bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chinese perception of quality: model building and analysis based on consumers' perception
Authors: Cheng Hong , Li Dandan , Luo Lianfa
Published: May 2014

Theory construction and data reconstruction are required for the evaluation of quality in China. Taking into consideration existing mature quality evaluation models (particularly the methods of evaluating customer satisfaction) and China's unique national conditions during its economic transition, four dimensions are proposed to evaluate quality in China: consumer satisfaction with quality, product safety, government regulations on quality, and citizen's concept of quality. Based on empirical investigation data in this framework, the overall evaluation of quality in China is summarized as quality in China has just reached a general standard, product safety remains steady as a whole, government quality regulations are ineffective, and Chinese citizens' concept of quality is poor. Correlation analyses show a positive relation between the effectiveness of government regulation on quality and Chinese citizens' concept of quality, consumer satisfaction with quality, and product safety. Finally, the paper proposes the implementation of an emphasis on product safety during quality elevation and quality improvement systems, such as the constant enhancement of quality regulation effects and Chinese citizens' concept of quality, to drive quality development.
Zinc efflux through lysosomal exocytosis prevents zinc-induced toxicity
Authors: Kukic Ira , Kelleher Shannon L. , Kiselyov Kirill
Published: May 2014

Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential micronutrient and an important ionic signal, whose excess as well as scarcity are detrimental to cells. Free cytoplasmic Zn2+ is controlled by a network of Zn2+ transporters and chelating proteins. Recently, lysosomes became the focus of studies in Zn2+ transport, as they were shown to play a role in zinc-induced toxicity by serving as Zn2+ sinks that absorb Zn2+ from the cytoplasm. Here we investigate the impact of the lysosomal Zn2+ sink on the net cellular Zn2+ distribution and its role in cell death. We found that lysosomes play a cytoprotective role during exposure to extracellular Zn2+. Such a role required lysosomal acidification and exocytosis. Specifically, we found that the inhibition of lysosomal acidification using Bafilomycin A1 (Baf) lead to a redistribution of Zn2+ pools, and increased apoptosis. Additionally, the inhibition of lysosomal exocytosis through knockdown (KD) of the lysosomal SNARE proteins VAMP7 and Synaptotagmin VII (SYT7) suppressed Zn2+ secretion and VAMP7 KD cells had increased apoptosis. These data show that lysosomes play a central role in Zn2+ handling, suggesting a novel Zn2+ detoxification pathway.
Influence of Complexing Agents on Adhesion Strength of Electroless Nickel–Phosphorus Plating to Silicon Nitride–Aluminum–Polyimide Mixed Substrates
Authors: Arakawa Tomiyuki , Watanabe Nobuaki , Nakada Tatsunosuke , Oshikiri Junki , Umemoto Hiroshi , Hashimoto Akira , Koiwa Ichiro
Published: May 2014

The adhesion force of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) platings prepared on silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum (Al), and polyimide (PI) substrates using complexing agents of glycine, succinic acid, succinic acid with glycine, and succinic acid with malic acid was demonstrated for the application to wafer-level packaging in large-scale integrated circuits. The adhesion strength of Ni–P platings was investigated by the tape-peeling test and the universal mechanical strength tester. As results, no peeling of Ni–P films formed using glycine, succinic acid, and succinic acid with glycine were observed, although Ni–P films formed using succinic acid with malic acid showed peeling. Thus, Ni–P plating formed using succinic acid with malic acid gave the smallest adhesion force. In contrast, the adhesion force of Ni–P platings formed using succinic acid with glycine on SiN, Al, and PI was the largest, approximately 850 kg cm−2, among Ni–P platings formed using those complexing agents. The growth rate of Ni–P films formed using succinic acid, succinic acid with glycine, and succinic acid with malic acid was uneven on SiN, Al, and PI. In comparison, Ni–P plating formed using glycine provided uniform growth rate on SiN, Al, and PI.
UV-Light-Induced Water Condensation in Air and the Role of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yoshihara Keitaro , Sakamoto Yosuke , Kawasaki Masahiro , Takatori Yoshiki , Kato Shungo , Kajii Yoshizumi
Published: May 2014

We report the UV-light-induced formation of water aerosol/droplets in air based on laser-light scattering measurements, differential mobility analyses and cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy (CRDS), and propose a mechanism. It was shown that UV-light (185 nm) irradiation of air within a soap bubble rapidly produced water droplets under supersaturated conditions. Multiple UV irradiation cycles were demonstrated to increase particle sizes in a controlled reaction chamber. We propose that the reaction mechanism is initiated by oxygen (O2) photodissociation and ozone (O3) formation and further photodissociation of O3 leads to sequential dark reactions, generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a hygroscopic stable product. Exciting excess O3 in wet air with mid-UV radiations (254 nm) was also demonstrated to produce water particles, indicating that this series of reactions can be started at an intermediate stage using a longer wavelength of UV light. For the first time, it was demonstrated that H2O2 in air is a precursor of the initial nucleation of water with two different aerosol formation schemes at 263 K: a) from a mixture of H2O2 and water vapor in dark and b) from a mixture of O3 and water vapor by mid-UV (266 nm) light irradiation. These results indicate that H2O2 can capture water molecules and form water particles.
Ethylene Oligomerization Using Bis(imino)pyridinecobalt(II) Complexes Immobilized in Fluorotetrasilicic Mica Interlayer as Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Kurokawa Hideki , Ishikawa Shun , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Sakuragi Tsutomu , Ohshima Masa-aki , Miura Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Heterogeneous bis(imino)pyridinecobalt(II) catalysts were prepared by direct reaction of cobalt-ion-exchanged fluorotetrasilicic mica and a bis(imino)pyridine ligand. The catalyst prepared from the ligand with 2-CF3Ph groups on the imino nitrogen showed high activity in ethylene oligomerization, with excellent selectivity for α-olefins.
Capillary Chromatography Using an Annular and Sluggish Flow in the Ternary Water–Acetonitrile–Ethyl Acetate System as Carrier Solution
Authors: Hamaguchi Yuya , Fujinaga Satoshi , Murakami Shunpei , Hashimoto Masahiko , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko
Published: May 2014

An open-tubular capillary chromatography system was developed using an annular and sluggish flow system in a ternary water–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate mixed solvent as carrier solution. Fused-silica capillary tubes with different inner diameters of 75 and 200 µm were used. The smaller tube was inserted into the larger tube using a T-type joint. Water–acetonitrile and acetonitrile–ethyl acetate mixed solutions were delivered to the smaller and larger tubes, respectively, and then combined at the other end of the smaller tube located in the larger tube, generating annular and sluggish flows in the water–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate ternary mixed solution (2:5:3 and 2:4:3 (v/v/v), respectively). The annular flow comprised the organic solvent-rich inner and water-rich outer phases and the sluggish flow comprised the organic solvent-rich sluggish domain and water-rich continuous phases. A model analyte mixed solution of 1-naphthol (hydrophobic) and 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (hydrophilic) were injected into the smaller tube and proceeded to the annular or sluggish flow in the larger tube, where they were separated and detected in that order. As observed, the annular and sluggish flows in the microspace could be used for separation without any specific treatments such as tube packing or coating.
Photochemistry of Nanocage Ca12Al14−xSixO32Cl2+x (x = 0.0 and 3.4) Crystals
Authors: Matsuishi Satoru , Muramatsu Hiroki , Hosono Hideo
Published: May 2014

We observed the photogenerated color centers in Ca12Al14−xSixO32Cl2+x analogs of Ca12Al14O33 (C12A7) crystals with crystallographic subnanometer-sized cages partially occupied by Cl ions. Excimer laser irradiation created electrons trapped in the cages and holes on nonbridging oxygen 2p orbitals, accompanied by the formation of O−, H0, and H−. These centers were gradually erased at room temperature in ca. 30 min. These results demonstrate that the cages in C12A7 analogs act as traps for active anionic species and electrons generated by light excitation.
Immunolocalization of Water Channel Proteins AQP1 and AQP4 in Rat Spinal Cord
Authors: Oklinski Michal K. , Lim Jung-Suk , Choi Hyo-Jung , Oklinska Paulina , Skowronski Mariusz T. , Kwon Tae-Hwan
Published: May 2014

Aquaporin (AQP) is a water-selective channel protein. In the brain, AQPs play critical roles in the production of cerebrospinal fluid and in edema formation. In contrast, the expression and role of AQPs in spinal cord are unclear. We aimed to investigate the localization of AQP1 and AQP4 in normal rat spinal cord compared with the expression of marker proteins for astrocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that AQP1 and AQP4 are expressed along all levels of the spinal cord from the cervical to lumbar levels. AQP1 immunolabeling was observed in the dorsal horns in the gray matter, whereas the labeling was weak and mainly seen close to glia limitans in the white matter. AQP1 was co-labeled with marker proteins for unmyelinated neuronal fibers (peripherin) and endothelial cells (RECA-1) of blood vessels that had penetrated through the glia limitans. In contrast, AQP1 did not colocalize with GFAP, an astrocyte marker, at any level of the spinal cord. AQP4 was exclusively localized at the astrocytes, but AQP4 expression in spinal cord exhibited a less polarized and more spatial distribution than that of brain astrocytes. The observed characteristic localization and expression patterns of AQP1 and AQP4 could provide insights toward gaining an understanding of the role of AQPs in the spinal cord.
Generation of a New Cystatin C–Based Estimating Equation for Glomerular Filtration Rate by Use of 7 Assays Standardized to the International Calibrator
Authors: Grubb Anders , Horio Masaru , Hansson Lars-Olof , Björk Jonas , Nyman Ulf , Flodin Mats , Larsson Anders , Bökenkamp Arend , Yasuda Yoshinari , Blufpand Hester , Lindström Veronica , Zegers Ingrid , Althaus Harald , Blirup-Jensen Søren , Itoh Yoshi , Sjöström Per , Nordin Gunnar , Christensson Anders , Klima Horst , Sunde Kathrin , Hjort-Christensen Per , Armbruster David , Ferrero Carlo
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Many different cystatin C–based equations exist for estimating glomerular filtration rate. Major reasons for this are the previous lack of an international cystatin C calibrator and the nonequivalence of results from different cystatin C assays.

METHODS

Use of the recently introduced certified reference material, ERM-DA471/IFCC, and further work to achieve high agreement and equivalence of 7 commercially available cystatin C assays allowed a substantial decrease of the CV of the assays, as defined by their performance in an external quality assessment for clinical laboratory investigations. By use of 2 of these assays and a population of 4690 subjects, with large subpopulations of children and Asian and Caucasian adults, with their GFR determined by either renal or plasma inulin clearance or plasma iohexol clearance, we attempted to produce a virtually assay-independent simple cystatin C–based equation for estimation of GFR.

RESULTS

We developed a simple cystatin C–based equation for estimation of GFR comprising only 2 variables, cystatin C concentration and age. No terms for race and sex are required for optimal diagnostic performance. The equation, eGFR=130×cystatin C−1.069×age−0.117−7, is also biologically oriented, with 1 term for the theoretical renal clearance of small molecules and 1 constant for extrarenal clearance of cystatin C.

CONCLUSIONS

A virtually assay-independent simple cystatin C–based and biologically oriented equation for estimation of GFR, without terms for sex and race, was produced.
Ver a Poesia, Ler o Cinema
Authors: Athayde Manaíra Aires
Published: May 2014

Recensão de Rosa Maria Martelo, O Cinema da Poesia. Lisboa: Documenta, 2012, 261 pp. ISBN 978-989-8618-19-1.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_10
Testamentos Literários: A Difícil Arte da Mediação
Authors: Namora Ricardo
Published: May 2014

Recensão de Jerónimo Pizarro, La Mediación Editorial – Sobre la Vida Póstuma de lo Escrito. Madrid: Iberoamericana Editorial Vervuert, 2012, 304 pp. ISBN: 978-84-8489-706-4DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_12
Quem as Não Tem? (Como Escrever Cartas Faz de Nós Pessoas Melhores)
Authors: Namora Ricardo
Published: May 2014

Este ensaio lida com certas características físicas, materiais, simbólicas e sensoriais do objecto “carta”, desde as suas primeiras ocorrências enquanto função da criação de um sistema postal, passando pela modelação da sua natureza que ocorreu no século XIX e foi fundamental para a sua definição, até algumas das suas manifestações contemporâneas. Serão descritos, para o efeito, argumentos pragmáticos, filosóficos e literários.Abstract This essay aims to deal with certain physical, material, symbolic and sensory features of the “letter” as an object, from its first occurrences as a function of the creation of a postal system, through the modeling that occurred in the nineteenth century and was crucial to its definition, until its contemporary forms. For that purpose, a series of pragmatic, philosophical and literary arguments will be discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_8
EGF/EGFR signaling axis is a significant regulator of the proteasome expression and activity in colon cancer cells
Authors: Ellina Maria-Ioanna , Bouris Panagiotis , Kletsas Dimitrios , Aletras Alexios J. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: May 2014

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a crucial role in the (patho)physiology of the disease. EGFR controls vital cellular processes, while this action is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, K-Ras mutations are associated with the promotion of the disease and the anti-EGFR resistance. The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays also a very important role in cancer, modulating cell cycle and other cellular processes such as the growth and the survival of cancer cells. Proteasome inhibition affects, in several cases, the action and the protein levels of EGFR. Nevertheless, little is known whether the reversed option is possible. In this study, we, therefore, investigated the impact of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGFR signaling axis on gene expression and the proteolytic activity of the proteasome subunits, as well as whether nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), an activator of proteasome expression, plays a role in this process. Moreover, we evaluated whether EGF regulates the expression of its own receptor and the proliferation rate of DLD-1 (K-Ras mutated) colon cancer cells. The obtained data showed that, although EGF has no significant effect on the proliferation of DLD-1 colon cancer cells, it significantly upregulates the expression of EGFR as well as the expression and the activity of the proteasome, suggesting that the EGF-mediated proteasome activation could possibly lead to enhanced EGFR degradation leading to autoregulation of EGF–EGFR pathway. Nrf2 activation did not induce proteasome gene expression in DLD-1 colon cancer cells.
Examining Relative Age Effects in Fundamental Skill Proficiency in British Children Aged 6–11 Years
Authors: Birch Samantha , Cummings Laura , Oxford Samuel W. , Duncan Michael J.
Published: May 2014

Birch, S, Cummings, L, Oxford, SW, and Duncan, MJ. Examining relative age effects in fundamental skill proficiency in British children aged 6–11 years. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2809–2815, 2016—The relative age effect (RAE) suggests that there is a clustering of birth dates just after the cutoff used for sports selection in age-grouped sports and that in such circumstances, relatively older sportspeople may enjoy maturational and physical advantages over their younger peers. Few studies have examined this issue in nonselective groups of children, and none have examined whether there is evidence of any RAE in skill performance. The aim of this study was to assess whether there were differences in fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency within children placed in age groups according to the school year. Six FMS (sprint, side gallop, balance, jump, catch, and throw) were assessed in 539 school children (258 boys and 281 girls) aged 6–11 years (mean age ± SD = 7.7 ± 1.7 years). We examined differences in these FMS between gender groups and children born in different quarters of the year after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). For balance, chronological age was significant as a covariate (p = 0.0001) with increases in age associated with increases in balance. Boys had significantly higher sprint mastery compared with girls (p = 0.012), and increased BMI was associated with poorer sprint mastery (p = 0.001). Boys had higher catching mastery than girls (p = 0.003), and children born in Q1 had significantly greater catching mastery than those born in Q2 (p = 0.015), Q3 (p = 0.019), and Q4 (p = 0.01). Results for throwing mastery also indicated higher mastery in boys compared with girls (p = 0.013) and that children born in Q1 had higher throwing proficiency than those born in Q4 (p = 0.038). These results are important if coaches are basing sport selection on measures of skilled performance, particularly in object-control skills. Categorizing children's skilled performance based on rounded down values of whole-year age may disadvantage children born relatively later in the selection year, whereas children born earlier in the selection year will likely evidence greater skill mastery and subsequent advantage for selection purposes.
Acute Effect of High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise on Vascular Endothelial Function in Young Men
Authors: Choi Youngju , Akazawa Nobuhiko , Zempo-Miyaki Asako , Ra Song-Gyu , Shiraki Hitoshi , Ajisaka Ryuichi , Maeda Seiji
Published: May 2014

Choi, Y, Akazawa, N, Zempo-Miyaki, A, Ra, S-G, Shiraki, H, Ajisaka, R, and Maeda, S. Acute effect of high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function in young men. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2279–2285, 2016—Increased central arterial stiffness is as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness. We evaluated the acute changes in endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD), low-flow–mediated constriction (L-FMC), and arterial stiffness after high-intensity eccentric exercise. Seven healthy, sedentary men (age, 24 ± 1 year) performed maximal eccentric elbow flexor exercise using their nondominant arm. Before and 45 minutes after eccentric exercise, carotid arterial compliance and brachial artery FMD and L-FMC in the nonexercised arm were measured. Carotid arterial compliance was significantly decreased, and β-stiffness index significantly increased after eccentric exercise. Brachial FMD was significantly reduced after eccentric exercise, whereas there was no significant difference in brachial L-FMC before and after eccentric exercise. A positive correlation was detected between change in arterial compliance and change in FMD (r = 0.779; p ≤ 0.05), and a negative correlation was detected between change in β-stiffness index and change in FMD (r = −0.891; p < 0.01) with eccentric exercise. In this study, acute high-intensity eccentric exercise increased central arterial stiffness; this increase was accompanied by a decrease in endothelial function caused by reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation but not by a change in endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction.
Conductive Concrete for Electromagnetic Shielding Applications
Authors: Yehia Sherif , Qaddoumi Nasser , Hassan Mohamed , Swaked Bassam
Published: May 2014

Conventional concrete is a dielectric whose properties change based on the constituents of the mixture. Consequently, it is not an effective electromagnetic shield since radio frequency (RF) waves can still propagate through it with relatively low attenuation. Recently, conductive concrete, which is a cement-based mix, was developed to achieve high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. Petroleum coke with different particle sizes, synthetic graphite, and steel fibers were used to improve the electrical properties of the concrete. In this paper, the effectiveness of conductive concrete as an electromagnetic shield is investigated. Steel fiber configuration and sample thickness were the parameters used in the evaluation. Frequencies between 0.3 to 11 GHz were considered in the investigation. The free space measurement method was used to measure the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and the results showed that attenuation up to 50 dB could be achieved for the frequency range considered in the investigation.
Sorptivity Ratio and Compressive Strength of Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Slag Paste
Authors: Qureshi Mohd. Nadeem , Ghosh Somnath
Published: May 2014

The initial/secondary absorption and compressive strength of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste has been investigated. Emphasis has been given to secondary absorption of AAS paste based on the method described in ASTM C1585-04 [Standard Test Method for Measurement of Rate of Absorption of Water by Hydraulic Cement Concretes, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2004, pp. 1–4]. The paste was produced by activating blast furnace slag with sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution. The major parameters studied were alkali content, silicate content, and the type of activator. Experimental investigation revealed that initial rate of absorption (Si) and secondary rate of absorption (Ss) decreases with increase in alkali and silicate content up to a certain limit with an increase in compressive strength. The maximum compressive strength was found to be 50.40 MPa for the specimens having lowest sorptivity. It was also found that the sorptivity ratio (Si/Ss) plays a significant role on compressive strength in turn on the durability of AAS composites. This paper is an attempt to introduce the simple method of measuring initial and secondary sorptivity described in ASTM C1585-04 to study the strength and durability of AAS. The microstructure study was carried out using SEM/EDAX.
Shear Testing of Butt Joints
Authors: Maalek Shahrokh
Published: May 2014

A procedure for shear testing of butt welds has been developed to enable a realistic observation of the response of actual-size groove-welded joints to in-plane pure shear loading. It has been found by means of experimental stress analysis and finite element analysis that with this method, a situation very close to the condition of pure shear can be created along the shear section. The applicability of the method in the presence of an unfavorable crack lying in the shear section has been verified numerically. The actual effectiveness, applicability, and suitability of the method have been demonstrated experimentally. Satisfactory performance has been observed during testing of actual butt joints with their inherent defects. The method can be used for destructive testing and evaluation of groove-welded joints—fabricated in factory or on site, or taken from existing structures—and for assessing a proposed welding detail and procedure with the use of purpose-made specimens. The idea can be extended to fatigue testing of butt joints and flat metals under mode II fatigue loading.
Effect of Ohmic Drop on Accuracy of Reinforcement Corrosion Rate Measured Using Different Setups
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad
Published: May 2014

High resistance offered by concrete to the current applied to polarize reinforcing bars embedded in concrete during measurement of reinforcement corrosion rate results in Ohmic drop, which causes inaccuracy in the measured value of the reinforcement corrosion rate. A study on accuracies of a simple developed setup and two other commercially available setups in measuring reinforcement corrosion rate using the linear polarization resistance method with and without Ohmic drop compensation is reported in this paper. The good correlation between electrochemically measured corrosion current density and gravimetrically measured percentage weight loss was taken as an indicator of accuracy of each setup. The developed setup was found to be most accurate in measuring corrosion rate without, as well as with, Ohmic drop compensation. Both commercial setups were found to have reasonably acceptable accuracy without Ohmic drop compensation; however, both were found with unacceptable accuracy with Ohmic drop compensation.
Measurement and Characterization of Asphalt Pavement Surface Macrotexture Using Three Dimensional Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Hong Feng , Huang Yaxiong (Robin)
Published: May 2014

Pavement macrotexture plays a critical role in highway users' safety. It is also closely related to tire-pavement interaction noise. In recent years, continuous effort has been made toward three-dimensional macrotexture measurement in the field to accommodate pavement management. This study presents a newly developed macrotexture measuring system with 3D laser scanning technology. The underlying system demonstrates a series of desirable properties including: (1) 3D surface feature, (2) high speed data collection, (3) large sampling capacity, (4) high resolution and accuracy, and (5) ease of operation. Based on data collected on a real-world asphalt pavement by the system, it is demonstrated that the existing pavement macrotexture evaluation indexes are extended from 2D to 3D. By comparison, it is shown that the 3D indexes are able to characterize pavement macrotexture in a more comprehensive and realistic manner. The correlation among the 3D indexes is also evaluated, which provides pavement researchers and engineers more flexibility in selecting relevant indexes in macrotexture property evaluation.
In-Plane Biaxial Fatigue Testing Machine Powered by Linear Iron-Core Motors
Authors: Freitas M. , Reis L. , Li B. , Guelho I. , Antunes V. , Maia J. , Cláudio R. A.
Published: May 2014

This work presents a new in-plane biaxial fatigue-testing machine built with four iron-core linear motors, which are presently the most powerful on the market for industrial applications. The testing system includes a non-conventional guiding device, allowing an adjustable and precise linear movement without contact, with many advantages for fatigue testing and, in particular, for biaxial in-plane testing. These are assembled in a strong horizontal frame, allowing several configurations for uniaxial and biaxial testing. The control can be made in open loop (by controlling directly the current on the motor, which is almost proportional to the force) or closed loop through the ±5-kN dynamic force transducers or by the magnetic encoders with 1 μm resolution. Details of the controller are also presented, which was specifically designed to keep the specimen stable and to ensure biaxial symmetry during the fatigue test. The dynamic force capacity under several biaxial force conditions is presented by diagrams, showing that this machine is appropriated to test efficiently small samples of engineering materials.
Blocking of progestin action disrupts spermatogenesis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Liu Gang , Luo Feng , Song Qiang , Wu Limin , Qiu Yongxiu , Shi Hongjuan , Wang Deshou , Zhou Linyan
Published: May 2014

In vitrostudies have indicated that the maturation-inducing hormone 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20β-DP, DHP), probably through nuclear progestin receptor (Pgr), might be involved in the proliferation of spermatogonial cells and the initiation of meiosis in several fish species. However, furtherin vivoevidence is required to elucidate the role of DHP in spermatogenesis during sexual differentiation in teleosts. In this study, we clonedpgrand analyzed its expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and treated XY fish with RU486 (a synthetic Pgr antagonist) from 5 days after hatching (dah) to determine the role of DHP in spermatogenesis. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Pgr identified in tilapia is a genuine Pgr. Pgr was found to be expressed in the Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia and spermatids in the testis of tilapia. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression ofpgrin the testis was significantly upregulated from 10 dah, further increased at 50 dah, and persisted until adulthood in fish. In the testis of RU486-treated fish, the transcript levels of germ cell markers and a meiotic marker were substantially reduced. However, the expression of markers in Sertoli cells remained unchanged. Moreover, the production of 11-ketotestosterone and the expression of genes encoding various steroidogenic enzymes were also not altered. In contrast, the expression ofcyp17a2, encoding one of the critical steroidogenic enzymes involved in DHP biosynthesis, declined significantly, possibly indicating the inhibition of DHP production by RU486. RU486 treatment given for 2 months did not affect spermatogenesis; however, treatment given for more than 3 months resulted in a decrease in spermatogonial cell numbers and depletion of later-phase spermatogenic cells. Simultaneous excessive DHP supplementation restored spermatogenesis in RU486-treated XY fish. Taken together, our data further indicated that DHP, possibly through Pgr, might be essential for spermatogonial cell proliferation and spermatogenesis in fish.
Corticotropin-releasing factor family peptide signaling in feline bladder urothelial cells
Authors: Hanna-Mitchell Ann T , Wolf-Johnston Amanda , Roppolo James R , Buffington Tony C A , Birder Lori A
Published: May 2014

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the orchestration of behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. The family of CRF-related peptides (CRF and paralogs: urocortin (Ucn)-I, -II, and -III) and associated receptors (CRFR1 and CRFR2) are also expressed in peripheral tissues such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Local signaling may exert multiple effects of stress-induced exacerbation of many complex syndromes, including psoriasis and visceral hypersensitivity. Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), a chronic visceral pain syndrome characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain, is reported to be exacerbated by stress. Functional changes in the epithelial lining of the bladder, a vital blood–urine barrier called the urothelium, may play a role in IC/PBS. This study investigated the expression and functional activity of CRF-related peptides in the urothelium of normal cats and cats with feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), a chronic idiopathic cystitis exhibiting similarities to humans diagnosed with IC/PBS. Western blots analysis showed urothelial (UT) expression of CRFR1 and CRFR2. Enzyme immunoassay revealed release of endogenous ligands (CRF and Ucn) by UT cells in culture. Evidence of functional activation of CRFR1 and CRFR2 by receptor-selective agonists (CRF and UCN3 respectively) was shown by i) the measurement of ATP release using the luciferin-luciferase assay and ii) the use of membrane-impermeant fluorescent dyes (FM dyes) for fluorescence microscopy to assess membrane exocytotic responses in real time. Our findings show evidence of CRF-related peptide signaling in the urothelium. Differences in functional responses between FIC and normal UT indicate that this system is altered in IC/PBS.
Atendimento a tentativas de suicídio por serviço de atenção pré-hospitalar
Authors: Magalhães Ana Paula Nogueira de , Alves Verônica de Medeiros , Comassetto Isabel , Lima Patrícia Costa , Faro Ana Cristina Mancussi e , Nardi Antonio Egidio
Published: May 2014

Objetivo: Investigar as características das vítimas de tentativa de suicídio atendidas em serviço pré-hospitalar e os intervalos de tempo consumidos nessa fase de atendimento. Métodos: Estudo transversal utilizando dados da fase pré-hospitalar de atendimento às vítimas de tentativa de suicídio no município de Arapiraca, no ano de 2011. Para análise dos dados, foram realizados teste exato de Fisher, teste t de Student e regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Foram atendidas 80 vítimas de tentativa de suicídio pelo serviço de atenção pré-hospitalar. As mulheres, com idade superior a dos homens, foram as que mais tentaram suicídio (n = 44, 55%), e a intoxicação por medicamentos foi o método mais utilizado (n = 44, 55%). As tentativas de suicídio ocorreram com maior frequência no outono (n = 29, 36,25%), no dia de domingo (n = 18, 22,5%), principalmente no período vespertino (n = 33, 41,25%). O tempo gasto para o atendimento pré-hospitalar variou entre 34,4 e 40,5 minutos. As variáveis que estiveram associadas às tentativas de suicídio por sexo foram idade (p = 0,03) e tempo de transporte (p = 0,01). Conclusão: Foram encontradas diferenças entre os sexos das vítimas de tentativa de suicídio atendidas pelo serviço de atenção pré-hospitalar. As mulheres apresentaram maior idade que os homens e o tempo de transporte foi maior em vítimas do sexo masculino, sugerindo maior gravidade nas tentativas de suicídio cometidas por esse grupo.
Revisão sistemática dos aspectos psicossociais, neurobiológicos, preditores e promotores de resiliência em militares
Authors: Cotian Michela de Souza , Vilete Liliane , Volchan Eliane , Figueira Ivan
Published: May 2014

Objetivo: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática sobre resiliência psicológica e/ou hardiness em militares, explorando seus aspectos psicossociais, neurobiológicos, preditores e promotores. Métodos: Utilizaram-se as bases de dados PubMed/MedLine, ISI/Web of Science e PsycINFO, incluindo artigos empíricos publicados nas línguas inglesa, portuguesa e espanhola até maio de 2012. Os seguintes termos foram utilizados: “militar*”, “Army”, “war”, “veteran*”, “resilien*” e “hardiness”. Resultados: Foram incluídos 32 estudos selecionados a partir de 1.205 artigos. O foco da maioria das pesquisas recai sobre a correlação resiliência/hardiness e aspectos psicossociais. Confirmou-se o papel protetivo da resiliência/hardiness quanto ao transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), assim como a associação direta entre resiliência e saúde. Neuropeptídeo Y (NPY) e deidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) foram os biomarcadores mais estudados. Os níveis de NPY no plasma podem representar um correlato biológico de resiliência ou recuperação dos efeitos adversos do estresse. Somente dois estudos abordaram fatores preditores de resiliência em amostras militares, sugerindo ser a exposição a situações adversas, o apoio social e o gênero fatores considerados preditores desse construto. Apenas um estudo avaliou a eficiência de intervenção para fortalecer a resiliência. Conclusão: Apesar da crucial relevância da resiliência, há poucos estudos em amostras militares. Estudos neurobiológicos como os do NPY são promissores. A ausência de ensaio randomizado controlado avaliando eficácia de intervenções promotoras da resiliência demonstra como esse construto vem sendo negligenciado nessa profissão de risco, constituindo área prioritária para foco de estudos futuros.
Múltiplas estirpes de isolados de Mycobacteriumbovis identificados por tipagem molecular em bovinos abatidos em matadouros-frigoríficos
Authors: Alzamora Filho Fernando , Vasconcellos Sidra E.G. , Gomes Harrison M. , Cavalcante Miriam P. , Suffys Philip N. , Costa Joselito N.
Published: May 2014

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi utilizar métodos bacteriológicos e moleculares para a identificação do Mycobacteriumbovis em lesões observadas em carcaças de bovinos durante a inspeção postmortem de rotina em matadouros-frigoríficos com serviço de inspeção oficial. Foi acompanhado o abate e a inspeção de 825.394 bovinos, sadios ao exame ante mortem pelo serviço de inspeção oficial em dez matadouros-frigoríficos do estado da Bahia. Carcaça de 180 bovinos apresentaram lesões sugestivas de tuberculose e por outras linfadenites. No isolamento bacteriano, 25 amostras apresentaram crescimento disgônico de colônias de coloração creme-amareladas em meio de cultura Stonebrink-Leslie. Desses isolados, 14 foram identificados como M. bovis PCR multiplex e pela técnica do spoligotyping foram discriminados oito diferentes espoligotipos do M. bovis, sendo sete descritos na literatura e um novo spoligotipo sem descrição anterior. O espoligotipo majoritário foi o SB0121, com cinco amostras, sendo descrito no Brasil e em outros países, seguidos por dois clusters, SB295 e SB1055, com dois isolados cada. O espoligotipo SB1145 e SB1648 foram referidos apenas no Brasil e Dinamarca, respectivamente. O espoligotipo SB140 já foi encontrado no Brasil, Argentina, Uruguai e Paraguai. Estes resultados demonstram que os espoligotipos obtidos são compartilhados, até o momento, entre estados brasileiros e entre países da América Latina e Europa. Sendo assim, a discriminação molecular de isolados de M. bovis através do Spoligotyping constitui-se numa ferramenta para estudos epidemiológicos da tuberculose bovina no Estado da Bahia.
Padronização do teste imunoalérgico aplicado ao diagnóstico da tuberculose e micobacterioses em suínos (Sus scrofa) experimentalmente sensibilizados com suspensões oleosas de Mycobacterium bovis ou M. avium inativados
Authors: Oliveira Flávia C.S. , Pinheiro Sônia R. , Azevedo Sérgio S. , Santos Carolina S.A.B. , Lilenbaum Walter , Soto Francisco R.M. , Roxo Eliana , Vasconcellos Sílvio A.
Published: May 2014

Foi investigado o valor diagnóstico da resposta alérgica cutânea em leitões experimentalmente sensibilizados, pela via intramuscular, com suspensões oleosas de Mycobacterium bovis ou M. avium inativados pelo calor.Foram utilizados 91 animais, divididos em quatro grupos: grupos A e B, cada um com 25 indivíduos, grupos C e D com 21 e 20 indivíduos respectivamente, balanceando-se as características de raça, linhagem, faixa etária e sexo. Aos 30 dias de idade, todos os animais foram submetidos a uma triagem com a aplicação de tuberculina PPD bovina, pela via intradérmica na base da orelha e não houve qualquer tipo de reação. Decorridos 60 dias do teste tuberculínico de triagem, o grupo A recebeu injeção intramuscular de 0,5 mL de uma suspensão oleosa de M. avium estirpe D4; o grupo B recebeu 0,5 mL de uma suspensão oleosa de M. bovis estirpe AN5; o grupo C (controle I), recebeu 0,5 mL do adjuvante oleoso; e o grupo D (controle II), recebeu 0,5 mL de solução fisiológica. Após 30 dias da sensibilização foi realizada a prova de tuberculinização comparativa com reação medida pela variação da espessura da pele com cutímetro de mola às 0h, 24h, 48h e 72h, após a aplicação das tuberculinas. No teste comparativo, lido às 48 ou 72 horas, a reação foi considerada negativa quando a diferença das reações entre o PPD bovino e o PPD aviário foi menor que 6,7 mm; suspeito ou inconclusivo quando a diferença se situou na faixa de 6,7 a 7,5 mm; e positiva de acordo com o tipo de PPD, considerando-se tuberculose para PPD M. bovis e micobacteriose para PPD M. avium, quando a diferença da reação foi superior a 7,5 mm.
Intoxicação espontânea por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense
Authors: Carvalho Amanda Q. de , Carvalho Nilton M. , Vieira Gustavo P. , Santos Ariany C. dos , Franco Gumercindo L. , Pott Arnildo , Barros Cláudio S.L. , Lemos Ricardo A.A.
Published: May 2014

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por Senna obtusifolia em bovinos no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, na região do Pantanal. Em um lote de 313 novilhas, 165 adoeceram e morreram (coeficientes de morbidade de 52,7% e de letalidade de 100%). Os bovinos permaneceram no piquete infestado pela planta por 37 dias. Os sinais clínicos consistiram em relutância em movimentar-se, andar trôpego (incoordenação), decúbito esternal permanente, diminuição do tônus de língua, estado comportamental em alerta, mioglobinúria caracterizada por urina castanho-escuro e fezes ressecadas com ou sem muco (ocasionalmente diarreicas com estrias de sangue). As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas nos 12 bovinos necropsiados estavam nos músculos esqueléticos dos membros pélvicos e foram caracterizadas por graus variáveis de palidez nos grupos musculares. Histologicamente, a lesão mais relevante encontrada foi degeneração e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos (miopatia degenerativa tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico da intoxicação baseou-se na epidemiologia (massa de forragem e de planta tóxica, análise da lotação do piquete e análise da precipitação pluviométrica), no quadro clínico dos animais e nos achados de necropsia e histopatologia.
Relação entre a biometria ultrassonográfica ocular e os parâmetros morfométricos do crânio, idade, peso e gênero em gatos domésticos
Authors: Ferreira Marco A. , Allemann Norma , Dias Luís G.G.G. , Honsho Cristiane dos Santos
Published: May 2014

O exame ultrassonográfico ocular é indispensável no pré-operatório de procedimentos cirúrgicos intraoculares como a facectomia, além de ser uma ferramenta complementar ao exame oftalmológico, em casos de perda da transparência dos meios ópticos. A inexistência de estudos acerca de padrões de normalidades para as medidas do bulbo ocular e de suas estruturas internas nos gatos, cujos valores possibilitam o monitoramento de enfermidades e auxiliam em procedimentos cirúrgicos motivaram este estudo. Utilizaram-se 40 gatos, adultos, machos e fêmeas, livres de enfermidades sistêmica e oftalmológica. Destes, 22 eram da raça persa (grupo braquicefálico - GB) e 18 sem raça definida (grupo não braquicefálico - GNB). A biometria ultrassonográfica ocular transcorneana foi realizada, em modo-B∕A, com o transdutor microlinear de 9 MHz e as medidas D1 (profundidade da câmara anterior), D2 (diâmetro do cristalino), D3 (profundidade da câmara vítrea) e D4 (diâmetro axial do bulbo ocular) aferidas. Ainda, mensuraram-se as distâncias fronto-occipital e bizigomática e o peso desses animais. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste-t pareado, seguindo-se as análises de variância e covariância, além da regressão linear múltipla relacionando-se as medidas de D1, D2, D3 e D4 às medidas bizigomática e fronto-occipital, como também à idade, ao peso e ao gênero. Obteve-se como resultado a média de D1, D2, D3 e D4, assim como dos diâmetros bizigomático e fronto-occipital, idade e peso, verificando-se diferenças significativas para D4 nas fêmeas de GB. Houve, pela análise de regressão linear, influência do peso, idade e diâmetro fronto-occipital sobre D1, D2 e D4 nos gatos do GB, e dos diâmetros bizigomático sobre D1, D3 e D4 nos gatos do GNB. Conclui-se que houve diferença no diâmetro axial do bulbo ocular nas fêmeas do GB, e que o peso, a idade e os diâmetros cranianos influenciam a biometria ocular dos gatos braquicefálicos e não braquicefálicos.
Recuperação escolar: uma análise crítica a partir da Psicologia Escolar
Authors: Caldas Roseli Fernandes Lins , Souza Marilene Proença Rebello de
Published: May 2014

O artigo retrata o recorte de um estudo sobre a recuperação escolar fundamentado na abordagem histórico-cultural, cujos objetivos foram: a) estabelecer uma análise crítica, a partir dos conceitos da psicologia escolar sobre programas de recuperação na educação pública paulista; e b) compreender os sentidos pessoais atribuídos à recuperação escolar por educadores, mães e alunos. De cunho qualitativo, essa pesquisa etnográfica utilizou-se dos seguintes procedimentos: observações participantes; entrevistas com gestores, professores, alunos e mães; e desenhos dos alunos. Os resultados revelaram grande distanciamento entre as propostas oficiais e sua concretização no cotidiano escolar. A busca do sentido da recuperação conduziu à conclusão de que essa prática configura-se muito mais como um espaço de impossibilidades do que de potencialidades. As classes de recuperação exercem em alunos e professores o pernicioso efeito de cristalização do "não saber" - professores destituídos de sua função de ensinar e alunos desistentes de suas possibilidades de aprender.
Contradições do processo de disciplinamento escolar: os "Livros de Ocorrências" em análise
Authors: Fonseca Débora Cristina , Silva Joyce Mary Adam de Paula e , Salles Leila Maria Ferreira
Published: May 2014

Historicamente, as escolas assumiram como missão o disciplinamento de crianças e jovens, supostamente com o objetivo de adequá-los ao convívio e às normas sociais. Um dos instrumentos criados para exercer este ofício são os chamados "Livros de Ocorrências", existentes nas escolas desde a década de 1920. Neste contexto, buscamos compreender como esses livros têm sido utilizados nas escolas atualmente, como esta utilização tem sido interpretada pelos professores e quais os sentidos dos registros. Em nossa análise apontamos que os registros têm pouca efetividade em termos de favorecimento à aprendizagem do aluno, mas que exercem uma função de disciplinamento e normalização. Pôde-se também apontar, com base na análise de entrevistas com os professores, nas quais utilizamos a técnica de grupo focal, que os registros tendem a ganhar um novo significado, de proteção da escola e dos professores, ainda que esta proteção possa ser compreendida mais como simbólica do que propriamente efetiva.
Orientação quanto à queixa escolar relativa a adolescentes: especificidades
Authors: Lima Cárita Portilho de , Prado Marina Borges e Silva , Souza Beatriz de Paula
Published: May 2014

Este artigo visa apresentar e discutir especificidades do atendimento em "Orientação à Queixa Escolar" (OQE) com adolescentes, desenvolvendo-se reflexões teórico-práticas frutos de experiências de intervenção em contexto clínico. Para tanto, expõe-se a concepção de adolescência nas quais se baseiam e analisa-se o ambiente escolar das escolas públicas, refletindo-se sobre políticas públicas de educação que atingem esse público e sobre o funcionamento de escolas que causam dificuldades nos processos de escolarização. A partir disso, são apresentas especificidades do atendimento em OQE a adolescentes: o estigma da incompetência escolar, o lugar da fala e de outras linguagens, a autoria do adolescente no processo de atendimento, o lugar do projeto de vida e especificidades da intervenção na escola. Por fim, destaca-se que o tema das dificuldades escolares enfrentadas por adolescentes merece aprofundamento por meio de estudos e pesquisas em Psicologia Escolar e Educacional, com vistas a desvelar meandros e vicissitudes dessa trama e a refinar propostas de intervenção na mesma.
O Cloze como instrumento de avaliação de leitura nas séries iniciais
Authors: Mota Márcia Maria Peruzzi Elia da , Santos Acácia Aparecida Angeli dos
Published: May 2014

A literatura na área tem apontado a importância das habilidades referentes à leitura e escrita, especialmente quando se estuda o processo de alfabetização e suas dificuldades. Buscando verificar a validade do Cloze como instrumento de avaliação de leitura, o presente estudo foi elaborado tendo como principal objetivo comparar os escores do Cloze com o Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE), que apresenta, além de estudos de validade e precisão, também uma proposta de normatização. A amostra do estudo constituiu-se de quarenta e duas crianças, das quais dezenove eram alunas da 1ª série e vinte e três da 2ª série (no sistema atual, 2º ano e 3º ano) do Ensino Fundamental de escolas particulares situadas no Interior de Minas. Os resultados mostram evidências de validade de critério e convergência para o Cloze e indicam sua utilidade como um teste de avaliação de leitura.