bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical conductivity of a single Au/polyaniline microfiber
Authors: Long Yunze , Huang Kun , Yuan Junhua , Han Dongxue , Niu Li , Chen Zhaojia , Gu Changzhi , Jin Aizi , Duvail Jean Luc
Published: April 2006

We report the measurements of conductivity, I-V curve, and magnetoresistance of a single Au/polyaniline microfiber with a core-shell structure, on which a pair of platinum microleads was attached by focused ion beam. The Au/polyaniline microfiber shows a much higher conductivity (∼110S∕cm at 300K) and a much weaker temperature dependence of resistance [R(4K)∕R(300K)=5.1] as compared with those of a single polyaniline microtube [σRT=30–40S∕cm and R(4K)∕R(300K)=16.2]. The power-law dependence of R(T)∝T−β, with β=0.38, indicates that the measured Au/polyaniline microfiber is lying in the critical regime of the metal-insulator transition. In addition, the microfiber shows a H2 dependent positive magnetoresistance at 2, 4, and 6K.
MIGRATION AND MELANCHOLIA: FROM KRISTEVA'S ‘DÉPRESSION NATIONALE’ TO PINEAU'S ‘MALADIE DE L'EXIL’
Authors: Haigh Sam
Published: April 2006

In her recent
Contre la dépression nationale
, Kristeva argues that France is currently suffering from a ‘national depression’ that is similar in character to the individual depression of the patient seeking psychoanalysis. Having never recovered its national self-esteem after the Second World War, France has, according to Kristeva, become isolated and inward-looking and, like the depressed analysand, is in need of a restored self-image. Openness to the other, the foreigner, the immigrant is one way in which France can rescue itself from depression and, building on its post-revolutionary, Enlightenment tradition of hospitality, begin to thrive and evolve once more. What is striking, of course, is that the immigrant him- or herself disappears as subject, and instead remains simply a means through which the French subject may be healed. Through an analysis of the dynamics of melancholia, this essay examines both Kristeva's notion of ‘national depression’ and what Chinese-American theorist Anne Anlin Cheng has recently termed the ‘racial melancholia’ of the migrant subject elided by Kristeva. More specifically, and taking Gisèle Pineau's
L'Exil selon Julia
as an example, it examines the ‘maladie de l'exil’ of the French Caribbean migrant subject who has been left out by almost all studies of immigration in France but who can be seen to have functioned as France's primary ‘melancholic object’.
Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Demographic and Electrophysiologic Findings of 802 Patients from a Developing Country
Authors: Uzun Nurten , Tanriverdi Taner , Savrun Feray Karaali , Kiziltan Meral Erdemir , Sahin Rahsan , Hanimoglu Hakan , Hanci Murat
Published: April 2006

Objective

To study a series of patients with traumatic peripheral nerve injury during the past 10 years in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty/Istanbul/Turkey.

Methods

The chart review of 802 patients was evaluated and we explored the type(s) and cause(s) of injury, and electromyographic findings. The study included 171 children and 631 adults and we excluded the patients who suffered from injuries due to the Marmara earthquakes that occurred in 1999.

Results

Injury was most common in the upper extremities in both children (78.36%) and adults (63.54%). The common causes of nerve injury in children were as follows: obstetric lesions (46.78%), iatrogenic lesions (16.95%), traffic accidents (15.7%), and sharp lacerations (12.8%), whereas the commonest cause of nerve injury in adults was due to sharp lacerations (27.57%), followed by iatrogenic lesions (25.67%), and traffic accidents (23.77%). The most commonly injured nerves were the brachial plexus and ulnar nerve in children and adults, respectively. Electromyography demonstrated that complete nerve injury predominated in both groups.

Conclusions

If preventive measures are taken into consideration satisfactorily, the incidence of disabling peripheral nerve injury may decrease, as such injuries are often treatable.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Immune-mediated Neuropathies
Authors: Latov Norman , Gorson Kenneth C. , Brannagan Thomas H. , Freeman Roy L. , Apostolski Slobodan , Berger Alan R. , Bradley Walter G. , Briani Chiara , Bril Vera , Busis Neil A. , Cros Didier P. , Dalakas Marinos C. , Donofrio Peter D. , Dyck P. James B. , England John D. , Fisher Morris A. , Herrmann David N. , Menkes Daniel L. , Sahenk Zarife , Sander Howard W. , Triggs William J. , Vallat Jean Michel
Published: April 2006

The chronic autoimmune neuropathies are a diverse group of disorders, whose diagnosis and classification is based on the clinical presentations and results of ancillary tests. In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, controlled therapeutic trials demonstrated efficacy for intravenous γ-globulins, corticosteroids, and plasmaphereis. In multifocal motor neuropathy, intravenous γ-globulins have been shown to be effective. In the other immune-mediated neuropathies, there are no reported controlled therapeutic trials, but efficacy has been reported for some treatments in non-controlled trials on case studies. Choice of therapy in individual cases is based on reported efficacy, as well as severity, progression, coexisting illness, predisposition to developing complications, and potential drug interactions.
Evaluation of Some Coagulation Parameters in Hepatic Coccidiosis Experimentally Induced with Eimeria stiedai in Rabbits
Authors: ÇAm Y. , ÇEtİn E. , İça A. , Atalay Ö. , ÇEtİn N.
Published: April 2006

The objective of this study was to evaluate some coagulation parameters in hepatic coccidiosis experimentally induced with Eimeria stiedai in rabbits. Fourteen healthy New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into two groups. One group received no treatment, the other group was orally inoculated with 40 000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedai in a 1 ml inoculum using a catheter. At day 24 after inoculation, blood samples were collected into sodium citrate‐containing tubes to evaluate some coagulation parameters. Although statistically not significant, infected rabbits had prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time compared with rabbits in the control group. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the level of fibrinogen of infected rabbits compared with that of the controls. A slight decrease in thrombocyte counts of infected rabbits was not statistically significant.
Family caregiving of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand: Caregiver burden, an outcome measure
Authors: Vithayachockitikhun Niranart
Published: April 2006

The present paper provides an initial picture of HIV/AIDS‐affected families. It is evident that families play a major role of support for HIV/AIDS patients in Thai society. Caregiver burden is one of the patient‐related outcomes, which is the most common outcome measure in caregiver research. The demands on the family caregivers of these patients are enormous and need to be addressed. The determinants that are associated with caregiver burden such as caregiver characteristics, patient characteristics and social stigma are important for nurses to minimize the burden of care so that appropriate interventions can be developed for persons with HIV/AIDS and family members who share the work of managing their care at home.
Compassion fatigue and nursing work: Can we accurately capture the consequences of caring work?
Authors: Sabo Brenda M
Published: April 2006

Health outcomes and, in particular, patient health outcomes have become a driving force within health‐care delivery. Little emphasis has been placed on the potential health consequences for nurses providing care and caring within the health‐care system. Compassion fatigue (or secondary traumatic stress) has emerged as a natural consequence of caring for clients who are in pain, suffering or traumatized. This paper sheds light on how nursing work might impact the health of nurses by exploring the concept of compassion fatigue. Limitations of current instruments to measure compassion fatigue are highlighted, and suggestions for future direction are presented.
Clinicopathological features of severe corneal blood staining associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Patel Hussain , Patel Dipika V , Brookes Nigel H , McGhee Charles NJ
Published: April 2006

Abstract

A 54‐year‐old man with a history of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes and profound visual impairment presented with severe corneal blood staining in the left eye secondary to a ‘spontaneous’ total hyphaema and raised intraocular pressure in an eye with iris neovascularization. Despite anterior chamber washout, the cornea remained virtually opaque and thickened. The subject subsequently underwent pars plana vitrectomy with endolaser using a temporary keratoprosthesis, insertion of a Morcher iris‐surround intraocular lens and penetrating keratoplasty. Histopathology of the excised corneal button revealed fine eosinophilic granules composed of aggregations of haemoglobin and its breakdown products dispersed throughout the stroma, with occasional foci of weakly positive Perl staining for intracellular haemosiderin. Fluorescence confocal microscopy revealed a marked increase in fluorescence throughout the corneal stroma and the basal epithelial layer. This case highlights the microstructural features and aspects of the surgical management of severe corneal blood staining.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Chang John H , O'Donnell Brett A
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Centurion syndrome is an uncommon, idiopathic medial canthal anomaly that causes epiphora due to the forward displacement of the lacrimal punctum out of the tear lake associated with the abnormal anterior insertion of the medial canthal tendon and enophthalmos. A case of Centurion syndrome is presented together with the description of a previously unreported surgical treatment: the combined surgical techniques of medial canthal tendon release and lower eyelid retractor plication.
Effects of a mixed‐isolate mycorrhizal inoculum on the potato – potato cyst nematode interaction
Authors: RYAN N A , DELIOPOULOS T , JONES P , HAYDOCK P P J
Published: April 2006

Inoculation of microplants of potato cv. Golden Wonder with Vaminoc, a mycorrhizal inoculum of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus spp.), resulted in an increase in in‐sand hatch of Globodera pallida, but not G. rostochiensis, within 2 weeks. By this time, mycorrhized plants also supported a larger number of feeding nematodes of both PCN species (50% higher for G. rostochiensis) than did non‐mycorrhized plants, with a higher proportion of the G. pallida population being fertilised females than for G. rostochiensis. After 12 weeks, the multiplication rate of G. rostochiensis on mycorrhized plants was significantly greater than on non‐mycorrhized plants, whereas no such difference was observed for G. pallida.

The principal component of PCN multiplication affected by mycorrhization was increased cyst number per plant from 6 to 12 weeks. Over this period, there was no increase in cyst number per plant for either PCN species on non‐mycorrhized plants, whereas the value increased on mycorrhized plants for both G. rostochiensis (by almost 200%) and G. pallida (57%). Mycorrhization resulted in significant increases in the root and shoot dry weights of plants grown in the absence of PCN. Although mycorrhized plants carried a larger PCN burden than non‐mycorrhized plants when grown on PCN‐infested medium, as a result of the increased PCN multiplication rate, they produced larger root systems than did nonmycorrhized plants, suggesting increased tolerance to PCN of the mycorrhized plants, particularly to G. rostochiensis. Of morphological characters investigated in the absence of PCN, only stem height (increased) was significantly affected by mycorrhization. Colonisation by mycorrhizal fungi resulted in increased tuber yield both in the absence (significant increase) and presence (non significant) of PCN, as a result of increased tuber number per plant. These results are discussed in the light of the possible use of AMF as part of an integrated PCN management plan.
ON THE TRUNCATED SMALL FUNCTION THEOREM IN NEVANLINNA THEORY
Authors: YAMANOI KATSUTOSHI
Published: April 2006

We prove a second main theorem type estimate in Nevanlinna theory when a target space is a family of curves. This estimate unifies the truncated q-small function theorem, and the height inequality for curves over function fields.
GRASSMANNIANS OF A FINITE ALGEBRA IN THE STRONG OPERATOR TOPOLOGY
Authors: ANDRUCHOW ESTEBAN , RECHT LÁZARO
Published: April 2006

If [Formula: see text] is a type II1 von Neumann algebra with a faithful trace τ, we consider the set [Formula: see text] of self-adjoint projections of [Formula: see text] as a subset of the Hilbert space [Formula: see text]. We prove that though it is not a differentiable submanifold, the geodesics of the natural Levi–Civita connection given by the trace have minimal length. More precisely: the curves of the form γ(t) = eitxpe-itx with x* = x, pxp = (1 - p)x(1 - p) = 0 have minimal length when measured in the Hilbert space norm of [Formula: see text], provided that the operator norm ‖x‖ is less or equal than π/2. Moreover, any two projections which are unitary equivalent are joined by at least one such minimal geodesic, and only unitary equivalent projections can be joined by a smooth curve. Finally, we prove that these geodesics have also minimal length if one measures them with the Schatten k-norms of τ, ‖x‖k = τ((x* x)k/2)1/k, for all k ∈ ℝ, k ≥ 0. We also characterize curves of unitaries which have minimal length with these k-norms.
THE ROLE OF PANIC IN THE ROOM EVACUATION PROCESS
Authors: PARISI DANIEL R. , DORSO CLAUDIO O.
Published: April 2006

In the present work we studied the room evacuation problem using the social force model introduced by Helbing and coworkers. The "faster is slower" effect induced by panic was analyzed. It could be explained in terms of increasing mean clogging delays which shows a strong correlation with certain structures that we call "blocking clusters". Also a steady state version of the problem was implemented. It shows that, from a macroscopic point of view, the optimal evacuation efficiency correspond to the state at which the difference between the system desire force minus the system granular force is maximum.
ON THE THERMO-INVARIANT COHERENT STATE IN THERMO FIELD DYNAMICS
Authors: XU XUE-FEN , FAN HONG-YI
Published: April 2006

By analyzing the characters of thermo field dynamics, which is proposed by Takahashi and Umezawa, we find that a new physical state, named the thermo-invariant coherent state, should exist in thermal equilibrium. This state not only maintains the whole energy of the system and the reservoir but is also a coherent state. We find its explicit form, its relation to the thermal coherent state and the thermal entangled state. When the whole system is in this state, annihilating a quantum of the system and in the meanwhile annihilating a hole with negative energy in the reservoir will not change the whole energy.
ANALYSIS OF A HETEROGENEOUS MULTISCALE FEM FOR PROBLEMS IN ELASTICITY
Authors: ABDULLE ASSYR
Published: April 2006

This paper is concerned with a finite element method (FEM) for multiscale problems in linear elasticity. We propose a method which discretizes the physical problem directly by a macroscopic FEM, coupled with a microscopic FEM resolving the micro scale on small cells or patches. The assembly process of the unknown macroscopic model is done without iterative cycles. The method allows to recover the macroscopic properties of the material in an efficient and cheap way. The microscale behavior can be reconstructed from the known micro and macro solutions. We give a fully discrete convergence analysis for the proposed method which takes into account the discretization errors at both micro and macro levels. In the case of a periodic elastic tensor, we give a priori error estimates for the displacement and for the macro and micro strains and stresses as well as an error estimate for the numerical homogenized tensor.
Human Becoming Practice Around the Globe: Exploring the Art of Living True Presence
Authors: Bournes Debra A. , Naef Rahel
Published: April 2006

In this column, the human becoming practice methodology is illuminated and some of the questions that people have asked about living the art of human becoming are presented. The human becoming teaching-learning processes are discussed as a way of coming to know what it takes to live true presence, and the role of stories in teaching-learning human becoming practice is explored. Previously published human becoming practice stories are presented as an answer to many of the questions that persons have asked about human becoming-guided practice.
An Examination of Physical Activity Behaviors in a Sample of Adolescent Cancer Survivors
Authors: Keats Melanie R. , Culos-Reed S. Nicole , Courneya Kerry S. , McBride Mary
Published: April 2006

With a growing consensus of the importance of physical activity across a number of health outcomes, the current study investigated the impact of a cancer diagnosis on adolescent physical activity behavior. Participants (n = 97) completed a mailed, self-administered questionnaire in which they recalled their physical activity behaviors across the cancer experience. Examination of the data revealed that adolescents treated for cancer experience significant declines in physical activity that are not recovered following treatment completion. It is not clear if the sustained reduction in posttreatment physical activity is attributable to the lingering effects of cancer treatment, but the long-term implications of a reduction in physical activity may be far-reaching.
Genetics of HUS: the impact of MCP, CFH, and IF mutations on clinical presentation, response to treatment, and outcome
Authors: Caprioli Jessica , Noris Marina , Brioschi Simona , Pianetti Gaia , Castelletti Federica , Bettinaglio Paola , Mele Caterina , Bresin Elena , Cassis Linda , Gamba Sara , Porrati Francesca , Bucchioni Sara , Monteferrante Giuseppe , Fang Celia J. , Liszewski M. K. , Kavanagh David , Atkinson John P. , Remuzzi Giuseppe ,   for the International Registry of Recurrent and Familial HUS/TTP
Published: April 2006

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy with manifestations of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment. Genetic studies have shown that mutations in complement regulatory proteins predispose to non–Shiga toxin–associated HUS (non-Stx–HUS). We undertook genetic analysis on membrane cofactor protein (MCP), complement factor H (CFH), and factor I (IF) in 156 patients with non-Stx–HUS. Fourteen, 11, and 5 new mutational events were found in MCP, CFH, and IF, respectively. Mutation frequencies were 12.8%, 30.1%, and 4.5% for MCP, CFH, and IF, respectively. MCP mutations resulted in either reduced protein expression or impaired C3b binding capability. MCP-mutated patients had a better prognosis than CFH-mutated and nonmutated patients. In MCP-mutated patients, plasma treatment did not impact the outcome significantly: remission was achieved in around 90% of both plasma-treated and plasma-untreated acute episodes. Kidney transplantation outcome was favorable in patients with MCP mutations, whereas the outcome was poor in patients with CFH and IF mutations due to disease recurrence. This study documents that the presentation, the response to therapy, and the outcome of the disease are influenced by the genotype. Hopefully this will translate into improved management and therapy of patients and will provide the way to design tailored treatments.
Antigen targeting to endosomal pathway in dendritic cell vaccination activates regulatory T cells and attenuates tumor immunity
Authors: Maksimow Mikael , Miiluniemi Mari , Marttila-Ichihara Fumiko , Jalkanen Sirpa , Hänninen Arno
Published: April 2006

Lymphoma cells are malignant cells of the T- or B-cell lineage that often express many surface markers inappropriately, yet are not recognized as abnormal by the immune system. We modeled this situation by inoculating ovalbumin-expressing E.G7-OVA lymphoma cells into mice that expressed ovalbumin as a self antigen in pancreatic islets, and investigated the efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) vaccination in these mice. Although vaccination with DC-expressing ovalbumin induced strong cytotoxic T-cell immunity, which led to clearance of E.G7-OVA lymphoma cells in naive C57BL/6 mice, DC vaccination was ineffective in mice expressing ovalbumin as a self antigen. Antigen modification to increase its processing via the endosomal processing pathway dramatically increased CD4 T-cell activation but paradoxically, impaired the protective effect of DC vaccination even in naive mice. Depletion of CD25+ T cells (regulatory T cells [Tregs]) prior to vaccination restored the efficacy of DC vaccination and allowed eradication of lymphoma also in mice expressing ovalbumin as a self antigen. We conclude that lymphoma cells may be eradicated using DC vaccination if activation of CD25+ Tregs is simultaneously inhibited, and that intentionally enhanced endosomal antigen processing in DC vaccines may shift the balance from CD4 T-cell help toward stimulation of Tregs.
The Src kinase Lyn is required for CCR5 signaling in response to MIP-1β and R5 HIV-1 gp120 in human macrophages
Authors: Tomkowicz Brian , Lee Chuhee , Ravyn Vipa , Cheung Ricky , Ptasznik Andrzej , Collman Ronald G.
Published: April 2006

CCR5 is a receptor for several β chemokines and the entry coreceptor used by macrophage-tropic (R5) strains of HIV-1. In addition to supporting viral entry, CCR5 ligation by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) can activate intracellular signals in macrophages and trigger inflammatory mediator release. Using a combination of in vitro kinase assay, Western blotting for phospho-specific proteins, pharmacologic inhibition, CCR5 knockout (CCR5Δ32) cells, and kinase-specific blocking peptide, we show for the first time that signaling through CCR5 in primary human macrophages is linked to the Src kinase Lyn. Stimulation of human monocyte-derived macrophages with either HIV-1 gp120 or MIP-1β results in the CCR5-mediated activation of Lyn and the concomitant Lyn-dependent activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase ERK-1/2. Furthermore, activation of the CCR5/Lyn/ERK-1/2 pathway is responsible for gp120-triggered production of TNF-α by macrophages, which is believed to contribute to HIV-1 pathogenesis. Thus, Lyn kinase may play an important role both in normal CCR5 function in macrophages and in AIDS pathogenesis in syndromes such as AIDS dementia where HIV-1 gp120 contributes to inappropriate macrophage activation, mediator production, and secondary injury.
Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma of the stomach
Authors: Date RS , Griffiths EA , Pritchard SA , Welch I McL
Published: April 2006

Background

Metastatic tumours of the stomach present a clinical dilemma for the surgeon. Palliative surgical resection can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival in selected patients. However, previous studies have used open methods of surgical resection with potentially high morbidity and mortality. We describe the use of laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma to highlight the benefits of this technique.

Case presentation

A 58 year old male was investigated for iron deficiency anaemia while under treatment for pulmonary metastatic malignant melanoma. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 5 cm diameter ulcer on the anterior wall of the stomach, biopsies from the ulcer confirmed metastatic melanoma. Laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach lesion was performed without complication.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic approach has many benefits and is useful for the palliative resection of rare tumours of the stomach in order to preserve the quality of life. Its use should be considered in selected patients.
Comparative validation of the IPAQ and the 7-Day PAR among women diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Johnson-Kozlow Marilyn , Sallis James F , Gilpin Elizabeth A , Rock Cheryl L , Pierce John P
Published: April 2006

Background

The criterion-related validity and measurement bias of the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was compared to the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall (PAR).

Methods

Participants were women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and enrolled in the ongoing Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study. Women (N = 159, average age 57 years) wore an accelerometer for one week and then completed the IPAQ or the PAR.

Results

The validity correlation of the PAR was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the IPAQ (0.73 vs. 0.33, respectively). The PAR and IPAQ overestimated total physical activity by 13% vs. 247%, respectively. The PAR had better sensitivity (p = 0.14) and specificity (p < .01) than the IPAQ (100% vs. 71% and 84% vs. 59%, respectively) in predicting attainment of the ACSM physical activity guideline.

Conclusion

The PAR was superior to the IPAQ in terms of validity, measurement bias, and screening statistics.
Rim15 and the crossroads of nutrient signalling pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Swinnen Erwin , Wanke Valeria , Roosen Johnny , Smets Bart , Dubouloz Frédérique , Pedruzzi Ivo , Cameroni Elisabetta , De Virgilio Claudio , Winderickx Joris
Published: April 2006

In recent years, the general understanding of nutrient sensing and signalling, as well as the knowledge about responses triggered by altered nutrient availability have greatly advanced. While initial studies were directed to top-down elucidation of single nutrient-induced pathways, recent investigations place the individual signalling pathways into signalling networks and pursue the identification of converging effector branches that orchestrate the dynamical responses to nutritional cues. In this review, we focus on Rim15, a protein kinase required in yeast for the proper entry into stationary phase (G0). Recent studies revealed that the activity of Rim15 is regulated by the interplay of at least four intercepting nutrient-responsive pathways.
Synthesis and Reactions of Organoplatinum Compounds of C60, C60Ptn
Authors: Nagashima Hideo , Kato Yoshiyuki , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Kimura Eiji , Kawanishi Teruhiko , Kato Masanao , Saito Yahachi , Haga Masaaki , Itoh Kenji
Published: April 2006

The organoplatinum compound of C60, C60Ptn (n = 1–2), was prepared either by the reaction of C60 with Pt(dba)2 or by the thermal disproportionation of C60Ptn (n = ca. 1). The C60Ptn obtained catalyzed the hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene regardless of the platinum content. Cleavage of carbon-platinum bonds of C60Ptn (n = ca. 1) was accomplished by the reactions with phosphines or phosphites, which provided general access to (η2-C60)PtL2 [L = phosphines and phosphites].
Reaction of 2,4,6-Tri-t-butylselenobenzaldehyde with Sterically Crowded Diazo Compounds. Formation of Seleniranes
Authors: Watanabe Soichiro , Kawashima Takayuki , Okazaki Renji
Published: April 2006

Reaction of the title stable selenoaldehyde with di-t-butyldiazomethane and 2-diazo-1,1,3,3-tetramethylindan at −50 °C in the presence of a catalytic amount of CuCl resulted in the formation of the corresponding seleniranes.
How to Transfer Monolayer Maintaining Its Crystallographic Structure on the Water Surface by the Horizontal Drawing-up Method
Authors: Oishi Yushi , Kuri Taishi , Takashima Yoshinari , Kajiyama Tisato
Published: April 2006

A transfer method of fatty acid monolayer at a very low surface pressure on the water surface was developed. The electron microscopic studies revealed that the horizontal drawing-up method could transfer the monolayer onto a hydrophilic SiO substrate without any change of the crystal structure of monolayer on the water surface, even at zero surface pressure.
Novel Ammonium Ionophores Based on Glycol Dibenzyl Ethers for an Ion-Selective Electrode
Authors: Siswanta Dwi , Hisamoto Hideaki , Tohma Hajime , Yamamoto Noriko , Suzuki Koji
Published: April 2006

Based on the finding that dibenzyl ether (DBE) exhibited a relatively high selectivity for ammonium ion relative to potassium ion, four types of dibenzyl ethers were synthesized and their ammonium ion selectivities over alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions were examined with potentiometric measurements.
New examples of surfaces in H³ with conformal normal Gauss map
Authors: Shi Shuguo
Published: April 2006

In this paper we give some examples of surfaces in H³ with conformal normal Gauss map with respect to the second conformal structure and prove some global properties.
Flower morphology, nectar features, and hummingbird visitation to Palicourea crocea (Rubiaceae) in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Mendonça Luciana B. , Anjos Luiz dos
Published: April 2006

We investigated flower morphology, nectar features, and hummingbird visitation to Palicourea crocea (Rubiaceae), a common ornithophilous shrub found in the riparian forest understory in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. Flowers are distylous and the style-stamen dimorphism is accompanied by other intermorph dimorphisms in corolla length, anther length, and stigma lobe length and form. We did not observe strict reciprocity in the positioning of stigma and anthers between floral morphs. Flowering occurred during the rainy season, October to December. Nectar standing crop per flowerwas relatively constant throughout the day, which apparently resulted in hummingbirds visiting the plant throughout the day. Energetic content of the nectar in each flower (66.5J) and that required daily by hummingbird visitors (up to 30kJ) would oblige visits to hundreds of flowers each day, and thus movements between plants that should result in pollen flow. Three hummingbird species visited the flowers: the Gilded Sapphire (Hylocharis chrysura), the Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis), and the Glittering-bellied Emerald (Chlorostilbon aureoventris). The frequency of hummingbird visitation, nectar features, and the scarcity of other hummingbird-visited flowers in the study area, indicate that P. crocea is an important nectar resource for short-billed hummingbirds in the study site.
Teores de Ca e variáveis meteorológicas: relações com a incidência da mancha fisiológica do mamão no Norte Fluminense
Authors: Campostrini Eliemar , Lima Heber Cruz , Oliveira Jurandi Gonçalves de , Monnerat Pedro Henrique , Marinho Cláudia Sales
Published: April 2006

No Brasil e no mundo, o mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.) tem apresentado um distúrbio fisiológico no fruto denominado de Mancha Fisiológica do Mamão (MFM). Na literatura, pouco se conhece sobre as causas desta anomalia que afeta sensivelmente a comercialização dos frutos da espécie. Com o objetivo de se buscar informações relacionadas às causas da MFM, foi realizado um estudo, durante um ano, em um plantio comercial localizado em São Franscisco do Itabapoana (RJ), no norte fluminense. Foram feitas relações entre algumas variáveis do clima (temperatura, déficit de pressão de vapor, precipitação pluvial e radiação solar global) e os teores de Ca na planta [limbo, pecíolo, pedúnculo, epicarpo não-exposto (face do fruto próxima ao tronco) e epicarpo exposto (face do fruto oposta ao tronco)] com a incidência da MFM. Observou-se que a maior incidência de MFM foi durante setembro/2000. Em janeiro/2001, a incidência da MFM foi praticamente nula. A amplitude térmica, nos três meses que antecederam a setembro/2000, foi a variável do clima que mais se relacionou com a incidência da MFM. Em setembro, os teores de Ca em todas as partes do fruto (pedúnculo, epicarpo exposto e não-exposto) estudadas foram maiores. Na época que antecedeu o mês de setembro, as relações Ca/K e Ca/Mg foram estatisticamente maiores no epicarpo exposto e não-exposto e, nesta época, a relação Ca/P foi estatisticamente maior no pedúnculo e no epicarpo não-exposto. Os efeitos da amplitude térmica sobre a incidência da MFM são discutidos e a hipótese de que os teores baixos de Ca no fruto poderiam causar desestabilização na parede celular, o que facilitaria o extravasamento do látex e provocaria a MFM, deve ser reavaliada.
Qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de milho colhidas e secas em espigas
Authors: Jorge Marçal Henrique Amici , Carvalho Maria Laene Moreira de , Von Pinho Edila Vilela de Resende , Oliveira Joao Almir de
Published: April 2006

A injúria mecânica nas fases de colheita e secagem é tida como sério problema no controle de qualidade de sementes de milho. Para verificar os efeitos da colheita e despalha manuais e mecânicas de milho em espigas e da temperatura de secagem, na qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes recém-colhidas e armazenadas por sete meses, foram utilizadas sementes da cultivar 30F80, híbrido simples de endosperma duro. A umidade de colheita foi de 29% e a secagem efetuada nas temperaturas de 35 ºC e 42 ºC. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com 12 repetições. A capacidade de germinação foi avaliada pelo teste de germinação e o vigor foi avaliado pelos testes de envelhecimento acelerado, frio, emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas e massa seca da parte aérea de plântulas. O processo de colheita das espigas não afetou a qualidade das sementes quando as espigas foram secadas a 35 ºC de acordo com os testes de qualidade; no entanto, a colheita e despalha mecânica afetaram negativamente a qualidade das sementes quando as espigas foram secas a temperatura de 42 ºC. O efeito no vigor das sementes secas a 42 ºC foi detectado antes do armazenamento, ou seja, na ocasião da colheita e, na germinação, após sete meses de armazenamento. Assim, concluiu-se que o processo de colheita e despalha mecânicas conciliados com altas temperaturas de secagem afetam a qualidade fisiológica das sementes.
Estudo da prevalência da febre reumática
Authors: Silva Marluce Oliveira , Bertolami Vinício , Finatti Adolpho A. Cesar , Jatene Adib D.
Published: April 2006

Foi realizado estudo sobre a prevalência da febre reumática em escolares do primeiro grau de uma unidade escolar do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Dos 1.532 alunos da faixa etária de 7 a 14 anos, foram examinados 316 dos quais surgiram 26 casos que exigiram exame cardiológico pormenorizado. O resultado obtido foi o seguinte: 17 normais, 5 portadores de cardiopatias congênitas, 3 suspeitos de atividade reumática e um caso de cardiopatia reumática. Constatou-se a inexistência de qualquer caso de atividade reumática atual, e apenas um caso de cardiopatia reumática, com passado reumático típico. Em relação aos achados brasileiros (1,1% e 0,3%), o presente resultado não difere estatisticamente ( P > 0,20%). Comentou-se o custo da investigação que resultou na descoberta de apenas um caso de doença reumática, já com comprometimento orovalvar, e a posição que a saúde pública ocupa em relação aos demais problemas observados, tais como: verminose, cárie dentária, subnutrição e outros.
Avaliação do grau de exposição de amostras populacionais de São Paulo ao monóxido de carbono
Authors: Fernícola Nilda A. Gallego Gandara de , Lima Ernesto Ronchini
Published: April 2006

Com a finalidade de avaliar o grau de exposição ao monóxido de carbono da população da cidade de São Paulo (Brasil), foram coletadas 327 amostras de sangue de adultos, procedendo-se à determinação do conteúdo de carboxiemoglobina pela técnica espectrofotométrica. Trinta das amostras obtidas de residentes de uma cidade (Embú-Guaçu) considerada, por suas características, como local de baixas concentrações de monóxido de carbono, foram tomadas como grupo-controle. Os valores de carboxiemoglobina encontrados foram os seguintes: policiais de trânsito: fumantes 6,3 ± 2,07, não fumantes 2,1 ± 0,68; motoristas de ônibus: fumantes 4,6 ± 1,94, não fumantes 1,6 ± 0,46; grupo-controle: fumantes 3,8 ± 1,74, não fumantes 0,8 ± 0,21.
Fatores prognósticos da doença meningocócica: estudo relativo a 254 casos
Authors: Turini Tercílio Luiz , Baldy José Luís da Silveira , Passos Joselina do Nascimento , Takata Paulo Kiyoshi
Published: April 2006

Analisa-se, em relação a 254 casos de doença meningocócica, a variação da letalidade sob a influência dos seguintes fatores que, segundo a literatura, agravam-lhe o prognóstico: grupos de idade extrema, tempo curto de história antes da admissão, presença de púrpuras e/ou petéquias na admissão, ocorrência de choque ou de coma, número de leucócitos normal ou diminuído no sangue periférico na admissão, líquido cefalorraquidiano normal na admissão, número de leucócitos normal ou diminuído no sangue periférico na admissão, número de leucócitos menor que 100/mm³, proteinorraquia maior que 300 mg/dl, ou glicorraquia menor que 10 mg/dl, no líquido cefalorraquidiano colhido na admissão. Dentre esses fatores, aqueles para os quais se demonstrou influência estatisticamente significativa sobre a letalidade foram: 1) idades extremas: maior letalidade em crianças com menos de um ano de idade e em adultos com mais de 40 anos; 2) tempo de história, antes da admissão hospitalar, menor que 48 horas; 3) presença de coma ou 4) choque na admissão; 5) número de leucócitos, no sangue periférico colhido na admissão, igual ou menor que 10.000/mm³. A combinação desses fatores evidenciou que, quanto maior o número deles associados, mais alto o índice de letalidade.
Infecção experimental de Lymnaea columella por Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Ueta Marlene Tiduko
Published: April 2006

Os ovos de F. hepatica recolhidos em bilis de boi, fezes e em bilis de coelhos foram incubados a temperatura ambiente, dando origem a miracídios após 9 a 13 dias. Com estes miracídios recém-eclodidos foram infectados experimentalmente 233 exemplares de L. columella medindo 5,0 a 11,0 mm de comprimento. Das limneas infectadas apenas 3% sobreviveram até o desenvolvimento completo das cercarías. Houve formação de 190 a 1150 metacercárias entre o 46° ao 54° dia de infecção. Vários camundongos, ratos, cobaias e coelhos foram infectados com metacercárias de diferentes idades, mas somente os coelhos eliminaram ovos nas fezes 78 dias depois. Com a morte dos coelhos foram recuperados vermes adultos.
Problemas que dificultam a implementação do planejamento de saúde
Authors: Tinôco Aldo da Fonseca
Published: April 2006

São relacionados alguns problemas que dificultam a atividade de planejadores e administradores de sistemas de serviços de saúde quando se propõem a desenvolver ações planejadas no campo da saúde pública. Entre estes destacam-se aqueles que se referem à eleição de técnica, fixação de prioridades, organização e integração de serviços, informação estatística e decisão política.
Effects of non-specific immunopotentiators in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection: II. Corynebacterium parvum
Authors: Teixeira Kirte M , Coutinho Eridan M , Abath Frederico G.C. , Montenegro Silvia M.L.
Published: April 2006

The effects of Corynebacterium parvum on host protection, tissue reaction and "in vivo" chemotaxis in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were studied. The C. parvum was given intraperitoneally using a dose of 0.7 mg, twice a week (for 4 weeks), thirty days before (prophylactic treatment) or after infection (curative treatment). The host protection was evaluated through the recovery of adult worms by liver perfusion and was lower in the prophylactic group as compared to the control group (p = 0.018), resulting in 44% protection. The "in vivo" leukocyte response in both prophylactic and curative groups was higher as compared to the infected/non treated group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003, respectively). Tissue reactions were described in the experimental and control groups, but there were not remarkable differences among them. The possible biological implications and relevance of the findings for the defensive response of the host and control of schistosomiasis are discussed.
Dot-ELISA for the detection of anti-Cysticercus cellulosae antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid using a new solid phase (resin-treated polyester fabric) and Cysticercus longicollis antigens
Authors: Vaz Adelaide José , Nakamura Paulo Mutuko , Camargo Mario E. , Camargo Eide Dias , Ferreira A. Walter
Published: April 2006

A dot-ELISA was developed for the detection of antibodies in CSF in the immunologic diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis, using antigen extracts of the membrane and scolex of Cysticercus cellulosae (M+S-Cc) and, alternately, membrane (M) and vesicular fluid (VF) of Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) covalently bound to a new solid phase consisting of polyester fabric treated with N-methylol-acrylamide resin (dot-RT). The test was performed at room temperature, with reduced incubation times and with no need for special care in the manipulation of the support. The sensitivity rates obtained were 95.1% for antigen Cc and 97.6% for antigen Cl. Specificity was 90.6% when Cc was used, and 96.9% and 100% when M-Cl and VF-Cl were used, respectively. No significant differences in titer were observed between tests carried out with homologous and heterologous antigens. The low cost and easy execution of the dot-RT test using antigen extracts of Cysticercus longicollis indicate the test for use in the immunodiagnosis of human neurocysticercosis.
Oviposition by Schistosoma mansoni during in vitro cultivation
Authors: Barth Leo Roberto , Fernandes Ana Paula Morais , Rodrigues Vanderlei
Published: April 2006

Observation of Schistosoma mansoni oviposition during in vitro culture of adult worms for a maximum period of 10 days showed three well distinct phases in the kinetics of oviposition: an initial phase with low egg production, a period of maximum oviposition and finally a progressive reduction in the number of eggs during the late phases of culture. The kinetics of oviposition and the number of eggs laid by the parasites are influenced by the number of worm pairs per amount of RPMI 1640 medium, time of parasite development in the vertebrate host and type of serum utilized in the culture medium.
Questing one Brazilian query: reporting 16 cases of Q fever from Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Costa Paulo Sérgio Gonçalves da , Brigatte Marco Emilio , Greco Dirceu Bartolomeu
Published: April 2006

Q fever has been considered non-existing in Brazil where reports of clinical cases still cannot be found. This case-series of 16 patients is a result of a systematic search for such illness by means of clinical and serologic criteria. Serologic testing was performed by the indirect microimmunofluorescence technique using phase I/II C. burnetii antigens. Influenza-like syndrome was the most frequent clinical form (eight cases - 50%), followed by pneumonia, FUO (fever of unknown origin), mono-like syndrome (two cases - 12.5% each), lymphadenitis (one case - 6.3%) and spondylodiscitis associated with osteomyelitis (one case - 6.3%). The ages varied from four to 67 years old with a median of 43.5. All but one patient had positive serologic tests for phase II IgG whether or not associated with IgM positivity compatible with acute infection. One patient had both phase I and phase II IgG antibodies compatible with chronic Q fever. Seroconvertion was detected in 10 patients. Despite the known limitations of serologic diagnosis, the cases here reported should encourage Brazilian doctors to include Q fever as an indigenous cause of febrile illness.
Candidemia in a Brazilian hospital: the importance of Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Medrano Delia Jessica Astete , Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Cordeiro Rossana de Aguiar , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha , Rabenhorst Silvia Helena Barem , Sidrim José Júlio Costa
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of cases of candidemia in a Brazilian hospital in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. A total of 50 blood cultures were analyzed from 40 candidemic patients. The mycological diagnosis was based on the phenotypical analysis and the patients' data were recorded in appropriate files. The most frequent species were Candida parapsilosis (n = 18), followed by C. albicans (n = 14), C. tropicalis (n = 8), C. guillermondii (n = 6), C. glabrata (n = 2), and Candida spp. (n = 2). A detailed descriptive study was undertaken with 21 patients whose medical records were complete. The candidemia episodes occurred in eight male patients and 13 female patients. The most representative risk factors implicated in candidemia were prior antibiotic therapy, central venous catheters, parenteral nutrition, gastric probes and mechanical ventilation. Death occurred in 13 of the 21-candidemic patients. This study demonstrated the emergence of candidemia caused by C. parapsilosis in a Brazilian hospital in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará.
Reinfections with strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, of different biodemes as a factor of aggravation of myocarditis and myositis in mice
Authors: Andrade Sonia Gumes , Campos Rozália Figueira , Sobral Karina Souza Castro , Magalhães Juracy Barbosa , Guedes Ricardo S. Pereira , Guerreiro Marcos Lázaro
Published: April 2006

Reinfections with Trypanosoma cruzi in patients from endemic areas have been claimed to be an aggravation factor of cardiac manifestations in Chagas' disease. In the present study, the influence of triple infections with strains of different biodemes, on cardiac and skeletal muscle lesions was experimentally tested. Fifty eight mice chronically infected with the Colombian strain (Biodeme Type III) were successively reinfected as follows: 1st group - reinfected with 21 SF strain (Type II) followed by Y strain (Type I ); 2nd - group reinfections with Y strain followed by 21SF strain. Isoenzyme analysis of parasites from hemocultures obtained from triple infected mice, revealed the patterns of three distinct zymodemes in the same animal. Each Trypanosoma cruzi strain was reisolated after four passages in mice on either the 7th, 14th or 30th day after inoculation with the blood of triple infected mice. Histopathology results demonstrated a significant exacerbation of cardiac and skeletal muscle inflammatory lesions, confirmed by morphometric evaluation, in mice with triple infection. No aggravation of parasitism was detected. The possibility of an enhancement of cellular response in the triple infected mice is suggested.
Biomassa da rebrota de copas de pau-rosa (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) em plantios sob sombra parcial em floresta primária
Authors: Sampaio Paulo de Tarso Barbosa , Barbosa Antenor Pereira , Vieira Gil , Spironello Wilson Roberto , Bruno Flávio Mauro Souza
Published: April 2006

Este estudo propõe uma nova metodologia de exploração do pau-rosa (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) em substituição ao método tradicional, predatório, de corte raso. Avaliando-se a biomassa da rebrota de copas (galhos e folhas) e de cepas cortadas a 1 m de altura do solo, será possível inferir sobre o manejo de plantios visando maximizar a produção de óleo essencial desta espécie. Os plantios estão localizados na Reserva Florestal Adolph Ducke, Manaus, Brasil. Treze anos após a poda das copas e do corte das árvores a 1 m do solo, o peso seco da rebrota da copa (39,5 kg) foi significativamente superior ao peso seco de galhos e folhas das árvores testemunha (23 kg) e da rebrota das cepas (13,7 kg), revelando que a poda da copa estimulou maior produtividade de galhos e folhas das árvores do plantio. Como o peso do fuste representou 85,5% da média do peso total das árvores e a produtividade de óleo é diretamente proporcional á biomassa aérea, a exploração atual é predominantemente feita através do corte raso das árvores. A alta capacidade de rebrota da copa e o maior rendimento de óleo a partir de galhos e folhas em relação à madeira, no entanto, indicam que o manejo dos plantios desta espécie poderá ser feito através da poda da copa das árvores, evitando a destruição total das árvores e uma possível extinção da espécie.