bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alianças estratégicas internacionais: desempenho e estratégias de marketing
Authors: Arruda Maria Cecilia Coutinho de , Arruda Marcelo Leme de
Published: October 2011

A estratégia de negócios internacionais de indústrias latino-americanas e a forma como se conduzem suas parcerias com indústrias estrangeiras foram analisadas com o objetivo de se conhecer melhor aspectos como: 1. implementação de uma estratégia internacional bem-sucedida; 2. forma como as empresas conduzem suas relações com empresas de outros países; 3. determinação dos fatores de sucesso dessas alianças de negócios internacionais. A pesquisa integrou um estudo multinacional, desenvolvido com o patrocínio de algumas das mais importantes universidades do Canadá, Estados Unidos, Brasil, Chile e México, e empresas estes três últimos países. Os resultados são apresentados neste artigo, voltado para o desempenho e estratégias de marketing internacional das parcerias, e em um primeiro, que focaliza a formação e estruturação das alianças estratégicas.
Notas sobre as polÍticas de saÚde no Brasil de "transição democrática": anos 80
Authors: Luz Madel Therezinha
Published: October 2011

As políticas de saúde dos anos 80 constituem o núcleo temático do artigo, analisando-se nelas os tTaços emergentes, conjunturais, e os traços repetidos, continuados, estruturais. Para apreender as continuidades nos discursos e nas práticas de saúde, analisam-se diversas conjunturas que precedem a dos anos 80, desde a Primeira República até a conjuntura da 'abertura democrática', no final dos anos 70 e início de 80. Entre esses temas devem ser salientados a reforma sanitária, a unificação de serviços de saúde, a descentralização e desconcentração institucional, a hierarquização de atos e serviços médicos e a participação popular em serviços de saúde.
A problemática da representação social e sua utilidade no campo da doença
Authors: Herzlich Claudine
Published: October 2011

Partindo do conceito de representação social, tal como proposto por Durkheim, a autora, focalizando a produção francesa a partir dos anos 60, se dispõe a rever os modos pelos quais a noção foi atualizada no campo da saúde. Ainda que salientando algumas limitações teóricas subjacentes ao uso do conceito, Herzlich argumenta em favor de sua persistente fecundidade enquanto marco analítico para se pensar os fenômenos da saúde e da doença. Sugere, nesse sentido, alguns possíveis desdobramentos teóricos ensejados pela utilização do conceito nesse campo específico.
Tornar-se terapeuta corporal: a trajetória social como processo de "autoconstrução"
Authors: Russo Jane A.
Published: October 2011

Este artigo trata do surgimento e do florescimento das terapias corporais enquanto possibilidade ocupacional no campo das práticas psicológicas, focalizando especificamente a cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Tem como objetivo demonstrar que existe uma relação entre o surgimento da terapia corporal enquanto ocupação e a trajetória de vida dos pioneiros responsáveis por sua implantação no meio 'psi' carioca.
Práticas de glosa e anamnese
Authors: Beato Filho Claudio Chaves
Published: October 2011

As anamneses são essenciais para o estabelecimento de um diagnóstico médico, e consistem em um processo de coletar dados das biografias dos pacientes à luz de uma hipótese. Trata-se de um procedimento essencialmente interpretativo, envolvendo uma relação reflexiva entre as suposições do médico e o comportamento e motivações que poderiam ser associadas ao diagnóstico. O argumento do artigo é o de que existe uma estrutura interpre-tativa a balizar as hipóteses de diagnóstico que é calcada em procedimentos de senso comum. Para tal, foram analisadas cerca de 140 fichas de atendimentos de tentativas de suicídio realizadas em um Hospital de Pronto Socorro da cidade de Belo Horizonte. Além disso, foram realizadas cerca de 20 observações de atendimentos de pacientes, bem como entrevistas com profissionais responsáveis pelos atendimentos.
João Vicente Torres Homem: descrição da carreira médica no século XIX
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Otávio
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever e analisar os padrões típicos de carreira médica instaurados no Brasil do século XIX, mediante o estudo da trajetória de João Vicente Torres Homem (1837-1887). A institucionalização da medicina clínica significou a vigência de um padrão de formação intelectual, carreira profissional e de produção de conhecimentos distinto daqueles que vieram a ser implantados com a organização das primeiras instituições médicas dedicadas à pesquisa científica no início do século XX.
Um século de cólera: itinerário do medo
Authors: Santos Luiz Antonio de Castro
Published: October 2011

A sociologia histórica tem no método comparativo uma de suas ferramentas de trabalho imprescindíveis. Ao focalizar um século de epidemias de cólera em alguns países, o autor procurou demonstrar como um mesmo fenômeno histórico-social, estudado comparativamente, revela contrastes marcantes em seu impacto sobre a cultura, a sociedade e a política, em distintos lugares e através do tempo. Por exemplo, os diferentes processos de formação do Estado nacional marcaram profundamente a natureza dos aparelhos administrativos em países diversos, levando cada nação a desenvolver organizações sanitárias diferenciadas e modos diferenciados de combate às epidemias de cólera. Por outro lado, a análise histórico-comparativa permite entrever, no interior de cenários dissimilares, alguns padrões regulares de relacionamento entre doença e sociedade. Assim é que, apesar das diferenças que afetaram, em diversas comunidades nacionais, os valores éticos, as crenças e os comportamentos das classes sociais, da profissão médica, dos grupos religiosos e dos governos diante da cólera, houve alguns padrões simbólicos praticamente invariáveis: a análise comparativa permitiu detectar, por exemplo, que, fosse no Rio de Janeiro ou em Nova Iorque de meados do século passado, a cólera era considerada por todos um castigo divino, que atingia primeiramente as pessoas de comportamento social "reprovável". Neste artigo, o relato da tragédia humana vivida por Nova Iorque diante da cólera atende a um duplo objetivo: revelar como uma sociologia do cotidiano pode demonstrar a complexa interação doença, indivíduo e sociedade em uma metrópole do século XIX; e como, na análise de outra experiência histórica - a norte-americana -, pode-se descobrir fortes contrastes e semelhanças com o Brasil, fazendo do estudo de outra realidade um desafio para o conhecimento dos modos de enfrentamento da doença epidêmica pela população brasileira. Considerando-se seus efeitos macro-históricos, o aumento dos níveis de mortalidade foi bem menos brutal que seu impacto social e psicológico - o terror gerado pela cólera no cotidiano das famílias. Do ponto de vista epidemiológico, viu-se neste artigo que as epidemias foram geradas na Ásia por uma grande ruptura no equilíbrio entre micropa-rasita e hospedeiro humano - ruptura resultante, por sua vez, dos movimentos populacionais intensificados pelo imperialismo europeu. Partindo da índia, as ondas epidêmicas propagaram-se velozmente pela Europa e Américas, afetando sobretudo as populações mais pobres e residentes em áreas insalubres. Este é o quadro geral discutido no presente artigo, em que a sociologia histórica toma de empréstimo à epidemiologia histórica de William McNeill algumas de suas análises mais esclarecedoras.
Desenvolvimento de membranas e filmes auto-suportados a partir de polianilina: síntese, caracterização e aplicação
Authors: Müller Franciélli , Ferreira Carlos A. , Amado Franco D. Rico , Rodrigues Marco A. S.
Published: October 2011

Polímeros condutores são uma nova classe de polímeros que tem recebido especial interesse para a produção de membranas e filmes. A polianilina (PANI) destaca-se entre eles por sua elevada estabilidade química, fácil polimerização e baixo custo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma blenda de polímero convencional (HIPS) com polímero condutor (PANI-CSA) e um filme de polianilina auto-suportado, usando ácido canforsulfônico (CSA) como dopante primário e 4-cloro-3-metil fenol (CMC) como dopante secundário. Estes dois materiais foram empregados como membranas íon-seletivas em um sistema de eletrodiálise para remoção de níquel de soluções. A membrana e o filme foram caracterizados por condutividade elétrica, MEV, espectroscopia FTIR, Raman e TGA. Os resultados obtidos apontam para a possibilidade de aplicação da membrana seletiva para eletrodiálise. A extração de níquel para a membrana sintetizada se mostrou semelhante à extração para a membrana comercial. O filme auto-suportado apesar de exibir boa resistência mecânica no estado sólido apresentou comportamento pouco satisfatório quando colocado em imersão com a solução de trabalho para eletrodiálise, devido ao seu estado quebradiço.
Índice de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Local e suas influências nas políticas públicas: um estudo exploratório no município de Alagoa Grande - PB
Authors: Macêdo Nívea Marcela Marques Nascimento , Cândido Gesinaldo Ataíde
Published: October 2011

As temáticas referentes às mudanças e problemas relacionados ao desenvolvimento local e regional têm adquirido maior relevância nos espaços institucionais, incluindo o campo das ciências e da pesquisa frente ao cenário de instabilidade e aos problemas decorrentes da relação produção e consumo. Neste contexto, surge a necessidade da redefinição de políticas públicas e novas formas de atuação dos atores sociais envolvidos com as iniciativas para geração do desenvolvimento local e sustentável. Assim, este estudo tem o objetivo de identificar o índice de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da cidade de Alagoa Grande e as suas influências na definição e aplicação de políticas de desenvolvimento municipal. Para isso, utilizou-se a metodologia que mede os índices de sustentabilidade de municípios, criada por Martins e Cândido (2008), que tem como foco principal identificar a situação em que se encontra um município em relação à sustentabilidade. A obtenção dos resultados permitiu concluir que os índices de sustentabilidade do município pesquisado não são satisfatórios em todas as dimensões analisadas e tornam necessária a redefinição de políticas públicas e mudanças na postura dos agentes sociais e institucionais para reverter o quadro e, assim, alcançar maior sinergia entre os interesses públicos e privados direcionados para a geração do desenvolvimento sustentável.
Avaliação de desempenho multicritério como apoio à gestão de empresas: aplicação em uma empresa de serviços
Authors: Bortoluzzi Sandro César , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Ensslin Leonardo
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em construir um modelo de avaliação de desempenho econômico-financeiro que leve em consideração as particularidades da empresa Seprol Computadores e Sistemas Ltda. e considere indicadores financeiros e não financeiros. Este estudo de caráter exploratório-descritivo, realizado por meio de um estudo de caso, fez uso da abordagem qualitativa, na fase de estruturação do modelo, e quantitativa, na fase de avaliação. A Metodologia Multicritério de Apoio à Decisão Construtivista (MCDA-C) foi o instrumento de intervenção escolhido para desenvolver o modelo, uma vez que é capaz de identificar os objetivos a serem avaliados, mensurar esses objetivos, integrar essas avaliações individuais e gerar ações de aperfeiçoamento para aqueles indicadores que apresentam um desempenho aquém do esperado. A partir do modelo construído, foi possível: (i) identificar os 73 indicadores (30 financeiros e 43 não financeiros) que compõem o modelo a ser utilizado para avaliar o desempenho econômico-financeiro da organização; (ii) identificar as três grandes dimensões que serão avaliadas: gestão financeira (estoque, cobrança interna, rentabilidade); recursos humanos (plano de carreira, qualificação, reconhecimento) e mercado (distribuição, parcerias, marca); (iii) construir escalas ordinais e cardinais para cada indicador do modelo; (iv) avaliar o status quo da organização em 42 pontos, em uma escala de "0" a "100", que se configura aquém da expectativa; (v) identificar os 15 indicadores com desempenho comprometedor na organização; e (vi) demonstrar o processo de gerenciamento do desempenho, ilustrado para a dimensão "gestão financeira", ao propor uma ação que, caso seja implantada, virá por elevar sua avaliação para 48 pontos.
A prática de alfabetização em Informação e Comunicação em Saúde: o olhar dos agentes comunitários de Saúde sobre o projeto de Inclusão Digital em Sergipe, Brasil
Authors: Paixão Pablo Boaventura Sales , Freire Valéria Pinto , Lima Maria de Fátima Monte , Linhares Ronaldo Nunes , Mendonça Ana Valéria Machado , Sousa Maria Fátima
Published: October 2011

Apresentam-se os resultados iniciais do projeto de Inclusão Digital de agentes comunitários de Saúde (ACS) de Sergipe, Brasil, quando da realização das práticas de alfabetização em Informação e Comunicação (ALFIN), por meio de Oficinas desenvolvidas como estratégia de aproximação entre os ACS de Sergipe e as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC). Identificam-se caminhos efetivos de infoinclusão social, fundamentando-se na Teoria da Ação Comunicativa de Habermas e nos estudos de Paulo Freire. Utiliza-se a abordagem de pesquisa qualitativa e a tipologia do Estudo de Caso e do Grupo Focal para o esquadrinhamento das práticas de ALFIN a distância.
Representação política e interesses particulares na saúde: o caso do financiamento de campanhas eleitorais pelas empresas de planos de saúde privados no Brasil
Authors: Scheffer Mário , Bahia Lígia
Published: October 2011

A legislação brasileira normatiza a doação de recursos financeiros provenientes de fontes privadas para as campanhas de candidatos majoritários e proporcionais. Com base em aportes da literatura sobre a estrutura partidária e relações entre o Legislativo e Executivo, o presente estudo analisa, a partir das categorias de representação política e de interesses, as informações sobre empresas de planos de saúde doadoras e as candidaturas destinatárias. As empresas de planos de saúde doadoras foram devidamente identificadas, assim como os recursos doados para candidatos. O cotejamento desses dados fornece um mapeamento de interesses das empresas de planos de saúde projetados no Poder Legislativo, mas não autoriza o estabelecimento de relações causais entre os doadores e a atuação dos parlamentares. O comparecimento das empresas de planos de saúde na disputa eleitoral e a inclinação das doações para partidos situados mais à direita no gradiente político partidário são os principais resultados do trabalho.
O laboratório didático a partir da perspectiva da multimodalidade representacional
Authors: Laburú Carlos Eduardo , Silva Osmar Henrique Moura da
Published: October 2011

Este trabalho dá continuidade às reflexões existentes na literatura da área de educação científica que tratam do papel desempenhado pelo laboratório didático no ensino das ciências. Ao situar o laboratório didático a partir de uma perspectiva semiótica baseada no referencial da multimodalidade representacional, defende-se a importância desse espaço, na escola, para apropriação, consolidação e aprimoramento dos conceitos científicos. A ação experimental sobre e com os objetos do mundo natural e instrumentação envolvida é aqui ponderada como uma modalidade representacional que deveria compor o espectro multimodal de representações de ensino, com o objetivo de tornar o discurso e as ideias científicas mais integradas e significativas.
Evolução conceitual de professores sobre o movimento diário da esfera celeste
Authors: Bretones Paulo Sergio , Compiani Maurício
Published: October 2011

Este é um estudo sobre a elaboração do conceito de movimento diário da esfera celeste por um grupo de professores de Ciências e Geografia de 5ª a 8ª séries, participantes de um curso de Astronomia. Os resultados baseiam-se, sobretudo, na análise de suas respostas às perguntas das avaliações e em registros de aulas do curso. Discutem-se: a relação entre as respostas dos participantes, seus relatos sobre suas observações, e o desenvolvimento de conteúdos referentes ao movimento de constelações. Apresentam-se as elaborações de sequências da evolução conceitual do grupo e sua relação com a prática e a teoria trabalhadas no curso. Tais elaborações revelam os princípios relacionados à observação do céu: relação da altura do polo celeste com a latitude geográfica, obliquidade, continuidade do movimento, circularidade, tridimensionalidade e ciclicidade. O estudo sugere que esses princípios, usados como guias heurísticos, seriam úteis para o ensino da observação do céu.
Microfluidics of Nanodrug Delivery: Effect of Reynolds Number Ratio and Particle Size
Authors: Venu Vinod A. , P Sadasiva Rao
Published: October 2011

In the present study dealing with nanodrug delivery, nanofluid flow in a microchannel is considered. The nanofluid considered is a solid (aluminum oxide) - liquid (water) mixture. A transient 3-D problem of controlled nanodrug delivery has been numerically solved. The study has been carried out using ANSYS CFX Version 11.0. The velocity profile and dimensionless nanodrug concentration profile for different Reynolds number ratios were obtained at different axial stations along the length of the microchannel (z = 0.5, 5, and 10mm). Effect of particle size on drug uniformity has been investigated.
Overestimating the Effect of Complementarity on Skill Demand
Authors: Kovak Brian K.
Published: October 2011

Many recent studies estimate cost function parameters to measure the influence of capital-skill complementarity on changes in skill demand. This paper argues that standard cost function estimates assuming quasi-fixed capital systematically overestimate the effect of complementarity when subject to skill-biased technological change. While previous work has considered bias due to measurement error or general endogeneity concerns, this paper shows that upward bias results directly from cost minimizing behavior. I also develop a novel instrumental variables strategy based on the tax treatment of capital to more accurately measure the effect of complementarity. Although somewhat imprecise, the IV results support the model's prediction that the standard approach overestimates the effect of complementarity.
PTPN2, a Candidate Gene for Type 1 Diabetes, Modulates Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of the BH3-Only Protein Bim
Authors: Santin Izortze , Moore Fabrice , Colli Maikel L. , Gurzov Esteban N. , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Eizirik Decio L.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Genome-wide association studies allowed the identification of several associations between specific loci and type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the mechanisms by which most candidate genes predispose to T1D remain unclear. We presently evaluated the mechanisms by which PTPN2, a candidate gene for T1D, modulates β-cell apoptosis after exposure to type I and II interferons (IFNs), cytokines that contribute to β-cell loss in early T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Small interfering RNAs were used to inhibit PTPN2, STAT1, Bim, and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) expression. Cell death was assessed by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining. BAX translocation, Bim phosphorylation, cytochrome c release, and caspases 9 and 3 activation were measured by Western blot or immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

PTPN2 knockdown exacerbated type I IFN–induced apoptosis in INS-1E, primary rat, and human β-cells. PTPN2 silencing and exposure to type I and II IFNs induced BAX translocation to the mitochondria, cytochrome c release, and caspase 3 activation. There was also an increase in Bim phosphorylation that was at least in part regulated by JNK1. Of note, both Bim and JNK1 knockdown protected β-cells against IFN-induced apoptosis in PTPN2-silenced cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that local IFN production may interact with a genetic factor (PTPN2) to induce aberrant proapoptotic activity of the BH3-only protein Bim, resulting in increased β-cell apoptosis via JNK activation and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. This is the first indication of a direct interaction between a candidate gene for T1D and the activation of a specific downstream proapoptotic pathway in β-cells.
Duodenal PKC-δ and Cholecystokinin Signaling Axis Regulates Glucose Production
Authors: Breen Danna M. , Yue Jessica T.Y. , Rasmussen Brittany A. , Kokorovic Andrea , Cheung Grace W.C. , Lam Tony K.T.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Metabolism of long-chain fatty acids within the duodenum leads to the activation of duodenal mucosal protein kinase C (PKC)-δ and the cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor to lower glucose production through a neuronal network. However, the interfunctional relationship between duodenal PKC-δ and CCK remains elusive. Although long-chain fatty acids activate PKC to stimulate the release of CCK in CCK-secreting cells, CCK has also been found to activate PKC-δ in pancreatic acinar cells. We here evaluate whether activation of duodenal mucosal PKC-δ lies upstream (and/or downstream) of CCK signaling to lower glucose production.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We first determined with immunofluorescence whether PKC-δ and CCK were colocalized within the duodenal mucosa. We then performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments targeting duodenal PKC-δ and the CCK-A receptor and evaluated the impact on changes in glucose kinetics during pancreatic (basal insulin) clamps in rats in vivo.

RESULTS

Immunostaining of PKC-δ was found to colocalize with CCK in the duodenal mucosa. Intraduodenal coinfusion of either the CCK-A receptor antagonist MK-329 or CR-1409 with the PKC activator negated the ability of duodenal mucosal PKC-δ activation to lower glucose production during the pancreatic clamps in normal rats. Conversely, molecular and pharmacological inhibition of duodenal PKC-δ did not negate the ability of the duodenal CCK-A receptor agonist CCK-8 to lower glucose production, indicating that activation of duodenal PKC-δ lies upstream (and not downstream) of CCK signaling. Finally, intraduodenal PKC activator infusion failed to lower glucose production in rats with high-fat diet–induced duodenal CCK resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, activation of duodenal PKC-δ leads to the stimulation of CCK release and activation of the CCK-A receptor signaling axis to lower glucose production in normal rats, but fails to bypass duodenal CCK-resistance in high fat-fed rats.
Induction of Immunogenic Apoptosis by Blockade of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation with a Specific Antibody
Authors: Garrido Greta , Rabasa Ailem , Sánchez Belinda , López María Victoria , Blanco Rances , López Armando , Hernández Diana Rosa , Pérez Rolando , Fernández Luis Enrique
Published: October 2011

Despite promising results in the use of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Abs for cancer therapy, several issues remain to be addressed. An increasing emphasis is being placed on immune effector mechanisms. It has become clear for other Abs directed to tumor targets that their effects involve the adaptive immunity, mainly by the contribution of Fc region-mediated mechanisms. Given the relevance of EGFR signaling for tumor biology, we wonder whether the oncogene inhibition could contribute to Ab-induced vaccine effect. In a mouse model in which 7A7 (an anti-murine EGFR Ab) and AG1478 (an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor) displayed potent antimetastatic activities, depletion experiments revealed that only in the case of the Ab, the effect was dependent on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Correspondingly, 7A7 administration elicited a remarkable tumor-specific CTL response in hosts. Importantly, experiments using 7A7 F(ab′)2 suggested that in vivo Ab-mediated EGFR blockade may play an important role in the linkage with adaptive immunity. Addressing the possible mechanism involved in this effect, we found quantitative and qualitative differences between 7A7 and AG1478-induced apoptosis. EGFR blocking by 7A7 not only prompted a higher proapoptotic effect on tumor metastases compared with AG1478, but also was able to induce apoptosis with immunogenic potential in an Fc-independent manner. As expected, 7A7 but not AG1478 stimulated exposure of danger signals on tumor cells. Subcutaneous injection of 7A7-treated tumor cells induced an antitumor immune response. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a tumor-specific CTL response generated by Ab-mediated EGFR inhibition, suggesting an important contribution of immunogenic apoptosis to this effect.
Test of the month: The chromogenic antifactor Xa assay
Authors: Gehrie Eric , Laposata Michael
Published: October 2011

As the number of anticoagulant drugs increases and new ones are brought to market, the utility of the routine screening coagulation tests of today—namely the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time—will be significantly reduced in many clinical situations. Although the new anticoagulants are designed to require less frequent monitoring, it is imperative that the proper test is selected in situations where monitoring is needed. In addition, tests that are designed for the new generation of drugs may be informative in certain situations for monitoring the anticoagulants that have been in use for many years. Here, we present the chromogenic antifactor Xa assay and demonstrate its utility and its limitations in monitoring three anticoagulant drugs (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and fondaparinux) as well as one emerging anticoagulant, rivaroxaban. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Very rare defects: What can we learn?
Authors: Castilla Eduardo E. , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo
Published: October 2011

The International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research conducted a study on very rare defects (VRDs) to test methodologies in their population surveillance and to increase the knowledge of their epidemiology. Eight VRDs: acardia (AC), amelia (AM), bladder exstrophy (BE), cloaca exstrophy (CE), conjoined twins (CT), cyclopia (CY), “true” phocomelia (PH), and sirenomelia (SI) were selected, all of whom showed prevalences in the order of 1/100,000 births, except for BE: 1/48,000 births. Materials in this investigation from 25 million pregnancy outcomes, were provided by 22 Clearinghouse‐member programs. The study protocol provided a working definition, a summary of the phenotypic characteristic, and a list of ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes for each VRDs. Learned lessons include: (1) The suspected associations of decreasing risk with advancing maternal age in AM and SI, and increasing risk in BE, and increasing frequency of twins in SI, were confirmed. (2) Morphologically similar defects showed dissimilar epidemiological characteristics, namely, AM and PH, and BE and CE. (3) Heterogeneity in total prevalences for most VRDs among different surveillance programs were attributed to operational reasons, except for SI and CT in which Amerindian ethnicity seems to be associated with higher prevalence. (4) Verbatim description is essential and must be stored in electronic files. In addition to codes. (5) Dysmorphologists or clinical geneticists are an essential part of the coordinating team of the surveillance program. (6) ICD coding system is insufficient. (7) Surveillance programs should be a valuable source of information on exposures to risk factors during pregnancy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloacal exstrophy: An epidemiologic study from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research
Authors: Feldkamp Marcia L. , Botto Lorenzo D. , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Bianca Sebastiano , Canfield Mark A. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Clementi Maurizio , Csaky‐Szunyogh Melinda , Leoncini Emanuele , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Merlob Paul , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Siffel Csaba , Carey John C.
Published: October 2011

Cloacal exstrophy presents as a complex abdominal wall defect thought to result from a mesodermal abnormality. Anatomically, its main components are Omphalocele, bladder Exstrophy and Imperforate anus. Other associated malformations include renal malformations and Spine defects (OEIS complex). Historically, the prevalence ranges from 1 in 200,000 to 400,000 births, with higher rates in females. Cloacal exstrophy is likely etiologically heterogeneous as suggested by its recurrence in families and occurrence in monozygotic twins. The defect has been described in infants with limb‐body wall, with trisomy 18, and in one pregnancy exposed to Dilantin and diazepam. Due to its rarity, the use of a nonspecific diagnostic code for case identification, and lack of validation of the clinical findings, cloacal exstrophy remains an epidemiologic challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence, associated anomalies and maternal characteristics among infants born with cloacal exstrophy. We used data from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research submitted from 18 birth defect surveillance programs representing 24 countries. Cases were clinically evaluated locally and reviewed centrally by two authors. Cases of persistent cloaca were excluded. A total of 186 cases of cloacal exstrophy were identified. Overall prevalence was 1 in 131,579 births: ranging from 1 in 44,444 births in Wales to 1 in 269,464 births in South America. Live birth prevalence was 1 in 184,195 births. Prevalence ratios did not vary by maternal age. Forty‐two (22.6%) cases met the criteria for the OEIS complex, whereas 60 (32.3%) were classified as OEI and 18 (9.7%) as EIS (one with suspected VATER (0.5%)). Other findings included two cases with trisomy 13 (one without a karyotype confirmation), one with mosaic trisomy 12 (0.5%), one with mosaic 45,X (0.5%) and one classified as having amnion band sequence (0.5%). Twenty‐seven (14.5%) infants had other anomalies unrelated to cloacal exstrophy. Cloacal exstrophy is a rare anomaly with variability in prevalence by geographic location. The proportion of cases classified as OEIS complex was lower in this study than previously reported. Among all cases, 54.8% were reported to have an omphalocele. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amelia: A multi‐center descriptive epidemiologic study in a large dataset from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, and overview of the literature
Authors: Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Cuevas Lourdes , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bianca Sebastiano , Bianchi Fabrizio , Canfield Mark A. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Clementi Maurizio , Cocchi Guido , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Landau Danielle , Leoncini Emanuele , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Scarano Gioacchino , Siffel Csaba , Szabova Elena , Martínez‐Frías María‐Luisa
Published: October 2011

This study describes the epidemiology of congenital amelia (absence of limb/s), using the largest series of cases known to date. Data were gathered by 20 surveillance programs on congenital anomalies, all International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research members, from all continents but Africa, from 1968 to 2006, depending on the program. Reported clinical information on cases was thoroughly reviewed to identify those strictly meeting the definition of amelia. Those with amniotic bands or limb‐body wall complex were excluded. The primary epidemiological analyses focused on isolated cases and those with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). A total of 326 amelia cases were ascertained among 23,110,591 live births, stillbirths and (for some programs) elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. The overall total prevalence was 1.41 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 1.26–1.57). Only China Beijing and Mexico RYVEMCE had total prevalences, which were significantly higher than this overall total prevalence. Some under‐registration could influence the total prevalence in some programs. Liveborn cases represented 54.6% of total. Among monomelic cases (representing 65.2% of nonsyndromic amelia cases), both sides were equally involved, and the upper limbs (53.9%) were slightly more frequently affected. One of the most interesting findings was a higher prevalence of amelia among offspring of mothers younger than 20 years. Sixty‐nine percent of the cases had MCA or syndromes. The most frequent defects associated with amelia were other types of musculoskeletal defects, intestinal, some renal and genital defects, oral clefts, defects of cardiac septa, and anencephaly. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Food Borne Pathogen Detection in Real Samples Based on Label Free Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Biosensors
Authors: Urkut Z. , Kara P. , Goksungur Y. , Ozsoz M.
Published: October 2011

The response surface methodology (RSM) is used for optimization of foodborne pathogen detection based on label free electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors. Listeria monocytogenes amplicons obtained from food samples are used as model case. The extent of hybridization is determined by using guanine oxidation signals obtained with Differential Pulse Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. RSM is used to investigate the effects of hybridization parameters including target and salt concentration and hybridization time on the biosensor selectivity. The ratio of electrochemical transductions after hybridization with complementary and noncomplementary targets is the response of the statistical analysis obtaining a detection limit of 267 pM.
Inhibitory transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation attenuates prefrontal cortex oxygenation
Authors: Tupak Sara V. , Dresler Thomas , Badewien Meike , Hahn Tim , Ernst Lena H. , Herrmann Martin J. , Deckert Jürgen , Ehlis Ann‐Christine , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: October 2011

Recent studies highlighted the great potential of newly established theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols for non‐invasive human brain stimulation studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). While intermittent TBS over the primary motor cortex was found to potentiate motor evoked potentials, continuous TBS led to profound attenuations. Although numerous studies investigated the impact of TBS on motor cortex function, yet, only few imaging studies focused on its effects in other brain areas. Particularly for the prefrontal cortex, it is unclear whether TBS has similar effects compared to application over motor areas. In the current study continuous TBS was applied to either the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a sample of healthy subjects. Changes in prefrontal oxygenation were measured during an emotional Stroop task by means of functional multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and after stimulation. Results showed bilaterally decreased prefrontal oxygenation following inhibitory stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex but no behavioral effect. No such alterations were observed following right‐hemispheric or sham stimulation. The results of the current study are in line with earlier findings and additionally demonstrate that also prefrontal oxygenation can be impaired by continuous TBS. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum mechanically derived AMBER‐compatible heme parameters for various states of the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle
Authors: Shahrokh Kiumars , Orendt Anita , Yost Garold S. , Cheatham Thomas E.
Published: October 2011

Molecular mechanics (MM) methods are computationally affordable tools for screening chemical libraries of novel compounds for sites of P450 metabolism. One challenge for MM methods has been the absence of a consistent and transferable set of parameters for the heme within the P450 active site. Experimental data indicate that mammalian P450 enzymes vary greatly in the size, architecture, and plasticity of their active sites. Thus, obtaining X‐ray‐based geometries for the development of accurate MM parameters for the major classes of hepatic P450 remains a daunting task. Our previous work with preliminary gas‐phase quantum mechanics (QM)‐derived atomic partial charges greatly improved the accuracy of docking studies of raloxifene to CYP3A4. We have therefore developed and tested a consistent set of transferable MM parameters based on gas‐phase QM calculations of two model systems of the heme—a truncated (T‐HM) and a full (F‐HM) for four states of the P450 catalytic cycle. Our results indicate that the use of the atomic partial charges from the F‐HM further improves the accuracy of docked predictions for raloxifene to CYP3A4. Different patterns for substrate docking are also observed depending on the choice of heme model and state. Newly parameterized heme models are tested in implicit and explicitly solvated MD simulations in the absence and presence of enzyme structures, for CYP3A4, and appear to be stable on the nanosecond simulation timescale. The new force field for the various heme states may aid the community for simulations of P450 enzymes and other heme‐containing enzymes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
CARBON BUDGET AND SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN A SANDY SOIL TREATED WITH COMPOST
Authors: Jaiarree S. , Chidthaisong A. , Tangtham N. , Polprasert C. , Sarobol E. , Tyler S. C.
Published: October 2011

The effects of compost application on soil carbon sequestration potential and carbon budget of a tropical sandy soil was studied. Greenhouse gas emissions from soil surface and agricultural inputs (fertiliser and fossil fuel uses) were evaluated. The origin of soil organic carbon was identified by using stable carbon isotope. The CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions from soil were estimated in hill evergreen forest (NF) plot as reference, and in the corn cultivation plots with compost application rate at 30 Mg ha−1 y−1 (LC), and at 50 Mg ha−1 y−1 (HC). The total C emissions from soil surface were 8·54, 10·14 and 9·86 Mg C ha−1 y−1 for NF, HC and LC soils, respectively. Total N2O emissions from HC and LC plots (2·56 and 3·47 kg N2O ha−1 y−1) were significantly higher than from the NF plot (1·47 kg N2O ha−1 y−1). Total CO2 emissions from fuel uses of fertiliser, irrigation and machinery were about 10 per cent of total CO2 emissions. For soil carbon storage, since 1983, it has been increased significantly (12 Mg ha−1) under the application of 50 Mg ha−1 y−1 of compost but not with 30 Mg ha−1 y−1. The net C budget when balancing out carbon inputs and outputs from soil for NF, HC and LC soils were +3·24, −2·50 and +2·07 Mg C ha−1 y−1, respectively. Stable isotope of carbon (δ13C value) indicates that most of the increased soil carbon is derived from the compost inputs and/or corn biomass. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimuli‐Responsive Water‐Soluble Fullerene (C60) Polymeric Systems
Authors: Yao Zhaoling , Tam Kam Chiu
Published: October 2011

This review documents the advances in stimuli‐responsive water‐soluble fullerene (C60) polymeric systems. Stimuli‐responsive polymers, when grafted onto C60 impart “smart” and “responsive” characteristics, and these novel materials adopt various morphologies when subjected to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and salt. Various synthetic approaches for producing C60‐polymers are outlined and discussed. The responsive behavior, water solubility, and self‐assembly characteristics of these C60‐polymers make them attractive for applications such as drug delivery, temperature sensors, and personal care.
Determination of structural inhomogeneity of synthesized diamonds by backscattering electron diffraction
Authors: Fodchuk I. , Balovsyak S. , Borcha M. , Garabazhiv Ya. , Tkach V.
Published: October 2011

The technique based on analysis of geometry and intensity distribution profiles on Kikuchi patterns obtained due to electron backscattering diffraction for defining structural imperfection of diamond crystals has been suggested. To determine the geometry parameters in Kikuchi patterns with the maximal precision special software was developed. It is shown that application of electron diffraction (Kikuchi method) allows information to be obtained about the degree of perfection and homogeneity of real structure for diamond crystals synthesized by different methods.
Assessing the influence of the model trajectory in the adaptive observation Kalman Filter Sensitivity method
Authors: Oger N. , Pannekoucke O. , Doerenbecher A. , Arbogast P.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of adaptive observation strategies is to design optimal observation networks in a prognostic way. The implementation of such strategies is based on adaptive observation numerical techniques that provide guidance on where to deploy future additional observations. Most advanced techniques account for the dynamical aspects of the atmosphere and the data assimilation system (DAS). This study aims to assess the influence of the model trajectory on the Kalman Filter Sensitivity (KFS) method used at Météo‐France. KFS is an adjoint‐based method identifying sensitive areas by means of a forecast score variance. Targeted observations are designed to reduce this score variance. In its first version, KFS was not able to deal with trajectory uncertainties. An ensemble‐based approach is undertaken to investigate if it is possible to account for these uncertainties. We assess the robustness of the method regarding trajectory errors and propose a practical solution. To avoid high computational costs, a simplified framework is used. We perform experiments with a two‐layer quasi‐geostrophic model in an incremental 4D‐Var system. KFS is computed to target a potential vorticity anomaly interacting with a simplified jet stream. Numerical experiments show that the impact of additional observations depends equally on the suboptimal formulation of the DAS components and the trajectory errors. When the KFS sensitivity fields are constrained by the DAS components, the sensitivity values are determined by the selection of the reference trajectory. A targeting strategy based on the ensemble mean sensitivity field is proposed. Experiments show this to be more efficient than a random targeting strategy. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Moment Testing for Interaction Terms in Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Mooijaart Ab , Satorra Albert
Published: October 2011

Starting with Kenny and Judd (Psychol. Bull. 96:201–210, 1984) several methods have been introduced for analyzing models with interaction terms. In all these methods more information from the data than just means and covariances is required. In this paper we also use more than just first- and second-order moments; however, we are aiming to adding just a selection of the third-order moments. The key issue in this paper is to develop theoretical results that will allow practitioners to evaluate the strength of different third-order moments in assessing interaction terms of the model. To select the third-order moments, we propose to be guided by the power of the goodness-of-fit test of a model with no interactions, which varies with each selection of third-order moments. A theorem is presented that relates the power of the usual goodness-of-fit test of the model with the power of a moment test for the significance of third-order moments; the latter has the advantage that it can be computed without fitting a model. The main conclusion is that the selection of third-order moments can be based on the power of a moment test, thus assessing the relevance in the analysis of different sets of third-order moments can be computationally simple. The paper gives an illustration of the method and argues for the need of refraining from adding into the analysis an excess of higher-order moments.
The Land Beyond the Forest
Authors: Gerard Emily
Published: October 2011

Novelist Emily Gerard (1849–1905) went with her husband, an officer in the Austrian army, to Transylvania for two years in 1883. Then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today a region of western Romania, Transylvania was little known to readers back in England. In the years following, she wrote this full-length account (published in 1888) as well as several articles on the region, which Bram Stoker used when researching the setting for Dracula. She describes encounters with the different nationalities that made up the Transylvanian people: Romanians, Saxons and gypsies. Full of startling anecdotes and written in a novelistic style, her work combines her personal recollections with a detailed account of the landscape and people. The second volume covers the gypsy and Jewish populations, as well as Gerard's mixed feelings on leaving the country. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=geraem
The Desert and the Sown
Authors: Bell Gertrude Lowthian
Published: October 2011

Athletic, intellectual and sensitive, even in her youth, Gertrude Bell was an ideal chronicler for a public fascinated by the Orient. Blending descriptions of customs, communities, archaeology, agriculture, The Desert and the Sown (1907) recounts a dramatic portion of her expedition across Syria. Enriched by over three hundred photographic illustrations, Bell's prose leads readers from the Mosque of 'Umar to the shores of the Dead Sea, the Castle of Salkhad and the dramatic landmarks of Kanawāt. Notwithstanding the inclusion of such picturesque sites, the author never allows the spectacular to overshadow the significant. As she herself professed, her narrative contains frequent references to the 'conditions of unimportant persons', arguing that 'they do not appear so unimportant to one who is in their midst'. As such, this volume reflects a compassionate and respectful attitude to other civilizations, the implications of which are as significant today as they were to Bell's contemporaries.
History of the Inductive Sciences
Authors: Whewell William
Published: October 2011

A central figure in Victorian science, William Whewell (1794–1866) held professorships in Mineralogy and Moral Philosophy at Trinity College, Cambridge, before becoming Master of the college in 1841. His mathematical textbooks, such as A Treatise on Dynamics (1823), were instrumental in bringing French analytical methods into British science. This three-volume history, first published in 1837, is one of Whewell's most famous works. Taking the 'acute, but fruitless, essays of Greek philosophy' as a starting point, it provides a history of the physical sciences that culminates with the mechanics, astronomy, and chemistry of 'modern times'. Volume 1 studies Greek physics and metaphysics, attributing their failure to a method that derived its principles from the common use of language. It surveys the state of the physical sciences in the middle ages, and deals with the rise of 'formal' astronomy - based on observation rather than calculation - as exemplified by Copernicus.
Recollections of a Literary Life
Authors: Mitford Mary Russell
Published: October 2011

Better known for her five volume portrait of English rural life, Our Village, Mary Russell Mitford (1787–1855) was one of the most prolific female writers of her day. Part critical essay, part autobiography, Recollections consists of a series of sketches on and selections from Mitford's favourite authors, stemming from her desire 'to make others relish a few favourite writers as heartily as I have relished them myself'. The collection is arranged according to Mitford's own eclectic system of categorization including 'fashionable poets', 'cavalier poets', and 'poetry that poets love'. This first volume contains essays on Beaumont and Fletcher, Sidney, Herrick, Samuel Johnson, and Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning and several others. Mitford wears her immense literary skill lightly and Recollections is masterfully written, full of lively wit and fascinating biographical detail. Published just three years before Mitford's death, it was based on earlier articles and letters.