bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ação inibidora do gás carbonico sobre as convulsões experimentais: III) experiências na crioepilepsia da rã: mecanismo da ação inibidora do gás carbonico nas convulsões
Authors: Moussatché H.
Published: October 2009

Neste trabalho descrevemos experiencias destinadas a mostrar a influência do pH nas crises convulsivas por resfriamento da medula espinhal da rã e estudar o mecanismo da ação inibidora do gás carbonico sobre estas conculsões. Verificamos que o CO² não age atravez um abaixamento do pH do sangue ou do meio intercelular. O gás carbonico teria uma ação específica que estaria ligada á sua grande difusibilidade. Essa sua propriedade permitiria que penetrasse ràpidamente no interior de neurônio, abaixando sensìvelmente o pH intracelular, sem que houvesse nítida variação do pH do sangue.
Considerações gerais sôbre os órgãos odoríferos sexuais dos machos dos Lepidópteros
Authors: Barth Rudolf
Published: October 2009

São determinadas as seguintes regras sôbre a função dos órgãos odoríferos dos machos dos Lepidópteros: l.ª regra: A secreção das glândulas age em forma de gás sobre a fêmea diminuindo a reação normal de fuga e provocando a disposição e preparação para a copulação. 2.ª regra: Os órgãos odoríferos nos machos de um grupo de espécies parentes encontram-se constantemente nos mesmos órgãos possuindo o mesmo tipo de estrutura (constância orgânica ) . 3.ª regra: As partes quitinosas (escamas odoríferas, cerdas distribuidoras, inserções etc.) são especificadas para cada espécie (constância de forma). 4.ª regra: O grau de desenvolvimento e com isto o grau de eficiência dos órgãos odoríferos dos Lepidópteros noturnos é sempre mais elevado do que os dos diurnos.
Multiplicações celulares e tumores induzidos por virus: o cancer como infecção
Authors: Rocha Lagôa F.
Published: October 2009

Após terem sido apreciadas, à luz de fatos experimentais, as principais causas determinantes das multiplicações celulares normais e aquelas responsabilidades pelas multiplicações anormais, encontradas nos tumores blastomatosos, foram analisados os tumores animais que reconhecidamente são causados por virus tais como: o sarcoma e o epitelioma das galinhas; o papiloma e o mixoma dos coelhos; os carcinomas de ratos e rãs, e finalmente, o papiloma oral e o linfo-sarcoma venéreo dos cães. Em seguida, foram focalizadas as várias propriedades em comum existentes entre os vírus indutores dêsses tumores como: capacidade de determinar multiplicações anormais nos tecidos atacados; elevada especificidade para as espécies sensíveis; existência de diminuição do poder infeccioso à medida que aumenta a capacidade de estimular a formação de tumores e, as afinidades existentes entre êles e os gens, principalmente àquelas referentes à sensibilidade aos raios X. Finalmente, foi aventada a hipótese da possível existência de elementos patogênicos ainda não identificados, situados entre os virus citocinéticos conhecidos e os gens, com poder infeccioso mínimo, exigindo por isso, condições de susceptibilidade ainda não totalmente conhecidas e controladas, possuidores de elevado poder de induzir multiplicações anormais nos tecidos atacados e possìvelmente responsáveis pelos tumores neoplásicos humanos.
Reaction of melon genotypes to the gummy stem blight and the downy mildew
Authors: Santos Gil R dos , Castro Neto Manoel D de , Ramos Leandro N , Café-Filho Adalberto C , Reis Ailton , Momenté Valéria G , Pelúzio Joenes M , Ignácio Maíra
Published: October 2009

The gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae) and the downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) are two foremost melon (Cucumis melo) diseases, considering their effects on yield and fruit quality. Despite the importance of such diseases, relatively few studies have been done so far on the identification of resistance sources to D. bryoniae and P. cubensis in Brazil. This work aimed at evaluating the resistance of commercial melon genotypes to the gummy stem blight and the downy mildew. Firstly, the most aggressive and representative D. bryoniae isolate was selected. Subsequently, the resistance of 86 melon genotypes to stem infection was studied upon greenhouse conditions by inoculating with the previously selected isolate. Afterwards, the resistance to mildew and leaf infection by D. bryoniae of 28 melon genotypes was evaluated in the field, under natural infection. In the greenhouse, all 86 melon genotypes were infected and showed stem infection symptoms caused by D. bryoniae four days after inoculation. Nevertheless, a significant variation on the resistance levels of the melon genotypes was found. Under field conditions and natural inoculation, genotypes Taslaki and Sary Juliabi were the most susceptible to leaf infection by D. bryoniae, significantly differing from the other genotypes. The lowest levels of susceptibility were identified in genotypes Perlita Busle S1, Valenciano Elíptico, Glaver, MR1, and 2526. All genotypes were susceptible to the downy mildew, albeit differing in susceptibility levels.
Cultivo de melão rendilhado com dois e três frutos por planta
Authors: Charlo Hamilton César de O , Castoldi Renata , Vargas Pablo F , Braz Leila T
Published: October 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar cultivares de melão rendilhado produzidas em plantas sob raleio dos frutos. Foram estudadas as cultivares Maxim, Louis, Fantasy, Shinju 200, e Bônus nº2, com as plantas conduzidas com dois e três frutos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2, com quatro repetições e com as plantas dispostas no espaçamento de 1,0 m entre linhas e 0,5 m entre plantas. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se fertirrigação e vasos plásticos de 13 L, preenchidos com fibra da casca de coco Golden Mix® Misto 98. As mudas foram produzidas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido de 128 células e quando estavam com a primeira folha definitiva completamente desenvolvida foram transplantadas aos vasos. Foram avaliados o rendilhamento da casca, os diâmetros longitudinal e transversal do fruto, o índice de formato do fruto, os diâmetros longitudinal e transversal do lóculo, o índice de formato do lóculo, a espessura do mesocarpo, a massa média dos frutos e a produção por planta. Não houve interação entre os fatores estudados. Nas condições deste experimento, a condução de dois frutos por planta resultou em maior rendilhamento da casca, maior diâmetro transversal do fruto, maior diâmetro longitudinal do lóculo e maior massa média dos frutos. Porém, as maiores produções por planta foram observadas quando conduzidas com três frutos. Os híbridos Fantasy e Shinju 200 apresentaram as melhores características de frutos e maiores produções.
Correlações entre atributos químicos do solo e atributos da cultura e da produtividade de arroz irrigado determinadas com técnicas de manejo localizado
Authors: Durigon Reges , Schlosser José Fernando , Russini Alexandre , Dornelles Marçal Elizandro de Carvalho , Pinheiro Eder Dornelles
Published: October 2009

O sistema de agricultura tradicional desconsidera a variabilidade espacial dos atributos dos solos utilizados na produção vegetal, enquanto que o manejo localizado visa a identificar e propor o manejo dessa variabilidade. Com o objetivo de determinar as correlações entre atributos de solo, da cultura e produtividade de arroz irrigado por meio de técnicas de manejo localizado, foi conduzido um experimento de 70ha. A malha de amostragem de solo utilizada foi de um ponto por hectare, e os resultados da análise de solo foram usados para elaborar os mapas de atributos químicos do solo. A amostragem para determinação do rendimento de grãos foi realizada em malha de um hectare, por meio da coleta manual de quatro subamostras de plantas por ponto georreferenciado. A variabilidade espacial e as correlações entre mapas de atributos de solo e produtividade de arroz irrigado foram geradas por meio do Software Campeiro 6.0. As maiores correlações positivas entre produtividade de arroz e atributos de solo foram verificadas para cálcio e magnésio, enquanto a saturação de alumínio apresentou a maior correlação negativa.
Desenvolvimento de uma tecnologia para a detecção e interrupção do episódio da apnéia da prematuridade
Authors: Camargo Vania Carla , Silva Sandra Honorato da , Nohama Percy , Amorim Mardson de Freitas
Published: October 2009

Trata-se de um estudo de desenvolvimento e avaliação de um sistema de detecção e interrupção do episódio de apnéia da prematuridade no recém-nascido pré-termo, utilizando o estimulo vibrotátil para reversão. O sistema foi testado em quatro recém-nascidos pré-termos, em 18 episódios apnéicos observados diretamente nas unidades de terapia intensiva. Para interromper a apnéia o mesmo recém-nascido foi submetido, distintamente, ao estímulo manual e vibratório em 250Hz por quatro segundos. Os dados foram tratados por estatística descritiva. O método de detecção da apnéia mostrou-se satisfatório e o método de interrupção da apnéia por estímulo vibratório promoveu o retorno dos movimentos respiratórios, em nove das 10 apnéias. A tecnologia desenvolvida e testada embora demande continuidade de estudos, vislumbra uma tecnologia promissora para a melhoria da qualidade assistencial em neonatologia.
O ensino do exame físico em suas dimensões técnicas e subjetivas
Authors: Silva Carlos Magno Carvalho da , Sabóia Vera Maria , Teixeira Enéas Rangel
Published: October 2009

Pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, cujos objetivos foram descrever as concepções dos acadêmicos de enfermagem sobre a prática do exame físico destacando as dimensões subjetivas e discutir o ensino desta prática na perspectiva do cuidado clínico de enfermagem. Utilizou-se como técnicas para coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada direcionada a acadêmicos do quarto período do Curso de Enfermagem, e a observação participante, realizada durante a consulta realizada por estes sujeitos sob o auxílio de professores, monitores e enfermeiros. Os relatos dos acadêmicos foram analisados à luz da hermenêutica-dialética e agrupados em categorias - a comunicação interpessoal; a ética e a estética do corpo e as tecnologias envolvidas no ensino. A atividade do exame físico precisa considerar sua complexidade relacional e técnico-científico, viabilizando a humanização do cuidado de enfermagem.
Inovação tecnológica no ensino da semiotécnica e semiologia em enfermagem neonatal: do desenvolvimento à utilização de um software educacional
Authors: Fonseca Luciana Mara Monti , Góes Fernanda dos Santos Nogueira de , Ferecini Geovana Magalhães , Leite Adriana Moraes , Mello Débora Falleiros de , Scochi Carmen Gracinda Silvan
Published: October 2009

As novas tecnologias têm apresentado as inúmeras possibilidades do uso do computador na educação. Assim, objetivamos descrever o processo de desenvolvimento de um software educacional sobre semiotécnica e semiologia do recém-nascido pré-termo. Utilizamos o referencial pedagógico da problematização e a metodologia de desenvolvimento de software de Bernardo. Resulta que o software Semiotécnica e semiologia do recém-nascido pré-termo apresenta tecnologia avançada, informatizada, interativa e com simulações que permitem a aproximação máxima da realidade, apresentando, gradativamente, a complexidade e as especificidades do recém-nascido pré-termo. Por meio de recursos de hipertexto apresenta-se uma série de mídias integradas: fotos, figuras, vídeos e sons. Este software possibilita aos docentes e estudantes vivenciar a inter-relação entre quatro vertentes: o conteúdo de semiotécnica e semiologia do recém-nascido pré-termo, novas abordagens pedagógicas, inovações tecnológicas em educação e utilização da primeira fase do Processo de Enfermagem atribuindo a organização do conteúdo em necessidades humanas básicas.
Teste de rastreamento de alterações de fala para crianças
Authors: Goulart Bárbara Niegia Garcia de , Ferreira Jair
Published: October 2009

TEMA: validação de instrumento de rastreamento de alterações de fala em crianças. OBJETIVO: apresentar dados da validação de um teste de rastreamento - Terdaf, desenvolvido por pesquisadores brasileiros, para detecção de alterações de fala em crianças. MÉTODO: foram avaliadas 2.027 crianças de ambos os sexos e matriculadas na 1ª série da rede municipal de ensino de Canoas (RS) em 2001 e selecionadas por meio de amostragem aleatória por conglomerados. Para verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade do teste em estudo, 200 crianças foram submetidas à avaliação de fala por um fonoaudiólogo especialista cego para os resultados do rastreamento. RESULTADOS: a prevalência estimada de distúrbio de fala na população estudada foi de 26,7%. O Terdaf apresentou sensibilidade de 81,6% (IC95%: 67,5 - 90,8%) e especificidade de 44,4% (IC95%: 36,0 - 53,2%). Quando se excluíram dos casos com Terdaf positivo as crianças que apresentaram alterações de fala exclusivamente por questões sócio-culturais a especificidade do teste aumentou para 74,1%. CONCLUSÃO: essa nova ferramenta de rastreamento de distúrbios de fala de fácil e rápida aplicação por profissionais da educação ou saúde pode tornar-se um importante aliado no diagnóstico precoce e prevenção das comorbidades associadas aos distúrbios de fala. Alguns ajustes para a aplicação do teste devem ser feitos e são apresentados neste artigo.
Telefonoaudiologia: ciência e tecnologia em saúde
Authors: Spinardi Ana Carulina Pereira , Blasca Wanderléia Quinhoneiro , Wen Chao Lung , Maximino Luciana Paula
Published: October 2009

TEMA: a educação à distância (EaD) tem se tornado uma modalidade de impacto significante no ensino superior, oferecendo aos estudantes flexibilidade, mobilidade e escolha. É uma ferramenta de grande importância, uma vez que pode atender grandes contingentes de alunos e profissionais de forma mais efetiva que outras modalidades de ensino, sem reduzir a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos. O Brasil necessita desenvolver ações direcionadas a EaD na área da Fonoaudiologia, pois possui um território com dimensões continentais relevantes (8.514.215,3Km²) e distribuição irregular de profissionais fonoaudiólogos, o que acentua a heterogeneidade da qualidade e disponibilidade dos serviços oferecidos no país. Essa heterogeneidade é ainda agravada pela falta de uma estratégia nacional de educação continuada para atualização dos profissionais de saúde, causando diferenças importantes na capacitação dos especialistas de uma região para outra. OBJETIVO: apresentar estudos relacionados a Telessaúde realizados nos últimos cinco anos na área de Fonoaudiologia. CONCLUSÃO: a partir dos dados levantados observou-se a necessidade de desenvolver trabalhos nessa área, buscando a melhora na qualidade dos serviços oferecidos e facilidade de acesso a esses serviços, gerando impacto mais efetivo na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento dos distúrbios da comunicação.
A educação científica sob a perspectiva da pedagogia histórico-crítica e do movimento C.T.S. no ensino de ciências
Authors: Teixeira Paulo Marcelo M.
Published: October 2009

O objetivo deste ensaio é discutir como a Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica e o Movimento C.T.S.2 no ensino de ciências podem contribuir de forma significativa para o (re)direcionamento da educação científica que temos na atualidade. Apontamos pontos de convergência visualizados entre as duas correntes teóricas, com implicações interessantes para a formação de professores e, finalmente, postularemos que essas duas teorias podem colocar a educação científica numa perspectiva diferenciada, contribuindo para a formação educacional vista como instrumental para a formação da cidadania e transformação da sociedade em função dos interesses populares.
Cambio conceptual: análisis crítico y propuestas a la luz de la teoría del aprendizaje significativo
Authors: Moreira Marco Antonio , Greca Ileana María
Published: October 2009

Se hace un análisis crítico del tema cambio conceptual, a lo largo de un período de 20 años, a partir de una revisión parcial de la literatura y del referencial de la teoría del aprendizaje significativo.En dicho análisis se destaca la necesidad de atribuir significados al concepto de cambio conceptual que no conlleven la idea de sustitución o reemplazo de concepciones en la estructura cognoscitiva del sujeto que aprende, y se proponen significados en la línea del aprendizaje significativo, de discriminación de significados, de desarrollo/enriquecimiento conceptual, de evolución conceptual.
Afetos e arquivos da escravidão
Authors: Figueiredo Eurídice
Published: October 2009

Este texto procura mostrar como Patrick Chamoiseau (nascido na Martinica em 1953) empreende uma reescrita dos afetos e arquivos da escravidão no romance Un dimanche au cachot (2007), dando continuidade a uma temática que já aparecia em obras precedentes. Ele efetua um trabalho de perlaboração, no sentido freudiano, ao rememorar uma história como meio de curar o trauma que foi recalcado. Chamoiseau mistura história e ficção ao tentar recriar de modo não realista um certo ambiente durante o período escravista, incorporando um personagem histórico - Victor Schoelcher - mas mostrando-o antes dos grandes eventos que protagonizou.
Como Drummond constrói "Nosso tempo"
Authors: Correia Marlene de Castro
Published: October 2009

Este artigo discute, a partir do poema "Nosso tempo", a forma como a poesia de Carlos Drummond de Andrade apreende e trata o seu tempo histórico-cultural. Através de uma análise minuciosa do estrato semântico, da linguagem metafórica, da construção sintática e das marcas retóricas e estilísticas desse poema, mostra que o momento histórico que o poeta reproduz acarreta a fragmentação e a alienação do homem, exigindo dele uma tomada de posição política. Ao comparar os procedimentos de composição do poema aos filmes de Chaplin, pela coesão de sua estrutura, pelo encadeamento preciso entre suas partes, pela coerência entre os diversos materiais que o compõem e pela sintaxe que o sustenta, faz-nos ver o trabalho "do operário-artesão-artista" cuja função parece ser a de restaurar simbolicamente a união dos homens no mundo capitalista fragmentado e pulverizado.
Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis) feeding behavior and dental function reflected through tooth marks on bone surfaces, and the application to ziphodont paleobiology
Authors: D'Amore Domenic C. , Blumensehine Robert J.
Published: October 2009

Most functional interpretations of ziphodont dentition are based on limited morphometric, behavioral, and taphonomic studies, but few are based on controlled observations of a modern ziphodont consumer. The purpose of this study is to determine through controlled feeding observations if the behaviors indicative of a ziphodont consumer are reflected by tooth marks left on bone surfaces by Varanus komodoensis, the Komodo monitor. We document feeding behavior, expand upon dental function, and correlate these aspects with tooth mark production. We also discuss the significance and limits of applying these data to fossil assemblages.

Goat carcasses were fed to 11 captive individuals. V. komodoensis modifies bone surfaces extensively. Individuals exhibit a “medial-caudal arc'7 when defleshing, followed by inertial swallowing. Bone crushing was not observed. The vast majority of tooth marks are scores, with pits being significantly less common. Tooth furrows and punctures are rare. “Edge marks” are produced on flat elements. Marks are elongate and narrow, with variable lengths and curvature. Over one-third of the marks occur within parallel clusters. Striations are evident on 5% of all marks.

Both feeding behavior and tooth marks indicate that ziphodont crowns are ideal for defleshing by being drawn distally through a carcass. Crowns are poorly built for crushing, and within-bone nutrients are acquired through swallowing. Mark production is a by-product of the distal crown movement during the flesh removal process. Scores are the consequence of apical dragging. Edge marks and striated scores result respectively from distal and mesial carinae contact. Mark curvature is the consequence of arcing motions. Parallel clusters may result from repetitive defleshing strokes and/or from multiple crown contacts during a stroke.

These observations can be used to draw functional, behavioral, and taphonomic interpretations from fossil assemblages. When they are provisionally applied to theropod tooth marks, similar crown function and defleshing behavior with little bone crushing is apparent. Differences occur concerning mark frequency and curvature, relating potentially to taphonomic biases and rostral motion, respectively.
Taphonomic bias and time-averaging in tropical molluscan death assemblages: differential shell half-lives in Great Barrier Reef sediment
Authors: Kosnik Matthew A. , Hua Quan , Kaufman Darrell S. , Wüst Raphael A.
Published: October 2009

Radiocarbon-calibrated amino acid racemization ages of 428 individually dated shells representing four molluscan taxa are used to quantify time-averaging and shell half-lives with increasing burial depth in the shallow-water carbonate lagoon of Rib Reef, central Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The top 20 cm of sediment contains a distinct, essentially modern assemblage. Shells recovered at depths from 25 to 125 cm are age-homogeneous and significantly older than the surface layer. Taxon age distributions within sedimentary layers indicate that the top 125 cm of lagoonal sediment is thoroughly mixed on a sub-century scale. The age distributions and shell half-lives of four taxa (Ethalia, Natica, Tellina, and Turbo) are found to be largely distinct. Shell half-lives do not coincide with any single morphological characteristic thought to infer greater durability, but they are strongly related to a combined durability score based on shell density, thickness, and shape. These results illustrate the importance of bioturbation in tropical sedimentary environments, indicate that age estimates in this depositional setting are sensitive to taxon choice, and quantify a taxon-dependent bias in shell longevity and death assemblage formation.
Using ecological niche modeling for quantitative biogeographic analysis: a case study of Miocene and Pliocene Equinae in the Great Plains
Authors: Maguire Kaitlin Clare , Stigall Alycia L.
Published: October 2009

The subfamily Equinae in the Great Plains region of North America underwent a dramatic radiation and subsequent decline as climate changed from warm and humid in the middle Miocene to cooler and more arid conditions during the late Miocene. Here we use ecological niche modeling (ENM), specifically the GARP (Genetic Algorithm using Rule-set Prediction) modeling system, to reconstruct the geographic distribution of individual species during two time slices from the middle Miocene through early Pliocene. This method combines known species occurrence points with environmental parameters inferred from sedimentological variables to model each species' fundamental niche. The geographic range of each species is then predicted to occupy the geographic area within the study region wherever the set of environmental parameters that constrain the fundamental niche occurs. We analyze changes in the predicted distributions of individual species between time slices in relation to Miocene/Pliocene climate change. Specifically, we examine and compare distribution patterns for two time slices that span the period from the mid-Miocene (Barstovian) Climatic Optimum into the early Pliocene (Blancan) to determine whether habitat fragmentation led to speciation within the clade and whether species survival was related to geographic range size. Patchy geographic distributions were more common in the middle Miocene when speciation rates were high. During the late Miocene, when speciation rates were lower, continuous geographic ranges were more common. Equid species tracked their preferred habitat within the Great Plains region as well as regionally throughout North America. Species with larger predicted ranges preferentially survived the initial cooling event better than species with small geographic ranges. As climate continued to deteriorate in the late Miocene, however, range size became irrelevant to survival, and extinction rates increased for species of all range sizes. This is the first use of ENM and GARP in the continental fossil record. This powerful quantitative biogeographic method offers great promise for studies of other taxa and geologic intervals.
Improving Hole Quality and Casing-Running Performance in Riserless Top Holes: Deepwater Angola
Authors: Akers T. J.
Published: October 2009

The operator and coventurers are developing several Angola Block 15 fields in water depths of up to 1400 m. To date, 83 development wells and 33 exploration/appraisal wells have been drilled in the block. Most have experienced hole quality issues in the riserless interval that are manifested as tight hole while tripping the bottomhole assembly (BHA) and as abnormal/excessive drag while running casing. In a few cases, casing could not be run to total depth (TD), and in one unfortunate case, the casing buckled in open water.

There has been uncertainty as to the root cause of the hole-quality issues that have been attributable to various factors since drilling was initiated. A review of available literature revealed very little published information on riserless drilling and casing-running practices. The operator undertook a study of its riserless drilling and casing-running practices to look for trends that may suggest certain sources as the root cause and to allow a re-examination of long-accepted practices. The study, combined with some new perspectives on directional-drilling mechanics, identified micro-tortuosity as the root cause of casing-running difficulties. Micro-tortuosity has been known to exist in deeper, more consolidated sediments. The study revealed that microtortuosity can also exist in large diameter holes drilled in soft sediments. Changes to drilling practices have resulted in improved riserless hole quality and smoother casing-running operations.
Spiritual Transformation, Psychological Well-Being, Health, and Survival in People with HIV
Authors: Ironson Gail , Kremer Heidemarie
Published: October 2009

Objectives:

Although Spiritual Transformation (ST) occurs in a sizable proportion of people with HIV (about 39%), there is little research on the potential benefits of ST with respect to psychological well-being, health, and survival in this population. Our study attempts to fill this gap.

Method:

Using a mixed method approach, we related interviews of 147 people with HIV (identifying the presence/absence of ST) to questionnaires measuring demographics, medical history, treatment adherence, physical symptoms, and psychological well-being (i.e., stress, coping, life attitude, and spirituality), and assessments of CD4-counts and viral load and survival 3 to 5 years later.

Results:

At comparable times since HIV-diagnosis and antiretroviral medications prescribed, the presence of ST was significantly associated with better treatment success (undetectable viral loads, higher CD4 counts), better medication adherence, fewer symptoms, less distress, more positive coping, different life attitudes (i.e., existential transcendence, meaning/purpose in life, optimism, death acceptance), more spiritual practices, and increased spirituality. ST was also associated with substance-use recovery and with being African American. Survival up to 5 years was 5.35 times more likely among participants with ST ( pf = .044). According to a Cox-regression adjusted for baseline CD4-counts, age, race-ethnicity, gender, education, years since HIV-diagnosis, and a history of substance-use problems, ST still reduced the risk of death (HR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.53, p = .010).

Conclusions:

ST has associated benefits for psychological well-being, health, and survival.
Interest rate transmission mechanism of monetary policy in the selected EMU candidate countries
Authors: Mirdala Rajmund
Published: October 2009

The stable macroeconomic environment, as one of the primary objectives of the Visegrad countries in the 1990s, was partially supported by the exchange rate policy. Fixed exchange rate systems within gradually widen bands (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic) and crawling peg system (Hungary, Poland) were replaced by the managed floating in the Czech Republic (May 1997), Poland (April 2000), Slovak Republic (October 1998) and fixed exchange rate to euro in Hungary (January 2000) with broad band (October 2001). Higher macroeconomic and banking sector stability allowed countries from the Visegrad group to implement the monetary policy strategy based on the interest rate transmission mechanism. Continuous harmonization of the monetary policy framework (with the monetary policy of the ECB) and the increasing sensitivity of the economy agents to the interest rates changes allowed the central banks from the Visegrad countries to implement monetary policy strategy based on the key interest rates determination. In the paper we analyze the impact of the central banks' monetary policy in the Visegrad countries on the selected macroeconomic variables in the period 1999-2008 implementing SVAR (structural vector autoregression) approach. We expect that higher sensitivity of domestic variables to interest rates shocks can be interpreted as a convergence of monetary policies in candidate countries towards the ECB's monetary policy.
Income differentials on regional labour markets in Southwest Germany
Authors: Guyot Alice , Berwing Stefan , Lauxen-Ulbrich Maria
Published: October 2009

The aim of our paper is to identify explanatory variables for income disparities between women and men across different regional types. Using data from the BA Employment Panel (BEP) descriptive statistics show that the gender pay gap grows wider from core regions to periphery. The main explanatory variables for the income differentials are vocational education in the men's case and size of enterprise in the women's case. Whereas in the case of women the importance of vocational status increases and the importance of size of enterprise decreases from rural areas to urban areas.
A pertinent analytic method to correctly measure contributions to growth in gross domestic product
Authors: Brunet Antoine
Published: October 2009

In this paper, Antoine Brunet questions the OECD method in calculating contributions to GDP growth. He tries to show this method induces the users to seriously misjudge the contribution of external trade balance to GDP growth. He shows there is an alternative method, i.e. the AB method which is mathematically as correct as the OECD one. And this method is much more pertinent and allows the users to distinguish between two kinds of countries: on the one hand, the mercantilist countries and on the other hand, the non-mercantilist countries.
Determination of atrazine, acetochlor, clomazone, pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in soil by a solid phase microextraction method
Authors: Djurovic Rada , Gajic-Umiljendic Jelena , Djordjevic Tijana
Published: October 2009

A solid phase microextraction (SPME) method for simultaneous determination of atrazine, acetochlor, clomazone, pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in soil samples was developed. The method is based on a combination of conventional liquid-solid procedure and a following SPME determination of the selected pesticides. Initially, various microextraction conditions, such as the fibre type, desorption temperature and time, extraction time and NaCl content, were investigated and optimized. Then, extraction efficiencies of several solvents (water, hexane, acetonitrile, acetone and methanol) and the optimum number of extraction steps within the sample preparation step were optimized. According to the results obtained in these two sets of experiments, two successive extractions with methanol as the extraction solvent were the optimal sample preparation procedure, while the following conditions were found to be most efficient for SPME measurements: 100 ?m PDMS fibre, desorption for 7 min at 2700C, 30 min extraction time and 5% NaCl content (w/v). Detection and quantification were done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Relative standard deviation (RSD) values for multiple analysis of soil samples fortified at 30 ?g/kg of each pesticide were below 19%. Limits of detection (LOD) for all the compounds studied were less than 2 ?g/kg.
Comparative analysis of the anatomy of two populations of red-root amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)
Authors: Vrbnicanin Sava , Stefanovic Lidija , Bozic Dragana , Saric Marija , Radosevic Radenko
Published: October 2009

The anatomy of stems and leaves of two populations of the weed species Amaranthus retroflexus L. (red-root amaranth) (pop. AMARE1 having green stems covered in sparse hairs and pop. AMARE2 with green but notably dense stem hairs) was analysed in order better to understand the uptake and translocation of herbicides that could be indicative of the species' evolving resistance to herbicides. Samples of the two populations (AMARE1 and AMARE2) were collected from arable land of the Institute of Maize Research at Zemun Polje in 2006. Sampling was performed at the stage of full vegetative growth of plants. Permanent microscoping preparations were made to measure and analyze elements of the anatomy of stems (stem epidermis, cortex, collenchyma, central cylinder and diameter) and leaves (leaf epidermis upper surface and underside, mesophyll, leaf thickness and bundle sheath thickness). Both analysed populations of A. retroflexus, morphologically characterized by different density of stem hairiness, were found to have a typical structure of herbaceous dicots. The stem had three distinctive zones: epidermis, cortex and central cylinder. Amaranth leaves have dorsoventral structure, i.e. their upper surface and underside can be differentiated. The results indicated high and very high significance of differences found in stem anatomy between the two analysed populations, while leaf anatomy was not found to display significant differences other than in mesophyll thickness.
Effect of selenium, molybdenum and zinc on seedling growth and frequency of grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius) in triticale grains
Authors: Kastori Rudolf , Kádár Imre
Published: October 2009

The effects of different doses (0, 90, 270, 810 kg/ha) of selenium, molybdenum and zinc microelements on their translocation and accumulation in grains, seedling growth and grain infestation were examined under field conditions on a calcareous chernozem soil. Thirteen years after the application of selenium, molybdenum and zinc, significant translocation and accumulation of these elements in the grain were established, indicating a long-term effect of these microelements on triticale plants. The highest degree of accumulation in grains and seedling shoots was found for selenium, then molybdenum, while the detected amounts of zinc were significantly lower. The degree of accumulation of all three microelements in the grain and seedling shoot increased as doses increased. Translocation index from shoot to grain at the grain-filling phase was the highest when zinc was used, then selenium, and the lowest when molybdenum was applied. The highest translocation index from the grain during germination into seedling shoots was obtained with zinc, then molybdenum and selenium. Translocation indexes of the investigated elements significantly decreased as the doses of elements increased. Dry weight of seedling shoots decreased as molybdenum and zinc in grain increased. High selenium concentration moderately stimulated seedling development, pointing out a high tolerance of triticale to higher concentration of this microelement at initial development stages. Infestatation with grain weevil was provoked by high concentrations of these microelements in the grain. High concentrations of zinc and selenium, in particular, significantly decreased the percentage of damaged grains, while molybdenum moderately increased their numbers. The effect of zinc and molybdenum may be attributed to their chemical effect, while selenium effect may also be referred to a negative effect of the volatile selenium compound. The effect of selenium, molybdenum and zinc contamination of grains on the seedling growth and frequency of grain weevil was different, and the emphasis was on selenium.
Soft Tissue Morphology of Jordanian Adolescents
Authors: Hamdan Ahmad Mohammad
Published: October 2009

Objective: To determine soft tissue cephalometric norms of a sample of Jordanian adolescents and to compare them with those of North Americans.

Materials and Methods: Forty-one subjects aged 14 to 17 years were selected from a larger random and representative sample of 320 adolescents attending 12 schools in the capital of Jordan, Amman. Seven reference lines were identified and traced according to definitions by Holdaway and Ricketts, and 2 angular and 12 linear measurements were analyzed.

Results: Significant differences were found between males and females in measurements of soft tissue facial angle, H angle, subnasale to H line, basic upper lip thickness, upper lip thickness and labrale inferius and superius to E line (P < .05). Males had a more prominent upper lip in relation to the overall soft tissue profile, while the lips of females were considerably more retrusive in relation to the nose and chin. Jordanian norms were similar to those of North Americans, with only two exceptions: the H angle and skeletal convexity which were 5.4 degrees and 3.2 mm greater in Jordanians, respectively.

Conclusions: Jordanian soft tissue norms were similar to American norms with the exception of the former having a more prominent upper lip position in relation to the overall soft tissue profile.
Palatal Bone Density in Adult Subjects: Implications for Mini-Implant Placement
Authors: Moon Sung Hee , Park Sun Hyung , Lim Won Hee , Chun Youn Sic
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To evaluate palatal bone density to allow for better selection of palatal implant anchorage sites.

Materials and Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained from 15 males and 15 females (mean age, 27 years; range, 23–35 years). Bone density was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) at 80 coordinates at regular mediolateral and anteroposterior intervals along the midpalatal suture.

Results: Bone densities ranged from 805 to 1247 HU. A significant difference between male and female groups was noted, although no difference was found between left and right sides of individual palates. Palatal bone densities showed a tendency to decrease laterally and posteriorly. The midpalatal area within 3 mm of the midsagittal suture had the densest bone in the entire palate.

Conclusion: Results suggest that mini-implants for orthodontic anchorage may be effectively placed in most areas with bone density equivalent to the palatal area if they are placed from 3 mm posterior to the incisive foramen and 1 to 5 mm to the paramedian side.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion Affects the Spheno-occipital Synchondrosis in Youngsters
Authors: Leonardi Rosalia , Cutrera Alice , Barbato Ersilia
Published: October 2009

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that the spheno-occipital synchondrosis does not show bony displacement in response to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) therapy in youngsters.

Materials and Methods: A total of 16 computed tomography (CT) records were taken from 8 growing patients (2 males and 6 females), before (T0) and after (T1) treatment with RME. All patients had been diagnosed originally with transverse maxillary deficiency. The mean chronological age of the patients was 9.8 ± 1.8 years (range, 8 to 11.4 years). High-resolution multislice multidetector CT was used to study quantitatively the extent of the opening of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis following RME. A low-dose CT scan protocol was used (80 kV, 10 mA) and the data file of each patient was transferred to a workstation where the anteroposterior width of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis was measured on axial images.

Results: Before treatment with RME (T0), the anteroposterior mean width of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis was 1.73 ± 0.46 mm immediately after the active phase of expansion (T1), and the width of the synchondrosis increased to 2.30 ± 0.47. This difference was statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon signed rank test (P < .05).

Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion leads to a small immediate widening of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis in youngsters.
Torque Expression in Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Archambault Amy , Lacoursiere Ryan , Badawi Hisham , Major Paul W. , Carey Jason , Flores-Mir Carlos
Published: October 2009

Objective: To evaluate the quantitative effects on torque expression of varying the slot size of stainless steel orthodontic brackets and the dimension of stainless steel wire, and to analyze the limitations of the experimental methods used.

Materials and Methods: In vitro studies measuring torque expression in conventional and self-ligating stainless steel brackets with a torque-measuring device, with the use of straight stainless steel orthodontic wire without second-order mechanics and without loops, coils, or auxiliary wires, were sought through a systematic review process.

Results: Eleven articles were selected. Direct comparison of different studies was limited by differences in the measuring devices used and in the parameters measured. On the basis of the selected studies, in a 0.018 inch stainless steel bracket slot, the engagement angle ranges from 31 degrees with a 0.016 × 0.016 inch stainless steel archwire to 4.6 degrees with a 0.018 × 0.025 inch stainless steel archwire. In a 0.022 inch stainless steel bracket slot, the engagement angle ranges from 18 degrees with a 0.018 × 0.025 inch stainless steel archwire to 6 degrees with a 0.021 × 0.025 inch stainless steel archwire. Active stainless steel self-ligating brackets demonstrate an engagement angle of approximately 7.5 degrees, whereas passive stainless steel self-ligating brackets show an engagement angle of approximately 14 degrees with 0.019 × 0.025 inch stainless steel wire in a 0.022 inch slot.

Conclusions: The engagement angle depends on archwire dimension and edge shape, as well as on bracket slot dimension, and is variable and larger than published theoretical values. Clinically effective torque can be achieved in a 0.022 inch bracket slot with archwire torsion of 15 to 31 degrees for active self-ligating brackets and of 23 to 35 degrees for passive self-ligating brackets with a 0.019 × 0.025 inch stainless steel wire.
Self-Ligation Esthetic Brackets with Low Frictional Resistance
Authors: Voudouris John C. , Schismenos Christos , Lackovic Kresimir , Kuftinec Mladen M.
Published: October 2009

Objective: To test the frictional resistance forces (FRS) generated between several archwires and (1) interactive self-ligating (ISL) brackets and (2) conventionally ligated (CL) brackets.

Materials and Methods: Frictional forces produced between three different archwire combinations and self-ligating (SL) brackets (ceramic and metal-slot or all-metal) and CL brackets (metal or ceramic) were evaluated in a dry environment. The three ISL brackets tested were In-Ovation-C, In-Ovation-R, and Damon 3. The three CL brackets were Mystique with Neo Clip, Clarity, and Ovation. Each bracket was tested with 0.020″ SS, 0.019″ × 0.025″ SS and 0.018″ × 0.018″ coated SS.

Results: The ISL brackets generally exhibited the lowest frictional forces irrespective of the bracket material and the wire size, and CL brackets exhibited consistently higher frictional forces. Mystique with Neo Clip produced the lowest frictional resistance of all brackets. The In-Ovation-C brackets demonstrated significantly lower frictional resistance than the SL brackets In-Ovation-R and Damon 3 as well as the CL brackets Clarity and Ovation.

Conclusions: The ISL ceramic brackets produced the lowest frictional resistance of all the self-ligating brackets. The CL ceramic brackets produced the greatest friction.
Soft Tissue Images from Cephalograms Compared With Those from a 3D Surface Acquisition System
Authors: Incrapera Angela K. , Kau Chung How , English Jeryl D. , McGrory Kathleen , Sarver David M.
Published: October 2009

Objective: To assess whether 2D cephalometrics is comparable with 3D imaging devices and whether 3D technology could replace traditional 2D image capture in posttreatment evaluation.

Materials and Methods: The study is a prospective evaluation of superimposition techniques obtained from a cohort of 40 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in a private practice environment. Surgical records were obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs taken by a Kodak 8000C machine, and the 3D images were obtained from the 3dMD stereo photogrammetric camera capture system. Pre- and postlateral cephalometric records were superimposed on the cranial base (SN line) while pre- and post-3D surgical records were superimposed on the regional best-fit method. A mathematical algorithm, or best-fit calculation, was carried out on the selected surfaces. Each set of superimposed records was analyzed, and five soft tissue landmarks were plotted. The differences between the five surface points were analyzed for each set of records.

Results: The final sample consisted of 34 subjects with full records. A total of 680 surface landmarks were plotted and analyzed. The mean differences of the soft tissue landmarks were analyzed for each pair of data sets and were found to range between 1.06 and 8.07 mm and 1.26 and 7.34 mm for lateral cephalometric and 3D readings, respectively. Paired t-tests were carried out using the SPSS 15.0 software, and they showed that the results were not statistically significant between the superimposition techniques on the image capture systems (P > .05).

Conclusions: The types of superimposition techniques used in the imaging modalities studied were comparable with one another.
Underlying diseases and clinicopathologic variables of thrombocytopenic dogs with and without platelet-bound antibodies detected by use of a flow cytometric assay: 83 cases (2004–2006)
Authors: Dircks Brigitte Hedwig , Schuberth Hans-Joachim , Mischke Reinhard
Published: October 2009

Objective—To characterize underlying diseases and clinical and clinicopathologic variables of thrombocytopenic dogs with and without platelet-bound antibodies (PBAs) and to evaluate clinicopathologic variables of dogs with primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—83 thrombocytopenic dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs in which PBA tests were performed between 2004 and 2006; PBAs were measured via flow cytometry.

Results—PBAs were detected in 37 of 83 (45%) dogs. Thirteen dogs were suspected of having primary IMT. Median platelet counts were significantly lower in dogs with PBAs, compared with counts in dogs without PBAs. Dogs suspected of having primary IMT had significantly lower median platelet counts, compared with counts for those with secondary IMT. Mean platelet volume (MPV) was increased (> 14.3 fL) significantly more often in dogs without PBAs (19/33 [58%]) than in dogs with PBAs (7/26 [27%]). No dogs suspected of having primary IMT had an increase in MPV. Examination of bone marrow aspirates revealed an increase in megakaryopoiesis in a higher percentage of dogs with PBAs (14/21 [67%]) than in dogs without PBAs (7/18 [39%]). An increase in megakaryopoiesis was detected in all dogs suspected of having primary IMT that had a bone marrow analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Platelet counts, results of bone marrow analysis, and MPV may be helpful in dogs for the differentiation between primary IMT and thrombocytopenia resulting from other diseases. An MPV within or less than the reference range did not rule out an increase in megakaryopoietic activity.