations with subscales measuring constructs other than balance were low.

Conclusions

The GDBT is a reliable and valid clinical assessment tool for the evaluation of balance in toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Explaining Variation in Instructional Time
Authors: Corey Douglas Lyman , Phelps Geoffrey , Ball Deborah Loewenberg , Demonte Jenny , Harrison Delena
Published: March 2012

This research is conducted in the context of a large-scale study of three nationally disseminated comprehensive school reform projects (CSRs) and examines how school- and classroom-level factors contribute to variation in instructional time in English language arts and mathematics. When using mean-based OLS regression techniques such as Hierarchical Linear Models (HLM), we found that CSR programs did not have the expected effects on instructional time. However, when using Quantile Regression to estimate the effects at the lower end of the distribution of instructional time, we found substantial effects. These effects were strongest for the subjects that were the focus of the school interventions.
Acute Renal Failure and Seizure following Multiple Wasp Stings: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar MK , Thakur SN
Published: March 2012

Wasps and bees descend from order Hymenoptera. All social wasps belong to family Vespidae. Their stings are not usually life threatening, causing mainly local reactions and rarely anaphylaxis and serious systemic manifestations. Though a few stings cause no major problems, multiple stings can cause serious effects like massive hemolysis, acute renal failure, encephalopathy, multiorgan dysfunction. We report a six years boy with acute renal failure and seizure following multiple wasp stings. Key words: Multiple wasp stings; Acute renal failure; Hymenoptera  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5238   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 65-68
Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration: A Case Report
Authors: Rahar S , Chaudhary A
Published: March 2012

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA), formerly called Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. PKAN is the first described inborn error of coenzyme A metabolism. PKAN encompasses two clinical subtypes, classic and atypical. We here report an eight year girl diagnosed as classic PKAN. We also review the literature about PKAN. Key words: Eye of tiger sign; NBIA; Neuroregeneration; Iron Accumulation; Hallevorden Spatz Syndrome DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5333   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 90-92
Bilateral Congenital Cataract Associated with Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia: A case Report
Authors: Adhikari S , Shrestha U , Nepal P , Singh JL
Published: March 2012

Cataract in children has varied etiology. It may be associated with systemic diseases including skeletal dysplasias. However cataract in Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia is a rare association. A child presented with bilateral dense posterior sub capsular cataract and multiple bony abnormalities. Clinical and radiographic findings suggested the disease to be Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia. The aim of presenting this case is to report a case of congenital cataract having a rare association with the Multipe Epiphyseal Dyspalsia. Key words: Congenital cataract; Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia; Skeletal dysplasia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5434   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 71-72
Congenital Descending Colonic Stenosis with Perforation of Transverse Colon in a Neonate: A Case Report
Authors: Hamid R , Shera AH , Bhat NA , Baba A , Rashid A
Published: March 2012

Colonic atresia and stenosis are rare causes of intestinal obstruction in the infant. Only 10 cases have been reported in Literature since 1966 and only one late-onset case has been reported in Literature until now. We describe the case of a 3 day old baby presenting with abdominal distension, failure to pass meconium and vomiting. X-ray of the abdomen showed dilated gut loops. Exploratory laparotomy was performed. At the junction of descending and sigmoid colon a stenosis was found, laparotomy also revealed a perforation of transverse colon. Transverse colostomy and a mucous fistula of sigmoid colon was performed after resecting stenosing segment and colon distal to perforation site upto stenosing site. Diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. Colostomy was close after six weaks with uneventful recovery. Considering both the Literature and our case, congenital colonic stenosis should be considered one of the rare differential diagnoses in a neonate presenting as complete or partial intestinal obstruction. Key words: Colonic Stenosis; Perforation; Obstruction DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5446   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 73-75