bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composição florística de florestas estacionais ribeirinhas no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Baptista-Maria Vivian Ribeiro , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro , Damasceno Junior Geraldo , Maria Fabrício de Souza , Souza Vinicius Castro
Published: September 2009

O presente estudo teve como objetivos caracterizar a composição florística em dois trechos de floresta estacional semidecidual associada ao rio Formoso, Bonito, MS, e em três trechos de florestas estacionais deciduais e semideciduais associadas aos rios Salobra, Salobrinha e Perdido ocorrentes no Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena (76.481 ha) - única unidade de Conservação Federal de Proteção Integral implantada no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. O levantamento florístico foi realizado mensalmente entre o período de outubro/2004 a março/2006, onde foram coletadas fanerógamas em fase reprodutiva (flores e frutos), através do método de tempo de avaliação. O levantamento florístico resultou em 56 famílias, 184 gêneros e 307 espécies. Do total das espécies, 68% apresentaram hábito arbóreo, 17% arbustos, 14% foram lianas e apenas 1% palmeiras. A família Fabaceae (Leguminosae), representada por 51 (16,6%) espécies, foi a de maior riqueza. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho contribuíram para o conhecimento da flora sul-mato-grossense e sua distribuição geográfica, reforçando a necessidade de conservação destas matas ribeirinhas e fornecendo subsídios para os planos de restauração das áreas degradadas do entorno da unidade de conservação e das áreas de proteção permanente (APP's) dos rios ocorrentes na região.
A profile of the impact of Acta Botanica Brasilica: reflections on how to improve visibility and recognition of a scientific journal
Authors: Scarano Fabio Rubio , De Toni Karen , Amarante Cristiana Vasconcellos Goulart
Published: September 2009

We have estimated the ISI-impact factor of Acta Botanica Brasilica for the past six years, calculated the journal's h-index, calculated the journal's self-citation, examined country and institutions of origin of the papers that cite Acta papers, and examined scope and profile of the most-cited papers published by the journal. Results demonstrated a steep rise in impact factor and citation frequency in 2008, which is most encouraging, but also revealed that the journal is below the level of maturity expected of a 20-year old journal. Visibility of the journal is mostly national although, surprisingly, journal's self-citation of 12% is fairly low. We use Acta as an example to discuss possible strategies to enhance the international visibility of botanical journals that are newcomers to ISI.
Análise comparativa de modelos de alinhamento estratégico
Authors: Prieto Vanderli Correia , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de , Fischmann Adalberto Américo
Published: September 2009

Este trabalho se insere no campo de pesquisa em estratégia organizacional e apresenta uma revisão e análise comparativa dos modelos de alinhamento estratégico. A relevância deste estudo está relacionada à importância da execução da estratégia no contexto competitivo e, ao mesmo tempo, à dificuldade enfrentada, devido à complexidade do processo de implementação da estratégia. Foram feitas buscas em periódicos acadêmicos relevantes com a proposta de identificar modelos teóricos que pudessem servir de referência para o processo de alinhamento estratégico. Quatro modelos foram selecionados e analisados utilizando-se o método de análise de conteúdo. A análise comparativa pautou-se em quatro componentes: visão do alinhamento, modelo para implementação, elementos do modelo e processos gerenciais para implementação. Em cada modelo identificam-se diferentes visões sobre como desenvolver o alinhamento, sobre quais elementos e processos gerenciais devem ser considerados. A pesquisa amplia o conhecimento sobre os fatores que contribuem para a eficácia do processo de alinhamento e sobre como desenvolvê-los, além de identificar lacunas na literatura.
Análise fotoelástica de parafuso de sistema de fixação vertebral
Authors: Fakhouri Sarah Fakher , Siqueira Dayana Pousa Paiva de , Araújo Cleudmar Amaral de , Defino Helton Luiz Aparecido , Shimano Antônio Carlos
Published: September 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: A fotoelasticidade é utilizada para avaliar as tensões/deformações produzidas nos materiais fotoelásticos, quando submetidos a determinado carregamento, através da observação de efeitos óticos. O desempenho do parafuso e as funções mecânicas estão diretamente relacionados com a qualidade da fixação dos parafusos nas vértebras. A fotoelasticidade é uma ferramenta importante para realizar estudos comparativos desta natureza. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar por meio da fotoelasticidade, as tensões internas produzidas pelo parafuso com 6 mm de diâmetro externo, quando submetido a duas diferentes forças de arrancamento. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Para isso, foram confeccionados quatro modelos fotoelásticos. A simulação foi realizada utilizando duas forças de arrancamento 0,75 e 1,50 kgf. As tensões cisalhantes foram calculadas nos 19 pontos em torno dos parafusos, utilizando o método de compensação de Tardy. RESULTADOS: Os valores das tensões cisalhantes foram maiores quando utilizada a força de arrancamento de 1,50 kgf. CONCLUSÃO: Assim sendo, o parafuso estará mais suscetível ao arrancamento com a aplicação de força de maior intensidade. De acordo com as análises realizadas verificamos também que o local de maior tensão cisalhante foi observado no pico das cristas, principalmente próxima às pontas dos parafusos, independente da força utilizada.
Cloreto de sódio, benzocaína e óleo de cravo-da-índia na água de transporte de tilápia-do-nilo
Authors: Oliveira José Ricardo , Carmo João Laurindo do , Oliveira Karine Kelly Cavalcanti , Soares Maria do Carmo Figueredo
Published: September 2009

Testou-se a ação de diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio, benzocaína e óleo de cravo-da-índia na sobrevivência de alevinos e juvenis de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), linhagem chitralada, por 5 horas visando ao transporte. Utilizaram-se 1.350 alevinos (9,74 ± 0,04 g e 6,79 ± 0,01 cm) e 270 juvenis (29,6 ± 0,06 g e 11,52 ± 0,01). Os peixes foram mantidos em jejum por 24 horas em quatro caixas de amianto (500 L) com aeração constante. Em seguida, os peixes foram distribuídos em 54 sacos plásticos, capacidade para 5 L e mantidos em soluções de: cloreto de sódio nas concentrações de (0; 4; ou 8 g/L), benzocaína (0; 20; ou 40 mg/L) e óleo de cravo (0; 2; ou 5 mg/L). O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em arranjo multifatorial, com três fatores: substâncias, peixes e concentrações de cada substância em estudo. Mensuraram-se, no início, os parâmetros oxigênio dissolvido, temperatura, pH, salinidade e amônia e, ao final do experimento, a glicose dos peixes. Maiores níveis de glicose foram registrados nos juvenis mantidos na água com óleo de cravo e cloreto de sódio. Não foi observada diferença significativa na sobrevivência entre os tipos de peixes e as substâncias. Entretanto, as dosagens de cloreto de sódio e benzocaína ocasionaram diferenças significativas na taxa de sobrevivência. A sobrevivência foi baixa nos alevinos com 0 g/L de cloreto de sódio e diferiu das dosagens 4 e 8 g/L. O óleo de cravo promoveu resultados similares, em todas as dosagens e substâncias, de taxas de glicose. Ao final do experimento, a sobrevivência foi satisfatória, com média geral de 97,26%, comprovando que as três substâncias podem ser usadas no transporte de alevinos e juvenis durante 5 horas. Sugere-se o cloreto de sódio por seu melhor custo-benefício.
Investigações em geometria via ambiente LOGO
Authors: Nascimento Raimundo Benedito do
Published: September 2009

A Matemática torna-se mais significativa para um aluno que está constantemente em contato com ampla variedade de problemas. Este artigo tem o objetivo de motivar o professor a não poupar esforços para estimular suas classes de Geometria com problemas que conduzam os alunos para além dos exercícios rotineiros. O ambiente LOGO é a estratégia metodológica alternativa que nos conduzirá ao objetivo proposto.
Avaliação da hipermídia no processo de ensino e aprendizagem da física: o caso da gravitação
Authors: Machado Daniel Iria , Santos Plácida L. V. Amorim da Costa
Published: September 2009

Neste artigo são apresentados os principais resultados obtidos em uma atividade realizada para avaliar um software hipermídia destinado ao ensino e à aprendizagem da Física. Para a realização desta pesquisa, foi desenvolvido, aplicado e avaliado um sistema hipermídia para o ensino de Gravitação, com base nas pesquisas em ensino de Ciências. Foram considerados também os princípios fundamentais que caracterizam a hipermídia enquanto linguagem que permite o acesso não-linear à informação e a apresentação desta com a utilização dos recursos gráficos, sonoros, interativos e de animação do computador, e ainda suas implicações para as práticas de ensino. A maior parte dos professores e dos estudantes envolvidos na pesquisa avaliou positivamente o software quanto a seus aspectos técnicos, pedagógicos e motivacionais. O estudo forneceu evidências de que a hipermídia contribui para a aprendizagem de Física de modo motivador e significativo para os alunos do ensino médio.
A new biosurfactant produced by Candida glabrata UCP 1002: characteristics of stability and application in oil recovery
Authors: Luna Juliana Moura de , Sarubbo Leonie , Campos-Takaki Galba Maria de
Published: September 2009

The production of a new biosurfactant by Candida glabrata UCP1002 was studied to evaluate the influence of the concentration of the cotton seed oil, glucose and yeast extract. The dynamics of the growth and surfactant production were showed for all the cultivation conditions studied. The best emulsification of the n-hexadecane, quantified by the emulsifying index was observed in the medium containing 7.5% cotton seed oil, 5% glucose and 0.3% yeast extract. The isolated biosurfactant showed a CMC of 2.5% and the surface tension at that point showed to be 31mN/m. The potential application of the biosurfactant in oil recovery from the sand, in acid and alkaline environments and over exposure to high salinity and different temperatures was demonstrated by the percentage of oil removal and by the stability of the surface tension, respectively.
Insecticide distribution model in human tissues viewing worker's health monitoring programs
Authors: Paraíba Lourival Costa , Castro Vera Lúcia Scherholz Salgado de , Maia Aline de Holanda Nunes
Published: September 2009

This work aimed at evaluating the characteristics of thirty nine insecticides on tissue distribution and accumulation, using their physico-chemical characteristics and the tissues lipid contents to calculate the compounds distribution among the tissues. The insecticides evaluated were selected among those registered in Brazil for agriculture use. The level I fugacity model was used for the calculations of insecticide distribution among the tissues of muscles, viscera, skin, fat, blood, liver, kidneys and gut. The octanol-water partition coefficient, water solubility and tissue lipid contents showed an insecticide distribution in human tissues. Cluster analysis was performed aiming the identification and separation of insecticides groups based on their physico-chemical characteristics as compounds with similar distribution within tissues and at the same time tissues with similar distribution of various insecticides. Cluster analysis pointed out three insecticide groups: in the first, 70 - 86% of insecticide accumulation was found in lipid tissues; in the second, 44 - 58%; and in the third, 9 -19%. These results could contribute to health monitoring programs of farmworkers.
Allelopathic potential of orsellinic acid derivatives
Authors: Peres Marize Terezinha Lopes Pereira , Mapeli Ana Maria , Faccenda Odival , Gomes Alcir Teixeira , Honda Neli Kika
Published: September 2009

Environmental degradation caused by the excessive use of pesticides has motivated studies aimed at the discovery of new formulations for pest control. The bioassays carried out under laboratory conditions for the present study involved the germination and seedling growth of Lactuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids and Allium cepa cv. Baia Periforme treated with lecanoric acid or one of seven esters obtained from the alcoholysis of the acid. Each substance was tested at concentrations of 10-3, 10-5, 10-7 M, and 10-9 M. The results revealed that, except for lecanoric acid and methyl orsellinate, all other compounds exhibited significant differences in their action when compared with the controls. Also, A. cepa was more sensitive to the compounds assayed, at the concentrations tested. Nearly all the esters exhibited significant effects, a feature that could makes them promising for the development of new natural herbicides.
Marine reserve networks for species that move within a home range
Authors: Moffitt Elizabeth A. , Botsford Louis W. , Kaplan David M. , O'Farrell Michael R.
Published: September 2009

Marine reserves are expected to benefit a wide range of species, but most models used to evaluate their effects assume that adults are sedentary, thereby potentially overestimating population persistence. Many nearshore marine organisms move within a home range as adults, and there is a need to understand the effects of this type of movement on reserve performance. We incorporated movement within a home range into a spatially explicit marine reserve model in order to assess the combined effects of adult and larval movement on persistence and yield in a general, strategic framework. We describe how the capacity of a population to persist decreased with increasing home range size in a manner that depended on whether the sedentary case was maintained by self persistence or network persistence. Self persistence declined gradually with increasing home range and larval dispersal distance, while network persistence decreased sharply to 0 above a threshold home range and was less dependent on larval dispersal distance. The maximum home range size protected by a reserve network increased with the fraction of coastline in reserves and decreasing exploitation rates outside reserves. Spillover due to movement within a home range contributed to yield moderately under certain conditions, although yield contributions were generally not as large as those from spillover due to larval dispersal. Our results indicate that, for species exhibiting home range behavior, persistence in a network of marine reserves may be more predictable than previously anticipated from models based solely on larval dispersal, in part due to better knowledge of home range sizes. Including movement within a home range can change persistence results significantly from those assuming that adults are sedentary; hence it is an important consideration in reserve design.
The Hispanic Mortality Advantage and Ethnic Misclassification on US Death Certificates
Authors: Arias Elizabeth , Eschbach Karl , Schauman William S. , Backlund Eric L. , Sorlie Paul D.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We tested the data artifact hypothesis regarding the Hispanic mortality advantage by investigating whether and to what degree this advantage is explained by Hispanic origin misclassification on US death certificates.

Methods. We used the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, which links Current Population Survey records to death certificates for 1979 through 1998, to estimate the sensitivity, specificity, and net ascertainment of Hispanic ethnicity on death certificates compared with survey classifications. Using national vital statistics mortality data, we estimated Hispanic age-specific and age-adjusted death rates, which were uncorrected and corrected for death certificate misclassification, and produced death rate ratios comparing the Hispanic with the non-Hispanic White population.

Results. Hispanic origin reporting on death certificates in the United States is reasonably good. The net ascertainment of Hispanic origin is just 5% higher on survey records than on death certificates. Corrected age-adjusted death rates for Hispanics are lower than those for the non-Hispanic White population by close to 20%.

Conclusions. The Hispanic mortality paradox is not explained by an incongruence between ethnic classification in vital registration and population data systems.
The Efficacy of HIV/STI Behavioral Interventions for African American Females in the United States: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crepaz Nicole , Marshall Khiya J. , Aupont Latrina W. , Jacobs Elizabeth D. , Mizuno Yuko , Kay Linda S. , Jones Patricia , McCree Donna Hubbard , O'Leary Ann
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of HIV behavioral interventions for African American females in the United States, and we identified factors associated with intervention efficacy.

Methods. We conducted a comprehensive literature review covering studies published from January 1988 to June 2007, which yielded 37 relevant studies. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and meta-regression.

Results. Overall, behavioral interventions had a significant impact on reductions in HIV-risk sex behaviors (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54, 0.75; n = 11 239; Cochrane Q32 = 84.73; P < .001) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67, 0.98; n = 8760; Cochrane Q16 = 22.77; P = .12). Greater intervention efficacy was observed in studies that specifically targeted African American females used gender- or culture-specific materials, used female deliverers, addressed empowerment issues, provided skills training in condom use and negotiation of safer sex, and used role-playing to teach negotiation skills.

Conclusions. Behavioral interventions are efficacious at preventing HIV and STIs among African American females. More research is needed to examine the potential contribution of prevention strategies that attend to community-level and structural-level factors affecting HIV infection and transmission in this population.
Risk Assessment and Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Hepatitis Virus Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in New Mexico, 2004–2006
Authors: Valway Sarah , Jenison Steven , Keller Nick , Vega-Hernandez Jaime , Hubbard McCree Donna
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV, and hepatitis virus prevalence and risk behaviors among truck drivers.

Methods. We asked participants about their risk behaviors, and we screened them for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis infections. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with outcomes.

Results. Of the 652 enrolled participants, 21% reported sex with sex workers or casual partners in the prior year. Driving solo (odds ratio [OR] = 15.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.92, 117.53; P = .01), history of injection drug use (IDU; OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.19, 6.12; P = .02), and history of an STI (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.19, 5.09; P = .01) were independently associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Fourteen percent of participants reported drug use in the previous year, and 11% reported having ever injected drugs. Participants tested positive as follows: 54 for HCV antibodies (8.5%), 66 for hepatitis B anticore (anti-HBc) antibodies (10.4%), 8 for chlamydia (1.3%), 1 for gonorrhea (0.2%), 1 for syphilis (0.2%), and 1 for HIV (0.2%). History of injecting drugs (OR = 26.91; 95% CI = 11.61, 62.39; P < .01) and history of anti-HBc antibodies (OR = 7.89; 95% CI = 3.16, 19.68; P < .01) were associated with HCV infection.

Conclusions. Our results suggest a need for hepatitis C screening and STI risk-reduction interventions in this population.
Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Violent Behavior Among Urban African American Youths From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xue Yange , Zimmerman Marc A. , Cunningham Rebecca
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined developmental trajectories of alcohol use and violent behavior among urban African American youths and the longitudinal relationship between these behaviors from adolescence to emerging adulthood.

Methods. Our sample included 649 African American youths (49% male) followed for 8 years. We assessed violent behavior and alcohol use by asking participants how often they had engaged in each behavior in the preceding 12 months. Growth curve analyses were conducted to identify the developmental trajectories of the 2 behaviors and to explore the longitudinal relationship between them.

Results. Violent behavior peaked in middle to late adolescence and declined thereafter, whereas the frequency of alcohol use increased steadily over time. These developmental trajectories varied according to gender. Among both male and female participants, early violent behavior predicted later alcohol use, and early alcohol use predicted later violent behavior. Moreover, changes in one behavior were associated with changes in the other.

Conclusions. Our results support a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior. Efforts to reduce one problem can be expected to reduce the other. Programs and policies aimed at reducing violence or alcohol use among adolescents should take into account this relationship.
Left Too Early: The Effects of Age at Separation From Parents on Chinese Rural Children's Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Liu Zhengkui , Li Xinying , Ge Xiaojia
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined the effect of age at separation from parents on symptoms of anxiety and depression among children in rural communities in China whose parents migrated to cities in search of employment opportunities during the country's rapid economic development.

Methods. Students in 3 rural areas, Anhui, Chongqing, and Guizhou (N = 592; age = 10–17 years), completed questionnaires that asked about symptoms of state and trait anxiety, as well as depression and age at separation from parents.

Results. Children who were separated from parents at a younger age had more symptoms of anxiety and depression. This effect was especially pronounced for children who were separated from their mothers or from both parents.

Conclusions. China's explosive economic growth appears to exact a significant toll on left-behind children's mental health, particularly on children whose parents left early in their lives. The unintended consequences of the economic boom on child development need to be further examined in prospective studies.
Impact of Drainage Networks on Cholera Outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Sasaki Satoshi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Fujino Yasuyuki , Kimura Yoshinari , Cheelo Meetwell
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We investigated the association between precipitation patterns and cholera outbreaks and the preventative roles of drainage networks against outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods. We collected data on 6542 registered cholera patients in the 2003–2004 outbreak season and on 6045 cholera patients in the 2005–2006 season. Correlations between monthly cholera incidences and amount of precipitation were examined. The distribution pattern of the disease was analyzed by a kriging spatial analysis method. We analyzed cholera case distribution and spatiotemporal cluster by using 2590 cholera cases traced with a global positioning system in the 2005–2006 season. The association between drainage networks and cholera cases was analyzed with regression analysis.

Results. Increased precipitation was associated with the occurrence of cholera outbreaks, and insufficient drainage networks were statistically associated with cholera incidences.

Conclusions. Insufficient coverage of drainage networks elevated the risk of cholera outbreaks. Integrated development is required to upgrade high-risk areas with sufficient infrastructure for a long-term cholera prevention strategy.
Water Pipe Tobacco Smoking Among Middle and High School Students
Authors: Barnett Tracey E. , Curbow Barbara A. , Weitz Jamie R. , Johnson Tammie M. , Smith-Simone Stephanie Y.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined prevalence rates of water pipe tobacco smoking among young people as a first step in assessing the health implications of this form of tobacco use.

Methods. We examined water pipe use with data from the 2007 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, which assessed tobacco-related beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors among the state's middle and high school students.

Results. Four percent of middle school students and 11% of high school students reported ever having used a water pipe. Adolescent boys were significantly more likely than adolescent girls to use water pipes, and African American adolescents were significantly less likely than adolescents from other racial/ethnic backgrounds to do so. Those who indicated ever having tried cigarettes and those who reported positive attitudes toward the social nature of cigarette use were more likely to have tried water pipes.

Conclusions. Water pipe use appears to be widespread among middle and high school students. Further research is needed to assess the health risks associated with water pipe tobacco smoking as well as young people's attitudes toward this form of tobacco use.
Enhancing Cultural and Contextual Intervention Strategies to Reduce HIV/AIDS Among African Americans
Authors: Wyatt Gail E.
Published: September 2009

I describe 4 protective strategies that African Americans employ that may challenge current HIV prevention efforts: (1) an adaptive duality that protects identity, (2) personal control influenced by external factors, (3) long-established indirect communication patterns, and (4) a mistrust of “outsiders.” I propose the Sexual Health Model as a conceptual framework for HIV prevention interventions because it incorporates established adaptive coping strategies into new HIV-related protective skills. The Sexual Health Model promotes interconnectedness, sexual ownership, and body awareness, 3 concepts that represent the context of the African American historical and cultural experience and that enhance rather than contradict future prevention efforts.
Recommendations From a Research Consultation to Address Intervention Strategies for HIV/AIDS Prevention Focused on African Americans
Authors: Purcell David W. , McCree Donna Hubbard
Published: September 2009

Despite substantial federal resources spent on HIV prevention, research, treatment, and care, as well as the availability and dissemination of evidence-based behavioral interventions, the disparate impact of HIV on African Americans continues.

In October 2007, 3 federal agencies convened 20 HIV/AIDS prevention researchers and care providers for a research consultation to focus on new intervention strategies and current effective intervention strategies that should be more widely disseminated to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans.

The consultants focused on 2 areas: (1) potential directions for HIV prevention interventions, defined to include behavioral, community, testing, service delivery, structural, biomedical, and other interventions; and (2) improved research methods and agency procedures to better support prevention research focused on African American communities.
Improving Patrons' Meal Selections Through the Use of Point-of-Selection Nutrition Labels
Authors: Chu Yong H. , Frongillo Edward A. , Jones Sonya J. , Kaye Gail L.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined changes in meal selection by patrons of university food-service operations when nutrition labels were provided at the point of selection.

Methods. We used a quasi-experimental, single-group, interrupted time-series design to examine daily sales before, during, and after provision of point-of-selection nutrition labels. Piecewise linear regression was employed to examine changes in the average energy content of entrées and a paired t test was used to detect differences in sales across the periods.

Results. The average energy content of entrées purchased by patrons dropped immediately when nutrition labels were made available at point of selection and increased gradually when nutrition information was removed. There was no significant change in number of entrées sold or in revenues between the 2 periods.

Conclusions. Use of nutrition labels reduced the average energy content of entrées purchased without reducing overall sales. These results provide support for strengthening the nutrition labeling policy in food-service operations.
Pregnancy as a Window of Opportunity for HIV Prevention: Effects of an HIV Intervention Delivered Within Prenatal Care
Authors: Kershaw Trace S. , Magriples Urania , Westdahl Claire , Rising Sharon Schindler , Ickovics Jeannette
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We sought to determine whether an HIV prevention program bundled with group prenatal care reduced sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence, repeat pregnancy, sexual risk behavior, and psychosocial risks.

Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial at 2 prenatal clinics. We assigned pregnant women aged 14 to 25 years (N = 1047) to individual care, attention-matched group care, and group care with an integrated HIV component. We conducted structured interviews at baseline (second trimester), third trimester, and 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Results. Mean age of participants was 20.4 years; 80% were African American. According to intent-to-treat analyses, women assigned to the HIV-prevention group intervention were significantly less likely to have repeat pregnancy at 6 months postpartum than individual-care and attention-matched controls; they demonstrated increased condom use and decreased unprotected sexual intercourse compared with individual-care and attention-matched controls. Subanalyses showed that being in the HIV-prevention group reduced STI incidence among the subgroup of adolescents.

Conclusion. HIV prevention integrated with prenatal care resulted in reduced biological, behavioral, and psychosocial risks for HIV.
Health Insurance and Mortality in US Adults
Authors: Wilper Andrew P. , Woolhandler Steffie , Lasser Karen E. , McCormick Danny , Bor David H. , Himmelstein David U.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. A 1993 study found a 25% higher risk of death among uninsured compared with privately insured adults. We analyzed the relationship between uninsurance and death with more recent data.

Methods. We conducted a survival analysis with data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We analyzed participants aged 17 to 64 years to determine whether uninsurance at the time of interview predicted death.

Results. Among all participants, 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.5%, 3.7%) died. The hazard ratio for mortality among the uninsured compared with the insured, with adjustment for age and gender only, was 1.80 (95% CI = 1.44, 2.26). After additional adjustment for race/ethnicity, income, education, self- and physician-rated health status, body mass index, leisure exercise, smoking, and regular alcohol use, the uninsured were more likely to die (hazard ratio = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.84) than those with insurance.

Conclusions. Uninsurance is associated with mortality. The strength of that association appears similar to that from a study that evaluated data from the mid-1980s, despite changes in medical therapeutics and the demography of the uninsured since that time.
Viability of Commercially Available Bleach for Water Treatment in Developing Countries
Authors: Lantagne Daniele S.
Published: September 2009

Treating household water with low-cost, widely available commercial bleach is recommended by some organizations to improve water quality and reduce disease in developing countries. I analyzed the chlorine concentration of 32 bleaches from 12 developing countries; the average error between advertised and measured concentration was 35% (range = –45%–100%; standard deviation = 40%). Because of disparities between advertised and actual concentration, the use of commercial bleach for water treatment in developing countries is not recommended without ongoing quality control testing.
Pushing the Limit: High-Rate-Artificial-Lift Evaluation for a Sour, Heavy-Oil, Thermal EOR Project in Oman
Authors: Lanier G. H. , Mahoney M.
Published: September 2009

Petroleum Development Oman LLC (PDO) currently operates a sour, heavy-oil (14°API) field, which has produced since 1976 from a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir located in the northern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Further field-development options have been evaluated recently, and the preferred concept will be based on thermal-assisted gas/oil gravity drainage (TAGOGD). To achieve this enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) mechanism, steam will be injected into the reservoir and will eventually increase produced-fluid temperatures higher than 200°C during the projected life of the project.

A key objective for the project will involve significantly increasing the field's ultimate recovery using high-rate oil producers capable of initially delivering a gross rate per well greater than 1000 m3/d. To achieve these well offtake rates and field ultimate-recovery objectives, highly deviated and near-horizontal well trajectories will be implemented for the planned oil producers. This paper will provide a brief background of the TAGOGD recovery mechanism, anticipated reservoir conditions, and particular challenges, including a summary of the evaluation of various artificial-lift technologies and the preferred method to help enable this thermal EOR project achieve the desired objectives.
Using the Multimode Sample Introduction System (MSIS) for Low Level Analysis of Arsenic and Selenium in Water
Authors: Schroder J. L. , Zhang H.
Published: September 2009

In recent years, the problems associated with the measurement of low concentrations of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) using conventional nebulization and inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES) have been largely overcome by using hydride generation. In 2002, a radically new design for the combined nebulizer/gas liquid separator referred to as the Multimode Sample Introduction System (MSIS, Marathon Scientific, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) was introduced. The feasibility and detection limits of combining the MSIS with a Spectro Ciros CCD (axial) ICP–AES for the determination of low concentrations of As and Se in water were examined. Overall, the system was inexpensive, easy to install, accurate and precise, and lowered the quantification limits by approximately 100‐fold for As and by 20‐fold for Se as compared with a conventional nebulization. Unlike other conventional hydride generators, the MSIS does not need to be removed from the ICP when analyzing other elements without hydride generation. Therefore, the MSIS is recommended to laboratories seeking low detection limits for As and Se with existing or new ICP instruments.
U.S. Trade Relations with Arab Countries: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Malkawi Bashar H
Published: September 2009

Arab countries have adopted market economy principles and pursued policies designed to strengthen their economies. The cornerstone of Arab countries' long-term economic objectives has been to increase trade and support economic growth via regional and global integration. To this end, Arab countries are attempting to broaden their engagement in the multilateral trading system by joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, some Arab countries entered into trade arrangements with the United States (U.S.) to foster economic development, attract investment, and develop peaceful relationship. These trade agreements carry several implications for local economies.The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the trade agreements signed between the U.S. and Arab countries on the economic and legal regimes of the latter. The paper will proceed in two main parts. The first part analyzes the preferential trade arrangement known as "Qualifying Industrial Zones" created between the U.S on the one hand and Jordan, Israel, and Egypt on the other hand. It discusses the general rules of qualifying industrial zones program and the impact of these zones on local production and employment. The second part discusses trade agreements concluded between the U.S. and Arab countries. The emphasis will be on the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement as it is considered the template for future agreements signed between the U.S. and other Arab countries. The paper analyzes the most important provisions of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and their implications. Then, the paper will analyze trade agreements between the U.S. and other Arab countries. The paper argues that, while current trade programs between the U.S. and those Arab countries analyzed in the paper required difficult reforms in their domestic laws and led some negative consequence, on balance; these trade programs increased trade and created employment opportunities.
Towards a Subaltern Theory of Human Rights
Authors: Onazi Oche
Published: September 2009

This article aims to provide the justification for a subaltern theory of human rights. It explains the desirability of interpretative strategies that reveal the role, knowledge, contributions and sources that depict subaltern human rights perspectives. In particular, it considers the work of Boaventura de Sousa Santos, whose various writings directly or indirectly address the central issues relating to human rights from these perspectives. It subsequently explores the relationship between Santos and other protagonists, such as Upendra Baxi. These perspectives are then correlated with the view that the optimism for subaltern human rights may seem an insurmountable challenge given that this is hinged on the possibilities of a relationship with law. The justification or indeed legitimacy of subaltern views of human rights rests squarely on the degree to which such claims can be concretized into law. For instance, the state-centric nature of international human rights law is closed to initiatives that fall beyond its scope. As a consequence, the final preoccupation in this article is to propose the deconstruction of human rights into a plural discourse of its law and jurisprudence. This, to me, rests on the possibility of extrapolating a view of human rights from the notion of legal pluralism. The article is structured into the following parts. The first fleshes out an understanding of the subaltern concept. The second part locates the subaltern within the context of Santos' work on globalization; here, an attempt is made to correlate the relationship between globalization and human rights, particularly from the perspectives of the subaltern. The third part considers the loose connection of previous sections with the prospective theory of subaltern human rights and, ultimately, how legal pluralism supports this endeavor.
Sciatic nerve injury model in the axolotl: functional, electrophysiological, and radiographic outcomes
Authors: Kropf Nina , Krishnan Kartik , Chao Moses , Schweitzer Mark , Rosenberg Zehava , Russell Stephen M.
Published: September 2009

Object

The 2 aims of this study were as follows: 1) to establish outcome measures of nerve regeneration in an axolotl model of peripheral nerve injury; and 2) to define the timing and completeness of reinnervation in the axolotl following different types of sciatic nerve injury.

Methods

The sciatic nerves in 36 axolotls were exposed bilaterally in 3 groups containing 12 animals each: Group 1, left side sham, right side crush; Group 2, left side sham, right side nerve resected and proximal stump buried; and Group 3 left side cut and sutured, right side cut and sutured with tibial and peroneal divisions reversed. Outcome measures included the following: 1) an axolotl sciatic functional index (ASFI) derived from video swim analysis; 2) motor latencies; and 3) MR imaging evaluation of nerve and muscle edema.

Results

For crush injuries, the ASFI returned to baseline by 2 weeks, as did MR imaging parameters and motor latencies. For buried nerves, the ASFI returned to 20% below baseline by 8 weeks, with motor evoked potentials present. On MR imaging, nerve edema peaked at 3 days postintervention and gradually normalized over 12 weeks, whereas muscle denervation was present until a gradual decrease was seen between 4 and 12 weeks. For cut nerves, the ASFI returned to 20% below baseline by Week 4, where it plateaued. Motor evoked potentials were observed at 2–4 weeks, but with an increased latency until Week 6, and MR imaging analysis revealed muscle denervation for 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Multiple outcome measures in which an axolotl model of peripheral nerve injury is used have been established. Based on historical controls, recovery after nerve injury appears to occur earlier and is more complete than in rodents. Further investigation using this model as a successful “blueprint” for nerve regeneration in humans is warranted.
Use of a vascular reconstruction device to salvage acute ischemic occlusions refractory to traditional endovascular recanalization methods
Authors: Mocco J , Hanel Ricardo A. , Sharma Jitendra , Hauck Erik F. , Snyder Kenneth V. , Natarajan Sabareesh K. , Linfante Italo , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Hopkins L. Nelson , Boulos Alan S. , Levy Elad I.
Published: September 2009

Object

Acute revascularization has been associated with improved stroke outcomes. The Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism (PROACT II) trial achieved recanalization rates of 66%. The Multi Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (Multi MERCI) trial achieved recanalization in 70% of patients. However, these interventional tools are not always successful. The Enterprise vascular reconstruction device was recently introduced for treatment of cerebral aneurysms previously untreatable with endovascular techniques. The authors evaluated a multicenter experience using this stent as a salvage revascularization tool for acute stroke treatment.

Methods

Four medical centers participated in a retrospective review of endovascularly treated patients with acute stroke for cases treated with the Enterprise stent after routine interventions had been unsuccessful. Data collected included preprocedure information, intraprocedure findings, and outcomes.

Results

Twenty patients with acute stroke (mean age 61.6 ± 22 years) were treated with the Enterprise stent. Ten patients received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator before catheter intervention, without improvement. Intraarterial interventions attempted unsuccessfully before Enterprise deployment included the Merci retriever (12 patients), angioplasty (7 patients), glycoprotein IIb–IIIa inhibitor administration (12 patients), intraarterial nitroglycerin (1 patient), Wingspan stent deployment (3 patients), and Xpert stent deployment (1 patient). The mean preintervention National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17 ± 6 (median 17). All patients presented with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 0 or 1. Revascularization was achieved in all patients (75% with a TIMI score of 3, 25% with a TIMI score of 2). Improvement (≥ 4 points on the NIHSS) was documented in 75% of patients. Mean NIHSS improvement from intervention to discharge was 8 ± 7 points (median 9 points).

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest a potential benefit to the use of the Enterprise stent when routine intervention methods fail.
Variation in the impact of climate change on flowering phenology and abundance: An examination of two pairs of closely related wildflower species
Authors: Miller‐Rushing Abraham J. , Inouye David W.
Published: September 2009

Variability in plant phenological responses to climate change is likely to lead to changes in many ecological relationships as the climate continues to change. We used a 34‐yr record of flowering times and flower abundance for four species (two Delphinium [Ranunculaceae] species and two Mertensia [Boraginaceae] species) from a subalpine plant community near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to test the hypothesis that the phenologies of early‐flowering species change more rapidly in response to climatological and other abiotic cues than do late‐flowering species, a pattern previously found in plant communities in North America and Europe. We also explored a related hypothesis, that flower abundance of late‐flowering species is more responsive to changes in climate than that of early‐flowering species. The Delphinium species did not support these hypotheses, but the Mertensia species did. The difference between the peak flowering times of the early and late Mertensia species is expanding, leading to a period of diminished resources for pollinators that specialize on this genus. Mertensia ciliata populations are already severely declining in our study area, possibly as a result of earlier snowmelt. Together, these results show that the reported differences between early‐ and late‐flowering species may be widespread, but they are not ubiquitous.
Spore wall ultrastructure in the early lycopsid Leclercqia (Protolepidodendrales) from the Lower Devonian of North America: Evidence for a fundamental division in the lycopsids
Authors: Wellman Charles H. , Gensel Patricia G. , Taylor Wilson A.
Published: September 2009

Documenting the morphology and ultrastructure of spores from known Silurian‐Devonian plants clarifies organization and probable affinities of dispersed spores and contributes to analyses of evolutionary changes and phylogenetic relationships in early plants. In this study of fossil in situ spores from the early protolepidodendralean lycopsid Leclercqia, we identified new characters including an additional synapomorphy of the ligulate lycopsid clade. A detailed light (LM), scanning electron (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of spores from two species of Leclercqia from the Lower Devonian (Emsian) of New Brunswick, eastern Canada, L. andrewsii and L. complexa, shows both are homosporous, yielding spores belonging to the dispersed spore form taxon Acinosporites lindlarensis. Important features of wall ultrastructure include the presence of a paraexospore, peculiar exospore‐derived, peg‐like structures located in the gap between the outer exospore/inner paraexospore, and multilamellate regions in the interradial areas of the proximal surface. Similar interradial multilamellate regions occur in other ligulate lycopsids (fossil and extant). This character is probably a further synapomorphy for the ligulate lycopsid clade, within which heterosporous lycopods form a monophyletic group. These data suggest the ligule and interradial multilamellate region appeared prior to heterospory.
Cutting Edge:Dab2Is a FOXP3 Target Gene Required for Regulatory T Cell Function
Authors: Jain Nitya , Nguyen Hai , Friedline Randall H. , Malhotra Nidhi , Brehm Michael , Koyanagi Madoka , Bix Mark , Cooper Jonathan A. , Chambers Cynthia A. , Kang Joonsoo
Published: September 2009

FOXP3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells are vital for maintaining peripheral T cell tolerance and homeostasis. The mechanisms by which FOXP3 target genes orchestrate context-dependent Treg cell function are largely unknown. In this study we show that in mouse peripheral lymphocytes the Drosophila Disabled-2 (Dab2) homolog, a gene that is involved in enhancing TGFβ responses, is exclusively expressed in FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Dab2 is a direct target of FOXP3, and regulatory T cells lacking DAB2 are functionally impaired in vitro and in vivo. However, not all aspects of Treg cell function are perturbed, and DAB2 appears to be dispensable for Treg cell function in maintaining naive T cell homeostasis.