bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malária como doença e perspectiva cultural nas viagens de Carlos Chagas e Mário de Andrade à Amazônia
Authors: Lima Nísia Trindade , Botelho André
Published: November 2013

Trata de duas viagens importantes para o pensamento social sobre a Amazônia: a de Carlos Chagas, realizada de 1912 a 1913, e a de Mário de Andrade, em 1927. Para discutir o papel dessas experiências nas interpretações desses autores, analisam-se as relações propostas entre malária e o projeto de constituir uma civilização nos trópicos. Nos textos de Chagas, estranhamento é a categoria que organiza a percepção a respeito da Amazônia, evidenciada na ideia de patologia dos trópicos a desafiar o conhecimento estabelecido sobre a doença. Empatia, por outro lado, é a categoria-chave para compreender a perspectiva crítica de Mário de Andrade, que valoriza as formas de sociabilidade, crenças e expressões populares da região, inclusive as relativas à malária.
Entre o Carlo R. e o Orleannais: a saúde pública e a profilaxia marítima no relato de dois casos de navios de imigrantes no porto do Rio de Janeiro, 1893-1907
Authors: Rebelo Fernanda
Published: November 2013

Aborda as mudanças ocorridas nas práticas da profilaxia marítima brasileira. Por meio de dois casos de navios de imigrantes, que chegaram ao porto do Rio de Janeiro com epidemias a bordo, são analisados a compreensão sobre a etiologia, a forma de prevenção e o combate às três doenças com regulamentação portuária internacional: febre amarela, peste bubônica e cólera. Até o final do século XIX, uma das principais práticas de profilaxia era a quarentena. No início do XX, identificamos a emergência do ideário da microbiologia e dos vetores no serviço sanitário dos portos. A quarentena, que já vinha sendo criticada como antiquada e ineficaz, é limitada a alguns casos, e novos métodos e tecnologias da higiene passam a ser aplicados na defesa sanitária dos portos.
Paul Deshayes (1796-1875) e a Comissão Geológica do Reino: uma colaboração com o Estado português
Authors: Brandão José Manuel
Published: November 2013

Carlos Ribeiro, um dos diretores da Comissão Geológica de Portugal, empreendeu em 1858 viagem por vários países da Europa, para adquirir bibliografia, equipamentos e coleções de comparação. Em Paris, conheceu o reputado conquiliologista Paul Deshayes, que lhe franqueou suas coleções pessoais do Terciário francês e o ajudou na classificação de fósseis portugueses. O trabalho conjunto revela-se na listagem de Ribeiro conservada no arquivo histórico do Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (Alfragide, Portugal), tendo aquelas classificações servido de base a uma monografia publicada por Pereira da Costa, parceiro de Ribeiro na Comissão Geológica, e à definição da estratigrafia dos depósitos terciários portugueses.
Relações hídricas em cultivares de beterraba em diferentes níveis de salinidade do solo
Authors: Silva Alexsandro O. da , Klar Antonio E. , Silva Ênio F. de F. e , Tanaka Adriana A. , S. Junior Josué F.
Published: November 2013

O excesso de sais no solo pode afetar diretamente o desenvolvimento e a produtividade das plantas, motivo pelo qual investigações sob as relações hídricas das culturas em tais condições se fazem necessárias para prevenir ou remediar tal problema. O estudo foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, na Universidade Estadual Paulista no Departamento de Engenharia Rural. O delineamento estatístico adotado foi o de blocos casualizados com 4 repetições, 5 níveis de salinidade no solo (1,0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0; 12,0 dS m-1), duas cultivares de beterraba (Early Wonder e Itapuã) e dois manejos de fertirrigação totalizando, assim, 80 parcelas experimentais. Foram realizados medidas do teor relativo de água nas folhas, resistência difusa ao vapor de água, transpiração, área foliar e o consumo hídrico da cultura. Houve um decréscimo de acordo com o incremento da salinidade para os parâmetros fisiológicos analisados na cultivar Early Wonder enquanto para a cultivar Itapuã um aumento crescente foi observado até a salinidade de 6 dS m-1. O consumo de água pelas plantas apresentou uma redução para as duas cultivares estudadas.
Desempenho de cultivares e híbridos de milheto em solo submetido a compactação
Authors: Guimarães Christianne V. , Assis Renato L. de , Simon Gustavo A. , Pires Fábio R. , Ferreira Rodrigo L. , Santos Danilo C. dos
Published: November 2013

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o crescimento aéreo e radicular de cultivares e híbridos de milheto em solo submetido a quatro níveis de compactação do solo. Foram utilizados sete híbridos de milheto - Pennisetum glaucum L. (40425, 40853, 41312, 51499, 60018, 60019 e ADR7010) e as variedades ADR300 e ADR500; aos 30 dias após o plantio determinaram-se as massas da matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes, a densidade do comprimento radicular e o diâmetro médio radicular. Na densidade de 1,74 Mg m-3 as cultivares e híbridos de milheto apresentaram uma redução elevada da massa verde da parte aérea, massa seca da parte aérea, altura de plantas e área foliar. Os híbridos 40853 e 60019 apresentaram comportamento inferior aos demais híbridos e cultivares na produção de matéria verde e seca da parte aérea e altura de plantas na densidade de 1,65 Mg m-3. As cultivares ADR500 e ADR300 e os híbridos 40425 e 51499 se destacaram na produção de massa verde e seca e altura de plantas na densidade de 1,65 kg m-3. A maior densidade de comprimento radicular média entre as cultivares de milheto foi verificada na densidade do solo de 1,46 Mg m-3. A cultura do milheto demonstrou potencial como planta descompactadora do solo.
Characteristics of rainfall and erosion under natural conditions of land use in semiarid regions
Authors: Lima Cleene A. de , Palácio Helba A. de Q. , Andrade Eunice M. de , Santos Julio C. N. dos , Brasil Paulilo P.
Published: November 2013

The characteristics of rainfall can provide important information for management and land use may also minimize the water erosion problems. This study was carried out to evaluate soil and water loss in erosion plots with different coverage, and the interference of natural rainfall characteristics on these processes. The experiment was carried out during the rainy season in the years of 2009 and 2010, on three erosion plots, each of 20 m², and under different land use conditions: native 'caatinga', thinned 'caatinga' and natural herbaceous cover. The rainfall was classified into three different rainfall patterns, characterized as early, intermediate and late. The predominant rainfall pattern for the two years under study was early rainfall with 47.6%, followed by intermediate and late with 30.5% and 22%, respectively. The smallest soil losses for the entire studied period were recorded for the native 'caatinga' plot, demonstrating the protective effect of vegetation on sediment production. Despite the early rainfall pattern being prevalent in the period of study, this was not the main factor responsible for water and soil loss.
Estimativa das temperaturas cardinais e modelagem do desenvolvimento vegetativo em batata-doce
Authors: Erpen Lígia , Streck Nereu A. , Uhlmann Lilian O. , Langner Josana A. , Winck José E. M. , Gabriel Luana F.
Published: November 2013

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, determinar as temperaturas cardinais da batata-doce e comparar a simulação da emissão de nós com o modelo do plastocrono (linear) e com o modelo de Wang e Engel (não linear) além da melhor forma de entrada da temperatura do ar nos modelos. A calibração e o teste dos modelos foram feitos pelos dados de número de nós na haste principal de plantas de batata-doce, cultivar Princesa, coletados em experimentos conduzidos em Santa Maria, RS, Brasil, em sete épocas de plantio, nos anos 2010, 2011 e 2012. Melhor predição dos modelos foi obtida com o uso das temperaturas cardinais 12, 30 e 40 ºC. Os modelos plastocrono e Wang e Engel apresentaram desempenho semelhante. A versão com a temperatura média foi superior às temperaturas mínima e máxima, em ambos os modelos. Os dois modelos podem ser utilizados para simular o desenvolvimento vegetativo da batata-doce quando cultivada na época recomendada. Sugere-se, fora deste período, o uso do modelo de Wang e Engel.
Hydrosedimentological disequilibrium in a small, urbanized watershed
Authors: Silva Alexandre Marco da , Santos Alexandre Ribas dos , Fernandes Rodolpho Augusto , Urban Rodrigo Custódio , Carvalho Romulo Martins , Manfré Luiz Augusto , Durrant Steven Frederick
Published: November 2013

AIM: In this paper we estimate the sediment yield and other related information for a small urbanized watershed, located in Sorocaba, São Paulo State. The driving forces that produce the observed scenario are presented and discussed; METHODS: Over a year, water samples and hydrologic information concerning the river channel were collected monthly at one sampling site. In the laboratory, water samples were oven dried (80 ºC) and the total suspended solid weighed for each sample. To estimate sediment yield we used Colby's simplified method. The sediment delivery ratio (SDR) was estimated using two methods: the relief - length ratio and the bifurcation ratio; RESULTS: The annual sediment yield estimated for the period was 1,636.1 t. The total specific sediment yield was 541.7 t.km -2.y-1. Bedload was the predominant fraction. The SDR changed between 60 and 66% according to the method employed. CONCLUSIONS: The main driving forces of hydrosedimentological disequilibrium are the lack of riparian vegetation, the dumping of construction wastes at inadequate sites, and the launching of untreated sewage. Hence, if these three factors were controlled, a significant improvement in the environmental quality, particularly water quality, might be achieved.
Organic matter cycling in a neotropical reservoir: effects of temperature and experimental conditions
Authors: Bottino Flávia , Calijuri Maria do Carmo , Murphy Kevin Joseph
Published: November 2013

AIM:This study reports a comparison between decomposition kinetics of detritus derived from two macrophyte species (Polygonum lapathifolium L.: Polygonaceae; Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth.: Pontederiaceae) growing in a neotropical reservoir (Brazil), under laboratory and field conditions, in order to assess hypotheses on the main differences in factors affecting organic matter cycling, including the effect of temperature. METHODS: Plant and water samples were collected from the reservoir in August 2009. In field incubation mass loss was assessed using a litter bag technique and in the laboratory the decay was followed using a decomposition chamber maintained under controlled conditions (i.e. in the dark, at 15 ºC and 25 ºC). A kinetic model was adopted to explain and compare the organic matter decay, ANOVA (Repeated Measures) testing was used to describe the differences between the treatments and a linear correlation was used to compare in situ and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: The mass decay was faster in natural conditions with rapid release of the labile-soluble portion. The simulated values of mineralization rates of dissolved organic matter and refractory organic matter were rapid in high temperatures (25 ºC). The high Q10 results (mainly for E. azurea), and experimental conditions, and outcomes of ANOVA testing indicate the temperature variation (10 ºC) influence the rates of mass decay. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested rapid organic matter cycling in warm months (from October to December) supporting the microbial loop. Although the particulate organic matter losses are high in field conditions the results are of the same magnitude in both conditions suggesting an equivalence of the mass decay kinetic.
Modelo de previsão de oferta e demanda de bioetanol hidratado para apoio ao planejamento estratégico de transportes no Brasil
Authors: Silva Marcelino Aurélio Vieira da , D'Agosto Marcio de Almeida
Published: November 2013

O presente trabalho propõe um procedimento para analisar e estimar a demanda e oferta de bioetanol no Brasil, buscando testar a frota dedicada a bioetanol como principal variável explicativa e analisando os erros com a técnica de cointegração com objetivo de se evitar a presença de regressões espúrias na modelagem. Foi possível verificar que os modelos elaborados se mostraram adequados para previsões a longo prazo para o Brasil e para os estados apenas a curto prazo.
A generic decision model of refueling policies: a case study of a Brazilian motor carrier
Authors: Rodrigues Junior Amilton Dias , Cruz Marta Monteiro da Costa
Published: November 2013

Considering the high impact of the transport on the total logistics cost, the transportation management is fundamental to maintain the company's competitiveness. Particularly in Brazil, fuel represents a significant cost for the motors carriers. So, this paper presents the development of a generic mathematic model that optimizes the fuel cost and assists the company's decision making on refuelling policy choices. Basically, in order to reduce the total cost, this model analyses the fuel prices variations in a road network and, thereby, it define: (i) which truck stop(s) to use, and (ii) how much fuel to buy at the chosen truck stop(s). Therefore, to assist the development of this model, a set of publications was raised related to the techniques of refuelling optimization. As opposed to the papers analyzed, in which, the models are validated using simulations, the presented model uses a case study as a reference and, in this case, the model provided a decrease of 2.3% in total fuel cost.
Análise da modelagem da escolha aeroportuária em regiões de múltiplos aeroportos
Authors: Murça Mayara Condé Rocha , Correia Anderson Ribeiro
Published: November 2013

A análise da competição em sistemas de múltiplos aeroportos representa um tema bastante discutido na literatura, em função de sua importância para o planejamento aeroportuário e das companhias aéreas. Faz-se necessário compreender o conjunto de atributos de nível de serviço considerados pelo usuário de transporte aéreo no momento da decisão por um aeroporto, a fim de capturar e prever o seu comportamento diante de alternativas. Em geral, o tempo de acesso ao aeroporto, a frequência de voo e a tarifa representam as variáveis determinantes da escolha aeroportuária, mas com diferentes graus de importância relativa, dependendo da região e do cluster analisado. Assim, este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a evolução de estudos que visam simular a escolha do passageiro em regiões de múltiplos aeroportos, abordando as diferenças das principais metodologias empregadas e dos resultados obtidos.
HER Story: The Next Chapter in HER-2-Directed Therapy for Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Verma Sunil , Joy Anil A. , Rayson Daniel , McLeod Deanna , Brezden-Masley Christine , Boileau Jean-François , Gelmon Karen A.
Published: November 2013

Untreated human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-positive advanced breast cancer (ABC) is an aggressive disease, associated with a poor prognosis and short overall survival. HER-2-directed therapy prolongs both time to disease progression and overall survival when combined with chemotherapy and has become the standard of care for those with HER-2-positive breast cancer in the early and advanced settings. Despite the remarkable therapeutic impact HER-2-directed therapy has had on disease outcomes, some patients with HER-2-positive disease will have primary resistant disease and others will respond initially but will eventually have progression, underscoring the need for other novel therapeutic options. This article reviews recent phase III trial data and discusses a practical approach to sequencing of HER-2-directed therapy in patients with HER-2-positive ABC. The significant cumulative survival gains seen in these trials are slowly reshaping the landscape of HER-2-positive ABC outcomes.
A new species ofBransonella(Chondrichthyes, Xenacanthimorpha, Bransonelliformes) from the Middle Permian Kaibab Formation of northern Arizona
Authors: Elliott David K. , Hodnett John-Paul M.
Published: November 2013

Isolated teeth from the Middle Permian (early Guadalupian) Kaibab Formation of Arizona are described as a new species of the xenacanth shark genusBransonella. Bransonella tribulan. sp. is a small tooth in which the intermediate cusp is 65% of the length of the principal cusps and the cristae on the labial face extend down over the base, covering it, and bifurcating to form distinctive double crested ridges. Fin spines from the same localities in the Kaibab Formation show the characteristic xenacanth feature of a double row of large thorn-like denticles along the posterior margin.Bransonella tribulan. sp. is the only xenacanth shark known from the Kaibab Formation at present, however, due to the lack of articulated material the fin spines are attributed to ?Bransonella tribulan. sp. The ecomorphology ofBransonellasuggests a primitive, small, gracile, marine xenacanth that fed near the sea floor like the modern catsharks (Scyliorhinidae).
The upper Tremadocian (Lower Ordovician) graptoliteAncoragraptusfrom Yiyang, South China
Authors: Wenhui Wang , Hongzhen Feng , Lixia Li , Wenjian Chen
Published: November 2013

Discovery of well-preserved specimens from the Nanba section in Yiyang, Hunan Province, in combination with a literature review, enabled us to re-evaluate and revise the graptolite genusAncoragraptus. This is a genus of biradiate, multiramous anisograptids with horizontal to reclined rhabdosomes and free lower part of the metasicula and slightly isolated autothecal apertures. According to the revised definition, two species are included inAncoragraptus, i.e.,Ancoragraptus bulmani(Spjeldnæs, 1963) andAncoragraptus psigraptoidesCho, Kim, and Jin, 2009. It is the first time thatA. bulmanihas been reported from China. The occurrences ofAncoragraptusreported worldwide are reviewed in the present study and found to be restricted to the lower upper Tremadocian. The restriction ofAncoragraptusin stratigraphical distribution makes it a taxon with a high potential for precise biostratigraphical correlation at both regional and global scale.
Development of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete
Authors: Ambily Parukutty S. , Ravisankar Kapali , Umarani Chockkalingam , Dattatreya Jamboor K. , Iyer Nagesh R.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the development of ambient temperature cured ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGPC). Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mixtures were developed by completely eliminating Portland cement and activating industrial by-product materials such as ground granulated blastfurnace slag and silica fume. Local standard sand (maximum size 2 mm), quartz sand (600 μm) and 0·16 mm diameter steel fibres of 13 and 6 mm length were used. Fresh properties (density and flowability) and mechanical properties (compressive strength) of the UHPGPC produced under ambient temperature curing conditions were evaluated. Four mixtures with fibres and one mix without fibre addition were studied as the UHPGPC mixtures. The highest average compressive strengths obtained were 175 MPa for UHPGPC with steel fibres (1% 6 mm and 2% 13 mm) and 124 MPa for UHPGPC without fibres. Prismatic specimens (100 × 100 × 500 mm) were cast to determine the flexural strength, which was found to be 10·3–13·5 MPa and 9·1 MPa for mixes with and without steel fibres respectively. The compressive and flexural strengths obtained in this work are comparable to UHPC strengths presented in the literature. Production of this innovative material with industrial by-products and without the conventional curing regimes used for UHPC will improve sustainability and lead to cast-in-situ applications of UHPC.
Public–private partnerships for road infrastructure services in Zambia
Authors: Evdorides Harry , Shoji Mayumi
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a case study which seeks to discuss public–private partnerships for road maintenance and management in developing countries, by taking Zambia as an example. It offers a methodology that seeks to identify obstacles in public–private partnership implementation, factors that may affect the potential of new public–private partnership projects and criteria for judging the progress of public–private partnership projects and associated risks. A questionnaire was developed and delivered to a number of stakeholders concerned. Their responses were analysed accordingly. The study demonstrated that both financial and political risks are the main concerns for the public–private partnership stakeholders. In addition it suggested that cost effectiveness and public satisfaction expressed in terms of revenues from road user charges seem to be suitable measures of success. Also, the study showed how experience from similar projects or conditions may be used to address uncertainties associated with governance, financing and political instability. Finally it is suggested that an increased involvement of sponsors may improve the development stages of public–private partnerships such as those of feasibility studies, procurement and project implementation, which in turn may lead to enhanced transparency and reduced project risk.
The Limits of Evidence-Based Medicine and Its Application to Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice (Part Two): Assertive Community Treatment Assertively Reviewed
Authors: Gomory Tomi
Published: November 2013

This article is the second of two published in Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry; the first appeared in Volume 15, Number 1. The first article argued the very serious limitations of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and its very popular mental health offshoot evidence-based practice (EBP; Gomory, 2013). This article is meant to be a consolidation and update of a 1999 analysis of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), the best “validated” mental health EBP according the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and academic researchers. This analysis reconfirms the failure of ACT as a treatment modality and a platform for successfully reducing hospitalization; its touted consistent effect except when ACT can apply administrative coercion to keep its clients out of the hospital or quickly discharge them. When ACT fails to have such administrative coercive control, it does no better than other community mental health delivery systems. The use of ACT coercion begun over 40 years ago, the article further argues, set the table for conventionalizing psychiatric coercion as evidence-based best practice.
The Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production and Prolactin Levels in Mothers of Preterm Infants
Authors: Reeder Carol , Legrand Anita , O’connor-Von Susan K.
Published: November 2013

Since 1980, the incidence of preterm birth has increased in the United States. The health importance of human milk is well-known. However, mothers of preterm infants are often concerned that they may not produce enough milk for their infants who are frequently too immature to breastfeed.
The herb fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is purported to be an effective galactagogue. This double-blind placebo-controlled study sought to determine if fenugreek increased breast milk volume and prolactin (PRL) levels in mothers of preterm infants. The sample included 26 mothers of
infants less than 31 weeks gestation. Commencing on the fifth postpartum day, each mother consumed 3 capsules of fenugreek (or placebo), 3 times per day for 21 days. Data analysis revealed no statistical difference between the mothers receiving fenugreek or those receiving placebo in terms
of milk volume or PRL. No adverse effects were noted in the mothers or infants.
Twins and infanticide in red howler monkeys inhabiting a fragment in western Orinoquia
Authors: Beltrán Marta L. , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: November 2013

No abstract
A record of the variegated spider monkey (Ateles hybridus brunneus) in Selva de Florencia National Park, Colombia
Authors: Duque Néstor Roncancio
Published: November 2013

No abstract
Registros de juvenis perdidos de Alouatta fusca (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812) (Primates: Atelidae) no Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos
Authors: Maia Bruna , Dias Pedro Henrique Santos
Published: November 2013

No abstract
Where are You Watching? Patterns of Visual Exploration in the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Villani Daniela , Massaro Davide , Castelli Ilaria , Marchetti Antonella
Published: November 2013

The study aimed to advance the traditional issue of identifying decision strategy by analyzing the information
processing in terms of visual exploration patterns. Twenty-seven participants played as responders in a computerized version
of Ultimatum Game with an anonymous virtual partner.

Responders tended to reject unfair offers, probably due to their taste for fairness and to the unidentifiability of the other
player that reduced the willingness to cooperate. Furthermore, according to the evolutionary approach, participants focused
their attention more at themselves than at the partner. Among the three type of offers – hyperfair, fair and unfair –
mid-value offers, such as fair ones, required more number of fixations and fixations duration, related to the more complex
cognitive and reasoning processes involved.

Implications of this study could be applied in decisional settings with anonymous partners, such as those online, with future
studies confirming the results found and integrating them through other process tracing methodologies.
Cross-Linking as an Adjuvant Treatment for Tectonic Corneal Lamellar Graft Preparation
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Plaka Argyro D. , Diakonis Vasilios F. , Grentzelos Michael A. , Kontadakis Georgios A. , Mersinoglou Andreana C. , Detorakis Efstathios T. , Topouzis Fotis
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

To describe a new surgical approach for the tectonic reconstruction of the anterior ocular segment and the management of scleral and conjuctival melting.

Methods:

Case series of patients demonstrating anterior segment anomalies, such as scleral and conjunctival melting. The anterior stromal part of a pre-cut corneal graft for Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) was cross-linked with riboflavin and ultraviolet A irradiation and was used to cover scleral (scleral melting in a patient with necrotizing scleritis, one case) and conjuctival (dehiscence of the conjunctiva in patients with anti-glaucomatous valve exposure, two cases) areas. The endothelial part of all corneal grafts was used for DSAEK in patients with need of corneal endothelial transplantation.

Results:

Repair of scleral and conjuctival melting was successful in all cases. No intra- or post- operative complications occured. Visual acuity of all patients remained stable during the follow up period. One year postoperatively the corneal graft remained in place and no signs of inflammation were evident, while all grafts were epithelialized.

Conclusions:

The use of cross-linked corneal graft for the tectonic reconstruction of the anterior ocular segment represents an adequate surgical approach for the management of scleral and conjuctival melting; while, at the same time it offers the advantage of using one corneal graft for two recipients.
Do Lunar Cycles Influence Shark Attacks?
Authors: Ritter Erich , Amin Raid , Zambesi Aletheia
Published: November 2013

One recurring factor seemingly causing an increase in shark attacks is lunar cycles, especially the full moon.
However, the potential association between shark attacks and lunar cycles has never been verified. Our results show that a
correlation between shark attacks and moon cycles does not statistically exist. With no correlation between shark attack
rates―independent of people's activities―and lunar cycles found, we also applied the same statistical procedures to
surfer incidents only. The reasoning for narrowing the attacks to those on surfers was as follows: (1) Surfers indicate the
best conditions to surf exist during the full and new moon. (2) Surfers are more exposed to shark attacks than non-surfers.
However, as with the initial results, shark attacks involving surfers did not show any correlation to lunar cycles, neither
did those involving non-surfers. These results indicate that potential triggers for shark attacks need to be studied in a more
pragmatic manner, using, for example, mathematic approaches to test for global phenomena and then individual instances,
leaving guess work largely aside.
Nonlinear Effects of Nanoparticles: Biological Variability from Hormetic Doses, Small Particle Sizes, and Dynamic Adaptive Interactions
Authors: Bell Iris R. , Ives John A. , Wayne B. Jonas
Published: November 2013

Researchers are increasingly focused on the nanoscale level of organization where biological processes take place in living systems. Nanoparticles (NPs, e.g., 1–100 nm diameter) are small forms of natural or manufactured source material whose properties differ markedly from those of the respective bulk forms of the “same” material. Certain NPs have diagnostic and therapeutic uses; some NPs exhibit low-dose toxicity; other NPs show ability to stimulate low-dose adaptive responses (hormesis). Beyond dose, size, shape, and surface charge variations of NPs evoke nonlinear responses in complex adaptive systems. NPs acquire unique size-dependent biological, chemical, thermal, optical, electromagnetic, and atom-like quantum properties. Nanoparticles exhibit high surface adsorptive capacity for other substances, enhanced bioavailability, and ability to cross otherwise impermeable cell membranes including the blood-brain barrier. With super-potent effects, nano-forms can evoke cellular stress responses or therapeutic effects not only at lower doses than their bulk forms, but also for longer periods of time. Interactions of initial effects and compensatory systemic responses can alter the impact of NPs over time. Taken together, the data suggest the need to downshift the dose-response curve of NPs from that for bulk forms in order to identify the necessarily decreased no-observed-adverse-effect-level and hormetic dose range for nanoparticles.
Commentary: Ethical Issues of Current Health-Protection Policies on Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Socol Yehoshua , Dobrzyński Ludwik , Doss Mohan , Ludwig E. Feinendegen , Janiak Marek K. , Miller Mark L. , Sanders Charles L. , Scott Bobby R. , Ulsh Brant , Vaiserman Alexander
Published: November 2013

The linear no-threshold (LNT) model of ionizing-radiation-induced cancer is based on the assumption that every radiation dose increment constitutes increased cancer risk for humans. The risk is hypothesized to increase linearly as the total dose increases. While this model is the basis for radiation safety regulations, its scientific validity has been questioned and debated for many decades. The recent memorandum of the International Commission on Radiological Protection admits that the LNT-model predictions at low doses are “speculative, unproven, undetectable and ‘phantom'.” Moreover, numerous experimental, ecological, and epidemiological studies show that low doses of sparsely-ionizing or sparsely-ionizing plus highly-ionizing radiation may be beneficial to human health (hormesis/adaptive response). The present LNT-model-based regulations impose excessive costs on the society. For example, the median-cost medical program is 5000 times more cost-efficient in saving lives than controlling radiation emissions. There are also lives lost: e.g., following Fukushima accident, more than 1000 disaster-related yet non-radiogenic premature deaths were officially registered among the population evacuated due to radiation concerns. Additional negative impacts of LNT-model-inspired radiophobia include: refusal of some patients to undergo potentially life-saving medical imaging; discouragement of the study of low-dose radiation therapies; motivation for radiological terrorism and promotion of nuclear proliferation.
Tubulointerstitial Nephritis with Uveitis in Chinese Adults
Authors: Li Cui , Su Tao , Chu Rong , Li Xiaomei , Yang Li
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is considered a rare cause of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) that is usually associated with renal recovery. This study sought to investigate the diagnosis, prognosis, and contributing factors of TINU syndrome using a large cohort of patients with prospective follow-up.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study included patients with TINU syndrome from a prospective cohort of patients with ATIN from 2007 to 2012. Clinical-pathologic data were collected at biopsy and autoantibodies against modified C-reactive protein (mCRP-Ab) were measured. Serum levels and renal tissue expression of Kreb von den Lunge-6 were also detected. Independent risk factors for poor renal outcome at 12 months and late-onset uveitis were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-one patients (28%) with biopsy-proven ATIN were classified as having TINU syndrome. Of these patients, 18 (58%) developed late-onset uveitis and were misdiagnosed as having drug-induced ATIN at the time of biopsy. An abnormal level of mCRP-Ab was an independent risk factor for late-onset uveitis (odds ratio, 14.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.4 to 64.0). Patients with TINU syndrome and drug-induced ATIN had comparable levels of Kreb von den Lunge-6 in both serum and renal tissues. Ninety-two percent of patients developed stage 3–4 CKD and/or tubular dysfunction by 12 months postbiopsy. Age, serum creatine level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the presence of concomitant thyroid disease or leukocyturia were related to poor renal outcome. Relapse was seen in 36% (11 of 31) of patients and potentiated poor renal outcome.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of TINU syndrome can be missed in a large fraction of patients with ATIN because uveitis can present well after the onset of tubulointerstitial nephritis. Elevated mCRP-Ab levels may be useful in predicting late-onset uveitis TINU syndrome. Unfortunately, patients with TINU tended to have frequent relapses and most patients had incomplete renal recovery. Long-term follow-up is needed to prevent misdiagnosis and properly manage TINU syndrome.
Survival after Dialysis Discontinuation and Hospice Enrollment for ESRD
Authors: O’Connor Nina R. , Dougherty Meredith , Harris Pamela S. , Casarett David J.
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

Textbooks report that patients with ESRD survive for 7–10 days after discontinuation of dialysis. Studies describing actual survival are limited, however, and research has not defined patient characteristics that may be associated with longer or shorter survival times. The goals of this study were to determine the mean life expectancy of patients admitted to hospice after discontinuation of dialysis, and to identify independent predictors of survival time.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data for demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival were obtained from 10 hospices for patients with ESRD who discontinued dialysis before hospice admission. Data were collected for patients admitted between January 1, 2008 and May 15, 2012. All hospices were members of the Coalition of Hospices Organized to Investigate Comparative Effectiveness network, which obtains de-identified data from an electronic medical record.

Results

Of 1947 patients who discontinued dialysis, the mean survival after hospice enrollment was 7.4 days (range, 0–40 days). Patients who discontinued dialysis had significantly shorter survival compared with other patients (n=124,673) with nonrenal hospice diagnoses (mean survival 54.4 days; hazard ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 2.82 to 3.09; P<0.001). A Cox proportional hazards model identified seven independent predictors of earlier mortality after dialysis discontinuation, including male sex, referral from a hospital, lower functional status (Palliative Performance Scale score), and the presence of peripheral edema.

Conclusions

Patients who discontinue dialysis have significantly shorter survival than other hospice patients. Individual survival time varies greatly, but several variables can be used to predict survival and tailor a patient’s care plan based on estimated prognosis.
Traumatic bilateral posterior dislocation of the shoulder: a case report
Authors: Garving C. , Dienstknecht T. , Horst K. , Pishnamaz M. , Kobbe P. , Pape H.
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Bilateral posterior dislocation of the shoulder is a rare injury, accounted for about 2–5% of all shoulder dislocations. Main courses are electrical shock, epilepsy or extreme trauma with uncontrolled muscle forces. We report about a case of bilateral posterior shoulder dislocation without additional fractures but with a concomitant acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Case presentation. A 46-year-old Caucasian motorcyclist presented to our facility after a fall on slippery ground. He claimed pain in both shoulders with limited range of motion. The initial X-rays were inconclusive, clinical examination showed typical findings of a Rockwood injury with an additional limited external rotation so that a posterior shoulder dislocation was suspected. The CT scan confirmed the clinical suspicion. A closed reduction was performed followed by immobilization in a shoulder abduction pillow for 4 weeks and continuous physiotherapy. Upon follow up normal function with full range of motion was observed. Conclusion. A bilateral posterior shoulder dislocation can be caused by trauma and results in a limited range of motion with often additional injuries. Due to the unusually presentation the risk of missing the injury is increased. Therefore it is most important to consider this rare diagnosis and in case of clinical suspicion perform a careful algorithm of diagnostic.
The Logic of/in Tragedy: Hanoch Levin’s DramaThe Torments of Job
Authors: Rokem Freddie
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT:

Hanoch Levin’s 1981 The Torments of Job refigures the biblical story of Job as nihilistic and abject tragedy. This article examines tragedy, generally, and Levin’s play, specifically, in the context of classical logical syllogism. The first half examines the interrelation of the Book of Job, Greek tragedy, and classical logic, giving an overview of Aristotle’s construction of syllogisms. The second half looks at how tragedy can subvert logical structures, examining The Torments of Job’s inversion of the universal–particular structure in its deployment of the particular case of Job’s meaningless suffering, demonstrating how all humanity is susceptible to similar misery. The article concludes with the suggestion that tragedy’s breakdown of logic is indicative of the human condition.
One-step magnetic modification of non-magnetic solid materials
Authors: Safarik Ivo , Safarikova Mirka
Published: November 2013

A rapid and simple method has been developed for the magnetization of non-magnetic materials. The postmagnetization procedure employs magnetic iron oxide microparticles (prepared using a microwave assisted procedure from ferrous sulphate) which are thoroughly mixed with the powder material to be modified. After drying, stable magnetically responsive materials have been formed.
Subthalamotomy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: clinical aspects and mechanisms of action
Authors: Jourdain Vincent A. , Schechtmann Gastón , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: November 2013

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that can be pharmacologically treated with levodopa. However, important motor and nonmotor symptoms appear with its long-term use. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is known to be involved in the pathophysiology of PD and to contribute to levodopa-induced complications. Surgery is considered in patients who have advanced PD that is refractory to pharmacotherapy and who display disabling dyskinesia. Deep brain stimulation of the STN is currently the main surgical procedure for PD, but lesioning is still performed. This review covers the clinical aspects and complications of subthalamotomy as one of the lesion-based options for PD patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Moreover, the authors discuss the possible effects of subthalamic lesioning.
Dysphagia after pediatric functional hemispherectomy
Authors: Buckley Robert T. , Morgan Tiffany , Saneto Russell P. , Barber Jason , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: November 2013

Object

Functional hemispherectomy is a well-recognized surgical option for the treatment of unihemispheric medically intractable epilepsy. While the resultant motor deficits are a well-known and expected consequence of the procedure, the impact on other cortical functions has been less well defined. As the cortical control of swallowing would appear to be threatened after hemispherectomy, the authors retrospectively studied a pediatric population that underwent functional hemispherectomy for medically intractable epilepsy to characterize the incidence and severity of dysphagia after surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort (n = 39) of pediatric patients who underwent hemispherectomy at a single institution was identified, and available clinical records were reviewed. Additionally, the authors examined available MR images for integrity of the thalamus and basal ganglia before and after hemispherectomy. Clinical and video fluoroscopic assessments of speech pathology were reviewed, and the presence, type, and duration of pre- and postoperative dysphagia were recorded.

Results

New-onset, transient dysphagia occurred in 26% of patients after hemispherectomy along with worsening of preexisting dysphagia noted in an additional 15%. Clinical symptoms lasted a median of 19 days. Increased duration of symptoms was seen with late (> 14 days postoperative) pharyngeal swallow dysfunction when compared with oral dysphagia alone. Neonatal stroke as a cause for seizures decreased the likelihood of postoperative dysphagia. There was no association with seizure freedom or postoperative hydrocephalus.

Conclusions

New-onset dysphagia is a frequent and clinically significant consequence of hemispherectomy for intractable epilepsy in pediatric patients. This dysphagia was always self-limited except in those patients in whom preexisting dysphagia was noted.
Effect of introduction of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters on cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection in children: a large single-center retrospective study
Authors: James Greg , Hartley John C. , Morgan Robert D. , Ternier Jessica
Published: November 2013

Object

Infection after both primary and revision shunt surgeries remains a major problem in pediatric neurosurgical practice. Antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) tubing has been proposed to reduce infection rates. The authors report their experience with AIS catheters in their large pediatric neurosurgery department.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective case review of consecutive shunt operations performed before (1993–2003) and after (2005–2009) introduction of AIS tubing, with analysis of shunt infection rates and causative organisms identified.

Results

The historical control group consisted of 1592 consecutive shunt operations (657 primary insertions), and the AIS study group consisted of 500 consecutive shunt operations (184 primary insertions). Patients ranged in age from 0–17 years. In the historical group, 135 infections were identified (8.4%). In the AIS study group, 25 infections were identified (5%), representing a significant reduction (p < 0.005). The latency to diagnosis of infection was 23 days in the historical group and 139 days in the AIS study group. The infection rates in infants 0–6 months of age were 12.2% (historical group) and 6.7% (AIS group, p < 0.005), and in infants 7–12 months of age the rates were 7.9% (historical group) and 2.7% (AIS group, p < 0.005). In the historical control group, the frequency rank order of causative organisms was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (51.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (31.6%), streptococcus or enterococcus spp. (8.8%), gram-negative organisms (4.4%), and Propionibacterium acnes (2.2%). Organisms responsible for infections in AIS were S. aureus (40%), followed by streptococcus or enterococcus spp. (20%), P. acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococcus (both 16%), and gram-negative organisms (4%). No unusually antibiotic-resistant bacteria were identified in either group. The authors further subdivided the AIS group into those undergoing primary AIS insertion (Subgroup 1), those undergoing revision of non-AIS systems using AIS components (Subgroup 2), and those undergoing revision of AIS systems using AIS components (Subgroup 3). Infection rates were 1.6% in Subgroup 1, 2.5% in Subgroup 2, and 11.7% in Subgroup 3. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism identified in infections of the Subgroups 2 and 3.

Conclusions

Use of AIS tubing significantly improves shunt infection rates in both general pediatric and infant populations with no evidence of increased antibiotic resistance, which is in agreement with previous studies. However, the increased infection rate in revision surgery in children with AIS catheters in situ raises questions about their long-term application.
Effect of sex on symptoms and return to baseline in sport-related concussion
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Apple Rachel P. , Odom Mitchell J. , Lee Young M. , Solomon Gary S. , Sills Allen K.
Published: November 2013

Object

Sport-related concussions (SRCs) among youth athletes represent a significant public health concern. Prior research suggests that females fare worse symptomatically after an SRC. The authors aimed to assess sex differences in number, severity, and resolution of postconcussive symptoms using reliable change index (RCI) methodology applied to days to return to symptom baseline.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011, 740 youth athletes completed valid neurocognitive and symptom testing before and after an SRC using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). A total of 122 female and 122 male athletes were matched on number of prior concussions, age, and number of days to first postconcussion test. At baseline and postconcussion, the authors compared each of the individual 22 symptoms on ImPACT to calculate individual symptom severity and aggregate symptom severity, or the Total Symptom Score (TSS). When comparing individual symptoms, the significance level for the comparison of each symptom was set at 0.05/22 = 0.0023. When comparing aggregate symptom severity, or TSS, a single value was compared, requiring an alpha set to 0.05. The number of days to return to baseline TSS was compared using RCI methods set at the 80% confidence interval, equal to a raw score point value of 9.18 on the TSS.

Results

At baseline, females reported a greater severity for the symptom, “sleeping less than usual,” compared with males (0.88 ± 1.49 vs 0.31 ± 0.86, p < 0.001). However, no other individual symptom severity differences were noted before or after SRC. At baseline, females exhibited a statistically significant greater aggregate symptom severity than males (7.24 ± 10.22 vs 4.10 ± 6.52, p = 0.005). Greater aggregate symptom severity for females was also found postconcussion (21.38 ± 19.02 vs 16.80 ± 17.07, p = 0.049). Females took longer to return to baseline TSS (9.1 ± 7.1 days vs 7.0 ± 5.1 days, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective study indicate that females endorse a greater severity of symptoms at baseline and postconcussion than males without significantly different symptom profiles. Furthermore, after suffering an SRC, females take longer to return to their baseline symptom level.
Is Naturalism Bleak? A Reply to Holland and Cottingham
Authors: Kidd Ian James
Published: November 2013

Although Cottingham and Holland make a persuasive case for the claim that it is difficult to situate a meaningful life within a Darwinian naturalistic cosmology, this paper argues that their case should be modified in response to the apparent fact that certain persons seem genuinely not to experience the ‘bleakness’ that they describe. Although certain of these cases will reflect an incomplete appreciation of the existential implications of Darwinian naturalism, at least some of those cases may be genuine. The resulting possibility that certain persons can embrace Darwinian naturalism and live meaningful lives in apparent immunity to the ‘bleakness charge’ therefore poses new puzzles for Cottingham and Holland, and for wider questions about the meaningfulness of human life. I consider that possibility in light of the work of David E. Cooper and Paul Feyerabend and offer a set of three suggestions for further developing these debates.