bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemistry improves histopathologic diagnosis in primary aldosteronism
Authors: Volpe Cristina , Höög Anders , Ogishima Tadashi , Mukai Kuniaki , Lu Ming , Thorén Marja , Hamberger Bertil
Published: February 2013

Background

In primary aldosteronism (PA) the main source of aldosterone hypersecretion is an aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or a bilateral hyperplasia. Histopathology of the adrenal gland from patients with PA has been difficult, as there are no morphological criteria to ascertain which are the cells that produce aldosterone. We therefore applied new specific antibodies to explore which cells in the adrenal contain the enzymes for aldosterone and cortisol production, respectively.

Methods

Adrenals from 24 patients with PA were studied. After routine preparation, consecutive sections were stained with antibodies for CYP11B1 (cortisol) and CYP11B2 (aldosterone) enzymes.

Results

APA had a strong immunoreactivity for CYB11B2. In adrenals from seven patients, we found no APA, but several nodules with strong CYB11B2 immunoreactivity, indicating aldosterone-producing nodular hyperplasia.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemistry of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes provides novel diagnostic information. This may become an important part of routine histopathology, and contribute to improved clinical management in PA.
Multicenter Phase I Trial of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/2 Inhibitor BAY 86-9766 in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Weekes Colin D. , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Adjei Alex A. , Leffingwell Diane P. , Eckhardt S. Gail , Gore Lia , Lewis Karl D. , Weiss Glen J. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Dy Grace K. , Ma Wen W. , Sheedy Beth , Iverson Cory , Miner Jeffrey N. , Shen Zancong , Yeh Li-Tain , Dubowy Ronald L. , Jeffers Michael , Rajagopalan Prabhu , Clendeninn Neil J.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of BAY 86-9766, a selective, potent, orally available, small-molecule allosteric inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: BAY 86-9766 was administered orally daily in 28-day courses, with doses escalated to establish the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD). An expanded cohort was evaluated at the MTD. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed, with extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation evaluated in paired biopsies from a subset of the expanded MTD cohort. Tumor specimens were evaluated for mutations in select genes.

Results: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, including 20 patients at the MTD. The MTD was 100 mg given once-daily or in two divided doses. BAY 86-9766 was well-tolerated. The most common treatment-related toxicities were acneiform rash and gastrointestinal toxicity. BAY 86-9766 was well-absorbed after oral administration (plasma half-life ∼12 hours), and displayed dose proportional pharmacokinetics throughout the tested dose range. Continuous daily dosing resulted in moderate accumulation at most dose levels. BAY 86-9766 suppressed ERK phosphorylation in biopsied tissue and tetradecanoylphorbol acetate–stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes. Of 53 evaluable patients, one patient with colorectal cancer achieved a partial response and 11 patients had stable disease for 4 or more courses. An ocular melanoma specimen harbored a GNAQ-activating mutation and exhibited reduced ERK phosphorylation in response to therapy.

Conclusion: This phase I study showed that BAY 86-9766 was well-tolerated, with good oral absorption, dose proportional pharmacokinetics, target inhibition at the MTD, and some evidence of clinical benefit across a range of tumor types. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 1232–43. ©2012 AACR.
Holistic Medicine between Religion and Science: A Secularist Construction of Spiritual Healing in Medical Literature
Authors: Koch Anne , Binder Stefan
Published: February 2013

A particular formation can be observed in the discourse of spiritual healing and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Explanations of the effectiveness of spiritual healing by medical doctors and psychologists sometimes include ideological and non-scientific conclusions and concepts, which are similar to but also different from New Age science on healing. With discourse analysis discursive nodes and strategies are identified in international medical and psychological research journals at the boundary of CAM, traditional medicine, and psychosomatics from the last decade. The article develops the category of secularism to describe these propositional formations and contributes to the larger debate of postsecular societies. Postsecularism not only puts public religion but also secularisms back on the agenda. This particular secularism in the field of spiritual healing is based on transfers of knowledge and practices between subareas of a functionally differentiated society: esoteric and scientific cultural models shift into medicine, and continue into the area of health care and healing. The article demonstrates how this secularism gathers around key concepts such as emergence, quantum physics, and physicalism, and is engaged in a permanent boundary work between conventional and alternative medicine, which is governed by the notion of holistic healing.
The strength of fibre reinforced polymer under a complex loading
Authors: Sapozhnikov Sergey B , Cheremnykh Sergey I
Published: February 2013

This article presents a model, known as generalized Daniels’ model, describing the process of micro-damage accumulation, deformation and failure of multilayered fibre reinforced composite structures under complex internal states of stress responding to external plane-stress loading. The model considers three independent kinds of ply micro-damage: longitudinal, transverse and shear. Non-linear analysis, taking into account scissoring effects, is used to make theoretical predictions for all the 13 test cases involved in the third world-wide failure exercise. The cases cover the biaxial failure behaviour of a unidirectional and multi-directional laminates, failure of thick and thin cross ply and quasi-isotropic laminates under tension, damage due to thermal loading, bending of a general laminate, loading and re-loading and the predictions of the tensile and compressive strength values of test specimens with an open hole. For the prediction of notched strength of laminates with hole, the model is used with a non-local approach based on the specific size of ply microstructure and Neuber’s hyperbola of specific deformation energy. The results are presented for all the 13 test cases.
The chemical modification of tropical wood polymer composites
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Hamdan Sinin , Hassan Azman , Talib Zainal Abidin , Sobuz HR
Published: February 2013

Wood polymer composites were manufactured from several types of tropical wood species by impregnating the woods with acrylonitrile monomer solution. The physical and mechanical properties of wood polymer composites were then investigated in this study. The vacuum-pressure method was employed to impregnate wood samples with monomer and in situ polymerization. Acrylonitrile reacted and incorporated with wood, which was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy test analysis. The mechanical properties of wood samples in terms of modulus of elasticity and compressive modulus were found to be improved on acrylonitrile treatment. Besides, the fabricated wood polymer composite samples had lower water absorption and higher surface hardness (Shore D) value as compared to their corresponding raw one. For wood polymer composites, a significant improvement was found in physical and mechanical properties compared to the raw woods.
In situ generation and deposition of nano-ZnO on cotton fabric by hyperbranched polymer for its functional finishing
Authors: Zhang Desuo , Chen Ling , Fang Di , Toh Guoyang William , Yue Xinxia , Chen Yuyue , Lin Hong
Published: February 2013

Due to the advantage of hyperbranched polymers on controlling synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), this paper presents a method to fabricate ZnO NPs coated cotton fabrics via in situ generation and deposition in one-step reaction with amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-NH2) to explore its application in textile finishing. Firstly, the mechanism of this reaction was proposed in detail. The treated cotton fabrics were then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), and the ultraviolet (UV) protective properties and antibacterial activities of the fabrics were measured. The results indicated that ZnO NPs with a diameter around 80 nm dispersed on the surface of the cotton fabric well, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of the treated cotton fabric was 136 and the bacterial reduction rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli both exceeded 99%, when the concentration of HBP-NH2 and zinc nitrate were 16 g/L and 96 mM respectively.
Meso-scale finite element modeling of triaxial woven fabrics for composite in-plane reinforcement properties
Authors: Mishra Rajesh
Published: February 2013

Meso-scale finite element modeling of textiles and textile composites at the scale of the unit cell of the textile structure is a powerful tool for the homogenization of mechanical properties and the study of stress–strain fields inside the unit cell. This paper discusses modeling and the issues involved in building finite element models of triaxial woven structures (geometry, meshing, boundary conditions), interpretation of the results, and verification of the models. The idealized unit cell structure is analyzed for axial and planar deformations. The prediction is in good agreement with actual experimental results for the parent fabrics. In-plane shear resistance is very high for these structures for application to thin composites. The yarn geometry and structural parameters of the reinforcement material each need precise calculation in order to predict the performance of composite materials in engineering applications.
Civil–Military Relations and Democratic Control over the Armed Forces in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Rokvic Vanja , Jeftic Zoran , Ivanis Željko
Published: February 2013

This article focuses on the democratization of civil–military relations and the implementation of democratic control of the armed forces in the Republic of Serbia. By analyzing the basic parameters of democratic civil–military relations, we attempt to evaluate whether civil–military relations in the Republic of Serbia can be classified into a type of relations that occur in consolidated democracies. Based on an examination of legal documents and other data, this article concludes that democratic changes since October 2000 have greatly influenced the course of relations between military and political elites and that civil–military relation in Serbia meet most of the defined parameters. However, due to the difficulties in the implementation of this control in practice, civil–military relations in Serbia can only partially be classified as a type of relations that occur in consolidated democracies.
Searching for Resilience
Authors: Walklate Sandra , McGarry Ross , Mythen Gabe
Published: February 2013

Resilience has become a concept that has increasingly informed political and policy discussions around disaster planning and preparedness. In this article, we explore this “resilience creep” and examine the different ways in which this concept has been used in making sense of how to respond to contemporary threats to national security. In order to do this, we establish a typology of resilience that enables us to identify both the overlapping and the contradictory uses that this term has been put to. In addition, this typology affords the opportunity to reflect upon what is made visible and invisible in contemporary resilience speak and to highlight the dangers that may lie in continuing with an uncritical embrace of this concept.
Perspectives on Suicide in the Army National Guard
Authors: Griffith James , Vaitkus Mark
Published: February 2013

Suicides in the US military were observed rising in 2004, most notably in the Army and Marine Corps, and particularly, in the Army National Guard (ARNG). Alarmed, Army leaders and researchers have offered various explanations and prescriptions, often lacking any evidence. In the present study, three data sets were used to examine evidence for various perspectives on suicide—dispositional risk, social cognitive, stressor-strain, and social cultural/institutional, each having different emphases on relevant explanatory variables and underlying mechanisms of suicide. Primary risk factors associated with having committed suicide among the 2007–2010 ARNG suicide cases were age (young), gender (male), and race (white), supporting the dispositional risk perspective on suicide. Some evidence supported the stressor-strain perspective in that postdeployment loss of a significant other and a major life change showed statistically significant, yet weaker associations with increased suicide intentions. Implications of results are discussed for future research and preventive strategies.
Is it possible to further improve the function of pulmonary grafts by extending the duration of lung reconditioning using ex vivo lung perfusion?
Authors: Pierre L , Lindstedt S , Hlebowicz J , Ingemansson R
Published: February 2013

Background:

The method of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been suggested as a reliable means of differentiating between “good” and “poor” pulmonary grafts in marginal donors as, when grafts identified as good by this method are transplanted, the results do not differ from those using lungs fulfilling standard criteria. The EVLP method is also thought to improve pulmonary grafts by reducing lung edema and eliminating lung atelectasis. In the present study, we investigated whether the pulmonary graft could be further improved by extending the duration of EVLP.

Methods and Materials:

Six Landrace pigs were used. The lungs were reconditioned and evaluated, using the EVLP method, as double lungs. After the initial evaluation, EVLP was continued for a further 90 minutes.

Results:

The arterial oxygen level (pO2) was 60.8 ± 4.8 kPa after the standard 60 minutes of EVLP and 67.1 ± 2.2 kPa after 150 minutes (p = 0.48). The pulmonary vascular resistance was 453 ± 78 dyne*s/cm5 after 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes of EVLP (p = 1.0). The pulmonary artery pressure was 17.8 ± 1.0 mmHg after 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes of EVLP (p = 1.0) and the pulmonary artery flow was 3.5 ± 0.4 l/min after 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes of EVLP (p = 1.0). The mean weight of the pulmonary grafts after harvesting was 574 ± 20 g at the beginning of EVLP 541 ± 24 g and, after 150 min of EVLP, 668 ± 33 (p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

The blood gases and hemodynamic parameters in the pulmonary grafts did not improve as a result of the extra 90 minutes of EVLP. However, the weight of the pulmonary graft increased significantly with increasing duration of EVLP, indicating lung perfusion injury.
Visual Long-Term Memory Stores High-Fidelity Representations of Observed Actions
Authors: Urgolites Zhisen Jiang , Wood Justin N.
Published: February 2013

The ability to remember others’ actions is fundamental to social cognition, but the precision of action memories remains unknown. To probe the fidelity of the action representations stored in visual long-term memory, we asked observers to view a large number of computer-animated actions. Afterward, observers were shown pairs of actions and indicated which of the two actions they had seen for each pair. On some trials, the previously viewed action was paired with an action from a different action category, and on other trials, it was paired with an action from the same category. Accuracy on both types of trials was remarkably high (81% and 82%, respectively). Further, results from a second experiment showed that the action representations maintained in visual long-term memory can be nearly as precise as the action representations maintained in visual working memory. Together, these findings provide evidence for a mechanism in visual long-term memory that maintains high-fidelity representations of observed actions.
Caregivers of Patients With Cancer Fatigue
Authors: Clark Matthew M. , Atherton Pamela J. , Lapid Maria I. , Rausch Sarah M. , Frost Marlene H. , Cheville Andrea L. , Hanson Jean M. , Garces Yolanda I. , Brown Paul D. , Sloan Jeff A. , Richardson Jarrett W. , Piderman Katherine M. , Rummans Teresa A.
Published: February 2013

Fatigue is the problematic symptom identified by patients with cancer. However, fatigue has not been widely examined in caregivers of patients with cancer. In this study, 131 caregivers of patients diagnosed with advanced stage cancer and actively receiving radiotherapy reported experiencing the most difficulties with fatigue (mean 46.9; on a 0-100 scale, with a 10-point difference having clinical meaning) at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up (mean 48.3). This is in sharp contrast to other domains of quality of life and functioning being rated in the 60s, 70s and 80s by the caregivers of patients with cancer. Given the level of fatigue reported by the caregivers of patients with cancer, if confirmed by other investigators in larger and more diverse samples, interventions targeting caregiver fatigue should be explored.
360-Degree Rhetorical Analysis of Job Hunting
Authors: Ding Huiling , Ding Xin
Published: February 2013

This article proposes the use of a four-component multimodal employment project that offers students a 360-degree understanding of the rhetorical situations surrounding job searches. More specifically, we argue for the use of the four deliverables of written resumes and cover letters, mock oral onsite interview, video resume analysis, and peer critique of social media profiles in a widely taught employment project to help students better analyze the complicated rhetorical situations surrounding job applications and to facilitate better peer collaboration and serious revision of the two high-stakes documents of cover letters and resumes.
Naming the ideological reflexively: Contesting organizational norms and practices
Authors: Dallyn Sam
Published: February 2013

In this article I develop a reflexive conception of ideology that can be applied to the study of organizations. By drawing out and making explicit the researcher’s role in naming a social phenomenon as ideological, I argue that a more consistent, reflexive and critically attuned notion of the ideological can be developed. The neglect of the position of the researcher in critical conceptions of ideology stems largely from a problematic division in existing approaches between the researcher, as objective expert, and researched. As an alternative, I build on the idea of research reflexivity in organization studies to develop a notion of ideology in which the partial position of the researcher is rendered explicit. To illustrate this conception of naming the ideological, I characterize the norms and practices of Job Centres as reflecting an ideology of capitalist welfare regulation. The article presents a fresh way of conceptualizing ideology as a reflexive analytical concept which can fruitfully be brought to bear on different aspects of organizations.
Hiring priorities for BSW/MSW programs in the United States: Informing doctoral programs about current needs
Authors: Barsky Allan , Green Diane , Ayayo Michael
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to identify the hiring needs of social work programs across the United States. The study used a national survey of social work programs, including closed questions for quantitative analysis and an open question for qualitative comments.

Findings

Of the 226 MSW and BSW programs participating in this study, 95% stated that they expected to hire additional faculty in the next 5 years. The vast majority reported plans to hire at the assistant professor level. Although a PhD is a preferred degree for many programs, 62% suggested they would consider a DSW as equivalent to a PhD. Respondents suggested the most important factors influencing hiring decisions would be the candidate’s interpersonal skills, refereed publications, filling a diversity need, and supporting social work ethics. The most commonly sought areas of expertise sought include generalist practice, research/evaluation, policy, community practice, and diversity.

Applications

This study has implications for doctoral programs and for social workers seeking post-graduate education in the United States. One of the most interesting findings was the expressed desire for candidates with practical and practice-oriented experience. Social work departments offering research-oriented PhD degrees may want to supplement their programs by providing courses and practical experiences that prepare graduates for teaching. Departments offering DSW degrees may design their programs to fill perceived gaps in qualifications among the current pool of candidates for tenure and non-tenure positions (e.g. teaching generalist social work, advanced clinical social work, and administration). Similarly, social workers wishing to pursue academic careers should consider which types of education and experience are in greatest need. Social workers seeking academic appointments should also note that the emphasis on teaching versus research varies across institutions.
Adventure Before Adventure Games
Authors: Lessard Jonathan
Published: February 2013

The original Adventure by Crowther and Woods (1977) has an important place in computer game history. It is not only considered the first adventure game but also the ancestor of interactive fiction, point-and-click games, action adventures, and even massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Adventure often defined in terms of categories that did not exist at the time of its making. The concept of video games as the cultural institution we know today was alien to its authors. This article reframes Adventure in its historical context. If it is not yet an adventure game, what is it? The proposed methodology is inspired by the work of early cinema historians and consists of identifying the cultural practices within which an early piece was developed. Adventure is analyzed as a program, a hack, fantasy role-playing, a cave survey, and a game. This approach delivers a new perspective on Adventure, freed to some degree of teleological preconceptions.
Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist osteoarthritis in long-term paraplegic patients compared with controls
Authors: Akbar M. , Penzkofer S. , Weber M. A. , Bruckner T. , Winterstein M. , Jung M.
Published: February 2013

We compared functional and structural changes in the hands, in particular the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, in 56 paraplegic patients who had been wheelchair dependent for over 25 years with a group of able-bodied volunteers (with matching criteria for gender and age). The hands were assessed by clinical examination, electrophysiology, disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand score and magnetic resonance imaging. Hand function was worse and wrist pain was experienced more often in the paraplegic patients, and they also had a significantly higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome both clinically and electrophysiologically. The prevalence of wrist and trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis was significantly higher in the right hand.
Synthesis, Structure, and Electronic Properties of Benzohexasilabicyclo[2.2.2]octene
Authors: Toma Yuki , Kuribara Takayoshi , Iizuka Takuya , Nagashima Hideo , Kyushin Soichiro
Published: February 2013

Benzohexasilabicyclo[2.2.2]octene was synthesized by a microwave-assisted reaction of dichlorocyclohexasilanes with 1,2-dibromobenzene in the presence of magnesium. The 1,4-cyclohexasilanylene group affects the electronic properties of the benzene ring by strong σ–π conjugation. This compound shows intense phosphorescence at 77 K.
Avaliação física, química e fitoquímica de frutos de Physalis, ao longo do período de colheita
Authors: Lima Cláudia Simone Madruga , Galarça Simone Padilha , Betemps Débora Leitzke , Rufato Andrea de Rossi , Rufato Leo
Published: February 2013

Physalis peruviana L. é uma espécie que vem sendo incorporada em plantios de pequenas frutas. Esta frutífera é tratada como anual, e o principal método de propagação é por sementes. Seu cultivo apresenta uma dinâmica de colheita diferenciada, com duração do período de colheita superior a três meses. Acredita-se que, devido ao extenso período de colheita, associado a diferentes épocas de semeadura, irão ocorrer variações nas características dos frutos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características físicas, químicas e fitoquímicas de frutos de Physalis peruviana ao longo do período de colheita, em função de duas épocas de plantio. O experimento foi realizado no período de 2007/2008. A semeadura foi realizada em duas épocas (04-09-2007 e 26-11-2007), e o transplante foi realizado quando as plantas estavam no estádio de duas folhas verdadeiras. Os frutos foram colhidos aos 120; 150; 180; 210 e 240 dias após o transplante e avaliados quanto à massa total e a coloração da epiderme, assim como quanto aos seus teores de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), fenóis e de carotenoides totais, razão SS/AT e atividade antioxidante. Os frutos de Physalis apresentaram variações físicas, químicas e fitoquímicas ao longo do período de colheita, para as duas datas de semeadura. O desenvolvimento das plantas, após o transplantio, levou a acréscimo nos valores de massa, nos teores de sólidos solúveis, fenóis e carotenoides, assim como na razão SS/AT. Na coloração e na atividade antioxidante, os maiores valores foram obtidos na primeira colheita (120 dias). A semeadura realizada em setembro proporcionou a obtenção de frutos com melhor qualidade.
Biologia e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em morangueiro e videira
Authors: Bortoli Lígia Caroline , Bertin Aline , Efrom Caio Fábio Stoffel , Botton Marcos
Published: February 2013

A biologia de Spodoptera eridania foi estudada em laboratório (22±1ºC, UR 70±10%, fotofase de 14 horas), em folhas de morangueiro (Fragaria x ananassa cv. 'Aromas') e videira (Vitis vinifera cv. 'Cabernet Sauvignon'). A duração e a viabilidade do ciclo total foram, respectivamente, de 52,2±1,32 dias e 37,6% para morangueiro e 42,2±0,45 dias e 25,5% para videira. A razão sexual em morangueiro foi de 0,58, e 0,48 em videira. A longevidade média de machos e fêmeas em morangueiro foi de 16,3±1,16 e 15,8±1,85 dias, respectivamente, e 5,6±0,88 e 7,3±0,83 dias em videira. A fecundidade média total foi de 1.747,5±187,32 ovos por fêmea em morangueiro, e 1.764,9±289,04 em videira. A tabela de vida de fertilidade mostrou que a taxa líquida de reprodução e a razão finita de aumento foram de 394,89 e 1,10, respectivamente, para morangueiro, e de 213,98 e 1,12 para videira. As culturas do morangueiro cv. 'Aromas' e da videira cv. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' são hospedeiras favoráveis e equivalentes quanto ao potencial de crescimento populacional de S. eridania.
Diversity and genetic structure in natural populations of Hancornia speciosa var. speciosa Gomes in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Martins Georgia Vilela , Martins Luiza Suely Semen , Veasey Elizabeth Ann , Lederman Ildo Eliezer , Silva Edson Ferreira da
Published: February 2013

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a fruit tree native from Brazil that belongs to Apocinaceae family, and is popularly known as Mangabeira. Its fruits are widely consumed raw or processed as fruit jam, juices and ice creams, which have made it a target of intense exploitation. The extractive activities and intense human activity on the environment of natural occurrence of H. speciosa has caused genetic erosion in the species and little is known about the ecology or genetic structure of natural populations. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the genetic diversity and genetic structure of H. speciosa var. speciosa. The genetic variability was assessed using 11 allozyme loci with a sample of 164 individuals distributed in six natural populations located in the States of Pernambuco and Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. The results showed a high level of genetic diversity within the species (e= 0.36) seeing that the most of the genetic variability of H. speciosa var. speciosa is within its natural populations with low difference among populations (  or = 0.081). The inbreeding values within ( = -0.555) and among populations ( =-0.428) were low showing lacking of endogamy and a surplus of heterozygotes. The estimated gene flow ( m ) was high, ranging from 2.20 to 13.18, indicating to be enough to prevent the effects of genetic drift and genetic differentiation among populations. The multivariate analyses indicated that there is a relationship between genetic and geographical distances, which was confirmed by a spatial pattern analysis using Mantel test (r = 0.3598; p = 0.0920) with 1000 random permutations. The high genetic diversity index in these populations indicates potential for in situ genetic conservation.
Caracterização fisico-química e sensorial de geleia de mamão com araçá-boi
Authors: Viana Eliseth de Souza , Jesus Jaciene Lopes de , Reis Ronielli Cardoso , Fonseca Mercia Damasceno , Sacramento Celio Kersul do
Published: February 2013

Foram elaboradas quatro formulações de geleia com as seguintes proporções de mamão (Carica papaya) (M) e araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata) (AB): F1 (70% M: 30% AB), F2 (60% M: 40% AB), F3 (40%M : 60% AB) e F4 (30% M : 70% AB). Todas as formulações apresentaram proporção final de polpa e açúcar de 1:1, com 0,5% de pectina e teor de 65% de sólidos solúveis. As geleias foram analisadas quanto às características físico-químicas e sensoriais (teste de aceitação e preferência). O teste de aceitação foi realizado por 50 consumidores, por meio de escala hedônica de 7 pontos, avaliando-se os atributos: aparência, cor, aroma, sabor e textura. A acidez titulável variou entre 0,77 e 1,72 g de ácido cítrico100 g-1, estando dentro da faixa de acidez determinada para diferentes geleias de frutas. O teor de açúcares redutores foi mais elevado na formulação F4. As formulações apresentaram índice de aceitação acima de 90% para os atributos aparência, cor, aroma e textura. As formulações F1 e F2, com menores concentrações de araçá-boi, apresentaram maior aceitação para os atributos sensoriais cor e sabor. Entretanto, a formulação F1 apresentou elevada intenção de compra e foi considerada pelo mapa de preferência interno a mais aceita para todos os atributos avaliados, sendo, portanto, a mais adequada para a industrialização e consumo.
Impacto da cronicidade do transtorno distímico na qualidade de vida
Authors: Orsini Mara Rúbia de Camargo Alves , Ribeiro Cecília Rodrigues
Published: February 2013

A distimia diferencia-se da depressão por sua cronicidade e menor severidade sintomatológica. A cronicidade acarreta sérios prejuízos na rotina dos pacientes, atividades laborais, relacionamentos sociais e qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar o impacto do transtorno distímico na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada com 24 pacientes distímicos, sendo os dados analisados pelo software Alceste. Neste artigo, discutiu-se a classe sobre o Tratamento da Distimia e Qualidade de Vida. Observou-se um ciclo de tristeza que interfere no dia a dia, acarretando insatisfação e frustração, retroalimentando a baixa autoestima, que induziria à continuidade dos sintomas, passando a fazer parte da experiência cotidiana do indivíduo e aparecendo, por fim, como um modo de ser. A partir desses dados, sugere-se que o transtorno possa ser interpretado por novos parâmetros, baseados na compreensão dessa sucessão de processos, que deveria ser o foco da intervenção com tais pacientes.
Biometanização seca de resíduos sólidos urbanos: estado da arte e análise crítica das principais tecnologias
Authors: Gomes Felipe Correia de Souza Pereira , Aquino Sérgio Francisco de , Colturato Luis Felipe de Dornfeld Braga
Published: February 2013

A utilização da tecnologia de digestão anaeróbia (biometanização) para a gestão da fração orgânica dos resíduos sólidos urbanos é uma realidade que vem se disseminando mundialmente. Os sistemas via seca vem se destacando pela maior robustez do sistema biológico e pela minimização da geração de efluentes líquidos. Para avaliar o desempenho de sistemas de digestão via seca, foram realizadas visitas técnicas a plantas das principais tecnologias - Valorga, Laran, Kompogas e Dranco - e, a partir de constatações in loco e de dados levantados junto aos fabricantes, elaborou-se uma metodologia para avaliação das mesmas, com 35 indicadores, divididos em 4 grupos (Histórico; Aspectos Operacionais; Desempenho de Projeto; Desempenho Real). Na soma ponderada, as tecnologias que obtiveram os dois melhores desempenhos foram aquelas denominadas de 4 e 2, respectivamente, que empregam digestor retangular horizontal com agitação mecânica por pás com eixo no sentido transversal ao fluxo do material em digestão.
Parent and Peer Predictors of Violent Behavior of Black and White Teens
Authors: Haggerty Kevin P. , Skinner Martie L. , McGlynn-Wright Anne , Catalano Richard F. , Crutchfield Robert D.
Published: February 2013

This study examines the role that parenting and deviant peers play on frequency of self-reported violent behavior in the 10th grade while testing race differences in mean levels and impact of these risk and protective factors. The level and impact of family and peer factors on violent behavior across race are modeled prospectively from 8th to 10th grade in a sample of 331 (Black [n = 163], White [n = 168]) families from Seattle, Washington, using data from self-administered computer-assisted questionnaires. Mean-level differences indicated greater levels of violent behavior and risk for Black teens in some cases and higher protection in others. Multiple-group structural equation modeling indicated no race differences in predictors of teen violence. Income was also predictive of violent behavior, but analyses including both income and race indicated their relationships to violence overlapped so neither was uniquely predictive. Subsequent logistic regressions revealed that both race and income differences in violent behavior were mediated by association with friends who get in serious trouble at school. We conclude that higher rates of self-reported violent behavior by Blacks compared to Whites are attributable to lower family income and higher rates of associating with deviant peers at school.
Using Ethnography to Monitor the Community Health Implications of Onshore Unconventional Oil and Gas Developments: Examples from Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale
Authors: Perry Simona L.
Published: February 2013

The ethnographer's toolbox has within it a variety of methods for describing and analyzing the everyday lives of human beings that can be useful to public health practitioners and policymakers. These methods can be employed to uncover information on some of the harder-to-monitor psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors that may lead to chronic stress in individuals and communities. In addition, because most ethnographic research studies involve deep and long-term engagement with local communities, the information collected by ethnographic researchers can be useful in tracking long- and short-term changes in overall well-being and health. Set within an environmental justice framework, this article uses examples from ongoing ethnographic fieldwork in the Marcellus Shale gas fields of Pennsylvania to describe and justify using an ethnographic approach to monitor the psychological and sociocultural determinants of community health as they relate to unconventional oil and gas development projects in the United States.
Circadian Regulation of Lipid Mobilization in White Adipose Tissues
Authors: Shostak Anton , Meyer-Kovac Judit , Oster Henrik
Published: February 2013

In mammals, a network of circadian clocks regulates 24-h rhythms of behavior and physiology. Circadian disruption promotes obesity and the development of obesity-associated disorders, but it remains unclear to which extent peripheral tissue clocks contribute to this effect. To reveal the impact of the circadian timing system on lipid metabolism, blood and adipose tissue samples from wild-type, ClockΔ19, and Bmal1−/− circadian mutant mice were subjected to biochemical assays and gene expression profiling. We show diurnal variations in lipolysis rates and release of free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol into the blood correlating with rhythmic regulation of two genes encoding the lipolysis pacemaker enzymes, adipose triglyceride (TG) lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, by self-sustained adipocyte clocks. Circadian clock mutant mice show low and nonrhythmic FFA and glycerol blood content together with decreased lipolysis rates and increased sensitivity to fasting. Instead circadian clock disruption promotes the accumulation of TGs in white adipose tissue (WAT), leading to increased adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy. In summary, circadian modulation of lipolysis rates regulates the availability of lipid-derived energy during the day, suggesting a role for WAT clocks in the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Changes in A1C Levels Are Significantly Associated With Changes in Levels of the Cardiovascular Risk Biomarker hs-CRP
Authors: Schnell Oliver , Amann-Zalan Ildiko , Jelsovsky Zhihong , Moritz Annette , Bermejo Justo L. , Parkin Christopher G. , Schweitzer Matthias A. , Fisher Lawrence , Polonsky William H.
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE

The effect of therapeutic strategies on cardiovascular (CV) disease can be evaluated by monitoring changes in CV risk biomarkers. This study investigated the effect of a structured self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) protocol and the resulting improvements in glycemic control on changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Structured Testing Program (STeP) study was a prospective, cluster-randomized, multicenter trial in which 483 poorly controlled, insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to active control (ACG) or structured testing (STG) that included quarterly structured SMBG. Changes in A1C, hs-CRP, and glycemic variability (STG subjects only) were measured at baseline and quarterly.

RESULTS

Reductions in geometric mean hs-CRP values were significantly greater in the STG group at months 3 (P = 0.005), 6 (P = 0.0003), and 12 (P = 0.04) than in the ACG group. STG patients at high CV risk (>3 mg/L) showed significantly greater reductions in hs-CRP levels than ACG patients at high CV risk: −3.64 mg/dL (95% CI −4.21 to −3.06) versus −2.18 mg/dL (−2.93 to −1.43), respectively (P = 0.002). There was a strong correlation between reductions in hs-CRP and A1C in both groups: standardized coefficient (β) was 0.25 for the entire cohort (P < 0.0001), 0.31 for STG (P < 0.0001), and 0.16 for ACG (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Reductions in hs-CRP level are associated with reductions in A1C but not reductions in lipids or glycemic variability. Comprehensive structured SMBG-based interventions that lower A1C may translate into improvements in CV risk, as evidenced by levels of the biomarker hs-CRP.
Chondrogenically Tuned Expansion Enhances the Cartilaginous Matrix-Forming Capabilities of Primary, Adult, Leporine Chondrocytes
Authors: Huey Daniel J. , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: February 2013

When expanded through passage, chondrocytes lose their ability to produce high-quality cartilaginous matrix. This study attempts to improve the properties of constructs formed with expanded chondrocytes through alterations in the expansion protocol and the ratio of primary to expanded chondrocytes used to form cartilage constructs. A chondrogenically tuned expansion protocol provided similar monolayer growth rates as those obtained using serum-containing medium and enhanced cartilaginous properties of resultant constructs. Various ratios of primary to chondrogenically expanded chondrocytes were then self-assembled to form neocartilage. Biochemical analysis showed that constructs formed with only expanded cells had twice the GAG per wet weight and collagen II/collagen I ratio compared to constructs formed with primary chondrocytes. Biomechanically, compressive properties of constructs formed with only passaged cells matched the instantaneous modulus and exceeded the relaxation modulus of constructs formed with only primary cells. These counterintuitive results show that, by applying proper expansion and three-dimensional culture techniques, the cartilage-forming potential of adult chondrocytes expanded through passage can be enhanced over that of primary cells.
Probiotics in Clostridium difficile infection: reviewing the need for a multistrain probiotic
Authors: Hell M. , Bernhofer C. , Stalzer P. , Kern J.M. , Claassen E.
Published: February 2013

In the past two years an enormous amount of molecular, genetic, metabolomic and mechanistic data on the host-bacterium interaction, a healthy gut microbiota and a possible role for probiotics in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been accumulated. Also, new hypervirulent strains of C. difficile have emerged. Yet, clinical trials in CDI have been less promising than in antibiotic associated diarrhoea in general, with more meta-analysis than primary papers on CDI-clinical-trials. The fact that C. difficile is a spore former, producing at least three different toxins has not yet been incorporated in the rational design of probiotics for (recurrent) CDI. Here we postulate that the plethora of effects of C. difficile and the vast amount of data on the role of commensal gut residents and probiotics point towards a multistrain mixture of probiotics to reduce CDI, but also to limit (nosocomial) transmission and/or endogenous reinfection. On the basis of a retrospective chart review of a series of ten CDI patients where recurrence was expected, all patients on adjunctive probiotic therapy with multistrain cocktail (Ecologic®AAD/OMNiBiOTiC® 10) showed complete clinical resolution. This result, and recent success in faecal transplants in CDI treatment, are supportive for the rational design of multistrain probiotics for CDI.
Philip King Brown and Arequipa Sanatorium: Early Occupational Therapy as Medical and Social Experiment
Authors: Harley Lilas , Schwartz Kathleen Barker
Published: February 2013

Historical inquiry enriches occupational therapy practice by identifying enduring values and inspiring future excellence. This study presents for the first time the pioneering life and work of Philip King Brown, a San Francisco physician who used occupation to treat the physical, mental, and social effects of tuberculosis (TB) at Arequipa Sanatorium, the institution he founded in 1911. Through textual analysis of the Arequipa Sanatorium Records, this article evaluates and defends Brown’s assertion that his institution was medically and socially experimental. The Arequipa Sanatorium promoted occupational therapy by demonstrating its viability in the treatment of TB, the era’s most critical health threat. It also put into practice the ideals of holism, humanism, and occupational justice that resonate within the profession today. Finally, Arequipa provided an example of how an occupation program can change the public perception of disability.
Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Behavioral Health: A Call to Action
Authors: Stoffel Virginia C.
Published: February 2013

As the Affordable Care Act is implemented, occupational therapy practitioners must work to ensure that the essential benefits offered by state insurance exchanges include rehabilitation, habilitation, mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral treatment services.
Developing Transferable Management Skills through Action Learning
Authors: Yeadon-Lee Annie , Hall Roger
Published: February 2013

There has been increasing criticism of the relevance of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in developing skills and competencies. Action learning, devised to address problem solving in the workplace, offers a potential response to such criticism. This paper provides an insight into one university's attempt to integrate action learning into the curriculum. Sixty-five part-time students were questioned at two points in their final year about their action learning experience and the enhancement of relevant managerial skills and competencies. The results showed a mixed picture. Strong confirmation of the importance of selected skills and competencies contrasted with weaker agreement about the extent to which these were developed by action learning. There was, nonetheless, a firm belief in the positive impact on the learning process. The authors conclude that action learning is not a panacea but has an important role in a repertoire of educational approaches to develop relevant skills and competencies.
Scientific Team Effectiveness and the External CEO
Authors: van der Steen Marianne , Englis Paula Danskin , Englis Basil G.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an empirical exploration of the effectiveness of scientific teams and the role of an external CEO in the spin-off formation process. The paper contributes to the literature by focusing on the role of the experienced or ‘external’ entrepreneur (their commercial resources and capabilities) in the early phase of spin-off formation and offering an attempt to understand the interaction between scientific team effectiveness and the external CEO. The data are drawn from the BioPartner First Stage Grant, a seed fund initiated in the Netherlands that aims to stimulate university spin-offs in biotechnology. This unique data set covers 68 biotechnology spin-off projects and the results show that an external CEO positively influences the spin-off creation and leverages the effect of the spin-off's scientific quality.
Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating Liquid Chromatography Method for the Determination of Dabigatran Etexilate in Capsules
Authors: Bernardi Raquel M , Fröehlich Pedro E , Bergold Ana M
Published: February 2013

An RP-LC method was developed and validated for the determination of dabigatran etexilate in a capsule formulation. The LC method was carried out on a Zorbax C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm id). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and a solution of triethylamine 0.1%, pH 6.0 adjusted with phosphoric acid (65 + 35, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The diode array detector was set at 225 nm. The chromatographic separation was obtained with retention time of 6.31 min, and linearity was in the range of 10–70 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9991). The specificity and stability-indicating capability of the method was proven through degradation studies and showing that there was no interference from the excipients. The accuracy was 100.23%, with an RSD of 1.34%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.04 and 10 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, method validation demonstrated acceptable results for robustness and a system suitability test. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of the capsules to ensure their therapeutic efficacy.