bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of genuine primary pulmonary NK cell lymphoma via clinicopathologic observation and clonality assay
Authors: Gong Li , Wei Long-Xiao , Huang Gao-Sheng , Zhang Wen-Dong , Wang Lu , Zhu Shao-Jun , Han Xiu-Juan , Yao Li , Lan Miao , Li Yan-Hong , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2013

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is an uncommon lymphoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It most commonly involves the nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract. Primary pulmonary NK/T cell lymphoma is extremely rare. If a patient with a NK or T-cell tumor has an unusual reaction to treatment or an unusual prognosis, it is wise to differentiate NK from T-cell tumors. The clinicopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype, EBV in situ hybridization, and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement of primary pulmonary NK cell lymphoma from a 73-year-old Chinese woman were investigated and the clonal status was determined using female X-chromosomal inactivation mosaicism and polymorphisms at the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene. The lesion showed the typical histopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical features of NK/T cell lymphoma. However, the sample was negative for TCR gene rearrangement. A clonality assay demonstrated that the lesion was monoclonal. It is concluded that this is the first recorded case of genuine primary pulmonary NK cell lymphoma. The purpose of the present work is to recommend that pathologists carefully investigate the whole lesion to reduce the likelihood that primary pulmonary NK cell lymphoma will be misdiagnosed as an infectious lesion. In addition, TCR gene rearrangement and clonal analysis, which is based on female X-chromosomal inactivation mosaicism and polymorphisms at PGK and androgen receptor (AR) loci, were found to play important roles in differentiating NK cell lymphoma from T cell lymphoma.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5205300349457729
Who contributes? A strategic approach to a European immigration policy
Authors: Russo Giuseppe , Senatore Luigi
Published: August 2013

Who pays for immigration control? According to the Lisbon Treaty the cost of enforcing the European border against illegal immigration shall be shared among the EU members. Nonetheless, the Treaty is vague with respect to the “appropriate measures” to adopt in order to distribute the financial burden. Members who do not share their borders with source countries have an incentive to free ride on the other countries. We study a novel contribution game in which a border country and a central country minimize a loss function with respect to their national immigration target. We consider both sequential and simultaneous decisions and we show that joint contribution occurs only if the immigration targets are not too different. Total contribution is higher in the simultaneous game, but the sequential framework reduces the incentive to free ride.

Jel codes D78, H72, H77
Multiparameter TTI tomography of P-wave reflection and VSP data
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiang , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: August 2013

Transversely isotropic models with a tilted symmetry axis (TTI media) are widely used in depth imaging of complex geologic structures. Here, we present a modification of a previously developed 2D P-wave tomographic algorithm for estimating heterogeneous TTI velocity fields and apply it to synthetic and field data. The symmetry-direction velocity [Formula: see text], anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and symmetry-axis tilt [Formula: see text] are defined on a rectangular grid. To ensure stable reconstruction of the TTI parameters, reflection data are combined with walkaway vertical seismic profiling (VSP) traveltimes in joint tomographic inversion. To improve the convergence of the algorithm, we develop a three-stage model-updating procedure that gradually relaxes the constraints on the spatial variations of the anisotropy parameters, while the symmetry axis is kept orthogonal to the reflectors. Only at the final stage of the inversion are the parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] updated on the same grid. We also incorporate geologic constraints into tomography by designing regularization terms that penalize parameter variations in the direction parallel to the interfaces. First, we examine the performance of the regularized joint tomography of reflection and VSP data for two sections of the BP TTI model that contain an anticline and a salt dome. All three TTI parameters in the shallow part of both sections (down to 5 km) are well resolved by the proposed model-updating process. Then, the algorithm is applied to a 2D section from 3D ocean-bottom seismic data acquired at Volve field in the North Sea. The inverted TTI model produces well-focused reflectors throughout the section and accurately positions the key horizons, which is confirmed by the available well markers.
Implications of pore microgeometry heterogeneity for the movement and chemical reactivity of CO2 in carbonates
Authors: Vialle Stéphanie , Dvorkin Jack , Mavko Gary
Published: August 2013

We studied the heterogeneity of natural rocks with respect to their pore-size distribution, obtained from mercury-intrusion capillary pressure (MICP) tests, at a scale about one-fifth of the standard plug size (2.5 cm). We investigated two Fontainebleau sandstone and two limestone samples. We found that at the scale of the MICP tests, heterogeneities are practically nonexistent. Still, there are large differences in the capillary curves from one rock type to another. Also, carbonate rocks, unlike Fontainebleau sandstone, show heterogeneities at a scale smaller than the scale used in MICP tests, as seen by the complexity in the mercury saturation versus pressure curves. We used this diversity between the capillary curves and this complexity within a single capillary curve to obtain information about the movement and chemical reactivity of [Formula: see text] in carbonates. The method consists of three steps: first, subdividing the carbonate pore system into microstructural facies, each of them having a specific range of pore throat size (e.g., tight micrite, microporous rounded micrite, small vugs, …); second, getting a characteristic value of their petrophysical properties (namely porosity, effective surface area, and permeability) from the collected MICP data; and third, computing, for experimental conditions corresponding to a transport-controlled system, the dimensionless Péclet and Damköhler numbers, expressed as a function of the aforementioned permeability and effective surface area. These numbers allowed us to infer the dominant process (i.e., diffusion, advection, or kinetics) controlling the dissolution/precipitation reaction induced by the carbonic acid. Because of heterogeneities in the pore microstructure, we found that either diffusion or advection is locally the dominant mechanism, which renders some zones (e.g., vugs or, to a lesser extent, microporous rounded micrite) chemically more reactive than others (e.g., tight micrite or spar cement).
Mff functions with Pex11pβ and DLP1 in peroxisomal fission
Authors: Itoyama Akinori , Michiyuki Satoru , Honsho Masanori , Yamamoto Taizo , Moser Ann , Yoshida Yumi , Fujiki Yukio
Published: August 2013

Peroxisomal division comprises three steps: elongation, constriction, and fission. Translocation of dynamin-like protein 1 (DLP1), a member of the large GTPase family, from the cytosol to peroxisomes is a prerequisite for membrane fission; however, the molecular machinery for peroxisomal targeting of DLP1 remains unclear. This study investigated whether mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), which targets DLP1 to mitochondria, may also recruit DLP1 to peroxisomes. Results show that endogenous Mff is localized to peroxisomes, especially at the membrane-constricted regions of elongated peroxisomes, in addition to mitochondria. Knockdown of MFF abrogates the fission stage of peroxisomal division and is associated with failure to recruit DLP1 to peroxisomes, while ectopic expression of MFF increases the peroxisomal targeting of DLP1. Co-expression of MFF and PEX11β, the latter being a key player in peroxisomal elongation, increases peroxisome abundance. Overexpression of MFF also increases the interaction between DLP1 and Pex11pβ, which knockdown of MFF, but not Fis1, abolishes. Moreover, results show that Pex11pβ interacts with Mff in a DLP1-dependent manner. In conclusion, Mff contributes to the peroxisomal targeting of DLP1 and plays a key role in the fission of the peroxisomal membrane by acting in concert with Pex11pβ and DLP1.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the oral uptake-route
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore , Teubl Birgit Johanna , Roblegg Eva
Published: August 2013

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common additive that is increasingly used in consumer products, food, pharmaceutical dosage forms and cosmetic articles. However, due to size reduction of TiO2 particles from the microscale to the nanoscale, application areas of this material are expanding, especially in the food sector, which makes investigations of nano-TiO2 crucial. This review focuses on two important topics of current research regarding the oral pathway: 1) anatomy of the orogastrointestinal tract, composition of epithelial and mucus layer, and pH changes; 2) cell entry mechanisms, cytotoxicity and translocation. Sufficient knowledge on the oral uptake route is not yet available but is highly needed for human risk evaluation.
Do we really need high-sensitive troponin immunoassays in the emergency department? Definitely, yes!
Authors: Lackner Karl J.
Published: August 2013

Cardiac troponins have changed our understanding of myocardial infarction profoundly during the past 20 years. In fact release of cardiac troponin into the blood has become part of the definition of myocardial infarction. Diagnostics and treatment have taken these new insights into account. The novel high-sensitive assays for cardiac troponins that are available recently clearly constitute a significant further improvement of analytical performance. In addition, the still incomplete clinical data available indicate that these assays will also further improve patient care in many ways. In summary, cardiac troponins are a great example of the potential impact of analytical performance of diagnostic tests on patient care and patient outcome.
Surgery for ‘asymptomatic’ mild primary hyperparathyroidism improves some clinical symptoms postoperatively
Authors: Blanchard Claire , Mathonnet Muriel , Sebag Frédéric , Caillard Cécile , Hamy Antoine , Volteau Christelle , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Wyart Vincent , Drui Delphine , Roy Malanie , Cariou Bertrand , Archambeaud Françoise , Rodien Patrice , Henry Jean-François , Zarnegar Rasa , Hardouin Jean-Benoît , Mirallié Eric
Published: August 2013

Objective and background

Most primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) patients do not conform to the guidelines for parathyroidectomy established by an international panel of specialists and have a mild pHPT. This group is typically defined as ‘asymptomatic’. The primary aim of this study was to determine symptom improvement in this ‘asymptomatic’ group after parathyroidectomy. Secondly, we aimed to create a preoperative clinical score predicting postoperative symptom resolution.

Design

A prospective nonrandomized study included patients with mild pHPT.

Methods

A questionnaire (22 items) was given to ‘asymptomatic’ patients preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 postoperative months. A logistic regression was performed to create a preoperative clinical score.

Results

One hundred and sixteen patients were included. Postoperatively, HPT was resolved in 98% of patients. Twelve of 22 nonspecific symptoms were improved at 1 year. Subgroups analysis showed a greater improvement in patients <70 years and those with a serum calcium level ≥2.6 mmol/l preoperatively. A clinical score, based on age and five symptoms, was established to predict the clinical improvement after surgery in mild pHPT patients with a positive predictive value of 81%.

Conclusion

Patients with asymptomatic pHPT have clinical improvement of their symptoms postoperatively even after 1 year. Younger patients and those with higher preoperative calcium levels show the best improvement.
Polipeptídeos farmacológicamente ativos e diâmetro de artérias piais: estudo experimental com vasopressina, ocitocina, bradicinina e neurocinina
Authors: Saraiva Sylvio
Published: August 2013

A ação de quatro polipeptídeos farmacológicamente ativos (vasopressina, ocitocina, bradicinina e neurocinina) sôbre as artérias piais foi estudada em cães anestesiados com pentobarbital sódico e preparados para o registro da pressão arterial. Utilizou-se a técnica de Forbes 25, modificada por Me-laragno37 que permite a visibilização, a fotografia e a mensuração dos referidos vasos. Foram feitas 24 experiências, divididas em 5 grupos de animais: um grupo foi utilizado como contrôle e os outros quatro para o estudo de cada uma das drogas acima referidas, administradas por via venosa. Os resultados obtidos conduziram às seguintes conclusões: 1) a vasopressina não determina variação significativa no diâmetro das artérias da pia-máter, embora tenha provocado irregulares variações da pressão arterial; 2) a ocitocina causa intensa vasoconstrição pial, de curta duração, sem contudo modificar essencialmente a pressão arterial sistêmica; 3) a bradicinina aumenta o diâmetro das artérias da pia-máter, em paralelismo com um efeito hipotensor sistêmico; 4) a neurocinina promove dilatação das artérias da pia-máter, independentemente de eventual variação da pressão arterial sistêmica.
Nerve fibres in isolated segments of dog ulnar nerves after complete brachial plexotomy and periaxilar artery sympathectomy
Authors: Erhart Eros Abrantes , Rezze Cecil J.
Published: August 2013

Experiments were performed in adult dogs in order to study our reported observation of normal nerve fibres in the intermediate and distal segments of nerves completely separated from the proximal stump for more than six months. The results obtained confirmed once more our previous observation: there are normal nerve fibres and nerve bundles repopulating the pattern fascicles of the completely separated intermediate and distal segments of the ulnar nerve, although all other nerves of the operated limb, including the proximal stump of the ulnar, show a typical Wallerian degeneration. It seems, therefore, that these fibres of normal appearance must have arisen from a source other than the proximal ulnar nerve stump, neighbour nerves or "Nervi-vasorum". More concrete data about these findings are naturally necessary and our experiments are going on. Even so, as stated before, the practical results obtained up to now in more than one hundred and fifty patients allows us to go on recommending strongly, based on our observations, that proper nerve suture or neurolisys of long-time severed nerves by accident are worth while even after delays of many years.
Fraturas cranianas em crianças com diastase progressiva das bordas ósseas e herniação de de conteúdo intracraniano
Authors: Almeida Gilberto Machado de , Barros Nélio García de
Published: August 2013

São apresentados três casos de crianças com fraturas cranianas de evolução atípica, por ter havido afastamento das bordas ósseas e herniação de conteúdo intracraniano. Em dois doentes formaram-se "cistos leptome-níngeos" e em um herniaram encéfalo e ventrículo, estabelecendo-se meningen-cefaloventriculocele traumática. A fisiopatologia do processo e o tratamento cirúrgico são discutidos.
Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e ganho de seleção para produção de frutos em progênies de polinização aberta de pupunheira no estado do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Farias Neto João Tomé de , Clement Charles Roland , Resende Marcos Deon Vilela de
Published: August 2013

O estudo objetivou estimar parâmetros e valores genéticos para os caracteres número de cachos (NC), peso médio do cacho (PMC) e peso total do cacho (PTC) aos seis anos, pelo método de modelos mistos (REML/BLUP). O teste de progênies foi estabelecido sob o delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 50 tratamentos (progênies), 10 blocos e uma planta por parcela, no espaçamento de 5 x 5 m, além de uma bordadura externa ao experimento. As estimativas de herdabilidade individual e médias no sentido restrito para PTC (0,213 e 0,360) e NC (0,286 e 0,435), respectivamente, foram de boas magnitudes. O coeficiente de variação genética individual exibiu valores elevados para PTC (19,86) e NC (17,59). A raiz quadrada da herdabilidade ao nível de médias das progênies resulta em acurácia seletiva na ordem de 0,60 para PTC e 0,66 para NC, atestando boa precisão e confiança nos parâmetros genéticos estimados, promovendo segurança na seleção. O potencial da população para fins de melhoramento pode ser observado por meio dos ganhos genéticos para PTC, que oscilaram de 8,3 a 19,9 kg, elevando a nova média populacional para o caráter após um ciclo de seleção, para 40,4 kg, equivalente a 25,8%.
Eletrocardiografia computadorizada em cães: estudo comparativo
Authors: Oliveira Lídia S. , Santos Roberto R.B. , Melo Marcos B. , Larangeira Daniela F. , Barrouin-Melo Stella Maria
Published: August 2013

O método de eletrocardiografia computadorizada (ECG-C) vem sendo crescentemente difundido na medicina veterinária, havendo atualmente diversas marcas e modelos de eletrocardiógrafos disponíveis no mercado. Diante da possibilidade de diferenças na sensibilidade e na reprodutibilidade das medidas obtidas nos traçados, o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de cães, obtidos por dois sistemas. Foram avaliados dois diferentes softwares computadorizados, o Wincardio Micromed® (WIN) e o modelo TEB ECGPC® (TEB). Quarenta e dois cães hígidos, de diferentes raças (Cocker Spaniel, Daschund, Labrador, Pinscher, Pit Bull Terrier Poodle, Schnauzer, Shit Tzu, Yorkshire e sem raça definida), machos e fêmeas e com idade entre 4 meses e 16 anos foram agrupados segundo o peso e examinados pelos dois sistemas. As medidas eletrocardiográficas dos diferentes traçados foram analisadas na derivação DII. Os resultados indicaram que o sistema TEB apresentou maior sensibilidade na obtenção das medidas de duração da onda P e do complexo QRS, enquanto o sistema WIN foi mais sensível para determinar as medidas de amplitude dos mesmos parâmetros. Os animais de maior porte (26-37kg) apresentaram maior variância nas medidas de duração e amplitude de onda P e duração do complexo QRS em comparação aos cães de médio (14-25kg) e pequeno (1-13kg) porte. O achado de diferenças entre os sistemas testados deve ser levado em consideração ao se empregar os diversos equipamentos para diagnóstico por meio de ECG-C na rotina clínica, de modo a evitarem-se divergências na interpretação dos exames entre diferentes prestadores de serviços veterinários.
Biomecânica óssea e ensaios biomecânicos: fundamentos teóricos
Authors: Dalmolin Fabíola , Pinto Filho Saulo Tadeu Lemos , Cortes Andrieli Machado , Brun Maurício Veloso , Cauduro Carlos Roberto , Schossler João Eduardo Wallau
Published: August 2013

O conhecimento das propriedades mecânicas do osso e das fraturas é importante nas ciências da saúde. Entretanto, os conceitos e princípios que determinam seu entendimento geralmente não são claros para os profissionais atuantes na área médica. Esta revisão objetiva trazer conceitos básicos e informações acerca da biomecânica dos ossos, assim como algumas modalidades de ensaios biomecânicos. Por meio desses últimos, são realizadas pesquisas para avaliação e/ou comparação de diferentes dispositivos de fixação e implantes ortopédicos, utilizando ossos de cadáveres, modelos matemáticos, assim como ossos sintéticos, todos métodos alternativos à experimentação animal. Embora os ensaios biomecânicos sejam amplamente conhecidos e difundidos em alguns países, observa-se em território nacional a subutilização de pesquisas nessa área da ortopedia.
Golden flaxseed and its byproducts in beef patties: physico-chemical evaluation and fatty acid profile
Authors: Novello Daiana , Pollonio Marise Aparecida Rodrigues
Published: August 2013

Flaxseed application in meat and meat products by adding not flesh ingredients has not yet been properly assessed. This technology strategy, if well optimized, could substantially improve the nutritional value of meat products and promote healthy appeals consistent. Knowing that, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding golden flaxseed oil, or flour, or seed in the physico-chemical properties and fatty acid profile of beef patties. Beef patties were prepared with 5.0% of oil (FO), or flour (FF), or seed (FS), plus a control formulation (FC). For raw products containing flaxseed, the moisture content (74.22 to 68.61%) was decreased and the ash (1.61 to 2.00g 100g-1), protein (15.62 to 16.46g 100g-1), fat (6.20 to 9.74g 100g-1), carbohydrate (2.02 to 3.97 g 100g-1), and calorie (127.71 to 161.62kcal 100g-1) contents were increased. The raw and grilled samples containing golden flaxseed had increased beneficial omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (0.85 a 2.98g 100g-1), a decreased n-6/n-3 ratio (<1), and an increased polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (>0.50), thus improving the nutritional profile.
A construção de um referencial teórico sobre a avaliação de desempenho de programas de capacitação
Authors: Tasca Jorge Eduardo , Ensslin Leonardo , Ensslin Sandra Rolim
Published: August 2013

A capacitação, como parte integrante da formação continuada, deve ser balizada pela reflexão e aprendizagem, oportunizadas, em grande medida, pela avaliação. No entanto, a sustentação de um processo de avaliação demanda a construção de um referencial teórico que espelhe o conhecimento acadêmico mais relevante e atual nesta área. Assim, a pesquisa desenvolvida teve como objetivo construir um referencial teórico sobre a avaliação de programas de capacitação, através de uma revisão sistêmica de artigos selecionados por sua relevância acadêmica e aderência ao contexto pesquisado. No que diz respeito ao enquadramento metodológico, este trabalho, quanto à natureza do objetivo, é exploratório, e pela natureza do artigo, teórico. A lógica de pesquisa foi indutiva e a coleta de dados utilizou dados secundários. Já a abordagem do problema se deu de forma qualitativa. Este estudo é aplicado e o procedimento técnico utilizado foi a pesquisa bibliográfica. Como resultados, este artigo apresenta a análise dos aspectos teóricos da avaliação de desempenho, das ferramentas utilizadas para a avaliação de programas de treinamento, dos estudos de caso desenvolvidos e dos eixos teóricos de pesquisa, além da análise crítica quanto ao referencial teórico e as ferramentas utilizadas em relação à Metodologia Multicritério de Apoio à Decisão - Construtivista (MCDA-C).
Transformações no ensino superior brasileiro: análise das Instituições Privadas de Ensino Superior no compasso com as políticas de Estado
Authors: Queiroz Fernanda Cristina Barbosa Pereira , Queiroz Jamerson Viegas , Vasconcelos Natalia Veloso Caldas de , Furukava Marciano , Hékis Hélio Roberto , Pereira Flávia Aparecida Barbosa
Published: August 2013

O artigo analisa as transformações ocorridas no ensino superior brasileiro, tomando como referência a base de dados do INEP, e a dinâmica das Instituições Privadas de Ensino Superior em assimilar rapidamente as políticas de Estado voltadas para a Educação Superior. Tem como objetivo apresentar a evolução do ensino superior no Brasil, em especial a graduação, com destaque para as modificações introduzidas nas políticas públicas a partir dos anos 2000 e que afetaram este nível de ensino. A fundamentação teórica foi pautada em debater a origem e a evolução do ensino superior no Brasil, o descompasso entre a oferta e a demanda de vagas no ensino superior brasileiro e as Políticas públicas implementadas no ensino superior a partir dos anos 2000. No tocante aos aspectos metodológicos, trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Os resultados encontrados evidenciam que o crescimento das vagas no ensino superior vem apresentando sinais de esgotamento, ocorrendo uma ociosidade no sistema que se manifesta nas vagas não preenchidas nos processos seletivos. As políticas públicas têm um papel fundamental de ajustar a demanda e a oferta, uma vez que há indícios que a renda é um dos grandes inibidores do preenchimento das vagas e da taxa de sucesso.
Fish assemblage structure of the Ipanema River, a small lotic environment partially protected by a Conservation Unit in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira AK , Apone F , Birindelli JLO , Garavello JC
Published: August 2013

A study on the fish assemblage of the Ipanema River, a small affluent of the Tietê River basin in southeastern Brazil, was performed aiming to look for structural patterns of species diversity in small lowland lotic environments. Fish samplings were performed every two months from June 2003 to April 2004 at four sample sites located on the lower stretch of the river. Local assemblage showed to be species rich, with fifty-two species belonging to Characiformes (25 spp.), Siluriformes (19 spp.), Cyprinodontiformes (3 spp.), Gymnotiformes (2 spp.), Perciformes (2 spp.), and Synbranchiformes (1 sp.). Fish fauna was composed of small-sized species (<200 mm SL) and by individuals of medium (up to 400 mm SL) to large (more than 400 mm SL) sized species. The Ipanema River, such as other small lotic transitional environments in the upper Paraná River drainage, is considered important for conservation of fish fauna because they cover available habitats for persistent populations of small-sized species and for non-persistent individuals or shoals of medium and large-sized fish species, which occupy other habitats along their life-history (e. g. floodplains, oxbow lakes, main channel of great rivers). The importance of the Ipanema River basin for fish fauna conservation is also reinforced by the fact that it is located in a highly impacted region of southeastern Brazil, near the São Paulo metropolitan area.
The role of a cascade of reservoirs and seasonal variation in the phytoplankton structure in a tropical river
Authors: Moura AN , Severiano JS , Tavares NKA , Dantas EW
Published: August 2013

This study aims to analyse the influence of a cascade of reservoirs on the density, richness and functional groups of phytoplankton in the Contas River, a tropical river of Brazil. This river has two dams along its course, forming the Pedra and Funil reservoirs. Samples were collected over three consecutive years (Dec., 2007 to Dec., 2010) at 28 sampling stations along the river. We identified 198 species and the stretches downstream from the reservoirs showed greater richness. Chlorophyceae, followed by Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae were the dominant groups and highest density was recorded during the rainy season. Overall, a longitudinal pattern in algal densities was found for both seasons, with the lowest values recorded in sections of the Pedra and Funil reservoirs and the highest densities in the downstream sections. Nine functional groups were identified (C, F, J, MP, S1, Sn, Td, Y, Ws); of these, F and J grouped the species with the highest relative abundance during the dry season, while the S1 group, represented by the cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii, was dominant in the rainy season. The present study showed a high longitudinal variation in the phytoplankton richness and density, attributed to the hydrological change between the lotic and lentic stretches. Furthermore, the effects of the cascade of reservoirs on phytoplankton, such as reduced density, increased richness and changes in algal associations, were strongly influenced by habitat heterogeneity found in this environment, as well as the rainfall in the region.
A new Tanaostigmodes Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Tanaostigmatidae) from Brazil
Authors: Perioto NW , Lara RIR
Published: August 2013

Tanaostigmodes horacioi sp. nov. Perioto & Lara (Hymenoptera, Tanaostigmatidae) from Brazil is described and illustrated. T. horacioi is the second included species in the insculptus species group of Tanaostigmodes Ashmead, 1896. A key to species of the insculptus group is provided.
New species of the genus Dentigaster Zettel (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae) from Brazil
Authors: Dias MM , Penteado-Dias AM
Published: August 2013

A new species of the genus Dentigaster Zettel, 1990 (Braconidae, Cheloninae) is described from savannah areas of Mato Grosso, São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. This is the fourth species of the genus known for brazilian fauna.
Linfedema pós-mastectomia: um protocolo de tratamento
Authors: Barros Vanessa Mundim e , Panobianco Marislei Sanches , Almeida Ana Maria de , Guirro Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira
Published: August 2013

O linfedema ainda é uma das principais sequelas decorrentes do tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de um protocolo que inclui a utilização da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem (EEAV) associada a exercícios terapêuticos, automassagem e autocuidados no tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia para tratamento do câncer de mama. Participaram do estudo 17 voluntárias (60,9_+11,72 anos) submetidas à mastectomia unilateral, portadoras de linfedema de membro superior, homolateral à cirurgia. O tratamento constituiu-se de 14 aplicações da EEAV, duas vezes por semana, complementadas por orientações quanto ao autocuidado, automassagem e exercícios físicos. A evolução do tratamento foi avaliada por perimetria, cálculo da diferença de volume (DV) entre os membros, e percentual de aumento do volume (PAV) do membro afetado em relação ao contralateral. Os dados foram analisados por meio do método estatístico T pareado para variáveis dependentes e revelaram redução significativa de 14,13% (p=0,0067) do PAV e de 13,8% (p=0,0089) da DV, bem como da perimetria em três pontos: sete centímetros acima do cotovelo (p=0,0138), sete centímetros abaixo do cotovelo (p=0,0282) e no punho (p=0,0476). Pôde-se concluir que a utilização da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem associada a exercícios e orientações foi eficaz na redução do linfedema do grupo avaliado.
The Relationship Between Protective Factors and Outcomes for Children Exposed to Violence
Authors: Schultz Dana , Jaycox Lisa H. , Hickman Laura J. , Setodji Claude , Kofner Aaron , Harris Racine , Barnes Dionne
Published: August 2013

To develop prevention and intervention programs for children exposed to violence, it is necessary to understand what factors might help alleviate the negative effects of violence exposure. In this study, we sought to test whether relationships exist between certain protective factors and subsequent adjustment and to examine whether violence re-exposure contributed to changes in outcomes over time. The analyses revealed that caregiver reports of both child self-control and the quality of the parent–child relationship were related to changes in child posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and behavior problems. Furthermore, children experiencing more categories of violence re-exposure had increased behavior problems at follow-up compared to those without re-exposure. These findings advance our understanding of the relationship between these protective factors and outcomes for children exposed to violence and suggest that intervening to bolster these protective factors could improve outcomes.
Ultrafiltration membrane process for produced water treatment: experimental and modeling
Authors: Badrnezhad Ramin , Beni Ali Heydari
Published: August 2013

Produced water has been a big issue of water and environmental pollution. In this research, results of an experimental and modeling study on the separation of oil and salts from produced water using a rectangular flat sheet polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane (nominal pore size of 10 nm) were analyzed. The effects of transmembrane pressure (TMP) (1, 2, 3 and 5 bar) on permeation flux of UF membranes for treatment of produced water were investigated. The results show that the average removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) during the experiments were 94 and 83%, respectively. The UF membrane showed high potential for application in industry for produced water reusing purposes. The experimental results showed that oil retentions of almost all the membranes were over 99% and oil concentrations in the permeate were below 0.2 mg L–1. In addition, the fouling mechanism involved in UF processing of produced water was investigated by modeling. Experimental results of permeation flux were compared to the results of the fouling models. After the cake filtration model, the intermediate pore blocking model was found to predict the experimental data very well.
Photos vs silhouettes for evaluation of profile esthetics between white and black evaluators
Authors: Pithon Matheus Melo , Silva Iane Souza Nery , Almeida Indira Oliveira , Nery Marine Soares , de Souza Michele Luz , Barbosa George , dos Santos Alex Ferreira , da Silva Coqueiro Raildo
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To determine whether photos or silhouettes are adequate methods for evaluating the esthetic profiles of black subjects and whether black and white evaluators have different preferences for esthetic profiles.

Materials and Methods:

One photographic record of the profile of a black female patient with accentuated dental bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion was randomly selected. The image of the patient's profile was altered to produce a series of seven photos and seven silhouettes (a total of 14 images) with different lip positions but uniform distances in relation to the esthetic plane created by Ricketts (line E). Fifty black and 50 white lay evaluators were invited to enumerate the photos and silhouettes, produced according to the lip position, in the order in which they considered most esthetically pleasing.

Results:

The number of preferences found to be within the esthetic norm was slightly higher among the photographs than among the silhouettes; the esthetic profile with a deviation of −2 mm from line E was elected as the most attractive, and the esthetic pattern with a deviation of +6 mm from the normal line E was considered the least attractive. There were no statistically significant differences between the preferences related to the variables race, sex, and educational background.

Conclusions:

The esthetic attractiveness of the facial profiles of black subjects in photos and silhouettes was evaluated in a similar manner among black and white evaluators. Among both black and white evaluators, the greatest preference was for the slightly concave profile, which was within the limit considered standard.
Profile analysis of mothers susceptible to contaminant exposure in the Algarve region: Application of the HJ-BIPLOT method
Authors: Serafim A. , Company R. , Lopes B. , Silva N. , Castela E. , Bebianno M.J. , Castela G.
Published: August 2013

The HJ-BIPLOT method developed by Galindo (1986) was applied in order to identify and categorize mothers vulnerable to environmental contamination in the Algarve region (South Portugal). The application of the BIPLOT method made it possible to recognize the most important exposure routes for contamination, showing that workplace, diet and smoking habits seem the most significant factors contributing to maternal and foetal exposure vulnerability
The use of information and information gain in the analysis of attribute dependencies
Authors: Moliński Krzysztof , Dobek Anita , Tomaszyk Kamila
Published: August 2013

This paper demonstrates the possible conclusions which can be drawn from an analysis of entropy and information. Because of its universality, entropy can be widely used in different subjects, especially in biomedicine. Based on simulated data the similarities and differences between the grouping of attributes and testing of their independencies are shown. It follows that a complete exploration of data sets requires both of these elements. A new concept introduced in this paper is that of normed information gain, allowing the use of any logarithm in the definition of entropy.
Globalisation as a major factor modifying the patterns of tourism activity
Authors: Hołowiecka Beata , Grzelak-Kostulska Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

Globalisation is a complex and dynamic process that today influences many factors determining the development of tourism. It brings about economic, political, social and even cultural changes and drives the expansion of a single global market where the movement of capital, goods and people is much easier than it used to be. Globalization also has an intangible dimension - by enabling access to information and modern forms of communication and by stimulating the spatial mobility of populations it allows ideas to flow freely, as a result of which individuals learn new attitudes and behaviours. This article discusses the influence of globalization on the tourism preferences and tourism activity of Polish residents. The results of the earlier empirical research has confirmed that different social groups have their specific models of tourism activity, showing also which groups have responded to globalization the most strongly and the possible consequences this may have for tourism activity.
Effects of transformations in the urban structure on the quality of life of city residents in the context of recreation
Authors: Hrehorowicz-Gaber Hanna
Published: August 2013

Accumulating over time, spatial transformations in Kraków have been changing the city’s structure. The contemporary image of the city is creating a new model of life and has a major effect on the functional and spatial conditions for its residents. Life in the city is dictated by the rhythm of daily routines, and the time of leisure has been reduced to a minimum. Less and less frequently are public and semi-private urban spaces used in the traditional manner and their number is decreasing. A considerable role in the decrease in the space for relaxation in the city is played by the purchasing power of money which is winning for itself the space for new residential estates.

The disappearance of green areas can be best illustrated by the example of the green areas between Kraków and Nowa Huta. Historically, Nowa Huta was set up as an organism separate from Kraków. In 1956, Anna Ptaszycka presented a new plan for Kraków spatial development which curbed industrialisation and promoted Howard’s ideas of garden cities. In 1966, the largest park in that area was established, its basic function was to isolate Kraków from Nowa Huta and the steel plant there.

As a result of the projects developed in recent years, the compact greenery is smaller, and more and more areas are being taken over for various projects. Spontaneous development of Kraków, without any master plans, for some small parts of city structure, is a huge threat to the preservation of existing leisure areas. Because of this, precise guidelines are needed for the intended use of areas neighbouring environmentally sensitive grounds, defining their type, scale and impact, in order to protect the landscape attractions which are amongst the desired recreational characteristics.
The timeshare industry of Africa: a study in tourism geography
Authors: Pandy Wayde R. , Rogerson Christian M.
Published: August 2013

Within the broad spectrum of tourism accommodation the timeshare industry is a distinctive segment which has attracted only limited research work. This paper represents a contribution to tourism geography as it investigates the location of timeshare resorts in Africa and comparative position of African destinations in the global timeshare economy. The analysis shows the timeshare resort industry in South Africa is the most significant on the continent and is distinctive in its reliance upon domestic rather than international tourists. In terms of the distribution of resorts the key locational consideration in Africa parallels that found in other parts of the world, namely the positioning of resorts in areas of high natural amenity. In the African context this has meant clustering resorts in coastal beach areas and attractive mountain locations, as well as in the areas which afford opportunities for timeshare consumers to experience the African bush. Finally, of note in South Africa is the growth of large timeshare property developments at casino resorts, a development which parallels the experience of certain timeshare developments in the USA.
Effect of Transdermal Testosterone or Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / Эффект применения трансдермального тестостерона или альфа-ли- поевой кислоты на эректильную дисфункцию и качество жизни пациентов со сахарным диабетом типа 2
Authors: Mitkov Mitko D. , Aleksandrova Ivanka Y. , Orbetzova Maria M.
Published: August 2013

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to develop and/or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men is 28-75%, this percentage rising with patient’s age and duration of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate erectile dysfunction and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after treating them with transdermal testosterone or with alpha-lipoic acid. Materials and methods: The effect of a 12-week treatment with transdermal testosterone or alpha-lipoic acid on the erectile function and quality of life of 45 men with ED and T2DM was studied in a randomized, prospective, open clinical, comparative study. The parameters we measured in the patients were body weight and body mass index (BMI); the albumin, lipids, HbA1C, testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and microalbuminuria levels; the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Health related quality of life (SF-36) questionnaires were completed to evaluate ED and quality of life before and after 12 weeks of treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg, parenterally, for 7 days, followed by 600 mg received per os) or with transdermal testosterone in a dose of 50 mg daily.

Results: Testosterone treatment decreased BMI significantly (p < 0.01), increased testosterone concentrations (p < 0.01) and raised the SHBG levels (p < 0.05), improved the glycemic control and lipid profile (total cholesterol, p < 0.05; HDL cholesterol, p < 0.05; triglycerides, p < 0.05). The patients treated with alpha-lipoic acid had their BMI (p < 0.01), HbA1C (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p < 0.01) significantly reduced. The indicators for ED in both groups were also statistically significantly improved. There was improvement for all patients’ self-assessment score for “physical functioning” (p = 0.001), for “role limitations due to physical health” (p < 0.001) and for “general health perception” (p = 0.021).

Conclusions: Transdermal testosterone and alpha-lipoic acid have a tangible beneficial effect on erectile dysfunction and on metabolic disorders in T2DM patients and can be used to treat such patients.
Influence of Depressive Mood on Quality of Life Ratings of Women with Epilepsy of Childbearing Age / Влияние Депрессивного Настроения На Оценку Качества Жизни У Женщин С Эпилепсией В Детеродном Возрасте
Authors: Todorova Koraliya S. , Kaprelyan Ara G.
Published: August 2013

Depressive disorders are the most frequent psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy. Depressive mood affects negatively quality of life (QOL) ratings, sometimes having greater impact than seizure-related variables. Women with epilepsy are a specific subgroup at risk of comorbid depression in consequence of certain biopsychosocial demands. The AIM of this study was to assess the relative contribution of mood, seizure-related and demographic variables on QOL scores in women with epilepsy of childbearing age.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A psychiatric assessment was carried out of 65 women with epilepsy (aged 18-55, mean 37.23 ± 11.83 yrs). Comorbid depressive disorder was diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria. Its severity was evaluated on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). A questionnaire for demographic and seizure-related variables was completed. Two self-assessment questionnaires were administered: the Seizure Severity Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31). The data were analysed using SPSS for Windows (version 17.0). Univariate correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to explore the association between possible prognostic variables (independent variables) and QOLIE-31 overall and subscale scores (dependent variables). RESULTS: Analysis showed that demographic factors: employment and education; seizurerelated factors: seizure severity, seizure frequency, antiepileptic drug therapy and comorbid depressive disorder were the variables significantly associated with QOLIE-31 overall score (p < 0.01). A three variable model accounted for 64.8% of the variance in QOLIE-31 overall score including seizure severity, comorbid depression and seizure frequency.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical factors are the strongest predictors of QOL of women with epilepsy in our study, seizure severity and comorbid depression being the main contributors. Paying attention to the psychological needs of women with epilepsy will have a positive effect on their QOL.
Cost-Effective Restructuring Based on Process Approach
Authors: Todorović Ivan , Komazec Stefan , Marič Miha , Krivokapić Jovan
Published: August 2013

Different authors agree that designing the organizational structure in accordance with the business processes can bring numerous advantages, which improve business performance of the organizational system. This article aims to show how cost-effective restructuring, through modification of organizational structure according to business processes that exist in the organization, can bring numerous benefits. Successful implementation of process organizational model does not necessarily demand large investments, but only adequate structural changes and internal reorganization. The data used in this paper were gathered during the project of restructuring one transportation company from Belgrade, which consulting team from Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, performed in year 2012.
The effect of respiratory diseases on serum lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzyme patterns in calves
Authors: Nagy O. , Tóthová Cs. , Paulíková I. , Kováčl G. , Seidel H.
Published: August 2013

In this study we examined the serum activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme patterns in 28 calves of a lowland black spotted breed and its crossbreeds at the age of 2-6 months suffering from clinically noticeable manifested respiratory diseases - bronchopneumonia (BRD Group). As a control group we used 35 clinically healthy calves of the same age, breed and nutrition (Healthy Group). The sick calves did not show clinical signs or pathological lesions on other organ systems. The results found in sick calves showed a significantly higher total activity of LDH than in clinically healthy animals (P<0.01). The mean activity of LDH was 2012 U/l in healthy calves and in calves with respiratory diseases 2529 U/l. The differences in all LDH isoenzyme patterns between both groups of animals were significant (P<0.001) and in calves with respiratory diseases are characterized by a marked increase of the LDH 1 fraction and a decrease in the proportion of the other four LDH isoenzymes. Our results differ from those observed and presented in respiratory diseases in human medicine or in sheep. The explanation for the obtained results in calves and the determination of their diagnostic significance needs further studies and investigations using more animals with various severity of clinical signs and pathological changes, including analysis and determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns in healthy and affected cattle lung tissue.