bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Turbine Engines in the Royal Canadian Navy Prototype Hydrofoil Vessel
Authors: Hopkins S. E. , Amundrud G. L.
Published: January 2012

The prototype hydrofoil vessel currently being designed and built for the Royal Canadian Navy employs gas turbine engines for propulsion and ancillary power. This paper describes the general arrangement and use of these engines in the hydrofoil ship and includes as background a brief description of the vessel.
Operating and Maintenance Experience With Pump-Turbines in Brazil
Authors: Rheingans W. J.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents operating and maintenance data on 11 reversible pump-turbines in Brazil, one of which has been in service for 25 years. Actual hours of pumping and generating operation are given. While a number of mechanical difficulties were encountered, the principal maintenance problem seemed to be erosion due to cavitation, and due to sand and sewage in the water. However, none of the problems encountered was insurmountable, and all the units have given many years of satisfactory service.
Trends in Combined Steam-Gas Turbine Power Plants in the U. S. A.
Authors: Foster-Pegg R. W.
Published: January 2012

The combined steam-gas turbine cycle offers reductions in fuel consumption and energy production cost compared to all steam, particularly for the smaller-size plants used in industrial complexes. Currently, combined cycles are restricted to natural gas fuel, which limits their use particularly by utility companies. Their potential is predicted in the event an economic means of operating gas turbines on coal can be found. Extrapolation of the historic trend of gas turbine performance and cost suggests that combined cycles will be able to demonstrate substantial economies for larger power plants in the future.
Comparison of Dynamic and Static Power Conversion Systems for Undersea Missions
Authors: Sternlicht B. , Bjerklie J. W.
Published: January 2012

The paper discusses a modular approach to power and total-energy systems for undersea missions. Vehicular, portable, and stationary power plants of various power levels (1–100 kwe) and duration (10–1000 and > 1000 hr) are considered. Both dynamic (open and closed Brayton and Rankine cycles) and static (battery, fuel cell, and thermoelectric) systems utilizing chemical and nuclear heat sources are compared. The comparison is based on a rating of a number of criteria for which weighing factors have been selected, e.g., weight, size, reliability, serviceability, applicability, development time, and cost. The paper indicates that several types of power systems will be necessary for undersea missions. Isotope-thermoelectrics are well suited for extremely low-power-level, long-duration missions. Batteries appear satisfactory power sources for low kilowatt hours, chemical-dynamic and fuel cell for intermediate kilowatt hours, and isotope-dynamic for high kilowatt hours. The dynamic systems have the advantage that they can be used with several heat sources, (e.g., chemical, isotope, and reactor). Recommendations are made for component development to allow early availability of power sources for undersea missions.
Generating Nanoparticles for Respiratory Drug Delivery
Authors: Su Guoguang , Pidaparti Ramana M.
Published: January 2012

Generating liquid droplets is ideal for many applications including respiratory drug delivery because the droplets have uniform properties and can be easily controlled, sampled, and analyzed. In this study, a micropump-based droplet generator is proposed to produce the liquid droplets of micron to nano size. Numerical simulations were carried out to evaluate the ability of the proposed droplet generator device to produce liquid droplets. The velocity and diameter of the droplets generated by the droplet generator device were calculated, and the performance of the device’s flow rate and power consumption was evaluated. The effects of actuation frequency, actuation modes, and nozzle geometry on the performance of the device were investigated. Results showed that the proposed device can produce micron-/nano-sized liquid droplets with low power and the advantages of the proposed droplet generator device over traditional devices were discussed.
Restricted Data on Influenza H5N1 Virus Transmission
Authors: Fouchier Ron A. M. , Herfst Sander , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E.
Published: January 2012

Authors of a debated flu transmission study discuss why such work is important and should be published.
The capillary index score: rethinking the acute ischemic stroke treatment algorithm. Results from the Borgess Medical Center Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry
Authors: Al-Ali Firas , Jefferson Anne , Barrow Tom , Cree Travis , Louis Susan , Luke Kim , Major Kevin , Nemeth Daniel , Smoker Sandy , Walker Sarah
Published: January 2012

Background

Despite increased recanalization rates in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, the percentage of patients with a good clinical outcome of all those treated has not risen above 50%. This 50% barrier may be broken by improving the criteria for treatment selection. This study investigated the addition of the capillary index score (CIS), a new index for assessing remaining viable tissue in the ischemic area, to the existing criteria.

Methods

The Borgess Medical Center Ischemic Stroke Registry is a non-randomized single-center single-operator registry of consecutive subjects admitted for intra-arterial treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The CIS was calculated from a pre-intervention catheter cerebral angiogram in subjects with internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) (M1) occlusion. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 2 or 3 was considered successful recanalization. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2 at 3 months was considered a good outcome.

Results

ICA or MCA (M1) occlusion was found in 46 of 58 consecutive patients treated by the same operator. Recanalization was successful in 72% of patients and 27% had a good outcome. CIS was available for 26 patients; 42% were favorable (2 or 3) and 58% were poor (0 or 1). A good outcome was found only in the favorable CIS group (p=0.0148). Successful recanalization (p=0.0029) and time from ictus to revascularization (p=0.0039) predicted a good outcome. Of patients with favorable CIS and TIMI 3, 83% had a good outcome.

Conclusions

Favorable CIS and recanalization were strong predictors of a good outcome. By using this new index as an adjunct to other criteria, the CIS may improve patient selection and help break the 50% barrier.
Telemedicine versus face-to-face evaluation in the delivery of thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke: a single centre experience
Authors: Chowdhury Muhibbur , Birns Jonathan , Rudd Anthony , Bhalla Ajay
Published: January 2012

Background

Telemedicine is increasingly used in the UK to deliver thrombolysis. It is primarily used to enable assessment of people presenting with an acute stroke by a remote specialist in stroke care, and to determine eligibility for thrombolysis with alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). This study aims to evaluate the process of acute stroke care, safety and outcome profiles when comparing face-to-face evaluation and telemedicine in the delivery of thrombolysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective single centre cohort study, evaluating patients thrombolysed from July 2007 to December 2009 inclusive. All patients were given treatment within a 3-hour window from onset of symptoms. Of the 97 patients thrombolysed, 45 (46%) were evaluated by telemedicine. Process times of the steps taken to deliver thrombolysis for the two groups were compared. The authors include the rates of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH). Outcome data include 3-month mortality and functional status.

Results

Process times were significantly better in face-to-face: Admission to CT (p=0.001), CT to treatment (p≤0.001) and admission to treatment (p≤0.001). SICH occurred in four patients (7.7%) in the face-to-face group compared with the two patients (4.4%) in the telemedicine group (p=0.7). Favourable outcome: a modified Rankin score of 0–2 was observed in 19 patients (36.5%) in the face-to-face group compared with 19 patients (42%) in the telemedicine group (p=0.9).

Conclusions

This analysis shows that the use of telemedicine compared with face-to-face evaluation is feasible in the delivery of thrombolysis during out of hours. There are several areas of our emergency process of hyper-acute stroke care that need improving when using telemedicine.
INFLUENCE OF NUCLEAR DISSIPATION ON PRESCISSION NEUTRON MULTIPLICITY, FISSION PROBABILITY AND FISSION TIME FOR COMPOUND NUCLEUS 210Po
Authors: ESLAMIZADEH H.
Published: January 2012

A stochastic approach for fission dynamics based on one-dimensional Langevin equations was applied to investigate the effect of the nuclear dissipation on the prescission neutron multiplicity, fission probability and the fission time for the compound nucleus 210 Po in an intermediate range of excitation energies 30–120 MeV. A modified wall and window dissipation with a reduction coefficient, k s , has been used in the Langevin equations. It was shown that the results of the calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data by using values of k s in the range 0.28 ≤ k s ≤ 0.50.
E-POINTS FOR DIAGONAL GAMES II
Authors: MARCHI EZIO
Published: January 2012

In this paper we study and compute E-points in an explicit way for a special general kind of 3k + 1 and 3k + 2 players.
SOPHISTICATED ENFORCEMENT AND ADAPTIVE OFFENDERS
Authors: McCANNON BRYAN C.
Published: January 2012

The interaction between a sophisticated player and a fictitious player is analyzed and applied to the problem of optimal enforcement. An adaptive potential offender myopically responds to the history of past enforcement. How can a sophisticated enforcement official take advantage of this behavior? Will compliance with the law be attained? Conditions under which full compliance arises is derived and the optimal cycle of enforcing and not enforcing the law is presented. Welfare is shown to be greater than if the offender was sophisticated as well.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF TRACHEAL STENOSIS TO THE FLOW CHARACTERISTICS USING RECONSTRUCTED CT-SCANNED IMAGE
Authors: JOHARI NASRUL HADI , OSMAN KAHAR , MOHD SALLEH ZULIAZURA , HARON JUHARA , ABDUL KADIR MOHAMMED RAFIQ
Published: January 2012

The presence of tracheal stenosis would alter the flow path of the inhaled and exhaled air and subsequently changed the flow behavior inside the trachea and main bronchi. Therefore, it was our aim to investigate and predict the changes of flow behavior along with the pressure distribution with respect to the presence of stenosis on the tracheal lumen. In this study, actual CT scan images were extracted for flow modeling purposes. The images were then reconstructed to mimic the effect of different stenosis locations. This method overcomes the problem of the absence of actual images for different tracheal stenosis locations. The flow was subjected to different breathing situations corresponding to low, moderate and rigorous activities. The results showed that for flow over the stenosis farthest from the bifurcation, the pressure drop was insignificant for all breathing situations. At the same time, the inlet flow rate at the bifurcation showed less air flows into the right lung as compared to healthy flow conditions. On the other hand, for the flow over stenosis closest to the bifurcation, the pressure drop near the bifurcation area was very significant at high flow rate.
ON THE GAUGE STRUCTURE OF THE CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS WITH CONSTRAINTS
Authors: BRUNO DANILO , LURIA GIANVITTORIO , PAGANI ENRICO
Published: January 2012

A gauge-invariant formulation of constrained variational calculus, based on the introduction of the bundle of affine scalars over the configuration manifold, is presented. In the resulting setup, the "Lagrangian" ℒ is replaced by a section of a suitable principal fiber bundle over the velocity space. A geometric rephrasement of Pontryagin's maximum principle, showing the equivalence between a constrained variational problem in the state space and a canonically associated free one in a higher affine bundle, is proved.
Expression of Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha in Human Pleural Mesothelioma Is Associated with Poor Survival and Promotion of Tumor Inflammation
Authors: Burt Bryan M. , Bader Andrew , Winter Daniel , Rodig Scott J. , Bueno Raphael , Sugarbaker David J.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The origin and pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are closely aligned with inflammation. MPM tumors express interleukin-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα), the principal subunit of the IL-4 receptor. We set out to determine the biologic function and clinical relevance of IL-4Rα in human MPM.

Experimental Design: Expression of IL-4Rα by human MPM tumors was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (n = 37) and immunohistochemistry (n = 52). Intracellular cytokine analysis of T-cell–derived IL-4 was carried out on matched tumor and blood samples from eight patients with MPM. Four human MPM cell lines were used to determine the direct effects of IL-4 on MPM tumor cells.

Results: High tumor mRNA expression of IL-4Rα was an independent predictor of poor survival in patients with epithelial MPM [HR, 3.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68–7.15; P = <0.0001]. Ninety-seven percent of epithelial MPM tumors and 95% of nonepithelial MPM tumors expressed IL-4Rα protein by immunohistochemistry, and strong IL-4Rα staining correlated with worse survival in patients with epithelial histology (P = 0.04). A greater percentage of tumor-infiltrating T cells produced IL-4 compared with matched blood T cells (21% ± 7% vs. 4% ± 2%, P = 0.0002). In response to IL-4, human MPM cells showed increased STAT-6 phosphorylation and increased production of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF, without effect on proliferation or apoptosis.

Conclusions: Tumor expression of IL-4Rα is inversely correlated with survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for epithelial MPM. Tumor-infiltrating T cells in MPMs are polarized to produce IL-4 and may provide endogenous activation signals to MPM tumor cells in situ. The IL-4/IL-4 receptor axis is a potential therapeutic target in human MPM. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1568–77. ©2012 AACR.
Risk Factors Associated with Older Age in Treatment-Naive HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Reuter Stefan , Oette Mark , Kaiser Rolf , Lengauer Thomas , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Knechten Heribert , Häussinger Dieter
Published: January 2012

Background: Older HIV patients are defined as aged 50 years and older. This group is a growing population in developed countries. In order to improve care for older HIV patients, we intended to gain insight into the specific features of transmission, epidemiology, immunology and antiretroviral treatment (ART) of this population. Patients and Methods: All patients from the RESINA cohort were analyzed, comprising 2,085 individuals at the beginning of 2010. RESINA is an ongoing study analyzing epidemiological and immunological data, resistance patterns and therapeutic data in treatment-naive HIV-positive patients from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Patients are included in the RESINA cohort at the time of the intended start of ART. For statistical evaluation, we used χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: A total of 14.6% of patients in our cohort was above 50 years. Men were significantly more prevalent among older patients (86.8 vs. 78.6%; p < 0.001). The proportion of older patients was significantly higher in the heterosexual group (30%) as compared to bisexual (20%), homosexual (13%) and intravenous drug user (4%) modes of transmission (p < 0.001). When comparing ethnic groups, older patients were most often found among Caucasians (17 vs. 4% in other groups, p < 0.001). No significant difference for transmitted drug resistance patterns was found. The proportion of older patients with CDC stage A was significantly lower than with stages B or C (10 vs. 21 vs. 21%, p < 0.001). In older patients, changes of ART regimes were more frequent (p = 0.015) and the median CD4 cell count at the start of treatment was lower (176 vs. 200/µl, p = 0.017). After 72 weeks of ART, the relative increase of CD4 cells was significantly lower in older as compared to younger patients (200 vs. 231/µl, p = 0.017). Conclusions: Our results provide insight into the epidemiology of HIV in the elderly. In our cohort, the typical older patient was a Caucasian male who had acquired HIV through heterosexual contact. The prognosis in older patients is worsened as a result of several unfavorable circumstances, such as delayed start of ART, more frequent treatment changes and diminished immune reconstitution. As a consequence, better strategies for more frequent HIV testing in patients at risk for HIV are needed, and ART should be offered to older patients at earlier time points and higher CD4 cell counts.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Large Choroidal Melanoma after Primary Treatment with Enucleation or Proton Beam Radiotherapy
Authors: Mosci Carlo , Lanza Francesco Baldo , Barla Annalisa , Mosci Sofia , Hérault Joël , Anselmi Luca , Truini Mauro
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To evaluate survival and clinical outcome for patients with a large uveal melanoma treated by either enucleation or proton beam radiotherapy (PBRT). Procedures: This retrospective non-randomized study evaluated 132 consecutive patients with T3 and T4 choroidal melanoma classified according to TNM stage grouping. Results: Cumulative all-cause mortality, melanoma-related mortality and metastasis-free survival were not statistically different between the two groups (log-rank test, p = 0.56, p = 0.99 and p = 0.25, respectively). Eye retention of the tumours treated with PBRT at 5 years was 74% (SD 6.2%). In these patients at diagnosis, 73% of eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.1 or better. After 12 and 60 months, BCVA of 0.1 or better was observed in 47.5 and 32%, respectively. Conclusion and Message: Although enucleation is the most common primary treatment for large uveal melanomas, PBRT is an eye-preserving option that may be considered for some patients.
Medium-Term Survival of Diffuse Coronary Artery Disease Patients following Coronary Artery Reconstruction with the Internal Thoracic Artery
Authors: Khalifa Ahmed Aziz , Cornily Jean-Christophe , David Charles Henri , Choplain Jean-Noël , Le Gal Grégoire , Barra Jean Aubert , Bezon Eric
Published: January 2012

Objective: Diffuse coronary artery disease makes cardiac surgeons hesitant regarding whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is feasible or not. Coronary artery reconstruction using the internal thoracic artery (ITA) allows bypassing of coronary arteries with diffuse atheromatous plaques without systematically resorting to endarterectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the medium-term results of coronary artery reconstruction. Methods: All patients undergoing coronary artery reconstruction using the ITA between 1999 and 2002 (233 patients) were included in the study. The mean age was 61.9 ± 9.8 years. Two hundred and eighty-one coronary artery reconstructions using the ITA were performed (mean length 3.6 ± 2 cm) for 514 CABGs. Coronary artery reconstruction using the ITA was associated with endarterectomy in 48 cases (17%). Results: In-hospital mortality was 2.6%. Follow-up data were compiled in December 2008. Mean follow-up was 73.4 ± 16.7 months. The actuarial survival rate at 7 years was 89.3 ± 2.1%, and 88% of patients were free of major cardiac events at 7 years. Conclusions: Coronary artery reconstruction gives comparable medium-term results to conventional coronary surgery, even though it is indicated for patients with more severe lesions.
A Multinational Course on Global Climate Change
Authors: Nieto Ferreira Rosana , Herdman Andrew , Curtis Scott , Chia Rosina , Poe Elmer , Thompson Robert , Yang Biwu
Published: January 2012

A novel multinational course on global climate change was developed by East Carolina University in collaboration with five international universities and the U.S. Department of State. This course was developed to help foster the global conversation needed for developing successful solutions to some of the challenges posed to society by climate change. Using web conferencing technology, students from East Carolina University, Faculdade Jaguariúna in Brazil, Shadong University in China, University of Jammu in India, Universidad Regiomontana in Mexico, and Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia met 2 or 3 times per week in the Global Classroom to learn about climate change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and domestic and international climate policy issues. In addition to learning about climate change, students worked in teams composed of members from each country to create locally implementable strategies for climate change mitigation and/or adaptation. Toward this end, students learned and were challenged to apply important cross-cultural negotiation and project building skills necessary to achieve consensus and ensure effective communication and team function. This article presents the course design, including content and the use of technology, as well as a discussion of the challenges and rewards associated with getting people from five countries together in a common pursuit of knowledge and consensus.
Expression of stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in primary breast cancer patients with circulating tumor cells
Authors: Kasimir-Bauer Sabine , Hoffmann Oliver , Wallwiener Diethelm , Kimmig Rainer , Fehm Tanja
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in breast cancer might be associated with stem cell-like tumor cells which have been suggested to be the active source of metastatic spread in primary tumors. Furthermore, to be able to disseminate and metastasize, CTC must be able to perform epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We studied the expression of three EMT markers and the stem cell marker ALDH1 in CTC from 502 primary breast cancer patients. Data were correlated with the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone marrow (BM) and with clinicopathological data of the patients.

Methods

A total of 2 × 5 ml of blood was analyzed for CTC with the AdnaTest BreastCancer (AdnaGen AG) for the detection of EpCAM, MUC-1, HER2 and beta-Actin transcripts. The recovered c-DNA was additionally multiplex tested for three EMT markers [TWIST1, Akt2, phosphoinositide kinase-3 (PI3Kα)] and separately for the tumor stem cell marker ALDH1. The identification of EMT markers was considered positive if at least one marker was detected in the sample. Two BM aspirates from all patients were analyzed for DTC by immunocytochemistry using the pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3.

Results

Ninety-seven percent of 30 healthy donor samples investigated were negative for EMT and 95% for ALDH1 transcripts, respectively. CTC were detected in 97/502 (19%) patients. At least one of the EMT markers was expressed in 29% and ALDH1 was present in 14% of the samples, respectively. Interestingly, 5% of the ALDH1-positive and 18% of the EMT-positive patients were CTC-negative based on the cut-off level determined for CTC-positivity applying the AdnaTest BreastCancer. DTC in the BM were detected in 107/502 (21%) patients and no correlation was found between BM status and CTC positivity (P = 0.41). The presence of CTC, EMT and ALDH1 expression was not correlated to any of the prognostic clinical markers.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that (1) a subset of primary breast cancer patients shows EMT and stem cell characteristics and (2) the currently used detection methods for CTC are not efficient to identify a subtype of CTC which underwent EMT. (3) The clinical relevance on prognosis and therapy response has to be further evaluated in a prospective trial.
Conductive Electrospun and Micro-StereoLithographically Produced Porous Scaffolds as Potential Neural Interface Materials
Authors: Dirk Shawn M. , Cicotte Kirsten N. , Hedberg-Dirk Elizabeth L. , Buerger Stephen , Lin Patrick P. , Reece Gregory
Published: January 2012

Our overall intent is to develop improved electrically active prosthetic devices to allow interactions between regenerated nerve fibers (axons) and external electronics. To allow for infiltration of axons, these devices must be highly porous. Additionally, they must exhibit selective and structured conductivity to allow the connection of electrode sites with external circuitry with tunable electrical properties that enable the transmission of neural signals through physical connections to external circuitry (e.g. through attached wires.) The chosen material must be biocompatible with minimal irresolvable inflammatory response to allow intimate contact with regenerated nerve tissue and mechanically compatible with the surrounding nervous tissue.

We have utilized electrospinning and projection lithography as tools to create conductive, porous networks of non-woven biocompatible fibers in order to meet the materials requirements for the neural interface. The biocompatible fibers were based on the known biocompatible material poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) as well as a newer biomaterial material developed in our laboratories, poly(butylene fumarate) (PBF). Both of the polymers cannot be electrospun using conventional electrospinning techniques due to their low glass transition temperatures, so in situ crosslinking methodologies were developed to facilitate micro- and nano-fiber formation during electrospinning. The conductivity of the electrospun fiber mats was controlled by varying the loading with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs).
Testing the Limits of Small Scale Plasticity with Thin Wires in Torsion
Authors: Bushby Andrew J. , Feuvrier Julien , Dong Dong V. , Dunstan David J.
Published: January 2012

Torsion experiments on 50μm diameter Cu wires are reported, using the load/unload method and a gauge length of 1m to obtain torsional strain sensitivity better than unity microstrain. The experiments are able to resolve reversible and irreversible deformation at such very low strains. Plastic deformation, dislocation creep and the Bauschinger effect are easily observed at room temperature and at about 300°C, both in the low-strain regime where it is unlikely that dislocation sources are activated, and at higher plastic strain.
Theory of Fluid Lubrication of Hydrogels and Articular Cartilage during Compression Under an Applied Load
Authors: Sokoloff J. B.
Published: January 2012

A fluid lubrication model for articular cartilage was put forward by Mc Cutchen, in which a high percentage of the load is supported by fluid pressurization in the interface region separating the two cartilage coated surfaces as the cartilage is compressed under load. This reduces the friction by reducing the percentage of the load which is carried by solid material in the cartilage. For two bones which are in contact in a healthy joint, which are each coated by a layer of cartilage whose thickness is much smaller than its lateral dimensions, it will be argued that since the bone is impervious to fluid flow in healthy joints, almost all of the fluid that is expressed from the cartilage under load flows through the interface region, where it supports part of the load. This is in contrast to previous theoretical and in vitro experimental studies of this problem, in which most of the fluid does not flow into the interface. It is shown that for mean asperity height small compared to a length scale (which depends on the cartilage or hydrogel permeability, the fluid viscosity and the dimensions of the cartilage or hydrogel) a large percentage of the load is supported by fluid pressurization.
Rupturing the Religious Past in the Postcolonial Present
Authors: Kalra Virinder S.
Published: January 2012

This review discusses Arvind-Pal S. Mandair’s Religion and the Specter of the West: Sikhism, India, Postcoloniality, and the Politics of Translation (hereafter RSW), published in 2009 by Columbia University Press.
Criatividade no Ensino Médio segundo seus estudantes
Authors: Almeida Janaina Maria Oliveira , Alencar Eunice Maria Lima Soriano de
Published: January 2012

O estudo examinou a percepção de alunos do ensino médio quanto ao nível de sua criatividade, de seus professores e colegas, bem como a extensão em que práticas docentes utilizadas por seus professores contemplavam a criatividade. Participaram do estudo 217 alunos de uma escola particular de ensino, os quais responderam uma escala de avaliação do nível de criatividade, uma questão aberta e um inventário de práticas docentes. Os resultados revelaram que os alunos avaliaram-se como significativamente mais criativos do que seus professores e colegas, tendo ainda aproximadamente metade dos estudantes concordado total ou parcialmente que seus professores têm contemplado o desenvolvimento e a expressão do potencial criativo. Constatou-se também que os procedimentos pedagógicos com maiores médias foram estimular os alunos a analisar diferentes aspectos de um problema e levá-los a perceber pontos de vista divergentes sobre um tema em estudo.
Participação em uma comunidade virtual de prática desenhada como meio de diminuir a lacuna pesquisa-prática na educação em biologia
Authors: El-Hani Charbel Niño , Greca Ileana María
Published: January 2012

Este trabalho apresenta resultados relativos à participação numa comunidade virtual de prática (ComPratica) desenhada como ferramenta para diminuir a lacuna pesquisa-prática na educação em biologia. A ComPratica reúne professores do Ensino Médio, licenciandos, pesquisadores e estudantes (graduação e pós-graduação), e inclui fóruns e chats sobre assuntos relacionados ao ensino de biologia. Uma atividade central na comunidade é a construção de pesquisa colaborativa, situada nas condições reais das salas de aula, envolvendo professores e pesquisadores em equipes não hierarquizadas. O sucesso inicial da comunidade é indicado pelo alto nível de participação, envolvendo 25% dos membros; pela diversidade de atividades e temas em seu interior; e pelo desenvolvimento de 8 projetos de pesquisa focados, sobretudo, em questões levantadas pelos professores. Neste artigo, apresentamos a ComPratica, discutimos dados relativos à participação dos membros, às visões dos professores sobre a comunidade, e relatamos achados de uma análise temática das mensagens enviadas em seus fóruns.
Abordagem temática e contextos de vida em uma prática educativa em ciências e biologia na EJA
Authors: Moreira Adelson Fernandes , Ferreira Leonardo Augusto Gonçalves
Published: January 2012

Neste artigo, analisamos depoimentos de educandos acerca de suas vivências em uma prática educativa no ensino de Ciências e Biologia na Educação de Jovens e Adultos, nomeada de Seminários Interativos. Os dados obtidos em vídeo foram categorizados confrontando-se elementos significativos dos depoimentos com os objetivos da prática em questão e as observações do educador na sua interação com os educandos durante o processo. Esse educador coordenou o desenvolvimento dos seminários e é um dos responsáveis pela pesquisa. Os depoimentos representativos das diferentes visões orientaram a realização de um grupo focal com o objetivo de detalhar e confirmar a representatividade das categorias construídas. Os depoimentos dos educandos indicam uma aproximação entre conhecimento científico e realidade. Entretanto, essas não foram as únicas contribuições da prática, que também possibilitou o desenvolvimento de habilidades de comunicação e interpretação e atitudes relativas a negociação e convivência coletiva.
Ensino de ciências e formação profissional em saúde de nível médio: representações sociais e visões de ciência
Authors: Freitas Jairo Dias de , Reis Silvia Barreiros dos
Published: January 2012

A noção de causalidade e de ordem permeia o entendimento das questões da vida, mesmo em uma visão dogmática. Partindo deste pressuposto, é plausível estudar o que dá sentido nas justificativas que embasam uma visão dogmática da ciência e que comumente tratamos de cientificismo. Com base em uma triangulação metodológica, desenvolveu-se um estudo de cunho qualitativo a fim de se mapearem, através das representações sociais, os elementos que fundamentam uma visão dogmática da ciência, considerando, como hipótese alternativa, uma visão otimista. Trabalhando com alunos do primeiro ano de um curso profissionalizante de Ensino Médio em saúde, observamos a presença de certos elementos do discurso cientificista ancorados, sobretudo, na ideia da ciência como único conhecimento. Assim, faz-se premente a historicização do saber-fazer cientifico, a fim de se contextualizar a ciência como produção humana.
Redescription and phylogenetic position of the enigmatic Neotropical electric fish Iracema caiana Triques (Gymnotiformes: Rhamphichthyidae) using x-ray computed tomography
Authors: Carvalho Tiago P. , Albert James S.
Published: January 2012

We redescribe Iracema caiana, a monotypic genus of the gymnotiform electric fish family Rhamphichthyidae. Iracema is known only from the type series (holotype and three paratypes) collected from the rio Jauaperi, affluent to the rio Negro in the Amazon basin, and was never collected again. Previous morphological studies were limited to features of external morphology. To study the osteology of Iracema we examined two specimens of different sizes using high-resolution x-ray computed tomography, a non-invasive and non-destructive technique to visualize internal anatomical structures. We describe and illustrate the osteology of Iracema caiana, and present data on morphometrics and external morphology. Contrary to previous hypotheses we propose that Iracema is the sister group to Rhamphichthys based on four synapomorphies: intermuscular bones present in the adductor mandibulae, reticulated texture of opercles, fully ossified Baudelot's ligaments, and elongate scales above the lateral line in the posterior portion of the body.
Passage of fish larvae and eggs through the Funil, Itutinga and Camargos Reservoirs on the upper Rio Grande (Minas Gerais, Brazil)
Authors: Suzuki Fábio Mineo , Pires Lucas Vilela , Pompeu Paulo Santos
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the passage of fish eggs and larvae through the Funil, Itutinga and Camargos Reservoirs, located in the upper Rio Grande basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Samples were taken downstream and upstream of the dams using a conical ichthyoplankton net and were collected every two weeks, twice per sampling day, between November 2008 and March 2009. Although eggs and larvae were abundant immediately upstream of the reservoirs, no ichthyoplankton were captured immediately downstream of the dams, possibly indicating that eggs and larvae do not pass through the reservoirs. The arrival of ichthyoplankton in the reservoirs without its effective passage downstream makes the survival of these eggs and larvae unlikely. Furthermore, this lack of downstream movement may compromise the recruitment of species to downstream stretches, especially in the case of the Funil Reservoir (because of the presence of a fish pass in this dam). We emphasize that the fish lift operation at the Funil Dam must be carefully assessed, considering not only its efficiency but also its short- and long-term effects on the recruitment of migratory fish species from the river.
Patterns of niche breadth and feeding overlap of the fish fauna in the seasonal Brazilian Pantanal, Cuiabá River basin
Authors: Corrêa Carlos Eduardo , Albrecht Miriam Pilz , Hahn Norma Segatti
Published: January 2012

Spatial and temporal variations in patterns of niche breadth and feeding overlap were investigated for the fish fauna in the Pantanal region, aiming to determine the factors that account for species coexistence. Samples were conducted in the Cuiabá River and Chacororé pond, in the upper Pantanal region, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, during one hydrological cycle (March 2000 to February 2001), (designed spatial-seasonal units). Mean niche breadth values were overall low for the fish assemblage (0.2-0.3). Differences between periods were not statistically significant. Feeding overlap values ranged between 0 and 0.4, whereas the mean was always inferior to 0.05 in all spatial-temporal units, and differences between periods were not statistically significant. The highest and lowest mean values were both observed in the pond; the former during the drought period and the latter during the flood period. All feeding overlap mean values were significantly higher than the values expected at random in the null model, using both "scrambled-zeros" (RA3) and "conserved-zeros" (RA4) algorithms. Thus, the foraging patterns show evidences of food sharing. The variance generated in the null model had a pattern similar to the niche overlap pattern: observed variance was higher than expected by chance in all spatial-temporal units, suggesting that the fish fauna is structured in trophic guilds. The patterns of food resource use and the different trophic guilds identified, suggest that species probably have different roles in this ecosystem. Our results suggest that food sharing allows coexistence of different fish species.
The influence of the fasting period on the number of nymphal instars and on the sex ratio of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus (Acari: Argasidae)
Authors: Santos Huarrisson Azevedo , Angelo Isabele da Costa , Franque Marcos Pinheiro , Vashist Usha , Duarte Aline Falqueto , Baldani Cristiane Divan , Thomé Sandra Maria Gomes , Faccini João Luiz Horacio , Massard Carlos Luiz
Published: January 2012

The current study investigated the biology of nymphs of the first and second instars of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus. Nymphs were deprived of food for 15, 30 or 60 days and held at 27 ± 1 ºC and 80 ± 10% relative humidity (controlled conditions) or at room conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Nymphs of first instar deprived of food for 15 or 30 days molted to second and third instars in both controlled and room conditions. Nymphs of the first instar deprived of food for 60 days had 28 and 37% mortality in controlled and room conditions, respectively; and survivors did not attach to the host. Nymphs of the second instar, deprived of food for 60 days, molted either to the third instar or to males after feeding on Gallus gallus, and the nymphs of the third instar developed to adults (42.42% males and 36.36% females when nymphs were held in controlled temperature and humidity conditions, and 40.54% males and 48.65% females when nymphs were held in room conditions). The remainder of the nymphs molted to the fourth instar and then molted to females. In conclusion, the nymphal starvation period of 60 days determined the number of nymph instars in the life cycle of A. miniatus under the experimental conditions studied.
Efficacy evaluation of a commercial neem cake for control of Haematobia irritans on Nelore cattle
Authors: Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza , Oliveira Márcia Cristina de Sena , Giglioti Rodrigo , Calura Fernando Henrique , Ferrenzini Jenifer , Forim Moacir Rossi , Barros Antonio Thadeu Medeiros de
Published: January 2012

Much attention has been given to the development of botanical insecticides to provide effective natural control of cattle ectoparasites without harming animals, consumers, and environment. This study evaluated the efficacy of a commercial neem cake in controlling Haematobia irritans infestation on cattle. The study was conducted at the Embrapa Southeast Cattle Research Center (CPPSE), in São Carlos, SP, Brazil, from April to July 2008. The neem cake mixed in mineral salt in a 2% concentration was provided to 20 Nelore cows during nine weeks and had its efficacy evaluated by comparison of the infestation level against a control group. Fly infestations were recorded weekly by digital photographs of each animal from both groups and the number of flies was later counted in a computer-assisted image analyzer. Quantification of neem cake components by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of azadirachtin (421 mg.kg-1) and 3-tigloyl-azadirachtol (151 mg.kg-1) in the tested neem cake. Addition of the 2% neem cake reduced mineral salt intake in about 22%. The 2% neem cake treatment failed to reduce horn fly infestations on cattle during the 9-week study period.
Metazoan endoparasites of Serrasalmus marginatus (Characiformes: Serrasalminae) in the Negro River, Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Vicentin Wagner , Vieira Kelly Regina Ibarrola , Costa Fábio Edir dos Santos , Takemoto Ricardo Massato , Tavares Luiz Eduardo Roland , Paiva Fernando
Published: January 2012

In order to inventory the metazoan endoparasites of Serrasalmus marginatus, 91 specimens were examined. They were captured in the Negro River in Pantanal wetland, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-Western Brazil, from October 2007 to August 2008. Parasites of six taxa were recovered: Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), metacercarial type Diplostomulum (Digenea), Brevimulticaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Sebekia oxycephala, Subtriquetra sp. 1 and Subtriquetra sp. 2 (Pentastomida). The latter five species are reported for the first time in S. marginatus.
Active surveillance of canine visceral leishmaniasis and american trypanossomiasis in rural dogs from non endemic area
Authors: Tome Rozeani Olimpio , Gaio Fernanda Conceição , Generoso Diego , Menozzi Benedito Donizete , Langoni Helio
Published: January 2012

The canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and american trypanosomiasis are important zoonoses in public health and dogs are the main domestic reservoir of the parasite for humans. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of circulating antibodies anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania sp. in sera of dogs from the rural area of Botucatu, SP, Brazil. During the annual vaccination campaign against canine rabies in rural area, 689 blood samples were taken and processed by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. The serological tests revealed the absence of antibodies anti-Leishmania spp., but anti-T. cruzi antibodies were detected in 3 (0.4%) dogs.
Frequency of species of the Genus Eimeria in naturally infected cattle in Southern Bahia, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Almeida Valter dos Anjos , Magalhães Vanessa Carvalho Sampaio de , Muniz Neta Elza de Souza , Munhoz Alexandre Dias
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of species of the genus Eimeria species in naturally infected bovines in Southern Bahia, Northeast Brazil. The study population comprised 117 Zebu crossbred cattle that belonged to 10 dairy herds with extensive or semi-extensive production systems. The modified Gordon and Whitlock technique was used to determine positive samples and number of oocysts per gram of feces. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test with Yates correction and a 95% confidence interval. Thirty-nine cattle (33.33%) were positive, and ten different species were identified in infected animals: E. bovis (24.79%); E. canadensis (8.55%); E. zuernii (6.83%); E. ellipsoidalis (5.99%); E. cylindrica (3.42%); E. auburnensis (3.42%); E. brasiliensis (2.56%); E. bukidnonensis (1.71%); E. alabamensis (0.85%), and E. subspherica (0.85%). Higher parasitism was observed in animals up to one year of age (p = 0.005), but no animal presented clinical signs of the disease. As the presence of clinical eimeriosis was not evidenced and all animals were Zebu crossbred cattle from extensive or semi-extensive production systems, further studies should be conducted to investigate the effects of these factors on disease development.
Myxobolus sp. (Myxozoa) in the circulating blood of Colossoma macropomum (Osteichthyes, Characidae)
Authors: Maciel Patricia Oliveira , Affonso Elizabeth Gusmão , Boijink Cheila de Lima , Tavares-Dias Marcos , Inoue Luis Antonio Kioshi Aoki
Published: January 2012

Myxosporea parasitize many organs in fresh and saltwater fish. Species of the genus Myxobolus parasitizing the gills and other organs of the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum have been described. In the present study, blood smears were made from juvenile tambaqui and were stained with May Grunwald-Giemsa-Wright in order to identify myxozoan parasites. Out of a total of 36 fish examined, one specimen (2.7%) that was reared in a cage presented spores that were identified as M. colossomatis, whereas fish kept in 250 L tanks showed prevalence of 5.5%. This is the first report of M. colossomatis in the blood of farmed tambaqui in the Amazon region. These results indicate that myxozoan parasites should also be investigated in fish blood smears. Some myxosporean species may cause diseases in fish, and these species need to be identified so that adequate preventive sanitary control can be instituted.
Metacestodes of Glossocercus auritus (Cyclophyllidea, Gryporhynchidae) in Poecilia reticulata (Pisces, Poeciliidae) from Brazil
Authors: Pinto Hudson Alves , Melo Alan Lane de
Published: January 2012

Studies on fish parasites in Pampulha dam, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, found specimens of Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859 harboring natural infection by larval stages of tapeworms. A total of 250 specimens of P. reticulata were collected and analyzed between February and August 2010, of which 23 were found infected (prevalence 9.2%) with one metacestode each (mean intensity 1, mean abundance 0.09). The analyses of the parasites, particularly the morphology of rostellar hooks, made it possible to identify Glossocercus auritus (Rudolphi, 1818). This is the first report of G. auritus metacestode in South America and P. reticulata is a newly known host for this parasite.
Mesocestoides sp. (Eucestoda, Mesocestoididae) parasitizing four species of wild felines in Southern Brazil
Authors: Gallas Moisés , Silveira Eliane Fraga da
Published: January 2012

Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus tigrinus and Puma yagouaroundi are wild feline species endangered mainly due to habitat destruction and vehicle run overs. Seventeen felines hit on the roads were collected in Southern Brazil and examined for parasites. Cestodes were identified as Mesocestoides sp. The parasites were found in the small intestine of the hosts with a prevalence of 66.7% (L. colocolo and L. tigrinus), 60% (P. yagouaroundi) and 50% (L. geoffroyi). Rodents and lizards were found in the stomach contents and they possibly were intermediate hosts of Mesocestoides sp. This is the first report of Mesocestoides sp. in wild felines in Brazil.
Compromised nutrition in gerbils infected by Cystoisospora felis detected through an animal performance analysis tool
Authors: Frazão-Teixeira Edwards , Oliveira Francisco Carlos Rodrigues de , Fiuza Vagner Ricardo da Silva , Jiménez-Sanz Amanda Lucía , Detmann Edenio
Published: January 2012

The impact of Cystoisospora felis infection on the nutritional efficiency of gerbils was studied. The variables weight gain and feed intake were measured during four weeks in 28 laboratory gerbils, of which 14 were inoculated with 3.5 × 10(5) sporulated oocysts of C. felis and the remaining 14 were controls. The animals from both groups were weighted, killed, eviscerated and had their carcasses and tissues weighted and compared. A modern tool designed for measuring nutritional performance of farm animals was applied. The results showed compromised nutritional efficiency of the infected animals within the first week after infection. The consequences of these results are discussed here, including the potential impact of infection on farm animals performance.