bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistência de plantas aos herbicidas inibidores da acetolactato sintase
Authors: Rizzardi M.A. , Vidal R.A. , Fleck N.G. , Agostinetto D.
Published: October 2009

A resistência de plantas aos herbicidas é conseqüência, na maioria das vezes, de mutação ou da preexistência de genes que conferem resistência à população. No caso dos herbicidas inibidores da acetolactato sintase (ALS) ocorreram casos de resistência tanto em plantas daninhas quanto em culturas. Essa revisão foi realizada com o objetivo de discutir aspectos bioquímicos, genéticos e moleculares da resistência de plantas aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS, sendo destacados também os efeitos na ecofisiologia das plantas daninhas e em mutações que conferem resistência em plantas daninhas e a possibilidade de utilizá-las para o desenvolvimento de culturas resistentes aos inibidores da ALS. Em plantas daninhas, a resistência aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS resulta de uma ou mais mutações no gene que codifica a ALS; quando a herança desse gene é monogênica, ele possui característica dominante a semidominante. As substituições em uma única seqüência nucleotídica ocasionam alteração na ALS, conferindo resistência aos herbicidas inibidores dessa enzima. Embora o biótipo resistente apresente alteração genética e enzimática quando comparado com biótipo suscetível, o comportamento ecofisiológico dos biótipos resistentes e suscetíveis é similar. Essa característica tem implicações muito importantes no estabelecimento das populações resistentes. Já foram desenvolvidos cultivares resistentes para diversas culturas, incluindo arroz e milho, as quais variam no nível de resistência aos diferentes grupos químicos de herbicidas inibidores da ALS.
Análise do Crescimento de Hyptis suaveolens
Authors: Gravena R. , Pedrinho Júnior A.F.F. , Barbosa Júnior A.F. , Bianco S. , Pitelli R.A.
Published: October 2009

O crescimento de H. suaveolens foi estudado em casa de vegetação, no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. As plantas cresceram em vasos com capacidade de cinco litros, preenchidos com areia e irrigados com solução nutritiva, diariamente. Os atributos de crescimento das plantas foram avaliados dos 20 até os 160 dias após a emergência (DAE) da planta daninha, em intervalos regulares de 14 dias. A planta atingiu o máximo estimado de biomassa seca acumulada aos 145 DAE. A partir da emergência, até 104 dias, as folhas apresentaram maior participação no acúmulo de biomassa seca total da planta; posteriormente, os caules passaram a deter maior proporção dessa característica. A taxa de assimilação líquida foi crescente do início do ciclo até a época estimada de 71 DAE, decrescendo a seguir, provavelmente devido ao auto-sombreamento das folhas. A análise do crescimento indicou que H. suaveolens pode apresentar alta capacidade competitiva, podendo ser considerada planta infestante de crescimento tardio, quando presente nas culturas anuais de verão.
Efeito da densidade e proporção de plantas de tomate industrial e de maria-pretinha em competição
Authors: Hernandez D.D. , Alves P.L.C.A. , Salgado T.P.
Published: October 2009

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de quantificar as interações competitivas e os índices de competitividade entre plantas de tomate industrial (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Heinz 9553) e maria-pretinha (Solanum americanum). Usou-se como método um experimento substitutivo, com densidade total de 40 plantas m-2 e 11 proporções, além das monoculturas em densidades, que variaram de 20 a 100 plantas m-2, em intervalos de 20 plantas, conduzidos no delineamento de blocos casualizados com três repetições. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados pelo método convencional de análise de experimentos substitutivos e pela produção recíproca total. A maria-pretinha mostrou ser um competidor mais agressivo que o tomate, sendo mais importante a competição interespecífica para a planta cultivada. Para a biomassa seca total, as duas espécies não competiram pelos mesmos fatores de crescimento. Já para a área foliar, as duas espécies se mostraram competidoras pelos mesmos fatores de crescimento, mostrando ser essa a característica mais sensível à interferência.
Eficiência do 2,4-D aplicado isoladamente e em mistura com glyphosate no controle da trapoeraba
Authors: Santos I.C. , Ferreira F.A. , Silva A.A. , Miranda G.V. , Santos L.D.T.
Published: October 2009

A trapoeraba (gênero Commelina) é planta daninha-problema em cafezais devido à sua capacidade de sobreviver nas mais diversas condições e tolerância ao herbicida glyphosate. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do herbicida 2,4-D, em doses crescentes, aplicado isoladamente ou em mistura com o glyphosate, no controle de Commelina benghalensis e Commelina diffusa. Para isso, foi conduzido um experimento para cada espécie, em vasos, em casa de vegetação, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Foram comparados dez tratamentos, que consistiram da combinação de cinco doses de 2,4-D (0; 167,5; 335; 670; e 1.005 g ha-1) e duas doses de glyphosate (0 e 720 g ha¹). Avaliou-se a eficácia dos tratamentos pela porcentagem de controle, avaliada em cinco épocas, em relação à testemunha. Em C. benghalensis, 2,4-D proporcionou controle excelente (>91%) aos 33 DAT (dias após tratamento) a partir de 167,5 g ha-1 na presença de glyphosate e a partir de 335 g ha-1 na ausência de glyphosate. Em C. diffusa, 2,4-D proporcionou controle excelente aos 33 DAT a partir de 670 g ha-1, tanto na presença quanto na ausência de glyphosate. No entanto, somente a mistura de 2,4-D + glyphosate a 1.005 + 720 g ha-1 provocou 100% de controle desta espécie, verificando-se rebrota das plantas nos outros tratamentos. Nas condições dos experimentos, C. benghalensis mostrou-se mais suscetível que C. diffusa ao herbicida 2,4-D aplicado isoladamente ou em mistura com o glyphosate. Portanto, a identificação da espécie de trapoeraba presente na área a ser tratada e o conhecimento de sua biologia auxiliam na escolha do melhor produto e da dose ideal a ser aplicada, ou mesmo na escolha da mistura adequada, garantindo menor custo e melhor controle, com menores riscos para a cultura e o meio ambiente.
A paridade do poder de compra: existe um quebra-cabeça?
Authors: Barbosa Fernando de Holanda
Published: October 2009

Este trabalho mostra que o quebra-cabeça da paridade do poder de compra é um artefato estatístico produzido pelo fato de que a taxa de câmbio real de equilíbrio de longo prazo não é constante, mas varia ao longo do tempo. Este fato implica que o coeficiente de inércia é viciado para cima.
Influência de variáveis contextuais em medidas não-paramétricas de eficiência: uma aplicação com métodos de reamostragem
Authors: Souza Mirian Oliveira de , Souza Geraldo da Silva e , Staub Roberta Blass
Published: October 2009

Avaliam-se três técnicas do tipo bootstrap para a análise estatística de um modelo não-paramétrico de produção em que uma medida de eficiência DEA é afetada potencialmente por um conjunto de fatores exógenos. A aplicação de interesse diz respeito a avaliação da significância das variáveis contextuais receita própria, melhoria de processos, intensidade de parcerias, tipo e tamanho nas eficiências técnicas de produção dos centros de pesquisa da Embrapa. Conclui-se que o bootstrap associado ao estimador de máxima verossimilhança produz o melhor ajuste do ponto de vista da correlação de Pearson entre valores observados e preditos e é o mais informativo relativamente a significância das variáveis consideradas. Com exceção de tamanho todas as variáveis contextuais são estatisticamente significantes. Receita própria, melhoria de processos e intensidade de parcerias são todas positivamente associadas com a eficiência técnica.
Facetas da democratização: uma escola exigente
Authors: Antunes Fátima
Published: October 2009

Este estudo, realizado em uma escola portuguesa, identifica uma constelação de orientações, práticas e experiências em que a performatividade e a diversidade parecem ser temas polarizadores dos sentidos de testemunhos de professores e alunos. Procurando interpretar os processos relatados, sugere-se que a edificação de uma escola exigente, segundo os referentes salientados pelos atores no caso estudado, é suscetível de representar uma negociação em presença e uma resposta encontrada, no quadro da performatividade exigida e das condições de diversidade dos públicos acolhidos, face ao processo de democratização da educação vivido naquele contexto. Nas diversas dimensões apreendidas, aquela construção identitária (uma escola exigente) testemunha ângulos particulares de facetas atuais do processo de democratização da instituição escolar vivido ao longo das últimas três décadas. A pesquisa constitui-se como o estudo de um caso, que decorreu entre 2003 e 2005, e procurou recolher uma ampla gama de informações de proveniência diversa: dados estatísticos, documentos internos à escola, entrevistas semiestruturadas e notas de observação não-participante.
La miseria de la degeneración: el materialismo de Buffon y las 'limitaciones' de su transformismo
Authors: Caponi Gustavo
Published: October 2009

En "De la degeneración des animales", de 1766, Buffon sostuvo un 'transformismo limitado' que, doce años después, en Las épocas de la naturaleza, sería complementado por una teoría materialista sobre el origen de la vida que ponía en evidencia que, para el cientista, esa alternativa estaba vedada: las condiciones bajo las cuales los seres vivos desarrollan sus existencias podrían explicar cómo las diferentes especies que componen los distintos géneros de animales se habrían formado a partir de la degeneración de una especie originaria. Pero, la constitución de esas múltiples cepas primigenias sólo podría explicarse por un súbito proceso de generación espontánea. Una limitación inherente al propio sistema de ideas que lo había llevado hasta ese transformismo limitado: la propia teoría de la generación y la reproducción que le servía de base inhibía la posibilidad de su radicalización.
Biblioteca Virtual Carlos Chagas Filho: um espaço para divulgação da ciência brasileira contemporânea
Authors: Lourenço Francisco dos Santos , Passos Daniela , Mendonça Marcus Teixeira , Gonçalves Thiago Werneck , Almeida Darcy Fontoura de
Published: October 2009

Relata o processo de elaboração da biblioteca virtual dedicada à vida e obra de Carlos Chagas Filho. A pesquisa foi realizada no arquivo do próprio cientista e no de algumas instituições científicas e culturais em que ele atuou como membro e/ou dirigente. Os resultados obtidos até o momento demonstram que as informações e os documentos coletados contribuem para o conhecimento da prática científica no Brasil ao longo do século XX, bem como revelam suas interações com os movimentos das ciências biomédicas no exterior.
Práticas educativas e prevenção de HIV/Aids: lições aprendidas e desafios atuais
Authors: Ayres José Ricardo Carvalho Mesquita
Published: October 2009

A prevenção tem sido uma questão crucial para os programas de controle da Aids. Os enormes progressos do conhecimento e da técnica nesse campo não chegaram a alterar substantivamente os determinantes fundamentais da infecção e adoecimento de significativos contingentes populacionais. Neste ensaio busca-se sistematizar as lições que aprendemos no campo da prevenção nessas duas décadas de epidemia, tomando como base, em especial, a experiência brasileira. As implicações dessas lições para nossas estratégias de prevenção são, em síntese: a) que devemos pensá-las menos em termos de "grupo populacionais" e muito mais no que podemos chamar de "contextos de intersubjetividade", isto é, delimitar espaços (sociais, culturais etc) de interação geradores de vulnerabilidade e, de modo articulado, os contextos intersubjetivos favoráveis à construção de respostas para a redução dessas vulnerabilidades; b) a efetiva substituição da atitude modeladora por uma atitude emancipadora em nossas práticas educativas; c) não centrar as políticas, programas e ações nos grupos ou comportamentos de risco, mas nas relações socialmente estabelecidas entre os diversos sujeitos sociais e suas interdependentes e cambiantes identidades.
Sem mágicas soluções: a prevenção e o cuidado em HIV/ AIDS e o processo de emancipação psicossocial
Authors: Paiva Vera
Published: October 2009

Este texto discute a necessidade de politizar os espaços psicoeducativos e propõe a noção de "emancipação psicossocial" como uma das referências para aprofundar a operacionalização da noção de vulnerabilidade no campo da prevenção de novas infecções pelo HIV e da organização do cuidado dos portadores. Refletindo sobre ações para a adesão aos medicamentos e ao preservativo, sugere que a prevenção ao HIV deve superar modelos pensados para cidadãos "HIV negativos" e que se radicalize o continuum prevenir-assistir. Para tanto, é urgente: considerar os fatos acumulados no campo da análise cultural e da pesquisa psicossocial no planejamento e organização de ações de prevenção e de assistência aos portadores, incorporando, por exemplo, as noções da construção social opressiva de dois gêneros, masculino e feminino; superar a noção de "indivíduo-consumidor" (de serviços, programas educativos, preservativos e medicação receitados, de comportamentos e práticas seguras a serem treinadas); estimular a renovação das ações de prevenção e cuidado. Trabalhar com a noção de "indivíduo sujeito-cidadão", co-participante de espaços psico-educativos que têm como horizonte a emancipação psicossocial, pode aumentar a qualidade das ações de prevenção e cuidado integral em HIV e AIDS, incluindo "todos" os brasileiros segundo o contexto sócio-cultural de "cada um", homens e mulheres, positivos ou negativos.
A concepção de ciência de Popper e o ensino de ciências
Authors: Rufatto Carlos Alberto , Carneiro Marcelo Carbone
Published: October 2009

Procurou-se identificar as consequências mais importantes da concepção de ciência de Popper, que deu origem a um rico debate na Filosofia das Ciências, para o Ensino de Ciências. O acompanhamento deste debate permite perceber a riqueza do processo científico, reconhecendo as contribuições daqueles que debateram com Popper; bem como a importância dos aspectos da ciência que Popper valorizou e procurou preservar. As críticas e os debates em torno das abordagens de mudança conceitual contribuíram para a percepção da riqueza e complexidade desse processo. Quando considerados os objetivos institucionais das escolas e as expectativas sociais em torno da compreensão adequada e da procura de superação dos paradigmas vigentes a manutenção de certos aspectos, inerentes ao processo de mudança conceitual, pode se mostrar relevante. Neste sentido, a obra de Popper pode oferecer importante apoio para valorizar aspectos racionais que poderiam presidir o processo de aprender Ciências.
La argumentación en la comunidad científica y en la formación de profesores de física
Authors: Islas Stella Maris , Sgro Margarita Rosa , Pesa Marta Azucena
Published: October 2009

Se informa una parte de una investigación sobre la formación epistemológica de profesores de Física, que apunta a ofrecer fundamentos y orientaciones para mejorar esa formación. Asumiendo que el conocimiento de algunas particularidades de la comunicación entre científicos puede contribuir a desestabilizar las concepciones erróneas de la ciencia que frecuentemente subyacen a las acciones docentes, se presentan en la primera sección del artículo ciertas referencias y ejemplos de argumentaciones sostenidas entre científicos. Se aboga por una formación docente que contemple las argumentaciones que se dan en la ciencia, como aporte para la construcción de visiones menos estereotipadas del razonamiento científico y para el reconocimiento del carácter social de la generación de conocimiento en el ámbito de la ciencia. La información recogida sobre contenidos de Epistemología en la formación docente permite vislumbrar que es posible incorporar estas temáticas, lo cual debería ser acompañado con algunas renovaciones en la dinámica de los cursos de formación.
Composition, diversity and short-term temporal fluctuations of zooplankton communities in fish culture ponds (Pindamonhangaba), SP
Authors: Negreiros NF. , Rojas NE. , Rocha O. , Santos Wisniewski MJ.
Published: October 2009

The present study aimed at evaluating the composition, diversity and short-term temporal fluctuations of zooplankton communities in fish ponds. The study was carried out in two fish ponds, with 180 m² of water surface (6 × 30 m) each, located in the Aquiculture Centre of the Pindamonhangaba Fisheries Institute - São Paulo. The study was developed over eight weeks, from February 16 to April 6, 1998. The physical and chemical conditions of the water in the fish ponds were adequate for zooplankton development. The zooplanktonic community was characterised by high richness of species and a greater diversity was observed in the first fish pond, with a superior density of Rotifera. Temporal changes in zooplankton composition occurred in both ponds with Cladocera appearing in abundance later, in the fourth week, whereas copepods and rotifers were well represented since the beginning. Many species found are typical of fish ponds and are considered to constitute an excellent food source, showing high nutritional value for fish larvae, a good example being individuals from the Rotifera group and the micro-crustacean species Moina minuta and Thermocyclops decipiens.
Physiological and physico-chemical characterization of dietary fibre from the green seaweed Ulva fasciata Delile
Authors: Carvalho AFU. , Portela MCC. , Sousa MB. , Martins FS. , Rocha FC. , Farias DF. , Feitosa JPA.
Published: October 2009

This work aims to assess the potential of the green seaweed Ulva fasciata Delile as an alternative source of dietary fibre (DF). Total DF content was determined, some of its physico-chemical properties described and the physiological effects of U. fasciata meal on rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet were investigated. U. fasciata may be considered a potential alternative source of DF with a total content of about 400 g.kg-1 (dry basis) and interesting physico-chemical properties: water retention capacity of 8.74 g/water.g-1 dry sample (seaweed meal) and 0.90 (seaweed carbohydrate extract), lipid adsorption capacity of 4.52 g/oil.g-1 dry sample (seaweed meal) and 5.70 (seaweed carbohydrate extract), intrinsic viscosity of 2.4 dl.g-1 (seaweed carbohydrate extract) and cation exchange capacity of 3.51 Eq.kg-1 (seaweed carbohydrate extract). The diet containing seaweed meal was able to keep rats' total cholesterol (TC) down without causing any undesirable increase in LDL-C fraction. No evidence of toxic and/or antinutritional components in the seaweed meal was detected. Rats showed a fecal volume much greater (13 g) than that fed on cellulose diet ( 7 g) (p < 0.05). These properties confer on the seaweed the potential to be used in food technology for the acquisition of low-calorie food and might be important in body weight control, reduction of blood TC and LDL-C as well as in prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.
Causalidade, (in)determinismo e (im)previsibilidade: por que o conceito de causa é tão importante?
Authors: Bastos Filho Jenner Barretto
Published: October 2009

Causalidade, determinismo e previsibilidade, bem como seus respectivos antitéticos não-causalidade, indeterminismo e imprevisibilidade constituem-se em conceitos bastante referidos tanto no âmbito dos cientistas e filósofos quanto no âmbito de outras comunidades. Nem sempre é fácil distinguir causalidade de determinismo e muitas vezes se reduz essas categorias conceituais à capacidade de prever. Argumentamos que várias dessas formulações são insuficientes e inadequadas e, não raro, claramente insustentáveis. Argumentamos também que o conceito de causa é o mais importante dentre eles.
PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA) APPROACH NASH EQUILIBRIUM IN EXPERIMENTAL MATCHING PENNIES COMPETITIONS
Authors: Sanabria Federico , Thrailkill Eric
Published: October 2009

The game of Matching Pennies (MP), a simplified version of the more popular Rock, Papers, Scissors, schematically represents competitions between organisms with incentives to predict each other's behavior. Optimal performance in iterated MP competitions involves the production of random choice patterns and the detection of nonrandomness in the opponent's choices. The purpose of this study was to replicate systematic deviations from optimal choice observed in humans when playing MP, and to establish whether suboptimal performance was better described by a modified linear learning model or by a more cognitively sophisticated reinforcement‐tracking model. Two pairs of pigeons played iterated MP competitions; payoffs for successful choices (e.g., “Rock” vs. “Scissors”) varied within experimental sessions and across experimental conditions, and were signaled by visual stimuli. Pigeons' behavior adjusted to payoff matrices; divergences from optimal play were analogous to those usually demonstrated by humans, except for the tendency of pigeons to persist on prior choices. Suboptimal play was well characterized by a linear learning model of the kind widely used to describe human performance. This linear learning model may thus serve as default account of competitive performance against which the imputation of cognitively sophisticated processes can be evaluated.
What Should an Ideal Vaccine Postlicensure Safety System Be?
Authors: Griffin Marie R. , Braun M. Miles , Bart Kenneth J.
Published: October 2009

In 2007 the National Vaccine Program, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, sponsored a public conference titled “Vaccine Safety Evaluation: Post Marketing Surveillance.” The objective was to discuss enhanced approaches to postlicensure evaluation of vaccine safety, including active and passive surveillance systems and special studies. The conference participants reviewed the evolution of the assessment of vaccine safety, detailed current national approaches to postmarketing safety, and offered new approaches to evaluating vaccine safety. A number of the participants recommended that information systems be expanded to include reliable information on vaccination and health outcomes in large populations. We summarize the major meeting presentations and discussions.
Estimating Influenza-Associated Deaths in the United States
Authors: Thompson William W. , Moore Matthew R. , Weintraub Eric , Cheng Po-Yung , Jin Xiaoping , Bridges Carolyn B. , Bresee Joseph S. , Shay David K.
Published: October 2009

Most estimates of US deaths associated with influenza circulation have been similar despite the use of different approaches. However, a recently published estimate suggested that previous estimates substantially overestimated deaths associated with influenza, and concluded that substantial numbers of deaths during a future pandemic could be prevented because of improvements in medical care.

We reviewed the data sources and methods used to estimate influenza-associated deaths. We suggest that discrepancies between the recent estimate and previous estimates of the number of influenza-associated deaths are attributable primarily to the use of different outcomes and methods. We also believe that secondary bacterial infections will likely result in substantial morbidity and mortality during a future influenza pandemic, despite medical progress.
Pandemic Influenza and Community Preparedness
Authors: Marshall Helen , Ryan Philip , Roberton Don , Street Jackie , Watson Maureen
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We aimed to examine community knowledge about and attitudes toward the threat of pandemic influenza and assess the community acceptability of strategies to reduce its effect.

Methods. We conducted computer-aided telephone interviews in 2007 with a cross-sectional sample of rural and metropolitan residents of South Australia.

Results. Of 1975 households interviewed, half (50.2%) had never heard of pandemic influenza or were unaware of its meaning. Only 10% of respondents were extremely concerned about the threat of pandemic influenza. Respondents identified children as the highest priority for vaccination, if supplies were limited; they ranked politicians and teachers as the lowest priority. Although only 61.7% of respondents agreed with a policy of home isolation, 98.2% agreed if it was part of a national strategy. Respondents considered television to be the best means of educating the community.

Conclusions. Community knowledge about pandemic influenza is poor despite widespread concern. Public education about pandemic influenza is essential if strategies to reduce the impact of the disease are to be effective.
The Prevalence of Depression Among Men Living With HIV Infection in Vietnam
Authors: Esposito Catherine Anne , Steel Zachary , Gioi Tran Minh , Huyen Tran Trieu Ngoa , Tarantola Daniel
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We assessed the prevalence of depression among men living with HIV infection in Vietnam and compared the findings with those from a general population survey of Vietnamese men.

Methods. Between November 2007 and April 2008, 584 participants completed a structured questionnaire in Vietnamese that measured self-reported depression. We used the χ2 test to detect differences in prevalence rates within HIV populations and between our respondents and a general Vietnamese male population.

Results. Respondents had a depression rate of 18.7% over a 1-month period, which was substantially higher than that reported in the Vietnamese male population (0.9%). Rates were highest among men reporting higher levels of stress and more HIV symptoms. Men diagnosed with depression experienced significantly more difficulty than others in accessing medical care.

Conclusions. Our results provide the first empirical evidence of depression among men living with HIV in Vietnam and underscore the need to include mental health services in the response to HIV.
Persistence and Change in Disparities in HIV Infection Among Injection Drug Users in New York City After Large-Scale Syringe Exchange Programs
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Arasteh Kamyar , Hagan Holly , McKnight Courtney , Perlman David C. , Friedman Samuel R.
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We examined racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) before and after implementation of large-scale syringe exchange programs in New York City.

Methods. Participants were recruited from IDUs entering the Beth Israel drug detoxification program in New York City. Participants (n = 1203) recruited from 1990 through 1994, prior to large-scale syringe exchange programs (pre-exchange), were compared with 1109 participants who began injecting in 1995 or later and were interviewed in 1995 through 2008 (post-exchange).

Results. There were large differences in HIV prevalence among pre-exchange vs post-exchange participants (African Americans, 57% vs 15%; Hispanics, 53% vs 5%; Whites, 27% vs 3%). Pre- and post-exchange relative disparities of HIV prevalence were similar for African Americans vs Whites (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.41, 4.96 and AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.67, 9.69, respectively) and Hispanics vs Whites (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.09 and AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.17). Racial/ethnic group differences in risk behavior did not explain differences in HIV prevalence.

Conclusions. New interventions are needed to address continuing disparities in HIV infection among IDUs, but self-reported risk behaviors by themselves may not be adequate outcome measures for evaluating interventions to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection.
Role of the Primary Care Safety Net in Pandemic Influenza
Authors: Rust George , Melbourne Mollie , Truman Benedict I. , Daniels Elvan , Fry-Johnson Yvonne , Curtin Thomas
Published: October 2009

An influenza pandemic would have a disproportionately adverse impact on minority populations, the poor, the uninsured, and those living in underserved communities. Primary care practices serving the underserved would face special challenges in an influenza pandemic.

Although not a formalized system, components of the primary care safety net include federally qualified health centers, public hospital clinics, volunteer or free clinics, and some local public health units. In the event of an influenza pandemic, the primary care safety net is needed to treat vulnerable populations and to provide health care surge capacity to prevent the overwhelming of hospital emergency departments.

We examined the strength, capacity, and preparedness of key components of the primary care safety net in responding to pandemic influenza.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Among Public-Housing Residents, Single-Parent Families, and Low-Income Populations
Authors: Bouye Karen , Truman Benedict I. , Hutchins Sonja , Richard Roland , Brown Clive , Guillory Joyce A. , Rashid Jamila
Published: October 2009

During the early stages of an influenza pandemic, a pandemic vaccine likely will not be available. Therefore, interventions to mitigate pandemic influenza transmission in communities will be an important component of the response to a pandemic. Public-housing residents, single-parent families, and low-income populations may have difficulty complying with community-wide interventions.

To enable compliance with community interventions, stakeholders recommended the following: (1) community mobilization and partnerships, (2) culturally specific emergency communications planning, (3) culturally specific education and training programs, (4) evidence-based measurement and evaluation efforts, (5) strategic planning policies, (6) inclusion of community members as partners, and (7) policy and program changes to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Psychosocial Dimensions of Exceptional Longevity: A Qualitative Exploration of Centenarians' Experiences, Personality, and Life Strategies
Authors: Darviri Christina , Demakakos Panayotes , Tigani Xanthi , Charizani Fotini , Tsiou Chrysoula , Tsagkari Christina , Chliaoutakis Joannes , Monos Dimitrios
Published: October 2009

This qualitative study provides a comprehensive account of the social and life experiences and strategies and personality attributes that characterize exceptional longevity (living to 100 or over). It is based on nine semi-structured interviews of relatively healthy and functional Greek centenarians of both sexes. The analytic approach was thematic and based on grounded theory. We found that our participants were characterized by selectiveness in their socializing with other people and tendency to avoid conflicts. Also, we found that they predominantly used the “flight” response whenever confronted with stressors. Further, they appeared to be much adaptive as they had managed to overcome adversity and adapt successfully to major life changes. These findings provide insights into three possible pathways (social selectivity, conflict avoidance, and adaptiveness) through which psychosocial factors might be associated with aging and exceptional longevity.
Age Differences in Attachment Orientations among Younger and Older Adults: Evidence from Two Self-Report Measures of Attachment
Authors: Segal Daniel L. , Needham Tracy N. , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: October 2009

The attachment patterns of younger and older adults were studied using two-dimensional self-report measures of adult attachment. Community-dwelling younger ( n = 144, M = 22.5 years, SD = 3.6) and older ( n = 106, M = 68.6 years, SD = 8.3) adults completed the Measure of Attachment Qualities (MAQ; Carver, 1997) and the Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ; Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994). Although the MAQ and RSQ are believed to be measuring similar constructs, they are derived from different theoretical perspectives. Correlations between the two measures were in the expected directions proving modest evidence for their convergent validity. Regarding cross-sectional results, as was expected, older adults scored lower than younger adults on the ambivalent-worry attachment scale of the MAQ and the preoccupied attachment scale of the RSQ. There were no age differences regarding secure, avoidant, and dismissing attachment. It appears that older adults experience anxious types of attachment less frequently than younger adults. Although these results primarily speak to age differences and possible cohort effects, they also provide some support for socioemotional selectivity theory and its hypothesized improved relationships in later life.
Experiences of Age and Gender: Narratives of Progress and Decline
Authors: Nolan Jane , Scott Jacqueline
Published: October 2009

This article examines experiences of chronological age. Using data from the British Household Panel Survey, we analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively verbatim responses from 8177 respondents aged 16 and over concerning the (dis)advantages of their age. Two main questions are tested: 1) Is the cultural narrative of age decline supported by the experiences of our respondents? 2) Are age experiences differentiated by gender? We find people's age experiences are multidimensional and multidirectional, incorporating narratives of progress and decline. Our data show marked gender differences in age experiences, but give little support to claims of a double standard concerning the aging body. More generally, we find that people contrast current experiences with their younger and older selves. We argue that future conceptual developments need to take seriously both a synchronic and diachronic understanding of age, highlighting not just the present but also the distinctive historical development of individuals across time.
Static Electric Field by High Voltage Alternating Current Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice via the Inhibition of IL-1? Expression
Authors: Naito Yuji , Aoi Wataru , Inoue Mamoru , Takagi Tomohisa , Akagiri Satomi , Mizushima Katsura , Handa Osamu , Kokura Satoshi , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Karita Masaharu , Hiwatashi Tomoaki , Hase Mikihiko , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: October 2009

Background and aim: The therapy of placing a living body in a static electric field by high voltage alternating current (EF-HVAC) has been developed in the field of complementary and integrative medicine in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the exposure of EF-HVAC ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice.Methods: CIA was induced in female DBA/1 mice by the injection of anti-type II collagen antibody and lipopolysaccharide. The group of EF-HVAC treatment was exposed EF-HVAC with a high voltage value of 12.7 KV for 6 hours per day in the closed cage starting on the day of the injection with anti-type II collagen antibody and throughout the remaining study period.Results: Both clinical arthritis scores as well as histological findings of joint inflammation were significantly reduced in mice treated with EF-HVAC compared to untreated mice. Further, the treatment with EF-HVAC significantly inhibited the increased expression of interleukin -1? mRNA in paws at day 3 after induction of arthritis. In conclusion, the exposure to EF-HVAC protected from the synovial inflammation of CIA in mice.Conclusion: Based on these data, the beneficial effects of EF-HVAC on a murine rheumatoid arthritis model may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.
2D Computer Simulations of Ohmic Heating of Milk Solutions in Laminar Annular Flow
Authors: Tham H.J. , Chen Xiao Dong , Young Brent
Published: October 2009

Two-dimensional numerical simulations for the ohmic heating of whole milk solutions in an annular geometry were performed using a general-purpose partial-differential equation solver, FlexPDE software. The flow, energy, and concentration equations were developed and solved for laminar flow. The reaction kinetics model for beta-lactoglobulin proposed by Toyoda and Fryer (1996) was adopted to solve for the native, denatured, and aggregated protein concentrations in the full-flow domain. The aim of this work is to investigate how the applied voltage and flow rate affect the temperature field, and the effects on the concentration profile of each protein type in the solution. Despite what is usually expected of the ohmic heating as a uniform heating method, temperature gradients were seen to be significant from the wall to the bulk solution. The results show that a higher voltage causes a faster disappearance of native protein concentration, especially near the wall. Depending upon the applied voltage, the denatured protein concentration initially increases along the axial distance, then starts to decrease at different axial locations. The aggregated protein concentration was found to be much higher at the wall then in the bulk. In addition to describing the protein concentration distributions in the heater, the fouling tendency of the milk components on the walls is also discussed in this paper.
Cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in healthy anesthetized alpacas
Authors: Vincent Caitlin J. , Hawley Alexander T. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Lascola Kara M. , Bedenice Daniela
Published: October 2009

Objective—To characterize the cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in isoflurane-anesthetized healthy alpacas.

Animals—8 adult alpacas.

Procedures—Initial baseline cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic variables were obtained 30 minutes after induction of isoflurane anesthesia in 8 alpacas (3 females and 5 sexually intact males). Four treatments (dobutamine at 4 and 8 μg/kg/min and norepinephrine at 0.3 and 1 μg/kg/min) were administered in random order via constant rate infusion over 15 minutes, followed by repeat measurements of cardiopulmonary values and a 20-minute washout period. Subsequent baseline and posttreatment measurements were similarly repeated until both drugs and dosages were administered to each animal. Baseline data in awake alpacas were obtained 18 to 24 hours following recovery from anesthesia.

Results—Both dobutamine and norepinephrine significantly increased cardiac index and arterial blood pressure from baseline values. Similar increases in hemoglobin concentration, oxygen content, and oxygen delivery were observed following administration of each drug at either dosage. Only dobutamine, however, reduced relative oxygen consumption while improving overall tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, heart rate was selectively enhanced by dobutamine and systemic vascular resistance by norepinephrine. Norepinephrine infusion resulted in dose-dependent changes in cardiopulmonary variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that both dobutamine and norepinephrine were appropriate choices to improve cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and overall oxygen delivery in alpacas with isoflurane-induced hypotension. Careful titration by use of low infusion rates of dobutamine and norepinephrine is recommended to avoid potential arrhythmogenic effects and excessive vasoconstriction, respectively.
Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995–2004)
Authors: Bissett Sally A. , Davis Julianne , Subler Katie , Degernes Laurel A.
Published: October 2009

Objective—To determine outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal stricture (BES) in dogs and cats and identify risk factors for the condition.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—20 dogs and 8 cats with BES.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, clinical features, and outcome. Long-term outcome information was obtained with a questionnaire.

Results—Esophageal bougienage was performed with dilators ranging from 5 to 15 mm in diameter; median numbers of bougienage procedures were 3 (dogs) and 4.5 (cats). A good outcome, defined as tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week, was achieved in 14 dogs and 6 cats. Complications were minimal, with nonfatal esophageal perforation occurring in 1 cat. Four dogs and 1 cat were euthanized or died because of esophageal disease. Dogs with BES were more likely to be female, have a recent history of general anesthesia, have received an antimicrobial orally, or have a history of vomiting than were dogs in a reference population. Cats with BES were more likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars than were cats in a reference population. Doxycycline-induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of BES in 3 cats. Although general anesthesia was associated with development of BES in 18 dogs and 5 cats, concurrent potential causes of esophageal injury were common.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that esophageal bougienage was a safe and effective treatment for most dogs and cats with BES, with outcomes similar to those reported for balloon dilation.
The structure of macrozoobenthic communities in the Tywa River, a right-bank tributary of the Oder River (northwest Poland)
Authors: Raczyńska Małgorzata , Chojnacki Juliusz
Published: October 2009

The structure of macrozoobenthic communities in the Tywa River, a right-bank tributary of the Oder River (northwest Poland)

Research relating to the subject of this paper was conducted on the Tywa River between September 1996 and July 1998. In the samples, invertebrates were found belonging to 46 species, 26 genera, and two subfamilies. In the 1996 season, the highest abundance was observed among Tanypodinae (larvae) at 10,878 ind. m-2; among Chironominae (larvae) it was 9,965 ind. m-2; and among Tubifex tubifex it was 2,605 ind. m-2. The maximum total density of macrozoobenthic forms in the Tywa River was at station no. 1, where it amounted to 23,953 ind. m-2. The quantitative structure in the 1997 season was lower than in the 1996 season, and the highest abundance was for Simulium sp. (larvae) at 5,196 ind. m-2; for, Tanypodinae it was 3,360 ind. m-2; and for Dreissena polymorpha it was 4,721 ind. m-2; and for Theodoxus fluviatilis — it was 4,114 ind. m-2. In this season, the biodiversity of the macrozoobenthic community was the highest of all seasons. In 1998, the qualitative structure of the macrozoobenthic community was low: Hirudinea disappeared, and the quality of the community was almost four times lower than in 1996. The river's fast current, its diverse substratum, its very good oxygenation, and moderate concentrations of organic matter created conditions appropriate for species that differ in their requirements.
Public Financial Funds Efficiency Regarding the Development of Innovative Activities in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: the Case of Slovenia
Authors: Jesenko Jože , Stanič Uroš , Rudolf Robert , Rangus Vanja , Meršol Nataša
Published: October 2009

Public Financial Funds Efficiency Regarding the Development of Innovative Activities in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: the Case of Slovenia

In this article, the authors present a method of measuring the efficiency of use of national and European public funds for promoting action in companies, including the process from a draft idea to the placement of a product or service on market. The method of measuring has been done with a matrix system, through which we have shown the distribution of public funds between service brokers that offer services for the raising of the abilities to the companies. The matrix system includes the impact matrix of service brokers on innovation enablers. Based on the assembling matrix, we have composed efficiency measures, which can serve policyholders in guiding and controlling public funds.
A Successful CRM Implementation Project in a Service Company: Case Study
Authors: Piskar Franka , Faganel Armand
Published: October 2009

A Successful CRM Implementation Project in a Service Company: Case Study

Customer relationship management - CRM implementations increased rapidly in Slovenia in the last few years, following the trends elsewhere. Studies reporting how the implementation project goes on before, between and after the implementation are scarce. We offer a thorough case study analysis of the CRM implementation with a positive outcome in a Slovene service company. Case study demonstrates that CRM implementation is a holistic and complex concept, which means that it is not merely an integration of new information technology, but everything that happens around the business processes changes. We recommend that the company has already established a process approach and the orientation toward customers. Study showed the need for efficient leadership, acquirement of resources and CRM strategy implementation control; trust to the software solution shouldn't be self-understood. Through implemented analytical CRM company can improve the relationship with customers, achieve larger information sharing between employees and accept better strategic decisions.
Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in the Sirwan Valley (Sulaimani Region, Kurdistan, NE Iraq)
Authors: Sharbazheri Khalid , Ghafor Imad , Muhammed Qahtan
Published: October 2009

Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in the Sirwan Valley (Sulaimani Region, Kurdistan, NE Iraq)

The Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary sequence, which crops out in the studied area is located within the High Folded Zone, in the Sirwan Valley, northeastern Iraq. These units mainly consist of flysch and flysch-type successions of thick clastic beds of Tanjero/Kolosh Formations. A detailed lithostratigraphic study is achieved on the outcropping uppermost part of the Upper Cretaceous successions (upper part of Tanjero Formation) and the lowermost part of the Kolosh Formation. On the basis of the identified planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, five biozones are recorded from the uppermost part of Tanjero Formation and four biozones from the lower part of the Kolosh Formation (Lower Paleocene) in the Sirwan section. The biostratigraphic correlations based on planktonic foraminiferal zonations showed a comparison between the biostratigraphic zones established in this study and other equivalents of the commonly used planktonic zonal scheme around the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary in and outside Iraq.
A Functional Threshold for Long-Term Use of Hand and Arm Function Can Be Determined: Predictions From a Computational Model and Supporting Data From the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) Trial
Authors: Schweighofer Nicolas , Han Cheol E. , Wolf Steven L. , Arbib Michael A. , Winstein Carolee J.
Published: October 2009

Background

Although spontaneous use of the more-affected arm and hand after stroke is an important determinant of participation and quality of life, a number of patients exhibit decreases in use following rehabilitative therapy. A previous neurocomputational model predicted that if the dose of therapy is sufficient to bring performance above a certain threshold, training can be stopped.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there exists a threshold for function of the paretic arm and hand after therapy. If function is above this threshold, spontaneous use will increase in the months following therapy. In contrast, if function is below this threshold, spontaneous use will decrease.

Methods

New computer simulations are presented showing that changes in arm use following therapy depend on a performance threshold. This prediction was tested by reanalyzing the data from the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial, a phase III randomized controlled trial in which participants received constraint-induced movement therapy for 2 weeks and were tested both 1 week and 1 year after therapy.

Results

The results demonstrate that arm and hand function measured immediately after therapy predicts, on average, the long-term change of arm use. Above a functional threshold, use improves. Below this threshold, use decreases.

Limitations

The reanalysis of the EXCITE trial data provides a “group” threshold above which a majority of patients, but not all, improve spontaneously. A goal of future research is to provide the means to assess when patients reach their individual threshold.

Conclusion

Understanding of the causal and nonlinear relationship between limb function and daily use is important for the future development of cost-effective interventions and prevention of “rehabilitation in vain.”