bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Testing Approach in HLA Genotyping Helps Overcome Barriers in Effective Clinical Practice
Authors: Cheng Suk-Hang , Kwan Patrick , Ng Ho-Keung , Ng Margaret H-L
Published: June 2009

Background: Severe and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions to drugs, particularly antiepileptics, are clinically unpredictable. Recent evidence has revealed a strong and specific association between the implicated drug, the type of adverse reaction, and the particular HLA genotype. An urgent need exists for rapid diagnosis of HLA status to guide drug prescription; however, traditional HLA genotyping has a long turnaround time, is expensive, and is available only in specialized centers. We tested the feasibility of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based approach to detect a specific HLA genotype. As an example, we used B*1502, an HLA allele strongly associated with carbamazepine-induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, and validated the assay’s application as a simple, accurate, rapid, and low-cost blood test for use in both clinical and bedside settings.

Methods: We evaluated B*1502 status with the new LAMP method and compared the results with those obtained by sequence-based typing (SBT) (n = 250) and by sequence-specific primer PCR (SSP-PCR) (n = 200) for 450 samples of DNA (n = 50) and blood (n = 400) from a hematology laboratory.

Results: LAMP results showed 100% concordance with both SBT and SSP-PCR results, confirming that LAMP detection of a specific HLA genotype (B*1502 in this case) is an accurate method. All results were available within 1 h.

Conclusions: Our study confirmed that the new LAMP method for detecting a specific HLA genotype is simple, inexpensive, accurate, and rapid, and may be of help in overcoming barriers in effective clinical practice.
Challenges Too Strong for the Nascent State of Timor-Leste: Petitioners and Mutineers
Authors: Arnold Matthew B.
Published: June 2009

Timor-Leste was badly shaken by a violent national crisis from April 2006 to April 2008. Central to the turmoil were the presence and actions of two groups of ex-soldiers from the Timorese army, known as “petitioners” and “mutineers.” This article examines their roles in driving the crisis, by empirically mapping their history, motivations, and relationships.
The Changing Political Dynamics of East Asian Financial Cooperation: The Chiang Mai Initiative
Authors: Chey Hyoung-kyu
Published: June 2009

This paper analyzes the factors that have contributed to the development of the Chiang Mai Initiative, one of the prominent examples of recent East Asian financial cooperation, by comparing it with the failed 1997 proposal for an Asian Monetary Fund.
Live offspring from vitrified blastocysts derived from fresh and cryopreserved ovarian tissue grafts of adult mice
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Catt Sally , Pangestu Mulyoto , Temple-Smith Peter
Published: June 2009

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation can be used to preserve fertility for cancer patients. In this study, we assessed the viability and function of ovarian tissue from adult mice that was cryopreserved by solid surface vitrification or traditional slow-cooling using variousin vitroandin vivotechniques, including allotransplantation,in vitrooocyte maturation, embryo culturein vitro, blastocyst cryopreservation, embryo transfer, and development. The importance of cumulus cells for oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development was investigated. Graft recovery, follicle survival, and oocyte retrieval was similar in control, vitrified, and slow-cooled groups. High rates of oocyte maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst formation were achieved, with no significant differences between the control, vitrified or slow-cooled ovarian tissue grafts. The presence of cumulus cells was important for oocyte maturation, fertilization, and subsequent development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes with no surrounding cumulus cells (N-COCs) or with an incomplete layer (P-COCs) had significantly lower rates of oocyte maturation and blastocyst formation than cumulus–oocyte complexes with at least one complete layer of cumulus cells (F-COCs; maturation rate: 63, 78 vs 94%; blastocyst rate: 29, 49 vs 80%). Live births were achieved using vitrified blastocysts derived from oocytes taken from vitrified and slow-cooled ovarian tissue heterotypic allografts. Successful production of healthy offspring from these vitrified blastocysts suggests that this technique should be considered as a useful stage to pause in the assisted reproduction pathway. This provides an alternative protocol for restoring fertility and offering cancer patients a better indication of their chances of pregnancy and live birth.
Structural variability of edge dislocations in a SrTiO3 low-angle [001] tilt grain boundary
Authors: Buban James P. , Chi Miaofang , Masiel Daniel J. , Bradley John P. , Jiang Bin , Stahlberg Henning , Browning Nigel D.
Published: June 2009

Using a spherical aberration (Cs)-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), we investigated a 6° low-angle [001] tilt grain boundary in SrTiO3. The enhanced spatial resolution of the aberration corrector leads to the observation of a number of structural variations in the edge dislocations along the grain boundary that neither resemble the standard edge dislocations nor partial dislocations for SrTiO3. Although there appear to be many variants in the structure that can be interpreted as compositional effects, three main classes of core structure are found to be prominent. From EELS analysis, these classifications seem to be related to Sr deficiencies, with the final variety of the cores being consistent with an embedded TiOx rocksalt-like structure.
P-type CuInSe2 thin films prepared by selenization of one-step electrodeposited precursors
Authors: Wan Lei , Cao Yongsheng , Wang Deliang
Published: June 2009

In this study, p-type CuInSe2 (CIS) films were prepared by selenization of one-step electrodeposited Cu-In-2Se (atomic ratio) precursors. To obtain high-quality, dense, and homogeneous CIS films for solar cell application, the effects of substrate temperatures during selenization and precursor compositions on the final microstructures were systematically investigated. The precursor layers evolved in very different ways under different selenization conditions. The final microstructures and phases of the films depended critically on the precursor compositions, selenization temperature, and the selenization thermal process history. Low melting temperature CuxSe phase, which tended to segregate at the film surface, can efficiently assist the CIS grain growth. Large hexagonal CuSe platelets were formed at a temperature as low as 170 °C in Cu-rich precursor, which acted as an element-transport flux agent at higher temperature under high Se vapor and reacted with In-Se selenide to form CIS at temperatures above 500 °C. Good crystalline quality chalcopyrite CIS film was obtained at a selenization temperature of 550 °C.
Formation of chainlike structures in an Mn-89.7 wt%Sb alloy during isothermal annealing process in the semisolid state in a high magnetic field
Authors: Liu Tie , Wang Qiang , Zhang Chao , Gao Ao , Li Donggang , He Jicheng
Published: June 2009

This study is concerned with the investigation of the structural evolution occurring during isothermal annealing of an Mn-89.7 wt%Sb alloy in a high magnetic field in the semisolid state. The alloy specimens were isothermally annealed without and with an 11.5-T magnetic field for various annealing times. With the application of the magnetic field, the average characteristic radius of the primary MnSb particles increased with increasing annealing time. The primary MnSb particles were oriented with their c-plane parallel to the imposed field direction. Furthermore, the primary MnSb particles were found to align along the field direction and form chainlike structures eventually. These phenomena were attributed to the attraction and coalescence of the particles induced by the dipole–dipole interactions among them.
Shape-controlled synthesis for silver: Triangular/hexagonal nanoplates, chain-like nanoplate assemblies, and nanobelts
Authors: He Xin , Zhao Xiujian , Li Yuanzhi , Sui Xiaotao
Published: June 2009

Individual triangular/hexagonal nanoplates, chain-like nanoplate assemblies, and nanobelts in the case of silver were selectively synthesized using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The molar ratio of AgNO3/PVP, concentration of AgNO3, temperature, and process time were crucial factors in determining the morphologies of the final products. Based on the experimental results, it was concluded that the products were favorable to form individual nanoplates because of the strong interaction between PVP and Ag+, and the outline of the nanoplates was controlled by the ratio of AgNO3 and PVP. The formation of novel chain-like nanoplate assemblies could be explained by the secondary growth of the nanocrystals. If the reaction continuously lasted for another 7 h, the chain-like assemblies could transform into nanobelts with width of 40∼100 nm and the length of several micrometers.
Zirconium tungstate reinforced cyanate ester composites with enhanced dimensional stability
Authors: Badrinarayanan Prashanth , Murray Ben Mac , Kessler Michael R.
Published: June 2009

Zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) is a unique ceramic material characterized by isotropic negative thermal expansion behavior over a wide temperature range. Incorporation of ZrW2O8 is expected to improve the dimensional stability of polymers by reducing the overall coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). In this work, the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of a bisphenol E cyanate ester reinforced with various loadings of ZrW2O8 are examined. Thermomechanical analysis indicates that the incorporation of ZrW2O8 results in a decrease in CTE at temperatures above and below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the neat resin. The dynamic storage moduli of the composites reinforced with ZrW2O8 are found to increase with increasing filler loading. Furthermore, the various phase behaviors exhibited by ZrW2O8 are also examined by differential scanning calorimetry measurements.
Characterization of fly ash reactivity in hydrating cement by neutron scattering
Authors: Bumrongjaroen Walairat , Livingston Richard A. , Neumann Dan A. , Allen Andrew J.
Published: June 2009

Partial replacement of hydrating Portland cement by fly ash produces competing effects: it contributes calcium hydrate silicate (C-S-H) gel through the pozzolanic and alkali-activated reactions but dilutes the contribution of the main Portland cement reaction. To investigate this, two neutron-scattering methods were applied to density-fractionated lignite-type and bituminous-type fly ash/Portland cement pastes (20% by mass replacement). Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measured the effect of the fly ash on the fractal C-S-H microstructure, whereas inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measured the pozzolanic reaction in terms of calcium hydroxide (CH) consumption. The CH consumption increased with the effective density fraction, and the fractal microstructure evolved more slowly for all fly ash mixes compared with the pure cement control. However, gel volume measured by SANS showed no correlation with the CH consumption measured by INS. The implications of these results are discussed.
Indentation behavior of a ZCAP-3 bulk metallic glass: Effects of the fatigue deformation
Authors: Yang Fuqian , Dang Hongmei , Wang Gongyao , Yokoyama Yoshihiko , Liaw Peter K.
Published: June 2009

The effects of the fatigue deformation on the localized deformation of a ZCAP-3 bulk metallic glass (BMG) were studied using the nanoindentation technique. A localized mechanical hardening was observed in the ZCAP-3 BMG between the shear bands in the fatigue-damaged zone. In contrast to the indentations of the BMG made far away from the fatigue-damaged zone, there was no indentation size effect. Both the reduced contact modulus and the indentation hardness were larger than those corresponding to the indentations of the ZCAP-3 BMG in the undamaged zone. These observations revealed the possible effects of local heating and stress-induced atomic rearrangements (i.e., inelastic deformation) on the reduction of the free volume in the BMG from the propagation of the fatigue crack.
Evolution of photoluminescence from Si nanocrystals embedded in a SiO2 matrix prepared by reactive pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Fang Fang , Zhang Wei , Sun Jian , Xu Ning , Zhu Jiang , Ying Zhifeng , Wu Jiada
Published: June 2009

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of SiOx thin films deposited by pulsed laser ablation of Si in a reactive oxygen ambient and annealed in a nitrogen atmosphere were studied at room temperature. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and optical transmission measurements were used to characterize the deposited films before and after annealing and complement the PL studies. Strong PL due to quantum confinement was observed at room temperature from Si nanocrystals with an average diameter of approximately 5 nm at 325-nm light excitation. An apparent dependence of PL on the oxygen pressure for film deposition was observed. A detailed analysis of the effects of the annealing temperature revealed a significant PL evolution in luminescence intensity, spectrum profile, peak position, and spectrum range with the annealing temperature ranging from 300 to 1200 °C. Structural variations induced by thermal annealing of the films deposited at different oxygen pressures were also discussed on the basis of their correlation with the PL evolution.
Formation of two-phase coupled microstructure in AISI 304 stainless steel during directional solidification
Authors: Fu J.W. , Yang Y.S. , Guo J.J. , Ma J.C. , Tong W.H.
Published: June 2009

Formation and evolution details of a two-phase coupled microstructure in AISI 304 stainless steel are studied by quenching method during directional solidification. Results show that the coupled growth microstructure, which is composed of thin lath-like ferrite (δ) and austenite (γ), crystallizes first in the form of colony from the melt. As solidification develops, the retained liquid transforms into austenite gradually. On cooling, solid-state transformation from ferrite to austenite results in the disappearance of part thinner ferrites and the final two-phase coupled microstructure is formed after the solid-state transformation. The formation mechanism of the two-phase coupled microstructure is analyzed based on the nucleation and constitutional undercooling criterion (NCU) before steady-state growth of each phase is reached.
In situ observation of phase formation in a Cu–In–2Se precursor layer using micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Deliang , Cao Yongsheng , Wan Lei
Published: June 2009

In situ observation of phase formations in Cu–In–2Se (atomic ratio) precursor layers was carried out using temperature-dependent micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy. Without the protection of a high Se vapor pressure, intermediate In–Se and Cu–Se selenides and CuAu-ordered CuInSe2 (CIS) were easily formed in the amorphous precursor layer, which have atomic structures arranged in a way close to that of α-CIS. The binary selenides were transformed to the α-CIS by in-/out-diffusion of the mobile Cu and Se atoms/ions. The γ-CuSe and α-CIS began to form at a temperature as low as ∼170 °C.
Chitosan-poly(acrylic acid) complex modified paramagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for camptothecin loading and release
Authors: Zhu Aiping , Luo Xiadan , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2009

The stable superparamagnetic colloidal suspension of chitosan-poly(acrylic acid) (CS-PAA)/Fe3O4 nanoparticles was synthesized by graft copolymerization AA on the surface of CS stabilized Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The size, size distribution, structure, and magnetic properties of the resultant CS-PAA/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). FE-SEM and TEM showed the spherelike morphology of CS-PAA/Fe3O4 nanoparticles with their diameter ranging from 15 to 60 nm. VSM measurements indicated that CS-PAA/Fe3O4 nanoparticles preserved the superparamagnetism. CS-PAA complex was proved to be a good stabilizer to prepare the well-dispersed suspension of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The stabilizing mechanisms were attributed to the electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance. The controlled release of entrapped camptothecin from these magnetic nanoparticles was studied and the release mechanism was analyzed.
Reduction of titanium oxide in the presence of nickel by nonequilibrium hydrogen gas
Authors: Sekimoto Hidehiro , Uda Tetsuya , Nose Yoshitaro , Sato Shigeo , Kakiuchi Hiroaki , Awakura Yasuhiro
Published: June 2009

We investigated the reduction of TiO2 in the presence of Ni by nonequilibrium hydrogen gas, including low-temperature hydrogen plasma at 800 °C and supercooled monatomic hydrogen at 1000 °C. TiO2 was reduced to Ti2O3, which is not in equilibrium phase, by low-temperature hydrogen plasma. The results of x-ray diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray analysis in experiments at 1000 °C indicate that the thermodynamical reduction potential of supercooled monatomic hydrogen is almost the same as atmospheric hydrogen gas. However, the wide Ti3O5 layer formed only in the case of the reduction at 1000 °C by supercooled monatomic hydrogen. With these experimental facts, we speculate that the reduction mechanism by nonequilibrium hydrogen consists of two steps; the releasing energy process and the relaxation process. We can explain the difference of reduction products by nonequilibrium hydrogen gas on the assumption of the rate of the relaxation process between 800 and 1000 °C.
Formation of GaSb core-shell nanofibers by a thermally induced phase decomposition process
Authors: Perez-Bergquist Alejandro G. , Sun Kai , Wang Lumin , Zhang Yanwen
Published: June 2009

Dense networks of amorphous GaSb nanofibers were fabricated by ion irradiation of bulk GaSb, and following formation, they were thermally annealed at a low temperature. Contrary to expectations, annealing of the GaSb fibers at just 50% of their melting temperature resulted in complete chemical decomposition of the nanofibers into core-shell structures consisting of crystalline Sb cores surrounded by amorphous shells. In this study, we investigate the transition of the single-phase nanofibers to their core-shell configuration, and we analyze the unique, temperature-dependent phase decomposition process. Thermodynamic considerations are discussed, and a model is presented to explain the thermally induced decomposition of the GaSb semiconductor fibers into core-shell structures, based upon the singular interaction of several size-dependent material properties.
Tarnishing film-induced brittle cracking of brass
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Su Yan Jing , Qiao Li Jie , Chu Wu Yang
Published: June 2009

Tarnishing film was developed on the brass surface in Mattsson's solution at room temperature. The filmed brass was removed from the solution, dried, and subjected to a slow strain rate (loading speed = 0.5 mm/min) in air for studying the effect of the film on crack propagation in the brass substrate. It was observed that initial cracks started to emerge in the film and then propagated to the brass matrix in a brittle intergranular manner. However, it changed into a ductile mode after removing the deposited film. The galvanic current between platinum wire and filmed brass sample in Mattson's solution was investigated. The results showed that periodic current fluctuations were observed when the sample was under a constant applied load. These observations showed that the film rupture-formation occurred at cracks under the stress-corrosion cracking condition.
Spectroscopic study of l-arginine interaction with potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals
Authors: Govani Jayesh R. , Durrer William G. , Manciu Marian , Botez Cristian , Manciu Felicia S.
Published: June 2009

Inorganic potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) is widely known for its value as a nonlinear optical material. In this study, pure and l-arginine–doped KDP single crystals were grown by the slow solvent evaporation technique and further subjected to infrared absorption and Raman studies for the confirmation of chemical group functionalization and possible bonding between the organic and inorganic materials. The appearance in the infrared absorption spectra of additional vibrational lines, which mostly originate from disturbed N–H, C–H, and C–N bonds of the l-arginine–doped salt, confirm the interaction between KDP and the organic material. This affirmation is supported by more evidence from Raman measurements, where the disappearance of NH vibrations of the amino group is observed. We are thus led to the possibility of hydrogen bonding primarily between the nucleophilic O− of the phosphate unit of KDP and the amino group of the l-arginine.
Molecular hydrogen carrier with activated nanohydride and ammonia
Authors: Kojima Yoshitsugu , Tange Kyoichi , Hino Satoshi , Isobe Shigehito , Tsubota Masami , Nakamura Kosei , Nakatake Masashi , Miyaoka Hiroki , Yamamoto Hikaru , Ichikawa Takayuki
Published: June 2009

We show a drastically improved gas–solid reaction between NH3 and LiH by mechanical treatment for LiH, generating a hydrogen gas even at room temperature. The results of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the mechanical pretreatment was effective in reducing a hydroxide phase from the surface of LiH. It was also possible to successfully recycle back LiNH2, which is the byproduct of this hydrogen desorption reaction, to LiH under 0.5-MPa H2 flow at 573 K. Thus, the LiH–NH3 system provides a recyclable H2 storage system to generate H2 at room temperature with 8.1 mass% and 4.5 kg/100 L hydrogen capacity.
Electron energy structure of self-assembled In(Ga)As nanostructures probed by capacitance-voltage spectroscopy and one-dimensional numerical simulation
Authors: Lei Wen , Notthoff Christian , Offer Matthias , Meier Cedrik , Lorke Axel , Jagadish Chennupati , Wieck Andreas D.
Published: June 2009

The electron energy structure of self-assembled In(Ga)As/GaAs nanostructures, quantum dots, and quantum rings was studied with capacitance-voltage spectroscopy and one-dimensional numerical simulation using Poisson/Schrödinger equations. The electron energy levels in the quantum dots and quantum rings with respect to the electron ground state of the wetting layer were determined directly from capacitance-voltage measurements with a linear lever arm approximation. In the regime where the linear lever arm approximation was not valid anymore (after the charging of the wetting layer), the energy difference between the electron ground state of the wetting layer and the GaAs conduction band edge was obtained indirectly from a numerical simulation of the conduction band under different gate voltages, which led to the erection of complete electron energy levels of the nanostructures in the conduction band.
Characterization of a Trypanosoma cruzi genomic fragment complementary to several species-specific mRNAs but different from the spliced leader sequence
Authors: Cotrim Paulo Cesar , Cummings Leda Maria , Silveira José Franco da
Published: June 2009

We have isolated a clone of Trypanosoma cruzi genimic DNA, lambda 3b2-5, which contains sequences that are reiterated in the genome. Northtern blot analysis showed that clone 3b2-5 hybridizes to 1,200-5,000 bases different mRNA species. The number of mRNAs species hybridized to clone 3b2-5 exceeds its coding capacity showing that this clone carries sequences that are common to several mRNAs species and conserved in the poly A(+) RNA. These sequences are not homologous to the T. cruzi spliced leader sequence, since clone 3b2-5 hybridize to a synthetic 20 nucleotice complementary to the spliced leader sequence. Clone 3b2-5 does not hybridize to DNA and RNA from several genera of Trypanosomatidae and other Trypanosoma species indicating that it carries T. cruzi species-specific sequences.
Serum uric acid levels in Chagas' disease
Authors: Abreu M. C. A. , Guimarães R. C. , Krieger H.
Published: June 2009

Uricemia was studied in a sample of 192 individuals from a highly endemic site for Chagas' disease (Bambuí, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil). The sample had serologically negative individuals (controls) and the positive ones were classified on the basis of the presence of electrocardiographic alterations (63), altered esophageal emptying (16), or without any sign on sympton of the disease (76). Only the individuals with the digestive form of chronic Chagas' disease showed hyperuricemia, when compared with the appropriate controls. Family data suggest that hyperuricemia is an effect of the digestive pathology, rather than a cause, since the non-infected sibs of the megaesophagous patients did not show elevated levesl of serum uric acid. Possible mechanisms responsible for these findings are postulated.
Strongyloides ferreirai Rodrigues, Vicente & Gomes, 1985 (Nematoda, Rhabdiasoidea) in rodent coprolites (8.000-2.000 years BP), from archaeological sites from Piauí, Brazil
Authors: Araújo Adauto , Ferreira Luiz Fernando , Confalonieri Ulisses , Chame Marcia , Ribeiro Benjamim
Published: June 2009

Eggs and larvae of Strongyloides ferreirai Rodrigues, Vicente & Gomes, 1985 are identified in Kerodon rupestris (Wied.) coprolites dated from 8.000-2.000 years BP (Before Present), collected from archaeological sites from the northeast of Brazil.
Taxonomy and distribution of phlebotomine sandflies in Venezuela: II. The subgenus Trichopygomyia of the genus Lutzomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Feliciangeli M. Dora
Published: June 2009

Species of sandflies in the subgenuys Trichopygomyia of the genus Lutzomyia occurring in Venezuela are reviewd. A new species, Lutzomyia pinna n. sp. is described. A distribution map and a pictorial key for maleds are provided with remarks on the ecological data collected in Venezuela.
Abordagens pedagógicas e tendências de mudanças nas escolas médicas
Authors: Aguilar-da-Silva Rinaldo Henrique , Perim Gianna Lepre , Abdalla Ively Guimarães , Costa Nilce Maria da Silva Campos , Lampert Jadete Barbosa , Stella Regina Celes de Rosa
Published: June 2009

A Abem, por intermédio da Caem, toma a iniciativa de promover a avaliação das tendências de mudanças nas escolas médicas brasileiras, tendo por objetivo impulsionar a construção de um processo avaliativo, que, além de diagnosticar o momento das escolas, permita auxiliar e acompanhar a evolução das mudanças, sem perder de vista o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade da assistência prestada à saúde da população brasileira. Este projeto conta com um instrumento que apresenta 17 vetores distribuídos em cinco eixos relevantes na formação do médico. Um destes é o das Abordagens Pedagógicas, que abrange métodos de construção e acompanhamento do processo pedagógico, buscando identificar a tendência do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, avaliativo e de orientação didático-pedagógica, verificando se é mais centrada no professor ou no estudante, com uso ou não de tutorias. Cada escola pôde se classificar como tradicional, inovadora ou avançada, de acordo com as alternativas para cada vetor que compõe o eixo.
Escoamento atmosférico no Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara (CLA): parte II - ensaios no túnel de vento
Authors: Roballo Suelen Trindade , Fisch Gilberto , Girardi Roberto da Motta
Published: June 2009

Estudou-se o escoamento atmosférico no Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara (CLA), localizado junto a uma falésia de 50 m de altura, através de simulações em túnel de vento (TV) do CTA/ITA, na escala geométrica 1:1000, com a realização de quatro diferentes ensaios. No TV, os ensaios com degraus de 90° e de 70°, correspondentes à falésia, ambos sem e com simulação de rugosidade adicional a sotavento deles, mostraram: (i) perfeita simulação do perfil de vento oceânico (α = 0,15) sobre a posição do degrau representativo da falésia, utilizando pista de tapete, a montante, para prover a rugosidade necessária; (ii) número de Reynolds máximo possível com comprimento característico igual à altura do degrau neste TV foi 6,52.10(4), enquanto no CLA é da ordem de 3.10(7), razão pela qual é necessário um túnel mais potente; (iii) os expoentes mais próximos dos observados em Roballo e Fisch (2008) foram obtidos com um degrau reto, sem nenhum revestimento especial no piso normal do túnel, exceto o tapete a montante do degrau; (iv) a fixação de cubos a jusante do degrau para representar a vegetação resultou em rugosidades bem maiores que as observadas sobre a vegetação do CLA, possivelmente simulando situações urbanas ou industriais; (v) simulação das características típicas do escoamento após o degrau, tais como o descolamento, a formação de bolha de circulação e nova aderência; (vi) uso de TVs mais potentes certamente permitirá a simulação da situação atmosférica do CLA.
Produção legislativa e conexão eleitoral na assembléia legislativa do estado do Paraná
Authors: Cervi Emerson Urizzi
Published: June 2009

Este artigo insere-se na linha de trabalhos que tratam das relações entre a arena política legislativa e a arena política eleitoral, chamadas de "conexão eleitoral". O objetivo é analisar as interações entre essas duas arenas em um sistema de representação política sub-nacional: o legislativo estadual do Paraná. A partir da relação entre a produção legislativa individual dos deputados estaduais na 14ª Legislatura da Assembléia Legislativa do Paraná (ALEP) e o desempenho eleitoral dos que concorreram à reeleição, busca-se identificar possíveis interdependências entre atividade parlamentar individual e reeleição. Para isso, além dos resultados eleitorais dos candidatos à reeleição, que deram origem a uma tipologia de votação (se concentrada ou desconcentrada regionalmente) como variável dependente, são incluídos no modelo três conjuntos de variáveis explicativas. O primeiro é formado por variáveis sobre a posição política institucionalizada (bancada a que pertence; ideologia; partido político; ocupação de cargo na mesa; número de mandatos na ALEP; e posição sobre tema polêmico). O segundo aborda a visibilidade do mandato (número de aparições dos parlamentares no principal jornal diário do Estado e tipo de aparições). O terceiro grupo de variáveis explicativas diz respeito à produção legislativa individual propriamente dita (tipo de projeto de lei apresentado; abrangência geográfica do projeto de lei; abrangência social do projeto de lei; número de projetos apresentados; e número de projetos aprovados durante o mandato). A partir do cruzamento das variáveis que compõem o modelo em testes de independência de médias ou de regressões, o modelo analítico demonstra a existência de forte correlação entre votações concentradas regionalmente e maior possibilidade de reeleição. As variáveis explicativas sobre posição política e visibilidade do mandato mostraram-se fracas na explicação para tipo de votação, enquanto algumas variáveis sobre produção legislativa individual apresentaram alto índice de correlação com votação regionalizada e, por conseqüência, com a maior possibilidade de reeleição do parlamentar.
Bactrins e quebra-pedras
Authors: Araújo Melvina Afra Mendes de
Published: June 2009

Neste artigo busco discutir questões referentes ao encontro entre as lógicas biomédica e popular, partindo da análise do Projeto de Implantação da Fitoterapia na Rede Municipal de Saúde de Londrina/Pr e de elementos da cosmologia que orienta as práticas de cura com ervas medicinais.
Características de carcaça, componentes corporais e rendimento de cortes de cordeiros confinados recebendo dieta com própolis ou monensina sódica
Authors: Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Morais Maria da Graça , Costa Ciniro , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Macedo Francisco de Assis Fonseca de , Tomich Thierry Ribeiro
Published: June 2009

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos aditivos própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica sobre as características de carcaça, avaliadas por ultra-som e pós-abate, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, com oito animais por tratamento, mantidos em confinamento por 64 dias. Os animais receberam dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, à base de feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) e concentrado comercial. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com oito animais por dieta, distribuídos aleatoriamente de acordo com o peso: controle, dieta sem aditivo, própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica. Os rendimentos de carcaça (verdadeiro, quente e comercial) não diferiram entre os aditivos, com médias de 54,97; 44,89 e 41,81%, respectivamente. Os componentes corporais e rendimento de cortes comerciais não foram influenciados pelos aditivos utilizados nas dietas. A metodologia utilizada na determinação teve efeito nas medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS), de modo que, pelo método tradicional, com medidas na carcaça, foram obtidas as maiores médias para AOL (12,14 vs. 9,08 cm²) e as menores para EGS (2,42 vs. 2,69 mm). A correlação entre as medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) da carcaça e aquelas obtidas por ultra-sonografia foi de 0,8597. Os aditivos não influenciaram as características de carcaça, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de ovinos terminados em confinamento. A realização de medidas ultra-sonográficas de AOL e marmoreio pode ser utilizada na avaliação de carcaça in vivo em ovinos.
Association Between Extent of Thiazolidinedione Exposure and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Dore David D. , Trivedi Amal N. , Mor Vincent , Lapane Kate L.
Published: June 2009

Study Objectives. To determine if an association exists between thiazolidinedione (rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) exposure and acute myocardial infarction, and if the timing of drug initiation relative to the onset of myocardial infarction affected the frequency of the event.

Design. Nested, case‐control study.

Data Source. Health care claims from California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Illinois from the Medicaid Analytic Extract database for calendar years 2001–2002.

Patients. Of patients who received metformin plus a sulfonylurea during a defined eligibility period, we identified 2316 cases who had a primary discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and 9700 controls, who were defined by means of risk‐set sampling.

Measurements and Main Results. We reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics of the cases and controls, and documented initiation of thiazolidinedione therapy. We noted the time of therapy initiation within 180 days of the index date (date of acute myocardial infarction for cases, same date for matched controls) and assessed any association between the start of thiazolidinedione therapy and acute myocardial infarction, relative to use of metformin plus a sulfonylurea. We performed secondary analyses using various time intervals between start of thiazolidinedione and onset of event (0–90 and 91–180 days before the index date). Applying conditional logistic regression, we obtained adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After adjustment for confounding, starting rosiglitazone (AOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.72‐1.39) or pioglitazone (AOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.74‐1.45) therapy in the 180 days before the index date was not associated with acute myocardial infarction. Point estimates for rosiglitazone (AOR 1.29, 95% CI 0.85‐1.94) and, less so, pioglitazone (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.73‐1.81) in the 90 days before the index date suggested a small increase in the rate of acute myocardial infarction shortly after the start of these drugs; however, the CIs were wide.

Conclusion. Starting thiazolidinedione therapy was not associated with acute myocardial infarction. However, our data did not exclude the possibility of elevated risk immediately after beginning therapy. Clinicians should be cautious when prescribing thiazolidinediones, especially rosiglitazone, for patients at high risk for having an acute myocardial infarction.
Safety and Tolerability of Antiplatelet Therapies for the Secondary Prevention of Atherothrombotic Disease
Authors: Spinier Sarah A.
Published: June 2009

Aggressive secondary prevention is critical to improving long‐term outcomes in patients with ischemic coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. An essential component of successful secondary prevention is antiplatelet therapy, which in most patient populations consists of aspirin, clopidogrel, aspirin plus clopidogrel, or aspirin plus extended‐release dipyridamole. As is true for any pharmacologic agent, benefits must be balanced with risks. For antiplatelet agents, the most important risk is excess bleeding, especially as emerging evidence suggests that excess bleeding is associated with adverse long‐term outcomes; thus prevention and management of excess bleeding is critically important. In addition, recommendations for avoidance and management of minor adverse events are described so that patients maintain drug adherence. Overall, aspirin, clopidogrel, aspirin plus clopidogrel, and aspirin plus extended‐release dipyridamole have favorable risk‐versus‐benefit profiles when used as recommended in appropriate patient populations.
Intracerebroventricular Administration of Drugs
Authors: Cook Aaron M. , Mieure Katherine D. , Owen Robert D. , Pesaturo Adam B. , Hatton Jimmi
Published: June 2009

Intracerebroventricular drug administration is a method that bypasses the blood‐brain barrier and other mechanisms that limit drug distribution into the brain, allowing high drug concentrations to enter the central compartment. Instillation of drugs directly into the ventricles of the brain must be done carefully and with full consideration of factors affecting the efficacy and safety of this route of administration. These factors include the osmolarity, pH, volume, and presence of preservatives and diluents of the drug solution being administered. Very few studies have formally investigated intraventricular therapies, and dosing recommendations may vary widely depending on the agent and the patient. Many antimicrobials have been given intraventricularly, although very few prospective studies have evaluated this strategy. There are wide variations among the reports regarding dosage regimens and the pharmacokinetics of the antimicrobials used. Guidance on appropriate formulations and their use is lacking. Clinicians should be aware of their patients' ongoing disease processes and neurologic status, as well as pertinent physiochemical properties of drugs when formulating them for intracerebroventricular administration; a high index of suspicion should be maintained when monitoring patients for adverse drug events after instillation.
Introduction
Authors: Voils Stacy A.
Published: June 2009

As the gatekeepers to our formularies, we as pharmacists make decisions every day that affect both our institutions and our patients. We have to balance the costs of every product—as they relate to acquisition, storage, and use—with other considerations such as medical staff desires and product availability. We maintain our currentness with new drug releases and the latest regulatory changes, as well as an up‐to‐date knowledge of trends and developments in pharmaceutical research, in order to provide our patients and clinical staff the best possible therapeutic options. When choosing agents from within a specific class, the choice may be guided by many factors, especially when the efficacy is comparable within the class. An illustrative example of this is topical thrombin.

Endogenous thrombin plays a central role in the maintenance of hemostasis. Topical thrombin was developed to take advantage of this central role as an adjunct to other methods for maintaining surgical‐field hemostasis. As a standalone agent or as part of a larger whole, thrombin is used extensively in the surgical theater across a wide range of specialties, but it is especially common in cardiovascular and spinal procedures. It is so much a part of the surgical landscape that its use is often not reported in a patient's medical records. In addition, because thrombin may be a component of another product, it may enter an institution through central surgical supply budgets rather than as a part of the pharmacy's formulary budget.
Achieving Hemostasis in the Surgical Field
Authors: Boucher Bradley A. , Traub Oren
Published: June 2009

Hemostatic mechanisms are an integral part of the human physiology. Traditionally divided into intrinsic and extrinsic arms, the coagulation cascade converges, through the interactions of many different factors, at a common element—thrombin. As a consequence, a number of different agents have been developed to supplement this common, critical step to aid surgical hemostasis. Intraoperative interventions most commonly include sutures and heat‐generating cautery devices; however, these methods are sometimes insufficient or inappropriate for a specific procedure or anatomic location, leading to the development of other adjunctive therapies, including topical hemostats. Topical hemostatic agents generally act as active, passive, and combinations therapies, depending on their individual composition and mode of action. We provide a brief review of the normal coagulation cascade, including critical points, followed by a discussion of surgical strategies and adjuctive therapies used to achieve surgical hemostasis and concluding with a discussion of topical thrombins.
The First Xyelotomidae (Hymenoptera) from the Middle Jurassic in China
Authors: Gao Taiping , Ren Dong , Shih Chungkun
Published: June 2009

Three new genera with three new species and two new species of two known genera, all in the family of Xyelotomidae (Hymenoptera), are described and illustrated. These specimens were collected from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Jiulongshan Formation, and the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous of Dawangzhangzi, Yixian Formation, of China. A key to the known and new genera of Xyelotomidae is provided. Fourteen fossil genera with 20 species found so far from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous imply that Xyelotomidae was diverse and abundant during that period. New findings reported here provide additional evolutionary and transitional evidence of forewing Sc vein changed from two-branched to one-branched, to two separate parts, to apical part forming a crossvein, and finally to vestigial in Xyelotomidae from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous.
Taxonomic Status of Scolytus opacus and Scolytus abietis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) : A Comparative Study
Authors: Equihua-Martinez Armando , Furniss Malcolm M
Published: June 2009

Anatomical features of male and female Scolytus opacus Blackman, infesting Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.), and Scolytus abietis Blackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), infesting Abies grandis (Douglas) and Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.), were compared by light and scanning electron microscopy. Diagnostic features involve body size; striations on the underside of the head, which have a stridulatory function; shape of the submentum; and several characters on abdominal sternites 1 and 2. Because of differences in these features of the two taxa, and because the two populations infest different tree species and are sympatric in Idaho, we reinstate S. abietis as a valid species.
Life History of the Invasive Species Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Northeastern United States
Authors: Nielsen Anne L , Hamilton George C
Published: June 2009

Host plant use by nymphs and adults of the nonnative species Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was investigated proximal to the location of its introduction, Allentown, PA. The seasonality of H. halys in the United States had not been thoroughly studied before this work. It is reported to have ≈300 host plants in its native range that could make control and identification of small populations difficult. Weekly beat samples were conducted beginning at petal fall (mid-April) in Pyrus spp. until the first frost (mid-October) from 2005 to 2007 on a variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Egg masses were first observed on Paulownia tomentosa Thunb. the first week of June. In 2006 and 2007, Fraxinus americana L. was an important mid- and late season host for adults. Nymphal abundance differed seasonally. P. tomentosa supported high densities during the early season, whereas Viburnum opulus variety americanum Aiton was the preferred mid-season host, and Viburnum prunifolium L. and Rosa rugosa Thunb. had the highest densities of nymphs during the late season. Abundance of nymphs was strongly associated with maturing fruit or pods. All plants surveyed supported populations of H. halys, suggesting a large host range. In late August, a large adult population peak was observed (850–1,000 degree days [DD]), shortly after the DD accumulation for development to imaginal eclosion, supporting hypotheses that H. halys is likely univoltine in this region. Relative to native pentatomid species, H. halys was by far the predominant species collected in samples on ornamental and cultivated crops.
Diversity and Seasonal Abundance of Predacious Mites in Alabama Satsuma Citrus
Authors: Fadamiro Henry Y , Xiao Yingfang , Nesbitt Monte , Childers Carl C
Published: June 2009

Nine Satsuma citrus orchards (seven conventionally sprayed and two unsprayed) in southern Alabama were sampled (mainly leaf samples) for predacious mites at eight different sampling dates from March 2005 to February 2006. At least 29 species of predacious mites from nine families (Anystidae, Ascidae, Bdellidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Erythraeidae, Eupalopsellidae, Phytoseiidae, and Stigmaeidae) were identified. In addition, six primarily fungivorous species from three families (Parasitidae, Tydeidae, and Tarsonemidae) were recorded. Predacious mites in the families Phytoseiidae (18 species) and Stigmaeidae (one species) were the most abundant. The dominant species were Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) and Proprioseiopsis mexicanus (Garman) (Phytoseiidae), and Agistemus floridanus Gonzalez (Stigmaeidae). Phytoseiid mites were most abundant in the spring with populations declining at the start of the summer and remaining at very low levels through the fall and winter. Analysis of fruit, leaf and orchard ground cover plant samples collected in fall (October) 2005 showed greater abundance of phytoseiid mites on ground cover plants than on citrus fruit and leaves, suggesting that ground cover plants may serve as overwintering reservoirs for predacious mites. In general, predacious mites were relatively more abundant in the conventionally sprayed orchards compared with the unsprayed orchards, as were the two key phytophagous species, Panonychus citri (McGregor) and Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead). The results are discussed in relation to the potential of the dominant predacious mite species as candidates for biological control of key phytophagous mites on Alabama Satsuma citrus.