bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regularization of degenerated equations and inequalities under explicit data parameterization
Authors: Gorbunov V.K.
Published: September 2013

- The regularization problem of degenerated nonlinear system of equations/ inequalities in Banach spaces is considered. The proposed approach is based on the explicit parametrization of input data and on the utilization of the multi-valued mapping techniques. Two regularization methods are suggested: the extended minimization and the regularized partial penalty function one. According to the first method an ill-posed problem should be replaced by a search of the minimal norm element in the join of solution sets of the family of problems that are equivalent to the initial one with respect to input data accuracy. The second one is based on separation from the initial system some regular part. Suggested approach is illustrated on some examples (analytical and numerical), including a singular system of ordinary differential and finite equations.
Approximation of function with finite number of discontinuities by noised data
Authors: Antonova T. V.
Published: September 2013

- In this paper we consider the ill-posed problem of recovery of a function which has a finite number of jumps using noised data. The method which we suggest allows us to find a number of discontinuities. The position of the discontinuity points and the values of jumps are derived approximately. The estimates of accuracy of positions and jumps values are given. Approximation of initial function is constructed. The uniform estimate of proximity of the approximate function and the exact function is given outside the neighborhoods discontinuity points.
New approaches to error estimation to ill-posed problems with applications to inverse problems of heat conductivity
Authors: Dorofeev K.Y. , Nikolaeva N.N. , Titarenko V.N. , Yagola A.G.
Published: September 2013

- In this paper several new approaches for error estimation of an approximate solution of linear ill-posed problems are offered in the presence of the additional a priori information about the exact solution. This information is used when the exact solution belongs to a compact set or is sourcewise represented. All considered problems are reduced to convex programming problems in finite dimensional Euclidean spaces. The method to cut convex polyhedrons is applied to solve these problems and to construct areas, which the exact solutions belong to. Several model inverse problems for the heat conduction equation are considered.
An inverse problem for a generalized Kermack—McKendrick model
Authors: Colombo F.
Published: September 2013

- We consider an integrodifferential system arising in the theory of spread of infection. We formulate the inverse problem, consisting in determine the unknowns u (susceptible population), v (infective population) and the convolution kernel h, (representing the time depending transfer mechanism of infection) in an abstract setting, relating it to a Banach space X. We prove an abstract existence and uniqueness theorem for the abstract inverse problem and we apply it to the concrete case of the epidemic equations.
On an inverse filtration problem in the harmonic analysis of finite time records
Authors: Haidar N. H. S.
Published: September 2013

- Variations in harmonic amplitudes of finite time records of certain recurrent functions f(t) ∈ L
1, in Bochner’s sense, which are encountered e.g. in medical tonometry [1], are analyzed by means of the time-localization principle. The variations are proved to generate a reversed filtration process of the Kallman type. A new sequential “on line” smoothing algorithm is advanced to regularize this ill-posed problem in a weighted Sobolev space with regularizable exponential weight functions.
Representation of solutions to kinetic equations and inverse problems
Authors: Anikonov Yu.E.
Published: September 2013

- In this paper we present formulas for solutions and coefficients of kinetic equations. The formulas contain arbitrary functions whose research in inverse problems for kinetic equations in a number of cases deals with conversion of the Hilbert, Fourier and Abel transforms, analytical continuation and other relations.
Approximation of ill-posed evolution problems and discretization of C-semigroups
Authors: Piskarev S. , Shaw S.-Y. , Van Casteren J. A.
Published: September 2013

- This paper is devoted to numerical analysis of ill-posed problems of evolution equations in Banach spaces. Since a C-semigroup is a regularizator family for an ill posed-problem we consider approximation by C-semigroups for a general approximation scheme. In this direction the relevant notion is that of C operator, which provides the regularization property. Within this context some interesting aspects of regularization using stochastic differential equations with discretization in space and in time variables are considered.
Regularization of parameter estimation by adaptive discretization using refinement and coarsening indicators
Authors: Ben Ameur H. , Kaltenbacher B.
Published: September 2013

- This paper is concerned with the ill-posed problem of identifying a hydraulic transmissivity in an isotropic and confined aquifer in two space dimensions. To define a regularization by adaptive discretization of the parameter, we use refinement and coarsening indicators, which give the first order effect on the optimal data misfit of adding or removing degrees of freedom to a current set of parameters. The direct problem is discretized by a mixed hybrid finite element method. A combination of the direct problem discretization with the adaptive discretrization for the transmissivity allows us to prove convergence of the algorithm as the mesh size goes to zero, stability of the finite-dimensional approximation, and convergence for noisy data with an appropriate stopping rule.
On solvability of an inverse problem with an unknown coefficient and right-hand side for a parabolic equation
Authors: Kozhanov A. I.
Published: September 2013

- We study the inverse problem for a parabolic equation in which the unknowns are the solution, coefficient of the function, and right-hand side (exterior load). We prove existence and uniqueness theorems.
Introduction
Authors: Kemmerer David
Published: September 2013

As part of the continuing growth and diver sification of Language and Cognition, this special double issue focuses on the evolution of language. Although this controver sial topic has been discussed for centuries from different per spectives, it is probably safe to say that genuine progress has only begun to take place during the past 25 years or so, as increasing numbers of researcher s have star ted pooling a broad array of relevant ideas and discoveries from a tremendous range of disciplines, including, in alphabetical order, anthropology, archeology, ar tificial life, biology, cognitive science, genetics, linguistics, modeling, neuroscience, paleontology, primatology, and psychology. The rapid expansion and maturation of this field of inquiry is evident in sever al ways. Since 1990, more and more articles about the evolution of language have appeared in prominent, high-ranking journals such as Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, and Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience. In addition, the publication of books on this topic has been on the rise, and there is now a whole series of impressive monogr aphs under the rubric “Oxford Studies in the Evolution of Language.” Fur thermore, beginning in 1996, the International Conference on the Evolution of Language has been held every other year to provide a public forum for the presentation and evaluation of new developments (http://www.evolang.org/).
The neurobiology of sign language and the mirror system hypothesis
Authors: Emmorey Karen
Published: September 2013

I suggest two puzzles for the Mirror System Hypothesis. First, there is little evidence that mirror neuron populations for words or for signs exist in Broca's area, and a mirror system is not critical for either speech or sign perception. Damage to Broca's area (or to the mirror system for human action) does not result in deficits in sign or speech perception. Second, the gesticulations of speakers are highly integrated with speech, but pantomimes and modern protosigns (conventional gestures) are not co-expressive with speech, and they do not co-occur with speech. Further, signers also produce global, imagistic gesticulations with their mouths and bodies simultaneously while signing with their hands. The expanding spiral of protosign and protospeech does not predict the integrated and co-expressive nature of modern gestures produced by signers and speakers.
An optical system for measuring the residence time distribution in co-rotating twin-screw extruders
Authors: Gerstorfer Gregor , Lepschi Alexander , Miethlinger Jürgen , Zagar Bernhard G.
Published: September 2013

Expanding the general knowledge of the extrusion process in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder requires several parameters to be determined, among them the residence time distribution (RTD). This contribution introduces an optical measurement setup for acquiring the residence time density and distribution function. Based on our measurement results, we derive the influence of the rotational speed of the screws, mass flow rate and of different types of screw configurations on residence time.
Monte Carlo simulation of ionic conductivity in polyethylene oxide
Authors: Cheang Pei Ling , Yap Yee Ling , Teo Lay Lian , Wong Eng Kiong , You Ah Heng , Hanapei Hisham
Published: September 2013

A Monte Carlo (MC) model to incorporate the effect of Al2O3 with different particle sizes in enhancing the ionic conductivity of composite polymer electrolytes consisting of polyethylene oxide (PEO), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), and ethylene carbonate (EC), is proposed. The simulated ionic conductivity in our MC model is validated by the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which determined the room temperature ionic conductivity of various composite electrolyte samples differing from the size of the Al2O3 prepared via the solution cast method. With the simulated current density and recurrence relation, cation transference numbers, t+si of composite polymer electrolytes were derived using the steady-state current method proposed by Bruce et al. Addition of Al2O3 (≤10 μm) in micron size greatly enhances the ionic conductivity to a magnitude of two orders, i.e., from 2.9025×10-7 S/cm to 2.970×10-5 S/cm and doubles the cation transference number from 0.230 to 0.465. However, the addition of Al2O3 (<50 nm) in nano size decreases both the ionic conductivity and the cation transference number. The smaller size of Al2O3 in the nano range is responsible for the congestion on the conducting pathways that traps some of the Li+ in PEO electrolytes.
Informational Basis of Sensory Adaptation: Entropy and Single-Spike Efficiency in Rat Barrel Cortex
Authors: Adibi Mehdi , Clifford Colin W. G. , Arabzadeh Ehsan
Published: September 2013

We showed recently that exposure to whisker vibrations enhances coding efficiency in rat barrel cortex despite increasing correlations in variability (Adibi et al., 2013). Here, to understand how adaptation achieves this improvement in sensory representation, we decomposed the stimulus information carried in neuronal population activity into its fundamental components in the framework of information theory. In the context of sensory coding, these components are the entropy of the responses across the entire stimulus set (response entropy) and the entropy of the responses conditional on the stimulus (conditional response entropy). We found that adaptation decreased response entropy and conditional response entropy at both the level of single neurons and the pooled activity of neuronal populations. However, the net effect of adaptation was to increase the mutual information because the drop in the conditional entropy outweighed the drop in the response entropy. The information transmitted by a single spike also increased under adaptation. As population size increased, the information content of individual spikes declined but the relative improvement attributable to adaptation was maintained.
MiR-26b, Upregulated in Alzheimer's Disease, Activates Cell Cycle Entry, Tau-Phosphorylation, and Apoptosis in Postmitotic Neurons
Authors: Absalon Sabrina , Kochanek Dawn M. , Raghavan Venkatesan , Krichevsky Anna M.
Published: September 2013

MicroRNA (miRNA) functions in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are only beginning to emerge. We have observed significantly elevated levels of a specific miRNA, miR-26b, in the defined pathological areas of human postmortem brains, starting from early stages of AD (Braak III). Ectopic overexpression of miR-26b in rat primary postmitotic neurons led to the DNA replication and aberrant cell cycle entry (CCE) and, in parallel, increased tau-phosphorylation, which culminated in the apoptotic cell death of neurons. Similar tau hyperphosphorylation and CCE are typical features of neurons in pre-AD brains. Sequence-specific inhibition of miR-26b in culture is neuroprotective against oxidative stress. Retinoblastoma protein (Rb1), a major tumor suppressor, appears as the key direct miR-26b target, which mediates the observed neuronal phenotypes. The downstream signaling involves upregulation of Rb1/E2F cell cycle and pro-apoptotic transcriptional targets, including cyclin E1, and corresponding downregulation of cell cycle inhibitor p27/Kip1. It further leads to nuclear export and activation of Cdk5, a major kinase implicated in tau phosphorylation, regulation of cell cycle, and death in postmitotic neurons. Therefore, upregulation of miR-26b in neurons causes pleiotropic phenotypes that are also observed in AD. Elevated levels of miR-26b may thus contribute to the AD neuronal pathology.
Boracite Mg3[B7O13Cl] from the Zechstein salt deposits
Authors: Heide Klaus , Nolze Gert , Völksch Günter , Heide Gerhard
Published: September 2013

Among the borates in the Middle European Zechstein Salt Succession boracite Mg

Boracite is to be found in two varieties: individual crystals in cubic, tetrahedral or dodecahedral habit on the one hand and fibrous crystals so-called “stassfurtite” on the other hand.

The formation conditions such widely spread borates in the salt succession are ambiguous in two respects. First of all the synthetic formation of boracites is to be made by hydrothermal or melt conditions. Both processes can be suspended for the salt succession. Furthermore the cubic modification is stable above 265 ºC for the Mg-boracite. The cubic, tetrahedral or dodecahedral habit could be used as a geothermometer, but such conditions can be exclude by the paragenetic minerals, esp. carnallite (MgKCl

The chemical composition of orthorhombic, pseudo-cubic boracite depends on the location.

Pure Mg-boracite in hexahedral habit and in fibrous habit, so-called “stassfurtite”, occurs in the North Harz region, whereas the Fe-, Mn-, Mg-boracite appears in the South Harz region.

Until now the source of boron, the time of formation of crystals, but also the reasons for the differences in habit of the single hexahedral crystals are still unclear. The formation during a diagenetic/metamorphic process is evident. However, the preferred formation in Stassfurt seam could be an indication for the boron enrichment in an early diagenetic process.

Furthermore permit the determination of the thermal stability and the volatile content of crystals conclusions to the chemical composition of the fluid.

The observed variation suggests that the condition of crystal growth as well as the chemical composition of fluid repeatedly changed over the time. Randomly occuring xenomorpheous anhydrite and magnesite inclusions within single boracite crystals have been interpreted as an indication to factors of chemical milieu during the formation of crystals.

The reversible phase transition temperature of the boracite is a linearly function of the iron and manganese content and varies from 265 ºC for Mg-boracite to 330 ºC for Fe(Mn)-boracite.

The thermal decomposition of boracite is determined by two processes. The decomposition started with a boronchlorine release (BOCl?), having a maximum rate at 1050 ºC. Additionally to this release one observes a simultaneous emission of H

The results give evidence for the aged approach of a secondary formation of boracite within the complete Stassfurt seam, possibly in connection with the formation of salt diapirs in the Jura and Cretaceous period.

The wider environmental distribution of borates is an indication of chemical transport processes within the salt succession. This should be a more important issue in the discussion about the utilisation of salt diapirs for the storage of nuclear waste.
High-temperature borate crystal chemistry
Authors: Bubnova Rimma S. , Filatov Stanislav K.
Published: September 2013

The paper presents a brief review of the present state of high-temperature borate crystal chemistry. This review summarizes the results of high- and low-temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction studies for more than 10 borate structures and high-temperature powder Xray diffraction data for about 65 borates. Thermal behavior of their crystal structures, thermal expansion, polymorphic transitions and their relationship to borate glasses are presented. These studies allow to formulate the basic principles of high-temperature borate crystal chemistry and to reveal the regularities of thermal behavior of borates. On heating, the BO
There it is. Take it.
Authors: Ulin David L.
Published: September 2013

David L. Ulin's essay finds William Mulholland doubly generous—he gave LA both water and a motto to live by. Ulin begins with the Los Angeles Aqueduct's inauguration photographs taken in November 1913. Here is where Mulholland said the five words that Ulin proposes as LA's manifesto. As Ulin reports, within the last one hundred years many (in)famous Angelenos, like oil baron Edward Doheny, studio head Louis B. Mayer, and gambling kingpin Charlie Crawford, followed Mulholland's prescription. For popular writers Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain, "There it is. Take it" describes their license to fictionalize scandal. But obeying Mulholland's imperative, as Ulin reveals, was not without negative consequences. Mulholland, especially, with the 1928 collapse of the St. Francis Dam, for which he held himself responsible, found out the hard way the cost of trusting his authority. In the end, "There it is. Take it," Mulholland's directive for the future, is a lesson from the past that haunts us today.
The Myth of a Desert Metropolis
Authors: MacDonald Glen M.
Published: September 2013

Glen M. MacDonald dispels the myth that Los Angeles is a desert city. But he also warns that a desert is what Los Angeles may one day become. After defining what a desert is and then proving that Los Angeles (for now) is not a desert, Macdonald investigates the origins of the “desert city” myth. This myth has thrived despite the evidence that MacDonald culls from various archives: a missionary's diary entries describing Los Angeles in 1769, nineteenth century newspaper reports and photographs, and a very recent MODIS satellite image of the city. If Los Angeles has yet to be described accurately as a desert, the encroachments that the ever-expanding city is making, particularly on the Mojave, along with climate change, threaten to make the desert city myth real. Nevertheless, MacDonald argues, rather than reify this old myth, perhaps it is time we create a new one.
Parallel stories: FX lending to households in Poland, Romania and Hungary, 1997–2011
Authors: Hudecz András
Published: September 2013

The analysis of household foreign currency (FX) lending begins with a short review of the theoretical and empirical literature. I investigate the factors that have helped or hindered such lending, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. The study goes on to look at the experiences in Poland, Romania and Hungary. The choice is based on the fact that all three countries operate a flexible exchange rate regime and that household FX lending is prevalent in all of them. The analysis of each country touches upon the factors that have contributed to the local development of FX borrowing. However, the study focuses on the regulatory measures taken to curb such lending. The study concludes with a review and critical assessment of the policies that have been adopted with an eye to solving social and economic difficulties arising from FX indebtedness.
Membership structure and dividend payout policies at Hungarian co-operative banks
Authors: Burger Csaba
Published: September 2013

Co-operative banks are widely seen as sustainable alternatives to profit-driven banking. However, while most banks struggle to meet the stringent capital requirements of regulators, co-operative banks are in particular need of cautious capital-related decisions given their little ability to accommodate profit-driven equity investors. In fact, co-operative banks’ single greatest source of capital is their annual surplus.This paper first highlights that capital protection rules related to Hungarian co-operative banks are more liberal than those of other European co-operatives. This is followed by an analysis of Hungarian co-operative banks’ decisions on the distribution of annual surplus among their members. In doing so, the annual reports of 99 co-operative banks representing 73% of all Hungarian co-operatives are used, complemented with confidential data on the ownership structure of each co-operative.The study shows that a co-operative with a low number of members and a high amount of average subscribed capital per member is likely to distribute high dividends. This phenomenon is explained by the different nature of co-operatives according to the number of members. This result not only sends an alarming message to policy makers in Hungary and possibly elsewhere, but also contributes to the peculiarities of co-operative corporate governance.
Development of CdTe on Si Heteroepilayers for Controlled PV Material and Device Studies
Authors: Gessert T.A. , Dhere R. , Kuciauskas D. , Moseley J. , Moutinho H. , Romero M.J. , Al-Jassim M. , Colegrove E. , Kodama R. , Sivananthan S.
Published: September 2013

The objective of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) current three-year CdTe plan under the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative is to identify primary mechanisms that limit the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of polycrystalline CdTe photovoltaic (PV) devices, and develop CdTe synthesis processes and/or device designs that avoid these limitations. Part of this project relies on analysis of crystalline materials and pseudocrystalline CdTe layers where point and extended defects can be introduced sequentially without the complications of extensive impurities and grain boundaries that are typical of present polycrystalline films. The ultimate goals of the project include producing CdTe PV devices that demonstrate ≥20% conversion efficiency, while significantly improving our understanding of processes and materials capable of attaining cost goals of <$0.50 per watt. While NREL is investigating several options for the routine fabrication of high-quality CdTe layers, one pathway involves CdTe molecular beam heteroepitaxy (MBE) on Si in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago. Although CdTe/Si heteroepitaxy is relatively unfamiliar to researchers in the PV community, it has been used successfully for more than 20 years to produce high-quality CdTe surfaces required for commercial production of large-area single-crystal HgCdTe infrared detectors and focal-plane arrays. The process involves chemical and thermal preparation of Si (211) wafers, followed by deposition of As-passivation and ZnTeaccommodation layers. MBE-grown CdTe layers deposited on top of this “template” have been shown to demonstrate low etch-pit density (EPD, preferably ≤ ∼5x105 cm-2) and high structural quality (full width at half maximum ∼ 60 arcs). These initial studies indicate that 10-μm-thick CdTe layers on Si are indeed epitaxial with cathodoluminescence-determined dislocation density consistent with historic EPD measurements, and that recombination rates are distinct from either as-deposited polycrystalline or crystalline materials.
Fibra alimentar: ingestão adequada e efeitos sobre a saúde do metabolismo
Authors: Bernaud Fernanda Sarmento Rolla , Rodrigues Ticiana C.
Published: September 2013

Os efeitos positivos da fibra alimentar estão relacionados, em parte, ao fato de que uma parcela da fermentação de seus componentes ocorre no intestino grosso, o que produz impacto sobre a velocidade do trânsito intestinal, sobre o pH do cólon e sobre a produção de subprodutos com importante função fisiológica. Indivíduos com elevado consumo de fibras parecem apresentar menor risco para o desenvolvimento de doença coronariana, hipertensão, obesidade, diabetes e câncer de cólon. O aumento na ingestão de fibras reduz os níveis séricos de colesterol, melhora a glicemia em pacientes com diabetes, reduz o peso corporal e foi associado com menores níveis séricos de proteína C reativa ultrassensível. O maior consumo de fibras e a ingestão de mais fibras do que a atualmente recomendada (14 g/1.000 kcal) poderão trazer maior benefício à saúde, incluindo a redução de processos inflamatórios de baixo grau.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Medeiros Camila , Bruin Veralice , Férrer Débora , Paiva Ticiana , Montenegro Júnior Renan , Forti Adriana , Bruin Pedro
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: To examine excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in type 2 diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients (N = 110) were evaluated regarding Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EDS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (Berlin questionnaire), and comorbidity severity (Charlson Comorbidity Index). Patients were compared with indivi-duals with arterial hypertension and without diabetes. RESULTS: Diabetic patients had more EDS, depressive symptoms, and higher comorbidity severity than hypertensive patients (p < 0.005). In diabetic patients, poor quality sleep (53.3%), and high risk of OSA (40.9%) and RLS (14.5%) were found; EDS (55.5%) was associated with depressive symptoms present in 44.5% indivi-duals (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.15), and remained so after data were controlled for age, gender, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin (OR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.03-5.03). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep abnormalities are frequent. EDS affects most of the patients and is independently associated with depressive symptoms. Adequate antidepressant therapy should be tested for the effects on EDS.
New insights into steroidogenesis in normo- and hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome patients
Authors: Medeiros Sebastião Freitas de , Gil-Junior Ângelo Barrionuevo , Barbosa Jacklyne Silva , Isaías Érico Duarte , Yamamoto Márcia Marly Winck
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to examine corticosteroidogenic enzyme activities in normo- and hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cohort study included 81 patients with biochemical hyperandrogenism and 41 patients with normal androgen levels. Enzyme activities were assessed according to the serum steroid product/precursor ratios at baseline and after adrenal stimulation. RESULTS: At baseline, in the delta 4 (Δ4) pathway, hyperandrogenic patients showed greater 17-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities in converting progesterone (P4) into 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP4) and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPE) into androstenedione (A) (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.047, respectively) compared to normoandrogenic patients. In the delta 5 (Δ5) pathway, the 17-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase enzymes showed similar activities in both groups. Hyperandrogenic patients presented lower 21-hydroxylase, lower 11β-hydroxylase (p = 0.0001), and statistically significant increases in 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase II (3β-HSDII) activities (p < 0.0001). Following tetracosactrin stimulation, only the 17,20 lyase activity remained up-regulated in the Δ4 pathway (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperandrogenic patients had higher 17,20 lyase activity, both at baseline and after adrenal stimulation. Greater conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into A with normal conversion of 17-OHPE to 17-OHP4 in hyperandrogenic PCOS patients indicated different levels of 3β-HSDII activity in adrenal cells, and hyperandrogenic patients had lower 11β-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase activities.
Study of the histological profile of papillary thyroid carcinomas associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Cordioli Maria Isabel Cunha Vieira , Cury Adriano Namo , Nascimento Adriana Oliveira , Oliveira Ana Karine de , Mello Murilo , Saieg Mauro Ajaj
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the histological parameters of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and the presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological samples from patients with PTC were reviewed by an endocrine pathologist. The following parameters were analyzed: presence of concomitant HT, multifocality, presence of nodal metastasis, tumor size, vascular invasion, perineural infiltration, histological variant, and pathological staging. Clinical data included gender and age at the time of the diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 94 cases of PTC were reviewed. There was a predominance of women (85.1% vs. 14.9%) and median age at presentation was 45.13 years. The presence of HT was significantly associated with greater occurrence of multifocal tumors (p = 0.004), early pathological stage (p = 0.02), and smaller tumor size (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PTC associated with HT had significantly smaller tumors, more often multifocal and in an earlier stage than their counterparts without HT. A better understanding of the immune response involved in these tumors may be useful for future strategies on the prevention and for the development of new therapeutic approaches for this group of neoplasms.
Descortinando a vivência emocional do parto através do Método Bick
Authors: Donelli Tagma Marina Schneider , Lopes Rita de Cássia Sobreira
Published: September 2013

O presente estudo aplicou o Método Bick, para fins de pesquisa, com o objetivo de desvendar e conhecer a vivência emocional da mulher sobre o parto. Foram realizadas observações em um centro obstétrico durante dezenove meses. As observações foram relatadas, supervisionadas e posteriormente analisadas. Os dados apontam o parto como um momento potencialmente desorganizador, capaz de produzir sobrecarga emocional e desencadear estado de vulnerabilidade psíquica nas mulheres, produzindo impacto emocional também no observador e na equipe. Foi constatado o uso de mecanismos defensivos na equipe, que prejudicava a interação profissional-paciente. A aplicação do Método Bick possibilitou a aproximação da vivência emocional do parto através da disponibilidade psíquica e da postura não-intrusiva do observador. O estudo sugere a necessidade de revisar práticas relacionadas ao manejo dos aspectos emocionais das parturientes. Implicações clínicas e para a pesquisa também são abordadas.
Atendimento preferencial no Estatuto e na voz do idoso: uma análise discursiva
Authors: Santos Janete Silva dos
Published: September 2013

Este artigo, resultado de investigação sobre a relação entre discurso e prática social, analisa a referência ao atendimento preferencial feita no texto do Estatuto do Idoso e no depoimento voluntário de seis idosos, buscando compreender o interdiscurso mobilizado nessas enunciações, recuperado em texto publicitário. Tomamos como base teórico-metodológica de análise teorias do discurso, especificamente o dialogismo bakhtiniano, conforme leituras de Authier-Revuz (2004) sobre esses pressupostos, e a Análise do Discurso na perspectiva de Pêcheux (2008) e Orlandi (1996, 1998, 2003). Os resultados da análise permitem-nos compreender como a existência da lei ainda aponta para os discursos que circundam negativamente o universo da velhice.
A construção da crítica em resenhas produzidas por alunos
Authors: Rodrigues Flávio Luis Freire
Published: September 2013

Na produção dissertativa tradicional, os alunos são orientados a não manifestarem declaradamente seu ponto de vista. Eles aprendem os caminhos para ocultar sua subjetividade. Na produção de resenhas, é necessário que o aluno deixe aflorar essa opinião a fim de criticar o objeto resenhado, visto que a crítica é um dos elementos constitutivos deste gênero. Portanto, o aluno precisa fazer o caminho inverso ao habitual e resgatar a subjetividade perdida. Este artigo intenciona verificar, a partir da análise de excertos de textos produzidos pelos próprios alunos, em aulas de produção de texto do gênero resenha, se houve apropriação de uma das seções importantes deste gênero, a crítica. Também faz parte da investigação deste artigo o uso de modalizadores textuais. A abordagem para a análise e produção de texto foi a dos gêneros discursivos ou textuais sobre a qual se fundamentou o trabalho de doutorado de que este artigo faz parte.
Representações de escrita de alunos de Mestrado em Letras
Authors: Silva Adriana da
Published: September 2013

Verificamos as representações sociais de escrita de alunos de Mestrado em Letras. Procuramos usar a Teoria das Representações Sociais para investigarmos as representações da escrita de 10 alunos do Mestrado em Letras de uma Universidade Federal do interior de Minas Gerais. Associamos essas representações aos discursos sobre a escrita difundidos na esfera acadêmica. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, baseado em narrativas elaboradas por esses alunos. Concluímos que, durante o maior período de escolarização desses alunos, as representações da escrita foram negativas, mas se transformaram em positivas com o passar do tempo. Isso demonstra que as representações são plásticas, flexíveis, pois antigas representações dão lugar a novas representações em função das experiências humanas, influenciadas por novos contextos. As narrativas sobre a história da escrita podem ser um caminho para professores conhecerem os percursos da escrita desenvolvidos por seus alunos, assim como permitem a identificação das representações sociais desses alunos.
Surface properties and color stability of an acrylic resin combined with an antimicrobial polymer
Authors: Pero Ana Carolina , Ignárcio Jaqueline , Giro Gabriela , Mendoza-Marin Danny Omar , Paleari André Gustavo , Compagnoni Marco Antonio
Published: September 2013

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of stomatitis is common since the surface characteristics of the dentures may act as reservoirs for microorganisms and have the potential to support biofilm formation. PURPOSE: To assess the surface properties (wettability/roughness) and color stability of an acrylic resin combined with the antimicrobial polymer poly (2-tert-butylaminoethyl) methacrylate (PTBAEMA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty disc-shaped specimens of an acrylic resin (Lucitone 550) were divided into three groups: 0% (control); 5% and 10% PTBAEMA. Surface roughness values (Ra) were measured using a profilometer and wettability was determined through contact angle measurements using a goniometer and deionized water as a test liquid. Color data were measured with a spectrophotometer. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test were used to compare roughness values. Wettability data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. Color data were compared using the Student's t-test and ∆E values were classified according to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). All statistical analyses were performed considering α=.05. RESULT: Significant differences (p<.05) were detected among the groups for roughness, wettability and color stability. According to the NBS, the color changes obtained in the 5% and 10% PTBAEMA groups were "appreciable" and "much appreciable", respectively. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that PTBAEMA incorporation in an acrylic resin increased the roughness and wettability of surfaces and produced color changes with clinical relevance.
Gerenciamento de resíduos odontológicos no serviço público
Authors: Hidalgo Lídia Regina da Costa , Garbin Artênio José Isper , Rovida Tânia Adas Saliba , Garbin Cléa Adas Saliba
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Verificar o processo de gerenciamento dos resíduos odontológicos do serviço público de saúde em 11 municípios brasileiros. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Uma única pesquisadora realizou as visitas e as observações foram anotadas em um roteiro previamente elaborado e testado. RESULTADO: Foram visitadas 50 unidades de saúde, sendo que nenhuma apresentou cópia do plano de gerenciamento de resíduos. Do total de estabelecimentos, 62% realizavam a correta segregação dos resíduos no momento da sua geração. A presença de recipientes adequados a cada tipo de resíduo gerado no consultório odontológico foi observada em 74% dos estabelecimentos e, destes, 94% apresentavam capacidade adequada ao tipo de resíduo gerado. A identificação do tipo de resíduo nas embalagens plásticas bem como anotações identificando o estabelecimento gerador dos resíduos foram encontradas em 8% e 6%, respectivamente. Somente 21% dos estabelecimentos apresentavam locais apropriados, de acordo com as normas vigentes, para o armazenamento dos resíduos até que fosse feita a coleta externa. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se na presente pesquisa que a rotina adotada pela rede pública de saúde bucal, no que tange ao gerenciamento de resíduos de saúde, apresentou falhas.
Estudo in vitro da influência do formato e do tratamento de superfície de implantes odontológicos no torque de inserção, resistência ao arrancamento e frequência de ressonância
Authors: Oliscovicz Nathalia Ferraz , Valente Mariana Lima da Costa , Marcantonio Junior Elcio , Shimano Antonio Carlos , Reis Andrea Candido dos
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: A proposta do estudo foi avaliar a influência do formato e do tratamento de superfície na estabilidade primária de implantes odontológicos, inseridos em diferentes substratos, utilizando-se associação de métodos, como torque de inserção, resistência ao arrancamento e frequência de ressonância. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 32 implantes da marca Conexão® (Conexão Sistemas de Prótese Ltda, Arujá, São Paulo, Brasil), sendo: oito cilíndricos com tratamento Porous (CA), oito cilíndricos usinados (MS), oito cilíndricos tratamento duplo Porous (MP) e oito cônicos sem tratamento (CC). Os substratos utilizados para inserção foram: costela de porco; poliuretana Synbone©; poliuretana Nacional® (15, 20, 40 PCF), e madeira. O torque de inserção (TI) foi quantificado utilizando-se um torquímetro digital Kratos®; a força de arrancamento (RA) foi aferida por meio de tração axial, realizada em uma Máquina Universal de Ensaios (Emic® DL-10000), e utilizou-se também análise por meio de frequência de ressonância (RF). Para obtenção dos resultados estatísticos, utilizou-se análise de variância e teste de Tukey (significância de 5%). RESULTADO: Ao analisar o torque de inserção, verificou-se que os implantes com tratamento de superfície não foram diferentes estatisticamente dos usinados, assim como os implantes cilíndricos não tiveram diferença dos cônicos em todos os substratos (p>0,05), com exceção da poliuretana Synbone©. Em relação à resistência ao arrancamento, os implantes tratados e usinados, assim como cônicos e cilíndricos, não tiveram diferença estatística (p>0,05); a análise de frequência de ressonância mostrou que não houve diferença entre os implantes (p>0,05), com exceção da poliuretana Nacional® (20 PCF). CONCLUSÃO: Os formatos e o tratamento de superfície estudados não demonstraram valores significantes quando foram comparados os implantes entre si e, considerando os substratos avaliados, não houve diferença estatística entre os diferentes tipos de implantes.
Clinical and microbiological evaluation of one-stage full-mouth disinfection: a short-term study
Authors: Cortelli José Roberto , Castro Marcos Vinicius Moreira de , Balejo Rodrigo Dalla Pria , Alencar Camila Oliveira de , Gargioni Filho Antonio Carlos , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Costa Fernando Oliveira
Published: September 2013

INTRODUCTION: Patients seem to adhere better to short-term periodontal treatment schemes. Besides, time-reduced treatments are more cost-effective. However, the degree of benefits related to this type of treatment still requires additional investigations. AIM: The present short-term study evaluated clinical and microbiological outcomes, from baseline to 3-months, of chronic periodontitis subjects treated by the one-stage full-mouth disinfection protocol. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixteen chronic periodontitis subjects (mean-age 49.87 ± 8.22) who met inclusion/exclusion criteria were included. A calibrated examiner measured whole-mouth plaque and gingival indices, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment level at baseline and at 3-months. Subgingival samples were also collected from the 5 most diseased periodontal sites to determine total bacterial load and levels of P. gingivalis and S. oralis by real time qPCR. Periodontal treatment consisted of full-mouth manual debridement plus wide intraoral use of chlorhexidine in gel and solution. Additionally, after debridement, individuals rinsed 0.12% chlorhexidine at home twice a day for the following 2 months. Data monitored were compared by paired Student-t test (p<0.05). RESULT: Statistical analysis revealed that, in general, one-stage full-mouth disinfection treatment provided significant clinical and microbiological improvements at 3-months. Total bacterial load showed one of the most pronounced reductions from baseline to 3-months (p=0.0001). Also, subgingival levels P. gingivalis and S. oralis reduced overtime. CONCLUSION: After a short period of monitoring, chronic periodontitis subjects showed clinical and microbial improvements following one-stage full-mouth disinfection treatment.
Modelo teórico para a previsão da resistência à compressão da alvenaria armada
Authors: Silva R. F. , Camacho J. S. , Rodrigues R. O.
Published: September 2013

Neste trabalho faz-se a comparação entre diferentes modelos para se prever a resistência à compressão de prismas de alvenaria de blocos de concreto. Foram estudados experimentalmente quatro tipos diferentes de configurações de prismas, sendo cada um deles ensaiados vazios, ou seja, não grauteados, e preenchidos com graute mais armaduras, denominados prismas armados. Para todos os arranjos de prismas foram registradas as suas resistências à compressão axial, deformações e modos de ruptura. Posteriormente, esses resultados foram comparados com diferentes modelos teóricos de previsão de resistência, baseados nas resistências individuais de cada material, nas suas deformações de ruptura e no efeito de cintamento introduzido pelos blocos no sistema. Entre os modelos estudados, verificou-se que os que conduziram à melhores resultados foram aqueles em que foi considerado o efeito do cintamento proporcionado pelo bloco de concreto e, ainda, uma alteração na deformação de ruptura do graute.
Massa específica e absorção de água de concretos manufaturados com agregados alternativos
Authors: Araujo E. C. , Dias F. M.
Published: September 2013

O concreto é o segundo material mais utilizado no planeta. Devido ao crescimento acentuado das economias emergentes, existe uma expectativa de consumo deste material ainda maior nos próximos anos. Em função deste crescimento, pode-se observar que o meio ambiente está sendo extremamente prejudicado com a geração de resíduos. Vários são os setores que geram estes resíduos, dentre estes, destacam-se os siderúrgicos, os de tratamento de água e o de extração de brita para matéria prima para as concreteiras. Sendo assim, este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a utilização de resíduos sólidos como agregados alternativos para a manufatura de concreto. Os resíduos utilizados são: Lodo de Estação de Tratamento de Água (LETA), Areia Artificial e Escória de Aciaria. Para tanto foram adotados traços de concreto com substituição total ou parcial das frações de agregados graúdos (brita) e miúdo (areia). Esta substituição foi feita em massa. Para parâmetro de comparação adotou-se um traço padrão com a utilização de 100% dos constituintes do concreto adotados pelas concreteiras da região. O traço padrão adotado corresponde a uma resistência característica a compressão de 25 MPa e uma relação água/cimento de 0,61. Os concretos foram caracterizados quanto às propriedades físicas segundo as normas da ABNT. Os resultados dos ensaios de concretos com os resíduos de areia artificial e escória de aciaria apresentaram-se como eficientes para aplicações estruturais. Porém, os concretos com adição de LETA podem ser utilizados para fins não estruturais, tal como, elemento de enchimento em projetos que exijam baixa resistência à compressão. Estes dados foram tratados estatisticamente, por meio da análise de variância ANOVA e os resultados indicam que, com a utilização criteriosa, os resíduos aqui estudados, podem ser alternativos à utilização dos agregados tradicionais para manufatura de concretos.
Determinação do módulo de elasticidade do concreto a partir da resposta acústica
Authors: Diógenes H. J. F. , Cossolino L. C. , Pereira A. H. A. , El Debs M. K. , El Debs A. L. H. C.
Published: September 2013

A análise dinâmica de estruturas é cada vez mais relevante para estruturas civis. Nesse contexto, ensaios dinâmicos, de caráter não-destrutivo, são uma ferramenta promissora, pois permitem que sejam obtidas informações integradas e globais da estrutura a respeito da rigidez e do amortecimento e, além disso, podem ser repetidos e comparados ao longo do tempo. A resposta acústica é uma inovadora metodologia de ensaio não-destrutivo que visa a determinação do módulo de elasticidade do concreto, parâmetro que associado à resistência do concreto à compressão, configura-se como diretriz ao dimensionamento de elementos estruturais de concreto simples, armado ou protendido. Na comparação com metodologias usuais de ensaios não-destrutivos, os resultados demostraram que a utilização de ferramentas baseadas na resposta acústica apresentam diferença inferior a 1% na determinação da frequência de ressonância.
Desenvolvimento de redes neurais artificiais para interpretação de ensaios de velocidade de propagação de pulso ultrassônico no concreto
Authors: Lorenzi A. , Silva Filho L. C. P. , Campagnolo J. L.
Published: September 2013

Os ensaios não destrutivos servem como uma importante ferramenta para a análise de estruturas de concreto armado. A utilização de ensaios de velocidade de propagação do pulso ultra-sônico (VPU) permite realizar um acompanhamento das características do material ao longo de sua vida útil. No entanto, as técnicas atuais para análise dos resultados coletados são, em grande parte, baseadas na sensibilidade dos profissionais que as aplicam. Para facilitar o controle e inspeção de estruturas de concreto armado é fundamental desenvolver estratégias para tornar esta análise mais simples e precisa. Este trabalho se baseou na hipótese de que a aplicação de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs) pode gerar modelos de relacionamento úteis e acurados entre as características do concreto, sua compacidade e sua resistência à compressão. Os resultados indicam que as RNAs podem ser usadas para gerar métodos numéricos robustos e flexíveis para estimativa da resistência à compressão a partir de dados de VPU.