bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salinity Assessment in Northeast Florida Bay Using Landsat TM Data
Authors: Zhang Caiyun , Xie Zhixiao , Roberts Charles , Berry Leonard , Chen Ge
Published: October 2012

Las actividades humanas en el siglo pasado han causado una gran variedad de problemas ambientales en los Everglades del sur de la Florida. En el 2002, el Congreso autorizó el Plan Comprensivo de Restauración de los Everglades (CERP, por sus siglas en inglés), una misión de $10.5 millones de dólares para restaurar el ecosistema del sur de Florida. Muchos proyectos ambientales en los CERP requieren un seguimiento eficaz de la salinidad en la Bahía de Florida para proporcionar una medición del progreso y efectos de la restauración en el ecosistema de los Everglades. Modelos de salinidad son también importantes teniendo en consideración los impactos actuales y proyecciones futuras sobre el incremento del nivel del mar. Este estudio examinó el potencial del sensor Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) para servir como un una herramienta de monitoreo regular de salinidad para la Bahía de Florida. Una combinación de datos de campo espaciales y temporales, e imágenes TM recolectadas durante “Water Years” 2004–2006 fueron empleados para establecer algoritmos que evaluaran cuantitativa y cualitativamente la salinidad en la zona noreste de la bahía. El Servicio Geológico de los EE.UU. (USGS) define “Water Year” como el periodo de 12 meses desde el 1 de octubre de un año hasta el 30 de septiembre del siguiente año, y se designa por el calendario anual en el que termina. Los algoritmos empíricos para la evaluación cuantitativa de salinidad generaron un nivel razonable de precisión, y una técnica neutral de redes bases para la evaluación cualitativa presentó resultados prometedores. Concluimos que la TM Landsar puede ser utilizada como herramienta de monitoreo para evaluar salinidad con resolución y precisión espacial y temporal deseable. La extensión de los algoritmos para toda la Bahía de Florida será probada en el futuro.
An Assessment of Human Vulnerability to Hazards in the US Coastal Northeast and mid-Atlantic
Authors: Prasad Shivangi
Published: October 2012

La costa noreste y la región del atlántico medio de los EE.UU. es un corredor urbano densamente poblado susceptible a una variedad de amenazas naturales, incluyendo huracanes, tormentas de inviernos (nor’easters), e inundaciones. Los impactos del cambio climático, tales como el incremento en el nivel del mar, agravan aún más la vulnerabilidad de esta región. Teniendo en cuenta la exposición de la región a estas amenazas naturales y su importancia como núcleo poblacional, es imprescindible evaluar la vulnerabilidad de la población que ahí reside. Este artículo examina la vulnerabilidad humana de 184 condados, basados en factores demográficos, sociales y económicos. Datos del “American Community Survey” (2005–2009) se utilizan para el análisis. Los resultados indican que 7 de los 15 condados más vulnerables tienen un tamaño de población de más de medio millón cada uno. La mayoría de los condados en el extremo inferior del espectro de vulnerabilidad tienen bajas concentraciones demográficas. Los condados más vulnerables se encuentran a lo largo de la costa atlántica. Las condiciones económicas y sociales se correlacionan más estrechamente con la vulnerabilidad que lo que demuestra la demografía.
Black, White or Green?: The Confederate Battle Emblem and the 2001 Mississippi State Flag Referendum
Authors: Leib Jonathan I. , Webster Gerald R.
Published: October 2012

Intensos debates sobre si es apropiado mostrar la bandera confederada en espacios públicos se han librado a través del sur estadounidense desde finales de 1980, y las actitudes de estos debates están divididas a lo largo de líneas raciales. Los debates más candentes se produjeron en los cuatro estados que sancionaron las manifestaciones más destacadas del emblema de batalla: Alabama y Carolina del Sur (donde la bandera ondeaba sobre sus capitolios estatales), y Georgia y Mississippi (donde el emblema de batalla se incorporó a las banderas de los estados). Aunque hubo llamados en los cuatro estados para hacer frente a la legitimidad de la exhibición pública de la band-era de batalla a través de referéndums públicos, solo Mississippi ha tenido una votación pública apropósito. La bandera del estado de Mississippi ha incorporado el emblema de batalla en su diseño desde 1894. En abril de 2001, el estado llevó a cabo una consulta pública sobre la posibilidad de sustituir la bandera de 1894 con una nueva bandera diseñada por una comisión. La propuesta nueva bandera eliminó el emblema de batalla y lo remplazó con un círculo de veinte estrellas, pero fue rechazada por una abrumadora mayoría de los votantes del estado. En este trabajo se analiza la geografía de la votación del refer-endo a través de dos diferentes concepciones de la política electoral, las cuales ayudan en la explicación de los patrones espaciales de los votos en el referéndum de la bandera de Mississippi: el modelo de división electoral y el modelo tradicionalista-modernizador. A través de análisis cartográfico y estadístico, se concluye que ambos modelos proporcionan información valiosa sobre el voto y las actitudes hacia el debate de la band-era de Mississippi.
Identification of the Protein Target of Myelin-Binding Ligands by Immunohistochemistry and Biochemical Analyses
Authors: Bajaj Anshika , LaPlante Nicole E. , Cotero Victoria E. , Fish Kenneth M. , Bjerke Roger M. , Siclovan Tiberiu , Tan Hehir Cristina A.
Published: October 2012

The ability to visualize myelin is important in the diagnosis of demyelinating disorders and the detection of myelin-containing nerves during surgery. The development of myelin-selective imaging agents requires that a defined target for these agents be identified and that a robust assay against the target be developed to allow for assessment of structure-activity relationships. We describe an immunohistochemical analysis and a fluorescence polarization binding assay using purified myelin basic protein (MBP) that provides quantitative evidence that MBP is the molecular binding partner of previously described myelin-selective fluorescent dyes such as BMB, GE3082, and GE3111.
‘ Whenever a man takes you to lunch around here’: Tracing post-feminist sensibility in Mad Men
Authors: Agirre Katixa
Published: October 2012

This article argues that a post-feminist spirit underlies the representation of the successful television series Mad Men (AMC 2007–). Set in the flourishing New York advertising industry during the early 1960s, Mad Men depicts the rapid changes experienced in gender identities
and cross-gender relationships in both the public and private spheres. This article contends that a post-feminist sensibility – a term proposed by Rosalind Gill – can be felt at different levels as the fiction develops. First, it permits self-indulgence in the viewer: the time
set justifies the depiction of blatant sexism and at the same time imposes a lapse so wide that feminist awakening can be simultaneously viewed as urgent in the 1960s and as a victory already achieved. Second, it inspires nostalgia and venerates pre-feminist glamour and straightforwardness.
Finally, a post-feminist spirit imbues the representation of female characters but, most notably, plays a crucial role in the depiction of men, particularly the protagonist Donald Draper.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Glycerol Steam Reforming using Calcium Oxide and Iron Oxide for High-Purity Hydrogen Production
Authors: Wei Ligang , Li Kunlan , Ma Yingchong
Published: October 2012

A thermodynamic analysis of glycerol steam reforming in the presence of a CO2 adsorbent (CaO) and solid oxygen transfer material (Fe2O3) for high-purity hydrogen production was performed using the Gibbs free energy minimization method. CO in reformate gas was reduced via CO oxidation by Fe2O3 into CO2 coupled with in situ CO2 capture by CaO. The high-purity hydrogen produced without using a downstream reactor has potential application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The influence of temperature (300–1000 °C), pressure (0.1–1.0 MPa), and mole ratios of H2O/glycerol (1–10), CaO/glycerol (0–6), and Fe2O3/glycerol (0–6) on equilibrium gas compositions and carbon formation was evaluated. The produced gas (99.8 mol% H2 and 12.8 ppm CO) was obtained without carbon formation under the optimal conditions (450 °C, 0.1 MPa, CaO/glycerol mole ratio of 3, Fe2O3/glycerol mole ratio of 3 and H2O/glycerol mole ratio of 10), and can be directly used in PEMFCs. However, further optimizations are needed.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of Port Emergency Evacuation Plans for Predictable Natural Disasters
Authors: Qu Xiuli , Jackson Maurice A. , Davis Lauren B.
Published: October 2012

Effective port emergency evacuation could reduce the potential damages and losses caused by a predictive natural disaster. Thus, most U.S. ports have evacuation plans or guidelines established for predictive natural disasters, especially hurricanes. However, hurricane Katrina still revealed that these existing emergency evacuation plans may not be as effective as originally expected. The objective of this study is to provide a quantitative approach to evaluating the effectiveness of port emergency evacuation plans for hurricanes. A discrete-event simulation model is developed in this study to capture the dynamic evacuation process in a complex port environment when a hurricane approaches a port. Using this simulation model, an experimental study is conducted to compare the effectiveness of 80 port hurricane evacuation plans in the two public container terminals within the Port of Houston (POH). These 80 plans include the current POH hurricane evacuation plan and 79 variants of this plan. The simulation results indicate that an effective port hurricane evacuation plan should require prohibiting inbound and outbound traffic when the hurricane is forecast to be 12 hours away from landfall, and consistently securing port facilities, equipment and containers during the entire evacuation process.
Government-Voluntary Sector Compacts Reconsidered
Authors: Smith Steven Rathgeb
Published: October 2012

As the articles in this special issue demonstrate, the emergence of government-voluntary sector compacts around the world is intimately linked to comprehensive transformations the welfare state is undergoing in many countries. The fact that the first compact was developed in England is significant; since the early 20th century, the development of the welfare state in many societies has been significantly influenced by the ideas coming from policymakers, scholars and advocates in the United Kingdom.
Effects of water in water/phenol mixtures on liquefaction of Japanese beech as treated under subcritical conditions
Authors: Mishra Gaurav , Saka Shiro
Published: October 2012

Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) has been liquefied by water-added subcritical phenol without a catalyst in a batch-type reaction vessel. The effect of water/phenol ratio was studied under conditions of various treatment times. The fractions soluble in phenol/water as well as the insoluble residues were characterized. Liquefaction kinetics was investigated assuming the validity of the first-order reaction rate law. The degree of phenolation was increased with increasing treatment times and water content in phenol/water solvent. Treatment at 270°C under 3.1 MPa pressure for 10 min with a water/phenol ratio of 25:75 gave the best liquefaction result. Various oligosaccharides derived from cellulose and hemicelluloses were found to be hydrolyzed and solubilized in the water-soluble portion.
Regulation of Zipcode Binding Protein 1 Transport Dynamics in Axons by Myosin Va
Authors: Nalavadi Vijayalaxmi C. , Griffin Laura E. , Picard-Fraser Philip , Swanson Andrew M. , Takumi Toru , Bassell Gary J.
Published: October 2012

Directed transport of the mRNA binding protein, zipcode binding protein1 (ZBP1), into developing axons is believed to play an important role in mRNA localization and local protein synthesis. The role of molecular motors in this process is unclear. We elucidated a role for myosin Va (MyoVa) to modulate the axonal localization and transport of ZBP1 in axons. Using cultured rat hippocampal neurons, ZBP1 colocalized with MyoVa in axons and growth cones. Interaction of MyoVa with ZBP1 was evident by coimmunoprecipitation of endogenous and overexpressed proteins. Inhibition of MyoVa function with the globular tail domain (GTD) of MyoVa protein or short hairpin RNA led to an accumulation of ZBP1 in axons. Live cell imaging of mCherryZBP1 in neurons expressing GTD showed an increase in the number of motile particles, run length, and stimulated anterograde moving ZBP1 particles, suggesting that MyoVa controls availability of ZBP1 for microtubule-dependent transport. These findings suggest a novel regulatory role for MyoVa in the transport of ZBP1 within axons.
Ethanol-Mediated Facilitation of AMPA Receptor Function in the Dorsomedial Striatum: Implications for Alcohol Drinking Behavior
Authors: Wang Jun , Hamida Sami Ben , Darcq Emmanuel , Zhu Wenheng , Gibb Stuart L. , Lanfranco Maria Fe , Carnicella Sebastien , Ron Dorit
Published: October 2012

We found previously that acuteex vivoas well as repeated cycles ofin vivoethanol exposure and withdrawal, including excessive voluntary consumption of ethanol, produces a long-lasting increase in the activity of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (NR2B-NMDARs) in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) of rats (Wang et al., 2010a). Activation of NMDARs is required for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic response. We therefore examined whether the ethanol-mediated upregulation of NMDAR activity alters the induction of LTP in the DMS. We found thatex vivoacute exposure of striatal slices to, and withdrawal from, ethanol facilitates the induction of LTP in DMS neurons, which is abolished by the inhibition of NR2B-NMDARs. We also report that repeated systemic administration of ethanol causes an NR2B-NMDAR-dependent facilitation of LTP in the DMS. LTP is mediated by the insertion of AMPAR subunits into the synaptic membrane, and we found that repeated systemic administration of ethanol, as well as cycles of excessive ethanol consumption and withdrawal, produced a long-lasting increase in synaptic localization of the GluR1 and GluR2 subunits of AMPARs in the DMS. Importantly, we report that inhibition of AMPARs in the DMS attenuates operant self-administration of ethanol, but not of sucrose. Together, our data suggest that aberrant synaptic plasticity in the DMS induced by repeated cycles of ethanol exposure and withdrawal contributes to the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and/or maintenance of excessive ethanol consumption.
Systematic Mutagenesis of α-Synuclein Reveals Distinct Sequence Requirements for Physiological and Pathological Activities
Authors: Burré Jacqueline , Sharma Manu , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: October 2012

α-Synuclein is an abundant presynaptic protein that binds to phospholipids and synaptic vesicles. Physiologically, α-synuclein functions as a SNARE-protein chaperone that promotes SNARE-complex assembly for neurotransmitter release. Pathologically, α-synuclein mutations and α-synuclein overexpression cause Parkinson's disease, and aggregates of α-synuclein are found as Lewy bodies in multiple neurodegenerative disorders (“synucleinopathies”). The relation of the physiological functions to the pathological effects of α-synuclein remains unclear. As an initial avenue of addressing this question, we here systematically examined the effect of α-synuclein mutations on its physiological and pathological activities. We generated 26 α-synuclein mutants spanning the entire molecule, and analyzed them compared with wild-type α-synuclein in seven assays that range from biochemical studies with purified α-synuclein, to analyses of α-synuclein expression in cultured neurons, to examinations of the effects of virally expressed α-synuclein introduced into the mouse substantia nigra by stereotactic injections. We found that both the N-terminal and C-terminal sequences of α-synuclein were required for its physiological function as SNARE-complex chaperone, but that these sequences were not essential for its neuropathological effects. In contrast, point mutations in the central region of α-synuclein, referred to as nonamyloid β component (residues 61–95), as well as point mutations linked to Parkinson's disease (A30P, E46K, and A53T) increased the neurotoxicity of α-synuclein but did not affect its physiological function in SNARE-complex assembly. Thus, our data show that the physiological function of α-synuclein, although protective of neurodegeneration in some contexts, is fundamentally distinct from its neuropathological effects, thereby dissociating the two activities of α-synuclein.
Nachrichten aus der Forschung
Authors: Lux Marie Christin , Schulte Philipp , Petersen Sven , Droste Stefan , Reichenberger Florian , Dierking Antje , Doerry Janine , Eichmann Flavio , Brenner Stefan M.
Published: October 2012

Marie-Christin Lux und Philipp Schulte

»De l’État-Nation à l’Europe. Histoire du ministère de la Défense et des armées en France et en Allemagne aux XIXe et XXe siècles«. Tagung des Deutschen Historischen Instituts Paris (DHIP), des Militärgeschichtlichen Forschungsamtes (MGFA) und des Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l’École Militaire (IRSEM), 20. Juni 2011 in Paris

Sven Petersen und Stefan Droste

»Militärische Wissenskulturen in der Frühen Neuzeit«. 9. Jahrestagung des Arbeitskreises Militär und Gesellschaft in der Frühen Neuzeit vom 1. bis 3. Dezember 2011 in Göttingen

Florian Reichenberger

»Guerres futures, guerres imaginées: vers une histoire culturelle de l’avant-1914. Colloque international co-organisé par le Centre International de Recherche de l’Historial de la Grande Guerre et l’Institut historique allemand«, 9. November 2011, Péronne und 10. November 2011, Paris

Antje Dierking

»Für Frieden und Freiheit oder Shareholder Value und Auslastungsquote? Rüstung in Europa und Nordamerika nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg«. Workshop des Militärgeschichtlichen Forschungsamtes, 8. bis 9. November 2011 in Potsdam

Janine Doerry

»Captivité de guerre au XXième siècle. Des archives, des histoires, des mémoires«. Internationale Tagung des Institut historique du temps présent (IHTP), des Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), des Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l’École Militaire (IRSEM) und der London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 17. bis 18. November 2011 in Paris

Flavio Eichmann

»Freibeuter der Moderne - Politisch-militärische Akteure an den Rändern von Souveränität und Legitimität«. Kolloquium zum 60. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr. Stig Förster, 20. bis 21. Oktober 2011 in Bern

Stefan M. Brenner

Die Achillesferse der NATO: Die Nordatlantische Allianz und der griechisch-türkische Binnenkonflikt 1952–1989. Ein Überblick zum Stand der Forschung
Modifying Double Jeopardy
Authors: Lippke Richard L.
Published: October 2012

The question addressed concerns the defensibility of that part of the Constitutional ban on double jeopardy which forbids the state from retrying criminal defendants for the same crimes of which they have earlier been acquitted. A procedure for permitting the retrial of such defendants is developed and defended. This procedure would allow acquittals to be quashed if state officials can convince a court that they have fresh, reliable, and compelling evidence of a person's guilt. The stock arguments in favor of a ban on double jeopardy are considered in light of this proposal and shown to be unpersuasive. A variety of other arguments against the proposal are likewise shown to be unconvincing. Particular attention is paid to the concern that the procedure might produce convictions of innocent people. This possibility is shown to be remote and thus not a reasonable ground for refusing to attempt to correct substantively mistaken acquittals.
GH improves spatial memory and reverses certain anabolic androgenic steroid-induced effects in intact rats
Authors: Grönbladh Alfhild , Johansson Jenny , Nöstl Anatole , Nyberg Fred , Hallberg Mathias
Published: October 2012

GH has previously been shown to promote cognitive functions in GH-deficient rodents. In this study we report the effects of GH on learning and memory in intact rats pretreated with the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone. Male Wistar rats received nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) or peanut oil every third day for 3 weeks and were subsequently treated with recombinant human GH (1.0 IU/kg) or saline for 10 consecutive days. During the GH/saline treatment spatial learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze (MWM). Also, plasma levels of IGF1 were assessed and the gene expression of the GH receptors (Ghr), Igf1 and Igf2, in hippocampus and frontal cortex was analyzed. The results demonstrated a significant positive effect of GH on memory functions and increased gene expression of Igf1 in the hippocampus was found in the animals treated with GH. In addition, GH was demonstrated to increase the body weight gain and was able to attenuate the reduced body weight seen in nandrolone-treated animals. In general, the rats treated with nandrolone alone did not exhibit any pronounced alteration in memory compared with controls in the MWM, and in many cases GH did not induce any alteration. Regarding target zone crossings, considered to be associated with spatial memory, the difference between GH- and steroid-treated animals was significant and administration of GH improved this parameter in the latter group. In conclusion, GH improves spatial memory in intact rats and can reverse certain effects induced by anabolic androgenic steroid.
Automated recognition and quantification of pancreatic islets in Zucker diabetic fatty rats treated with exendin-4
Authors: Kakimoto Tetsuhiro , Kimata Hirotaka , Iwasaki Satoshi , Fukunari Atsushi , Utsumi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2012

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by impaired insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Quantification of the islet area in addition to the insulin-positive area is important for detailed understanding of pancreatic islet histopathology. Here we show computerized automatic recognition of the islets of Langerhans as a novel high-throughput method to quantify islet histopathology. We utilized state-of-the-art tissue pattern recognition software to enable automatic recognition of islets, eliminating the need to laboriously trace islet borders by hand. After training by a histologist, the software successfully recognized even irregularly shaped islets with depleted insulin immunostaining, which were quite difficult to automatically recognize. The results from automated image analysis were highly correlated with those from manual image analysis. To establish whether this automated, rapid, and objective determination of islet area will facilitate studies of islet histopathology, we showed the beneficial effect of chronic exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, treatment on islet histopathology in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Automated image analysis provided qualitative and quantitative evidence that exendin-4 treatment ameliorated the loss of pancreatic insulin content and gave rise to islet hypertrophy. We also showed that glucagon-positive α-cell area was decreased significantly in ZDF rat islets with disorganized structure. This study is the first to demonstrate the utility of automatic quantification of digital images to study pancreatic islet histopathology. The proposed method will facilitate evaluations in preclinical drug efficacy studies as well as elucidation of the pathophysiology of diabetes.
Managing Port-Site Bleeding during Less Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Brecht Mary-Lynn , Lovinger Katherine , Poston Robert S.
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (r-CABG) requires the placement of ports bluntly through the chest wall. When removed, these ports create bleeding sites that can be difficult to detect and treat. This study evaluated whether a topical hemostatic agent placed locally within these sites helps to reduce bleeding and blood product requirements.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed outcomes for r-CABG cases where 5 mL of a flowable hemostatic agent was injected locally within all port sites (hemostat group, n = 62) compared with patients whose port sites were untreated (controls, n = 131). Outcomes included chest tube output, red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, length of hospital stay, and the risk of reoperation for bleeding. Analyses were adjusted for risk factors known to influence bleeding and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score as a weighted composite of variables, which controls for patient and clinical variables.

Results: The 2 study groups had similar baseline characteristics and underwent the same r-CABG procedure. The hemostat group had significant reductions in RBC transfusion (24.2% versus 40.8% receiving blood; P = .026; 0.44 versus 1.39 U transfused postoperatively, P = .024). After adjustment for bleeding risks (using STS risk score), differences in transfusions remained significant. Reoperation rates for bleeding, length of stay, chest tube drainage, and intraoperative transfusions were not significantly different in the 2 groups.

Conclusions: There was significantly reduced postoperative bleeding and less exposure to blood products in the hemostat group. These findings suggest that undetected bleeding from sites used for port access serves as an underappreciated source of morbidity after r-CABG.
Acute Aortic Intramural Hematoma Presenting with Painless Recurrent Syncope
Authors: Droste Jan , Zadeh Heidar Zafarani , Arif Mohammed , Craig Ian , Thakur A K
Published: October 2012

A patient presented with recurrent syncope due to transient severe hypotension. The patient's history, physical examination, and initial baseline investigation did not suggest a cardiovascular cause. After fluid resuscitation, a raised jugular venous pulse was noted. Bedside transthoracic echocardiogram showed a pericardial effusion and a proximally dilated aorta. Computed tomography of the thorax confirmed these findings and also demonstrated an intramural hematoma of the proximal aortic wall.

The patient was transferred to a cardiothoracic center, where he was at first treated medically. He then developed sudden cardiogenic shock due to pericardial tamponade and was successfully operated on.

It is important to recognize an acute intramural hematoma of the proximal aortic wall as a cardiothoracic emergency. This condition can present atypically, but nevertheless warrants urgent surgical intervention, equal to type A aortic dissection. Echocardiography can help in making the diagnosis.
Impact of Gentamicin-Collagen Sponge (Collatamp) on the Incidence of Sternal Wound Infection in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Raja Shahzad G. , Salhiyyah Kareem , Rafiq Muhammed Umar , Felderhof Jeremy , Amrani Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Objective: Local delivery of prophylactic antibiotic to the wound site with an implanted, reabsorbable, gentamicin-containing collagen sponge (Collatamp) is a strategy that has been claimed to prevent sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with Collatamp in cardiac surgery patients deemed at high risk for sternal wound infection.

Methods: From January 2007 to December 2010, Collatamp was used in 107 patients deemed at high risk for sternal wound infection. Applying the propensity score, we matched 97 patients with Collatamp (group I) with 97 patients who did not receive Collatamp (group II). All individuals received routine intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis. Postoperative wound-infection rates as well as routine outcomes were compared. Information for the study was obtained from the cardiac surgical Patients Analysis and Tracking System (PATS) database and from hospital records.

Results: The superficial sternal wound infection rate was 2.1% (2/97) in group I and 6.2% (6/97) in group II (P = .01). The rates of deep sternal wound infection rate were similar (2.1% versus 3.1%, P = .87). There was no mediastinitis in the study population. In addition, more patients in group II received an intra-aortic balloon pump (5.2% versus 2.1%, P = .04) and underwent hemofiltration (7.2% versus 3.1%, P = .02). No side effects were noted.

Conclusion: Gentamicin-containing collagen sponge (Collatamp) is a useful adjunct to meticulous surgical technique and postoperative wound care in reducing the incidence of sternal wound infection in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. An adequately powered study is needed, however, to validate the safety and efficacy of this strategy.
Giant Aneurysmal Fistula of the Left Main Coronary Artery to the Right Atrium
Authors: Salehi Negar , Samiei Niloofar , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza , Sabet Ali Hossein , Vakili-zarch Anoushiravan
Published: October 2012

A 42-year-old woman presented to our outpatient department with complaints of atypical chest pain and palpitation. On physical examination, the patient's blood pressure was 140/95 mm Hg, and there was a systolic cardiac murmur on the left sternal border. A transthoracic echocardiography examination was performed, and a left-to-right shunt ratio (Qp/Qs) of approximately 1.5 was detected. Computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography examinations confirmed the presence of a large fistula between the left main coronary artery and the right atrium, with giant aneurysm formation and an intact right coronary artery. Surgical closure of the shunt was performed with a good final result.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Boys: Data From the Pediatric Research in Office Settings Network
Authors: Herman-Giddens Marcia E. , Steffes Jennifer , Harris Donna , Slora Eric , Hussey Michael , Dowshen Steven A. , Wasserman Richard , Serwint Janet R. , Smitherman Lynn , Reiter Edward O.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:

Data from racially and ethnically diverse US boys are needed to determine ages of onset of secondary sexual characteristics and examine secular trends. Current international studies suggest earlier puberty in boys than previous studies, following recent trend in girls.

METHODS:

Two hundred and twelve practitioners collected Tanner stage and testicular volume data on 4131 boys seen for well-child care in 144 pediatric offices across the United States. Data were analyzed for prevalence and mean ages of onset of sexual maturity markers.

RESULTS:

Mean ages for onset of Tanner 2 genital development for non-Hispanic white, African American, and Hispanic boys were 10.14, 9.14, and 10.04 years and for stage 2 pubic hair, 11.47, 10.25, and 11.43 years respectively. Mean years for achieving testicular volumes of ≥3 mL were 9.95 for white, 9.71 for African American, and 9.63 for Hispanic boys; and for ≥4 mL were 11.46, 11.75, and 11.29 respectively. African American boys showed earlier (P < .0001) mean ages for stage 2 to 4 genital development and stage 2 to 4 pubic hair than white and Hispanic boys. No statistical differences were observed between white and Hispanic boys.

CONCLUSIONS:

Observed mean ages of beginning genital and pubic hair growth and early testicular volumes were 6 months to 2 years earlier than in past studies, depending on the characteristic and race/ethnicity. The causes and public health implications of this apparent shift in US boys to a lower age of onset for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in US boys needs further exploration.
Randomized Trial of Prongs or Mask for Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Infants
Authors: Kieran Emily A. , Twomey Anne R. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Murphy John F.A. , O’Donnell Colm P.F.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) given with nasal prongs compared with nasal mask reduces the rate of intubation and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants within 72 hours of starting therapy.

METHODS:

Infants <31 weeks’ gestation treated with NCPAP were randomly assigned to receive it via either prongs or mask. Randomization was stratified by gestational age (<28 weeks, 28–30 weeks) and according to whether NCPAP was started as a primary treatment for respiratory distress or postextubation. Infants were intubated and ventilated if they fulfilled 2 or more of 5 failure criteria (worsening signs of respiratory distress; recurrent apnea treated with mask positive pressure ventilation; fraction of inspired oxygen >0.4 to keep oxygen saturation >88% sustained for 30 minutes; pH <7.2 on 2 blood gases ≥30 minutes apart; Pco2 >9 kPa [68 mm Hg] on 2 blood gases ≥30 minutes apart) within 72 hours of starting therapy. The groups were treated the same in all other respects. We recorded relevant secondary outcomes and analyzed data by using the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 120 infants. Thirty-two of 62 (52%) infants randomly assigned to prongs were intubated within 72 hours, compared with 16/58 (28%) of those randomly assigned to mask (P = .007). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in any secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

In premature infants, NCPAP was more effective at preventing intubation and ventilation within 72 hours of starting therapy when given via nasal masks compared with nasal prongs.
Resistência de genótipos de feijoeiro a Bemisia tabaci biótipo B
Authors: Torres Lucas Castro , Souza Brígida de , Lourenção André Luiz , Costa Marlice Botelho , Amaral Bruno Barbosa , Carbonell Sérgio Augusto Morais , Chiorato Alisson Fernando , Tanque Ricardo Lima
Published: October 2012

O estudo de genótipos de feijoeiro resistentes à mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) é de grande importância devido aos danos ocasionados por essa praga à cultura. Neste trabalho, foram estudados a atratividade para adultos, a preferência para oviposição em testes com e sem chance de escolha, o ciclo ovo-adulto e o tipo e número de tricomas presentes nos folíolos. Os experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação avaliando-se, inicialmente, cem genótipos de feijoeiro. A resistência do tipo não-preferência para alimentação e/ou antibiose foi observada nos genótipos ARC-3, IAC-Alvorada e Canário 101, sendo a emergência de adultos fortemente influenciada pelos genótipos. Também se observou correlação negativa moderada entre o número de ovos e o número de tricomas glandulares, e correlação positiva muito forte entre o número de ovos e o número de tricomas tectores unciformes.
Avaliação e quantificação das frações silte, areia e argila por meio de suas respectivas reflectâncias
Authors: Cezar Everson , Nanni Marcos Rafael , Chicati Marcelo Luiz , Souza Junior Ivan Granemann de , Costa Antonio Carlos Saraiva da
Published: October 2012

A utilização de testes de rotina para determinação de atributos físicos e químicos do solo vem sendo adotada há diversos anos. No entanto, devido a problemas de ordem econômica e ambiental, surge a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novos métodos de avaliação. Nesse contexto, insere-se a espectroscopia de reflectância difusa como ferramenta promissora e rápida, capaz de ajudar na determinação desses atributos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar o comportamento espectral das frações silte, areia e argila e avaliar a possibilidade de quantificação desses atributos a partir de modelos de regressão individuais gerados para cada elemento. Para geração dos modelos, foram utilizadas frações individuais de silte, areia e argila provenientes de duas áreas formadas por materiais distintos. A validação dos modelos foi feita utilizando o fator de reflectância de amostras de solo no estado natural, advindas de uma área no município de Lobato - PR. Os resultados mostraram que foi possível estimar a percentagem de areia nas amostras de solo de Lobato de maneira satisfatória quando utilizados os modelos individuais da usina Cooperval, não sendo obtido o mesmo quando da utilização dos modelos individuais ajustados para a Fazenda Experimental de Iguatemi. Com relação às frações silte e argila, não foi possível estimá-las satisfatoriamente nas amostras de solo de Lobato quando utilizados os modelos individuais. Conclui-se que, embora os resultados não tenham atingido o patamar ideal, a espectrorradiometria difusa mostrou ser uma ferramenta promissora na estimativa dos atributos físicos do solo, podendo num futuro próximo auxiliar ou mesmo substituir os métodos analíticos de laboratório, reduzindo o tempo e o custo das análises.
Phosphorus accumulation and pollution potential in a hapludult fertilized with pig manure
Authors: Guardini Renato , Comin Jucinei José , Santos Danilo Rheinheimer dos , Gatiboni Luciano Colpo , Tiecher Tales , Schmitt Djalma , Bender Marcos Antônio , Belli Filho Paulo , Oliveira Paulo Amando Victoria de , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: October 2012

Successive applications of pig litter to the soil surface can increase the phosphorus (P) content and alter its adsorption, promoting P transfer to surface or subsurface waters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate P accumulation and the pollution potential of a soil after application of pig litter. In March 2010, eight years after the installation of an experiment in Braço do Norte, Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil, on a Typic Hapludult, soil was sampled (layers 0-2.5, 2.5-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 and 20-30 cm) after the following fertilization treatments: no pig litter fertilization, pig slurry application and pig manure application. In this period, 694 and 1,890 kg P2O5 ha-1 were applied in the treatments with pig slurry and pig manure, respectively. The P content was determined, based on Mehlich-1, anion exchange resin (AER), 0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2 and total P in the samples. The adsorption isotherm parameters were also determined by the Langmuir and Koski-Vähälä & Hartikainem models in the layers 0-2.5 and 20-30 cm. The application of 1,890 kg P2O5 ha-1 in the form of pig manure led to P accumulation, as evidenced by Mehlich-1, down to a depth of 15 cm, by AER and 0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2 down to 20 cm and by total P to 30 cm. After application of 1,890 kg P2O5 ha-1 in the form of pig manure, the values of maximum P adsorption capacity were lowest in the deepest layer (20-30 cm), indicating the occupation of part of the adsorption sites of the particles. The application of swine manure to the soil over eight years increased the P quantity in the soil solution of the surface layer, indicating environmental contamination risk for surface and subsurface waters.
Heavy metals in soils and plants in mango orchards in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Silva João Paulo Siqueira da , Nascimento Clístenes Williams Araújo do , Biondi Caroline Miranda , Cunha Karina Patrícia Vieira da
Published: October 2012

The monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in areas under intensive agriculture is essential for the agricultural sustainability and food safety. This paper evaluates the total contents of heavy metals in soils and mango trees in orchards of different ages (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 19, and 26 years) in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. Soil samples were taken from the layers 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm, and mango leaves were collected in the growth stage. Areas of native vegetation (Caatinga) adjacent to the cultivated areas were used for comparison. The total concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Pb) were determined in soils and leaves. In general, mango cultivation led to Cu and Zn accumulation in the soil surface and to a reduction in the contents of Ni, Pb, Mn, and Fe in surface and subsurface. Since contamination by Cu, Zn, and Cr was detected, these areas must be monitored to prevent negative environmental impacts. For instance, the presence of Cr in mango tree leaves indicates the need to investigate the source of the element in these orchards. The management strategies of the different companies led to deficiency or excess of some metals in the evaluated areas. However, the Fe and Mn levels were adequate for the mineral nutrition of mango in all areas.
Coordenação dos atuadores das pernas de robôs móveis usando aprendizado por reforço: simulação e implementação
Authors: Santos Jeeves Lopes dos , Nascimento Júnior Cairo Lúcio
Published: October 2012

Este artigo apresenta uma solução para o problema de coordenação dos atuadores das pernas de robôs móveis com o objetivo principal de maximizar a sua velocidade frontal. É assumido que a posição no tempo de cada atuador é descrita por uma função periódica que deve ser determinada de forma iterativa por um algoritmo de aprendizado por reforço. As pernas similares do robô são identificadas e agrupadas visando diminuir o número de funções que precisam ser determinadas. O toolbox SimMechanics do software MATLAB/Simulink é usado para simular o caminhar do robô em uma superfície plana. O desempenho do robô simulado é medido considerando: a) a velocidade frontal e a suavidade na locomoção do robô, e b) o máximo torque e o consumo de energia dos atuadores. As funções que foram determinadas no ambiente de simulação pelo algoritmo de reforço são então usadas nos atuadores do robô real construído usando o kit de robótica educacional Bioloid Comprehensive Kit. O desempenho do robô real é então medido e comparado com o desempenho do robô simulado. Este artigo apresenta dois estudos de caso: um robô quadrúpede e um trípode. Nos dois casos os robôs possuem três atuadores por perna. As soluções obtidas pela aplicação do método proposto são apresentadas e se mostraram satisfatórias.
O lugar das organizações não governamentais no entrecruzamento entre as noções de desenvolvimento e cooperação internacional
Authors: Kraychete Elsa Sousa
Published: October 2012

A emergência de uma nova agenda internacional para o desenvolvimento, à qual corresponde a proposição de um novo arranjo institucional de sustentação, contempla a participação do mercado, do Estado e da sociedade civil. Nesse arranjo, a dicotômica concepção de Estado interventor ou regulação social pelo mercado já não alcança a complexidade que a regulação social passa a demandar para atender às exigências da conjuntura da crise socioeconômica. As proposições das organizações internacionais orientam na direção da construção de consensos que possam ser pactuados institucionalmente. As organizações não governamentais e as empresas passam a ser consideradas como importantes nas concertações que visam a formulação e implementação de políticas públicas. A partir de leitura de documentos oficiais, assim como de literatura acadêmica, numa perspectiva crítica, este artigo argumenta sobre os paradoxos que a proposição encerra.
Para além da dicotomia entre trabalho decente e trabalho digno: reconhecimento e direitos humanos
Authors: Rosenfield Cinara L. , Pauli Jandir
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma discussão teórico-conceitual das noções de trabalho decente e trabalho digno, a partir da contraposição conceitual entre cidadania e direitos humanos. O argumento deste artigo é que trabalho decente remeteria à noção de cidadania e a uma concepção operacional, claramente apontada na agenda da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT), enquanto o trabalho digno remete à Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos (DUDH) e é dependente de uma rede de direitos. A fim de transpor essa dicotomia, propomos uma visão integral do ser humano no trabalho, através da noção de reconhecimento e de uma abordagem holística dos direitos humanos que integra a noção de trabalho decente.
Aspectos relacionais da depressão: o conceito de "honorável fachada" em dois casos clínicos
Authors: Frizzo Giana Bitencourt , Prado Luiz Carlos , Linares Juan Luiz , Piccinini Cesar Augusto
Published: October 2012

O presente estudo investigou os aspectos relacionais da depressão através do conceito de "honorável fachada". Participaram do estudo duas famílias, cujas mães apresentavam diagnóstico de depressão pós-parto e foram atendidas em Psicoterapia Breve Pais-Bebê. A análise dos conteúdos manifestos e latentes buscou identificar evidências empíricas do conceito da "honorável fachada" a partir dos eixos parentalidade e conjugalidade. Em relação à parentalidade, as evidências revelaram uma tendência à parentalização dos filhos mais velhos, pelo menos em uma das famílias. Entretanto, não houve relatos de dificuldades no cuidado com o bebê. Quanto à conjugalidade, havia expectativas excessivas em relação ao cônjuge, que funcionava como porta-voz na terapia e, ao contrário do esperado, intensos conflitos conjugais. As evidências encontradas são discutidas examinando-se as vantagens e limitações do uso do conceito da honorável fachada em diferentes transtornos depressivos.
Análise comparativa de ferramentas de gestão de portfólio: um estudo de caso na indústria alimentícia
Authors: Pedroso Carla , Paula Istefani Carísio de , Souza Joana Siqueira de
Published: October 2012

A gestão de portfólio (GP) é uma importante atividade dentro do processo de desenvolvimento de produtos. Ela envolve a tomada de decisão sobre os produtos da empresa, a qual reflete, em última análise, as decisões do negócio. Existem na literatura diferentes modelos e ferramentas que podem ser usados na GP. No presente trabalho são avaliados os resultados da aplicação de duas ferramentas de GP, uma que se fundamenta no modelo de pontuação (scoring model) e outra fundamentada no modelo econômico-financeiro. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresa de pequeno porte do setor alimentício onde a aplicabilidade dessas ferramentas foi analisada. Os resultados indicaram que as duas ferramentas estudadas podem ser empregadas de forma complementar e revelaram que embora elas utilizem fundamentos distintos, geraram portfólios compatíveis.
Homens, saúde e políticas públicas: a equidade de gênero em questão
Authors: Couto Marcia Thereza , Gomes Romeu
Published: October 2012

O artigo tem por objetivo estabelecer questões acerca do tema Homens, Saúde e Políticas Públicas para a viabilização do debate sobre o assunto, com base em referências teóricas e empíricas relacionadas a essas questões. Inicialmente, alguns marcos históricos de temática são apresentados para que melhor se situe o debate. Em seguida, apresenta-se panorama da agenda de gênero nas políticas públicas para se introduzir a discussão acerca da inserção dessa perspectiva no âmbito das políticas de saúde. Após essa discussão, aborda-se o questionamento sobre o fato de as políticas de saúde dos homens promoverem ou não a equidade de gênero. Nas considerações finais, aponta-se para a complexidade que envolve a elaboração, a implementação e a avaliação das políticas de saúde que visam à equidade de gênero, bem como se destaca a necessidade de a política brasileira voltada para a saúde dos homens articular-se com outras políticas para que a matriz de gênero seja transversal no campo da saúde.