bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influência da La Niña na estação chuvosa da região sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Minuzzi Rosandro Boligon , Sediyama Gilberto Chohaku , Costa José Maria Nogueira da , Vianello Rubens Leite
Published: January 2008

Dados diários de 203 estações pluviométricas, localizadas na região Sudeste do Brasil (SEB), foram utilizados com o propósito de analisar estatisticamente a influência do fenômeno La Niña (LN), no comportamento trimestral da precipitação durante a estação chuvosa (EC). A série referente a data de início da estação chuvosa em anos de ocorrência do fenômeno climático, foi classificada, baseada no seu valor médio, máximo e mínimo. A análise das influências do LN no final da estação chuvosa, foi realizada mediante a adoção da técnica dos quantis, para nove áreas pré-definidas do SEB. A quantidade trimestral de precipitação, foi classificada e correlacionada com o Índice de Oscilação Sul (IOS) e a temperatura da superfície do mar (TSM) de quatro regiões do Pacífico Equatorial, com a aplicação dos desvios normalizados e correlações com 'defasagem', respectivamente. Concluiu-se que durante o LN, a estação chuvosa tende a se prolongar na área SP2. Porém, no contexto geral, o fenômeno climático não influenciou o início da estação chuvosa da região Sudeste do Brasil, enquanto, as anomalias expressivas de precipitação, observadas principalmente a partir do trimestre novembro-janeiro, pouco estiveram correlacionadas com o comportamento da TSM do Pacífico Equatorial e, ou, o IOS.
Caracterização térmica de fios de poliaramida
Authors: Boukouvalas Nicolas T. , Wiebeck Hélio
Published: January 2008

A poliaramida (aramida) é um polímero de alto desempenho, cujas principais características são a elevada tenacidade, baixo alongamento e resistência ao calor. Devido ao desconhecimento do mercado em geral a respeito de materiais têxteis, metodologia de ensaios e a nomenclatura utilizada nesta família de materiais, invariavelmente ocorrem erros na escolha da qualidade do produto a adquirir. O uso de equipamentos inadequados para caracterização deste material pode levar a erros de interpretação. Este trabalho visa a melhor informar sobre este mercado, e discutir análises já realizadas. O gráfico tensão x deformação da poliaramida obtido em equipamento e garras corretas é linear, o que não ocorre se o equipamento de tração equipado com garras não for preparado para ensaios de tração de fios têxteis. Em análise termogravimétrica, verificou-se que a taxa de elevação de temperatura mais adequada é de aproximadamente 3 °C/min. A degradação da poliaramida se inicia a aproximadamente 510 °C, pela decomposição térmica das ligações simples, seguida da decomposição térmica dos anéis aromáticos a aproximadamente 525 ºC, sendo que a temperatura de degradação térmica completa ocorre a cerca de 575 °C.
Estudo viscosimétrico de prepolímeros uretânicos
Authors: Delpech Marcia C. , Coutinho Fernanda M. B. , Sousa Kenia G. M. , Cruz Rosângela C.
Published: January 2008

Neste trabalho, prepolímeros uretânicos à base de poli(glicol propilênico) (PPG) e diisocianato de isoforona (IPDI) foram sintetizados em massa e o comportamento das cadeias poliméricas em solução foi avaliado por medidas viscosimétricas, a 30 °C, em isopropanol e tolueno. No tratamento matemático dos dados viscosimétricos, foram empregadas cinco equações para determinação dos valores de viscosidade intrínseca: Huggins, Kraemer e Schulz-Blaschke, por extrapolação gráfica; e Solomon-Ciuta, Deb-Chanterjee e, novamente, Schulz-Blaschke, para determinações por um único ponto, que é um método mais rápido e, portanto, de grande interesse industrial. Foram também calculadas as constantes viscosimétricas de Huggins, Kraemer e Schulz-Blaschke, e analisada a qualidade do solvente. Foi verificado que, independentemente da formulação, o isopropanol foi o melhor solvente para os prepolímeros e que todas as equações empregadas para a determinação por um único ponto foram válidas, sendo a de Solomon-Ciuta a mais adequada.
Polímeros luminescentes como sensores de radiação não ionizante: aplicação em fototerapia neonatal
Authors: Vasconcelos Cláudia K. B. de , Bianchi Rodrigo F.
Published: January 2008

Neste trabalho foram observadas mudanças nas propriedades de emissão e de absorção de soluções de poli[2-metoxi-5-(2’etil-hexiloxi)-p-fenilenovinileno] - MEH-PPV com a exposição à radiação na região espectral do visível na faixa de 425 a 500 nm. Os resultados demonstram a possibilidade do uso de sistemas luminescentes como elemento ativo de detectores de radiação não ionizante, sobretudo na região empregada na profilaxia e no tratamento fototerápico da hiperbilirrubinemia neonatal.
Análise biomecânica das articulações do quadril e joelho durante a marcha em participantes idosos
Authors: Kirkwood Renata Noce , Gomes Henrique de Alencar , Sampaio Rosana Ferreira , Culham Elsie , Costigan Patrick
Published: January 2008

O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a amplitude de movimento, o momento de força, a potência e o trabalho das articulações do quadril e joelho durante a marcha em um grupo de participantes entre 55 e 75 anos de idade. O andar é uma atividade diária comum e normalmente prescrita como exercício terapêutico na reabilitação de pessoas idosas. Dados cinemáticos e cinéticos das articulações do quadril e joelho foram obtidos usando o sistema Optotrak, associado a uma plataforma de força, raio-X padronizado para determinar com acurácia o centro de rotação das articulações do joelho e quadril e dados antropométricos. A articulação do quadril gerou mais trabalho que o joelho durante a marcha. O quadril gerou um total de 0.40J/kg, sendo que 22% ocorreram no plano frontal, 76% no sagital e 2% no plano transverso. A articulação do joelho gerou um trabalho total de 0,30J/kg durante a marcha, sendo 7% no plano frontal, 90% no sagital e 3% no transverso. O estudo biomecânico das articulações durante diferentes atividades leva a uma maior compreensão do papel de cada articulação durante o movimento, contribuindo assim para a elaboração de melhores programas físicos de reabilitação, prevenção e treinamento de performance.
Plants with possible psychoactive effects used by the Krahô Indians, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Carlini E A
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE: In spite of the richness of the Brazilian biodiversity, no phytomedicines have been developed from this flora with the purpose of being used in psychiatric treatments. The objective of the present study was to document the use of plants with possible psychoactive effects in rituals performed by the Krahô Indians, who live in the cerrado savannahs biome in the central region of Brazil. Also, the present data were compared with the data obtained during a review of the literature on the use of psychoactive plants by 25 Brazilian indigenous groups. METHOD: The study was carried out during two years of fieldwork during which anthropological and botanical methods were employed. RESULTS: Seven local shamans were interviewed and they indicated 98 formulas, consisting of 45 plant species that appear to have psychoactive properties and were used in 25 different treatments. Some of the psychoactive properties were "prevention of madness", "stimulant effect", "tranquilizing effect", "prevention of tremors", "longer sleeping period", "open mind" and "induction of sleep". This article also describes the review of literature, which recorded 58 plants that may have psychoactive effects used by 25 Brazilian Indian cultures. CONCLUSION: The treatment of psychological/psychiatric disorders based on the plants used by the Krahô Indians is very rich. It is also observed among other Brazilian indigenous groups. Future phytochemical and pharmacological studies on these plants may develop new medicines to treat psychiatric disorders.
Family Burden Interview Scale for relatives of psychiatric patients (FBIS-BR): reliability study of the Brazilian version
Authors: Bandeira Marina , Calzavara Maria Gláucia Pires , Freitas Lucas Cordeiro , Barroso Sabrina Martins
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE: Psychiatric deinstitutionalization resulted in greater involvement of families in daily care of patients. Family caregivers burden has been described by international researches. In Brazil very few studies investigated family burden with validated scales, perhaps due to the restrict availability of scales to measure this construct. The present study examined the reliability of the Brazilian version of the Family Burden Interview Schedule. METHOD: Scale reliability was assessed through its internal consistency and temporal stability. A sample of 243 family caregivers of psychiatric patients attending public outpatient services were interviewed with the scale. Socio-demographic data were collected with a standardized form. A sub-sample of 42 relatives participated in a re-test, after 3 weeks, for assessment of the scale temporal stability. RESULTS: Cronbach alpha coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.90 for global and domains scores. Pearson correlation coefficients and intra-class correlation coefficients for test and retest ranged from 0.54 to 0.90. DISCUSSION: Results for internal consistency were similar to the original scale. Four subscales presented alpha coefficients superior to the original ones. The temporal stability cannot be compared because this analysis was not performed for the original scale. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the scale had good psychometric properties of temporal stability and internal consistency.
A lucarna do infinito: Baudelaire e a fotografia
Authors: Müller Adalberto
Published: January 2008

Em seu comentário agressivo à fotografia na abertura do Salon de 1859, Baudelaire parece pintar um auto-retrato do esteta antiburguês. No entanto, a posição de Baudelaire relativamente à fotografia é ambígua e deve ser entendida dentro do contexto paradoxal de seu amor à modernidade e ódio ao progresso. Através da leitura desse texto, pretendemos demonstrar o importante papel que ele desempenha na teoria baudelairiana da imaginação e mostrar como ele pode revelar uma certa cegueira dos poetas e literatos relativamente às novas tecnologias de (re)produção da imagem.
Stunting: its relation to overweight, global or localized adiposity and risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases
Authors: Vieira Valéria Cristina Ribeiro , Fransceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Fisberg Mauro , Priore Sílvia Eloiza
Published: January 2008

This article discloses and discusses recent findings that have associated stunting - which still represents the most prevalent deviation from normal body measurements among children living in developing countries - with overweight and higher adiposity, mainly in the central region of the body, and their clinical and physio-pathological consequences. Although there is need for further studies to clarify these associations, there is a tendency for the weight/height index and body fat topography to behave differently in short and normal stature individuals, mainly in females. This review, therefore, alerts health professionals this characteristic, given that this anthropometric profile may be linked to the widespread occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases and/or to risk factors for these conditions and that stunting is still a reality in developing countries.
Toxoplasmose na gestação: diagnóstico, tratamento e importância de protocolo clínico
Authors: Margonato Fabiana Burdini , Silva Ana Mario Rigo , Soares Darli Antonio , Amaral Denise Araújo , Petris Airton José
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVOS: comparar aspectos laboratoriais, terapêuticos e gastos com toxoplasmose em gestantes, em época prévia à implantação de protocolo clínico, a uma situação hipotética de aplicação de um protocolo. MÉTODOS: coorte histórica com gestantes inscritas no pré-natal de unidades básicas de saúde de Londrina, Paraná, que realizaram exames laboratoriais de rotina de pré-natal, incluindo sorologia para toxoplasmose aguda, no período de janeiro a novembro de 2004. Os dados foram obtidos na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e no Hospital Universitário. A realização de exame confirmatório, tratamento e respectivos gastos foram comparados com dados provenientes de uma situação hipotética de implantação de um protocolo clínico. RESULTADOS: na situação real, em 75% das gestantes com IgM reagente para toxoplasmose não houve diagnóstico definitivo e, entre as que realizaram exame confirmatório, o tempo médio decorrido entre os dois exames foi de 23 semanas; 28,5% foram tratadas sem confirmação e no único caso confirmado não houve tratamento. Na comparação com a situação hipotética, a realização do exame confirmatório na mesma amostra de sangue possibilitaria diagnóstico definitivo a todas. Os menores gastos com medicamentos compensariam o aumento de custos com exames confirmatórios. CONCLUSÕES: os resultados demonstram a importância da implantação de protocolos clínicos de forma adequada, quer seja sob o ponto de vista de proteção à saúde, ou de economia.
Correlação entre o índice tornozelo-braço antes e após teste de deslocamento bidirecional progressivo
Authors: Cunha-Filho Inácio Teixeira da , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes , Carvalho André Maurício Borges de , Garcia Júlia Polcaro , Mortimer Luciana Morais , Burni Inalda Cunha
Published: January 2008

CONTEXTO: A alteração de fluxo sangüíneo observada nos pacientes com doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP) contribui para a redução da capacidade deambulatórida. Entretanto, ainda existe uma grande variabilidade nas correlações entre medidas inferenciais de comprometimento de fluxo e testes de deslocamento. OBJETIVO: Estabelecer o nível de correlação entre as medidas do índice tornozelo-braço (ITB), pré e pós-esforço, com um novo teste de deambulação chamado teste de deslocamento bidirecional progressivo (TDBP). MÉTODOS: Vinte e um pacientes claudicantes, com diagnóstico de DAOP, tiveram registrados o ITB antes e após a realização de um teste de caminhada no solo, com controle externo e progressivo de velocidade (TDBP). RESULTADOS: Foram registrados a distância (261,07±160,63 metros), o tempo (292,30±122,61 segundos) e a velocidade (1,23±0,34 m/s) obtidos no início do surgimento de sintoma claudicante, bem como durante o surgimento de sintoma limitante (369,52±157,97 metros, 377,71±104,60 segundos, 1,46±0,29 m/s, respectivamente). A média do ITB de repouso foi de 0,66±0,14, e de pós-esforço foi de 0,42±0,19. Não se observou nenhuma correlação importante entre as variáveis do teste (distância, tempo e velocidade) com o ITB de repouso e nem após esforço. CONCLUSÃO: O tempo, velocidade e distância de surgimento de sintoma claudicante e de sintoma claudicante limitante durante o teste de caminhada progressiva são independentes da medida inferencial de fluxo sangüíneo através do ITB de repouso e pós-exercício.
Influência da altura do salto de sapatos na função venosa da mulher jovem
Authors: Tedeschi Filho Wagner , Piccinato Carlos Eli , Moriya Takachi , Joviliano Edwaldo E. , Dezotti Nei R. A.
Published: January 2008

CONTEXTO: A influência da altura do salto de sapatos na função venosa é ainda assunto controverso na literatura mundial. A importância da ergonomia na qualidade de vida é um fator consagrado e situações que a prejudiquem como permanência prolongada na posição supina, qualidade dos calçados e condições do local de trabalho podem interferir na saúde do indivíduo. OBJETIVO: Estudar a influência da altura do salto do sapato na drenagem venosa dos membros inferiores, utilizando-se a pletismografia a ar (PGA). MÉTODO: Quinze mulheres, com idade média de 24,6 anos, assintomáticas, utilizando calçados de tamanhos apropriados, foram examinadas em três momentos: descalças (0 cm), salto médio (3,5 cm) e alto (7 cm). Apresentavam índice de massa corporal < 25 e foram classificadas de acordo com a Classificação Internacional CEAP, em critérios: clínico (C0 ou C1), etiológico (Ep), anatômico (As) e fisiopatológico (Pr). Os valores do índice de enchimento venoso (IEV), da fração de ejeção (FE) e da fração de volume residual (FVR) foram separados em três categorias pela altura do salto e comparados entre si, utilizando-se a análise de variância para médias repetidas (ANOVA). RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição da FE e aumento da FVR no grupo de salto alto em relação ao grupo descalço (p < 0,005). Não ocorreu diferença desses parâmetros entre o grupo de salto médio e os outros grupos. O IEV comportou-se de maneira semelhante nas três situações avaliadas. CONCLUSÃO: O salto alto diminui a função de bomba muscular demonstrado pela queda da FE e aumento da FVR, podendo, com o seu uso contínuo, provocar hipertensão venosa nos membros inferiores, o que poderia ser preditivo de sintomatologia na doença venosa.
Profilaxia antimicrobiana em cirurgia vascular periférica: cefalosporina ainda é o padrão-ouro?
Authors: Lichtenfels Eduardo , Lucas Márcio L. , Webster Ronaldo , d' Azevedo Pedro A.
Published: January 2008

Nas cirurgias vasculares periféricas, as cefalosporinas têm seu uso consagrado como agente antimicrobiano profilático de escolha. Recentemente, observamos uma mudança nos padrões de colonização, prevalência de patógenos e suscetibilidade geral aos antimicrobianos. Os patógenos multirresistentes vêm se tornando cada vez mais freqüentes nas infecções de ferida cirúrgica vascular, demonstrando variações regionais e locais quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos profiláticos utilizados na rotina cirúrgica. Os dados e a literatura disponível até o momento demonstram que não existe evidência suficiente para uma mudança na rotina profilática perioperatória. Entretanto, devemos levar em consideração os padrões regionais e institucionais de prevalência de patógenos resistentes e padrões de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos para estabelecer guias e orientações específicas para a utilização de antimicrobianos profiláticos alternativos.
The Cultural Divide of Discourse: Understanding How English‐Language Learners' Primary Discourse Influences Acquisition of Literacy
Authors: Mays Lydia
Published: January 2008

As the minority population and achievement gap in the United States continue to grow, the rapidly increasing epidemic of leaving English‐language learners (ELLs) behind is one of grave concern for educators. Due to disparities between academic Discourses and ELLs' primary Discourse, a free and equal education, as claimed by the U.S. government, may, in actuality, be far from equal and costing ELLs dearly.

This article elicits thought‐provoking questions relating to the ways in which ELLs' primary Discourses serve as a barrier to school success because of academic Discourses embedded within school curriculums and assessments. This article also urges teachers to identify and acknowledge the significance of the role their own Discourses play in their approach to teaching ELLs and provides strategies to link the primary Discourse of ELLs and the academic Discourse of schools.
Prognostic Value of Initial Clinical Disease Stage After Achieving Pathological Complete Response
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah , Broglio Kristine , Kau Shu-Wan , Islam Rabiul , Symmans W. Fraser , Buchholz Thomas A. , McGuire Sean E. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Cristofanilli Massimo , Hortobágyi Gabriel N. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M.
Published: January 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Define survival outcomes in women with early-stage breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.Define the prognostic value of initial clinical stage in women with breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.Define survival outcomes in women with inflammatory breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prognostic impact of initial clinical stage in patients who achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) after receiving primary systemic chemotherapy (PST). Between 1977 and 2006, 489 patients who had achieved a pCR after receiving an anthracycline-based PST regimen were identified. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier product limit method and the differences between groups were compared using the log-rank statistic. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine the association of initial clinical stage with survival outcomes after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. The median age was 47 years. Twenty (4.1%) patients had stage I disease, 243 (49.7%) had stage II disease, 189 (38.7%) had stage III disease, and 37 (7.5%) had inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). At a median follow-up of 45 months, 59 (12%) patients had experienced disease recurrence. The 5-year RFS and OS rates for the whole cohort were 87.8% and 89.3%, respectively. Lower clinical stage at diagnosis was associated with statistically significant higher RFS and OS rates. In a multivariate model, patients with clinical stage IIIB/C disease and those with IBC had lower RFS rates than patients with clinical stage I/II/IIIA disease. In addition, patients with clinical stage IIIB/C disease and those with IBC had a greater hazard of death than patients with clinical stage I/II/IIIA disease. Overall, patients who achieved a pCR had a low rate of recurrence. However, higher clinical stage and IBC were associated with worse outcomes in breast cancer patients who achieved a pCR after PST.
Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cell Subsets from Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathies Show an Abnormal Distribution and Are Functionally Impaired
Authors: Martín-Ayuso Marta , Almeida Julia , Pérez-Andrés Martín , Cuello Rebeca , Galende Josefina , González-Fraile Maria Isabel , Martín-Nuñez Guillermo , Ortega Fernando , Rodríguez Maria Jesús , San Miguel Jesús F. , Orfao Alberto
Published: January 2008

Objectives.

The information currently available about dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with different types of monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is limited and frequently controversial. In the present study, we analyzed the ex vivo distribution as well as the phenotypic and functional characteristics of peripheral blood (PB) DCs from different types of MG.

Methods.

For this purpose, 61 untreated patients in total with MG were analyzed—MG of undetermined significance (MGUS), 29 cases; multiple myeloma (MM), 28 cases; and plasma cell leukemia (PCL), 4 cases—in comparison with a group of 10 healthy controls.

Results.

Our results show an absolute overall higher number of all subsets of PB DCs in PCL, together with lower numbers of myeloid DCs in MM patients. From a phenotypic point of view, PB DC subsets from all types of MG expressed significantly higher levels of HLA molecules and altered patterns of expression of the CD2, CD11c, CD16, CD22, CD62L, and CD86 molecules, in association with altered patterns of secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion.

In summary, we show the existence of significant abnormalities in the distribution, phenotype, and pattern of secretion of inflammatory cytokines by different subsets of PB DCs from patients with MGs, which could reflect a potentially altered homing of DCs, together with a greater in vivo activation and lower responsiveness of PB DCs, which are already detectable in MGUS patients.
A sampling-adjusted macroevolutionary history for Ordovician-Early Silurian crinoids
Authors: Peters Shanan E. , Ausich William I.
Published: January 2008

Temporal variation in sampling intensity and geologically controlled rates of fossil preservation distort macroevolutionary patterns in the fossil record. Here, we use a comprehensive, list-based compilation of taxonomically and stratigraphically vetted global crinoid genus occurrences to evaluate and correct for the effects of variable and incomplete sampling from the Ordovician through Early Silurian. After standardizing the number of occurrences or the number of biofacies used to estimate the stratigraphic ranges of genera and after adjusting rates of turnover to account for the incomplete preservation of true extinction and origination pulses, we find support for several important revisions to the macroevolutionary history of crinoids. First, in contrast to the uncorrected data, sample-standardized genus richness does not appear to increase by more than 20% after an abrupt Middle Ordovician (Harnagian) diversification. Second, the only significant short-term change in genus richness following the Harnagian increase is a ≥24% decline from the Rawtheyan to the Hirnantian. Third, volatility in rates of genus extinction is increased after adjusting for preservation and there remain significant peaks of extinction in the Rawtheyan, which marks the end-Ordovician extinction, and in the middle of the Early Silurian. Finally, significant increases in origination rates occur in the Early Silurian. These results reaffirm the importance of the end-Ordovician extinction for crinoids, but they also highlight the comparatively poorly sampled Early Silurian as a time of turnover among crinoids.

Crinoid genus extinction rates are positively correlated with area-weighted rates of sedimentary package truncation, suggesting that extinction may have been controlled by physical environmental changes, such as the contraction of unique epicontinental sea habitats. The lack of a correlation between genus origination and sedimentary package initiation reinforces this hypothesis and suggests that other factors, such as evolutionary innovations and biotic interactions during the Ordovician radiation, may have been more important in controlling the diversification of crinoids.
Self-Reported Age-Related Eye Diseases and Visual Impairment in the United States: Results of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Ryskulova Asel , Turczyn Kathleen , Makuc Diane M. , Cotch Mary Frances , Klein Richard J. , Janiszewski Rosemary
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We sought to establish national data on the prevalence of visual impairment, blindness, and selected eye conditions (cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration) and to characterize these conditions within sociodemographic subgroups.

Methods. Information on self-reported visual impairment and diagnosed eye diseases was collected from 31 044 adults. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and odds ratios with logistic regression using SUDAAN.

Results. Among noninstitutionalized US adults 18 years and older, the estimated prevalence for visual impairment was 9.3% (19.1 million Americans), including 0.3% (0.7 million) with blindness. Lifetime prevalence of diagnosed diseases was as follows: cataract, 8.6% (17 million); glaucoma, 2.0% (4 million); macular degeneration, 1.1% (2 million); and diabetic retinopathy, 0.7% (1.3 million). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among persons with diagnosed diabetes was 9.9%.

Conclusions. We present the most recently available national data on self-reported visual impairment and selected eye diseases in the United States. The results of this study provide a baseline for future public health initiatives relating to visual impairment.
Childhood Mental Ability and Adult Alcohol Intake and Alcohol Problems: The 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Batty G. David , Deary Ian J. , Schoon Ingrid , Emslie Carol , Hunt Kate , Gale Catharine R.
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined the potential relation of mental ability test scores at age 10 years with alcohol problems and alcohol intake at age 30 years.

Methods. We used data from a prospective observational study involving 8170 members of a birth cohort from Great Britain born in 1970. Data included mental ability scores at age 10 years and responses to inquiries about alcohol intake and problems at age 30 years.

Results. After adjustment for potential mediating and confounding factors, cohort members with higher childhood mental ability scores had an increased prevalence of problem drinking in adulthood. This association was stronger among women (odds ratio [OR]1 SD increase in ability= 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16, 1.64) than men (OR1 SD increase in ability= 1.17; CI = 1.04, 1.28; P for interaction = .004). Childhood mental ability was also related to a higher average intake of alcohol and to drinking more frequently. Again, these gradients were stronger among women than among men.

Conclusions. In this large-scale cohort study, higher childhood mental ability was related to alcohol problems and higher alcohol intake in adult life. These unexpected results warrant examination in other studies.
Burden of HIV Infection Among Aboriginal Injection Drug Users in Vancouver, British Columbia
Authors: Wood Evan , Montaner Julio S.G. , Li Kathy , Zhang Ruth , Barney Lucy , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Tyndall Mark W. , Kerr Thomas
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We sought to examine whether there were differential rates of HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal injection drug users in a Canadian setting.

Methods. Data were derived from 2 prospective cohort studies of injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia. Using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression, we compared HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants.

Results. Overall, 2496 individuals were recruited between May 1996 and December 2005. Compared with that of non-Aboriginal persons, the baseline HIV prevalence was higher among Aboriginal persons (16.0% vs 25.1%; P<.001). Among participants who were HIV negative at baseline, the cumulative HIV incidence at 48 months was higher among Aboriginal persons (18.5% vs 9.5%; P<.001). In multivariate analyses, Aboriginal ethnicity was independently associated with elevated HIV incidence (relative hazard=1.59; 95% confidence interval=1.12, 2.26; P=.009).

Conclusions. Aboriginal persons in Vancouver had a significantly elevated burden of HIV infection, which calls for a culturally sensitive and evidence-based response. Policymakers in other settings with at-risk Aboriginal populations should seek to avert similar public health emergencies by being proactive with evidence-based HIV-prevention programs.
Recent Archaeological Work in Roman Iberia (1990–2002)
Authors: Keay Simon
Published: February 2008

The Iberian peninsula is a key region that has the potential to transform fundamentally our understanding of the Roman Empire. The longevity of the Roman presence in Iberia, the huge geographical variety of its regions, and the cultural differences between its peoples make it ideal for understanding the genesis, development, and disintegration of the Roman Empire as a whole. The transformation of regional infrastructure in Spain and Portugal during the 1980s and 1990s has generated much new archaeological information. This is particularly true of the major cities, where intensive urban development has greatly enhanced our understanding of their layout and development during the historic periods. In the countryside too, the expansion of the road networks, EU-inspired changes in crop quotas, and the intensification of mechanized farming have all had a major impact and substantially increased the number of known villas and rural settlements.
Agathon and Kassandra (IGIX. 124. 1750)
Authors: Fraser P.M.
Published: February 2008

The author discusses an inscription of the late fourth or early third century BC carved on a bronze plaque found in the first excavations at Dodona, on which a Zakynthian, by name Agathon, records a link of proxeny between himself and his family and the Epirote koinon of the Molossians, through Kassandra, the Trojan prophetess. The plaque is decorated by a prominent phallus with testicles, which the author interprets as referring to the continuity, past and future, of the γενεά of Agathon. Other explanations of the whole piece have been proposed, and the present essay is intended only to explore the possibility of this interpretation.
Party Differentiation in Congress
Authors: LOWRY WILLIAM R. , SHIPAN CHARLES R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract At times, the American political parties are so close in terms of policy positions that critics denounce the lack of a “dime's worth of difference” between them. At other times, the gap between them on a left‐right dimension is huge. How can we explain this variation? We argue that parties can behave rationally as collective units, and that shifts in divergence and convergence can be explained as rational responses to changes within governmental institutions and to shifts in conditions outside. We analyze this argument using adjusted ADA scores (Groseclose, Levitt, and Snyder 1999) to compare voting score differences between the Democratic and Republican parties in Congress from 1952 to 1996. We pose specific hypotheses for potentially important factors shaping party behavior and test them with a multivariate model. Our results support the argument that the variation in the behavioral gap between the two parties in Congress can be explained as rational party responses to internal and external stimuli.
Minority Rights and Majority Power: Theoretical Consequences of the Motion to Recommit
Authors: KREHBIEL KEITH , MEIROWITZ ADAM
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Motivated by the U.S. Congress's motion to recommit with instructions to report forthwith, we analyze a simple spatial model to clarify the relationship between early‐stage agenda‐setting rights of a committee or the majority party, a late‐stage minimum parliamentary right of the minority party or a noncommittee member, and the distribution of power over outcomes. The extent to which certain parliamentary rights empower agents is dependent on the relative locations of the exogenous status quo and the preferences of the legislators. We derive comparative statics on the relationship between proposal order and power by considering a model that allows preference heterogeneity and status quo centrality to vary. Finally, we relate the findings to recurring substantive debates on majority party power and committee power.
Explaining Seat Changes in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1950–98
Authors: NEWMAN BRIAN , OSTROM CHARLES
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Recent U.S. House elections have challenged existing models of congressional elections, raising the question of whether or not processes thought to govern previous elections are still at work. Taking Marra and Ostrom's (1989) model of congressional elections as representative of extant theoretical perspectives and testing it against recent elections, we find that the model fails. We augment Marra and Ostrom's model with new insights, constructing a model that explains elections from 1950 to 1998. We find that, although presidential approval ratings and major political events continue to drive congressional elections, the distribution of open seats must also be taken into account.
Power chords
Authors: Lewis Barry
Published: February 2008

I recently came across a very appealing result about the product of the lengths of the chords of a regular polygon with n sides inscribed in a unit circle. If one vertex is selected and the product of the chord lengths from that vertex to each of the others is evaluated, the result is just n. There is a simple proof. Consider such a polygon and denote its vertices by the points A0, A1, … , An. Suppose that O is the centre of the circle and the origin of the complex plane. The roots of the equation

are just where ω is a primitive nth root of unity. Each of these roots represents one of the vertices. Suppose for convenience that the real number 1 is represented by A0.
Stakeholder Theory: A Libertarian Defense
Authors: Edward Freeman R. , Phillips Robert A.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that at least one strain of what has come to be called “stakeholder theory” has roots that are deeply libertarian. We begin by explicating both “stakeholder theory” and “libertarian arguments.” We show how there are libertarian arguments for both instrumental and normative stakeholder theory, and we construct a version of capitalism, called “stakeholder capitalism,” that builds on these libertarian ideas. We argue throughout that strong notions of “freedom” and “voluntary action” are the best possible underpinnings for stakeholder theory, and in doing so, seek to return “stakeholder theory” to its managerial and libertarian roots found in Freeman (1984).
Lectotypification of the names of two species of Fumana (Cistaceae)
Authors: Güemes Jaime , Muñoz-Garmendia Félix
Published: February 2008

The names Cistus ericoides Cav. and C. laevis Cav. are typified. These names apply to two species, currently classified within the genus Fumana (Dunal) Spach, but the names have been frequently misapplied and both of them pose typification problems. The type specimen of the first has not been found. Thus an illustration is chosen as type and an epitype designated. The original material of C. laevis comprises a mixture of two different species. One element is selected to clarify the application of this binomial.
The significance of 'it' in the nomenclature of three Tasmanian conifers:Microcachrys tetragonaandMicrostrobos niphophilus(Podocarpaceae), andDiselma archeri(Cupressaceae)
Authors: Brummitt Richard K. , Mill Robert R. , Farjon Aljos
Published: February 2008

The typification and tortuous nomenclature of three Tasmanian conifers is discussed. They are currently known asMicrocachrys tetragona(Hook.) Hook. f.,Microstrobos niphophilusJ. Garden & L.A.S. Johnson (bothPodocarpaceae) andDiselma archeriHook. f. (Cupressaceae). The similarities between these plants, all of which are dioecious, microphyllous shrubs with minute cones and which often grow together, have resulted in their original descriptions being confused and each based on two or more elements belonging to different taxa. A chronological account of the chaotic and confusing literature relevant to this problem is presented together with a revised nomenclature. Much confusion in recent literature has been caused by authors misinterpreting what J.D. Hooker was referring to when he used the pronoun 'it' in a commentary in 1857. The most serious conclusion is thatPherosphaera hookerianaW. Archer bis is the correct name for "Microstrobos niphophilusJ. Garden & L.A.S. Johnson", a binary designation that has been in use for 50 years but which is shown still not to be a validly published name. As a consequence of this, the other (Australian) species ofMicrostrobos, M. fitzgeraldii(F. Muell.) J. Garden & L.A.S. Johnson, must also be transferred back toPherosphaera. Lectotypes are designated forMicrocachrys tetragonaandPherosphaera hookeriana; an earlier lectotypification of the latter name is here rejected since the specimen chosen was not part of the original material. Possibilities of conserving names involved are discussed.
Chancery Reform and Law Reform
Authors: Getzler Joshua
Published: February 2008

Michael Lobban shows how dissatisfaction with the law-equity split in English civil justice predated the Judicature Act reforms by two generations at least (one could argue two-and-a half centuries or more—periodization fails quickly). Lobban links the first modern debates over fusion to high legal politics on the one hand and to the more intricate internal problems of evidence, procedure, and jurisdiction on the other. Lawyers of the earlier Victorian age found the Chancery system bequeathed to them by Lord Eldon to be intolerable on two counts: it represented Old Corruption or monopolistic private control of public offices and it exacted heavy costs in procedural inconvenience, cost, and delay. Lobban does not see ideology such as Benthamite philosophy driving the rationalization of Chancery doctrine and institutions though he does not dismiss this factor entirely.
Eating Out in Imperial Russia: Class, Nationality, and Dining before the Great Reforms
Authors: Smith Alison K.
Published: February 2008

During the first half of the nineteenth century, arguments over Russian social structure played a central role in discussions of eating establishments. The Russian state controlled these establishments in part through legislation that kept social groups apart; it focused particularly on the extremes of the social hierarchy, showing little interest in the middling groups. In more narrative descriptions of eating establishments, however, the middling groups—or their absence—seemed remarkably important. Foreign observers generally felt that Russia lacked both a middle class and middling eating establishments. Russians in part agreed, but by the middle of the century they were more likely to locate a middle class among one particular group: Moscow's merchants.
Estimation precision of degree of polarization in the presence of signal-dependent and additive Poisson noises
Authors: Bénière Arnaud , Goudail François , Alouini Mehdi , Dolfi Daniel
Published: January 2008

We address precision of estimation of the degree of polarization (DOP) from the orthogonal state contrast image (OSCI) in the presence of both signal-dependent Poisson noise due to useful signal, and additive Poisson noise due to dark current and / or background light. We determine the Cramer Rao Lower Bound and deduce from it figures of merit for DOP estimation. In particular, we show that the additive Poisson noise has larger influence on DOP estimation than on intensity estimation when light is highly polarized.
Shannon Meets Shortz: A Probabilistic Model of Crossword Puzzle Difficulty
Authors: Efron Miles
Published: February 2008

This article is concerned with the difficulty of crossword puzzles. A model is proposed that quantifies the difficulty of a Puzzle P with respect to its clues. Given a clue–answer pair (c,a), we model the difficulty of guessing a based on c using the conditional probability P(a|c); easier mappings should enjoy a higher conditional probability. The model is tested by two experiments, each of which involves estimating the difficulty of puzzles taken from The New York Times. Additionally, we discuss how the notion of information implicit in our model relates to more easily quantifiable types of information that figure into crossword puzzles.
The importance of and a method for including transfection efficiency into real‐time PCR data analyses
Authors: Godbey WT. , Zhang Xiujuan , Chang Fengqi
Published: February 2008

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used to ascertain absolute or relative changes in the expression levels of specific genes as a function of cell type or in response to changes in environmental stimuli. Real‐time PCR is an advance which allows for the analysis of gene expression over a wide range of initial cDNA concentrations, where the cDNA is the product of reverse transcriptase reactions applied to RNA samples. With the advent and advances in gene delivery technologies, it is now common for the cellular responses under scrutiny to be initiated via the expression of an exogenously delivered gene. When transfection (or transduction) is a part of the procedure used to prepare cell samples for real‐time PCR, it is necessary to take the efficiency of gene delivery into account. Here a robust mathematical model for such analyses is derived, and validated with theoretical and experimental support. Comparison to existing analysis methods is presented to demonstrate the high significance of noting transfection, loading, and primer PCR efficiencies when processing PCR data./ Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 765–772. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A facile method for somatic, lifelong manipulation of multiple genes in the mouse liver
Authors: Wangensteen Kirk J. , Wilber Andrew , Keng Vincent W. , He Zhiying , Matise Ilze , Wangensteen Laura , Carson Corey M. , Chen Yixin , Steer Clifford J. , McIvor Scott R. , Largaespada David A. , Wang Xin , Ekker Stephen C.
Published: February 2008

Current techniques for the alteration of gene expression in the liver have a number of limitations, including the lack of stable somatic gene transfer and the technical challenges of germline transgenesis. Rapid and stable genetic engineering of the liver would allow systematic,

in vivo

testing of contributions by many genes to disease. After fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase (

Fah

) gene transfer to hepatocytes, selective repopulation of the liver occurs in FAH-deficient mice. This genetic correction is readily mediated with transposons. Using this approach, we show that genes with biological utility can be linked to a selectable

Fah

transposon cassette. First, net conversion of

Fah

−/− liver tissue to transgenic tissue, and its outgrowth, was monitored by bioluminescence

in vivo

from a luciferase gene linked to the FAH gene. Second, coexpressed short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) stably reduced target gene expression, indicating the potential for loss-of-function assays. Third, a mutant allele of human α1-antitrypsin (hAAT) was linked to

Fah

and resulted in protein inclusions within hepatocytes, which are the histopathological hallmark of hAAT deficiency disorder. Finally, oncogenes linked to

Fah

resulted in transformation of transduced hepatocytes.

Conclusion:

Coexpression with FAH is an effective technique for lifelong expression of transgenes in adult hepatocytes with applicability to a wide variety of genetic studies in the liver.
Apolipoprotein B–dependent hepatitis C virus secretion is inhibited by the grapefruit flavonoid naringenin
Authors: Nahmias Yaakov , Goldwasser Jonathan , Casali Monica , van Poll Daan , Wakita Takaji , Chung Raymond T. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects over 3% of the world population and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HCV has long been known to associate with circulating lipoproteins, and its interactions with the cholesterol and lipid pathways have been recently described. In this work, we demonstrate that HCV is actively secreted by infected cells through a Golgi-dependent mechanism while bound to very low density lipoprotein (vLDL). Silencing apolipoprotein B (ApoB) messenger RNA in infected cells causes a 70% reduction in the secretion of both ApoB-100 and HCV. More importantly, we demonstrate that the grapefruit flavonoid naringenin, previously shown to inhibit vLDL secretion both

in vivo

and

in vitro

, inhibits the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein activity as well as the transcription of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 in infected cells. Stimulation with naringenin reduces HCV secretion in infected cells by 80%. Moreover, we find that naringenin is effective at concentrations that are an order of magnitude below the toxic threshold in primary human hepatocytes and in mice.

Conclusion:

These results suggest a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCV infection.