bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiscal Impacts of Charter Schools: Lessons from New York
Authors: Bifulco Robert , Reback Randall
Published: November 2013

This brief argues that charter school programs can have direct fiscal impacts on school districts for two reasons. First, operating two systems of public schools under separate governance arrangements can create excess costs. Second, charter school financing policies can distribute resources to or away from districts. Using the city school districts of Albany and Buffalo in New York, we demonstrate how fiscal impacts on local school districts can be estimated. We find that charter schools have had fiscal impacts on these two school districts. Finally, we argue that charter schools policies should seek to minimize any avoidable excess costs created by charter schools and ensure that the burden of any unavoidable excess costs is equitably distributed across traditional public schools, charter schools, and the state. We offer concrete policy recommendations that may help to achieve these objectives.
Origins and Last Farewells: Bible Wars, Textual Form, and the Making of American History
Authors: Van Engen Abram C.
Published: November 2013

The Puritans never published John Winthrop's “city on a hill” sermon, A Model of Christian Charity, which vanished in the seventeenth century. When it reappeared 200 years later, scholars relied on a dubious cover-note to proclaim its foundational significance. Demonstrating how the Geneva Bible gave shape to Winthrop's sermon–and how the manuscript's whims helped make sense of its meaning–this essay reveals the role of textual form in the construction of American history.
Newborn Bards of the Holy Ghost: The Seven Seniors and Emerson's “Divinity School Address”
Authors: Leatham Jeremy
Published: November 2013

When Ralph Waldo Emerson entered Divinity Hall in July 1838 to address the Harvard Divinity School's graduating class, he aimed to inspire a new generation of preachers, not to undermine Christianity or launch transcendentalism. This paper examines the members of that class to reveal the extent of Emerson's immediate influence.
Sarah Orne Jewett's Transforming Visit, “Tame Indians,” and One Writer's Professionalization
Authors: Heller Terry
Published: November 2013

Sarah Orne Jewett discovered her vocation after attending worship at the Wisconsin Oneida mission in 1872. Her fictionalized account, “Tame Indians” (1875), reveals how liberation from racial stereotypes prompted her to aspire to become a regionalist writer, which helped her fulfill her desire to advocate for diversity by portraying marginalized people as neighbors and fellow Americans.
Evaluation of Modeling Water-Vapor-Weighted Mean Tropospheric Temperature for GNSS-Integrated Water Vapor Estimates in Brazil
Authors: Sapucci Luiz F.
Published: November 2013

Meteorological application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data over Brazil has increased significantly in recent years, motivated by the significant amount of investment from research agencies. Several projects have, among their principal objectives, the monitoring of humidity over Brazilian territory. These research projects require integrated water vapor (IWV) values with maximum quality, and, accordingly, appropriate data from the installed meteorological stations, together with the GNSS antennas, have been used. The model that is applied to estimate the water-vapor-weighted mean tropospheric temperature (Tm) is a source of uncertainty in the estimate of IWV values using the ground-based GNSS receivers in Brazil. Two global models and one algorithm for Tm, developed through the use of radiosondes, numerical weather prediction products, and 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), as well as two regional models, were evaluated using a dataset of ~78 000 radiosonde profiles collected at 22 stations in Brazil during a 12-yr period (1999–2010). The regional models (denoted the Brazilian and regional models) were developed with the use of multivariate statistical analysis using ~90 000 radiosonde profiles launched at 12 stations over a 32-yr period (1961–93). The main conclusion is that the Brazilian model and two global models exhibit similar performance if the complete dataset and the entire period are taken into consideration. However, for seasonal and local variations of the Tm values, the Brazilian model was better than the other two models for most stations. The Tm values from ERA-40 present no bias, but their scatter is larger than that in the other models.
Two-Dimensional Rotorcraft Downwash Flow Field Measurements by Lidar-Based Wind Scanners with Agile Beam Steering
Authors: Sjöholm Mikael , Angelou Nikolas , Hansen Per , Hansen Kasper Hjorth , Mikkelsen Torben , Haga Steinar , Silgjerd Jon Arne , Starsmore Neil
Published: November 2013

A major risk to helicopters is the unexpected encounter of degraded visual environments in close-to-ground operations, where a loss of visibility often is caused by clouds of dust (brownout) or snow (whiteout) stirred up by intense downwash. The understanding of the phenomenon is limited, and there is a need for instruments that can measure flow fields on scales larger than a few meters with good resolution. This paper reports on the use of synchronized continuous-wave Doppler lidars for rotorcraft downwash flow field studies.

Built from a modified ZephIR wind lidar and a double-prism arrangement for agile beam steering, a wind scanner—WindScanner—has been developed at the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Risø campus. The WindScanner measures the line-of-sight component of the airflow remotely and by rapid steering, the line-of-sight direction and the focus position; all points in space within a cone with a full opening angle of 120° can be reached from about 8 m out to some hundred meters depending on the range resolution required.

The first two-dimensional mean wind fields measured in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane below a hovering search and rescue helicopter are presented. Since the line-of-sight directions of the two synchronized WindScanners were scanned within the plane of interest, the influence of the wind component perpendicular to the plane was avoided. The results also demonstrate the possibilities within less demanding flows encountered within complex terrain and wind-energy-related research for which the WindScanner technology primarily has been developed.
The Astroglial Reaction along the Mouse Cochlear Nerve following Inner Ear Damage
Authors: Hu Zhengqing , Zhang Baofu , Luo Xuemei , Zhang Lei , Wang Jue , Bojrab Dennis , Jiang Hui
Published: November 2013

Objective

Determine how the astroglial cells of the peripheral and central nervous system transitional zone (PCTZ) react to sensorineural hearing loss using a mouse cochlear nerve model.

Study Design

Prospective, basic science.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Neomycin was injected into the mouse inner ear to cause chemically induced hearing loss. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were used to determine hearing threshold shifts after neomycin treatment. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proteins specific for hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, astrocytes, and the myelin components of both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.

Results

ABR threshold shifts and immunofluorescence results supported that hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons were damaged in neomycin‐treated mice. Immunofluorescence showed the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS) transitional zone of the cochlear nerve at the interface of the myelin components of the PNS and CNS. In the control mice, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was observed proximally to the PCTZ closer to the CNS, which is their normal location. However, in neomycin‐treated animals the expression of GFAP was detected distally to the PCTZ and was found close to the spiral lamina level in the basal cochlear turn, suggesting that GFAP‐expressing astrocytes migrated across the PCTZ and reached the PNS.

Conclusion

The GFAP positive astrocyte processes extended across the PCTZ along the mouse cochlear nerve following chemically induced sensorineural hearing loss.
Magnetic resonance imaging tracking of ultra small superparamagnetic iron oxide labeled rabbit dendritic cells
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yang Fuyuan , Zhou Quan , Yang Kanrong , Chen Wenli
Published: November 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in atherosclerosis plaque formation, but the mechanism has not been elucidated clearly. This study is designed to establish a method for tracing DCs in vivo facilitating the investigation of the DCs’ specific roles in atherosclerosis. Rabbit DCs labeled by different concentrations of ultra small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) were injected into atherosclerosis rabbit model and traced with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results showed that USPIO labeling nearly have no cytotoxicity to DCs in low concentrations (<500 µg/mL) but induced some decrease of cell viability at high concentrations (>500 µg/mL). Moreover, USPIO labeling, from 200 to 2000 µg/mL, caused a dose-dependent decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential in DCs. The high labeling concentration (2000 µg/mL) triggered necrosis instead of apoptosis in DCs. By T2WI and fs T2WI sequence imaging comparison, DCs were found to exist in rabbit abdominal artery plaques after 24 h of transplantation and in spleen after one week detected by Prussian blue staining of tissue sections. We concluded that about 200 µg/mL USPIO is ideal to effectively label DCs for MRI tracing in vivo without a threat to cell viability. Combining USPIO labeling and MRI to track the movement of injected DCs in vivo is a feasible method.
Inhibitory FcγRIIb (CD32b) becomes activated by therapeutic mAb in both cis and trans and drives internalization according to antibody specificity
Authors: Vaughan Andrew T. , Iriyama Chisako , Beers Stephen A. , Chan Claude H. T. , Lim Sean H. , Williams Emily L. , Shah Vallari , Roghanian Ali , Frendéus Bjorn , Glennie Martin J. , Cragg Mark S.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

FcγRIIb-dependent internalization of therapeutic mAbs is dependent on antibody specificity. FcγRIIb can be activated in both cis and trans configurations.
Influence of NADPH oxidase on inflammatory response in primary intestinal epithelial cells in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ramonaite Rima , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Kiudelis Gediminas , Jonaitis Laimas , Tamelis Algimantas , Cizas Paulius , Borutaite Vilmante , Kupcinskas Limas
Published: November 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of NADPH oxidase in primary intestinal epithelial cells during the active phase of UC.

Methods

The primary human colonic epithelial cells were isolated from 19 patients with mild to moderate inflammatory activity of UC and 14 controls using chelation method. The cells were cultivated under the effect of mediators. Viability of cells was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the cells was measured fluorimetrically using Amplex Red. Production of TNF-α cytokine by the colonic epithelial cells was analysed by ELISA.

Results

The results of our study showed that unstimulated cells of UC patients had a decreased viability, increased ROS production, but similar TNF-α level when compared to the controls. Stimulation with LPS increased hydrogen peroxide and TNF-α level in the UC group. Treatment of colonic epithelial cells with NADPH oxidase inhibitor increased cell viability decreased the levels of ROS and TNF-α in the LPS-treated cells isolated from UC patients.

Conclusions

Our study showed that bacterial endotoxins induced NADPH oxidase activation in the colonic epithelial cells. Moreover, we revealed that treatment with NADPH oxidase inhibitors had a protective effect against pro-inflammatory action of LPS in human colonic epithelium cells during inflammation.
Acceptance of disability and its predictors among stroke patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Shan-Yun , Livneh Hanoch , Tsao Long-Lung , Tsai Tzung-Yi
Published: November 2013

Background

Modern medicine has increased the survival rate for stroke patients; however, the patient’s psychosocial adaptation after stroke onset may be related to the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate patients’ acceptance of disability (AOD) and its predictors in stroke patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 175 stroke patients from a hospital in southern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire gathered data on respondent demographics and disease characteristics, and included the Chinese version of the AOD Scale-Revised. Factors associated with AOD were examined by a multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean AOD score was 71.72, which indicated a lower level of disease acceptance (range, 32-128). Our findings showed that patients who reported no religious beliefs, shorter disease duration, recurrent stroke episodes, and poorer physical functioning also reported lower levels of disability acceptance. These factors accounted for 38.2% of the variance in AOD among participants.

Conclusions

The findings are beneficial to healthcare providers by identifying those stroke patients with predisposition of having lower disability acceptance, which could then facilitate the provision of appropriate rehabilitation interventions within six months after the diagnosis of stroke to support their adaptation process.
Identification of the gene for β-fructofuranosidase from Ceratocystis moniliformis CMW 10134 and characterization of the enzyme expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Wyk Niël , Trollope Kim M , Steenkamp Emma T , Wingfield Brenda D , Volschenk Heinrich
Published: November 2013

Background

β-Fructofuranosidases (or invertases) catalyse the commercially-important biotransformation of sucrose into short-chain fructooligosaccharides with wide-scale application as a prebiotic in the functional foods and pharmaceutical industries.

Results

We identified a β-fructofuranosidase gene (CmINV) from aCeratocystis moniliformisgenome sequence using protein homology and phylogenetic analysis. The predicted 615 amino acid protein, CmINV, grouped with an existing clade within the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 32 and showed typical conserved motifs of this enzyme family. Heterologous expression of theCmINVgene inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeBY4742∆suc2provided further evidence that CmINV indeed functions as a β-fructofuranosidase. Firstly, expression of theCmINVgene complemented the inability of the ∆suc2deletion mutant strain ofS. cerevisiaeto grow on sucrose as sole carbohydrate source. Secondly, the recombinant protein was capable of producing short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) when incubated in the presence of 10% sucrose. Purified deglycosylated CmINV protein showed a molecular weight of ca. 66 kDa and aKmandVmaxon sucrose of 7.50 mM and 986 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Its optimal pH and temperature conditions were determined to be 6.0 and 62.5°C, respectively. The addition of 50 mM LiCl led to a 186% increase in CmINV activity. Another striking feature was the relatively high volumetric production of this protein inS. cerevisiaeas one mL of supernatant was calculated to contain 197 ± 6 International Units of enzyme.

Conclusion

The properties of the CmINV enzyme make it an attractive alternative to other invertases being used in industry.
Promoting universal financial protection: health insurance for the poor in Georgia – a case study
Authors: Zoidze Akaki , Rukhazde Natia , Chkhatarashvili Ketevan , Gotsadze George
Published: November 2013

Background

The present study focuses on the program “Medical Insurance for the Poor (MIP)” in Georgia. Under this program, the government purchased coverage from private insurance companies for vulnerable households identified through a means testing system, targeting up to 23% of the total population. The benefit package included outpatient and inpatient services with no co-payments, but had only limited outpatient drug benefits. This paper presents the results of the study on the impact of MIP on access to health services and financial protection of the MIP-targeted and general population.

Methods

With a holistic case study design, the study employed a range of quantitative and qualitative methods. The methods included document review and secondary analysis of the data obtained through the nationwide household health expenditure and utilisation surveys 2007–2010 using the difference-in-differences method.

Results

The study findings showed that MIP had a positive impact in terms of reduced expenditure for inpatient services and total household health care costs, and there was a higher probability of receiving free outpatient benefits among the MIP-insured. However, MIP insurance had almost no effect on health services utilisation and the households’ expenditure on outpatient drugs, including for those with MIP insurance, due to limited drug benefits in the package and a low claims ratio. In summary, the extended MIP coverage and increased financial access provided by the program, most likely due to the exclusion of outpatient drug coverage from the benefit package and possibly due to improper utilisation management by private insurance companies, were not able to reverse adverse effects of economic slow-down and escalating health expenditure. MIP has only cushioned the negative impact for the poorest by decreasing the poor/rich gradient in the rates of catastrophic health expenditure.

Conclusions

The recent governmental decision on major expansion of MIP coverage and inclusion of additional drug benefit will most likely significantly enhance the overall MIP impact and its potential as a viable policy instrument for achieving universal coverage. The Georgian experience presented in this paper may be useful for other low- and middle-income countries that are contemplating ways to ensure universal coverage for their populations.
Two novel price-based algorithms for spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Weng Meng-Dung , Lee Bih-Hwang , Chen Jhih-Ming
Published: November 2013

Cognitive radio network is expected to use flexible radio frequency spectrum sharing techniques for achieving more efficient frequency spectrum usage. In this article, we consider the spectrum sharing problem that one primary user (PU) can share its frequency spectrum by renting this spectrum to multiple secondary users (SUs). The pricing scheme is a key issue for spectrum sharing in cognitive radio network. We first propose a nonlinear one-leader–multiple-follower (NLMF) sharing spectrum scheme as a multi-object optimization problem; the prices are offered by PU to SUs at the same time. This problem can be solved using particle swarm optimization (PSO); SUs gradually and iteratively adjust their strategies respectively based on the observations on their opponents' previous strategies until Nash equilibrium is completed. We then present a general nonlinear bilevel one-leader-multiple-follower (NBMF) optimization problem to further consider the revenue of the PU and a new optimal strategic pricing optimization technique which applies bilevel programming and swarm intelligence. A leader-follower game is formulated to obtain the Stackelberg-Nash equilibrium for spectrum sharing that considers not only revenue of a PU but also the SUs utility. We develop a swarm particle algorithm to iteratively solve the problem defined in the NBMF decision model for searching the strategic pricing optimization. The behaviors of two pricing models have been evaluated, and the performance results show that the proposed algorithms perform well to solve the spectrum sharing in a cognitive radio network.
Rural and urban differences in blood pressure and pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: van Middendorp Deborah , Asbroek Augustinus ten , Bio Fred Yaw , Edusei Anthony , Meijjer Lyonne , Newton Sam , Agyemang Charles
Published: November 2013

Background

Globally, about 350.000 women die every year from pregnancy related causes and more than half of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Approximately 12% of the maternal deaths are associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy such as pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). However, very little is known about PIH and associated determinants in many SSA countries such as Ghana. We therefore sought to assess rural and urban differences in blood pressure (BP) and PIH among pregnant women in Ghana.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 967 rural (677) and urban (290) pregnant women with a gestational age of more than 20 weeks. PIH was defined as a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg.

Results

Women in urban Ghana had a higher mean systolic and diastolic BP than women in rural Ghana (105/66 mmHg versus 102/61 mmHg, p < 0.001 for both systolic and diastolic BP). The prevalence of PIH was also higher in urban Ghana (3.1%) than in rural Ghana (0.4%) (p = 0.014). The urban and rural difference in mean diastolic blood pressure persisted even after adjustments for the study characteristics in a linear regression model. In both rural and urban Ghana, BMI, heart rate and a family history of hypertension were independently associated with BP.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest higher mean BP levels and PIH in urban Ghana than in rural Ghana. BMI was independently related to high BP. Left unchecked, the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Ghana will exacerbate PIH levels in Ghana.
Abnormal centrosome and spindle morphology in a patient with autosomal recessive primary microcephaly type 2 due to compound heterozygous WDR62 gene mutation
Authors: Farag Heba Gamal , Froehler Sebastian , Oexle Konrad , Ravindran Ethiraj , Schindler Detlev , Staab Timo , Huebner Angela , Kraemer Nadine , Chen Wei , Kaindl Angela M
Published: November 2013

Background

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease with severe microcephaly at birth due to a pronounced reduction in brain volume and intellectual disability. Biallelic mutations in the WD repeat-containing protein 62 gene WDR62 are the genetic cause of MCPH2. However, the exact underlying pathomechanism of MCPH2 remains to be clarified.

Methods/results

We characterized the clinical, radiological, and cellular features that add to the human MCPH2 phenotype. Exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing in a German family with two affected daughters with primary microcephaly revealed in the index patient the compound heterozygous mutations c.1313G>A (p.R438H) / c.2864-2867delACAG (p.D955Afs*112) of WDR62, the second of which is novel. Radiological examination displayed small frontal lobes, corpus callosum hypoplasia, simplified hippocampal gyration, and cerebellar hypoplasia. We investigated the cellular phenotype in patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells and compared it with that of healthy female controls. WDR62 expression in the patient’s immortalized lymphocytes was deranged, and mitotic spindle defects as well as abnormal centrosomal protein localization were apparent.

Conclusion

We propose that a disruption of centrosome integrity and/or spindle organization may play an important role in the development of microcephaly in MCPH2.
NeuroGeM, a knowledgebase of genetic modifiers in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Na Dokyun , Rouf Mushfiqur , O’Kane Cahir J , Rubinsztein David C , Gsponer Jörg
Published: November 2013

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the human brain. Although the majority of NDs are sporadic, evidence is accumulating that they have a strong genetic component. Therefore, significant efforts have been made in recent years to not only identify disease-causing genes but also genes that modify the severity of NDs, so-called genetic modifiers. To date there exists no compendium that lists and cross-links genetic modifiers of different NDs.

Description

In order to address this need, we present NeuroGeM, the first comprehensive knowledgebase providing integrated information on genetic modifiers of nine different NDs in the model organismsD. melanogaster,C. elegans, andS. cerevisiae. NeuroGeM cross-links curated genetic modifier information from the different NDs and provides details on experimental conditions used for modifier identification, functional annotations, links to homologous proteins and color-coded protein-protein interaction networks to visualize modifier interactions. We demonstrate how this database can be used to generate new understanding through meta-analysis. For instance, we reveal that theDrosophilagenes DnaJ-1, thread, Atx2, and mub aregeneric modifiersthat affect multiple if not all NDs.

Conclusion

As the first compendium of genetic modifiers, NeuroGeM will assist experimental and computational scientists in their search for the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NDs.http://chibi.ubc.ca/neurogem.
A complex interaction between Wnt signaling and TNF-α in nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Yokoyama Katsuya , Nukaga Tadashi , Sakai Daisuke , Mochida Joji
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in intervertebral discs (IVDs) leads to inflammation, which results in progressive IVD degeneration. We have previously reported that activation of Wnt-β-catenin (hereafter called Wnt) signaling suppresses the proliferation of nucleus pulposus cells and induces cell senescence, suggesting that Wnt signaling triggers the process of degeneration of the IVD. However, it is not known whether cross talk between TNF-α and Wnt signaling plays a role in the regulation of nucleus pulposus cells. The goal of the present study was to examine the effect of the interaction between Wnt signaling and the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in nucleus pulposus cells.

Methods

Cells isolated from rat nucleus pulposus regions of IVDs were cultured in monolayers, and the expression and promoter activity of Wnt signaling and TNF-α were evaluated. We also examined whether the inhibition of Wnt signaling using cotransfection with Dickkopf (DKK) isoforms and Sclerostin (SOST) could block the effects of pathological TNF-α expression in nucleus pulposus cells.

Results

TNF-α stimulated the expression and promoter activity of Wnt signaling in nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, the activation of Wnt signaling by 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO), which is a selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) activity that activates Wnt signaling, increased TNF-α expression and promoter activity. Conversely, the suppression of TNF-α promoter activity using a β-catenin small interfering RNA was evident. Moreover, transfection with DKK-3, DKK-4, or SOST, which are inhibitors of Wnt signaling, blocked Wnt signaling-mediated TNF-α activation; these effects were not observed for DKK-1 or DKK-2.

Conclusions

Here, we have demonstrated that Wnt signaling regulates TNF-α and that Wnt signaling and TNF-α form a positive-feedback loop in nucleus pulposus cells. The results of the present study provide in vitro evidence that activation of Wnt signaling upregulates the TNF-α expression and might cause the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells. We speculate that blocking this pathway might protect nucleus pulposus cells against degeneration.
Development of Synthetic Transformations by Control of Acid-Catalyzed Reactions of Diazocarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Maruoka Keiji
Published: November 2013

Diazocarbonyl compounds have long been utilized in the field of transition-metal catalysis, wherein the formation of a metal–carbene complex is involved as a key step. On the other hand, diazocarbonyl compounds can be utilized in acid catalysis owing to their intrinsic property to act as a nucleophile to an acid-activated electrophile. However, in sharp contrast to the metal–carbene chemistry, this research field has not been well developed to date as a means to synthesize complex molecular architectures. In the last several years, we have been interested in the exploration of this untapped research area to provide novel ways to synthesize a variety of complex molecules stereoselectively.
A Novel Method of Preparing Ni–Mo–La/γ-Alumina Catalysts for Hydrocracking
Authors: Liu Jing , Yoda Shinichi , He Jing , Deng Lihong , Fan Kai , Rong Long
Published: November 2013

A novel method (powder metallurgy) was used for preparing Ni–Mo–La/γ-alumina catalysts. The nonsulfided catalysts were developed to produce green diesel from the hydrocracking of Jatropha oil. The catalysts were characterized using N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction, and laser microscope techniques. The selectivity of 77% was obtained for straight-chain C11–C20 alkanes at 370 °C, 3.0 MPa, and 0.9 h−1; the conversion of Jatropha oil was 80%. The reaction pathway was also discussed.
Smoking in Arcadia, or Barry Maitland’s embodied folly: Re-opening the case of The Malcontenta
Authors: Rolls Alistair
Published: November 2013

This article reveals the multilayered structure of Barry Maitland’s second Brock and Kolla mystery, The Malcontenta (1995). In particular, it will be shown how the concept of hospitality is reflexively staged, as is the concept of the novel’s paratextual skin and sub-dermal liminal zones, in order to set up any number of border crossings and transgressions. To this end, the work of the Yale School of deconstructionists is used to demonstrate how each border crossing suggests an alternative reading of the text. Multiple instances of mise en abyme will be exposed as, respectively, the authority of detective, author and reader is challenged. Certain red herrings will be elevated to the status of alternate solutions and, finally, a suggested alternate murderer will be installed from outside the more obvious candidates on offer.
Crime on the Airwaves: The Carter Brown Mystery Theatre
Authors: Johnson-Woods Toni
Published: November 2013

In the mid-1950s, Carter Brown Mystery books were selling in the millions in Australia; their robust humour and simple plots made them ideal fodder for radio adaptation. The Carter Brown Mystery Theatre did not make a great impact upon Australian radio per se, but it was popular enough to be onsold overseas. This article explores the Carter Brown Mystery Theatre as an exemplar of recuperating an unexplored area of the Australian radio industry: popular crime serials. Finally, it posits a ‘grammar’ of radio.
Why crime?
Authors: Maitland Barry
Published: November 2013

In this article, the author, an established crime novelist, examines what distinguishes the crime novel form and some of the ways in which it has been regarded by both past and present authors and critics, and with reference to his own practice.
Why players start and stop playing a Chinese social network game
Authors: Lin Zhongpeng , Lewis Chris , Kurniawan Sri , Whitehead Jim
Published: November 2013

The free-to-play economic model of social network games (SNGs) requires them to maintain a large number of active players. Only a small percentage of the player population will purchase in-game goods, which provides the income stream that funds the continued operation of the game. Understanding the reasons why players choose to play (and consequently spend their money) or abandon SNGs is important for designing SNGs that are economically viable. We explore the reasons why players decide to continue or stop playing SNGs by reporting the results of a survey questionnaire presented to a large population (N=48,882) of players of a Chinese SNG. We show that although players joined the game for different reasons, most players keep playing the game because of their sense of achievement. In contrast to other SNG studies, social obligations did not prevent players from leaving the game as they become bored.
Review
Authors: Schultheiss Daniel
Published: November 2013

‘Is a separation between real and virtual life obsolete?’: Cyberspace 2012 – 10th International Conference: Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, 30 November–1 December 2012
Influence of PPARA, RXRA, NR1I2 and NR1I3 gene polymorphisms on the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of statin therapy
Authors: Lima Luciana Otero , Bruxel Estela Maria , Hutz Mara Helena , Van der Sand Cézar Roberto , Van der Sand Luiz Carlos , Ferreira Maria Elvira Wagner , Pires Renan Canibal , Fiegenbaum Marilu , Almeida Silvana
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was investigate the association between six genetic variants in the nuclear receptor genes PPARA, RXRA, NR1I2 and NR1I3 and the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of statin therapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 240 Brazilian hypercholesterolemic patients on simvastatin and atorvastatin therapy. The polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-based methods. RESULTS: The NR1I3 rs2307424 genotype distribution was different between subjects with and without adverse drug reactions. Among subjects in the ADR group, no T/T homozygotes were observed for this polymorphism, while in the non-ADR group the frequency of this genotype was 19.4% (P = 0.007, after multiple testing corrections P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The polymorphisms investigated in PPARA (rs1800206), RXRA (rs11381416), and NR1I2 (rs1523130) did not influence the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of statin. Our results show the possible influence of NR1I3 genetic variant on the safety of statin.
Avaliação da atividade física na prática de vida diária comparada com o nível de atividade da doença em pacientes acromegálicos: impacto na percepção da qualidade de vida
Authors: Dantas Renata Aparecida Elias , Passos Karine Elias , Porto Lara Benigno , Zakir Juliano Coelho Oliveira , Reis Marcia Cristina , Naves Luciana Ansaneli
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida e sua associação com a prática de vida diária e controle metabólico em pacientes portadores de acromegalia. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional de série de casos, composto por 42 pacientes recrutados na Unidade de Neuroendocrinologia do Hospital Universitário de Brasília. O nível de atividade física foi estimado pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ-6), que avalia o tempo gasto semanalmente em atividades físicas que variam de intensidade em diferentes contextos de vida. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário SF-36. Os dados obtidos foram comparados aos níveis de hormônio do crescimento (GH) e fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina (IGF-1). Os testes t Students e Fisher foram aplicados e p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos, SPSS 17.0. RESULTADOS: Avaliaram-se 22 mulheres com idades de 51,33 ± 14,33 e 20 homens com idades de 46,2 ±13,18. Artralgia foi relatada em 83% dos pacientes. Em homens, os sítios de dor mais comuns foram os joelhos (73%), coluna vertebral (47% lombar, 53% segmentos torácico e cervical), mãos e quadris (40%). Os maiores escores no SF-36 foram observados em pacientes com níveis intermediário ou alto de atividade física, sobretudo nos domínios social (75 CI 57,3-92,6), saúde geral (75,5 CI 60,4-90,5), saúde mental (70 CI 57,8-82,1). CONCLUSÕES: A presença e a severidade do prejuízo no desempenho físico e dor não se associaram com Gh e IGF-1 no diagnóstico, tempo de exposição prévio à doença. Todavia, pacientes considerados controlados apresentaram melhores escores nos domínios físico e emocional, comparados com pacientes com hipersomatotrofismo persistente. Tais achados sugerem benefícios do controle metabólico na qualidade de vida.
Quebra de dormência de videiras cv. Benitaka com o uso de hidrolato de pau-d'alho (Gallesia integrifolia)
Authors: Maia Aline José , Schwan-Estrada Kátia Regina Freitas , Faria Cacilda Márcia Duarte Rios , Jardinetti Virlene do Amaral , Botelho Renato Vasconcelos
Published: November 2013

Em regiões tropicais, com ajuda da aplicação de produtos químicos para induzir a quebra de dormência, é possível obter duas safras anuais de videira. No entanto, a eficácia da utilização destes produtos é questionável, pois sua alta toxicidade é um fator preocupante. Neste sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação do hidrolato obtido de pau-d'alho (Gallesia integrifolia) na brotação, produtividade e atividade das enzimas peroxidase e catalase em videiras cv. Benitaka. O experimento foi conduzido em vinhedo comercial no município de Marialva, Estado do Paraná, Brasil, em dois ciclos consecutivos: 2011, de agosto a dezembro, e 2012, de janeiro a julho. Os tratamentos consistiram nas seguintes doses de hidrolato de pau-d'alho: 0; 50; 100; 150 e 200 mL L-1, além da testemunha positiva com cianamida hidrogenada a 20 mL L-1. Foram avaliadas as variáveis: porcentagem de gemas brotadas, número de cachos, peso dos cachos, produtividade (t ha-1), atividade das enzimas catalase e peroxidase, e teor de açúcares redutores nas gemas. Na porcentagem de gemas brotadas, houve efeito quadrático em função das doses do hidrolato de pau-d'alho com máxima brotação estimada para as doses de 108,8 e 97 mL L-1 de hidrolato de pau-d'alho para o primeiro e segundo ciclos, respectivamente, com resultados semelhantes ao tratamento-padrão com cianamida hidrogenada. Os tratamentos com hidrolato de pau-d'alho também incrementaram o número e o peso dos cachos e a produtividade, apresentando também efeito quadrático em função das doses. Verificou-se, ainda, redução da atividade das enzimas catalase, peroxidase e para os teores de açúcares redutores nas gemas para as plantas tratadas com hidrolato de pau-d'alho, evidenciando seu modo de ação via injúrias oxidativas, similarmente ao efeito do tratamento convencional com cianamida hidrogenada. Com base nos resultados obtidos, o hidrolato de pau-d'alho, nas doses entre 100 e 150 mL L-1, pode ser uma alternativa para a quebra de dormência de videiras cv. Benitaka em regiões tropicais para a viticultura sustentável.
Caracterização anatômico-fisiológica da compatibilidade reprodutiva de ameixeira-japonesa
Authors: Conti Daniela de , Ribeiro Mirian de Farias , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Peters José Antônio , Bianchi Valmor João
Published: November 2013

O objetivo do trabalho foi caracterizar fisiologicamente a compatibilidade reprodutiva de sete cultivares de ameixeira-japonesa (Prunus salicina Lindl) por meio de hibridações, análise de frutificação efetiva e do crescimento de tubos polínicos (CTP). O frui set foi determinado 40 dias após as hibridações controladas, realizadas a campo. O grau de compatibilidade foi avaliado invivo, para determinar o CTP. A cv. América apresentou bom fruit set quando polinizada com as cvs. Rosa Mineira (26,7%), Amarelinha (8,7%) e Reubennel (12,7%). Os cruzamentos 'Gulf Blaze' x 'Gulf Rubi', 'Gulf Rubi' x 'Gulf Rubi' e 'Gulf Rubi' x 'Gulf Blaze' obtiveram um fruit set de 11,36%, 3,84% e 9,94%, respectivamente. Na polinização em laboratório, os tubos polínicos atingiram o óvulo ou ovário nesses cruzamentos, com exceção da autopolinização da 'Gulf Rubi'. No campo, não houve frutificação efetiva na autopolinização da 'América' e 'Gulf Blaze' e no cruzamento da 'América' x 'Pluma 7'. Os tubos polínicos nesses cruzamentos não chegaram a atingir o óvulo, com exceção da autopolinização da 'Gulf Blaze'. Concluiu-se que apenas os cruzamentos entre 'América' x 'Pluma 7' são incompatíveis, e a cultivar América é autoincompatível.
Ácido cítrico e quitosana na conservação de lichias 'Bengal'
Authors: Guimarães João Emmanuel Ribeiro , Morgado Cristiane Maria Ascari , Galati Vanessa Cury , Marques Kelly Magalhães , Mattiuz Ben-Hur
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicação de ácido cítrico em duas concentrações, associadas ou não à quitosana, na manutenção da qualidade de lichias 'Bengal'. Após a colheita e seleção, os frutos no estádio de maturação maduro foram imersos por 1 minuto nas seguintes soluções de ácido cítrico e de quitosana: [1] Testemunha - sem imersão; [2] ácido cítrico a 300 g L-1; [3] ácido cítrico a 300 g L-1 + 0,3% quitosana; [4] ácido cítrico a 300 g L-1 + 0,6% quitosana; [5] ácido cítrico a 600 g L-1; [6] ácido cítrico a 600 g L-1 + 0,3% quitosana; [7] ácido cítrico a 600 g L-1 + 0,6% quitosana. Após a imersão, os frutos foram colocados em gôndolas para escorrer o excesso de solução. Em seguida, foram armazenados em câmara fria, previamente higienizada, a 5ºC, durante 20 dias. O experimento foi conduzido seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, num esquema fatorial composto por sete soluções de recobrimento e cinco datas de amostragem. A cada cinco dias, foi avaliada a perda de massa fresca dos frutos, a coloração, o teor de antocianinas e a atividade das enzimas polifenoloxidase e peroxidase da casca. A solução de ácido cítrico a 600 g L-1, associada ou não à quitosana, e a combinação de quitosana 0,3% com 300 g L-1 de ácido cítrico foram as mais eficientes para a manutenção da cor avermelhada e a redução do escurecimento da casca de lichias 'Bengal' por 20 dias, a 5ºC.
Estimativa dos impactos econômicos decorrentes de eventual introdução do huanglongbing (HLB) no estado da Bahia
Authors: Oliveira José Mário Carvalhal de , Nascimento Antônio Souza do , Miranda Sílvia Helena Galvão de , Barbosa Cristiane de Jesus , Laranjeiras Francisco Ferraz
Published: November 2013

A Bahia é o segundo mais importante Estado produtor de citros do Brasil, responsável por 5,5% da produção do País. 80% da produção vem de propriedades de base familiar, as quais dependem desse cultivo para seu sustento econômico. O Huanglongbing (HLB) nunca foi registrado na Bahia, mas está disseminando-se em outros três Estados do Brasil (São Paulo, Paraná e Minas Gerais), um dos quais faz fronteira com a Bahia. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo estimar o impacto econômico potencial de uma eventual introdução do HLB na Bahia. Foram utilizados os modelos de Gompertz e logístico associados a diferentes estratos de idade das plantas para estimar, respectivamente, a evolução da incidência e da severidade da doença no parque citrícola baiano, num horizonte de 20 anos. O progresso da doença foi usado para estimar os danos à produção em três cenários. No cenário-base (A), os esforços da agência estadual de defesa agropecuária previniria a entrada do HLB. No cenário B, a doença seria introduzida e não haveria esforços para seu controle, levando a uma disseminação nos anos seguintes. No cenário C, após a detecção da doença, os produtores adotariam medidas de controle: eliminação de plantas sintomáticas e supressão das populações do inseto vetor. Os custos do controle foram calculados considerando-se a necessidade de pulverizações, inspeções periódicas e eliminação das plantas doentes. O valor presente líquido (VPL) foi usado para comparar os três cenários. Os resultados indicam que as perdas seriam muito significativas caso o HLB fosse introduzido na Bahia. Assim sendo, se as medidas de controle não fossem aplicadas, os prejuízos poderiam superar R$1,8 bilhão.
Produção e qualidade físico-química de frutos de laranjeiras 'Valência' em diferentes intensidades e frequências de poda
Authors: Santarosa Emiliano , Koller Otto Carlos , Casamali Bruno , Petry Henrique Belmonte
Published: November 2013

A poda de frutificação em citricultura pode ser aplicada com o objetivo de controlar o crescimento vegetativo e promover a formação de novos ramos frutíferos. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes regimes de poda manual em pomares jovens de Laranjeiras 'Valência', cultivadas em manejo convencional. Utilizou-se um pomar com espaçamento de 5,0 x 2,5 m, implantado em 2001 no município de Montenegro-RS, Brasil. Os tratamentos, com início em 2004, foram: A - Testemunha (sem poda); B - Poda anual de 15%; C - Poda bienal de 15%; D - Poda bienal de 30%; e E - Poda trienal de 30% do volume da copa. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, sendo quatro repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. Foram avaliados o número de frutos, massa total e massa média de frutos nas safras de 2006, 2007 e 2008. Foram avaliados aspectos relativos à qualidade dos frutos, como teor de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT) e relação SST/AT. As podas de frutificação não alteraram significativamente a produção total de três safras, nem a qualidade físico-química dos frutos, em pomares de laranjeiras 'Valência' com menos de sete anos de idade, em sistema de manejo convencional.
Estimativas de repetibilidade de caracteres de produção em pupunheiras para palmito da raça Putumayo
Authors: Bergo Celso Luis , Negreiros Jacson Rondinelli da Silva , Miqueloni Daniela Popim , Lunz Aureny Maria Pereira
Published: November 2013

O Brasil é o maior produtor e consumidor de palmito do mundo. Sua importância econômica traz a necessidade de estudos para subsidiar a seleção de indivíduos superiores para programas de melhoramento genético da espécie. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o coeficiente de repetibilidade das características de produção de pupunheira para palmito, de forma a estimar o número mínimo de avaliações capazes de proporcionar níveis de certeza da predição do valor real das progênies. Foram avaliados quatro ciclos de cultivo de 85 progênies de meios-irmãos de pupunheira da raça macrocarpa Putumayo. O experimento foi delineado em blocos ao acaso e avaliados: massa do tolete de base do palmito, massa do palmito de primeira e de segunda qualidade, número de toletes por perfilho, diâmetro do palmito e perfilhos por parcela. Foram realizadas as análises de variância, de componentes principais e estrutural para a determinação do coeficiente de repetibilidade e número de medições. Houve regularidade na predição da superioridade dos indivíduos ao longo das medições para todas as características avaliadas. São necessários sete ciclos de medições para predizer o valor real de todas as características analisadas das progênies, com acurácia de 85%, pelo método dos componentes principais, com base na matriz de variâncias e covariâncias fenotípicas.
Propagação da gravioleira por miniestaquia
Authors: Figueirêdo Geórgia Roberta Gomes de , Vilasboas Felipe Silveira , Oliveira Sérgio José Ribeiro de , Sodré George Andrade , Sacramento Célio Kersul do
Published: November 2013

Avaliou-se o enraizamento de miniestacas de gravioleira (Annona muricata L.), utilizando-se de estacas apicais e subapicais herbáceas coletadas em plantas cultivadas no campo e em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, sendo 4 tipos de miniestacas (apical herbácea do campo e viveiro, subapical herbácea do campo e de viveiro) e 2 níveis de reguladores de crescimento (0 e 6.000 mg kg-1), totalizando 8 tratamentos e 3 repetições, com 12 estacas por parcela. As miniestacas foram padronizadas com sete centímetros de comprimento e tratadas ou não com ácido indolbutírico, colocadas em tubetes contendo substrato comercial e mantidas em câmara de nebulização. Aos 80 dias após o estaqueamento, foi observado que as miniestacas subapicais e apicais de casa de vegetação e subapicais do campo apresentaram percentual de enraizamento de 97,3%, 88% e 88% respectivamente. Não foi detectado efeito da aplicação de AIB no enraizamento das miniestacas.