bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recording patient preferences for end-of-life care as an incentivized quality indicator: What do general practice staff think?
Authors: Hannon Kerin L , Lester Helen E , Campbell Stephen M
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Since April 2009, indicators for the UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pilot have been developed and piloted across a nationally representative sample of practices. In October 2009 a single palliative care indicator was piloted for 6 months that looked at, ‘ the percentage of patients on the palliative care register who have a preferred place to receive end-of-life care documented in the records’.

Aim: The aim of this study was to gain the views and experiences of general practice staff on whether the inclusion of a single incentivized indicator to record the preferred place to receive end-of-life care would improve the quality of palliative care. Any issues arising from its implementation in a pay-for-performance scheme were also explored.

Methods: Interviews took place with 57 members of staff in 24 practices: 21 GPs, 16 practice managers, 12 nurses and eight others (mostly information technology experts).

Results: The indicator was not deemed appropriate for incentivization due to concerns about incentivizing an isolated, single issue within a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary and complex topic. Palliative care was seen to be too sensitive and patient specific to be amenable to population-level quality measurement. In implementation, the indicator would pose potential harm to patients who may be asked about their end-of-life care at an inappropriate time and by a member of staff who may not be best placed to address this sensitive topic.

Conclusions: The most appropriate time to ask a patient about end-of-life care is subjective and patient specific and therefore does not lend itself to an inflexible single indicator. Focusing on one isolated question simplifies and distracts from a multi-faceted and complex issue and may lead to patient harm.
Acoustic energy harvesting from vortex-induced tonal sound in a baffled pipe
Authors: Hernandez R , Jung S , Matveev K I
Published: June 2011

Energy of high-amplitude sound that often appears in acoustic resonators with mean flow can be harnessed and converted into electricity for powering sensors and other devices. In this study, tests were conducted in a simple setup consisting of a pipe with a pair of baffles and a piezoelement. Tonal sound, corresponding to the second acoustic mode of the resonator, was excited due to vortex shedding/impinging on baffles in the presence of mean flow. Generated sound energy was partially converted into electrical energy by a piezoelement. About 0.55 mW of electric power was produced on a resistive electric load at acoustic pressure amplitudes in the pipe about 170 Pa and mean flow velocity 2.6 m/s.
Managing pathogenic circulation
Authors: Voelkner Nadine
Published: June 2011

This article traces the emergence of human security as a situated political strategy for managing the circulation of pathogens relating to Burmese migrant communities in Thailand. Specifically, it focuses on the intricate and productive interplay of a range of human and non-human elements that helped to bring forth and shape the vernacular micropolitics of human security. The article documents the techno-(bio)political mechanisms of the human security intervention in two of Thailand’s provinces. By enframing, ordering and depoliticizing the complex health world of Burmese migrants in terms of simple dichotomies in which ‘unruly’ nature (pathogens, diseases, bodies) is contrasted with human techno-scientific ingenuity (scientific evidence, technological innovations, managerial effectiveness), these mechanisms render the circulation of pathogens amenable to biopolitical governance. It is here argued that in the struggle to manage pathogenic circulation, human security transforms the issue of migrant health into a technical matter concerned with the (self-)management of bodies and the governmentalization of the Thai state to the exclusion of important but difficult questions concerning a violent politics of exclusion.
Industry Strength and Immigrant Policy in the American States
Authors: Nicholson-Crotty Jill , Nicholson-Crotty Sean
Published: June 2011

Despite the negative rhetoric surrounding the immigration issue, recent policy in many states has provided significant benefits to both legal and undocumented immigrants. Previous scholarship on state-level immigrant policy suggests that differences in the degree of public animosity toward this group may help to explain variation in state policy, but that work largely neglects the influence that industries that employ immigrants may have on state policy decisions. This essay develops the argument that industries that employ immigrants have a substantial impact on policy decisions in some states. It also suggests that the response of state policy makers to public pressure for more restrictive immigrant policy may be moderated by the political and economic importance of those industries. The authors test specific assertions drawn from this argument in an analysis of immigrant policy making in the American states between 2005 and 2007.
Longitudinal gender and age bias in a prominent amateur new media community
Authors: Warren Jonathan , Stoerger Sharon , Kelley Ken
Published: June 2011

Despite early hopes that the internet would facilitate more socially equitable communication, many age-old forms of discrimination appear to have been preserved. Men are routinely aggressive towards women, experienced users harass newcomers, and young people dominate new social and entertainment media. The current study statistically examines peer scoring and reviewing behavior by over 300,000 users of a prominent new media website over a seven-year period in terms of the gender and age of the users. Findings support previous research on male bias online as well as reveal a complex age hierarchy with gender interactions, which became rather homogeneous over time for all users except older males.
Preclinical studies on targeted delivery of multiple IFNα2b to HLA-DR in diverse hematologic cancers
Authors: Rossi Edmund A. , Rossi Diane L. , Cardillo Thomas M. , Stein Rhona , Goldenberg David M. , Chang Chien-Hsing
Published: June 2011

The short circulating half-life and side effects of IFNα affect its dosing schedule and efficacy. Fusion of IFNα to a tumor-targeting mAb (mAb-IFNα) can enhance potency because of increased tumor localization and improved pharmacokinetics. We used the Dock-and-Lock method to generate C2-2b-2b, a mAb-IFNα comprising tetrameric IFNα2b site-specifically linked to hL243 (humanized anti–HLA-DR). In vitro, C2-2b-2b inhibited various B-cell lymphoma leukemia and myeloma cell lines. In most cases, this immunocytokine was more effective than CD20-targeted mAb-IFNα or a mixture comprising the parental mAb and IFNα. Our findings indicate that responsiveness depends on HLA-DR expression/density and sensitivity to IFNα and hL243. C2-2b-2b induced more potent and longer-lasting IFNα signaling compared with nontargeted IFNα. Phosphorylation of STAT1 was more robust and persistent than that of STAT3, which may promote apoptosis. C2-2b-2b efficiently depleted lymphoma and myeloma cells from whole human blood but also exhibited some toxicity to B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. C2-2b-2b showed superior efficacy compared with nontargeting mAb-IFNα, peginterferonalfa-2a, or a combination of hL243 and IFNα, using human lymphoma and myeloma xenografts. These results suggest that C2-2b-2b should be useful in the treatment of various hematopoietic malignancies.
Noise reduction in protein-protein interaction graphs by the implementation of a novel weighting scheme
Authors: Kritikos George D , Moschopoulos Charalampos , Vazirgiannis Michalis , Kossida Sophia
Published: June 2011

Background

Recent technological advances applied to biology such as yeast-two-hybrid, phage display and mass spectrometry have enabled us to create a detailed map of protein interaction networks. These interaction networks represent a rich, yet noisy, source of data that could be used to extract meaningful information, such as protein complexes. Several interaction network weighting schemes have been proposed so far in the literature in order to eliminate the noise inherent in interactome data. In this paper, we propose a novel weighting scheme and apply it to the S. cerevisiae interactome. Complex prediction rates are improved by up to 39%, depending on the clustering algorithm applied.

Results

We adopt a two step procedure. During the first step, by applying both novel and well established protein-protein interaction (PPI) weighting methods, weights are introduced to the original interactome graph based on the confidence level that a given interaction is a true-positive one. The second step applies clustering using established algorithms in the field of graph theory, as well as two variations of Spectral clustering. The clustered interactome networks are also cross-validated against the confirmed protein complexes present in the MIPS database.

Conclusions

The results of our experimental work demonstrate that interactome graph weighting methods clearly improve the clustering results of several clustering algorithms. Moreover, our proposed weighting scheme outperforms other approaches of PPI graph weighting.
Meta-analysis of grain yield QTL identified during agricultural drought in grasses showed consensus
Authors: Swamy BP Mallikarjuna , Vikram Prashant , Dixit Shalabh , Ahmed HU , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2011

Background

In the last few years, efforts have been made to identify large effect QTL for grain yield under drought in rice. However, identification of most precise and consistent QTL across the environments and genetics backgrounds is essential for their successful use in Marker-assisted Selection. In this study, an attempt was made to locate consistent QTL regions associated with yield increase under drought by applying a genome-wide QTL meta-analysis approach.

Results

The integration of 15 maps resulted in a consensus map with 531 markers and a total map length of 1821 cM. Fifty-three yield QTL reported in 15 studies were projected on a consensus map and meta-analysis was performed. Fourteen meta-QTL were obtained on seven chromosomes. MQTL1.2, MQTL1.3, MQTL1.4, and MQTL12.1 were around 700 kb and corresponded to a reasonably small genetic distance of 1.8 to 5 cM and they are suitable for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS). The meta-QTL for grain yield under drought coincided with at least one of the meta-QTL identified for root and leaf morphology traits under drought in earlier reports. Validation of major-effect QTL on a panel of random drought-tolerant lines revealed the presence of at least one major QTL in each line. DTY

12.1
was present in 85% of the lines, followed by DTY

4.1
in 79% and DTY

1.1
in 64% of the lines. Comparative genomics of meta-QTL with other cereals revealed that the homologous regions of MQTL1.4 and MQTL3.2 had QTL for grain yield under drought in maize, wheat, and barley respectively. The genes in the meta-QTL regions were analyzed by a comparative genomics approach and candidate genes were deduced for grain yield under drought. Three groups of genes such as stress-inducible genes, growth and development-related genes, and sugar transport-related genes were found in clusters in most of the meta-QTL.

Conclusions

Meta-QTL with small genetic and physical intervals could be useful in Marker-assisted selection individually and in combinations. Validation and comparative genomics of the major-effect QTL confirmed their consistency within and across the species. The shortlisted candidate genes can be cloned to unravel the molecular mechanism regulating grain yield under drought.
Minimal regulatory spaces in yeast genomes
Authors: Chen Wei-Hua , Wei Wu , Lercher Martin J
Published: June 2011

Background

The regulatory information encoded in the DNA of promoter regions usually enforces a minimal, non-zero distance between the coding regions of neighboring genes. However, the size of this minimal regulatory space is not generally known. In particular, it is unclear if minimal promoter size differs between species and between uni- and bi-directionally acting regulatory regions.

Results

Analyzing the genomes of 11 yeasts, we show that the lower size limit on promoter-containing regions is species-specific within a relatively narrow range (80-255 bp). This size limit applies equally to regions that initiate transcription on one or both strands, indicating that bi-directional promoters and uni-directional promoters are constrained similarly. We further find that young, species-specific regions are on average much longer than older regions, suggesting either a bias towards deletions or selection for genome compactness in yeasts. While the length evolution of promoter-less intergenic regions is well described by a simplistic, purely neutral model, regions containing promoters typically show an excess of unusually long regions. Regions flanked by divergently transcribed genes have a bi-modal length distribution, with short lengths found preferentially among older regions. These old, short regions likely harbor evolutionarily conserved bi-directionally active promoters. Surprisingly, some of the evolutionarily youngest regions in two of the eleven species (S. cerevisiae and K. waltii) are shorter than the lower limit observed in older regions.

Conclusions

The minimal chromosomal space required for transcriptional regulation appears to be relatively similar across yeast species, and is the same for uni-directional and bi-directional promoters. New intergenic regions created by genome rearrangements tend to evolve towards the more narrow size distribution found among older regions.
Transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis of UV-B signaling in maize
Authors: Casati Paula , Campi Mabel , Morrow Darren J , Fernandes John F , Walbot Virginia
Published: June 2011

Background

Under normal solar fluence, UV-B damages macromolecules, but it also elicits physiological acclimation and developmental changes in plants. Excess UV-B decreases crop yield. Using a treatment twice solar fluence, we focus on discovering signals produced in UV-B-irradiated maize leaves that translate to systemic changes in shielded leaves and immature ears.

Results

Using transcriptome and proteomic profiling, we tracked the kinetics of transcript and protein alterations in exposed and shielded organs over 6 h. In parallel, metabolic profiling identified candidate signaling molecules based on rapid increase in irradiated leaves and increased levels in shielded organs; pathways associated with the synthesis, sequestration, or degradation of some of these potential signal molecules were UV-B-responsive. Exposure of just the top leaf substantially alters the transcriptomes of both irradiated and shielded organs, with greater changes as additional leaves are irradiated. Some phenylpropanoid pathway genes are expressed only in irradiated leaves, reflected in accumulation of pathway sunscreen molecules. Most protein changes detected occur quickly: approximately 92% of the proteins in leaves and 73% in immature ears changed after 4 h UV-B were altered by a 1 h UV-B treatment.

Conclusions

There were significant transcriptome, proteomic, and metabolomic changes under all conditions studied in both shielded and irradiated organs. A dramatic decrease in transcript diversity in irradiated and shielded leaves occurs between 0 h and 1 h, demonstrating the susceptibility of plants to short term UV-B spikes as during ozone depletion. Immature maize ears are highly responsive to canopy leaf exposure to UV-B.
An association between unrecognized gastroesophageal reflux disease and excessive daytime sleepiness in Taiwanese subjects suspected to have liver disease: a pilot study
Authors: Hu Jing-Hong , Lin Shih-Wei , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Chen Ning-Hung
Published: June 2011

Background

In traditional Chinese culture, liver disease is believed to underlie excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Consequently, Chinese patients with complaints of EDS and physicians who treat them suspect that a liver abnormality is present. If liver disease is ruled out, these patients are often discharged without treatment. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder also associated with EDS. This pilot study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of GERD among Taiwanese patients with complaints of EDS suspected to be related to liver disease but in whom no evidence for the latter was found.

Methods

From July 2009 to December 2009, 121 outpatients who presented to or were referred to the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Chiayi Gung Memorial Hospital for evaluation of a complaint of EDS thought to be due to liver disease were examined. Demographic data were collected, and physical examinations and liver function tests were performed. Forty-eight patients had liver disease and were excluded. The Chinese Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire (Chinese ESS) and the Chinese Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (CGERDQ) were then administered to 73 included patients.

Results

More than half (56.2%) of the included patients were found to suffer from GERD. Patients with symptoms of GERD had higher mean CGERDQ scores than patients without symptoms of the disorder (18.88 ± 5.49 and 5.56 ± 3.57, respectively; P < 0.001). Patients with symptoms of GERD also had higher mean Chinese ESS scores than patients without symptoms (8.80 ± 5.49 and 3.13 ± 3.50, respectively; P < 0.001). Chinese ESS scores indicative of EDS were observed in 48.8% of patients with symptoms of GERD and in 3.1% of those without symptoms (P < 0.001). Differences between the two groups retained their significance after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusions

A significant percentage of Taiwanese patients who complained of EDS and were admitted to our Hepatology/Gastroenterology Department due to a suspicion of liver disease actually had symptoms of GERD. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether treatment of GERD will effectively resolve EDS in these patients.
Why is spirometry underused in the diagnosis of the breathless patient: a qualitative study
Authors: Roberts Nicola J , Smith Susan F , Partridge Martyn R
Published: June 2011

Background

Use of spirometry is essential for the accurate diagnosis of respiratory disease but it is underused in both primary and specialist care. In the current study, we have explored the reasons for this underuse.

Methods

Five separate focus groups were undertaken with final year medical undergraduates, junior hospital doctors, general practitioners (GPs) and specialist trainees in respiratory medicine. The participants were not told prior to the session that we were specifically interested in their views about spirometry but discussion was moderated to elicit their approaches to the diagnosis of a breathless patient, their use of investigations and their learning preferences.

Results

Undergraduates and junior doctors rarely had a systematic approach towards the breathless patient and tended, unless prompted, to focus on the emergency room situation rather than on patients with longer term causes of breathlessness. Whilst their theoretical knowledge embraced the possibility of a non-respiratory cause for breathlessness, neither undergraduates nor junior doctors spontaneously mentioned the use of spirometry in the diagnosis of respiratory disease. When prompted they cited lack of familiarity with the use and location of equipment, and lack of encouragement to use it as being major barriers to utilization. In contrast, GPs and specialist respiratory trainees were enthusiastic about its use and perceived spirometry as a core element of the diagnostic workup.

Conclusions

More explicit training is needed regarding the role of spirometry in the diagnosis and management of those with lung disease and this necessitates both practical experience and training in interpretation of the data. However, formal teaching is likely to be undermined in practice, if the concept is not strongly promoted by the senior staff who act as role models and trainers.
Reference gene selection for gene expression studies using RT-qPCR in virus-infected planthoppers
Authors: Maroniche Guillermo A , Sagadín Mónica , Mongelli Vanesa C , Truol Graciela A , del Vas Mariana
Published: June 2011

Background

Planthoppers not only severely affect crops by causing mechanical damage when feeding but are also vectors of several plant virus species. The analysis of gene expression in persistently infected planthoppers might unveil the molecular basis of viral transmission. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) is currently the most accurate and sensitive method used for quantitative gene expression analysis. In order to normalize the resulting quantitative data, reference genes with constant expression during the experimental procedures are needed.

Results

Partial sequences of the commonly used reference genes actin (ACT), α1-tubulin (TUB), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1A), ribosomal protein S18 (RPS18) and polyubiquitin C (UBI) from Delphacodes kuscheli, a planthopper capable of persistently transmitting the plant fijivirus Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV), were isolated for the first time. Specific RT-qPCR primers were designed and the expression stability of these genes was assayed in MRCV-infective and naïve planthoppers using geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper tools. The overall analysis showed that UBI, followed by 18S and ACT, are the most suitable genes as internal controls for quantitative gene expression studies in MRCV-infective planthoppers, while TUB and EF1A are the most variable ones. Moreover, EF1A was upregulated by MRCV infection.

Conclusions

A RT-qPCR platform for gene expression analysis in the MRCV-infected planthopper vector Delphacodes kuscheli was developed. Our work is the first report on reference gene selection in virus-infected insects, and might serve as a precedent for future gene expression studies on MRCV and other virus-planthopper pathosystems.
Involvement of reperfusion injury salvage kinases in preconditioning depends critically on the preconditioning stimulus
Authors: Manintveld Olivier C , Sluiter Wim , Dekkers Dick H W , te Lintel Hekkert Maaike , Lamers Jos M J , Verdouw Pieter D , Duncker Dirk J
Published: June 2011

Different preconditioning stimuli can activate divergent signaling pathways. In rats, adenosine-independent pathways (triple 3-min coronary artery occlusion [3CAO3]) and adenosine-dependent pathways (one 15-min coronary artery occlusion [ICAO15]) exist, both ultimately converging at the level of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Furthermore, while 3CAO3, 1CAO15 and exogenous adenosine (ADO) are equally cardioprotective, only 1CAO15 increases interstitial myocardial adenosine levels. Reperfusion Injury Salvage Kinase (RISK) pathway kinases have been implicated in ischemic preconditioning, but not all preconditioning stimuli activate this pathway. Consequently, we evaluated in anesthetized rats the effects of three distinctly different preconditioning stimuli (3CAO3, 1CAO15 or ADO) on infarct size (IS), signaling pathways with a special emphasis on kinases belonging to the RISK pathway (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt-nitric oxide synthase and extracellular signal-related kinase [ERK]) and mitochondrial respiration. All three stimuli increased state-2 respiration (using succinate as complex-II substrate), thereby decreasing the respiratory control index, which was accompanied by a limitation of IS produced by a 60-min coronary artery occlusion (CAO). Nitric oxide synthase inhibition abolished the mitochondrial effects and the cardioprotection by 3CAO3, 1CAO15 or ADO. In contrast, the PI3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, blocked protection by 1CAO15, but did not affect protection by 3CAO3 or ADO. Western blotting confirmed that phosphorylation of Akt and ERK were increased by 1CAO15 (which was inhibited by wortmannin), but not by 3CAO3 or ADO. In conclusion, while the three cardioprotective stimuli 3CAO3, 1CAO15 and ADO afford cardioprotection via nitric oxide-mediated modulation of mitochondrial respiration, only the 1CAO15 exerts its protection via activation of kinases belonging to the RISK pathway.
The Two-Echelon Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem: Models and Math-Based Heuristics
Authors: Perboli Guido , Tadei Roberto , Vigo Daniele
Published: June 2011

Multiechelon distribution systems are quite common in supply-chain and logistics. They are used by public administrations in their transportation and traffic planning strategies, as well as by companies, to model own distribution systems. In the literature, most of the studies address issues relating to the movement of flows throughout the system from their origins to their final destinations. Another recent trend is to focus on the management of the vehicle fleets required to provide transportation among different echelons.

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it introduces the family of two-echelon vehicle routing problems (VRPs), a term that broadly covers such settings, where the delivery from one or more depots to customers is managed by routing and consolidating freight through intermediate depots. Second, it considers in detail the basic version of two-echelon VRPs, the two-echelon capacitated VRP, which is an extension of the classical VRP in which the delivery is compulsorily delivered through intermediate depots, named satellites.

A mathematical model for two-echelon capacitated VRP, some valid inequalities, and two math-heuristics based on the model are presented. Computational results of up to 50 customers and four satellites show the effectiveness of the methods developed.
Per l’interpretazione di Pind. Fr. 140 a S.-M. (= G 8 Ruth.)
Authors: Lucarini Carlo Martino
Published: June 2011

The fragment 140 a S.-M. = G 8 Ruth. is likely to deal with two different feats of Herakles. The lines b 21–b 33 seem to concern Cycnus (ξενοδαΐκτης βασιλεύς), an impious hero killed by Herakles by order of Apollo (the identifications of the ξενοδαΐκτης βασιλεύς with Laomedon or with an anonymous king of Paros are extremely unlikely). The rest of the fragment seems to concern the beginning of Herakles’ expedition against Laomedon. I think Pindarus presupposes a legend according to which Herakles spent the most part of his life in Thebes; such an interpretation might explain both the obscure expression πέραν ἰσϑμὸν διαβαίς and other details. The opinion the fragment belonged to the Paianes is in my view right.
Beyond the Word: Ink in the Islamic Manuscripts of Northern Nigeria
Authors: Biddle Michaelle L
Published: June 2011

This paper is focused on results of a survey and study in Northern Nigeria of the inks used in Islamic manuscripts and on related information on the extant traditional technologies of ink production. Knowledge of the specific inks used in the surviving, largely undated Northern Nigerian manuscripts written in Arabic script, often referred to as Islamic manuscripts, informs us about the society that created them and embeds their production within a specific cultural context. In a place such as Africa, where the historical record and archaeological heritage are so vulnerable, we look to all vestiges of material culture in order to expand out understanding of its people, its history and their culture. These manuscripts belong to the West African tradition of Islamic culture and scholarship, of which Timbuktu was a key center. Whilst another goal of the study was to establish a watermark chronology to provide information as to the papers‘ source, when particular papers were made, when manuscripts might have been copied, and their creators‘ paper preferences, the focus of this paper is on identifying and field-testing the inks used in these manuscripts. This study of over twelve thousand folios at fourteen manuscript Northern Nigerian repositories involved 4500 km of road travel and suggested a local, interrelated tradition of dye, ink and pigment fabrication. Preliminary data led to the hypothesis that the local technology provided the basis of the indigenous manuscript production, rather than one derived from the Mediterranean and the Islamic heartlands. Finally, the diversity of these manuscripts in Arabic script reflects a culture in which not everyone was Muslim but in which Islam played a dominant role.
O câncer infantil na perspectiva dos irmãos das crianças doentes: revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Cavicchioli Aline Cristiane , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de
Published: June 2011

O estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica de pesquisas que abordam temáticas relacionadas aos irmãos de crianças com câncer, no período de 1998 até 2003, a fim de identificar os conhecimentos disponíveis na área e fornecer subsídios para o cuidado de enfermagem aos irmãos das crianças com câncer. Utilizamos as bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL e PsycINFO, também, artigos disponibilizados on line, na íntegra, por meio da editora OVID, com as seguintes combinações de palavras-chave: cancer e siblings;cancer, child e siblings; cancer, adolescent e siblings. A análise das publicações permitiu a identificação de quatro temáticas: o impacto da doença nos irmãos saudáveis; o significado da doença para o irmão saudável; suporte social e necessidades de cuidado e intervenção. Os dados indicam que as pesquisas enfocando os irmãos das crianças com câncer vêem crescendo, em especial nas áreas de enfermagem e psicologia; revelam ainda, a preocupação em transformar a prática clínica a fim de intervir efetivamente no cuidado às necessidades psicossociais dos irmãos.
Desenvolvimento floral e produção de pessegueiros 'granada' sob distintas condições climáticas
Authors: Nava Gilmar Antônio , Marodin Gilmar Arduino Bettio , Santos Pires dos , Paniz Rafael , Bergamaschi Homero , Dalmago Genei Antonio
Published: June 2011

A cultivar de pessegueiro 'Granada' vem apresentando baixa frutificação e irregularidade de produção nas principais regiões produtoras de pêssego no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar o desenvolvimento floral e a produção de pessegueiros 'Granada' em duas regiões com distintas condições climáticas. Os pomares estudados, nas safras de 2004 e 2005, localizam-se nos municípios de Charqueadas e Canguçu, nas regiões Depressão Central e Sul do RS, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o pessegueiro 'Granada' mostra-se muito instável em termos de produção. A baixa produção e a viabilidade do pólen, aliada ao atraso no desenvolvimento dos óvulos, influenciadas sobretudo pela ocorrência de altas temperaturas na pré-floração e floração, foram as principais causas do baixo desempenho reprodutivo e produtivo do pessegueiro 'Granada' em Charqueadas, em 2004, e em Canguçu, em 2005.
Biometria de frutos e sementes e emergência de plântulas de duas espécies frutíferas do gênero Campomanesia
Authors: Oliveira Michele Camargo de , Santana Denise Garcia de , Santos Carlos Machado dos
Published: June 2011

As espécies Campomanesia adamantium e Campomanesia pubescens são morfologicamente semelhantes, ocorrem em ambientes comuns do Bioma Cerrado, por isso são difíceis de serem separadas e identificadas. Os objetivos foram analisar dados biométricos de frutos e sementes de C. adamantium e de C. pubescens, além do processo de emergência das plântulas, para fins de comparações entre as espécies. Em novembro de 2007, de 50 frutos de cada espécie, foram realizadas medidas do comprimento transversal (mm) e longitudinal (mm) dos frutos e das sementes, massa da matéria fresca dos frutos (g), número de lóculos por fruto e número de lóculos com sementes. Para o teste de emergência, dois experimentos independentes, um para cada espécie, foram instalados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis métodos de beneficiamento dos frutos para remoção, secagem ou lavagem da mucilagem e quatro repetições com 40 sementes por parcela. Com frutos mais volumosos, com maior acúmulo de massa fresca e maior amplitude biométrica em relação aos de C. pubescens, C. adamantium apresenta potencial para seleção de materiais promissores para fins de melhoramento. A secagem à sombra por 24 horas das sementes com mucilagem reduz os percentuais de emergência e de plântulas normais, além da velocidade de emergência de plântulas de C. adamantium, embora este método seja indiferente para plântulas de C. pubescens. Sob as mesmas condições experimentais, plântulas de C. pubescens apresentam maior capacidade de emergência e de plântulas normais, além de maiores frequências diárias de plântulas emersas e redução dos tempos de emergência em relação às plântulas de C. adamantium.
A santidade do contrato e das leis: considerações sobre a religião civil de Rousseau
Authors: Kawauche Thomaz
Published: June 2011

No capítulo sobre a religião civil no Contrato social, Rousseau utiliza expressões como "santidade do contrato social e das leis", "profissão de fé puramente civil", e mesmo "religião civil" para fazer alusão à relação necessária, porém conflituosa, entre religião e política. Neste artigo, trata-se de discutir esse expediente retórico (que é similar à figura de linguagem denominada oxímoro) de um ponto de vista mais geral, com base na exposição do procedimento discursivo do legislador do Contrato e de suas semelhanças com o procedimento discursivo do próprio Rousseau para conciliar exigências contraditórias da religião e da política no problema da instituição das leis no Estado.
Política e linguagem em Rousseau e Condillac
Authors: Becker Evaldo
Published: June 2011

Nosso objetivo no presente artigo é apresentar alguns elementos referentes ao debate acerca da origem e função da linguagem, ocorrido, principalmente, a partir do 4º e 5º decênios do século XVIII, entre Rousseau e Condillac. Pretendemos expor as principais similitudes e divergências que podem ser verificadas entres os escritos dos dois autores, prioritariamente no que concerne às relações estabelecidas por estes entre a linguagem e a política. Ressaltamos que o principal texto de Condillac a ser analisado é o Essai sur l'origines des connaissances humaines, obra publicada em 1746, e que Rousseau, na primeira parte do Discurs sur l'origine et les fondemens de l'inégalité parmi les hommes, admite ter sido a fonte de suas primeiras ideias acerca da questão da origem das línguas. Quanto aos escritos de Rousseau, ressaltamos que nossa análise centrar-se-à, sobretudo, no Discours sur l'inégalité e no Essai sur l'origine des langues.
Nietzsce e a idiotia divina de Jesus
Authors: Bittencourt Renato Nunes
Published: June 2011

O artigo versa sobre a distinção axiológica estabelecida por Nietzsche entre a prática evangélica de Jesus e a distorção da mesma pela institucionalização da moralidade cristã. Através das indicações de Nietzsche, realiza-se uma interpretação imanente da mensagem religiosa de Jesus, que fez de sua doutrina uma possibilidade de se alcançar a beatitude no âmbito da própria vida, e não uma promessa para além do mundo; mais ainda, a comprovação de que a genuína prática cristã se fundamentava numa valoração amoral, destituída de qualquer qualidade normativa.
Características biométricas e físico-químicas do fruto, morfologia da semente e da plântula de Averrhoa carambola l. (oxalidaceae)
Authors: Oliveira Marcia Terezinha Ramos de , Berbert Pedro Amorim , Pereira Rozimar de Campos , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Carlesso Vinicius Oliveira
Published: June 2011

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de caracterizar os frutos, estudar a morfologia externa e interna das sementes e ilustrar o desenvolvimento de plântulas e de plantas jovens de Averrhoa carambola. Os frutos foram distribuídos em três categorias, de acordo com o estádio de maturação (maduros, intermediários e verdes), e em três subcategorias de acordo com o tamanho (grande, médio e pequeno). Para a caracterização dos frutos determinaram-se as dimensões, a massa, o número de sementes, a cor, o pH e os teores de água e de sólidos solúveis totais (SST) da polpa. Para a caracterização morfológica das sementes foi medido o comprimento, a largura, a espessura, a massa e determinada as dimensões do endosperma, cotilédone e eixo hipocótilo radicular. Determinou-se, também, a massa de 1000 sementes. Os frutos maduros e grandes apresentam dimensões e teor de SST próximos aos encontrados em frutos comerciais, no entanto, com menor luminosidade e maior intensidade de cor, com predominância do alaranjado. O endosperma é o órgão de reserva das sementes, que exibem cotilédones de cor branca, com leve tom esverdeado nos bordos; a germinação é epígea e a protrusão da raiz primária inicia-se 21 dias após a semeadura. Os dados obtidos na avaliação das características das sementes apresentam desvios-padrão baixos, indicando que os valores medidos podem ser usados em estudos taxonômicos e na análise da germinação.
Tratamento de sementes de sorgo com inseticidas
Authors: Vanin Alisson , Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Fernandes Camila Pereira Caixeta , Ferreira Wenderson Sousa , Rattes Jurema Fonseca
Published: June 2011

O tratamento de sementes com inseticidas é um método eficiente que auxilia o manejo integrado de pragas, porém, há escassez de informações de produtos que apresentem seletividade para a cultura do sorgo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de avaliar a influência do tratamento de sementes de sorgo com inseticidas, contendo um ou dois princípios ativos, sem e com o armazenamento por 30 dias, na fase inicial de desenvolvimento das plantas. O experimento foi conduzido na Fesurv-Universidade de Rio Verde, em Rio Verde-GO com dez inseticidas (thiodicarb, fipronil, acephate, thiametoxam, imidacloprid, [imidacloprid+thiodicarb], imidacloprid+thiodicarb, imidacloprid+fipronil, thiametoxam+thiodicarb, thiametoxam+fipronil, acrescido da testemunha sem inseticida) sem e com o armazenamento das sementes por 30 dias. Os resultados obtidos permitiram constatar que o armazenamento por 30 dias das sementes de sorgo tratadas com inseticidas diminui o percentual de germinação. A mistura imidaclopridrid+thiodicarb apresenta maior potencial para uso no tratamento de sementes de sorgo. O inseticida acephate causa fitotoxicidade às plântulas de sorgo ao contrário do fipronil, thiametoxam e a mistura thiametoxam+thiodicarb que não prejudicam o vigor das sementes de sorgo.
Efeito da heterose na qualidade de sementes de milho doce
Authors: Reis Luciléa Silva dos , Pereira Messias Gonzaga , Silva Roberto Ferreira da , Meireles Robson Celestino
Published: June 2011

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de genótipos selecionados de milho doce e sua relação com a heterose. Foram utilizados 14 genótipos de milho doce desenvolvidos pela Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Os genótipos foram multiplicados no município de Campos dos Goytacazes por meio de polinização controlada para assegurar a pureza genética. A qualidade fisiológica foi avaliada por meio do teste de germinação e dos seguintes testes de vigor: primeira contagem de germinação, classificação de plântulas e emergência em areia. Pelos resultados é possível concluir que as sementes de endosperma doce foram menos vigorosas que as sementes de endosperma comum. O emprego de genótipos parentais adaptados à região de plantio proporcionou melhor vigor às sementes de endosperma doce, quando comparado ao uso de parentais não adaptados. Para todas as características avaliadas de germinação e vigor observou-se heterose nas sementes híbridas em relação aos seus parentais. O desenvolvimento de híbridos pode ser uma excelente alternativa para a obtenção de sementes de milho doce vigorosas e de qualidade fisiológica superior.
Qualidade sanitária de sementes de milho em diferentes estádios de maturação
Authors: Henning Fernado Augusto , Jacob Junior Elias Abrahão , Mertz Liliane Marcia , Peske Silmar Teichert
Published: June 2011

O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade sanitária de sementes de linhagens de milho, colhidas em diferentes estádios de maturação. Foram utilizadas três linhagens de milho, as quais são empregadas como parentais fêmeas na produção de híbridos simples comerciais. Para determinação da época de colheita das sementes foi realizada a marcação das plantas no campo, iniciando-se na floração, quando 50% das plantas apresentavam os estigmas exteriorizados. A partir dos 40 dias após a floração, iniciou-se a colheita dos materiais, em intervalos de quatro dias até o ponto de maturidade fisiológica, o qual foi determinado através da observação da linha de transformação em amido, "linha de leite". A análise sanitária das sementes foi avaliada através do método do papel filtro. Para verificar o efeito da incidência de fungos sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, realizaram-se os testes de germinação e vigor (envelhecimento acelerado e teste de frio). As sementes de milho apresentaram elevada incidência dos fungos Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp. e Fusarium moniliforme, sendo que, a incidência destes microorganismos diminui à medida que as sementes atingem o ponto de maturidade fisiológica. Além disso, a incidência desses microorganismos não afeta a qualidade fisiológica das sementes colhidas no ponto de maturidade fisiológica.
Poliolefinas reforçadas com fibras vegetais curtas: sisal × curauá
Authors: Spinacé Márcia A. S. , Janeiro Lea G. , Bernardino Filippe C. , Grossi Thais A. , Paoli Marco-A. De
Published: June 2011

É crescente o interesse nos compósitos poliméricos reforçados com fibras vegetais curtas em substituição às fibras de vidro, pois as fibras naturais provêm de fontes renováveis, não são abrasivas aos equipamentos de processamento, são biodegradáveis, e possuem baixa densidade comparada às fibras de vidro. Elas apresentam início de degradação em torno de 200 °C, sendo adequadas para reforçar poliolefinas que são processadas até essa temperatura ou termofíxos. Várias fibras vegetais vêm sendo usadas como reforço, dentre elas o curauá e o sisal; no entanto, há grande controvérsia na literatura sobre as propriedades finais dos compósitos. Neste trabalho comparamos as propriedades de compósitos de polietileno de alta densidade ou polipropileno com 20% em massa de fibras curtas de sisal ou de curauá com ou sem agentes de acoplagem. Todos foram processados por extrusão e moldados por injeção, exatamente nas mesmas condições, e os resultados foram comparados em termos das propriedades mecânicas. As fibras de curauá apresentam resistência à tração superior às fibras de sisal e os compósitos com fibras de curauá apresentaram resistência à tração e flexão ligeiramente superior aos compósitos com fibra de sisal. No caso da resistência ao impacto a situação se inverte. Como o sisal é mais frágil que o curauá, durante o processamento ocorre maior quebra da fibra provocando essa diferenciação nas propriedades mecânicas dos compósitos.
Detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. e cistos de Giardia spp. em amostras de esgoto bruto ou tratado: avaliação crítica dos métodos
Authors: Santos Luciana Urbano dos , Cantusio Neto Romeu , Franco Regina Maura Bueno , Guimarães José Roberto
Published: June 2011

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a eficiência dos métodos centrífugo-concentração e filtração em membrana, na detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. e cistos de Giardia spp. em amostras de esgoto bruto e tratado, provenientes de um sistema de lodos ativados (estação de tratamento de esgoto, Samambaia, Campinas, em São Paulo). As amostras foram coletadas quinzenalmente por dois anos: 53 amostras de esgoto bruto (AFL), 53 de efluente tratado sem desinfecção por luz ultravioleta (EFL) e 38 de efluente tratado e desinfetado por luz ultravioleta (EFL+UV). Cistos de Giardia spp. foram encontrados em 90,5% das amostras AFL; em 96,2%, de EFL; e em 94,7%, de EFL+UV. Oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. foram detectados em 6,4% das amostras AFL e em 2,6 % de EFL+UV. Ambos os métodos mostraram-se eficientes na detecção destes protozoários em todos os tipos de amostras, além de apresentarem baixo custo por análise.
Gestão da evidenciação ambiental: um estudo sobre as potencialidades e oportunidades do tema
Authors: Rosa Fabrícia Silva da , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Ensslin Leonardo , Lunkes Rogério João
Published: June 2011

A evidenciação ambiental é utilizada pelas organizações como meio para comunicar os aspectos e impactos ambientais. O tema desperta interesse tanto na comunidade científica quanto na empresarial; contudo, acredita-se haver oportunidades de aperfeiçoamento para o tema. Neste contexto, emerge a pergunta de pesquisa: como identificar as potencialidades e oportunidades da evidenciação ambiental? Para responder a esta pergunta, tem-se como objetivo identificar as potencialidades e oportunidades da evidenciação ambiental para a gestão interna. Para atingir este objetivo, utiliza-se: um processo estruturado de revisão da literatura e um estudo de caso na empresa Petrobras S.A. Como resultado, o estudo mostrou que as pesquisas, em geral, não contemplam aspectos importantes para avaliação da evidenciação ambiental. O exemplo utilizado da Companhia Petrobras S.A. revelou que as métricas aplicadas para a análise apresentam baixo gerenciamento das informações específicas, uma vez que não levam em consideração suas propriedades singulares e, consequentemente, não permitem gerenciar e promover ações de aperfeiçoamento. Assim, caracterizam-se como potencialidades: o tema é relevante pois possibilita estabelecer padrões de informação ambiental, sendo gerenciado pela sociedade por meio de leis e normas e pelas organizações, por meio das consequências em seus objetivos estratégicos; o processo de busca de referencial teórico revelou que o tema é recente e aceito na comunidade científica internacional, e o estudo de caso revela que a evidenciação ambiental auxilia no aumento de comunicação entre empresa e sociedade. Como oportunidades encontradas, aponta-se a necessidade de um processo estruturado que permita identificar, mensurar, apresentar diagnóstico e ações de aperfeiçoamento, considerando as características singulares de cada organização.
Fatores de risco psíquico ao desenvolvimento infantil: implicações para a fonoaudiologia
Authors: Oliveira Luciele Dias , Flores Mariana Rodrigues , Souza Ana Paula Ramos de
Published: June 2011

TEMA: fatores de risco psíquico ao desenvolvimento infantil e as implicações para a fonoaudiologia. OBJETIVOS: estudar, por meio de uma revisão teórica os riscos psíquicos ao desenvolvimento infantil, com ênfase nos riscos para aquisição da linguagem, e discutir as implicações para a atuação fonoaudiológica em idade precoce. CONCLUSÃO: a partir da literatura revisada, constatou-se que crianças que convivem com riscos biológicos e, sobretudo psíquicos, nos primeiros anos de vida, são mais propensas a desenvolver problemas que podem afetar o seu desenvolvimento. Assim, considera-se a necessidade daatuação fonoaudiológica estar vinculada a uma constante observação dos fatores de risco psíquico ao desenvolvimento infantil e aquisição da linguagem, podendo participar da detecção e estimulação precoces em uma perspectiva promocional.