bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior of Eucalyptus grandis and E. cloeziana seedlings grown in arsenic-contaminated soil
Authors: Melo Roseli Freire , Dias Luiz Eduardo , Mello Jaime Wilson Vargas de , Oliveira Juraci Alves
Published: August 2010

Arsenic has been considered the most poisonous inorganic soil pollutant to living creatures. For this reason, the interest in phytoremediation species has been increasing in the last years. Particularly for the State of Minas Gerais, where areas of former mining activities are prone to the occurrence of acid drainage, the demand is great for suitable species to be used in the revegetation and "cleaning" of As-polluted areas. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) Maiden and E. cloeziana F. Muell, for phytoremediation of As-polluted soils. Soil samples were incubated for a period of 15 days with different As (Na2HAsO4) doses (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg dm-3). After 30 days of exposure the basal leaves of E. cloeziana plants exhibited purple spots with interveinal chlorosis, followed by necrosis and death of the apical bud at the 400 mg dm-3 dose. Increasing As doses in the soil reduced root and shoot dry matter, plant height and diameter in both species, although the reduction was more pronounced in E. cloeziana plants. In both species, As concentrations were highest in the root system; the highest root concentration was found in E. cloeziana plants (305.7 mg kg-1) resulting from a dose of 400 mg dm-3. The highest As accumulation was observed in E. grandis plants, which was confirmed as a species with potential for As phytoextraction, tending to accumulate As in the root system and stem.
Rainfall erosivity and rainfall return period in the experimental watershed of Aracruz, in the coastal plain of Espirito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Martins Sérgio Gualberto , Avanzi Junior Cesar , Silva Marx Leandro Naves , Curi Nilton , Norton Lloyd Darrell , Fonseca Sebastião
Published: August 2010

Knowledge on the factors influencing water erosion is fundamental for the choice of the best land use practices. Rainfall, expressed by rainfall erosivity, is one of the most important factors of water erosion. The objective of this study was to determine rainfall erosivity and the return period of rainfall in the Coastal Plains region, near Aracruz, a town in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, based on available data. Rainfall erosivity was calculated based on historic rainfall data, collected from January 1998 to July 2004 at 5 min intervals, by automatic weather stations of the Aracruz Cellulose S.A company. A linear regression with individual rainfall and erosivity data was fit to obtain an equation that allowed data extrapolation to calculate individual erosivity for a 30-year period. Based on this data the annual average rainfall erosivity in Aracruz was 8,536 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1. Of the total annual rainfall erosivity 85 % was observed in the most critical period October to March. Annual erosive rains accounted for 38 % of the events causing erosion, although the runoff volume represented 88 % of the total. The annual average rainfall erosivity return period was estimated to be 3.4 years.
Resposta fisiológica de clone de café Conilon sensível à deficiência hídrica enxertado em porta-enxerto tolerante
Authors: Silva Vânia Aparecida , Antunes Werner Camargos , Guimarães Breno Lourenzzo Salgado , Paiva Rita Márcia Cardoso , Silva Vanisse de Fátima , Ferrão Maria Amélia Gava , DaMatta Fábio Murilo , Loureiro Marcelo Ehlers
Published: August 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar alterações fisiológicas e de tolerância à seca em clones de café Conilon (Coffea canephora) contrastantes quanto à sensibilidade ao deficit hídrico. Foram avaliadas as enxertias recíprocas entre os clones 109A, sensível ao deficit hídrico, e 120, tolerante - 120/109A, 120/120, 109A/120, 109A/109A -, além de seus respectivos pés-francos. As plantas foram cultivadas em vasos de 12 L em casa de vegetação. Após seis meses, metade das plantas foi submetida ao deficit hídrico por meio da suspensão da irrigação, até que as folhas atingissem o potencial hídrico de antemanhã de -3,0 MPa. Quando o clone 120 foi usado como porta-enxerto, as plantas apresentaram sistema radicular mais profundo, mas com menor massa, retardaram por mais tempo a desidratação celular das folhas e apresentaram maior eficiência no uso da água. Sob seca severa, os teores de amido e sacarose decresceram em todos os tratamentos, enquanto os teores de glicose, frutose, aminoácidos totais e prolina aumentaram, particularmente nos tratamentos 109A pé-franco, 109A/109A e 120/109A. Essas plantas apresentaram menor eficiência no uso da água. O acúmulo de solutos não foi associado à tolerância à seca. O uso de porta-enxertos tolerantes à seca contribui para a maior tolerância das plantas ao deficit hídrico.
Atributos topográficos e dados do Landsat7 no mapeamento digital de solos com uso de redes neurais
Authors: Chagas César da Silva , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio , Vieira Carlos Antônio Oliveira , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud , Carvalho Júnior Waldir de
Published: August 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar variáveis discriminantes no mapeamento digital de solos com uso de redes neurais artificiais. Os atributos topográficos elevação, declividade, aspecto, plano de curvatura e índice topográfico, derivados de um modelo digital de elevação, e os índices de minerais de argila, óxido de ferro e vegetação por diferença normalizada, derivados de uma imagem do Landsat7, foram combinados e avaliados quanto à capacidade de discriminação dos solos de uma área no noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram utilizados o simulador de redes neurais Java e o algoritmo de aprendizado "backpropagation". Os mapas gerados por cada um dos seis conjuntos de variáveis testados foram comparados com pontos de referência, para a determinação da exatidão das classificações. Esta comparação mostrou que o mapa produzido com a utilização de todas as variáveis obteve um desempenho superior (73,81% de concordância) ao de mapas produzidos pelos demais conjuntos de variáveis. Possíveis fontes de erro na utilização dessa abordagem estão relacionadas, principalmente, à grande heterogeneidade litológica da área, que dificultou o estabelecimento de um modelo de correlação ambiental mais realista. A abordagem utilizada pode contribuir para tornar o levantamento de solos no Brasil mais rápido e menos subjetivo.
Liberalismo internacional e justiça distributiva
Authors: Beitz Charles R.
Published: August 2010

Três enfoques de justiça distributiva internacional (que exprimem diferentes pressupostos da tradição liberal) representadas na literatura recente são descritos. Examina-se o tema com relação à questão dos direitos humanos.
Práticas obstétricas e resultados maternos e neonatais: análise fatorial de correspondência múltipla em dois centros de parto normal
Authors: Cruz Andrea Porto da , Barros Sonia Maria Oliveira de
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Descrever as práticas obstétricas e os resultados maternos e neonatais de dois Centros de Parto Normal do Município de São Paulo, comparandose as unidades intra e extra-hospitalares. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo com dados secundários provenientes de 192 prontuários das instituições envolvidas. As variáveis de estudo foram as práticas selecionadas para o parto normal: a utilização de ocitocina, o tipo de rompimento das membranas amnióticas, a realização de episiotomia ou perineotomia e o tempo de permanência materna e neonatal. Foi elaborado um instrumento informatizado para coleta de dados com base nas variáveis de estudo. Os dados foram tratados através de análise estatística multivariada. RESULTADOS: O centro de parto normal intra-hospitalar utilizou com maior frequência às intervenções relacionadas à utilização de ocitocina, rompimento artificial de membranas amnióticas e tempo de permanência materna e neonatal superior às 48h, após o parto. O centro de parto normal extra-hospitalar apresentou maior frequência de parturientes com períneo íntegro após o parto, rompimento de membranas de maneira espontânea e tempo de permanência materna e neonatal inferior a 48 horas pós-parto. Os resultados maternos e neonatais não evidenciaram complicações relacionadas às práticas utilizadas. CONCLUSÃO: As práticas obstétricas pouco diferiram, comparando-se os dois tipos de Centros de Parto Normal; ambos seguem as recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde e aplicam as intervenções somente nos casos indicados.
Resistência à mupirocina entre isolados de Staphylococcus aureus de profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Moura Josely Pinto de , Gir Elucir , Rosa Juliana de Oliveira , Belíssimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Cruz Elaine Drehmer de Almeida , Oliveira Ana Claudia Alves de , Pimenta Fabiana Cristina
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a colonização por Staphylococcus aureus sensíveis e resistentes à meticilina na saliva de profissionais de enfermagem e o perfil de resistência à mupirocina. MÉTODOS: Foram coletadas três amostras da saliva de 356 (94,2%) profissionais participantes da pesquisa, totalizando 1.068 amostras processadas. Todos os aspectos éticos foram contemplados. A análise microbiológica compreendeu a identificação fenotípica, segundo normas do Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 73 indivíduos colonizados por Staphylococcus aureus na primeira coleta, 48 na segunda e 37 na terceira, somando 158 isolados de Staphylococcus aureus. Desses, 24 (15,2%) eram resistentes à oxacilina e 30 resistentes à mupirocina (18,9%). A resistência à mupirocina foi observada de forma pronunciada nos Staphylococcus aureus metacilina resistente (MRSA); dos 24 MRSA, 17 (70,8%) apresentaram-se resistentes a este antimicrobiano. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicaram que a resistência à mupirocina é um importante problema, pois esse antibiótico é um excelente aliado nas medidas de controle das infecções de serviços de saúde.
Depressão pós-parto em puérperas: conhecendo interações entre mãe, filho e família
Authors: Silva Francisca Cláudia Sousa da , Araújo Thiago Moura de , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Carvalho Carolina Maria de Lima , Caetano Joselany Áfio
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a interação de puérperas, que apresentam depressão pós-parto, com seus filhos e compreender a percepção de familiares sobre a doença e cuidados maternos prestados por essas puérperas. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo de caráter exploratório que teve como sujeitos do estudo quatro puérperas com depressão pós-parto, acompanhadas em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial do município de Quixadá - CE e quatro familiares. Foram realizadas visitas domiciliárias para a execução de entrevistas em profundidade. Os dados foram analisados conforme a técnica de análise de conteúdo proposta por Morse e Field. RESULTADOS: As principais alterações emocionais relatadas foram o choro fácil e nervosismo. As puérperas sentiam-se frustradas e/ou inseguras quanto ao exercício da maternidade. Como agravante foi observado que familiares desconheciam o problema da depressão pós-parto. CONCLUSÃO: O cuidado de enfermagem nessa situação deve começar no pré-natal com avaliação da auto-estima, da rede de suporte social e da satisfação das futuras mães.
Breast milk donation and social support: reports of women donors
Authors: Alencar Lucienne Christine Estevez de , Seidl Eliane Maria Fleury
Published: August 2010

The study aimed to characterize the behavior of human milk donation and to describe the informal social and formal institutional support, according to reports from women donors. It is an exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive study using domicile interviews based on structured and semi-structured scripts. The participants were 36 women enrolled in two human milk banks of the public health system of the Federal District. Statistical analysis of quantitative data and categorical content analysis of qualitative data were performed. Categories of reasons that most influenced the frequency of expressing were: food, time availability, negative emotions and fluid intake. The manual expressing technique was reported as predominant. The use of breast shells was cited by almost a third of the donors. Most frequent suggestions for improving institutional support were more attention and support from the milk banks for the donor. The study may serve as a stimulus for the implementation of technical and political strategies to encourage this practice.
O Idoso e a Internet: uma etnografia sobre interação e aprendizagem
Authors: Tezza Rafael , Bonia Antonio Cezar
Published: August 2010

O idoso vem tendo seu primeiro contato com os sistemas de informação através da internet, e este contato envolve algumas particularidades. Este artigo explora a interação de um grupo de idosos com a Internet, abordando seus interesses, forma de aprendizagem, medos e dificuldades, por meio de uma etnografia que utiliza observação participante e entrevista em profundidade. O estudo demonstrou as peculiaridades no aprendizado deste grupo (aprendizagem por pares), os elementos geradores de interesse, as dificuldades e os medos envolvidos.
Predictors of Chemotherapy Patients' Intentions to Engage in Medical Error Prevention
Authors: Schwappach David L.B. , Wernli Martin
Published: August 2010

Background.

Patients can make contributions to the safety of chemotherapy administration but little is known about their motivations to participate in safety-enhancing strategies. The theory of planned behavior was applied to analyze attitudes, norms, behavioral control, and chemotherapy patients' intentions to participate in medical error prevention.

Methods.

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey study among chemotherapy patients treated at the oncology/hematology department of a large regional hospital was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to investigate the relationship between patients' responses to measures of attitudes, norms, and behavioral control and their intentions.

Results.

Four hundred seventy-nine patients completed the survey (52% response rate). Attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms explained 62% of the variance in intentions to engage in error monitoring and reporting. Perceived behavioral control (β = 0.476), norms relating to patients' relatives (β = 0.343), and instrumental attitudes (β = 0.281) were the strongest (direct) predictors of patients' intentions. Experiential attitudes had the smallest effect on intentions (β = 0.178). Subjective norms relating to expectations attributed to oncology staff had strong direct and indirect effects on patients' intentions (total effect, 0.382).

Conclusions.

Patients acknowledge the benefit of error monitoring and reporting and anticipate positive outcomes of involvement, but their valuations of the process of engaging in error prevention are less positive. Behavioral control and perceptions of staff approval are central for patients. Involvement of cancer patients in safety requires oncologists to address their patients' normative and control beliefs through education and proactive approval of patient engagement.
Advertising Collusion in Retail Markets
Authors: Bagwell Kyle , Lee Gea M.
Published: August 2010

We analyze non-price advertising by retail firms, when the firms are privately informed about their respective costs of production. In a static advertising game, an advertising equilibrium exists in which lower-cost firms select higher advertising levels. In this equilibrium, informed consumers rationally employ an advertising search rule in which they buy from the highest-advertising firm since lower-cost firms also select lower prices. In a repeated advertising game, colluding firms face a trade-off: the use of advertising can promote productive efficiency, but only if sufficient current or future advertising expenses are incurred. At one extreme, if firms pool at zero advertising, they sacrifice productive efficiency but also eliminate current and future advertising expenses. Focusing on symmetric perfect public equilibria for the repeated advertising game, we establish conditions under which optimal collusion entails pooling at zero advertising. More generally, full or partial pooling is observed in optimal collusion. Such collusive agreements reduce consumer welfare, since they restrict informed consumers' ability to locate the lowest available price in the market.
Early Effects of Low Dose 12C6+ Ion or X-Ray Irradiation on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Patients with Alimentary Tract Cancer
Authors: Chen Yingtai , Chen Xuezhong , Li Yumin , Zhang Hong , Xie Yi , Zhang Xiaowei , Ren Huizi , Wang Yanling , Liao Shiqi , He Mingyan , Ren Jinyu , Zhang Jieyu , Zhou Xiadong , Zheng Tongzhang , Kilfoy Briseis A. , Zhang Yawei
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to examine the early effects of low dose 12C6+ irradiation or X-ray on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with alimentary tract cancer and to explore mechanisms that may be involved in an antitumor immune response. We found that the percentage of T lymphocyte subsets, the mRNA expression levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in PBL, and their protein levels in supernatant were significantly increased 24 hours after exposure to low dose radiation. The effects were more pronounced in the group receiving 0.05Gy 12C6+ ion irradiation than the group receiving X-ray irradiation. There was no significant change in the percentage of NK cell subsets and TNF-α production of PBL. Our study suggests that low dose irradiation could alleviate immune suppression caused by tumor burden and that the effect was more pronounced for 0.05Gy high linear energy transfer (LET) 12C6+ irradiation.
Analysis of patients with complete histopathological tumour regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Petrovic Tomislav , Radovanovic Zoran , Bokorov Bojana , Nikolic Ivan , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Cankovic Milenko
Published: August 2010

Background: Our aim was to present the effect of the neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy on the development of the complete histopathological tumour regression in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and its influence on a five-year survival of these patients. Methods: In total, 223 patients were included in the analysis; 109 patients had the locally advanced rectal cancer; 75 patients received the neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, which was later followed by surgery; 34 patients were treated with the surgery alone. The surgical procedure was done 6 to 8 weeks after the chemoradiation therapy and it was preceded by haematology and biochemical analyses. In addition, patients were examined by ultrasound and MRI imaging of liver to evaluate the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Accordingly, we had two patient groups: patients with the complete histopathological tumour regression and patients with the incomplete or no regression. We performed the statistical analysis of all locally advanced rectal cancer patients and determined their survival. Results: The complete histopathological tumour regression was found in 10.7% of 75 patients who were treated with preoperative chemoradiation. The down staging of the tumour appeared in 53.3% of patients. There were no stage changes in 21.3% of patients. The disease progressed into a more severe stage in 9.3% of patients, while the effects of the preoperative chemoradiation therapy could not be determined in 5.3% of patients. The survival of patients with the complete histopathological tumour regression was 70% in a five-year period, while it was 40% in patients with incomplete histopathological regression. Conclusion: The preoperative chemoradiation therapy leads to complete histopathological tumour regression and increases a five-year survival (70%). It also leads to the increase of the number of patients who undergo radical surgery.
Radioimmunotherapy: A novel treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Mihailovic Jasna , Petrovic Tomislav
Published: August 2010

90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) and 131I-tositumomab (Bexxar) are current choices for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of patients with follicular rituximab-relapsed or refractory CD20+ follicular B-cell NHL. Bexxar is available in the United States and Canada, while Zevalin was approved for use only in Europe. The Zevalin regimen consists of rituximab ('cold', chimeric antibody) and 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan ('hot' antibody). In Bexxar regimen, a tositumomab (murine antibody) is used as both, the unlabelled and labelled antibody. In both cases, the therapeutic infusion of 'hot' or radiolabelled component is preceded one week earlier by an infusion of a 'cold' or unlabelled antibody. In the US, the whole-body scanning using 111In-ibritumomab following the initial rituximab infusion is required for determination of biodistribution before the therapeutic dose of Zevalin. Bexxar regimen includes three whole body scans during the week after an imaging dose of 131I-tositumomab, which are necessary for calculation of the therapeutic dose of 131I-tositumomab. For each regimen, patients with a platelet count ?150x109/L receive a full therapeutic dose, whereas patients with platelet counts >100x109/L<150x109/L receive a modified dose of radiolabelled antibody. Therapeutic dose of Zevalin is 11-15 MBq/kg (up to maximum of 1200 MBq), while the dose of Bexxar is 1.85-5.55 GBq (maximal tolerated absorbed dose for the whole body is 75cGy). If compared to alternative treatments, the radioimmunotherapy with Bexxar and Zevalin achieves longer time to progression and longer duration of response with overall response rate between 80% to almost 100%. Repeated treatment with Zevalin or Bexxar is possible. The additional subsequent conventional therapy is compatible. Radioimmunotherapy is radiation safe and well tolerated treatment with primarily transient haematological adverse events. Pregnancy and lactation are contraindications for radioimmunotherapy. Beta radiation of 90Y allows treatment on outpatient basis.
Intramural ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Lazovic Biljana , Milenkovic Vera
Published: August 2010

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia refers to a subset of gestational trophoblastic conditions characterized with persistently elevated serum ?-human chorionic gonadotropin, absence of a normal pregnancy, and a history of normal or abnormal pregnancies. We described a case of suspected ectopic molar pregnancy in a primiparous woman who had elevated ?-human chorionic gonadotropin and required chemotherapy to achieve remission. Final histopathological finding was ectopic pregnancy; no gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was found. This case stresses the importance of histopathological analysis in diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia when ectopic pregnancy is present, considering that histopathological analysis is less sensitive for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia than for ectopic pregnancy.
Surgery for endometrial cancer complicated by postoperative chylous ascites: A case report
Authors: Bryant Christopher , Kumar Sanjeev , Shah Jay , Munkarah Adnan , Morris Robert , Deppe Gunter
Published: August 2010

Chylous ascites is an uncommon condition encountered during the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. In this case, we report the clinical presentation and management of this condition following surgical staging of endometrial cancer.
Dental condition of the schoolchildren in Serbia over a century ago
Authors: Dimitrijevic Brana , Nedok Aleksandar , Lazarevic Gordana , Mihailovic Dragan
Published: August 2010

The exhibition of the legacy of Dr. Svetozar Markovic (1860-1916) held at the end of 2009 in the University library 'Svetozar Markovic' in Belgrade, drew attention to this significant creator, school doctor, public worker and the founder of school hygiene in Serbia. He was the founder of The Association for School Hygiene and National Enlightenment (1906), the founder and the editor of the magazine Light (Svetlost) (1908-1914). This work is refferning only to his findings regarding oral and dental condition of schoolchildren, gathered during systematic examinations the students of the Third Belgrade (Pancic's) High School (from I to VIII), in the school years 1903/1904, 1904/05 and 1907/08.
Prosthodontic rehabilitation after partial maxillar resection by obturator denture retained with the system of attachments: Case report
Authors: Markovic Dubravka , Andjelkovic Aleksandra , Jeremic-Knezevic Milica
Published: August 2010

Introduction. Maxillar resection surgery results in unusual morphology of the remaining maxillary arch and communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Consequences are speech, mastication and swallowing difficulties, impaired face appearance and significant decrease of life quality. For the reconstruction of emerging defects after total or partial maxillar resection, the most suitable solution is prosthetic therapy with obturator dentures. Case Report. This study describes the rehabilitation of a 60-year-old male patient after partial maxillar resection with obturator dentures having radicular attachment. The patient's diagnosis was Planocellular oral carcinoma. Conclusion. Radicular attachment improves retention in comparison with conventional obturator. Successful rehabilitation of the speech and mastication was achieved. The passage of air and fluids between the oral and nasal cavity was disabled and facial asymmetry was corrected. The patient expressed satisfaction with the therapy.
Blockade of Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition by a Smad3 Inhibitor Delays the Early Development of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Jinhua , Qu Xinli , Yao Jun , Caruana Georgina , Ricardo Sharon D. , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Bertram John F.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

A multicenter, controlled trial showed that early blockade of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with type 1 diabetes and normoalbuminuria did not retard the progression of nephropathy, suggesting that other mechanism(s) are involved in the pathogenesis of early diabetic nephropathy (diabetic nephropathy). We have previously demonstrated that endothelial-mesenchymal-transition (EndoMT) contributes to the early development of renal interstitial fibrosis independently of microalbuminuria in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. In the present study, we hypothesized that blocking EndoMT reduces the early development of diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

EndoMT was induced in a mouse pancreatic microvascular endothelial cell line (MMEC) in the presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and in the endothelial lineage–traceble mouse line Tie2-Cre;Loxp-EGFP by administration of AGEs, with nonglycated mouse albumin serving as a control. Phosphorylated Smad3 was detected by immunoprecipitation/Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Blocking studies using receptor for AGE siRNA and a specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) were performed in MMECs and in STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy in Tie2-Cre;Loxp-EGFP mice.

RESULTS

Confocal microscopy and real-time PCR demonstrated that AGEs induced EndoMT in MMECs and in Tie2-Cre;Loxp-EGFP mice. Immunoprecipitation/Western blotting showed that Smad3 was activated by AGEs but was inhibited by SIS3 in MMECs and in STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. Confocal microscopy and real-time PCR further demonstrated that SIS3 abrogated EndoMT, reduced renal fibrosis, and retarded progression of nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

EndoMT is a novel pathway leading to early development of diabetic nephropathy. Blockade of EndoMT by SIS3 may provide a new strategy to retard the progression of diabetic nephropathy and other diabetes complications.
Downregulation of AMPK Accompanies Leucine- and Glucose-Induced Increases in Protein Synthesis and Insulin Resistance in Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Saha Asish K. , Xu X. Julia , Lawson Ebony , Deoliveira Rosangela , Brandon Amanda E. , Kraegen Edward W. , Ruderman Neil B.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Branched-chain amino acids, such as leucine and glucose, stimulate protein synthesis and increase the phosphorylation and activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream target p70S6 kinase (p70S6K). We examined in skeletal muscle whether the effects of leucine and glucose on these parameters and on insulin resistance are mediated by the fuel-sensing enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was incubated with different concentrations of leucine and glucose with or without AMPK activators. Muscle obtained from glucose-infused rats was also used as a model.

RESULTS

In the EDL, incubation with 100 or 200 μmol/l leucine versus no added leucine suppressed the activity of the α2 isoform of AMPK by 50 and 70%, respectively, and caused concentration-dependent increases in protein synthesis and mTOR and p70S6K phosphorylation. Very similar changes were observed in EDL incubated with 5.5 or 25 mmol/l versus no added glucose and in muscle of rats infused with glucose in vivo. Incubation of the EDL with the higher concentrations of both leucine and glucose also caused insulin resistance, reflected by a decrease in insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Coincubation with the AMPK activators AICAR and α-lipoic acid substantially prevented all of those changes and increased the phosphorylation of specific sites of mTOR inhibitors raptor and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2). In contrast, decreases in AMPK activity induced by leucine and glucose were not associated with a decrease in raptor or TSC2 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that both leucine and glucose modulate protein synthesis and mTOR/p70S6 and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle by a common mechanism. They also suggest that the effects of both molecules are associated with a decrease in AMPK activity and that AMPK activation prevents them.
Central Nervous System Delivery of the Antipsychotic Olanzapine Induces Hepatic Insulin Resistance
Authors: Martins Paulo J.F. , Haas Michael , Obici Silvana
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Olanzapine (OLZ) is an atypical antipsychotic whose clinical efficacy is hampered by side effects including weight gain and diabetes. Recent evidence shows that OLZ alters insulin sensitivity independent of changes in body weight and composition. The present study addresses whether OLZ-induced insulin resistance is driven by its central actions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats received an intravenous (OLZ-IV group) or intracerebroventricular (OLZ-ICV group) infusion of OLZ or vehicle. Glucose kinetics were assessed before (basal period) and during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies.

RESULTS

OLZ-IV caused a transient increase in glycemia and a higher rate of glucose appearance (Ra) in the basal period. During the hyperinsulinemic clamp, the glucose infusion rate (GIR) required to maintain euglycemia and the rate of glucose utilization (Rd) were decreased in OLZ-IV, whereas endogenous glucose production (EGP) rate was increased compared with vehicle-IV. Consistent with an elevation in EGP, the OLZ-IV group had higher hepatic mRNA levels for the enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Phosphorylation of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was increased in OLZ-IV rats compared with controls. Similarly, an intracerebroventricular infusion of OLZ resulted in a transient increase in glycemia as well as a higher Ra in the basal period. During the hyperinsulinemic period, OLZ-ICV caused a decreased GIR, an increased EGP, but no change in Rd. Furthermore, OLZ-ICV rats had increased hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes and elevated hypothalamic neuropeptide-Y and agouti-related protein mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute central nervous system exposure to OLZ induces hypothalamic AMPK and hepatic insulin resistance, pointing to a hypothalamic site of action for the metabolic dysregulation of atypical antipsychotics.
Common Variants in 40 Genes Assessed for Diabetes Incidence and Response to Metformin and Lifestyle Intervention in the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Jablonski Kathleen A. , McAteer Jarred B. , de Bakker Paul I.W. , Franks Paul W. , Pollin Toni I. , Hanson Robert L. , Saxena Richa , Fowler Sarah , Shuldiner Alan R. , Knowler William C. , Altshuler David , Florez Jose C. ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Genome-wide association studies have begun to elucidate the genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through targeted complementary approaches affect diabetes incidence in the at-risk population of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and whether they influence a response to preventive interventions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We selected SNPs identified by prior genome-wide association studies for type 2 diabetes and related traits, or capturing common variation in 40 candidate genes previously associated with type 2 diabetes, implicated in monogenic diabetes, encoding type 2 diabetes drug targets or drug-metabolizing/transporting enzymes, or involved in relevant physiological processes. We analyzed 1,590 SNPs for association with incident diabetes and their interaction with response to metformin or lifestyle interventions in 2,994 DPP participants. We controlled for multiple hypothesis testing by assessing false discovery rates.

RESULTS

We replicated the association of variants in the metformin transporter gene SLC47A1 with metformin response and detected nominal interactions in the AMP kinase (AMPK) gene STK11, the AMPK subunit genes PRKAA1 and PRKAA2, and a missense SNP in SLC22A1, which encodes another metformin transporter. The most significant association with diabetes incidence occurred in the AMPK subunit gene PRKAG2 (hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.40, P = 7 × 10−4). Overall, there were nominal associations with diabetes incidence at 85 SNPs and nominal interactions with the metformin and lifestyle interventions at 91 and 69 mostly nonoverlapping SNPs, respectively. The lowest P values were consistent with experiment-wide 33% false discovery rates.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified potential genetic determinants of metformin response. These results merit confirmation in independent samples.
Development and Evaluation of a Coordinated and Conditional Bus Priority Approach
Authors: Ma Wanjing , Yang Xiaoguang , Liu Yue
Published: August 2010

One problem in existing bus priority strategies is that while a decision is being made to grant priority at an intersection, the bus arrival time at the downstream intersections is not considered. Moreover, only strategies for late buses are discussed; the strategies for early buses are seldom studied. This research tests a different bus priority approach, coordinated and conditional bus priority (CCBP). Coordinated, signalized intersection groups are adopted as control objects. Buses are detected one or more cycles before their arrival at the first intersection of the control object. A CCBP, with two kinds of priority strategies (increasing and decreasing bus delay strategies), is proposed. A model was built to generate the optimal combination of priority strategies for intersection groups so that the real delay of buses would be close to the permitted delay defined by the bus operation system. In the field application, the CCBP approach is compared with other two options: no priority and unconditional priority. Significant reductions on bus delay deviation and bus headway deviation were achieved with the use of the CCBP approach. Application of the CCBP approach resulted in only minor increases in total average delay of motor vehicles. The results of the field application studies performed as part of this study suggested that the CCBP approach could be used to decrease bus delay deviation and enhance the reliability of bus service without significantly affecting the delay of other motor vehicles.
An Assessment of Demand for Rural Intercity Transportation Services in a Changing Environment
Authors: Mattson Jeremy , Peterson Del , Ripplinger David , Thoms William , Hough Jill
Published: August 2010

With higher fuel costs and changing economic conditions, travel behavior and the level and allocation of resources in highways, rail, air, and transit service in rural areas may be changing. The objective of this study is to determine the attitude of would-be passengers in their choice of mode and the factors determining their choice in rural and small urban areas. A stated preference survey was developed and administered to residents of North Dakota and northwest and west central Minnesota. The survey asked respondents to identify their mode of choice in different hypothetical situations in which five modes were available—automobile, air, bus, train, and van—under differing mode and trip characteristics. A multinomial logit model was used to estimate the likelihood that an individual would choose a given mode on the basis of the characteristics of the mode, the characteristics of the individual, and the characteristics of the trip. Results show that travelers, especially those of lower income, respond to higher gasoline prices by choosing alternative modes in greater numbers, suggesting rural intercity bus, van, and rail ridership would increase if gasoline prices rose.
Full Bayes Approach to Before-and-After Safety Evaluation with Matched Comparisons: Case Study of Stop-Sign In-Fill Program
Authors: El-Basyouny Karim , Sayed Tarek
Published: August 2010

The full Bayes (FB) approach has recently been proposed for evaluating road safety treatments in before-and-after studies. In recognition of the advantages of the FB method and because of the lack of sufficient data to develop the safety performance function necessary to conduct an empirical Bayes study, the FB approach is used to determine the effectiveness of the Stop-Sign In-Fill (SSIF) program of the Canadian Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. The SSIF program funds the conversion from uncontrolled residential intersections to two-way stop-controlled intersections in an alternating pattern. This alternating pattern provides consistency in the application of stop signs within a residential neighborhood. Different modeling formulations for the before-and-after evaluation were investigated, and the results were compared with those of the traditional approach. No postprocessing of the results is required to achieve the odds ratio. The FB analysis revealed an overall significant reduction in predicted collision frequency of 51.1% with the credible interval (36.8%, 62.3%) at the 0.95 confidence level. It was also found that incorporating such design features as matched yoked comparison groups in collision prediction models may significantly improve the fit, while reducing the need to account for overdispersion. The results of the traditional technique were compatible with those of the FB approach at the overall level. It seems that the random selection of sites, which reduces the regression-to-the-mean effect, is the reason that both approaches gave relatively similar overall level results. However, the two methods produced quite different results at the zone (site) level.
Ordinal Discrete Choice Analyses of Wisconsin Cross-Median Crash Severities
Authors: Lu George (Xiao-Zhao) , Chitturi Madhav V. , Ooms Andrew W. , Noyce David A.
Published: August 2010

A cross-median crash (CMC), in which a vehicle crosses the median, is one of the most severe crashes because of the risk of colliding with an opposing vehicle. Ordinal discrete choice modeling efforts for investigating the nexus between the underlying severity propensity and miscellaneous roadway-safety-related factors for single- and multivehicle CMCs that occurred from 2001 to 2007 in Wisconsin are described. Ordinal logit (ORL) and probit (ORP) models were employed for the severity analyses. For multivehicle CMCs, the final ORP model found that road condition has a significant effect on severity. Adverse road conditions enhance the likelihood of a more severe consequence if a CMC occurs. Winter precipitation negatively affects CMC severity, and logically Wisconsin's geographical location plays a significant role. The final ORL model found that alcohol and drug use incurs more severe consequences when a CMC occurs. Both models found that more severe injuries occur on roadways posted with higher speed limits. The similarity and dissimilarity in findings by both models imply that it is necessary for safety researchers to apply distinct statistical methods when pursuing a comprehensive understanding of a study topic. The final ORP model for single-vehicle CMCs shows that alcohol and drug use, lane curvature, and unfriendly lighting conditions exacerbate the severity tendency if a CMC happens. A dry road surface is found to incur more severe consequences; this result implies that more severe single-vehicle CMCs are closely related to maintaining overly high speeds. All ORL regression models for single-vehicle CMCs were found statistically invalid. Median width and average daily traffic were found insignificant for both multivehicle and single-vehicle CMCs.
Dilemma Zone Driver Behavior as a Function of Vehicle Type, Time of Day, and Platooning
Authors: Gates Timothy J. , Noyce David A.
Published: August 2010

A comprehensive investigation of the influence of vehicle type on various aspects of dilemma zone driver behavior, including brake response time, deceleration rate, and red light running occurrence, was performed at six urban or suburban signalized intersections in Wisconsin. Driver behavior data were obtained for 1,275 vehicles that were between 2.0 and 6.5 s upstream of the intersection at the onset of the yellow interval. Each vehicular observation was classified into one of five vehicle type categories: motorcycle, car, light truck (pickup, SUV, van, minivan), single-unit truck (single-unit heavy truck, delivery truck, recreation vehicle, bus), and tractor trailer (multiunit heavy truck). Each observation was also classified by time of day and whether the subject vehicle was part of a platoon. Vehicle type had a statistically significant effect on deceleration rate and red light running occurrence but did not have an effect on brake response time. Deceleration rates were highest for cars and light trucks; single-unit trucks and tractor trailers showed the lowest deceleration rates. Tractor trailers were 3.6 times more likely and single-unit trucks were 2.5 times more likely to commit red light running compared with passenger vehicles. The rates of red light running for cars and light trucks were not substantially different from each other. Time of day (peak versus off-peak) had a statistically significant effect on both deceleration rate and occurrence of red light running. Deceleration rates were significantly higher during off-peak times. Red light running was 1.3 times more likely to occur during peak periods compared with off-peak periods. Platooning had no effect on any of the measures of effectiveness.
Quantifying the Public Impacts of Highway–Rail Grade Crossings on Surface Mobility: Regional Impact Model
Authors: Protopapas Annie , Roop Stephen S. , Morgan Curtis A. , Warner Jeffery E. , Olson Leslie E.
Published: August 2010

This research developed a model to evaluate the impacts associated with delayed vehicular traffic at highway–rail grade crossings in the eight-county area surrounding Houston, Texas. Vehicle traffic data, such as average daily traffic and distributions by roadway class and hour of day, were obtained from state and local agencies. Data from the operating railroads were used to determine train operating levels on an hourly basis for each rail corridor. Grade crossing data and unit costs were obtained from public sources. The developed model calculated the quantitative and monetary costs of mobility, fuel consumption, safety, and air quality impacts associated with vehicular impedance at rail grade crossings. It defined the existing (baseline) mobility constraints associated with train operations in the study region and provided a method to compare the impacts of potential infrastructure projects, changes in train operations, or both with the public benefits accruing from those changes during 10- and 20-year periods. Public benefits can reach significant levels and may take the form of a reduction in the cost burden associated with road traffic delays induced by rail operations. The model has been applied in a regional rail freight study and has the potential for application in a host of other locations; this model will allow for the evaluation of investments in rail and highway infrastructure or operations, ultimately ensuring that public benefits are commensurate with public costs.
Ontology Alignment—A Survey with Focus on Visually Supported Semi-Automatic Techniques
Authors: Granitzer Michael , Sabol Vedran , Onn Kow Weng , Lukose Dickson , Tochtermann Klaus
Published: August 2010

Semantic technologies are of paramount importance to the future Internet. The reuse and integration of semantically described resources, such as data or services, necessitates the bringing of ontologies into mutual agreement. Ontology alignment deals with the discovery of correspondences between concepts and relations from different ontologies. Alignment provides the key ingredient to semantic interoperability. This paper gives an overview on the state of the art in the field of visually supported semi-automatic alignment techniques and presents recent trends and developments. Particular attention is given to user interfaces and visualization techniques supporting involvement of humans in the alignment process. We derive and summarize requirements for visual semi-automatic alignment systems, provide an overview of existing approaches, and discuss the possibilities for further improvements and future research.
Promotion of Physical Activity Using Point-of-Decision Prompts in Berlin Underground Stations
Authors: Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Nocon Marc , Reinhold Thomas , Willich Stefan N.
Published: August 2010

To evaluate point-of-decision prompts in the promotion of stair use in Germany, motivational posters were placed at three underground stations in Berlin. The proportion of passengers using stairs or stairways was counted before, during installation, and two weeks after removal of posters. In total, 5,467 passersby were counted. Stair use increased significantly in women, but not in men. The present pilot study thereby shows that the use of point-of-decision prompts is also feasible in Germany and it provides some evidence of effectiveness. Methodologically rigorous studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Visual Control of Robots Using Range Images
Authors: Pomares Jorge , Gil Pablo , Torres Fernando
Published: August 2010

In the last years, 3D-vision systems based on the time-of-flight (ToF) principle have gained more importance in order to obtain 3D information from the workspace. In this paper, an analysis of the use of 3D ToF cameras to guide a robot arm is performed. To do so, an adaptive method to simultaneous visual servo control and camera calibration is presented. Using this method a robot arm is guided by using range information obtained from a ToF camera. Furthermore, the self-calibration method obtains the adequate integration time to be used by the range camera in order to precisely determine the depth information.