bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits, Motivations, and Barriers Related to Environmental Volunteerism for Older Adults: Developing a Research Agenda
Authors: Bushway Lori J. , Dickinson Janis L. , Stedman Richard C. , Wagenet Linda P. , Weinstein David A.
Published: June 2011

Interest in civic engagement focused on the natural environment has grown dramatically, as has the population of older adults. Our article explores the potential for increased environmental volunteerism among older adults to enrich the lives of volunteers while benefitting the community and environmental quality. Curiously, this convergence has been relatively neglected by researchers and program developers. We review existing literatures on trends in volunteerism, motivations, benefits, and barriers to participation, with a special focus on elements most relevant to older adults. Based on this review, we identify a number of critical areas of research, and pose key research questions.
The Private Prison Controversy and the Privatization Continuum
Authors: Barak-Erez Daphne
Published: June 2011

Imprisonment calls into question the institutionalized violence of the state and its organs. It touches on the very core of the meaning of state sovereignty and concerns one of the most disempowered groups of society: indicted criminals. Therefore, privatization of prisons signals the willingness to apply privatization policies almost with no limitations. Private prisons have become a known phenomenon in many countries. After the debate on this issue seemed to lose its pragmatic valuein contrast to its importance on the theoretical levelprivatization of prisons reemerged as an issue of legal debate due to the Israeli Supreme Court decision that declared a law authorizing the establishment of a private prison unconstitutional.The following analysis evaluates this decision using it as a microcosm for studying the role of law in regulating privatization policies. The Article starts by studying the full range of privatization policies, in order to offer an analysis that would be relevant also to other cases along the privatization spectrum. It then challenges the traditional premise of public law that the move to privatization is merely a matter of policy and not of law. More concretely, the Article offers an analysis based upon distinguishing among three distinct spheres of discussion: the boundaries of privatization, the privatization process, and the regulation of privatized actions. This model of analysis is then applied to the case-study of prison privatization as decided by the Israeli Supreme Court.
Rethinking Private Warfare
Authors: Richemond-Barak Daphné
Published: June 2011

Waging war for money has been frowned upon since the Peace of Westphalia and the rise of the modern nation-state. The stigma associated with private warfare translates, in legal terms, into a prohibition on mercenary activity and denying mercenaries the protection afforded to regular combatants (in particular, prisoner of war status). Noting the apparent similarities between mercenaries and private military contractors, some have sought to extend to the latter the restrictive regime applicable to the former. But the resemblance between these two types of actors should not imply that private warfare, in its modern form, is condemnable outright. This Article argues that an inclusive approach to military outsourcingdrawing upon historical, legal and moral perspectivesis necessary to contend with the challenges raised by the growth of the private military industry. I examine the connection between history (highlighting the shared roots of private military contractors and mercenaries), morality (through which the stigma against private warfare developed), and law (the formal vehicle of such stigma), to show that private warfare deserves a more nuanced and pragmatic treatment under international law.
Severity of Diabetes Governs Vascular Lipoprotein Lipase by Affecting Enzyme Dimerization and Disassembly
Authors: Wang Ying , Puthanveetil Prasanth , Wang Fang , Kim Min Suk , Abrahani Ashraf , Rodrigues Brian
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

In diabetes, when glucose consumption is restricted, the heart adapts to use fatty acid (FA) exclusively. The majority of FA provided to the heart comes from the breakdown of circulating triglyceride (TG), a process catalyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) located at the vascular lumen. The objective of the current study was to determine the mechanisms behind LPL processing and breakdown after moderate and severe diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To induce acute hyperglycemia, diazoxide, a selective, ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener was used. For chronic diabetes, streptozotocin, a β-cell–specific toxin was administered at doses of 55 or 100 mg/kg to generate moderate and severe diabetes, respectively. Cardiac LPL processing into active dimers and breakdown at the vascular lumen was investigated.

RESULTS

After acute hyperglycemia and moderate diabetes, more LPL is processed into an active dimeric form, which involves the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone calnexin. Severe diabetes results in increased conversion of LPL into inactive monomers at the vascular lumen, a process mediated by FA-induced expression of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl-4).

CONCLUSIONS

In acute hyperglycemia and moderate diabetes, exaggerated LPL processing to dimeric, catalytically active enzyme increases coronary LPL, delivering more FA to the heart when glucose utilization is compromised. In severe chronic diabetes, to avoid lipid oversupply, FA-induced expression of Angptl-4 leads to conversion of LPL to inactive monomers at the coronary lumen to impede TG hydrolysis. Results from this study advance our understanding of how diabetes changes coronary LPL, which could contribute to cardiovascular complications seen with this disease.
Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles to Gene Delivery
Authors: Kami Daisuke , Takeda Shogo , Itakura Yoko , Gojo Satoshi , Watanabe Masatoshi , Toyoda Masashi
Published: June 2011

Nanoparticle technology is being incorporated into many areas of molecular science and biomedicine. Because nanoparticles are small enough to enter almost all areas of the body, including the circulatory system and cells, they have been and continue to be exploited for basic biomedical research as well as clinical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. For example, nanoparticles hold great promise for enabling gene therapy to reach its full potential by facilitating targeted delivery of DNA into tissues and cells. Substantial progress has been made in binding DNA to nanoparticles and controlling the behavior of these complexes. In this article, we review research on binding DNAs to nanoparticles as well as our latest study on non-viral gene delivery using polyethylenimine-coated magnetic nanoparticles.
Isolation, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Jellyfish Collagen for Use in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Addad Sourour , Exposito Jean-Yves , Faye Clément , Ricard-Blum Sylvie , Lethias Claire
Published: June 2011

Fibrillar collagens are the more abundant extracellular proteins. They form a metazoan-specific family, and are highly conserved from sponge to human. Their structural and physiological properties have been successfully used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. On the other hand, the increase of jellyfish has led us to consider this marine animal as a natural product for food and medicine. Here, we have tested different Mediterranean jellyfish species in order to investigate the economic potential of their collagens. We have studied different methods of collagen purification (tissues and experimental procedures). The best collagen yield was obtained using Rhizostoma pulmo oral arms and the pepsin extraction method (2–10 mg collagen/g of wet tissue). Although a significant yield was obtained with Cotylorhiza tuberculata (0.45 mg/g), R. pulmo was used for further experiments, this jellyfish being considered as harmless to humans and being an abundant source of material. Then, we compared the biological properties of R. pulmo collagen with mammalian fibrillar collagens in cell cytotoxicity assays and cell adhesion. There was no statistical difference in cytotoxicity (p > 0.05) between R. pulmo collagen and rat type I collagen. However, since heparin inhibits cell adhesion to jellyfish-native collagen by 55%, the main difference is that heparan sulfate proteoglycans could be preferentially involved in fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion to jellyfish collagens. Our data confirm the broad harmlessness of jellyfish collagens, and their biological effect on human cells that are similar to that of mammalian type I collagen. Given the bioavailability of jellyfish collagen and its biological properties, this marine material is thus a good candidate for replacing bovine or human collagens in selected biomedical applications.
Mitigation Technique for Receiver Performance Variation of Multi-Color Channels in Visible Light Communication
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Shahin , Cha Jae Sang , Kim Jin Young , Jang Yeong Min
Published: June 2011

“Green” and energy-efficient wireless communication schemes have recently experienced rapid development and garnered much interest. One such scheme is visible light communication (VLC) which is being touted as one of the next generation wireless communication systems. VLC allows communication using multi-color channels that provide high data rates and illumination simultaneously. Even though VLC has many advantageous features compared with RF technologies, including visibility, ubiquitousness, high speed, high security, harmlessness for the human body and freedom of RF interference, it suffers from some problems on the receiver side, one of them being photo sensitivity dissimilarity of the receiver. The photo sensitivity characteristics of a VLC receiver such as Si photo-detector depend on the wavelength variation. The performance of the VLC receiver is not uniform towards all channel colors, but it is desirable for receivers to have the same performance on each color channel. In this paper, we propose a mitigation technique for reducing the performance variation of the receiver on multi-color channels. We show received power, SNR, BER, output current, and outage probability in our simulation for different color channels. Simulation results show that, the proposed scheme can reduce the performance variation of the VLC receiver on multi-color channels.
Count Your Sheep! Doings and Dealings of Kûyâ, Trader in Small Stock during the Early Sukkalmaḫat
Authors: De Graef Katrien
Published: June 2011

Résumé Cet article présente une analyse approfondie de deux tablettes originaires de Suse et publiées précédemment par le Père Scheil dans MDP 10 (1908). Ils appartiennent tous deux au “dossier Kûyâ” et datent de la période de transition entre la fin de l’époque Ur III/Šimaški et le début du Sukkalmahat. La plupart des tablettes du “dossier Kûyâ” sont des textes zi-ga (dépenses) concernant du petit bétail livrés chez Kûyâ pour différents sacrifices, banquets, temples, etc. Pourtant, les deux tablettes en question se distinguent des autres par leur forme particulière en demi-cercle et le fait qu’elles étaient attachées à quelque chose, vu les traces de petits trous sur les bouts. Il s’agit donc d’étiquettes. D’autre part le contenu de ces deux tablettes ne diffère pas beaucoup de celui des autres textes.
Suture Anchor Versus Suture Through Tunnel Fixation for Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Lighthart William A. , Cohen David A. , Levine Richard G. , Parks Brent G. , Boucher Henry R.
Published: June 2011

This biomechanical study compared suture anchors versus transosseous sutures for repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using a force of 150 N at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. No significant difference in displacement was found between the 2 techniques with initial loading or with load or no load after 1000 cycles. Displacement after 1000 cycles for suture anchors and bone tunnels was 4.65 and 4.50 mm, respectively. These findings suggest a possible role for suture anchors in repairing quadriceps tendon ruptures. Suture anchors are relatively expensive but require less dissection over the patella and do not involve suture placement about the patella tendon.
Mobile Signature Solutions for Guaranteeing Non-Repudiation in Mobile Business and Mobile Commerce
Authors: Ruiz-Martinez Antonio , Sanchez-Martinez Daniel , Martinez-Montesinos Maria , Gomez-Skarmeta Antonio
Published: June 2011

Non-repudiation is an important issue in mobile business and mobile commerce in order to provide the necessary evidences to prove whether some party participated in a transaction. The basis to support non-repudiation is the electronic signature. In Europe, directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and the Council establishes the conditions that should be fulfilled in order to provide an electronic signature legally equivalent to the handwritten signature. This chapter presents and analyses the different solutions that have appeared over the years to provide mobile signatures. This analysis will help us to determine which mobile signatures solutions can be considered legally equivalent to the handwritten signature. Thus, this chapter allows people to get to know the different solutions that are available to build mobile commerce and mobile business applications that require the use of the non-repudiation service, and hence electronic signature in mobile devices.
Mobile Internet Adoption by Spanish Consumers
Authors: Ruiz-Mafe Carla , Sanz-Blas Silvia , Broz-Lofiego Adrian , Marchuet Daniel
Published: June 2011

The chapter aims to present an in-depth study of the factors influencing Mobile Internet adoption. The authors analyse the influence of Internet use experience, compatibility, perceived financial risk, credibility and attitude towards Mobile Internet in the M-Internet adoption decision. After identifying the key drivers of M-Internet adoption, the second part of the chapter presents an empirical study of the Spanish market. Results based on a sample of 213 Internet users show that Internet use experience, MInternet compatibility, credibility and attitude are positive key drivers of M-Internet adoption. Perceived financial risk influences negatively on M-Internet usage intention. This chapter will give managers and students insight into the M-Internet industry and the different factors that influence M-Internet adoption. In addition, these factors can be applied to the specific context of the Spanish market.
Mobile Code and Security Issues
Authors: Samundeeswari E.S. , Magdalene Jane F. Mary
Published: June 2011

Over the years computer systems have evolved from centralized monolithic computing devices supporting static applications, into client-server environments that allow complex forms of distributed computing. Throughout this evolution limited forms of code mobility have existed. The explosion in the use of the World Wide Web coupled with the rapid evolution of the platform independent programming languages has promoted the use of mobile code and at the same time raised some important security issues. This chapter introduces mobile code technology and discusses the related security issues. The first part of the chapter deals with the need for mobile codes and the various methods of categorizing them. One method of categorising the mobile code is based on code mobility. Different forms of code mobility like code on demand, remote evaluation and mobile agents are explained in detail. The other method is based on the type of code distributed. Various types of codes like Source Code, Intermediate Code, Platform-dependent Binary Code, Just-in-Time Compilation are explained. Mobile agents, as autonomously migrating software entities, present great challenges to the design and implementation of security mechanisms. The second part of this chapter deals with the security issues. These issues are broadly divided into code related issues and host related issues. Techniques like Sandboxing, Code signing and Proof carrying code are widely applied to protect the hosts. Execution tracing, Mobile cryptography, Obfuscated code, Co-Operating Agents are used to protect the code from harmful agents. The security mechanisms like language support for safety, OS level security and safety policies are discussed in the last section. In order to make the mobile code approach practical, it is essential to understand mobile code technology. Advanced and innovative solutions are to be developed to restrict the operations that mobile code can perform but without unduly restricting its functionality. It is also necessary to develop formal, extremely easy to use safety measures.
Critical Systems Thinking and Information Technology
Authors: Ivanov Kristo
Published: June 2011

This chapter presents a summary of some features of soft systems methodology—SSM, and of critical systems thinking—CST as they have been experienced from the point of view of the field of applications of information technology. It highlights the manner in which CST completes SSM in the context of the design of computer support in the form of HYPERSYSTEMS, and evidences some problematic aspects of the two approaches which push the practitioner into philosophical issues. One concluding hypothesis is that further developments of systems practice must be sought at the interface between formal science, political ethics, analytic psychology, and religious thought. For tutorial purposes, a great amount of literature is related to these issues.
The NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Differentially Activated by Pneumolysin Variants and Contributes to Host Defense in Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Witzenrath Martin , Pache Florence , Lorenz Daniel , Koppe Uwe , Gutbier Birgitt , Tabeling Christoph , Reppe Katrin , Meixenberger Karolin , Dorhoi Anca , Ma Jiangtao , Holmes Ashleigh , Trendelenburg George , Heimesaat Markus M. , Bereswill Stefan , van der Linden Mark , Tschopp Jürg , Mitchell Timothy J. , Suttorp Norbert , Opitz Bastian
Published: June 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Pneumococci can be divided into >90 serotypes that show differences in the pathogenicity and invasiveness. We tested the hypotheses that the innate immune inflammasome pathway is involved in fighting pneumococcal pneumonia and that some invasive pneumococcal types are not recognized by this pathway. We show that human and murine mononuclear cells responded to S. pneumoniae expressing hemolytic pneumolysin by producing IL-1β. This IL-1β production depended on the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Some serotype 1, serotype 8, and serotype 7F bacteria, which have previously been associated with increased invasiveness and with production of toxins with reduced hemolytic activity, or bacterial mutants lacking pneumolysin did not stimulate notable IL-1β production. We further found that NLRP3 was beneficial for mice during pneumonia caused by pneumococci expressing hemolytic pneumolysin and was involved in cytokine production and maintenance of the pulmonary microvascular barrier. Overall, the inflammasome pathway is protective in pneumonia caused by pneumococci expressing hemolytic toxin but is not activated by clinically important pneumococcal sequence types causing invasive disease. The study indicates that a virulence factor polymorphism may substantially affect the recognition of bacteria by the innate immune system.
MyD88-Dependent TLR1/2 Signals Educate Dendritic Cells with Gut-Specific Imprinting Properties
Authors: Wang Sen , Villablanca Eduardo J. , De Calisto Jaime , Gomes Daniel C. O. , Nguyen Deanna D. , Mizoguchi Emiko , Kagan Jonathan C. , Reinecker Hans-Christian , Hacohen Nir , Nagler Cathryn , Xavier Ramnik J. , Rossi-Bergmann Bartira , Chen Yi-Bin , Blomhoff Rune , Snapper Scott B. , Mora J. Rodrigo
Published: June 2011

Gut-associated dendritic cells (DC) synthesize all-trans retinoic acid, which is required for inducing gut-tropic lymphocytes. Gut-associated DC from MyD88−/− mice, which lack most TLR signals, expressed low levels of retinal dehydrogenases (critical enzymes for all-trans retinoic acid biosynthesis) and were significantly impaired in their ability to induce gut-homing T cells. Pretreatment of extraintestinal DC with a TLR1/2 agonist was sufficient to induce retinal dehydrogenases and to confer these DC with the capacity to induce gut-homing lymphocytes via a mechanism dependent on MyD88 and JNK/MAPK. Moreover, gut-associated DC from TLR2−/− mice, or from mice in which JNK was pharmacologically blocked, were impaired in their education to imprint gut-homing T cells, which correlated with a decreased induction of gut-tropic T cells in TLR2−/− mice upon immunization. Thus, MyD88-dependent TLR2 signals are necessary and sufficient to educate DC with gut-specific imprinting properties and contribute in vivo to the generation of gut-tropic T cells.
Insulin-Dependent Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and ERK Signaling Pathways Inhibit TLR3-Mediated Human Bronchial Epithelial Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Numata Takanori , Araya Jun , Fujii Satoko , Hara Hiromichi , Takasaka Naoki , Kojima Jun , Minagawa Shunsuke , Yumino Yoko , Kawaishi Makoto , Hirano Jun , Odaka Makoto , Morikawa Toshiaki , Nishimura Stephen L. , Nakayama Katsutoshi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2011

TLR3, one of the TLRs involved in the recognition of infectious pathogens for innate and adaptive immunity, primarily recognizes viral-associated dsRNA. Recognition of dsRNA byproducts released from apoptotic and necrotic cells is a recently proposed mechanism for the amplification of toxicity, suggesting a pivotal participation of TLR3 in viral infection, as well as in lung diseases where apoptosis plays a critical role, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to metabolic control, insulin signaling was postulated to be protective by inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, we explored the role of insulin signaling in protecting against TLR3-mediated apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells. Significant TLR3-mediated apoptosis was induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, a dsRNA analog, via caspase-8–dependent mechanisms. However, insulin efficiently inhibited TLR3/ polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-induced human bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis via PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways, at least in part, via upregulation of cellular FLIPs and through protein synthesis-independent mechanisms. These results indicate the significance of TLR3-mediated dsRNA-induced apoptosis in the pathogenesis of apoptosis-driven lung disease and provide evidence for a novel protective role of insulin.
Staging and haematological abnormalities of HIV-infected persons in the rural Free State Province of South Africa
Authors: Groenewald Andries J. , Van Wyk Hendrik J. , Walsh Corinna M. , Van der Merwe Lynette J. , Van Zyl Sanet
Published: June 2011

Objectives: The objectives of this study were firstly to determine HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prevalence in the rural Free State, secondly to classify the stages of HIV by utilising CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) counts, and thirdly to measure differences in haematological abnormalities between HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected participants. Method: Blood specimens were obtained from 552 participants in Springfontein (36.3%), Trompsburg (30.1%) and Philippolis (33.5%). Participants were between 25–64 years of age, of which 28.1% were male (mean age 47.3 years) and 71.9% were female (mean age 46.0 years). The primary screening for HIV status was performed using the Enzygnost® HIV Integral II Ag/Ab test and confirmed by the Vironostica® HIV Uni-Form II Ag/Ab test. Full blood counts were performed on all participants, but CD4 counts were only performed on HIV-positive serum.Results: The overall prevalence of HIV was 17.1%, with the peak prevalence in female participants (41.3%) occurring in the age group of 31–40 years, and in male participants (37.9%) in the age group of 41–50 years. Most HIV-uninfected participants (40.9%) were 51–60 years of age, whilst most HIV-infected participants were 31–40 years (35.6%) of age. The lowest mean CD4 count (276 cells/mm3) was observed in the age group 41–50 years, which was significantly lower than a mean count of 459 cells/mm3 in the age group 31–40 years (p ≤ 0.05). Haemoglobin was significantly reduced in HIV-infected male participants (p < 0.01) and female participants (p < 0.000 1), as ware white blood cell counts (p < 0.001), neutrofil counts (p < 0.005) and lymphocyte counts (p < 0.005). Peak prevalence of HIV in terms of age occurred later (between 31–40 years) than previously described and was reflected by a delayed low CD4 count (41–50 years).Conclusion: The low CD4 counts and anaemia were probably indicative of a generally ill study population. Participants in need of medical care should be identified and referred for management and follow-up.
Acoustic Scattering Cross Sections of Smart Obstacles: A Case Study
Authors: Fatone Lorella , Recchioni Maria Cristina , Zirilli Francesco
Published: June 2011

Acoustic scattering cross sections of smart furtive obstacles are studied and discussed. A smart furtive obstacle is an obstacle that, when hit by an incoming field, avoids detection through the use of a pressure current acting on its boundary. A highly parallelizable algorithm for computing the acoustic scattering cross section of smart obstacles is developed. As a case study, this algorithm is applied to the (acoustic) scattering cross section of a “smart” (furtive) simplified version of the NASA space shuttle when hit by incoming time-harmonic plane waves, the wavelengths of which are small compared to the characteristic dimensions of the shuttle. The solution to this numerically challenging scattering problem requires the solution of systems of linear equations with many unknowns and equations. Due to the sparsity of these systems of equations, they can be stored and solved using affordable computing resources. A cross section analysis of the simplified NASA space shuttle highlights three findings: i) the smart furtive obstacle reduces the magnitude of its cross section compared to the cross section of a corresponding “passive” obstacle; ii) several wave propagation directions fail to satisfactorily respond to the smart strategy of the obstacle; iii) satisfactory furtive effects along all directions may only be obtained by using a pressure current of considerable magnitude. Numerical experiments and virtual reality applications can be found at the website: http://www.ceri.uniromal.it/ceri/zirilli/w7.
Use and Limitations of Electrochemical Techniques for Investigating Microbiological Corrosion
Authors: Dexter S. C. , Duquette D. J. , Siebert O. W. , Videla H. A.
Published: June 2011

Electrochemical techniques such as: corrosion and critical pitting potential measurements, direct current potentiostatic and potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization resistance, split-cell current measurements, electrochemical impedance, electrochemical noise, and electrical resistance probes are evaluated for use in investigating microbiologically influenced corrosion. Examples are given to illustrate the capabilities and limitations of each technique.
Avaliação da contribuição do grupo de convivência para o cuidado do indivíduo hipertenso
Authors: Magnabosco Patricia , Nogueira Maria Suely
Published: June 2011

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a contribuição da participação em um grupo de convivência sobre as variáveis clínicas e hábitos de vida de indivíduos com hipertensão arterial. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, teste quiquadrado, teste de Mann Whitney e coeficiente de correlação de Spermam. O grupo participante apresentou melhores valores em todos os fatores clínicos e hábitos de vida avaliados, comparados ao grupo não participante. Obteve-se associação estatisticamente significante entre a participação nas reuniões, número de medidas da pressão arterial (PA) e atividade física. Os resultados mostraram que as intervenções educativas desenvolvidas pela equipe de saúde foram relevantes. Os enfermeiros como elementos constituintes das equipes de saúde devem estar presentes e ativos em todas as etapas desse trabalho, desde o planejamento, execução e avaliação colaborando na busca de meios efetivos que colaborem para a melhoria de vida dessa população. Descritores: Educação em Saúde; Hipertensão Arterial; Enfermagem.
A contextualização da gravidez na adolescência em uma maternidade de São Carlos/SP
Authors: Beretta Maria Isabel Ruiz , Clápis Carolina Viviani , Oliveira Neto Luciana Aparecida , Freitas Marildy Aparecida , Dupas Giselle , Ruggiero Eliete Maria S. , Baltor Marja Rany
Published: June 2011

O presente estudo aborda a gravidez na adolescência e teve por objetivos realizar um levantamento da incidência da gravidez na adolescência e conhecer o perfil das puérperas adolescentes em uma maternidade do município de São Carlos/SP. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e descritivo. Participaram 165 adolescentes e a maior parte se encontrava na faixa etária de 16 a 19 anos e era amasiada. Apenas 52,7% estava estudando antes da gravidez e, apenas 30,9% pretendia retornar. Cerca de 47,3% tinha renda familiar entre um a três salários mínimos. O índice de gravidez não planejada foi de 72,1%, e o de conhecimento de métodos anticoncepcionais foi de 99,4%, destacando-se o anticoncepcional oral e o preservativo. Acredita-se que a realização de programas educativos sobre desenvolvimento sexual e de comunicação nas escolas devam ser desenvolvidos, com o envolvimento dos pais, professores e profissionais de saúde, de forma a prevenir a gravidez na adolescência.Descritores: Adolescência; Gravidez; Medicina Reprodutiva; Enfermagem.
Representações sociais das atividades da enfermagem junto aos pacientes soropositivos: caracterizando ações e atores sociais
Authors: Gomes Antonio Marcos Tosoli , Thiengo Priscila Cristina da Silva , Anunciação Caroline Tavares da , Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Kestenberg Célia Caldeira Fonseca
Published: June 2011

Este trabalho objetiva identificar as representações sociais das atividades que compõem o cuidado de Enfermagem e os atores sociais que as desenvolvem. Estudo qualitativo, fundamentado nas Representações Sociais desenvolvido com 20 indivíduos que convivem com HIV/AIDS em um hospital do Rio de Janeiro, no período de fevereiro a maio de 2009. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevistas e avaliados pela análise de conteúdo. Vislumbramos as seguintes temáticas: realização da higiene diária; implementação da prescrição farmacológica; aferição dos sinais vitais; instalação da soroterapia; alimentação do paciente e sua mobilização; rotina mecanizada e execução dos cuidados pelos técnicos. Dentre elas, o fato notório nos relatos é o desconhecimento da figura do enfermeiro. Sendo assim, concluímos que os pacientes reconhecem que os técnicos de enfermagem executam a maioria dos cuidados, e desconhecem as atividades privativas que competem ao enfermeiro.Descritores: Enfermagem; Doenças Transmissíveis; Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida; Pesquisa Qualitativa.
Uso de bebidas alcoólicas e aspectos religiosos em estudantes de enfermagem
Authors: Funai Anderson , Pillon Sandra Cristina
Published: June 2011

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar o padrão de uso de álcool e o comportamento religioso entre estudantes de enfermagem de uma escola pública de Marília-SP em 2008. Um instrumento contendo informações sociodemográficas e o Teste de Identificação de Problemas Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool (AUDIT) foram utilizados. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 78,2% dos estudantes matriculados, sendo: 92,6% de mulheres, média de idade 20,9 anos, 64,8% católicos, 60,7% frequentam reuniões religiosas uma vez/semana, 87,7% dos familiares praticam alguma religião. Padrão de consumo de álcool de acordo com o AUDIT – 79,5% abstêmios ou de baixo risco e 20,5% faziam uso problemático. O comportamento religioso não se caracterizou dentre os fatores de proteção para o uso de álcool, que foi maior entre os de religião espírita. Conclui-se que o consumo de álcool e os aspectos religiosos são temas complexos que podem ser investidos nos programas preventivos no âmbito universitário.Descritores: Estudantes de enfermagem; Saúde Mental; Alcoolismo; Religião.
Reabilitação psicossocial na perspectiva de estudantes e enfermeiros da área de saúde mental
Authors: Santos Juliana Peres dos , Souza Maria Conceição Bernardo de Mello e , Oliveira Nunila Ferreira
Published: June 2011

Reabilitação Psicossocial é uma estratégia que visa reinserir o indivíduo com transtorno mental na sociedade. Objetivo: identificar a compreensão da Reabilitação Psicossocial na perspectiva dos estudantes do 4º ano do Curso de Bacharelado em Enfermagem e dos enfermeiros dos serviços onde os estudantes vivenciam a prática profissional. Percurso Metodológico: estudo descritivo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma cidade do interior paulista, em 2008. Participaram da entrevista semiestruturada 10 sujeitos, sendo cinco alunos e cinco enfermeiros. Análise temática dos dados coletados resultou em quatro categorias: Reintegração social; Participação profissional no processo de reabilitação; Assistência - atuações da equipe e dos acadêmicos de enfermagem e Resquícios manicomiais como desafios políticos para reabilitação. Discussão: a compreensão dos enfermeiros e estudantes acerca do tema indicou limites que demandam repensar a formação dos enfermeiros e a capacitação dos profissionais. Portanto, observamos que os princípios preconizados para reabilitação são desenvolvidos parcialmente nos cenários de prática. Descritores: Educação em enfermagem; Reabilitação; Saúde Mental.
Memórias e representações sociais dos usuários do SUS acerca dos sistemas públicos de saúde
Authors: Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Sá Celso Pereira de , Espírito Santo Caren Camargo do , Gonçalves Thais Carvalho , Gomes Antonio Marcos Tosoli
Published: June 2011

Este estudo objetiva analisar as memórias e as representações dos usuários do SUS acerca dos sistemas públicos de saúde. É qualitativo, baseado na Teoria das Representações e Memória Sociais. Foram selecionadas 15 entrevistas de usuários da rede hospitalar e 15 da rede básica, localizadas no Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados em 2005 e 2006, através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, realizando-se a análise de conteúdo temática. Os usuários possuem memórias do acesso na época do INAMPS relacionadas à carteira profissional assinada. A representação do INAMPS é positiva, ao mesmo tempo em que a representação do SUS está no princípio da universalidade. Destaca-se a utilização do sistema de referência no SUS como um elemento facilitador e a representação negativa do sistema público de saúde. Conclui-se que os aspectos políticos, estruturais e profissionais avaliados negativamente pelos usuários têm sido problemáticos ao longo dos sistemas públicos de saúde. Descritores: Sistema Único de Saúde; Enfermagem em Saúde Pública; Sistemas de Saúde.
A dimensão ética do cuidado de enfermagem ao idoso hospitalizado na perspectiva de enfermeiros
Authors: Almeida Aline Branco Amorim de , Aguiar Maria Geralda Gomes
Published: June 2011

Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com oito enfermeiros de um hospital público, por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada, objetivou compreender como estes percebem a dimensão ética do cuidado ao idoso. Os dados foram analisados conforme o método de análise de conteúdo e organizados nas categorias: Valores éticos no cuidado ao idoso e Problemas éticos no cuidado ao idoso. Revelou-se que os enfermeiros percebem a importância dos valores, principalmente o respeito e a responsabilidade e identificam problemas éticos, como a violação dos direitos do idoso e conflitos nas relações de cuidado. Faz-se necessário que esse tema seja trabalhado no cotidiano dos serviços de saúde; que o Código de Ética dos Profissionais de Enfermagem seja mais difundido; que os direitos do paciente hospitalizado e do idoso sejam divulgados entre os pacientes e familiares, a fim de garantir o conhecimento e exercício dos direitos e deveres a todos os atores envolvidos no cuidado. Descritores: Ética em Enfermagem; Cuidados de Enfermagem; Idoso; Enfermagem Geriátrica.
Bilateral Simultaneous Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Fast Track Setting
Authors: Otte Kristian S. , Husted Henrik , Ørsnes Thue , Kehlet Henrik
Published: June 2011

Simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty has been reported to have varying results in the literature when performed using conventional postoperative care. Unilateral hip and knee arthroplasty as well as bilateral simultaneous knee arthroplasty may be associated with reduced length of stay and low complication rates when performed in a fast-track setting. We believed it would be useful to assess hip arthroplasty in this context, and we report 50 consecutive fast-track simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty procedures.

The median length of stay was 4 days. Mortality within 90 days was 4% and 8% required a further operative procedure. The overall complication rate was 22%. 55% of the complications were considered to be caused by failures in surgical technique and 45% by other factors.

Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroplasty may have a high complication rate in a fast-track setting and further evaluation may be warranted.
Responses to the Foraging/Predation Risk Trade-Off and Individual Variability in Population-Level Fitness Correlates
Authors: Polivka Karl M.
Published: June 2011

Foraging under the influence of interspecific interactions such as competition and predation risk can have effects on the energetic reserves of the forager. Measurements of condition in species such as fish are usually correlated with individual fecundity and, hence, fitness. From work in two study systems in which predation risk regulates habitat selection and foraging behavior of benthic fishes I examined whether risk dependence led to reduced variability in fish condition. In field populations of cottid fishes, observed in an estuarine system and in the near-shore habitat of an oligotrophic lake, I found that individuals that experienced higher predation risk showed reduced variability in CI. Estuarine cottids with high food availability and substantial predation risk varied less in CI among individuals than in the associated tidal creek. In the lake, where there is considerable heterogeneity in benthic food resources, a related cottid species showed reduced variation in CI with increasing predation risk from adults. Finally, I examine my previous experiments showing that the estuarine species is limited in its use of high resource availability in estuaries by competition and predation risk. Here I found that variability in individual condition index (CI) was higher when intraspecific and interspecific competition increased and did not increase in the face of predation risk.
A Hybrid Iterative Scheme for Mixed Equilibrium Problems, General System of Variational Inequality Problems, and Fixed Point Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Imnang S. , Suantai S.
Published: June 2011

We introduce a new iterative scheme for finding a common element of the set of solutions of a general system of variational inequalities, the set of solutions of a mixed equilibrium problem, and the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping in a real Hilbert space. Using the demiclosedness principle for nonexpansive mappings, we prove that the iterative sequence converges strongly to a common element of the above three sets under some control conditions, and we also give some examples for mappings which satisfy conditions of the main result.
Novel Sol–Gel Nano‐Glass–Ceramics Comprising Ln3+‐Doped YF3 Nanocrystals: Structure and High Efficient UV Up‐Conversion
Authors: Yanes A. Carlos , Santana‐Alonso Alejandro , Méndez‐Ramos Jorge , del‐Castillo Javier , Rodríguez Vicente D.
Published: June 2011

Transparent glass‐ceramics containing Ln3+‐doped YF3 nanocrystals are successfully obtained under adequate thermal treatment of precursor sol–gel glasses for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Precipitation of YF3 nanocrystals is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images. An exhaustive structural analysis is carried out using Eu3+ and Sm3+ as probe ions of the final local environment in the nano‐structured glass–ceramic. Noticeable changes in luminescence spectra, related to relative intensity and Stark structure of band components, along with remarkably different lifetime values, allow us to discern between ions residing in precipitated YF3 nanocrystals and those remaining in a glassy environment. A large fraction of optically active ions is efficiently partitioned into nanocrystals of small size, around 11 nm. Moreover, bright and efficient up‐conversion, including very intense high‐energy emissions in the UV range, due to 4‐ and 5‐infrared photon processes, are achieved in Yb3+–Tm3+ co‐doped samples. Up‐conversion mechanisms are analysed in depth by means of intensity dependence on sensitiser Yb3+ concentration and pump power.
Photodriven, Flexural–Torsional Oscillation of Glassy Azobenzene Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Smith Matthew L. , Koerner Hilmar , Tabiryan Nelson , Vaia Richard A. , Bunning Timothy J. , White Timothy J.
Published: June 2011

Cantilevers composed of glassy, photoresponsive liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) are shown to oscillate at high frequency (∼50 Hz) and large amplitude when exposed to light from a 442 nm coherent wave (CW) laser. Added dimensionality to previously reported in‐plane oscillations is enabled by adjusting the orientation of the nematic director to the long axis of the cantilever yielding in‐plane bending accompanied by out‐of‐plane twisting (flexural–torsional oscillation). The fundamental photoresponse of this class of glassy azobenzene liquid crystal polymer networks (azo‐LCN) is further probed by examining the influence of cantilever aspect ratio, laser intensity, and temperature. The frequency of photodirected oscillations is strongly correlated to the length of the cantilever while the amplitude and threshold laser intensity for oscillation is strongly correlated to temperature.
Microchemomechanical Systems
Authors: Randhawa Jatinder S. , Laflin Kate E. , Seelam Natasha , Gracias David H.
Published: June 2011

The development of microchemomechanical systems (MCMS) as an analogy to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is reviewed, with the distinction that the mechanical actuation of microscale structures is effected by chemical cues as opposed to electricity. The intellectual motivation to pursue MCMS, or the creation of integrated chemical‐stimuli‐responsive devices, is that such structures are widely observed in nature. From a practical standpoint, since chemicals can readily diffuse and produce changes over large distances, this approach is especially attractive in enabling wireless and autonomous devices at small size scales.
Interleukin‐1β causes synaptic hyperexcitability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rossi Silvia , Furlan Roberto , De Chiara Valentina , Motta Caterina , Studer Valeria , Mori Francesco , Musella Alessandra , Bergami Alessandra , Muzio Luca , Bernardi Giorgio , Battistini Luca , Martino Gianvito , Centonze Diego
Published: June 2011

Objective:

The frequency of inflammatory episodes in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been correlated with late neurodegeneration, but the mechanism by which inflammation gives rise to delayed neuronal damage is unknown. Increased activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate is thought to play a role in the inflammation‐driven neurodegenerative process of MS, and therefore we tested whether inflammatory cytokines released during acute MS attacks have the property of enhancing glutamate‐mediated transmission and excitotoxicity in central neurons.

Methods:

We compared the effect of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from active and quiescent MS patients on glutamate‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and excitotoxic damage in rodent brain slices. We also measured CSF concentrations of tumor necrosis factor‐α, of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra), and correlated cytokine levels with cortical excitability assessed in MS patients by means of paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Results:

CSF from MS patients with enhanced brain lesions at magnetic resonance imaging was able to increase spontaneous EPSC frequency and glutamate‐mediated neuronal swelling in vitro, through a mechanism dependent on enhanced IL‐1β signaling and increased glutamate α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid receptor stimulation. Furthermore, IL‐1β/IL‐1ra ratio was significantly higher in the CSF of active MS subjects, and correlated with intracortical facilitation, an accredited TMS measure of glutamate transmission. Finally, we identified for the first time transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channels as essential intermediates for the synaptic action of IL‐1β on central glutamatergic synapses.

Interpretation:

Our results provide compelling evidence of the synaptic mechanism linking inflammation and excitotoxic neurodegeneration in MS. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:76–83
A Kiefer‐Wolfowitz Algorithm Based Iterative Learning Control for Hammerstein‐Wiener Systems
Authors: Shen Dong , Chen Han‐Fu
Published: June 2011

The iterative learning control (ILC) is considered for the Hammerstein‐Wiener (HW) system, which is a cascading system consisting of a static nonlinearity followed by a linear stochastic system and then a static nonlinearity. Except the structure, the system is unknown, but the system output is observed with additive noise. Both the linear and nonlinear parts of the system may be time‐varying. The optimal control sequence under the tracking performance is first characterized, which, is however, unavailable since the system is unknown. By using the observations on system output the ILC is generated by a Kiefer‐Wolfowitz (KW) algorithm with randomized differences, which aims at minimizing the tracking error. It is proved that ILC converges to the optimal one with probability one and the resulting tracking error tends to its minimal value.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
In Situ Growth of TiO2 in Interlayers of Expanded Graphite for the Fabrication of TiO2–Graphene with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Jiang Baojiang , Tian Chungui , Zhou Wei , Wang Jianqiang , Xie Ying , Pan Qingjiang , Ren Zhiyu , Dong Youzhen , Fu Dan , Han Jiale , Fu Honggang
Published: June 2011

We present a facile route for the preparation of TiO2–graphene composites by in situ growth of TiO2 in the interlayer of inexpensive expanded graphite (EG) under solvothermal conditions. A vacuum‐assisted technique combined with the use of a surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) plays a key role in the fabrication of such composites. Firstly, the vacuum environment promotes full infusion of the initial solution containing Ti(OBu)4 and the surfactant into the interlayers of EG. Subsequently, numerous TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly grow in situ in the interlayers with the help of the surfactant, which facilitates the exfoliation of EG under the solvothermal conditions in ethanol, eventually forming TiO2–graphene composites. The as‐prepared samples have been characterized by Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, SEM, TEM, AFM, and thermogravimetic analysis. It is shown that a large number of TiO2 nanoparticles homogeneously cover the surface of high‐quality graphene sheets. The graphene exhibits a multi‐layered structure (5–7 layers). Notably, the TiO2–graphene composite (only 30 wt % of which is TiO2) synthesized by subsequent thermal treatment at high temperature under nitrogen shows high photocatalytic activity in the degradation of phenol under visible and UV lights in comparison with bare Degussa P25. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to increased charge separation, improved light absorbance and light absorption width, and high adsorptivity for pollutants.