bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Seismic Design for Manageable Loss in Wood-Framed Buildings
Authors: Pei Shiling , van de Lindt John W.
Published: October 2009

Light frame wood structures make up the vast majority of the residential building stock in the United States. Because of this, earthquake-induced losses for this category of building from a significant earthquake would have a substantial financial impact on the regional economy, as well as on the building owner. Current wood-framed structural design philosophy focuses only on life safety and only limits damage through implicit assumptions. The concept of loss-based seismic design is introduced in this paper with typical loss-based design statements explicitly formulated with the intent of addressing the concerns, e.g., financial loss, of the building end-user. The loss-based design procedure was established based on a loss estimation framework that relied on the existing concept of assembly-based vulnerability (ABV). With the help of an automated dynamic and loss analysis package developed for wood-framed structures (SAPWood™) at Colorado State University, loss-based seismic design for a typical North American single family residential building was conducted for several different explicitly stated loss targets. The results from the numerical examples showed that loss-based seismic design for wood-framed structures is a viable concept that can serve as an important step in the evolution of end-user oriented, performance-based seismic design (PBSD).
Updated Seismic Design Guidelines for Model Building Code of Mexico
Authors: Tena-Colunga Arturo , Mena-Hernández Ulises , Pérez-Rocha LuisEduardo , Avilés Javier , Ordaz Mario , Vilar JorgeIván
Published: October 2009

The Manual of Civil Structures (MOC), a model design code in Mexico, has been in the process of being updated, and the new version of this code was published in 2008. A major update from the 1993 version was performed in the chapter for the seismic design of building structures. This paper summarizes the most relevant changes of this building code and their relation to research efforts conducted within Mexico and worldwide to improve the seismic design of building structures. One goal is to make the guidelines as transparent as possible to users, so that the design process will be clearer to structural engineers.
Androgen Regulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Spinal Motoneurons and Their Target Musculature
Authors: Verhovshek Tom , Cai Yi , Osborne Mark C. , Sengelaub Dale R.
Published: October 2009

Trophic factors maintain motoneuron morphology and function in adulthood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) interacts with testosterone to maintain dendritic morphology of spinal motoneurons. In addition, testosterone regulates BDNF’s receptor (trkB) in motoneurons innervating the quadriceps muscles as well as in motoneurons of the highly androgen-sensitive spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB). Given these interactive effects, we examined whether androgen might also regulate BDNF in quadriceps and SNB motoneurons and their corresponding target musculature. In both motoneuron populations, castration of males reduced BDNF immunolabeling, and this effect was prevented with testosterone replacement. ELISA for BDNF in the target musculature of quadriceps (vastus lateralis, VL) and SNB (bulbocavernosus, BC) motoneurons revealed that BDNF in the VL and BC muscles was also regulated by androgen. However, although castration significantly decreased BDNF concentration in the VL muscle, BDNF concentration in the BC muscle was significantly increased in castrates. Treatment of castrated males with testosterone maintained BDNF levels at those of intact males in both sets of muscles. Together, these results demonstrate that androgens regulate BDNF in both a sexually dimorphic, highly androgen-sensitive neuromuscular system as well as a more typical somatic neuromuscular system. Furthermore, in addition to the regulation of trkB, these studies provide another possible mechanism for the interactive effects of testosterone and BDNF on motoneuron morphology. More importantly, by examining both the motoneurons and the muscles they innervate, these results demonstrate that within a neural system, BDNF levels in different components are differentially affected by androgen manipulation.
A Novel Distal Enhancer Mediates Cytokine Induction of Mouse Rankl Gene Expression
Authors: Bishop Kathleen A. , Meyer Mark B. , Pike J. Wesley
Published: October 2009

Chronic inflammatory states are associated with increased bone loss. This increase is often linked to an elevation in receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a TNFα-like factor essential to osteoclast formation. In this study, we document the ability of IL-6 in combination with IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6/IL-6sR) and oncostatin M to induce Rankl expression in stromal cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). We used chromatin immunoprecipitation-tiled DNA microarray analysis to determine sites of action of STAT3 at the Rankl locus and to assess the consequences of binding on histone H4 acetylation and RNA polymerase II recruitment. Both IL-6/IL-6 soluble receptor and oncostatin M stimulated STAT3 binding upstream of the Rankl transcriptional start site. Although previously identified enhancers bound STAT3, a more distal enhancer termed mRLD6 was a particular focus of STAT3 binding. When fused to a heterologous promoter, this enhancer was highly active, containing two functionally active STAT response elements. Importantly, small interfering RNA knockdown of Stat3 mRNA and protein, but not that of Stat1 or Stat5a, was effective in limiting Rankl mRNA up-regulation. Interestingly, although RNA polymerase II and histone H4 acetylation marked many of the enhancers under basal conditions, the levels of both were strongly increased after cytokine treatment, particularly at mRLD6. Finally, mRLD6 was also a target for forskolin-induced cellular response element-binding protein (CREB) recruitment, which potentiated cytokine activity. Our studies provide new insight into mechanisms by which glycoprotein 130 activating cytokines induce RANKL expression.
An Example and a Proposal Concerning the Correlation of Worker Processing Times in Parallel Tasks
Authors: Schultz Kenneth L. , Schoenherr Tobias , Nembhard David
Published: October 2009

Models and understanding of line design depend on accurate assessments of the effects of design parameters on human actions. Although equity theory predicts that workers will react to the speed of people around them, experimental work has failed to find this effect in an industrial setting with parallel workstations or a change in coworkers. With the current research we contribute to the understanding of line design by using archival data from a manufacturing line. We show that workers do react to the speed of their coworkers, but that individual reactions vary widely. Because workers are different both in speed and reaction, managerial implications are not straightforward. We model an optimal and a heuristic rearrangement of workers and suggest a modified heuristic that performs well for increasing throughput. Our methodology combines empirical approaches, analytical modeling, and Monte Carlo simulation.
Survival of patients with skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical management
Authors: Cho H. S. , Oh J. H. , Han I. , Kim H.-S.
Published: October 2009

Skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma are highly destructive vascular lesions which severely reduce the quality of life. Pre-existing liver cirrhosis presents unique challenges during the surgical management of such lesions. We carried out a retrospective study of 42 patients who had been managed surgically for skeletal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma affecting the appendicular skeleton between January 2000 and December 2006. There were 38 men and four women with a mean age of 60.2 years (46 to 77). Surgery for a pathological fracture was undertaken in 30 patients and because of a high risk of fracture in 12. An intralesional surgical margin was achieved in 36 and a wide margin in six. Factors influencing survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

The survival rates at one, two and three years after surgery were 42.2%, 25.8% and 19.8%, respectively. The median survival time was ten months (95% confidence interval 6.29 to 13.71). The number of skeletal metastases and the Child-Pugh grade were identified as independent prognostic factors by Cox regression analysis. The method of management of the hepatocellular carcinoma, its status in the liver, the surgical margin for skeletal metastases, the presence of a pathological fracture and adjuvant radiotherapy were not found to be significantly related to the survival of the patient, which was affected by hepatic function, as represented by the Child-Pugh grade.
Two-stage revision arthroplasty of the hip for infection using an interim articulated Prostalac hip spacer
Authors: Biring G. S. , Kostamo T. , Garbuz D. S. , Masri B. A. , Duncan C. P.
Published: October 2009

We report the outcome at ten to 15 years of two-stage revision for hip infection in 99 patients using the Prostalac articulated hip spacer system.

All the patients were contacted to determine their current functional and infection status using the Oxford-12, Short form-12, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index questionnaires. A total of 11 of the 99 patients had a further infection, of whom seven responded to repeat surgery with no further sequelae. The mean interval between the stages was five months (1 to 36). We were able to review 48 living patients, with a mean age of 72 years (46 to 86), 34 (71%) of whom provided health-related quality-of-life outcome scores.

The mean follow-up was 12 years (10 to 15). The long-term success rate was 89% and with additional surgery this rose to 96%. The mean global Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score was 80.6 (sd 18.3). The mean Oxford-12 score was 74.0 (sd 22.3), and the mean Short form-12 score was 53.1 (sd 9.4) (mental) and 33.5 (sd 13.5) (physical). The mean satisfaction score was 90.5 (sd 15.3).

Two-stage revision for hip infection using a Prostalac interim spacer offers a predictable and lasting solution for patients with this difficult problem.
Ischaemia and the pink, pulseless hand complicating supracondylar fractures of the humerus in childhood
Authors: Blakey C. M. , Biant L. C. , Birch R.
Published: October 2009

A series of 26 children was referred to our specialist unit with a ‘pink pulseless hand’ following a supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus after a mean period of three months (4 days to 12 months) except for one referred after almost three years. They were followed up for a mean of 15.5 years (4 to 26). The neurovascular injuries and resulting impairment in function and salvage procedures were recorded. The mean age at presentation was 8.6 years (2 to 12). There were eight girls and 18 boys.

Only four of the 26 patients had undergone immediate surgical exploration before referral and three of these four had a satisfactory outcome. In one child the brachial artery had been explored unsuccessfully at 48 hours. As a result 23 of the 26 children presented with established ischaemic contracture of the forearm and hand. Two responded to conservative stretching. In the remaining 21 the antecubital fossa was explored. The aim of surgery was to try to improve the function of the hand and forearm, to assess nerve, vessel and muscle damage, to relieve entrapment and to minimise future disturbance of growth.

Based on our results we recommend urgent exploration of the vessels and nerves in a child with a ‘pink pulseless hand’, not relieved by reduction of a supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus and presenting with persistent and increasing pain suggestive of a deepening nerve lesion and critical ischaemia.
The inadequacy of musculoskeletal knowledge after foundation training in the United Kingdom
Authors: Al-Nammari S. S. , James B. K. , Ramachandran M.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to determine whether the foundation programme for junior doctors, implemented across the United Kingdom in 2005, provides adequate training in musculoskeletal medicine. We recruited 112 doctors on completion of their foundation programme and assessed them using the Freedman and Bernstein musculoskeletal examination tool. Only 8.9% passed the assessment. Those with exposure to orthopaedics, with a career interest in orthopaedics, and who felt that they had gained adequate exposure to musculoskeletal medicine obtained significantly higher scores. Those interested in general practice as a career obtained significantly lower scores. Only 15% had any exposure to orthopaedics during the foundation programme and only 13% felt they had adequate exposure to musculoskeletal medicine. The foundation programme currently provides inadequate training in musculoskeletal medicine. The quality and quantity of exposure to musculoskeletal medicine during the foundation programme must be improved.
The ‘pulseless pink’ hand after supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children
Authors: Mangat K. S. , Martin A. G. , Bache C. E.
Published: October 2009

We compared two management strategies for the perfused but pulseless hand after stabilisation of a Gartland type III supracondylar fracture. We identified 19 patients, of whom 11 were treated conservatively after closed reduction (group 1). Four required secondary exploration, of whom three had median and/or anterior interosseus nerve palsy at presentation. All four were found to have tethering or entrapment of both nerve and vessel at the fracture site. Only two regained patency of the brachial artery, and one patient has a persistent neurological deficit.

In six of the eight patients who were explored early (group 2) the vessel was tethered at the fracture site. In group 2 four patients also had a nerve palsy at presentation and were similarly found to have tethering or entrapment of both the nerve and the vessel. The patency of the brachial artery was restored in all six cases and their neurological deficits recovered completely.

We would recommend early exploration of a Gartland type III supracondylar fracture in patients who present with a coexisting anterior interosseous or median nerve palsy, as these appear to be strongly predictive of nerve and vessel entrapment.
Fixation stability of opening- versus closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Luites J. W. H. , Brinkman J.-M. , Wymenga A. B. , van Heerwaarden R. J.
Published: October 2009

Valgus high tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the knee can be performed using medial opening- and lateral closing-wedge techniques. The latter have been thought to offer greater initial stability.

We measured and compared the stability of opening- and closing-wedge osteotomies fixed by TomoFix plates using radiostereometry in a series of 42 patients in a prospective, randomised clinical trial.

There were no differences between the opening- and closing-wedge groups in the time to regain knee function and full weight-bearing. Pain and knee function were significantly improved in both groups without any differences between them. All the osteotomies united within one year. Radiostereometry showed no clinically relevant movement of bone or differences between either group.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy secured by a TomoFix plate offers equal stability to a lateral closing-wedge technique. Both give excellent initial stability and provide significantly improved knee function and reduction in pain, although the opening-wedge technique was more likely to produce the intended correction.
Clinical and radiological outcome of stemmed hip replacement after revision from metal-on-metal resurfacing
Authors: Eswaramoorthy V. K. , Biant L. C. , Field R. E.
Published: October 2009

We report the outcome of total hip replacement in 29 failed metal-on-metal resurfacing hip replacements in which the primary surgery was performed between August 1995 and February 2005. The mean length of follow-up was five years (1.7 to 11.7). Of the 29 hip resurfacings, 19 acetabular components and all the femoral components were revised (28 uncemented stems and one cemented stem). There were no deaths and none of the patients was lost to follow-up. None of the hips underwent any further revision. The results of the revision resurfacing group were compared with those of a control group of age-matched patients. In the latter group there were 236 primary total hip replacements and 523 resurfacings performed during the same period by the same surgeons.

The outcome of the revision resurfacing group was comparable with that of the stemmed primary hip replacement group but was less good than that of the primary hip resurfacing group. Long-term follow-up is advocated to monitor the outcome of these cases.
Reaction of dialkyl carbonates with alcohols: Defining a scale of the best leaving and entering groups
Authors: Tundo Pietro , Aricò Fabio , Rosamilia Anthony E. , Rigo Maurizio , Maranzana Andrea , Tonachini Glauco
Published: October 2009

A series of dialkyl and methyl alkyl carbonates has been synthesized and their reactivity investigated. The behavior of preferential leaving and entering groups for the newly synthesized carbonates has been accurately investigated. Both experimental and computational studies agreed that the scale of leaving groups follows the trend: PhCH2O–, MeO– ≥ EtO–, CH3(CH2)2O–, CH3(CH2)7O– > (CH3)2CHO– > (CH3)3CO–. Accordingly, the scale of the entering group has the same trend, with t-butoxide being the worst entering group. A preliminary attempt to rationalize the nucleofugality trends, limited to the (CH3)3CO– and CH3O– groups, has indicated that a likely origin of the observed trends lies in the different entropic contributions and solvation effects.
Large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Synthesis and discotic organization
Authors: Feng Xinliang , Pisula Wojciech , Müllen Klaus
Published: October 2009

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have attracted enormous interest due to their unique electronic and optoelectronic properties as well as the potential applications in organic electronics. This article reviews the progress in the modern synthesis of large PAHs with different sizes, shapes, edge structures, and substituents. Due to their outstanding self-organization characteristics, the discotic liquid-crystalline properties, self-assembled nanostructures on the surfaces, as well as the application in electronic devices will be discussed.
Synthesis and microfabrication of biomaterials for soft-tissue engineering
Authors: Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: October 2009

Biomaterials synthesis and scaffold fabrication will play an increasingly important role in the design of systems for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. These rapidly growing fields are converging as scaffold design must begin to incorporate multidisciplinary aspects in order to effectively organize cell-seeded constructs into functional tissue. This review article examines the use of synthetic biomaterials and fabrication strategies across length scales with the ultimate goal of guiding cell function and directing tissue formation. This discussion is parsed into three subsections: (1) biomaterials synthesis, including elastomers and gels; (2) synthetic micro- and nanostructures for engineering the cell–biomaterial interface; and (3) complex biomaterials systems design for controlling aspects of the cellular microenvironment.
Smad4-Shh-Nfic signaling cascade–mediated epithelial-mesenchymal interaction is crucial in regulating tooth root development
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Xu Xun , Bringas Pablo , Hung Yee Ping , Chai Yang
Published: November 2009

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is crucial for regulating epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during organogenesis, and the canonical Smad pathway–mediated TGF-β/BMP signaling plays important roles during development and disease. During tooth development, dental epithelial cells, known as Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), participate in root formation following crown development. However, the functional significance of HERS in regulating root development remains unknown. In this study we investigated the signaling mechanism of Smad4, the common Smad for TGF-β/BMP signaling, in HERS in regulating root development. Tissue-specific inactivation of Smad4 in HERS results in abnormal enamel and dentin formation in K14-Cre;Smad4fl/fl mice. HERS enlarges but cannot elongate to guide root development without Smad4. At the molecular level, Smad4-mediated TGF-β/BMP signaling is required for Shh expression in HERS and Nfic (nuclear factor Ic) expression in the cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived dental mesenchyme. Nfic is crucial for root development, and loss of Nfic results in a CNC-derived dentin defect similar to the one of K14-Cre;Smad4fl/fl mice. Significantly, we show that ectopic Shh induces Nfic expression in dental mesenchyme and partially rescues root development in K14-Cre;Smad4fl/fl mice. Taken together, our study has revealed an important signaling mechanism in which TGF-β/BMP signaling relies on a Smad-dependent mechanism in regulating Nfic expression via Shh signaling to control root development. The interaction between HERS and the CNC-derived dental mesenchyme may guide the size, shape, and number of tooth roots. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Marine influence in the Barreiras Formation, State of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rossetti Dilce F. , Góes Ana M.
Published: November 2009

Tidal processes were important for deposition of the Barreiras Formation located in northern Brazil, while correlatable deposits in northeastern Brazil have been traditionally related to continental environments. Facies analysis in southern Alagoas revealed that the Barreiras Formation consists of cross-stratified conglomerates and sandstones (facies Sx and Cgx), compound cross-stratified sandstones (facies Cx), and heterolithic beddings (facies H). A significant portion of these deposits occurs within channel morphologies displaying fining and thinning upward successions. An abundance of sedimentary features is comparable to those from the northern Brazilian counterpart. These include: tidal bundles; herringbone cross-stratification; heterolithic beddings with sandstone and mudstone beds in sharp contacts; and ichnofossils mostly consisting of Ophiomorpha nodosa, Skolithos and Planolites. Altogether, these features point to a marginal marine depositional setting dominated by tidal processes, which are related to an estuarine system, an interpretation also provided for the Barreiras Formation in northern Brazil. The widespread occurrence of deposits with unambiguous evidence of tidal processes in the Barreiras Formation of northern Brazil, and now in the State of Alagoas, leads to argue that the early/middle Miocene worldwide marine transgression might have left a much more widespread sedimentary record along the Brazilian coast than currently regarded.
Germination behaviour of seeds from herbicide treated plants of Chenopodium album L.
Authors: Tanveer Asif , Nadeem Muhammad A. , Ali Asghar , Tahir Muhammad , Zamir Muhammad S.I.
Published: November 2009

The carry-over effect of sub-lethal herbicides was investigated on the germination of seeds collected from surviving Chenopodium album plants, which had received 1/8, 1/8 twice, 1/8 three times, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1 doses of either pre-emergence ioxynil or post-emergence bentazone in a previous onion (Allium cepa) crop. Seeds were also collected from surviving C. album plants, which had received 1/4, 1/2, 1/1 of either pre-emergence pendimethalin, propachlor and linuron, or 1/8, 1/8 twice, 1/8 three times, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1 of post-emergence ioxynil or linuron in a previous leek (Allium porrum) crop. Seeds of surviving plants were collected and tested for germination at temperature of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C. The effect of different temperatures on the total number of germinated seeds was significant. Germination was minimum at low temperatures (5°C or 10°C). Herbicides did not show any effect on germination of C. album and resulted in the same final germination percentage as seeds collected from the unsprayed control plots.
Composição e variabilidade espaço-temporal da meiofauna de uma praia arenosa na região amazônica (Ajuruteua, Pará)
Authors: Gomes Tatianne P. , Rosa Filho José S.
Published: November 2009

Este trabalho avalia a variabilidade espaço-temporal da meiofauna do médiolitoral na praia de Ajuruteua, Estado do Pará. As coletas foram realizadas a cada dois meses, entre abril de 2003 a fevereiro de 2004 durante as marés de sizígia, em diferentes zonas da praia. As amostras foram retiradas com um amostrador cilíndrico de 3,14 cm² e fixadas em formalina salina a 5%. Em laboratório, as amostras foram passadas em malha de 0,063 mm de abertura e os organismos retidos identificados em nível de grandes grupos taxonômicos, contados e fixados em álcool etílico a 70%. A meiofauna esteve representada por oito grupos: Turbellaria, Nematoda, Tardigrada, Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Acari, adultos de Copepoda Harpacticoida e juvenis de Copepoda Harpacticoida. Nematoda foi o grupo dominante, representando 74% do total de indivíduos, seguido de Copepoda (19%). Pôde-se observar clara zonação horizontal da fauna, que se distribuiu em três faixas paralelas à linha de praia, com características significativamente distintas quanto à abundância, riqueza e densidade dos principais grupos taxonômicos. No médiolitoral médio foram observados valores significativamente mais elevados de riqueza e abundância, enquanto os valores mais baixos foram registrados no médiolitoral superior e inferior. A comunidade de meiofauna, ainda que não tenha variado significativamente entre períodos climáticos, foi mais rica e abundante nos meses secos. Os principais fatores responsáveis pelas variações espaço-temporais da meiofauna foram a ação das ondas e das marés e as variações na salinidade da água.
Neurinoma retropharyngeo contendo cystos em communicação com a circulaççao arterial
Authors: Torres C. Magarinos , Monteiro Aristides
Published: November 2009

Apresentamos um caso de neurinoma retropharyngeo que offereceu consideravel difficuldade no diagnostico em vida do paciente. A existencia, em sua espessura, de cavidades que, punccionadas, davam sahida a sangue rutilante, constituio feição clinica peculiar. O diganostico só foi possivel post-mortem, o estudo histologico revelando um neurinoma com extensas áreas de necrose, inflammação purulenta e hemorrhagica. As cavidades encontradas são a consequencia desses processos. No momento da autopsia ellas apresentavam conteúdo francamente purulento, sendo a quantidade de coagulos sanguineos relativamente pequena, destacando-se os coagulos facilmente das paredes internas das cavidades. O diagnostico de aneurysma foi excluido pelo exame microscopico, o qual, tambem, não revelou, no tumor, a estructura de angioma ou de angiosarcoma. As hemorrhagias processadas nas áreas necrosadas reconhecem, provavelmente, como ponto de partida arterias ou arteriolas englobadas na massa tumoral. Estas se conservariam em communicação permanente com algumas cavidades originadas por necrose e desintegração dos tecidos do tumor. Assim seria explicada a sahida de sangue rutilante pela puncção das cavidades em vida do doente, a pressão do sangue em seu interior, e a rapida desapparição do meio de contraste na arteriographia. A origem do tumor não poude ser precisada. Não é fóra de proposito recordar o que dizem Wahl (1914) e Dawydow (1932). Segundo Wahl, embora os tumores compostos de elementos especificos do tecido nervoso possam derivar de qualquer ponto do systema nervoso, o maior numero delles tem sua origem, contudo, no systema sympathico. Estructuras cysticas são referidas em dois dentre quarenta e cinco casos de ganglioneuremas por elle colligidos na litteratura até aquella epocha. Em um delles, são: « cystic structures that are probably softened fibroma ». Dawydow (1932) refere um neurinoma retropharyngeo tendo origem no ganglío sympathico cervícal superior.
O uso da difusão por ressonância magnética na diferenciação das lesões mamárias benignas e malignas
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Philadelpho Arantes , Martins Gabriela , Figueiredo Eduardo , Domingues Marisa Nassar Aidar , Domingues Romeu Côrtes , Fonseca Lea Mirian Barbosa da
Published: November 2009

OBJETIVO: Estudar a utilidade da sequência pesada em difusão na diferenciação das lesões mamárias benignas e malignas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e cinco mulheres (idade média de 46,1 anos) com 52 nódulos de mama foram submetidas a ressonância magnética acrescida da sequência difusão. O coeficiente de difusão aparente (ADC) foi calculado através do mapa de ADC obtido pelo uso de cinco valores de b (0, 250, 500, 750 e 1.000 s/mm²). O valor de ADC médio de cada lesão foi correlacionado com achados de imagem e resultados histopatológicos. Valores de ADC de corte, sensibilidade e especificidade da sequência difusão na diferenciação das lesões benignas e malignas foram calculados. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: O valor de ADC médio foi significativamente menor para as lesões malignas (0,92 ± 0,26 × 10-3 mm²/s) comparado com as lesões benignas (1,50 ± 0,34 × 10-3 mm²/s) (p < 0,0001). A sequência difusão mostrou altas sensibilidade e especificidade (ambas 92,3%) na diferenciação entre lesões benignas e malignas. CONCLUSÃO: A sequência pesada em difusão representa um recurso potencial como coadjuvante da ressonância magnética das mamas na diferenciação das lesões benignas e malignas. Tal sequência pode ser facilmente inserida no protocolo padrão da ressonância magnética das mamas, sem aumento significativo no tempo de exame.
Achados de imagem da revascularização do miocárdio pela tomografia computadorizada por múltiplos detectores: onde estão os enxertos? Ensaio iconográfico
Authors: Ripari Marcelo Targa , Santaniello Rogério , Sasdelli Neto Roberto , Nomura César Higa , Chate Rodrigo Caruso , Passos Rodrigo Bastos Duarte , Kay Fernando Uliana , Funari Marcelo Buarque de Gusmão
Published: November 2009

A angiotomografia por multidetectores de coronárias constitui um método preciso para avaliação dos enxertos venosos e arteriais pós-revascularização coronariana e vem substituindo em parte o cateterismo, o qual é um método invasivo e de maior custo. Este ensaio iconográfico tem como objetivo a demonstração anatômica dos enxertos mais comumente utilizados, como diferenciar enxertos venosos e arteriais e como localizá-los. Os exames foram realizados em aparelhos de tomografia computadorizada multislice de 64 fileiras de detectores, com apneia, frequência cardíaca controlada e protocolos adequados com posterior reconstruções MPR, MIP e 3D, de acordo com o eletrocardiograma. A localização dos enxertos e anastomoses em tomografias computadorizadas direcionadas para as artérias coronárias e para o tórax pode dificultar a análise do exame pelo radiologista não familiarizado, sendo que o conhecimento das técnicas cirúrgicas utilizadas e dos possíveis trajetos das pontes de safena e enxertos arteriais ajuda na análise de ambos os exames, evitando também erros diagnósticos.
Eficiência e custo do controle químico da mancha de alternaria em tangor murcote
Authors: Colturato Adimara Bentivoglio , Paulossi Tatiana , Venâncio Wilson Story , Furtado Edson Luiz
Published: November 2009

A mancha de alternaria, causada por Alternaria alternata f. sp. citri, afeta tangelos Minneola, tangerinas Dancy, tangores Murcote e, menos freqüentemente, tangelos Orlando, tangerinas Novas, Lees e Sunburst. Esta doença causa desfolha grave, queda de frutos e manchas nas frutas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer o melhor fungicida e a melhor dose para o controle da mancha marrom de alternaria. O delineamento experimental foi de parcelas subdivididas em blocos, com 10 tratamentos principais e 3 doses (subparcelas), com 5 repetições. Foram feitas 5 aplicações, com intervalo de 15 dias. Os tratamentos foram: azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (2 aplicações) seguido de 3 aplicações de mancozeb, difenoconazole, trifloxystrobin + propiconazole, iprodione, trifloxystrobin + propineb (2 aplicações) seguido de 3 aplicações de oxicloreto de cobre, oxicloreto de cobre + óleo e testemunha. Simultaneamente foram feitas avaliações de incidência e número de lesões por folha. Ao surgimento dos frutos foram avaliadas a incidência em frutos e a produtividade em Kg/ha. Todos os tratamentos foram superiores à testemunha quanto a produtividade. Entre os produtos utilizados o tratamento com trifloxystrobin + propiconazole foi rentável comparando-se custo e produtividade.
How do we know whether there has been progress in teacher autonomy?
Authors: Sprenger Terezinha Maria
Published: November 2009

This paper presents a case study to illustrate how activity theory (Leontiev 1978; Engeström 1987, 1999) and the expansive learning framework (Engeström 1987, 1999) were used to evaluate the development of teacher autonomy in an online course on preparing EFL classroom materials. It is assumed that the learning by expansion model is similar to conscientização (Freire 1980, 1982), a key element in the development of teacher autonomy, according to the perspective in the study.
A informação como um elemento chave para a qualidade do produto turístico: uma análise dos postos de informações turísticas do município de Florianópolis/SC
Authors: Gohr Cláudia Fabiana , Santos Luciano Costa , Veiga Mariana Feminella
Published: November 2009

Os Postos de Informações Turísticas de uma localidade são unidades de informação fundamentais para a cadeia do turismo. Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório que teve o objetivo de analisar as condições dos Postos de Informações Turísticas (PIT's) do município de Florianópolis/SC para garantir a qualidade do atendimento aos turistas. Após uma análise crítica dos PIT's do município, foram propostas algumas sugestões de melhoria que podem contribuir para a operacionalização dos objetivos estabelecidos pelas políticas públicas de informação ao turista.
Associação entre discinesia escapular e dor no ombro de praticantes de natação
Authors: Santana Elis Passos , Ferreirar Bruno César , Ribeiro Gabriel
Published: November 2009

A escápula possui funções essenciais no ombro do atleta de arremesso. Qualquer desequilíbrio presente entre as estruturas responsáveis pela sua estabilidade originará uma condição denominada discinesia escapular, a qual é comumente acompanhada de dor no ombro. Este estudo tem o objetivo de verificar se há associação entre a discinesia escapular e a dor no ombro de praticantes de natação. Foi realizado um estudo analítico observacional de corte transversal, incluindo 36 praticantes de natação do sexo masculino, com idade de 18 a 36 anos. Como métodos diagnósticos sugestivos de discinesia escapular foram utilizados o Slide Lateral Scapular Test e a filmagem proposta por Kibler. A existência de proporções significativas entre as variáveis nominais foi comprovada pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou pelo teste exato de Fisher. Para identificar associações entre as variáveis contínuas e os grupos de estudo foi utilizado o teste t de Student. Um p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. O grau de concordância interexaminador (Kappa; p < 0,0001) foi considerado substancial, correspondendo a 86,1% (0,7656) no ombro direito e 83,3% (0,6412) no esquerdo. Constatou-se que a grande maioria (80%) dos indivíduos que apresentaram positividade no Slide Lateral Scapular Test relatou dor no ombro. Dentre os nadadores que apresentaram discinesia escapular durante a filmagem, em 70,8% também foi constatada a presença dessa condição no teste estático. Este é um estudo original no que diz respeito à abordagem da discinesia escapular em nadadores e em relacioná-la com a presença de dor no ombro. Porém, a hipótese inicial de que haveria uma associação significante não foi correspondida.
Dependência de exercício físico: humor, qualidade de vida em atletas amadores e profissionais
Authors: Modolo Vladimir Bonilha , Mello Marco Túlio de , Gimenez Paula Regina Borba de , Tufik Sergio , Antunes Hanna Karen M.
Published: November 2009

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar se existem diferenças nos escores de Dependência de Exercício (DE), escores de humor e qualidade de vida em atletas profissionais e amadores de modalidade esportivas coletivas e individuais. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 116 atletas praticantes de modalidades esportivas coletivas (n = 60, sendo 20 profissionais e 40 amadores) e individuais (n = 56, sendo 16 profissionais e 40 amadores) do gênero masculino. As médias (± desvio-padrão) da idade, estatura, massa corporal e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) foram: 22,13 ± 6,16 anos; 1,77 ± 0,10cm; 72,76 ± 10,04kg; e 23,10 ± 2,04kg/m², respectivamente. Os atletas responderam aos seguintes questionários: Escala de Dependência de Exercício (EDE), Inventário Beck de Depressão, Idate Traço e Estado de Ansiedade, Questionário POMS de perfil de humor, Questionário SF-36 de Qualidade de Vida, em um dia de folga dentro da periodização normal de treinamento, caracterizando o estudo como transversal. O trabalho foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Unifesp (# 0616/06). RESULTADOS: Atletas amadores e profissionais apresentaram escores similares de DE, mas quando considerados os tipos de modalidade, os amadores praticantes de modalidades coletivas apresentam maiores escores, o que se inverte quando considerados atletas profissionais. Em relação aos resultados de humor, atletas profissionais apresentaram mais qualidade de vida e menores escores de humor. CONCLUSÃO: Atletas amadores e profissionais praticantes de modalidades esportivas coletivas e individuais respondem diferentemente à DE; o tipo de modalidade e seu envolvimento social e competitivo parecem ser o grande determinante. Além disso, pode-se concluir que atletas profissionais de modalidades coletivas apresentam melhor perfil de humor e qualidade de vida, tanto quando comparados com profissionais de modalidades individuais, quando com atletas amadores praticantes de modalidades coletivas ou individuais.
Differences in Ca2+-management between the ventricle of two species of neotropical teleosts: the jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), and the acara, Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Authors: Costa Monica Jones , Rantin Francisco Tadeu , Kalinin Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2009

This study analyzed the physiological role of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of two neotropical teleosts, the jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Erythrinidae), and the acara, Geophagus brasiliensis (Cichlidae). While the in vivo heart frequency (fH - bpm) of acara (79.6 ± 6.6) was higher than that of the jeju (50.3 ± 2.7), the opposite was observed for the ventricular inotropism (Fc - mN/mm²) at 12 bpm (acara = 28.66 ± 1.86 vs. jeju = 36.09 ± 1.67). A 5 min diastolic pause resulted in a strong potentiation of Fc (≅ 90%) of strips from jeju, which was completely abolished by ryanodine. Ryanodine also resulted in a ≅ 20% decrease in the Fc developed by strips from jeju at both subphysiological (12 bpm) and physiological (in vivo) frequencies. However, this effect of ryanodine reducing the Fc from jeju was completely compensated by adrenaline increments (10-9 and 10-6 M). In contrast, strips from acara were irresponsive to ryanodine, irrespective of the stimulation frequency, and increases in adrenaline concentration (to 10-9 and 10-6 M) further increased Fc. These results reinforce the hypothesis of the functionality of the SR as a common trait in neotropical ostariophysian (as jeju), while in acanthopterygians (as acara) it seems to be functional mainly in 'athletic' species.
Reproductive behavior, development and eye regression in the cave armored catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus Reis, 1987 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), breed in laboratory
Authors: Secutti Sandro , Trajano Eleonora
Published: November 2009

The troglobitic armored catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus (Loricariidae, Ancistrinae) is known from four caves in the São Domingos karst area, upper rio Tocantins basin, Central Brazil. These populations differ in general body shape and degree of reduction of eyes and of pigmentation. The small Passa Três population (around 1,000 individuals) presents the most reduced eyes, which are not externally visible in adults. A small group of Passa Três catfish, one male and three females, reproduced spontaneously thrice in laboratory, at the end of summertime in 2000, 2003 and 2004. Herein we describe the reproductive behavior during the 2003 event, as well as the early development of the 2003 and 2004 offsprings, with focus on body growth and ontogenetic regression of eyes. The parental care by the male, which includes defense of the rock shelter where the egg clutch is laid, cleaning and oxygenation of eggs, is typical of many loricariids. On the other hand, the slow development, including delayed eye degeneration, low body growth rates and high estimated longevity (15 years or more) are characteristic of precocial, or K-selected, life cycles. In the absence of comparable data for close epigean relatives (Ancistrus spp.), it is not possible to establish whether these features are an autapomorphic specialization of the troglobitic A. cryptophthalmus or a plesiomorphic trait already present in the epigean ancestor, possibly favoring the adoption of the life in the food-poor cave environment. We briefly discuss the current hypotheses on eye regression in troglobitic vertebrates.
Calcium fluxes in Hoplosternum littorale (tamoatá) exposed to different types of Amazonian waters
Authors: Baldisserotto Bernardo , Copatti Carlos Eduardo , Gomes Levy Carvalho , Chagas Edsandra Campos , Brinn Richard Philip , Roubach Rodrigo
Published: November 2009

Fishes that live in the Amazonian environment may be exposed to several kinds of waters: "black waters", containing high dissolved organic carbon and acidic pH, "white waters", with ten fold higher Ca2+ concentrations than black waters and neutral pH, and "clear waters", with two fold higher Ca2+ concentrations than black waters and also neutral pH. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze Ca2+ fluxes in the facultative air-breather Hoplosternum littorale (tamoatá) exposed to different Amazonian waters. Fishes were acclimated in well water (similar to clear water) and later placed in individual chambers for Ca2+ fluxes measurements. After 4 h, water from the chambers was replaced by a different type of water. Transfer of tamoatás to ion-poor black or acidic black water resulted in net Ca2+ loss only in the first 2 h of experiment. However, transfer from black or acidic black water to white water led to only net Ca2+ influxes. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that transfer of tamoatás to ion-poor waters (black and acidic black water) led to transient net Ca2+ loss, while the amount of Ca2+ in the ion-rich white water seems adequate to prevent Ca2+ loss after transfer. Therefore, transfer of tamoatás between these Amazonian waters does not seem to result in serious Ca2+ disturbance.
Linking Exposure Assessment Science With Policy Objectives for Environmental Justice and Breast Cancer Advocacy: The Northern California Household Exposure Study
Authors: Brody Julia Green , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Zota Ami , Brown Phil , Pérez Carla , Rudel Ruthann A.
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We compared an urban fence-line community (neighboring an oil refinery) and a nonindustrial community in an exposure study focusing on pollutants of interest with respect to breast cancer and environmental justice.

Methods. We analyzed indoor and outdoor air from 40 homes in industrial Richmond, California, and 10 in rural Bolinas, California, for 153 compounds, including particulates and endocrine disruptors.

Results. Eighty compounds were detected outdoors in Richmond and 60 in Bolinas; Richmond concentrations were generally higher. Richmond's vanadium and nickel levels indicated effects of heavy oil combustion from oil refining and shipping; these levels were among the state's highest. In nearly half of Richmond homes, PM2.5 exceeded California's annual ambient air quality standard. Paired outdoor–indoor measurements were significantly correlated for industry- and traffic-related PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, elemental carbon, metals, and sulfates (r = 0.54–0.92, P < .001).

Conclusions. Indoor air quality is an important indicator of the cumulative impact of outdoor emissions in fence-line communities. Policies based on outdoor monitoring alone add to environmental injustice concerns in communities that host polluters. Community-based participatory exposure research can contribute to science and stimulate and inform action on the part of community residents and policymakers.
One Year Later: Mental Illness Prevalence and Disparities Among New Orleans Residents Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Sastry Narayan , VanLandingham Mark
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We examined whether there were high levels of mental illness among displaced New Orleans, LA, residents in the fall of 2006, 1 year after Hurricane Katrina.

Methods. We used data from the Displaced New Orleans Residents Pilot Study, which measured the prevalence of probable mild or moderate and serious mental illness among a representative sample of people who resided in New Orleans at the time of the hurricane, including people who evacuated the city and did not return. We also analyzed disparities in mental illness by race, education, and income.

Results. We found high rates of mental illness in our sample and major disparities in mental illness by race, education, and income. Severe damage to or destruction of an individual's home was a major covariate of mental illness.

Conclusions. The prevalence of mental illness remained high in the year following Hurricane Katrina, in contrast to the pattern found after other disasters. Economic losses and displacement may account for this finding as well as the disparity in mental illness between Blacks and Whites.
Tillage and Fertilizer Effects on Yield, Profitability, and Risk in a Corn‐Wheat‐Potato‐Wheat Rotation
Authors: Meyer‐Aurich Andreas , Gandorfer Markus , Gerl Georg , Kainz Max
Published: October 2009

Reduced tillage results in lower production costs and thus may have economic advantages for farmers. However, yield penalties, specific yield risks, or higher nutrient requirements may counteract the positive effects of reduced tillage. This study investigates long‐term tillage effects (moldboard plow, and deep and shallow chisel plow) and their interactions with N fertilizer input on yields and economic performance in a corn (Zea mays L.)‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)‐wheat rotation in southern Germany. Conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage systems provided comparable economic returns. The systems of reduced tillage required higher surface‐dribbled urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) fertilizer to corn and potato to be as efficient as the CT system. This may have implications for the overall environmental assessment of reduced tillage systems. For moderate‐ and higher‐risk‐averse producers, CT with usual fertilizer practice was more efficient than all other management options for the whole rotation. Farmers' risk aversion has no impact on the choice of the most efficient tillage and fertilizer management for potato (CT with usual fertilizer practice) and for corn (reduced tillage with increased fertilizer level). For wheat, the results show a high impact of risk aversion on the optimal choice of the tillage and fertilizer system. With increased energy prices, the economic savings of the reduced tillage systems due to reduced fuel use may be offset by higher fertilizer requirements since nitrous fertilizer prices are highly determined by energy costs.