bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limites de movimentos mandibulares em crianças
Authors: Machado Barbara Cristina Zanandréa , Medeiros Ana Paula Magalhães , Felício Cláudia Maria de
Published: October 2009

TEMA: a determinação dos limites de movimentos mandibulares é um importante procedimento na avaliação do estado funcional do sistema estomatognático, porém poucos são os estudos que focalizam os parâmetros de normalidade ou desvios em crianças. Objetivos: definir as médias dos limites de movimentos mandibulares em crianças brasileiras de 6 a 12 anos de idade; verificar diferenças entre os gêneros, em cada faixa etária, e entre as faixas etária de 6 a 8 anos, 8:1 a 10 anos e 10:1 a 12 anos de idade. MÉTODO: participaram 240 crianças, escolares do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Com o auxílio de um paquímetro digital foram mensuradas a máxima abertura mandibular, a protrusão, a excursão lateral direita e esquerda e o desvio da linha média, quando presente. O teste T Student, a Análise de variância e o pós-teste Tukey foram considerados significantes para p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: as médias das medidas da amostra foram: máxima abertura mandibular 44,51 mm, excursão lateral direita 7,71mm, excursão lateral esquerda 7,92 mm e a protrusão 7,45 mm. Não houve diferença estatística entre os gêneros. Houve aumento gradual nos limites dos movimentos mandibulares com o aumento da faixa etária, com diferenças significantes principalmente entre as faixas etárias de 6 - 8 anos e 10:1-12 anos. CONCLUSÃO: durante a infância os limites de movimentos mandibulares aumentam e a idade deve ser considerada na análise desses dados para maior precisão no diagnóstico.
Níveis de compreensão de leitura em escolares
Authors: Carvalho Carolina Alves Ferreira de , Ávila Clara Regina Brandão de , Chiari Brasília Maria
Published: October 2009

TEMA: importantes medidas de desempenho de leitura estão relacionadas com o quanto e como a criança compreende um texto. OBJETIVO: estudar o desempenho de escolares do Ensino Fundamental em tarefas de compreensão de leitura, segundo as variáveis série e rede de ensino. MÉTODO: 160 escolares de 3ª a 6ª séries do Ensino Fundamental, foram triados e posteriormente avaliados por meio do reconto e respostas a questões sobre o texto. RESULTADOS: os escolares da rede particular apresentaram melhor desempenho nas questões relacionadas a informações implícitas do texto nas 5ªs e 6ªs séries quando comparados aos da rede pública. A análise geral do efeito da escolaridade mostrou, na tarefa de reconto, desempenho melhor das 6ªs séries quanto ao número de macroproposições presentes e desempenho pior das 5ªs séries quanto ao nível de compreensão alcançado, em ambas as redes de ensino. Os escolares de 4ª, 5ª e 6ª séries apresentaram melhor desempenho que os de 3ª nas respostas a questões explícitas. A 4ª série apresentou melhor desempenho nas questões implícitas que todas as outras séries, em ambas as redes. Estes resultados evidenciaram a influência dos diferentes textos utilizados em cada série. CONCLUSÃO: apenas nas 5ªs e 6ªs séries foi verificado melhor desempenho da rede particular em relação à pública, nas respostas a questões de conhecimento implícito. Todos os escolares mostraram ter alcançado algum nível de compreensão de leitura do texto.
A inteligibilidade do desvio fonológico julgada por três grupos de julgadores
Authors: Donicht Gabriele , Pagliarin Karina Carlesso , Mota Helena Bolli , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: October 2009

TEMA: a inteligibilidade do desvio fonológico. Objetivo: comparar a inteligibilidade julgada do desvio fonológico a partir da análise de três grupos distintos de julgadores. MÉTODO: a pesquisa foi composta de duas amostras, uma amostra julgada (30 sujeitos com desvio fonológico) e outra julgadora (fonoaudiólogas, leigas e mães). Foi analisada a fala espontânea das crianças através da narração de três seqüências lógicas, as quais foram analisadas pelas julgadoras, acompanhadas por algumas questões para marcação da inteligibilidade. Para análise dos dados, foi realizada a MODA das 90 narrativas, possibilitando a análise estatística dos dados através da análise de concordância-Kappa. RESULTADOS: a análise mostrou maior concordância entre os grupos de juízes para os extremos das possibilidades de julgamento (boa e insuficiente). A concordância entre todos os grupos de julgadores foi substancial para o julgamento da inteligibilidade boa sendo mais difícil o julgamento da inteligibilidade regular. CONCLUSÃO: observou-se que quanto mais foi julgada ininteligível a fala, mais severa foi a sua classificação pelos grupos de julgadores participantes.
Voz e fala de Parkinsonianos durante situações de amplificação, atraso e mascaramento
Authors: Coutinho Sylvia Boechat , Diaféria Giovana , Oliveira Gisele , Behlau Mara
Published: October 2009

TEMA: indivíduos com doença de Parkinson apresentam alterações de voz e fala, principalmente em relação à loudness e velocidade de fala. OBJETIVO: verificar o efeito imediato do monitoramento auditivo modificado: amplificação, atraso e mascaramento na voz e fala de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, de acordo com os sexos. MÉTODO: 26 indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, 15 homens e 11 mulheres, com faixa etária entre 40 e 86 anos e idade média de 69 anos. O material de fala consistiu na contagem de vinte a zero, quatro vezes, em quatro diferentes situações de escuta: habitual, amplificada, atrasada e mascarada. Para análise perceptivo-auditiva foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros: qualidade vocal, loudness, pitch, nível geral de tensão, velocidade de fala e articulação. A avaliação foi realizada por cinco fonoaudiólogas especialistas em voz. Para a análise acústica foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros: freqüência fundamental, intensidade e tempo máximo de fonação. RESULTADOS: Por meio da análise perceptivo-auditiva, verificou-se melhora da qualidade vocal, aumento da loudness, maior tensão e melhor articulação na situação de mascaramento; piora da qualidade vocal, redução da loudness, menor tensão, lentificação na velocidade de fala e piora na articulação nas situações de atraso e amplificação. Na análise acústica, observou-se aumento da freqüência fundamental e intensidade vocal sob mascaramento e aumento do tempo máximo de fonação sob atraso. CONCLUSÃO: A situação de mascaramento produz melhores efeitos imediatos na voz e na fala dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson e as situações de amplificação e atraso não produzem modificações imediatas satisfatórias.
A ecolalia no desenvolvimento da linguagem de pessoas autistas: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Saad Andressa Gouveia de Faria , Goldfeld Marcia
Published: October 2009

TEMA: a ecolalia é um dos sintomas mais comuns dentre as características da linguagem no Autismo. OBJETIVO: oferecer uma revisão bibliográfica detalhada sobre o papel da ecolalia no desenvolvimento da linguagem de pessoas autistas, seguida de discussão sobre seu uso na prática clínica fonoaudiológica. As pesquisas mostram classificações e critérios de análise da ecolalia no contexto discursivo. Alguns estudos se posicionam contra seu uso afirmando que a ecolalia não tem função comunicativa e, por isso, deve ser desestimulada; outros defendem que a ecolalia tem um valor comunicativo, podendo ser inclusive utilizada em terapia fonoaudiológica. CONCLUSÃO: a pesquisa nos leva a refletir sobre a importância de avaliar as condições em que a ecolalia ocorre, antes de classificá-la como comunicativa ou não.
Suicidal ideation among students enrolled in healthcare training programs: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alexandrino-Silva Clóvis , Pereira Maira Lazarini Guimarães , Bustamante Carlos , Ferraz André Corrêa de Toledo , Baldassin Sergio , Andrade Arthur Guerra de , Alves Tânia Corrêa de Toledo Ferraz
Published: October 2009

Objective: We aimed to assess the presence of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms and symptoms of hopelessness in three healthcare training programs. Method: The study's population comprised all students enrolled at the Medical School of the Fundação do ABC, Brazil, from 2006 to 2007 compared to students enrolled in nursing and pharmacy programs. We applied the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Hopeless Scale to assess psychiatric symptomatology. The general response rates of the medical, nursing, and pharmacy students were 56%, 56% and 61%, respectively. Results: There was no difference regarding the presence of suicidal ideation among medical, nursing and pharmacy students. There was also no difference regarding the presence of either depression or hopelessness in medical students in comparison to nursing and pharmacy students. In comparison to nursing and pharmacy students, significantly higher severity rates in terms of hopelessness were observed only among medical students. Conclusion: Although we did not observe significant differences regarding suicidal ideation and depression among the three healthcare programs, our findings suggest that the presence of suicidal ideation is indeed a source of concern. Early identification of these symptoms is crucial in order to offer appropriate support and treatment and prevent deaths by suicide.
Sobre o ingresso, desistência e permanência no curso de física da Universidade Estadual de Londrina: algumas reflexões
Authors: Arruda Sergio de Mello , Ueno Michele Hidemi
Published: October 2009

O presente trabalho descreve os resultados parciais de uma dissertação de mestrado em andamento na Universidade Estadual de Londrina, cujo objetivo é refletir sobre as razões das desistências e das persistências de estudantes do curso de Física, tendo como referencial teórico a psicanálise lacaniana. Inicialmente analisamos dois relatórios, um da licenciatura e um do bacharelado, a partir dos quais foi possível obter uma visão geral das desistências, retenções e terminalidade do curso de Física da nossa instituição nos últimos 10 anos. Em seguida comentamos alguns resultados obtidos a partir do estudo de um caso, realizado com um aluno do primeiro ano do curso, através dos quais estamos procurando ter uma visão mais profunda sobre as diversas motivações e interesses que alguns estudantes apresentam ao ingressar no curso, bem como sobre eventuais fatores que ao motivar ou desmotivar os alunos exercem algum tipo de influência sobre sua permanência no curso.
La célula vista por el alumnado
Authors: Rodríguez Palmero Maria Luz
Published: October 2009

Utilizando como marco teórico de referencia la Teoría de los Modelos Mentales de Johnson-Laird, se analizan los dibujos elaborados por estudiantes de Biología de COU como representaciones externas, con objeto de establecer deducciones e inferencias sobre los posibles modelos mentales generados para hacer dichos dibujos, como representaciones internas. De este modo, se estudian esos modos de ver la célula que genera el alumnado, comparando con lo que se plasma en los libros de texto. De ello se deduce que efectivamente se generan esas representaciones icónicas, que son diversas, y que lo que ofrecen los materiales curriculares puede estar ejerciendo una influencia negativa en los modos de construir esas representaciones internas relativas a la célula, de cara a su comprensión.
Pluralismo metodológico no ensino de ciências
Authors: Laburú Carlos Eduardo , Arruda Sérgio de Mello , Nardi Roberto
Published: October 2009

Inspirados numa leitura epistemológica feyerabendiana, este trabalho sugere uma abordagem metodológica pluralista para o ensino das ciências. Defendemos que esse estratagema didático seja potencialmente mais eficaz para a aprendizagem, na medida em que procura dar conta do espectro de questões que se apresentam na sala de aula.
O pensamento dialético de Bento de Jesus Caraça e sua concepção da educação matemática
Authors: Medeiros Cleide Farias de , Medeiros Alexandre
Published: October 2009

Este texto enfoca a vida e a obra de Bento de Jesus Caraça, matemático e educador português da primeira metade do século XX que muito influenciou a produção em Educação Matemática em língua portuguesa. Tecendo alguns importantes fragmentos biográficos tentamos construir uma visão deste importante personagem na qual ele possa ser contemplado em toda a extensão do significado humanístico de sua vida e do impacto educacional e da atualidade de sua obra, assinalando o centenário do seu nascimento. Importa-nos tornar clara a perfeita sintonia existente entre as suas convicções socialistas e a sua prática como educador. Esta vinculação é apontada como sendo decorrente, principalmente, da sua interpretação dialética da história e da produção do conhecimento.
Identité et résistance: fondements et enjeux philosophiques
Authors: Zarader Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2009

La résistance est toujours résistance à une hégémonie ou à une homogénéisation, à ce que Derrida nomme une "homohégémonie". Elle entre toujours en résistance à la figure de la maîtrise - et d'abord dans le domaine de la culture. C'est contre la prétention hégémonique de la raison hégélienne - et donc de l'universel -, entendue comme l'identité absolue à soi, que la philosophie contemporaine entre en résistance. Elle s'efforce, en effet, renonçant au fantasme d'une pureté originaire, de penser une identité qui non seulement accueille une altérité mais se laisse altérer par elle. Qu'il s'agisse de jazz ou de langue, d'interprétation (Adorno et Patrick Williams) ou de traduction (Walter Benjamin), qu'il s'agisse même de l'art contemporain et de son rapport au Musée (Breton, Picasso, Malraux), c'est toujours dans la résistance que se constitue une véritable identité - qui est refus d'une clôture sur soi.
Pensar a partir da literatura: da importância dos estudos ibero-americanos
Authors: Ribeiro Margarida Calafate
Published: October 2009

Pensando a partir da literatura este artigo procura demonstrar a relevância do pensamento latino-americano e dos estudos ibero-americanos para o pensamento contemporâneo português e, em particular, para pensar o pós-colonialismo português.
Un théâtre de "l'hypothèse communiste"?
Authors: Neveux Olivier
Published: October 2009

"Théâtre politique" ne signifie, bien souvent, pas grand chose - pas plus que l'incantation, certes valorisante, "tout théâtre est politique". Mais que désigne en ce cas la politique ? Il est proposé, dans cet article, d'entendre "politique" au sens de "communisme", tel que le philosophe Alain Badiou, dans sa théorie de l'émancipation, en a récemment thématisé ces principaux points. Il est en effet émis l'hypothèse d'une "hypothèse communiste". Ce travail se propose dès lors d'interroger les potentielles incidences sur le "théâtre politique" (un théâtre de "l'hypothèse communiste") du rattachement de la politique aux seules perspectives émancipatrices et égalitaires. Par là, il souhaite esquisser, à la suite de Badiou, une première périodisation de ce théâtre, réfléchir à l'appréhension de son histoire et amorcer, conséquemment, l'étude de ses enjeux et de ses tâches.
Da política à literatura: o percurso de Ignazio Silone
Authors: Peterle Patricia
Published: October 2009

A primeira metade do século XX pode ser perfilada por inúmeros acontecimentos histórico-políticos e culturais que influenciaram toda uma geração de escritores, artistas e intelectuais. É nesta complexa trama que se (inter)relacionam os binômios história e literatura e literatura e política, e nela podem ser inseridos a produção intelectual e o percurso de Ignazio Silone. Os escritos literários e não desse autor italiano refletem a sua inserção no mundo e a experiência do vivido, que são também caracterizadas pelos regimes totalitários, pelo fascismo, pelo antifascismo e pelo exílio. Marcas de uma existência que permeiam e nutrem o discurso literário siloniano.
Língua, discurso e política
Authors: Fiorin José Luiz
Published: October 2009

Este trabalho, depois de discutir o sentido da palavra política, mostra que há quatro possíveis abordagens para a questão das relações entre língua, discurso e política: a) a natureza intrinsecamente política da linguagem e das línguas; b) as relações de poder entre os discursos e sua dimensão política; c) as relações de poder entre as línguas e a dimensão política de seu uso; d) as políticas linguísticas. Este texto desenvolve apenas os dois primeiros itens. A linguagem e as línguas têm uma natureza intrinsecamente política, porque sujeitam os falantes a sua ordem. Os silenciamentos operados pelo discurso manifestam uma relação de poder. A circulação dos discursos no espaço social está também submetida à ordem do poder. Os usos linguísticos podem ser o espaço da pertença, mas também da exclusão, da separação e até da eliminação do outro. Por isso, a língua não é um instrumento neutro de comunicação, mas é atravessada pela política, pelo poder, pelos poderes. A literatura, pelos deslocamentos que produz, é uma forma de trapacear a língua, desvelando os poderes nela inscritos.
Poison pills no Brasil: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Vieira Jorge , Martins Eliseu , Fávero Luiz Paulo Lopes
Published: October 2009

O objetivo precípuo deste trabalho foi fazer uma incursão sobre as poison pills. Quais são os aspectos conceituais, assim como as disposições legais e regulamentares aplicáveis às poison pills. Um levantamento das companhias abertas que se valem do referido instrumento defensivo, com corte até junho de 2006, foi procedido, de modo a saber que peculiaridades podem ser observadas em nosso ambiente. Ainda quanto ao objetivo do trabalho, foram apreciadas teorias que procuram explicar o comportamento de administradores de companhias com poison pills em termos de alinhamento de interesses pessoais com os da firma. Com este estudo exploratório, espera-se que uma nova área de pesquisa empírica possa ser desenvolvida no Brasil. Teorias aqui apresentadas podem e devem ser objeto de investigações futuras, de modo a secontribuir com a literatura sobre o tema no Brasil. É de todo prudente considerar nos trabalhos empíricos aspectos idiossincráticos do mercado de capitais brasileiro e a própria prematuridade dessas companhias, antes de qualquer conclusão friamente calcada nos números.
Evidenciação voluntária: fatores explicativos da extensão da informação sobre recursos intangíveis
Authors: Macagnan Clea Beatriz
Published: October 2009

A redução da assimetria de informação contribui para uma melhor distribuição econômica e oportunidades de investimentos. Partindo desse pressuposto, este artigo identifica fatores que influenciam a extensão da evidenciação de informação voluntária, sobre os recursos intangíveis, de empresas listadas na Bolsa Espanhola. Para a análise, utiliza-se a técnica de mínimos quadrados ordinários. Os resultados apontam que fatores como: o tamanho, o setor, o endividamento, o grau de internacionalização, os anos de existência e a diferença entre o preço da ação sobre o valor contábil da empresa explicam a maior extensão da evidenciação de informação de recursos intangíveis. Já, fatores tais como a rentabilidade, o grau de monopólio e o capital flutuante da empresa, explicam a menor extensão da evidenciação dessas informações.
Determinantes da estrutura de capital das companhias abertas no Brasil, México e Chile no período 2001-2006
Authors: Bastos Douglas Dias , Nakamura Wilson Toshiro
Published: October 2009

O presente estudo investiga os determinantes da estrutura de capital, utilizando a técnica de painel de dados estático, para uma amostra de 297 empresas, de diversos setores, pertencentes ao Brasil, México e Chile, no período entre 2001 e 2006, a fim de determinar a importância relativa dos fatores específicos da empresa. A partir de seis indicadores de nível de endividamento (contábil total e de curto e longo prazo, total a valor de mercado e financeiros onerosos de curto e longo prazo), foi evidenciado que os fatores específicos da firma: liquidez corrente, rentabilidade, market to book value e tamanho apresentaram os resultados mais significantes para a estrutura de capital das empresas dos três países. Dentre as quatro correntes teóricas analisadas (Trade off, Assimetria de informações, Pecking order e Agência), a teoria do Pecking order parece ser aquela que melhor explica os resultados obtidos para o Brasil e México. Para o Chile, além do Pecking order, a teoria do Trade off exerce forte influência sobre a estrutura de capital.
NCCTG Study N9741: Leveraging Learning from an NCI Cooperative Group Phase III Trial
Authors: Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Morton Roscoe F. , Green Erin , Sanoff Hanna K. , McLeod Howard , Buckner Jan
Published: October 2009

N9741 is a clinical trial in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that was originally written in 1997 and completed patient accrual in 2004. One thousand seven hundred thirty-one patients were enrolled in the study. During the conduct of the trial, N9741 was repeatedly modified to adapt to toxicity findings, to add evaluation of oxaliplatin to what was originally a trial examining various schedules of irinotecan-based therapy, and to ask evolving questions. The trial led to a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration indication for 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin as indicated for the treatment of previously untreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and helped to change the standard of care for the disease in the U.S. and worldwide. The data from the trial have been used to study multiple regimens, pharmacogenetics, and quality of life issues, to correlate plasma protein levels with outcomes, to inform trial methodology, and to perform economic analyses. To date nearly 30 papers and an even larger number of abstracts have been based upon data arising from the study. The history of the trial and the major findings are summarized in this review.
Relative taxonomic and ecologic stability in Devonian marine faunas of New York State: a test of coordinated stasis
Authors: Ivany Linda C. , Brett Carlton E. , Wall Heather L. B. , Wall Patrick D. , Handley John C.
Published: October 2009

The concept of coordinated stasis, manifest as a pattern of long intervals of concurrent taxonomic and ecologic persistence separated by comparatively abrupt periods of biotic change, has been challenged in recent studies that claim a lack of prolonged persistence of taxa and associations. A key problem has been the difficulty of distinguishing faunal change owing to localized, short-term environmental fluctuation or patchiness from that indicating regionally pervasive, long-term evolutionary or ecological change. Here, we use an extensive database from the Middle Devonian Hamilton Group of the Appalachian Basin to test for taxonomic and ecologic persistence within this ecological-evolutionary subunit, a succession of purported relative stability. Replicate samples collected from many localities and stratigraphic horizons over a wide geographic area allow us to address the effects of small-scale environmental variation and localized faunal patchiness while exploring basin-scale variation in faunal composition within and between the formations of the Hamilton Group.

Observed stratigraphic distributions of fossils are consistent with a scenario in which all taxa are present from bottom to top of the Hamilton Group, and absences result only from sampling failure. Although small-scale variation in faunal composition indeed does occur, there is no more variation among formations than occurs within them. Assemblages from different formations, whether they are defined by taxonomic or ecologic composition, are statistically indistinguishable according to several independent metrics, including ANOSIM and a maximum likelihood estimation that evaluates stratigraphic turnover using Bayesian “Information Criterion.” Simulated data sets indicate that test results are most consistent with species-level extinction of 2.6% per Myr within the Hamilton Group, far lower than the Givetian rate of 11.5% per Myr generic extinction derived from a global database. Such faunal persistence over the ~5.5 Myr encompassed by this unit is consistent with the pattern of coordinated stasis. Earlier studies showing greater amounts of temporal turnover in Hamilton Group faunas are likely influenced by their smaller geographic scale of analysis, suggesting that regional studies done elsewhere may yield similar results.
Evidence for extinction selectivity throughout the marine invertebrate fossil record
Authors: Janevski G. Alex , Baumiller Tomasz K.
Published: October 2009

The fossil record has been used to show that in some geologic intervals certain traits of taxa may increase their survivability, and therefore that the risk of extinction is not randomly distributed among taxa. It has also been suggested that traits that buffer against extinction in background times do not confer the same resistance during mass extinction events. An open question is whether at any time in geologic history extinction probabilities were randomly distributed among taxa. Here we use a method for detecting random extinction to demonstrate that during both background and mass extinction times, extinction of marine invertebrate genera has been nonrandom with respect to species richness categories of genera. A possible cause for this nonrandom extinction is selective clustering of extinctions in genera consisting of species which possess extinction-biasing traits. Other potential causes considered here include geographic selectivity, increased extinction susceptibility for species in species-rich genera, or biases related to taxonomic practice and/or sampling heterogeneity. An important theoretical result is that extinction selectivity at the species level cannot be smoothly extrapolated upward to genera; the appearance of random genus extinction with respect to species richness of genera results when extinction has been highly selective at the species level.
Assessing the role of abundance in marine bivalve extinction over the post-Paleozoic
Authors: Simpson Carl , Harnik Paul G.
Published: October 2009

Abundance is one of the primary factors believed to influence extinction yet little is known about its relationship to extinction rates over geologic time. Using data from the Paleobiology Database we show that abundance was an important factor in the extinction dynamics of marine bivalve genera over the post-Paleozoic. Contrary to expectations, our analyses reveal a nonlinear relationship between abundance and extinction rates, with rare and abundant genera exhibiting rates elevated over those of genera of moderate abundance. This U-shaped pattern is a persistent feature of the post-Paleozoic history of marine bivalves and provides one possible explanation for why we find strong support for heterogeneous extinction rates among genera grouped by similarity in abundance yet effectively no net relationship among these rates when using models of directional selection on abundance.
Salivary Cortisol and Psychopathology in Adults Bereaved by the September 11, 2001 Terror Attacks
Authors: Pfeffer Cynthia R. , Altemus Margaret , Heo Moonseong , Jiang Hong
Published: October 2009

Objective:

This prospective study aimed to describe the nature and time course of HPA axis dysregulation and psychopathology among terror-bereaved spouses.

Method:

Twenty-three spouses bereaved from September 11, 2001 terror attacks and 22 nonbereaved spouses were compared using a psychiatric diagnostic interview (SCID), 3 days of salivary cortisol collection, and a dexamethasone suppression test. Most subjects had repeated assessments at 6 month intervals during the 2 year study.

Results:

After September 11, 2001, bereaved compared to nonbereaved had significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 68.1% versus 0%) and major depressive disorder (MDD; 45.5% versus 9.5%). Bereaved had significantly higher morning basal cortisol and less afternoon postdexamethasone cortisol suppression than nonbereaved. Among bereaved, those with PTSD without comorbid MDD had significantly greater afternoon postdexamethasone cortisol suppression than those without psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

Terror-related spouse death is a severe stressor associated with persistent HPA axis activation, PTSD, and MDD. However, bereaved spouses who developed PTSD and were not depressed had enhanced post-dexamethasone cortisol suppression, evidence of heightened glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity.
Everything Changed: Spiritual Transformation in People with HIV
Authors: Kremer Heidemarie , Ironson Gail
Published: October 2009

Objectives:

Spiritual Transformation (ST) is accompanied by dramatic changes in spiritual beliefs along with major changes in behaviors, self-view, and attitudes. This study examined types of ST, as well as its antecedents and consequences in people with HIV.

Method:

Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interviews about ST in people's lives in two samples: people with chronic HIV-disease ( chronic disease sample, n = 74) and people with HIV who identified themselves as spiritual ( spiritual sample, n = 73).

Results:

ST occurred in 39% of the chronic disease and 75% of the spiritual sample. These STs were generally positive (95%) and enduring ( M = 8.71 α 7.43 years). ST was most frequently associated with spiritual experience (in particular near-death experience), substance-use recovery, and HIV/AIDS-diagnosis. Main antecedents were substance-use disorder, education/upbringing, and desire to change. Further themes were depression/helplessness, confrontation with illness/death, social support, and lifestyle. The top six consequences include spiritual intensification, more spiritual practices, positive feelings toward self, recovery from substance-use, finding new meaning and purpose in life, and increased self-knowledge. In the spiritual sample, there was a common pattern of hitting rock bottom with drugs, having a spiritual experience (in particular a near-death experience), and joining a drug program.

Conclusions:

Positive ST occurs in a sizable proportion of people with HIV. Importantly, ST often results in an enduring substance-use recovery, and an improved quality of life as indicated by enhanced gratitude, appreciation, joy, sense of peace, and reduced fear of death.
The Role of Brief Motivational Intervention on Self-Efficacy and Abstinence in a Cohort of Patients with Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Romo Lucia , Strat Yann Le , Aubry Caroline , Marquez Sonia , Houdeyer Karine , Batel Philippe , Adès Jean , Gorwood Philip
Published: October 2009

Objectives:

Brief interventions are effective in reducing heavy drinking in the general population but few studies examined whether it is also effective in alcohol dependent patients, and whether brief intervention increases self-efficacy.

Method:

One hundred and seven patients with alcohol-dependence were randomized in a controlled trial examining the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention on both self-efficacy level and days of abstinence.

Results:

We found that brief motivational interventions had no effect on days of abstinence, nor on self-efficacy, but that high self-efficacy was consistently correlated with a longer period of abstinence, at all assessment-points.

Conclusion:

Self-efficacy appears to be a crucial prognosis factor, and is not influenced by brief motivational interventions. Other types of specific psychotherapy, probably more intensive, may be more efficient in alcohol-dependent patients than motivational interventions.
Unexplained Chronic Fatigue and Interpersonal Problems: A Study in a Primary Care Population
Authors: Vandenbergen Jan , Vanheule Stijn , Desmet Mattias , Verhaeghe Paul
Published: October 2009

Objective:

Unexplained fatigue syndromes are multidimensional phenomena that involve a constellation of symptoms. This article explores whether typical interpersonal problems are associated with self-reported and clinically-rated fatigue symptoms in chronically fatigued patients. We hypothesize that the severity of fatigue symptoms will be associated with a pattern of withdrawal from social interaction.

Method:

Interpersonal problems were assessed by means of a self-report questionnaire. Chronic fatigue was assessed with a self-report questionnaire (both self-rated and clinically-rated) in a primary care Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) group ( N = 52) and compared with two other clinical populations (minor medical condition: N = 51; chronic organic disease: N = 52).

Results:

Compared to patients with a minor medical condition, CFS patients are substantially more fatigued and more socially withdrawn. Compared to patients with a chronic organic disease, somewhat more fatigue-related disability was observed in CFS patients, but no distinct interpersonal problems came to the fore. CFS patients and physicians proved to differ in their opinion on the patient's motivation. In line with the hypothesis, self-rated and clinically-scored fatigue problems proved to be related to a pattern of withdrawal from social interaction.

Conclusion:

Differences between physicians' and patients in how symptoms are interpreted might be related to patients feeling misunderstood and result in social withdrawal.
Computational Models for the Determination of Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolics in Dietary Supplements Using Real-Time Proton Transfer Kinetics Data
Authors: Idowu Sunday O , Adeyemo Morenikeji A , Itiola Ademola J
Published: October 2009

Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) underlies free-radical chain-breaking by phenolic compounds. Using linear free energy relationship (LFER) analysis, proton transfer kinetics was hypothesized as a surrogate rate process for HAT. Phenol red is a probe that is easily oxidized to highly absorbing specie by hydroxyl ion. Absorbance decay of oxidized phenol red was induced by incremental proton transfer from a model phenolic (resorcinol). Global best-fit kinetics profile of resorcinol approximates a mono-exponential decay model (R2 = 0.991) as a limiting law. Proton transfer rate constant (Kptt) versus concentration reveal the utility of the slope (?aoc) of the linear plot (r2= 0.990) as a sensitive predictor of phenolic antioxidant capacity. Superior antioxidant capacity profile of a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement: Garcinia kola seed extract, optimally obeyed a mixed linear/mono-exponential decay equation. Model robustness and selectivity for phenolics was achieved by specifying mathematical constraints as acceptance criteria. The method is more biologically relevant for chain-breaking antioxidants than free-radical-based assays because it captures antioxidant structure-function relationships. Further validation studies, using structurally diverse polyphenols, are warranted to ascertain general utility of the kinetic assay for achieving quality by design (QbD) in phenolic dietary supplement products.
Modeling migration attempts and the role of gender in Albania
Authors: Litchfield Julie , Reilly Barry
Published: October 2009

This paper uses the 2002 Albanian Living Standards Measurement Survey to model whether an individual has attempted to migrate conditional on having previously considered migrating. The study addresses the methodological concerns that arise from potential selection bias and empirical issues associated with gender differences. We test for the presence of selection bias using a bivariate probit and apply an Oaxaca-style decomposition technique to analyze gender differentials in the conditional probability of attempted migration. We focus on the roles an individual's living standard, geographic location and local labour market conditions exert on the attempt to migrate. Our empirical findings suggest that there are significant differences in both the conditional probability of attempting to migrate and the relative importance of determining factors across gender.
Regulatory reform in five western Balkan countries: Evidence and perspectives
Authors: Penev Slavica , Marusic Andreja
Published: October 2009

This Paper analyses the importance of regulatory reform for the creation of an effective legal and regulatory system in Western Balkan countries. The authors explore the progress achieved in this reform area, arguing that regulatory reform was mostly partial, focused on specific sectors and areas, and lacked a strategic approach. It was focused on the simplification of existing regulation and the implementation of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). The paper concludes that in order to secure the sustainability of the regulatory reform progress, especially in the period of economic crisis, the countries in the region should apply a strategic approach in this area, focusing on the improvement of the quality of regulations and the reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens that affect business activities and investments. The process of the establishment of a competitive legal and regulatory environment should be strongly correlated with the continuation of the EU harmonization process and with the regional cooperation among the countries in the region.
Determinants of bank profitability: Evidence from the Greek banking sector
Authors: Alexiou Constantinos , Sofoklis Voyazas
Published: October 2009

This paper investigates the effects of bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability, using an empirical framework that incorporates the traditional Structure-Conduct- Performance (SCP) hypothesis. A panel data approach has been adopted and effectively applied to six Greek banks. The evidence generated suggests that for any consistent or systematic size the profitability relationship is relatively weak. Most of the bank-specific determinants were found to significantly affect bank profitability. A more ambiguous picture emerged when the macroeconomic factors were considered.
Weed control and grain yield in double-cropped soybean
Authors: Simic Milena , Momirovic Nebojsa , Dolijanovic Zeljko , Radosevic Zeljko
Published: October 2009

The effects of different herbicide combinations: control (1), alachlor+linuron (2), and alachlor+linuron+imazethapyr (3) were investigated in double-cropped soybean grown in two row spacing variants, 38 cm and 76 cm, under conventional tillage (CT) or no-tillage (NT). In trials conducted on a sandy loam soil at Zemun Polje, high weediness had a negative effect of on the yield of double-cropped soybean, especially at the higher row spacing tested and with no-tillage. Regression and correlation data revealed a dependence of weediness in double-cropped soybean on tillage system and herbicide combination, and dependence of soybean yield on tillage system.
Efficacy and palatability of different rodenticide formulations applied against house mouse (Mus musculus L.) in plant storage facilities
Authors: Jokic Goran , Vuksa Marina , Djedovic Suzana
Published: October 2009

Palatability (daily intake) of different rodenticide formulations based on bromadiolone was compared in experiments with house mouse (Mus musculus L.) in agricultural storage facilities, and rodent numbers were assessed at the beginning and end of experiment, as well as rodenticide efficacy. The dynamic of bait intake was monitored for ten days in facilities of the Institute of Animal Husbandry in Zemun and the Agricultural Cooperatives at Starcevo and Omoljica. The experiments complied with the relevant standard method of OEPP/EPPO. Agricultural products were stored either as bulk commodities or in sacs laid on pallete racks in the treated facilities. Baits were laid in boxes on mice routes below palletes holding sacs and on places where significant damage had been observed, at 1-3 m spacing and in 10-20 g portions. Mouse abundance was estimated based on the highest and lowest daily intakes of bait by mice over a period of 10 days, which was divided by the mouse daily feed requirement. The presence of house mouse was also monitored over the next 20 days. The efficacy of test products was computed using Abbott's formula.
Chemical control of curled dock (Rumex crispus L.) and other weeds in noncropped areas
Authors: Dimitrova Tsvetanka , Marinov-Serafimov Plamen
Published: October 2009

Rumex crispus L. is an invasive species widespread in our country and in particular in the region of North Bulgaria. It is characterized by high biological and ecological plasticity. Owing to its great reproductive potential, the weed has been assigned to the list of economically most important weeds in the country. With the purpose of studying the possibility of chemical weed control in noncropped areas with heavy natural background infestation with R. crispus L. and other dicotyledonous weeds, two field trials were carried out. A ready-to-use herbicide mixture 2,4-D 140.2 g/l-1 + Triclopyr 144 g/l-1, trade product Genoxon 3X (X0050), was tested at two doses of active ingredient, 3552 and 2842 ml/ha-1. It was found that: (1) population density of Rumex crispus L. can be successfully reduced by treatment at the stage of early stem formation; herbicide efficacy with 3552 and 2882 ml/ha-1 doses on the 21st day after treatment was 100% and 90.5%, respectively, at the end of vegetation 94.4 and 85.7%, respectively; (2) herbicidal efficacy was lower when R. crispus L. was treated at the 5 - 6 leaf stage, being 100 - 94.1% and 80 - 76.5% respectively for the indicated doses and time of recording; (3) at the studied doses the herbicide controlled both annual dicotyledonous weeds (Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium album L., Portulaca oleracea L.) and perennial dicotyledonous ones (Cirsium arvense L., Sonchus arvensis L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Carduus acanthoides L.), but it was not toxic to monocotyledonous weeds.
Efficacy of different lambda-cyhalothrin formulations against ticks
Authors: Pavlovic Ivan , Husinec Suren , Djokic Vitomir , Vuksa Marina
Published: October 2009

Ticks (Acari:Ixodida) are arthropods of special biomedical importance, well known as transmitters of several zoonotic diseases. Various acaricides have been used to control them but their number has decreased over the years. Having this in mind, we examined in 2003-2005 the possibility of using a 5% microemulsion and an EC formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin to control ticks on dogs and sheep, and in houses. The 5% microemulsion of lambda-cyhalothrine caused tick mortality after 2-3 minutes. The efficacy of the 5% EC formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin was unsatisfactory.
Tomato spotted wilt virus: One of the most destructive plant viruses
Authors: Krstic Branka , Bulajic Aleksandra , Djekic Ivana , Berenji Janos
Published: October 2009

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has one of the largest host ranges among plant viruses and is widespread in all climates. TSWV is responsible for numerous epidemics in many parts of the world in different crops, mainly vegetables, tobacco and ornamentals. Its highly polyphagous nature, effectiveness of virus transmission by the thrips as its vectors, rapidity with which new variants arise, as well as difficulties in controlling the vectors make TSWV one of the most dangerous plant viruses. The ability of this virus to cause such severe losses on a broad range of crops, as well as its intriguing biological and molecular characteristics place TSWV amongst the most extensively studied plant viruses in the world at present. This paper provides a general overview of TSWV, encompassing all the major aspects of its biology and current knowledge on host range, symptomatology, molecular biology, vector relationship, control and diagnosis.
Susceptibility of bean genotypes to Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli in greenhouse conditions
Authors: Todorovic Biljana , Milijasevic Svetlana , Rekanovic Emil , Potocnik Ivana , Stepanovic Milos
Published: October 2009

Plants of 17 bean genotypes were evaluated under greenhouse conditions for their reaction to X. campestris pv. phaseoli, the causal agent of common blight of beans, following leaf-spray inoculation with bacterial suspension (108 cfu/ml). The plants were evaluated based on the number of leaf lesions, and the disease severity index (DSI) was calculated. The evaluated genotypes showed various levels of susceptibility to X. campestris pv. phaseoli strain VS-1. The results of both experiments showed that the cultivar Oreol was the most resistant. The genotypes: KB 142, HR-45, Tisa and Panonski tetovac also showed low susceptibility with DSI values in the first trial ranging from 2.27 to 3.60. The same genotypes, with the exception of Panonski tetovac, were also categorized as low-susceptible to the bacterium in the second experiment, having the DSI values between 2.27 and 3.60. Most genotypes (Slavonski zutozeleni, Zlatko, Biser, Sremac, Naya Nayahit) were categorized as susceptible in the first experiment, including Panonski tetovac in the second one, while the genotypes Dvadesetica, Prelom and Oplenac displayed the highest susceptibility in both trials.
The effect of pollen on some reproductive parameters of male rats
Authors: Selmanoğlu Güldeniz , Hayretdağ Sibel , Kolankaya Dürdane , Özkök-Tüylü Aslı , Sorkun Kadriye
Published: October 2009

Honeybee pollen is consumed as natural food in healthy human diet in many European and Asian countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pollen use on some reproductive parameters. In this study, mature male rats were fed on pollen of three different plant sources (Trifolium spp., Raphine's spp. and Cistus spp.) at 60 mg/per animal/ per day over a 30-day period. At the end of the treatment, testosterone levels of rats were analyzed and weights of testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle were recorded. In addition, epididymal sperms were counted. There were increases in testosterone levels, sperm counts and daily sperm production of rats fed with pollen of Raphine's spp. and Cists spp. There were no significant changes in absolute weights, except in prostate weights. Also there were no changes in relative testis, prostate and seminal vesicle weights of rats fed on pollen, but relative epididymis weights of rats in pollen groups decreased. The results of this study show that bee pollen caused an increase in testosterone level and sperm counts of male rats. We suggest that bee pollen has an androgenic effect.
Biological efficacy of herbicides for weed control in noncropped areas
Authors: Dimitrova Tsvetanka
Published: October 2009

An increasing problem facing agricultural producers is the invasion of weeds, perennial in particular, so that implementation of industrial technologies is impossible without their highly efficient and rational control. For the purpose of studying efficient herbicides for weed control in noncropped areas (stubbles), a biological study of five total systemic herbicides was conducted in areas under natural weed infestation and pressure from other surrounding weeds at the Institute of Forage Crops in Pleven in 2005-2007. The trials were carried out in field conditions using the block method with plot size of 20 m2. Treatment was conducted at the predominant stage of budding of perennial dicotyledonous weeds and earring of monocotyledonous weeds. Herbicidal efficacy was recorded on the EWRS 9-score scale (0-100% killed weeds = score 9-1). It was found that treatment of noncropped areas (stubbles) with the total systemic herbicides Touchdown System 4 (360 g/l glyphosate); Cosmic (360 g/l glyphosate); Roundup Plus (441 g/l glyphosate potassium salt); Leon 36 SL (360 g/l glyphosate) and Glyphos Super 45 SL (450 g/l glyphosate) was highly efficient, so that it was a successful element of a strategy for controlling weeds of different biological groups, and was especially effective against perennial weeds.