bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Presenilin-Dependent Familial Alzheimer's Disease: Emphasis on Presenilin Substrate-Mediated Signaling and Synaptic Function
Authors: Parent Angèle T. , Thinakaran Gopal
Published: July 2010

Mutations inPSENgenes, which encode presenilin proteins, cause familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transgenic mouse models based on coexpression of familial AD-associated presenilin and amyloid precursor protein variants successfully mimic characteristic pathological features of AD, including plaque formation, synaptic dysfunction, and loss of memory. Presenilins function as the catalytic subunit ofγ-secretase, the enzyme that catalyzes intramembraneous proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein to releaseβ-amyloid peptides. Familial AD-associated mutations in presenilins alter the site ofγ-secretase cleavage in a manner that increases the generation of longer and highly fibrillogenicβ-amyloid peptides. In addition to amyloid precursor protein,γ-secretase catalyzes intramembrane proteolysis of many other substrates known to be important for synaptic function. This paper focuses on how various animal models have enabled us to elucidate the physiological importance of diverseγ-secretase substrates, including amyloid precursor protein and discusses their roles in the context of cellular signaling and synaptic function.
Matthew studies today – a willingness to suspect and a willingness to listen
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G. , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: July 2010

The aim of the article is to describe the state of Matthean studies by means of Paul Ricoeur’s notion of the ‘hermeneutical arc’. The focus will be on the relationship of women in Matthew’s gospel to the male disciples. The article’s point of departure is that Matthean exegesis is at a crossroads. Pivotal to proceeding beyond the crossroads is the hermeneutical aspect of a willingness to suspect and a willingness to listen. Such a willingness includes suspicion with regard to outdated values explicitly advocated by the text and a genuine listening to unarticulated voices that remain hidden because of ideologies that render them inaudible. In the process of understanding, the focus should be on issues of morality rather than on the mere accumulation of knowledge. Seen from this perspective, the article provides a preview of facets in Matthean studies that could become prominent in future.
Modeling the regional impact of ship emissions on NOx and ozone levels over the Eastern Atlantic and Western Europe using ship plume parameterization
Authors: Huszar P. , Cariolle D. , Paoli R. , Halenka T. , Belda M. , Schlager H. , Miksovsky J. , Pisoft P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In general, regional and global chemistry transport models apply instantaneous mixing of emissions into the model's finest resolved scale. In case of a concentrated source, this could result in erroneous calculation of the evolution of both primary and secondary chemical species. Several studies discussed this issue in connection with emissions from ships and aircraft. In this study, we present an approach to deal with the non-linear effects during dispersion of NOx emissions from ships. It represents an adaptation of the original approach developed for aircraft NOx emissions, which uses an exhaust tracer to trace the amount of the emitted species in the plume and applies an effective reaction rate for the ozone production/destruction during the plume's dilution into the background air. In accordance with previous studies examining the impact of international shipping on the composition of the troposphere, we found that the contribution of ship induced surface NOx to the total reaches 90% over remote ocean and makes 10–30% near coastal regions. Due to ship emissions, surface ozone increases by up to 4–6 ppbv making 10% contribution to the surface ozone budget. When applying the ship plume parameterization, we show that the large scale NOx decreases and the ship NOx contribution is reduced by up to 20–25%. A similar decrease was found in the case of O3. The plume parameterization suppressed the ship induced ozone production by 15–30% over large areas of the studied region. To evaluate the presented parameterization, nitrogen monoxide measurements over the English Channel were compared with modeled values and it was found that after activating the parameterization the model accuracy increases.
Socialização de conhecimentos e experiências sobre o processo de nascimento e tecnologias do cuidado
Authors: Darós Daiane Zocche , Hess Pâmela Tasca , Sulsbach Patrícia , Zampieri Maria de Fátima Mota , Daniel Heloisa Silveira
Published: July 2010

A cidade de Florianópolis, a exemplo do país, vive um período crítico na obstetrícia, onde taxas de cesárea são altas, assim como traumas relacionados ao parto. Partindo desta percepção, enfermeiras e acadêmicas desenvolveram pesquisa qualitativa convergente assistencial com mulheres que participaram, enquanto gestantes/parturientes, de prática educativa durante o processo de nascimento. O estudo realizou-se na comunidade dos Ingleses em 2007, buscou conhecer a importância do processo educativo e as contribuições ao socializar conhecimentos sobre o processo de nascimento e ao praticar tecnologias de cuidado na gestação. Tais tecnologias são ações terapêuticas e não farmacológicas, podem minimizar a dor e ajudar gestantes a conhecerem seus corpos e potenciais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação participante e as mulheres foram questionadas sobre percepção e significado da gravidez, orientação pré-natal, dúvidas. Após análise originaram-se categorias - compreender o significado da gravidez e do processo de nascimento; incorporar as tecnologias do cuidado e viver o parto com tranquilidade; sentir-se valorizada por profissional da unidade básica de saúde; favorecer participação ativa no processo de nascimento. A prática educativa colaborou na vivência do processo e na satisfação da mulher. O conhecimento produzido pode subsidiar mudanças no cotidiano do cuidado à gestante na atenção básica.Descritores: Educação em saúde; Terapêutica; Assistência pré-natal; Cuidado de enfermagem; Parto obstétrico.
Participação do acompanhante na humanização do parto e sua relação com a equipe de saúde
Authors: Longo Cristiane Silva Mendonça , Andraus Lourdes Maria Silva , Barbosa Maria Alves
Published: July 2010

A humanização é entendida como responsabilização mútua entre serviços de saúde e a comunidade e consiste em acolhimento e resolutividade. O objetivo deste artigo foi refletir sobre a participação do acompanhante na humanização do parto e nascimento e sobre a sua interface com a equipe de saúde. Reflexão baseada na experiência dos pesquisadores e na literatura atualizada. Organizou-se o texto com abordagem nas temáticas: a participação do acompanhante na humanização do parto e nascimento e o acompanhante no processo de parturição e sua interface com a equipe de saúde. O atendimento humanizado é importante para que o parto seja uma experiência satisfatória e segura para a mulher e seu filho. Entre as medidas do parto humanizado destaca-se o direito da mulher decidir pelo parto natural e de ser acompanhada durante o processo de parturição. A relação entre o acompanhante e a equipe de saúde é complexa, dada a limitação de sua participação no contexto do parto. Trata-se de processo em construção, envolvendo aspectos físico-ambientais das instituições de saúde, qualificação dos profissionais de saúde e da própria cultura das usuárias, que mantém muito arraigada a atitude submissa diante de seus direitos como cidadãs. Descritores: Parto humanizado; Humanização da assistência; Acompanhantes de pacientes; Enfermagem obstétrica.
O adolescente enquanto protagonista em atividades de educação em saúde no espaço escolar
Authors: Silva Marta Angélica Iossi , Mello Débora Falleiros de , Carlos Diene Monique
Published: July 2010

O paradigma do protagonismo juvenil reconhece nos adolescentes potencialidades e valores de mobilização e participação, os quais podem contribuir para a promoção da saúde e melhor qualidade de vida desta população. O objetivo desta investigação foi conhecer e analisar a participação de adolescentes escolares em atividades de educação em saúde na escola e a sua inserção enquanto sujeitos protagonistas na referidas atividades. O estudo foi realizado em duas escolas municipais de ensino fundamental de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de fevereiro a junho de 2007. Estudo transversal, a partir de uma abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados incluíram respostas a um questionário com instrumentos validados, e a análise estatística se constituiu basicamente da categorização de variáveis e obtenção das listagens de frequências, realizadas através do Programa Epi Info 3.3.2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Estados Unidos). Os adolescentes entrevistados apontam que ainda permanecem em uma relação de dependência da escola e dos educadores para a realização e participação de atividades educativas em saúde no espaço escolar. Isto significa dizer que esses adolescentes ainda convivem com uma relação educador-educando unilateral, pouco participativa, indicando uma urgente necessidade de se promover a inclusão desses adolescentes como atores ativos do mundo escolar. Descritores: Adolescente; Participação cidadã; Educação em saúde; Instituições acadêmicas.
Qualidade de vida de cuidadores primários de crianças com paralisia cerebral: revisão da literatura
Authors: Prudente Cejane Oliveira Martins , Barbosa Maria Alves , Porto Celmo Celeno
Published: July 2010

O nascimento de uma criança com Paralisia Cerebral provoca mudanças na instituição familiar. Desta forma, os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores primários de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral e correlacionar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores primários de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral com o nível de comprometimento motor das crianças. Tratou-se de uma revisão da literatura, junto às bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO e PubMed, com os descritores qualidade de vida,  cuidadores, mães, pais e paralisia cerebral, onde foram utilizados artigos científicos publicados entre 1995 a 2009. Dos 36 artigos encontrados, 7 fizeram parte da amostra. Os artigos analisados mostraram que pelo menos alguns aspectos da qualidade de vida dos cuidadores primários de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral são de modo geral pior que o dos cuidadores primários de crianças saudáveis. Não há, contudo, consenso entre os autores que correlacione qualidade de vida dos cuidadores com o nível de comprometimento motor das crianças com Paralisia Cerebral, mas os estudos analisados tiveram limitações na amostra, não sendo constituídos por grupos homogêneos, segundo o Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora. Conclui-se que os profissionais da saúde devem direcionar seu olhar aos cuidadores de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral. Descritores: Qualidade de vida; Mães; Cuidadores; Paralisia Cerebral.
Violência vivenciada pelas adolescentes em situação de rua na ótica dos profissionais cuidadores do abrigo
Authors: Penna Lucia Helena Garcia , Carinhanha Joana Iabrudi , Rodrigues Raquel Fonseca
Published: July 2010

Diante da relevância e particularidade da violência na restrição ao exercício da cidadania das adolescentes em situação de rua e na vulnerabilização à sua saúde, o objetivo do estudo foi compreender a problemática da violência vivida pelas mesmas na ótica dos profissionais cuidadores de abrigo. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa do tipo descritivo, cujos dados foram produzidos através de entrevistas junto aos profissionais cuidadores de um abrigo para adolescentes da rede municipal do Rio de Janeiro-RJ em 2008. Os depoimentos foram interpretados à luz da análise de conteúdo, resultando em quatro categorias que explicitam a visão dos profissionais acerca dos tipos de violência vividos pelas adolescentes: violência coletiva, violência juvenil, violência familiar e violência de gênero. Concluindo, os profissionais cuidadores do abrigo compreendem a problemática da violência vivida pelas adolescentes em situação de rua de forma ampliada e apresentam algumas inter-relações e concomitância dos vários tipos de violência, configurando a complexa trama da violência que atravessa marcadamente as vidas dessas adolescentes. Descritores: Violência contra a mulher; Menores de rua; Adolescente institucionalizado.
Cuidados ao recém nascido em fototerapia: o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem
Authors: Gomes Nathália Silva , Teixeira Jesislei Bonolo do Amaral , Barichello Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

A icterícia é uma das alterações mais frequentes tanto em recém-nascidos a termo  quanto em prematuros. A fototerapia é o tratamento mais utilizado nestes casos, porém este tratamento pode ocasionar algumas alterações no bebê, as quais  devem ser prevenidas e detectadas precocemente pela equipe de enfermagem. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem acerca dos cuidados ao recém-nascido e complicações relacionadas a fototerapia.  Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo e descritivo realizado com a equipe de enfermagem dos setores de Serviço de enfermagem da Unidade Neonatológica, Alojamento Conjunto e CTI Neonatal de um Hospital Universitário. As temáticas da entrevista abordaram sobre: quando é iniciada a fototerapia no RN, quem realiza a avaliação da evolução da icterícia, quais os possíveis efeitos colaterais no RN e quem os avalia, e sobre os cuidados realizados ao RN em fototerapia e aos equipamentos utilizados. Percebemos que o melhor conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre os cuidados relacionados ao recém-nascido em fototerapia e aos aparelhos utilizados propicia maior qualidade na assistência, resultados mais rápidos e eficazes e reconhecimento do trabalho da enfermagem no cuidado. Descritores: Icterícia; Fototerapia; Enfermagem.
Satisfação e insatisfação no trabalho na percepção de enfermeiros de um hospital universitário
Authors: Nunes Carina Maria , Rizatto Tronchin Daisy Maria , Melleiro Marta Maria , Kurcgant Paulina
Published: July 2010

O trabalho ocupa lugar central na vida do homem e dependendo da forma como é executado e organizado, demanda ações, no sentido de suprir as necessidades dos trabalhadores, as quais podem gerar sentimentos de satisfação ou insatisfação. Este estudo exploratório-descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, teve por objetivos conhecer os elementos constituintes da satisfação e insatisfação no trabalho e compreender o significado de satisfação e insatisfação na perspectiva de enfermeiros de um hospital público e de ensino no Município de São Paulo. Contou com a participação de dez enfermeiros. Os dados foram coletados no período de abril a julho de 2007, por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e apresentadas na forma de narrativa. Adotou-se o método de Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin para analisar e interpretar as narrativas. Dos achados emergiram as Unidades de Significado que culminaram nas categorias: Satisfação no trabalho, Insatisfação no trabalho e a Dualidade entre Satisfação e Insatisfação no trabalho. Os resultados permitiram identificar os elementos constituintes da satisfação e insatisfação no trabalho, propiciando a implementação de estratégias que impactem na dinâmica organizacional e, ainda, contribuir para a construção de indicadores de qualidade de gerenciamento em recursos humanos. Descritores: Satisfação no emprego; Recursos Humanos em Saúde; Enfermagem.
Motivação nas atividades de reabilitação cardiovascular: uma pesquisa convergente-assistencial
Authors: Bonetti Albertina , Silva Denise Guerreiro Vieira da , Moya Jose Luis Medina
Published: July 2010

A dificuldade na realização de atividades físicas por pessoas com Doença Arterial Coronariana nos levou a desenvolver estudo objetivando conhecer os aspectos que influenciam na motivação dessas pessoas para a participação em um Programa de Práticas Corporais Lúdicas. O caminho metodológico foi fundamentado na pesquisa convergente-assistencial. Foram envolvidas dezenove pessoas integrantes de um grupo de pesquisa interdisciplinar sobre dislipidemias. O Programa foi desenvolvido durante oito meses, efetuando coleta de dados por meio de observação participante e entrevistas semi-estruturadas. As vivencias foram realizadas três vezes por semana com duração de uma hora cada encontro lúdico. Para analisar entrevistas e diários de campo, utilizamos o software Atlas ti. A análise dos dados possibilitou a construção de três categorias: ter prazer, sentir-se incluído, avanços na condição física. O programa proporcionou diversidade dos movimentos corporais, diferenciando-se da hegemonia das práticas nos programas tradicionais; melhor compreensão e percepção de corpo; melhor condicionamento; melhor interação e integração e maior motivação para a participação efetiva no Programa. Esses resultados nos levaram a compreender que a utilização de abordagens diferenciadas, com componente lúdico favorecem a participação e continuidade na realização de atividades físicas. Descritores: Motivação; Atividade motora; Doença das coronárias; Ludoterapia.
Adesão à prática de higienização das mãos por profissionais de saúde de um Hospital Universitário
Authors: Borges Primo Mariusa Gomes , Ribeiro Luana Cássia Miranda , Da Silva Figueiredo Lany Franciely , Albernaz Sirico Suely Cunha , De Souza Marta Antunes
Published: July 2010

A higienização das mãos (HM) é a medida mais simples e efetiva e de menor custo no controle das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a adesão dos profissionais da área de saúde quanto à prática de higienização das mãos. Pesquisa descritiva do tipo quantitativa realizada por meio de um banco de dados do Serviço de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar de um hospital escola da região Centro-oeste. A análise foi realizada por meio do programa SPSS versão 16.0. Foram analisadas 1316 oportunidades de HM, dessas 951 (72,3%) não ocorreram à adesão a essa prática. Em relação às situações que não ocorreram à adesão, destaca-se antes da realização de procedimento não invasivo com o paciente com 24%. A adesão à HM, segundo as normas regulamentadas pelos órgãos competentes, não se apresenta incorporada à prática diária dos profissionais de saúde dessa instituição e, desta forma, ações educativas com vistas a orientar e motivar esses profissionais à prática correta e frequente de HM devem ser discutidas e implementadas. Descritores: Lavagem de mãos; Infecção hospitalar; Pessoal de saúde.
Bases para o cuidado de idosos portadores de Paralisia Supra-Nuclear Progressiva
Authors: Oliveira Flávia Vilas Boas , Munari Denize Bouttelet , Pelzer Marlene Teda
Published: July 2010

Doenças crônico-degenerativas acometem parcela significativa de idosos, constituindo-se em importante problema de saúde pública, considerando-se o envelhecimento populacional em todo o mundo. Em particular, aquelas que trazem limitações e incapacidades funcionais são as que mais comprometem a qualidade de vida, especialmente, quando causam dependência para atividades de vida diária. Com o avanço da ciência, algumas dessas doenças são descobertas recentes, trazendo aos profissionais dúvidas quanto ao seu manejo. A paralisia supra-nuclear progressiva (PSP) se constitui em uma delas e é objeto de estudo do presente artigo de atualização, cujo objetivo foi descrever a PSP, bem como alguns aspectos que dão base para cuidado de idosos portadores dessa patologia. O texto traz inicialmente informações sobre o histórico da doença, sua prevalência, etiologia, diagnóstico e características clínicas. Em seguida discute a necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar no acompanhamento do portador de PSP, bem como explora algumas questões relacionadas aos cuidados que devem ser dirigidos aos familiares. Considerando-se a natureza rara da doença, fica evidente a necessidade dos profissionais de saúde estar atentos aos sinais de instalação da doença para que seu diagnóstico seja precoce e o acompanhamento iniciado o mais rápido possível, evitando-se assim danos irreversíveis, especialmente relacionados a quedas e aspiração. Descritores: Paralisia supra-nuclear progressiva; Saúde do idoso; Idoso; Cuidadores.
Creatine transporter deficiency in two half‐brothers
Authors: Ardon Orly , Filippo Cristina Amat di San , Salomons Gajja S. , Longo Nicola
Published: July 2010

X‐linked cerebral creatine deficiency is caused by the deficiency of the creatine transporter encoded by the SLC6A8 gene. Here, we report two half‐brothers with this condition and characterize creatine transport in human fibroblasts. The propositus presented at 6 months of age with delays in development and slow progress since then with no regression. Seizures started at 3.5 years of age and responded well to treatment with anticonvulsants. He had failure to thrive with all growth parameters (including head size) at or below the fifth centile. Brain MRI indicated hemispheric white matter abnormalities, while MR spectroscopy indicated markedly reduced creatine peak. Biochemical testing indicated increased urine creatine/creatinine ratio, with normal plasma creatine and guanidinoacetate. To confirm the diagnosis, we measured [14]C‐creatine transport in fibroblasts. [14]C‐Creatine transport in normal human fibroblasts was linear for up to 2 hr at 37°C. Kinetic studies indicated the presence of a single saturable creatine transporter with a Km of 34.7 ± 2.5 µM. Fibroblasts from the propositus lacked creatine transport. DNA testing indicated hemizygosity for a novel deletion producing a frameshift (c.974_975delCA, p.Thr325SerfsX139) in the creatine transporter gene. His 12‐year‐old half‐brother had similar biochemical and clinical abnormalities except for the presence of macrocephaly and the absence of seizures. The mother had history of seizures in childhood, but had normal development. These results show that human fibroblasts have a single major creatine transporter and that measurement of its specific activity can confirm creatine transporter deficiency. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of acetophenone formaldehyde resin containing ABA type block copolymers by ATRP
Authors: Canak Tuba Cakır , Kızılcan Nilgün , Serhatlı İ. Ersin
Published: July 2010

Well‐defined ABA type block copolymers of acetophenone formaldehyde resin (AFR) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization. In the first step, acetophenone formaldehyde resin containing hydroxyl groups was modified with 2‐bromopropionyl bromide. Resulting difunctional macroinitiator was used in the ATRP of MMA using copper bromide (CuBr)/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyl‐diethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as the catalyst system at 90°C. The chemical composition and structure of the copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and molecular weight measurement. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to study the molecular weight distributions of the AFR block copolymers. Mn up to 24,000 associated with narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI < 1.5) were obtained with conversions up to 79%. Coating properties of obtained block copolymers such as adhesion and reflectance values were investigated. They showed good adhesion properties on Plexiglass substrates. Reflectance values increased as the resin content of polymer increased. The thermal properties of all polymers were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All block copolymers showed higher thermal stability than their precursor AFR resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
PE/OMMT nanocomposites catalyzed by the OMMT‐intercalated Et[Ind]2ZrCl2 in slurry polymerization: Effects of organic solvent on ethylene polymerization behaviors and the nanocomposite structures
Authors: Huang Ying‐Juan , Qin Ya‐Wei , Dong Jin‐Yong
Published: July 2010

In situ intercalative polymerization for ethylene monomers was carried out to produce PE‐based hybrids through a slurry polymerization method. In this approach, organic solvent for olefin polymerization was found to be one of the most significant factors for the dispersion of the OMMT‐intercalated Et[Ind]2ZrCl2 catalysts, which determines that whether olefin monomers polymerize is in a well‐defined confinement environment or not. Understanding the olefin polymerization occurring in between the nanoscale silicate layers of OMMT as well as the corresponding structure of OMMT in an organic polymerization solvent is a critical step toward tailoring and characterizing nanocomposites formed by OMMT in a polyolefin matrix. As we know, the Et[Ind]2ZrCl2 catalyst and MAO are both better dissolved in toluene than that in hexane because of the larger polarity of toluene. Thus, in hexane the active sites of the OMMT/Et[Ind]2ZrCl2 catalyst exist in the silicate layers of OMMT and the PE chains grow in the middle of them, while in toluene the active specimens are exposed in the gel formed by the OMMT‐intercalated catalyst with MAO, which cause that the PE chains propagated in the mixture liquids. Consequently, when hexane is selected as the polymerization solvent, the formed PE‐based nanocomposites have a good dispersion of OMMT and the nanofiller content (TGA measurement residue at 600°C) is thus higher (>7.0 wt %). However, in toluene, most of the silicate layers of OMMT are agglomerated in the PE matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Influence of thermal ageing on surface degradation of ethylene‐propylene‐diene elastomer
Authors: Nevshupa R. , Martínez L. , Álvarez L. , López M. F. , Huttel Y. , Méndez J. , Román E.
Published: July 2010

Evolution of the surface characteristics of EPDM elastomer was studied as a function of thermal ageing at 80°C and 120°C in air for up to 100 days. The components of the surface free energy (SFE) were determined from contact angle measurements of five liquids using acid–base regression and Fowke's theories. SFE increased with ageing duration. For ageing at 80°C, SFE increased exponentially with time and stabilized after 60 days. Ageing at 120°C promoted a steep enhancement of SFE within the first 5 days followed by a slow long‐term linear increase. Rate parameters of the SFE evolution were analyzed using Dakin's kinetic model. Analysis of the surface composition using X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy evidenced an enhancement of the oxygen content with increasing the ageing time. The increase of the polar component of the SFE was attributed to the presence of these oxygen functional groups. This tendency was more pronounced for ageing at 80°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of corn‐zein coating on the mechanical properties of polypropylene packaging films
Authors: Tihminlioglu Funda , Atik İsa Doğan , Özen Banu
Published: July 2010

In this study, a novel film structure of corn zein coated on polypropylene (PP) synthetic films for food packaging applications was developed, and the mechanical properties of the resulting coated film, as affected by the coating formulation, were investigated. Composite structures of PP films coated with corn zein were obtained through a simple solvent casting method. Different amounts of corn zein (5 and 15%) were dissolved in 70 and 95% aqueous ethanol solution at 50°C. Solutions of corn zein plasticized with poly(ethylene glycol) and glycerol (GLY) at various levels (20 and 50%) were applied on corona‐discharge‐treated PP. A statistical analysis based on full factorial design was performed to examine the influence of the coating formulation on the final properties of the corn‐zein‐coated PP films. A significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the coated film's mechanical properties was observed compared to those of the uncoated PP. The effect of the plasticization of the coating solutions was also quite significant. In general, GLY provided better improvements in the mechanical properties of the corn‐zein‐coated PP films. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the corn‐zein and plasticizer concentrations and plasticizer type used in the coating formulations were more effective parameters and had significant effects on the mechanical behavior of the coated PP films. In conclusion, corn‐zein coatings could have potential as alternatives to conventional synthetic polymers used in composite multilayer structures for food packaging applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Studies on effect of improved d‐spacing of montomorillonite on properties of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites
Authors: Shimpi N. G. , Mishra S.
Published: July 2010

Surface modification of montomorillonite for improvement in d‐spacing was done by column chromatography with quaternary long chain ammonium salt having cation exchange capacity of 110 meq/100 g. Organically modified montomorillonite (OMMT)/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites were prepared through direct melt compounding on a conventional twin screw extruder. Because of improved d‐spacing of OMMT, the polymer chains get exfoliated in between the plates of clay and dispersed uniformly. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were found to be appreciable at 12 wt % loading of OMMT. Moreover, rheological data, such as torque, fusion time, viscosity, and shear rate were also recorded on Brabender Plasticorder. The improvement in mechanical properties with increase in amount of OMMT loading is evidenced from reduction in shear viscosity and torque. Also nanoclay is acting as a lubricating agent with packing effect, which reduces the torque with decrease in viscosity along with increment in elongation at break. Because of soft nature of OMMT and improvement in d‐spacing the processing of PVC becomes easier, and hence, OMMT is playing a dual role as a (i) good processing aid and (ii) filler. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Realisation of a fully‐deterministic microlensing observing strategy for inferring planet populations
Authors: Dominik M. , Jørgensen U.G. , Rattenbury N.J. , Mathiasen M. , Hinse T.C. , Calchi Novati S. , Harpsøe K. , Bozza V. , Anguita T. , Burgdorf M.J. , Horne K. , Hundertmark M. , Kerins E. , Kjærgaard P. , Liebig C. , Mancini L. , Masi G. , Rahvar S. , Ricci D. , Scarpetta G. , Snodgrass C. , Southworth J. , Street R.A. , Surdej J. , Thöne C.C. , Tsapras Y. , Wambsganss J. , Zub M.
Published: July 2010

Within less than 15 years, the count of known planets orbiting stars other than the Sun has risen from none to more than 400 with detections arising from four successfully applied techniques: Doppler‐wobbles, planetary transits, gravitational microlensing, and direct imaging. While the hunt for twin Earths is on, a statistically well‐defined sample of the population of planets in all their variety is required for probing models of planet formation and orbital evolution so that the origin of planets that harbour life, like and including ours, can be understood. Given the different characteristics of the detection techniques, a complete picture can only arise from a combination of their respective results. Microlensing observations are well‐suited to reveal statistical properties of the population of planets orbiting stars in either the Galactic disk or bulge from microlensing observations, but a mandatory requirement is the adoption of strictly‐deterministic criteria for selecting targets and identifying signals. Here, we describe a fully‐deterministic strategy realised by means of the ARTEMiS (Automated Robotic Terrestrial Exoplanet Microlensing Search) system at the Danish 1.54‐m telescope at ESO La Silla between June and August 2008 as part of the MiNDSTEp (Microlensing Network for the Detection of Small Terrestrial Exoplanets) campaign, making use of immediate feedback on suspected anomalies recognized by the SIGNALMEN anomaly detector. We demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of such an approach, and thereby the readiness for studying planet populations down to Earth mass and even below, with ground‐based observations. While the quality of the real‐time photometry is a crucial factor on the efficiency of the campaign, an impairment of the target selection by data of bad quality can be successfully avoided. With a smaller slew time, smaller dead time, and higher through‐put, modern robotic telescopes could significantly outperform the 1.54‐m Danish, whereas lucky‐imaging cameras could set new standards for high‐precision follow‐up monitoring of microlensing events (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predicting elections from the most important issue: A test of the take‐the‐best heuristic
Authors: Graefe Andreas , Armstrong J. Scott
Published: July 2010

We used the take‐the‐best heuristic to develop a model to forecast the popular two‐party vote shares in U.S. presidential elections. The model draws upon information about how voters expect the candidates to deal with the most important issue facing the country. We used cross‐validation to calculate a total of 1000 out‐of‐sample forecasts, one for each of the last 100 days of the ten U.S. presidential elections from 1972 to 2008. Ninety‐seven per cent of forecasts correctly predicted the winner of the popular vote. The model forecasts were competitive compared to forecasts from methods that incorporate substantially more information (e.g., econometric models and the Iowa Electronic Markets). The purpose of the model is to provide fast advice on which issues candidates should stress in their campaign. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of video self‐monitoring on procedural integrity
Authors: Pelletier Kelly , McNamara Bethany , Braga‐Kenyon Paula , Ahearn William H.
Published: July 2010

A video self‐monitoring treatment package was used to evaluate the procedural integrity of staff implementing behavioral guidelines for one child with autism. Staff members with low procedural integrity scores were asked to participate. The treatment package incorporated an implementation video which reviewed the relevant behavioral guidelines and a procedural integrity monitoring system. Each participant was taught to score a pre‐training video, which highlighted components of implementing behavioral guidelines, with a procedural integrity tool denoting correct implementation of the procedures. The participant then scored their own baseline video using a similar tool constructed to highlight the target student's behavior plan. Participant scores were compared to experimenter scores and verbal feedback was given by the experimenter if the scores varied. Results showed increased procedural integrity implementing the behavior guidelines from baseline to 100% implementation for two out of three participants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Web‐based tutor for interactive design of single‐span and continuous steel beams
Authors: Wang Nengmou , Adeli Hojjat
Published: July 2010

The senior author developed the approach of interactive computer‐aided design of steel structures on the first‐generation personal computers in mid‐1980s. The goal of this research is to develop web‐based courseware to complement undergraduate teaching of structural steel design. Java Applets are being developed for interactive design of steel beams, compression members, beam‐columns, connections, and plate girders. In this article, an example applet, called Beam Tutor, is presented for design of single‐span and multi‐span steel beams. It can design a variety of beam types such as simply‐supported, cantilever, propped, fixed, and multi‐span continuous beams subjected to a multitude of loadings including linearly varying load according to two different codes of the American Institute of Steel Construction: Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications. With the help of the web‐based courseware, students can find answers to many what‐if scenarios quickly. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 383–389, 2012
Bans against corporal punishment: a systematic review of the laws, changes in attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Zolotor Adam J. , Puzia Megan E.
Published: July 2010

Twenty‐four countries have passed legislative bans on corporal punishment since the passage of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This systematic review briefly reviews the arguments for corporal punishment bans and the contents and context of the current legal bans. All such bans have occurred in representative governments. Following this background, the paper will examine the impacts of the laws with regard to attitudes regarding corporal punishment and parental discipline behaviours. It is clear from the findings of this systematic review that legal bans on corporal punishment are closely associated with decreases in support of and use of corporal punishment as a child discipline technique. However, it is less clear if such legislative bans always generally precede a decline in popular support for corporal punishment or result from such a decline in popular support. The known impact of such bans on child physical abuse will then be reviewed. The paper concludes with a policy analysis framework for considering new legislation to ban corporal punishment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutathione cycle in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Biljak Vanja Radišić , Rumora Lada , Čepelak Ivana , Pancirov Dolores , Popović‐Grle Sanja , Sorić Jasna , Grubišić Tihana Žanić
Published: July 2010

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. Glutathione is the most abundant cellular low‐molecular weight thiol and the glutathione redox cycle is the fundamental component of the cellular antioxidant defence system. Concentration of total glutathione and catalytic activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined in peripheral blood of patients (n = 109) and healthy subjects (n = 51). Concentration of total glutathione in patients was not changed in comparison to healthy controls. However, we found statistically significant difference between patients with moderate and severe disease stages. Glutathione reductase activity was increased, while glutathione proxidase activity was decreased in the patients with COPD, when compared to healthy controls. We found no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities between stages. Patients who smoked had lower concentration of total glutathione compared with former smokers and never‐smoking patients. Lung function parameters were inversely associated with glutathione level. Evidence is presented for differential modulation of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in peripheral blood of patients with stable COPD. We suppose that in addition to glutathione biosynthesis, glutathione reductase‐dependent regulation of the glutathione redox state is vital for protection against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer‐upregulated gene 2 (CUG2) overexpression induces apoptosis in SKOV‐3 cells
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Koh Wansoo , Kim Hyun‐Taek , Kim Cheol‐Hee , Lee Soojin
Published: July 2010

Cancer‐upregulated gene 2 (CUG2) was originally identified as a potential oncogene commonly up‐regulated in various human cancers. Recently, CUG2 was also identified as a new member of a centromere protein complex, important in the formation of a functional kinetochore complex. Presently, we report the pro‐apoptotic effect of CUG2 when this gene was overexpressed in the SKOV‐3 human ovarian cancer cell line. Apoptotic cell death mediated by CUG2 overexpression was independently demonstrated using cell viability determination, flow cytometry analysis, chromosome fragmentation assay, and the cleavage of the death substrate poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Moreover, activation of caspase‐3 and ‐8 and the cytoplasmic translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c were evident upon CUG2 expression. Apoptotic cell death was also observed during early development of zebrafish when CUG2 was overexpressed in zebrafish embryo. We propose that high expression of CUG2 induces apoptotic cell death. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Window consensus PCA for multiblock statistical process control: adaption to small and time‐dependent normal operating condition regions, illustrated by online high performance liquid chromatography of a three‐stage continuous process
Authors: Ferreira Diana L. S. , Kittiwachana Sila , Fido Louise A. , Thompson Duncan R. , Escott Richard E. A. , Brereton Richard G.
Published: July 2010

A method for multiblock statistical process control is described, involving the computation of Q and D statistics both for individual blocks and for the overall process using window consensus principal components analysis (WCPCA). The approach overcomes two common problems. The first is a small normal operating conditions (NOC) region, which is done by determining the Q‐statistic limits and D statistics using leave‐one‐out (LOO) residuals and scores, rather than employing the residuals and scores of a single training set model obtained from the entire NOC region. The second overcomes the problem of temporal drift of the process and/or measurement technique by updating the NOC covariance matrix to adapt to normal process changes. The unifying multiblock statistical process control and relevant statistics are adapted to cope with these issues and are illustrated in this paper using CPCA as applied to online high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of a three‐stage continuous process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of multivariate methods for quantitative determination with transmission Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Fransson Magnus , Johansson Jonas , Sparén Anders , Svensson Olof
Published: July 2010

The use of transmission Raman spectroscopy for quantitative assessment of pharmaceutical tablets using different multivariate approaches was investigated. Although Raman spectroscopy is most often used in backscatter geometry, in this paper a transmission approach was utilized, where the Raman scattered light is detected at the back side of the tablets. Raman spectra were recorded using a dispersive spectrometer with a 785 nm excitation laser and a typical exposure time of 10 s. The tablets were loaded to a 32‐position sample rack and measured by an automated procedure. Tablets with variation in content of paracetamol were manufactured. The data were evaluated with respect to the content of paracetamol, using partial least squares (PLS) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR). In addition, classical least squares (CLS), curve fitting and peak ratios were included for comparison. MCR, CLS and PLS gave comparable results with relative prediction errors for an independent test set in the range of 2.4–3.4%. Curve fitting and peak ratios gave higher prediction errors, typically around 4 and 6%, respectively. Interestingly, quantitative models based on only two samples in the calibration sets resulted in almost as good results as if half of the available tablets were included in the calibration. Due to the simple calibration models and the selective Raman spectra, the loadings and spectra were easy to interpret for all the multivariate methods used in this paper. The implications for content uniformity analysis by using transmission Raman in this simplified approach are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Tris(hydroxypyridinones) as Iron and Aluminium Sequestering Agents: Synthesis, Complexation and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Chaves Sílvia , Marques Sérgio M. , Matos André M. F. , Nunes Andreia , Gano Lurdes , Tuccinardi Tiziano , Martinelli Adriano , Santos M. Amélia
Published: July 2010

Two new tripodal tris(3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone) hexadentate chelators—NTA(BuHP)3and NTP(PrHP)3(NTA=nitrilotriacetic acid, NTP=nitrilotripropionic acid, HP=hydroxypyridone)—have been developed and studied in solution for their iron and aluminium binding affinity, and also assayed in vivo for their capacity to remove metal from an animal model that is overloaded. These chelators are positional isomers, possessing identical general structures based on aminotricarboxylic acid skeletons attached to three bidentate 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinones (3,4‐HPs), but differing in the position of the amide linkage along the chelating “arm”. In spite of expected differences in the tripodal ligands, such as acidity and hydrogen‐bonding networks, they share important properties, namely, a mild hydrophilic character (log Pca. −1.2 to −1.4) and a strong chelating affinity for Fe and Al (pFe=27.9 and pAl=22.0 for NTA(BuHP)3; pFe=29.4 and pAl=22.4 for NTP(PrHP)3). They also evidenced identical effects on the biodistribution and on the excretion of a radiotracer (67Ga) previously administered to mice, as models of iron overload animals. Comparison of the new compounds with reported analogues shows good improvement in terms of solution and in vivo sequestering properties, thus giving support to expectations about their potential clinical application as metal removal agents.
Evaluation of lymph node counts in primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Authors: Thompson R. Houston , Carver Brett S. , Bosl George J. , Bajorin Dean , Motzer Robert , Feldman Darren , Reuter Victor E. , Sheinfeld Joel
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Lymph node counts are a measure of quality assurance and are associated with prognosis for numerous malignancies. To date, investigations of lymph node counts in testis cancer are lacking.

METHODS:

By using the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Testis Cancer database, the authors identified 255 patients who underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) between 1999 and 2008. Features that were associated with lymph node counts, positive lymph nodes, the number of positive lymph nodes, and the risk of positive contralateral lymph nodes were evaluated with regression models.

RESULTS:

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) total lymph node count was 38 lymph nodes (IQR, 27‐53 total lymph nodes), and it was 48 (IQR, 34‐61 total lymph nodes) during the most recent 5 years. Features that were associated with higher lymph node count on multivariate analysis included high‐volume surgeon (P = .034), clinical stage (P = .036), and more recent year of surgery (P < .001); whereas pathologist was not associated significantly with lymph node count (P = .3). Clinical stage (P < .001) and total lymph node count (P = .045) were associated significantly with finding positive lymph nodes on multivariate analysis. The probability of finding positive lymph nodes was 23%, 23%, 31%, and 48% if the total lymph node count was <21, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, and >60, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 3 years, all patients remained alive, and 16 patients developed recurrent disease, although no patients developed recurrent disease in the paracaval, interaortocaval, para‐aortic, or iliac regions.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that >40 lymph nodes removed at RPLND improve the diagnostic efficacy of the operation. The authors believe that these results will be useful for future trials comparing RPLNDs, especially when assessing the adequacy of lymph node dissection. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.