bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Probabilistic Forecast Models for the Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification
Authors: Rozoff Christopher M. , Kossin James P.
Published: October 2011

The National Hurricane Center currently employs a skillful probabilistic rapid intensification index (RII) based on linear discriminant analysis of the environmental and satellite-derived features from the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) dataset. Probabilistic prediction of rapid intensity change in tropical cyclones is revisited here using two additional models: one based on logistic regression and the other on a naïve Bayesian framework. Each model incorporates data from the SHIPS dataset over both the North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific Ocean basins to provide the probability of exceeding the standard rapid intensification thresholds [25, 30, and 35 kt (24 h)−1] for 24 h into the future. The optimal SHIPS and satellite-based predictors of rapid intensification differ slightly between each probabilistic model and ocean basin, but each set of optimal predictors incorporates thermodynamic and dynamic aspects of the tropical cyclone’s environment (such as vertical wind shear) and its structure (such as departure from convective axisymmetry). Cross validation shows that both the logistic regression and Bayesian probabilistic models are skillful relative to climatology. Dependent testing indicates both models exhibit forecast skill that generally exceeds the skill of the present operational SHIPS-RII and a simple average of the probabilities provided by the logistic regression, Bayesian, and SHIPS-RII models provides greater skill than any individual model. For the rapid intensification threshold of 25 kt (24 h)−1, the three-member ensemble mean improves the Brier skill scores of the current operational SHIPS-RII by 33% in the North Atlantic and 52% in the eastern North Pacific.
Modeling Alcohol Use Intensity Among Students at a Historically Black University
Authors: Lewis Todd F. , Likis-Werle Elizabeth , Fulton Cheryl L.
Published: October 2011

Drinking patterns and rates at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) are not well understood. Social norms and perceptions of risk are two explanatory mechanisms that have accounted for a significant amount of variance in college student drinking at predominantly White campuses. However, these models have not been examined among students who attend an HBCU. Two-hundred and four students from a historically Black university in the Southern region of the United States completed an anonymous questionnaire that assessed their alcohol related behavior, thoughts, and perceptions. Structural equation modeling confirmed the importance of social norms in explaining drinking among the study sample. The overall model accounted for 59% of the variability in alcohol use intensity. Implications for leaders of HBCU campuses and counselors are discussed.
Interferon gamma receptor expression on granulocytes of cardiac surgical patients is modulated differently by the type of cardiopulmonary bypass used
Authors: Jankovicova K , Kolackova M , Kunes P , Holubcova Z , Krejsek J , Mandak J
Published: October 2011

Aims: To follow the IFNγ receptor expression on monocytes and granulocytes of cardiac surgical patients with respect to the type of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods: Expression of IFNγ receptor on monocytes and granulocytes of 26 cardiac surgical patients operated with the use of either “standard” or “miniaturised” CPB was determined by flow cytometry.

Results: The significant increase in IFNγ receptor expression on monocytes on the 1st and on the 3rd postoperative days was revealed in both groups of patients (p<0.001) irrespective of the type of CPB used, being non-significantly different between groups. In contrast, the expression of IFNγ on granulocytes displayed significant differences in terms of the CPB used. Whereas, in “standard” CPB patients, granulocyte INFγ receptor expression reached its maximum immediately after surgery (p<0.01), in “miniivasive” CPB patients, the peak in INFγ receptor expression was postponed to the 1st postoperative day (p<0.05). Statistically significantly higher IFNγ receptor expression on granulocytes was found in “standard” CPB patients (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Compared to “miniaturised” CPB patients, the significantly higher IFNγ receptor expression on granulocytes was found in “standard” CPB patients (p<0.05) on the 1st postoperative day.
The effects of a 12-week leisure centre-based, group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Learmonth YC , Paul L , Miller L , Mattison P , McFadyen AK
Published: October 2011

Objective: To establish the effects of a 12-week, community-based group exercise intervention for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis.

Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial.

Setting: Two community leisure centres.

Participants: Thirty-two participants with multiple sclerosis randomized into intervention or control groups.

Intervention: The intervention group received 12 weeks of twice weekly, 60-minute group exercise sessions, including mobility, balance and resistance exercises. The control group received usual care.

Main outcome measures: An assessor blinded to group allocation assessed participants at baseline, after eight weeks and after 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was 25-foot (7.6 m) walk time, secondary outcomes assessed walking endurance, balance, physical function, leg strength, body mass index, activity levels, fatigue, anxiety and depression, quality of life and goal attainment.

Results: The intervention made no statistically significant difference to the results of participants’ 25-foot walk time. However the intervention led to many improvements. In the intervention group levels of physical activity improved statistically between baseline and week 8 ( P < 0.001) and baseline and week 12 ( P = 0.005). Balance confidence results showed a significant difference between baseline and week 12 ( P = 0.013). Good effect sizes were found for dynamic balance ( d = 0.80), leg strength ( d = 1.33), activity levels ( d = 1.05) and perceived balance ( d = 0.94).

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that community-based group exercise classes are a feasible option for people moderately affected with multiple sclerosis, and offer benefits such as improved physical activity levels, balance and leg strength.
Media Exposure, Body Dissatisfaction, and Disordered Eating in Middle-aged Women
Authors: Slevec Julie , Tiggemann Marika
Published: October 2011

The primary aim of our study was to examine the influence of media exposure on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in middle-aged women. A sample of 101 women, aged between 35 and 55 years, completed questionnaire measures of media exposure, thin-ideal internalization, social comparison, appearance investment, aging anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating. Television, but not magazine exposure, was positively related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. In contrast, both television and magazine exposure were positive correlates of all four proposed media-processing variables (internalization, social comparison, appearance investment, and aging anxiety), which were themselves positive correlates of both body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Structural equation modelling revealed that the influence of media exposure was fully mediated by the proposed media processes. The analyses also indicated that our proposed sociocultural model of disordered eating provided a reasonably good fit to the data, suggesting that sociocultural theory can be extended to women of middle-age. An important practical implication of this finding is that strategies aimed at challenging and minimizing these media processes may reduce some of the negative impact of media exposure in middle-aged women.
Structural Remodeling of Astrocytes in the Injured CNS
Authors: Sun Daniel , Jakobs Tatjana C.
Published: October 2011

Astrocytes respond to all forms of CNS insult and disease by becoming reactive, a nonspecific but highly characteristic response that involves various morphological and molecular changes. Probably the most recognized aspect of reactive astrocytes is the formation of a glial scar that impedes axon regeneration. Although the reactive phenotype was first suggested more than 100 years ago based on morphological changes, the remodeling process is not well understood. We know little about the actual structure of a reactive astrocyte, how an astrocyte remodels during the progression of an insult, and how populations of these cells reorganize to form the glial scar. New methods of labeling astrocytes, along with transgenic mice, allow the complete morphology of reactive astrocytes to be visualized. Recent studies show that reactivity can induce a remarkable change in the shape of a single astrocyte, that not all astrocytes react in the same way, and that there is plasticity in the reactive response.
Semi-active vibration suppression of a space truss structure using a fault tolerant controller
Authors: Huo Linsheng , Song Gangbing , Nagarajaiah Satish , Li Hongnan
Published: October 2011

In recent years, magneto-rheological (MR) dampers have been used to control the response of structures. This paper presents the design and application of an H∞ fault detection and isolation (FDI) filter and fault tolerant controller (FTC) for truss vibration control systems using MR dampers. A linear matrix inequality formulation is used to design a full order robust H∞ filter to estimate faulty input signals. A fault tolerant H∞ controller is designed for the combined system of plant and filter, minimizing the control objective selected in the presence of disturbances and faults. A truss structure with an MR damper is used to validate the FDI and FTC controller design through numerical simulations. The residuals obtained from the filter through simulation clearly identify the fault signals. The simulation results of the proposed FTC controller confirm its effectiveness for vibration suppression of the faulty truss system.
The cumulative amount of serum-free light chain is a strong prognosticator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Morabito Fortunato , De Filippi Rosaria , Laurenti Luca , Zirlik Katja , Recchia Anna Grazia , Gentile Massimo , Morelli Emanuela , Vigna Ernesto , Gigliotti Vincenzo , Calemma Rosa , Amoroso Barbara , Neri Antonino , Cutrona Giovanna , Ferrarini Manlio , Molica Stefano , Del Poeta Giovanni , Tripodo Claudio , Pinto Antonio
Published: October 2011

Identification of patients at risk of early disease progression is the mainstay of tailored management in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although application of established biomarkers is limited by intrinsic detection/readout complexities, abnormality of κ and λ serum-free light chain ratio [sFLC (κ/λ)] was proposed as a straightforward prognosticator in CLL. By analyzing 449 therapy-naive patients, we show that an abnormal sFLC(κ/λ), along with CD38, ZAP-70, IGHV mutations, cytogenetics and stage, independently predicts treatment-free survival (TFS) but becomes prognostically irrelevant if the cumulative amount of clonal and nonclonal FLCs [sFLC(κ + λ)], a variable associated with cytogenetic risk, exceeds the threshold of 60.6 mg/mL. Patients with sFLC(κ + λ) above cut-off displayed a poorer TFS outcome, irrespective of sFLC(κ/λ). Only ZAP-70, cytogenetics, stage, and TFS remained associated with sFLC(κ + λ) in a multivariate model. By assigning 1 point each for these variables, the 3-year probability of TFS was 94.8%, 84.5%, 61.6%, and 21.1% for patients scoring 0, 1, 2, and 3 + 4, respectively (P < .0001). These data, and the demonstration that monoclonal and polyclonal B cells concur to FLC synthesis in tumor tissues, suggest that sFLC(κ/λ) and sFLC(κ + λ) mirror distinct biologic processes in CLL. sFLC(κ + λ) assessment represents a sensitive and cost-effective tool for identifying CLL patients requiring early treatment.
Crumbs controls epithelial integrity by inhibiting Rac1 and PI3K
Authors: Chartier François J.-M. , Hardy Émilie J.-L. , Laprise Patrick
Published: October 2011

Drosophila Crumbs (Crb) and its mammalian ortholog CRB3 control epithelial polarity through poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Elucidating these mechanisms is crucial, because the physiology of epithelia largely depends on the polarized architecture of individual epithelial cells. In addition, loss of CRB3 favors tumor cell growth, metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using Drosophila embryos, we report that Rac1 sustains PI3K signaling, which is required for Rac1 activation. Crb represses this positive-feedback loop. Notably, this property confers to Crb its ability to promote epithelial integrity in vivo, because attenuation of either Rac1 or PI3K activity rescues the crb mutant phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of Rac1 or PI3K results in Crb-dependent apical membrane growth, whereas Rac1 activation restricts membrane localization of Crb and interferes with apical domain formation. This illustrates that Crb and the Rac1–PI3K module are antagonists, and that the fine balance between the activities of these proteins is crucial to maintain epithelial organization and an appropriate apical to basolateral ratio. Together, our results elucidate a mechanism that mediates Crb function and further define the role of PI3K and Rac1 in epithelial morphogenesis, allowing for a better understanding of how distinct membrane domains are regulated in polarized epithelial cells.
Misinformation increases symptom reporting: a test – retest study
Authors: Merckelbach Harald , Jelicic Marko , Pieters Maarten
Published: October 2011

Objectives

We examined whether misleading information (i.e. misinformation) may promote symptom reporting in non-clinical participants.

Design

A test–retest study in which we collected baseline data about participants' psychological symptoms and then misinformed them that they had rated two target symptoms relatively highly. During an interview, we determined whether participants would notice this misinformation and at direct and one-week follow-up, we evaluated whether the misinformation would exacerbate retest measures of the same symptoms.

Setting

A psychological laboratory.

Participants

A total of 78 undergraduate students.

Main outcome measures

Participants' scores on a widely used self-report measure of psychological symptoms.

Results

We found that most participants (63%) were blind to the discrepancies between their original symptom ratings and the upgraded scores they were misinformed with. Furthermore, at the one-week follow-up retest, blind participants revised their symptom ratings in the direction of the misinformation (i.e. they increased their ratings of these symptoms).

Conclusion

Introspective monitoring of common psychological symptoms is poor and this creates an opportunity for misinformation and symptom escalation. Our finding bears relevance to theories about the iatrogenic amplification of medically unexplained symptoms.
Structural Workshop Paper—Estimating Discrete Games
Authors: Ellickson Paul B. , Misra Sanjog
Published: October 2011

This paper provides a critical review of the methods for estimating static discrete games and their relevance for quantitative marketing. We discuss the various modeling approaches, alternative assumptions, and relevant trade-offs involved in taking these empirical methods to data. We consider games of both complete and incomplete information, examine the primary methods for dealing with the coherency problems introduced by multiplicity of equilibria, and provide concrete examples from the literature. We illustrate the mechanics of estimation using a real-world example and provide the computer code and data set with which to replicate our results.
Split or Steal? Cooperative Behavior When the Stakes Are Large
Authors: van den Assem Martijn J. , van Dolder Dennie , Thaler Richard H.
Published: October 2011

We examine cooperative behavior when large sums of money are at stake, using data from the television game show Golden Balls. At the end of each episode, contestants play a variant on the classic prisoner's dilemma for large and widely ranging stakes averaging over $20,000. Cooperation is surprisingly high for amounts that would normally be considered consequential but look tiny in their current context, what we call a “big peanuts” phenomenon. Utilizing the prior interaction among contestants, we find evidence that people have reciprocal preferences. Surprisingly, there is little support for conditional cooperation in our sample. That is, players do not seem to be more likely to cooperate if their opponent might be expected to cooperate. Further, we replicate earlier findings that males are less cooperative than females, but this gender effect reverses for older contestants because men become increasingly cooperative as their age increases.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Calendar Cycles, Infrequent Decisions, and the Cross Section of Stock Returns
Authors: Jagannathan Ravi , Marakani Srikant , Takehara Hitoshi , Wang Yong
Published: October 2011

We show that when investors review their consumption and investment plans infrequently at different points in time with interim information flows, the standard consumption-based capital asset pricing model (CCAPM) will continue to hold only at those points in time when all investors review their plans. Stylized facts suggest that the end of the tax year is a candidate for one such points in time. Therefore, we should expect more support for the CCAPM during the period surrounding the end of the tax year, i.e., the fourth and first quarters in Japan where the tax year ends in December, and the first and second quarters in the United Kingdom where the tax year ends in April. Our empirical findings are consistent with these expectations.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Potential pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction between concomitantly administered lisinopril and diclofenac sodium: a call for appropriate management in hypertensive osteoarthritic patients
Authors: Goswami Sailendra Kumar , Jain Sunita , Chudasama Hiren , Santani Devdas
Published: October 2011

Background: The present study was designed as an open label, multiple-dose, randomized, parallel trial to evaluate the pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction of lisinopril and concomitantly administered diclofenac sodium in non-diabetic and diabetic, mild to moderate hypertensive, osteoarthritic patients.

Methods: Post-screening and on inclusion, patients were put on a 2-week washout period and then randomly assigned to either only lisinopril 10 mg or combination of lisinopril 10 mg and diclofenac sodium 100 mg treatments for 8–12 weeks in diseased states of hypertension and osteoarthritis with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results: The blood pressure (BP) control with lisinopril was reduced by concomitantly administered diclofenac sodium in non-diabetic (SBP: p=0.00002; DBP: p=0.000008) and diabetic (SBP: p=0.002; DBP: p=0.001) patients when compared with the patients receiving lisinopril alone. Insulin sensitivity was improved (p=0.00002) and urinary albumin excretion rate was better controlled (p=0.0096) in lisinopril-treated patients when compared with the combination treatment in diabetic pool. Serum creatinine levels increased significantly in non-diabetic patients (p=0.00004) receiving combination treatment. In addition, creatinine clearance (CLCR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher in diabetic (CLCR: p<0.00001; BUN: p=0.0098) as well as in non-diabetic (CLCR: p<0.00001; BUN: p=0.03) patients treated with combination treatment. The alterations in serum electrolytes, reduction in % platelet aggregation activity and improvement in lipid profile was more profound with combination treatment in comparison to lisinopril alone.

Conclusions: The antihypertensive efficacy and insulin sensitivity improving property of lisinopril along with the renal function might get worse in hypertensive osteoarthritic patients receiving concomitant treatment of oral diclofenac sodium with lisinopril. In addition to this, close monitoring of serum electrolytes is also suggested to rule out any long-term detrimental effect.
Pre-natal social stress and post-natal pain affect the developing pig reproductive axis
Authors: Ashworth Cheryl J , Hogg Charis O , Hoeks Cindy W F , Donald Ramona D , Duncan W Colin , Lawrence Alistair B , Rutherford Kenny M D
Published: October 2011

This study assessed the effect of pre-natal social stress and post-natal pain on the reproductive development of young (approximately day 40) pigs. Male pigs carried by sows that were stressed by mixing with unfamiliar older sows for two 1-week periods during mid-pregnancy had lower plasma testosterone (0.54 vs 0.86 ng/ml, s.e.d.=0.11; P=0.014) and oestradiol (E2; 22.9 vs 38.7 pg/ml, s.e.d.=7.80; P=0.021) concentrations compared with males carried by unstressed control sows. Although there was no effect of pre-natal stress on female E2 concentrations, female pigs carried by stressed sows had fewer primordial ovarian follicles (log −4.32/μm2 vs −4.00/μm2, s.e.d.=0.136; P=0.027). Tail amputation on day 3 after birth reduced E2 concentrations in female (4.78 vs 6.84 pg/ml, s.e.d.=0.86; P=0.03) and in male (25.6 vs 34.9 pg/ml, s.e.d.=3.56; P=0.021) pigs and reduced both testis weight (0.09% of body weight vs 0.10% of body weight, s.e.d.=0.003; P=0.01) and the percentage of proliferating Leydig cells (1.97 vs 2.12, s.e.d.=0.114; P=0.036) compared with sham-amputated littermate controls. There was a significant (P=0.036) interaction between the effects of pre-natal stress and post-natal pain on testicular expression of the steroidogenic enzyme 17α-hydroxylase, such that amputation increased expression in pigs born to control sows, but reduced expression in animals born to stressed sows. This study shows that stressful procedures associated with routine animal husbandry can disrupt the developing reproductive axis.
A vivência clínica na formação do enfermeiro
Authors: Landim Simone Alves , Silva Gilberto Tadeu Reis da , Batista Nildo Alves
Published: October 2011

Realizou-se uma análise da literatura no que se refere à vivência clínica na formação do enfermeiro. Procurou-se identificar a produção científica de dissertações e teses que abordem essa vivência, tendo como base de coleta de dados, o Catálogo de Dissertações e Teses do CEPEn, ABEn Nacional, no período de 2001 a 2006. De um total de 132 resumos relacionados a essa temática, 124 (94%) utilizavam o descritor educação em enfermagem; 05 (4%), competência clínica e 03 (2%), residência e internato. Os resultados evidenciam que a produção científica em vivência clínica, elemento essencial à competência clínica, é incipiente, com ligeiro predomínio de dissertações de mestrado as quais, em sua maioria, utilizam métodos qualitativos, sendo sua distribuição distinta no país.
Terceirização em informática no Brasil
Authors: Leite Jaci Corrêa
Published: October 2011

Este trabalho descreve uma pesquisa de campo feita no Brasil em 1995. Foram consultadas 125 empresas para investigar aspectos ligados a motivações para terceirizar em informática, os mecanismos pelo quais esse processo se materializa, os resultados alcançados e os problemas enfrentados como conseqüência desta opção. São revelados alguns importantes aspectos, até então pouco conhecidos, sobre esta realidade no contexto brasileiro.
A difícil administração das motivações
Authors: Bergamini Cecília Whitaker
Published: October 2011

As teorias motivacionais acusam dois enfoques diferentes a respeito do estudo do comportamento humano. O primeiro tende a considerar o ser humano como sendo passível aos estímulos vindos do meio ambiente, sendo conhecido como enfoque behaviorista. O segundo enfoque explora a energização e a direção do omportamento humano. A energia na teoria motivacional é fundamentalmente uma questão de satisfação das necessidades internas. A direção do comportamento motivacional é uma questão de processos e estruturas que dão sentido aos estímulos internos ou externos, dirigindo a ação humana no sentido da satisfação de necessidades. Durante a busca da satisfação motivacional as pessoas enfrentam problemas que são realmente de difícil resolução. Para manterem-se a salvo de ter que enfrentar tais problemas, as pessoas procuram usar algum tipo de ilusão perceptiva. Assim, socorrem-se dos mitos para poder acreditar que a realidade vista não seja verdadeira.
Notas sobre política social
Authors: Vianna Maria Lúcia Teixeira Werneck
Published: October 2011

Embora não se trate de uma comparação strictu sensu entre os sistemas de proteção social brasileiro e italiano, a abordagem adotada neste artigo salienta semelhanças e diferenças entre os dois países no que concerne ao enfrentamento da crise do Welfare State e destaca, sobretudo, as perspectivas do debate atual sobre o tema. São discutidas as tipologias mais conhecidas de Welfare State e é destacado que Brasil e Itália têm o mesmo modelo de proteção social. A seguir, apontam-se variações importantes quanto aos argumentos e propostas que se encontram em pauta nos dois países. Inclusão e representatividade do sistema político são tomadas como variáveis explicativas para analisar os principais obstáculos que se antepõem a uma transformação mais profunda dos mecanismos institucionais de política social no Brasil. O artigo trabalha com a literatura especializada, produzida recentemente na Itália, procurando mostrar que as críticas que se fazem ao Sistema Sanitário Nacional e à Seguridade Social não estão muito distantes daquelas usuais no Brasil. Ressalta, porém, a diversidade existente em termos de perspectivas, especialmente no que diz respeito ao peso da concepção de cidadania, o que lá, ao contrário do que ocorre no Brasil, torna mais profícuas as controvérsias em torno de questões como universalização, seletividade e privatização. Conclui sugerindo que, entre a radicalidade do mercado e o poder do Estado, se delineam estratégias inovadoras, que podem ajudar a solucionar pelo menos alguns dos problemas contemporâneos de justiça social.
Sujeito, singularidade e interpretação em psicanálise
Authors: Birman Joel
Published: October 2011

Este texto comenta um escrito inédito de P. Aulagnier, apresentado no VIII Fórum Internacional de Psicanálise, realizado no Rio de Janeiro em 1989. Baseando-se nas obras fundamentais de P. Aulagnier, o comentário destaca os pressupostos epistemológicos que fundam a concepção de sujeito no discurso teórico da autora (interpretação, intersubjetividade, temporalidade, singularidade e investimento libidinal). Desses pressupostos derivam os critérios que norteiam a sua leitura metapsicológica do psiquismo. Após tematizar a questão da demanda de análise, o autor destaca a idéia de que o conceito de interpretação psicanalítica não integra a leitura hermenêutica, sublinhando a ética do desejo inerente ao ato de psicanalisar.
Hierarquia de gênero e iniqüidade em saúde
Authors: Vaitsman Jeni
Published: October 2011

O artigo problematiza a utilização de categorias universais na análise dos fenômenos sociais e propõe que se proceda a uma contextualização histórica e culutural dos significados de tais categorias. Parte-se de uma crítia à concepção de indivíduo neutro e universal que, por intermédio das idéias de igualdade e autonomia, constitui o eixo dos valores ocidentais modernos. O argumento principal é que as idéias de igualdade e autonomia se conformaram historiamente como atributos do sexo masculino. Isto porque na gênese do indivíduo moderno não houve espaço para que a diferença sexual se expressasse de forma igualitária, traduzindo-se, ao contrário, por meio de uma dicotomia entre público e privado atribuída segundo o gênero. A ruptura desta dicotomia por parte das mulheres é vista como parte da emergência dos novos sujeitos sociais, que colocam na agenda política e cultural ccontemporânea a idéia da diferença. Em seguida, examina-se, com base em alguns autores, a necessidade de superar o dilema teórico e político que reduz a complexidade das relações sociais a polaridades dicotômicas. Finalmente, utiliza-se a perspectiva discutida para mostrar como a hierarquia de gênero expressa-se mediante a dicotomia público/privado e a concepção de indivíduo neutro vincula-se a alguns tipos de iniqüidades em saúde.
Esfera de reprodução em uma visão masculina: considerações sobre a articulação da produção e da reprodução, de classe e de gênero
Authors: Giffin Karen
Published: October 2011

Este artigo aborda as transformações atuais na articulação entre as esferas de produção e de reprodução, e seu reflexo sobre a construção de gênero, considerando a família como instância mediadora. A partir da constatação de mudanças nas práticas sociais femininas, expressas no aumento das taxas de participação da mulher no mercado de trabalho e na queda brusca das taxas de fecundidade, o estudo propõe investigar o significado destas questões para um grupo de homens de baixa renda. O levantamento de dados foi baseado em uma metodologia participativa, que incorporou quatro homens das favelas de Man-guinhos, Zona Norte da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, no processo de desenvolvimento do questionário e na aplicação do mesmo a 130 homens de três gerações nas suas comunidades. Concluímos que tanto o controle da fecundidade como a participação da mulher no mercado de trabalho são requerimentos para a sobrevivência familiar, já aceitas pelos homens como obrigações sociais da mulher - ou seja, estamos diante de um movimento histórico de "transição de gênero". Entretanto, essas práticas da população de baixa renda não podem ser interpretadas como avanços na igualdade social dos gêneros. Ao contrário, revelam uma relação entre a reelaboração da desigualdade de classe e de gênero.
Risco e saúde nos locais de trabalho
Authors: Rangel Maria Lígia
Published: October 2011

O artigo apresenta uma exploração crítica do conceito de risco no campo da medicina social, em especial o chamado risco ocupacional, mediante uma aproximação com a etnometodologia. O estudo do risco como fenômeno sociocultural revela relações de natureza diversa que o cercam, nem sempre passíveis de serem compreendidas por abordagens matemáticas, tradicionalmente estabelecidas pelos enfoques da epidemiologia e engenharia de segurança. São relações do tipo econômico, político, ideológico ou mágico-religioso que são vividas em situações particulares e cenários definidos, onde práticas e representações sociais se estruturam, conferindo realidade aos riscos.
Perda de nutrientes via escoamento superficial no sistema plantio direto sob adubação mineral e orgânica
Authors: Bertol Oromar João , Rizzi Nivaldo Eduardo , Fey Emerson , Lana Maria do Carmo
Published: October 2011

O sistema de plantio direto (SPD) tem contribuído para melhorias nos solos agrícolas, dentre elas o aumento da concentração de nutrientes no solo. No entanto, tem se verificado que este aumento ocorre principalmente na camada superficial do solo, o que contribui para que ocorram perdas de nutrientes através de enxurradas, com danos econômicos e ambientais. Este trabalho avaliou a concentração total dos nutrientes potássio (K), cálcio (Ca), magnésio (Mg) e cobre (Cu) e do K nas formas solúvel e particulado, na enxurrada ocasionada por chuvas simuladas com diferentes intensidades aplicadas sobre solo manejado por cinco anos sob SPD, após aplicação superficial de adubo orgânico ou mineral. Os adubos não afetaram a concentração dos nutrientes estudados, exceto na condição da chuva mais intensa e solo sob adubação orgânica, onde a enxurrada apresentou maior concentração de K solúvel e K total. Independente do tipo de adubo utilizado, a chuva de maior intensidade ocasionou maior concentração de todos os nutrientes e formas estudados, evidenciando os benefícios econômicos e ambientais da adoção de práticas de contenção da enxurrada, mesmo em áreas cultivadas sob SPD.
Produção de alginato por microrganismos
Authors: Müller José Miguel , Santos Renata Lopes dos , Brigido Riveli Vieira
Published: October 2011

O alginato é um copolímero linear constituído de unidades de ácidos α-L-gulurônicos e β-D-manurônicos e é extensamente utilizado devido as suas propriedades espessantes, estabilizantes e gelificantes. Estas características fazem com que este biopolímero encontre aplicações na indústria de alimentos, na indústria têxtil e de papel, em cosméticos e na área farmacêutica e médica. Atualmente para este conjunto de aplicações sua principal fonte são algas marrons, entretanto, o alginato pode ser obtido a partir de biossíntese, utilizando-se microrganismos do gênero Pseudomonas e Azotobacter. A produção bacteriana de alginato apresenta-se como uma alternativa interessante e sua produção por microrganismos, além de possibilitar a produção de biopolímeros de alta qualidade com características específicas e pré-determinadas, irá diminuir o impacto ambiental nas regiões em que as algas marinhas das quais é extraído são coletadas. Nos últimos anos, vários estudos relacionados à produção de alginato por microrganismos foram realizados com o objetivo de avaliar sua produção e rota metabólica de biossíntese, para caracterizar o material produzido e para determinar as potencialidades de aplicação deste novo material. O rápido desenvolvimento de aplicações do alginato na área médica e farmacêutica, bem como a descoberta de propriedades imunológicas únicas deste material tem aumentado o interesse no desenvolvimento de processos para produzi-lo. Neste artigo são abordados aspectos relacionados à produção e as características do alginato bacteriano e também reportadas às potencialidades e aplicações inovadoras nas quais este material vem sendo utilizado.
Polímeros reciclados para contato com alimentos
Authors: Cruz Sandra A. , Oliveira Éder C. , Oliveira Fernando C. S. de , Garcia Pâmela S. , Kaneko Manuela L. Q. A.
Published: October 2011

Os resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSUs) são atualmente um dos maiores problemas ambientais, por serem gerados em grande quantidade e ocuparem extensos espaços por um longo período, resultando na diminuição do tempo de vida útil dos aterros sanitários. Os polímeros constituem um grande percentual da composição do RSUs, sendo que as embalagens plásticas contribuem com maior volume e massa. Apesar da reciclagem de polímeros estarem se consolidando no Brasil, graças ao seu mercado ascendente e promissor, existem ainda restrições quanto a sua utilização em contato com alimentos devido aos eventuais processos de migração de contaminantes que podem ocorrer da resina reciclada para o alimento. Por outro lado, dados recentes do setor indicam que a maior parte do consumo de resina virgem é destinada, justamente, para o mercado de embalagens alimentícias. Assim, o desenvolvimento e o gerenciamento de tecnologias que possibilitem o retorno destes materiais a sua aplicação original é de grande importância para sociedade contemporânea. Em um panorama geral, este trabalho aborda as exigências e limitações do uso de polímeros reciclados para contato com alimentos.
Método híbrido CONWIP/KANBAN um estudo de caso
Authors: Sereno Bruno , Silva Daniel Sant Anna da , Leonardo Dênis Gustavo , Sampaio Mauro
Published: October 2011

Os sistemas de controle da produção geralmente são pontos de discussão nas principais literaturas da Engenharia de Produção. Pode-se dizer que sistema KANBAN é o método mais conhecido entre os profissionais da área para o controle e processamento de materiais no ambiente do chão de fábrica, devido à sua simplicidade e importância competitiva na concepção do sistema Toyota de produção. Analisando possíveis desvantagens apresentadas por este sistema, surge o CONWIP, demonstrando que o KANBAN pode ser questionado em determinadas circunstâncias e mediante algumas variáveis do produto, demanda ou mesmo da produção. Investigar, comparar e apontar as vantagens, e as desvantagens do KANBAN, CONWIP e Método Híbrido CONWIP/KANBAN são o foco deste trabalho. A partir do estudo de caso de uma empresa com produção de componentes eletromecânicos para comando e monitoração de válvulas, caracterizada por pequenos lotes, alta customização e demanda incerta, discutem-se esses métodos, visando concluir, por meio dos resultados obtidos, os diferenciais da combinação do KANBAN e CONWIP no chamado Método Híbrido CONWIP/KANBAN.
Strategy-Proof Compromises
Authors: Postl Peter
Published: October 2011

We study strategy-proof decision rules in the variant of the canonical public good model proposed by Borgers and Postl (2009). In this setup, we fully characterize the set of budget-balanced strategy-proof deterministic mechanisms, which are simple threshold rules. For smooth probabilistic mechanisms, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for dominant strategy implementation. When allowing for discontinuities in the mechanism, our necessary condition remains valid, but additional conditions must hold for sufficiency. We also show that, among ex post efficient decision rules, only dictatorial ones are strategy-proof. While familiar in spirit, this result is not the consequence of any known result in the literature.
The effects of additive on microstructure and electrical properties of batio3 ceramics
Authors: Paunovic Vesna , Zivkovic Ljiljana , Vracar Ljubomir , Mitic Vojislav , Miljkovic Miroslav
Published: October 2011

In this paper comparative investigations of microstructure and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics doped with 1.0 wt% of Nb2O5, MnCO3 and CaZrO3 have been done. BaTiO3 samples were prepared using conventional method of solid state sintering at 13000C for two hours. Two distinguish micro structural regions can be observed in sample doped with Nb2O5. The first one, with a very small grained microstructure and the other one, with a rod like grains. In MnCO3 and CaZrO3 doped ceramics the uniform microstructure is formed with average grain size about 0.5- 2?m and 3-5?m respectively. The highest value of dielectric permittivity at room temperature and the greatest change of permittivity in function of temperature were observed in MnCO3/BaTiO3. In all investigated samples dielectric constant after initially large value at low frequency attains a constant value at f = 6kHz. A dissipation factor is independent of frequency greater than 10 kHz and, depending of systems, lies in the range from 0.035 to 0.25. At temperatures above Curie temperatures, the permittivity of all investigated samples follows a Curie- Weiss law. A slight shift of Curie temperature to the lower temperatures, in respect of Curie temperature for undoped BaTiO3, was observed in all investigated samples.
A transformer model based on the Jiles-Atherton theory of ferromagnetic hysteresis
Authors: Cundeva Snezana
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a transformer model that is useful for lowfrequency applications. To describe the iron-core magnetic behavior, the Jiles Atherton hysteresis model is used, which is able to generate minor asymmetric loops and remanent flux. The obtained results are compared with those measured in the laboratory on a commercial resistance welding transformer.
Decreased IRS2 and TIMP3 Expression in Monocytes From Offspring of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Is Correlated With Insulin Resistance and Increased Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Cardellini Marina , Menghini Rossella , Luzi Alessio , Davato Francesca , Cardolini Iris , D'Alfonso Rossella , Gentileschi Paolo , Rizza Stefano , Marini Maria Adelaide , Porzio Ottavia , Lauro Davide , Sbraccia Paolo , Lauro Renato , Federici Massimo
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

In humans, it is unclear if insulin resistance at the monocyte level is associated with atherosclerosis in vivo. Here we have studied first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes to investigate whether a reduction in components of the insulin signal transduction pathways, such as the insulin receptor (InsR) or InsR substrate 1 or 2 (IRS1 or IRS2), or a reduction in genetic modifiers of insulin action, such as the TIMP3/ADAM17 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3/A disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17) pathway, is associated with evidence of atherosclerosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Insulin sensitivity was analyzed through euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and subclinical atherosclerosis was analyzed through intimal medial thickness. Monocytes were isolated through magnetic cell sorting, and mRNA and proteins were extracted and analyzed by quantitative PCR and pathscan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.

RESULTS

In monocyte cells from human subjects with increased risk for diabetes and atherosclerosis, we found that gene expression, protein levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2, but not InsR or IRS1, were decreased. TIMP3 was also reduced, along with insulin resistance, resulting in increased ectodomain shedding activity of the metalloprotease ADAM17.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic insulin resistance and subclinical atherosclerosis are associated with decreased IRS2 and TIMP3 expression in circulating monocytes.
Urinary Markers of Nucleic Acid Oxidation and Long-Term Mortality of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Broedbaek Kasper , Siersma Volkert , Henriksen Trine , Weimann Allan , Petersen Morten , Andersen Jon T. , Jimenez-Solem Espen , Stovgaard Elisabeth S. , Hansen Lars J. , Henriksen Jan Erik , Bonnema Steen J. , de Fine Olivarius Niels , Poulsen Henrik E.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed data from a cohort of 1,381 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients to test the hypothesis that urinary markers of nucleic acid oxidation are independent predictors of mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the relationship between urinary excretion of markers of DNA oxidation (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-oxodG]) and RNA oxidation (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine [8-oxoGuo]) and long-term mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

After multivariate adjustment, the hazard ratios for all-cause and diabetes-related mortality of patients with 8-oxoGuo levels in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile were 1.44 (1.12–1.85) and 1.54 (1.13–2.10), respectively. Conversely, no significant associations between 8-oxodG and mortality were found in the adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary excretion of the RNA oxidation marker 8-oxoGuo measured shortly after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes predicts long-term mortality independently of conventional risk factors. This finding suggests that 8-oxoGuo could serve as a new clinical biomarker in diabetes.
Severe hiccups associated with intra-articular corticosteroid injection — A case report
Authors: Solun Boris , Ori Yakov
Published: October 2011

A hiccup is a sudden contraction of the inspiratory and diaphragmatic muscles followed by an abrupt closure of the glottis; that produces a characteristic noise resulting from vibrations of the vocal cords. Brief episodes of hiccups are common in humans at all stages of life and are usually benign. Prolonged attacks that last for days or weeks are considered a more serious phenomenon and may indicate an underlying disorder warranting a comprehensive medical evaluation. These attacks have been associated with significant burden and morbidity. The most common triggers for acute hiccups are linked with gastro-intestinal causes, such as the gastric distension that occurs after an abundant meal, or with gastroesophageal disease. Sudden changes in temperature, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as excitement or emotional stress, may also set off acute hiccups. Certain drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and many others, have been reported to induce hiccups. Drug-induced hiccups are diagnosed by exclusion of other causes and represent a very unusual side-effect of drugs like corticosteroids. We present a case of hiccups associated with intra-articular Diprospan (Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate) administration.
Somatostatine analogue in nonoperative treatment of posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst in a child: a case report
Authors: Marjanovic Vesna , Slavkovic Andjelka , Stojanovic Miroslav , Stefanovic Vladisav , Marjanovic Goran , Jankovic Radmilo
Published: October 2011

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a complication of pancreatic trauma. We describe improved nonoperative treatment of patient with posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst with somatostatin analogue. A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital after blunt abdominal trauma with handlebar. Three weeks after abdominal trauma, pancreatic pseudocyst developed. Nonoperative treatment of posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst (the largest dimensions 70 × 55 × 65 mm) with somatostatin analogue, octreotide acetate, was applied for the next 52 days. The patient was followed up for 24 months after the discontinuation of octreotide and there were no recurrence of pancreatic pseudocyst. Somatostatin analogue could be usefull in the nonoperative treatment of posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocysts in children.
Health-care associated infections in children after cardiac surgery in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU)
Authors: Siddiqui Naveed -ur-Rehman , Mir Fatima , Shakil Omair , Amanullah Muneer , Haque Anwarul
Published: October 2011

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Les déterminants de l'effet de l'ISR sur la performance financière : une analyse statistique de la littérature empirique
Authors: Revelli Christophe , Viviani Jean-Laurent
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cette étude a pour but de présenter une analyse statistique et méthodologique de la littérature empirique cherchant à démontrer une causalité entre l’investissement socialement responsable (ISR) et la performance financière ou boursière. A travers l’examen d’un corpus empirique regroupant 75 études, cette présentation détermine quels types de biais méthodologiques peuvent influencer la performance financière de l’ISR.
De Neptune à Pluton : sommes-nous tous des demi-partenaires ?
Authors: Janne Pascal , Tordeurs David
Published: October 2011

Les difficultés de conjugalisation prennent des formes diverses : célibat mal vécu, donjuanisme, échecs amoureux répétitifs, extraconjugalité, etc. Notre propos est de mettre en évidence le caractère non conjugal de certaines situations cliniques, « recadrables » sur base de logiques de conflits de loyautés et de processus de parentification antérieurs.
La mortalité comme expression de la vulnérabilité humaine face aux catastrophes naturelles : deux inondations récentes en France (Xynthia, var, 2010)
Authors: Vinet Freddy , Boissier Laurent , Defossez Stéphanie
Published: October 2011

À partir de deux cas d’inondations récentes qui ont fait respectivement 41 et 26 morts en France en 2010, cet article examine le profil des victimes et les circonstances de décès des personnes. Le premier événement est une submersion marine qui eut lieu de nuit le 28 février 2010 sur la côte atlantique dans les départements de Vendée et de Charente-Maritime. Le second est une crue torrentielle méditerranéenne survenue le 15 juin en fin de journée entre 18 h et 20 h dans le bassin versant de la Nartuby (département du Var). Il s’avère que le type de population et les circonstances de décès sont forts différents. Dans le premier cas, les personnes, la plupart âgées, ont été surprises dans leur sommeil et sont décédées noyées dans leur habitation submergée. Dans le cas des crues torrentielles, le nombre de décès liés aux déplacements est plus élevé et concerne une population moins âgée. L’article tente de dégager les facteurs qui influencent la mortalité en distinguant rapidement une vulnérabilité passive d’une vulnérabilité active caractérisée par la prise de risque. La discussion s’ouvre sur la portée réelle des consignes de sécurité et sur l’appropriation des mesures de prévention qui doivent pour être efficaces s’adapter au contexte local.