bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with humic acids determined by solvent extraction method
Authors: Sasaki Takayuki , Aoyama S. , Yoshida H. , Kulyako Y. , Samsonov M. , Kobayashi Taishi , Takagi I. , Miyasoedov B. , Moriyama Hirotake
Published: April 2012

Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with two kinds of humic acids were determined in 0.1 M NaClO4at 25 ºC using a solvent extraction method with thenoyltrifluoroacetone in xylene. The acid dissociation constants of humic acids were also measured by potentiometric titration and used as the degree of dissociation for calculating the formation constants. The effect of solution conditions, such as the pH, the initial metal and humic acid concentrations, and the ionic strength, on the formation constants was examined. The obtained data were compared with the ones in the literature.
Evaluation of Pakgen 99mTc generators loaded with indigenous fission 99Mo
Authors: Mushtaq A. , Pervez S. , Hussain S. , Mirza J. A. , Khan M. M. , Asif M. , Siddique M. U. , Khalid U. , Khan B. , Khalid M.
Published: April 2012

Fission produced 99Mo/99mTc generators, called Pakgen, have been manufactured at the PINSTECH generator production facility since 2000 for nuclear medicine applications in Pakistan. These generators were loaded with fission 99Mo imported from NTP South Africa. Recently production of fission 99Mo has begun in the Molybdenum-99 Production Facility at PINSTECH. Prior to use in the clinic, eight sets of generators were produced, 23 GBq and 74 GBq at time of calibration, and they were subjected to various quality control procedures recommended in the pharmacopoeia to assess their performance. The elution profile, volume, activity, pH, radionuclidic, chemical, radiochemical and biological purity, and expiry time of the eluates were examined. Labeling efficiency tests were also carried out with a number of the more widely used in vivo radiopharmaceutical kits like DTPA, MDP and MIBI. Performance of 99mTc generators loaded with locally produced and imported fission 99Mo was comparable, and the users of Pakgen generators were fully satisfied. The effect of a wet vs. a dry column on 99mTc yields of generators loaded with low and high activity was also studied for the first time.
The dawn of radiochemistry in Japan
Authors: Yoshihara H. K.
Published: April 2012

In the early history of radiochemistry in Japan Yoshio Nishina and Kenjiro Kimura were internationally known for their discovery of symmetric nuclear fission of uranium. They also succeeded in getting U-237, which is an (n+1) series (neptunium series) nuclide, from U-238 by fast neutron irradiation. Kimura was an excellent leader of the radiochemical analysis of Bikini ashes in 1954. The results of that analysis contributed to the improvement of environmental radioactivity in the world. A tragic story of Nobuo Yamada working at the Radium Institute is related. The start of radiochemistry symposia in Japan is described.
Conserved Motifs and Prediction of Regulatory Modules inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhao Guoyan , Ihuegbu Nnamdi , Lee Mo , Schriefer Larry , Wang Ting , Stormo Gary D
Published: April 2012

Transcriptional regulation, a primary mechanism for controlling the development of multicellular organisms, is carried out by transcription factors (TFs) that recognize and bind to their cognate binding sites. In Caenorhabditis elegans, our knowledge of which genes are regulated by which TFs, through binding to specific sites, is still very limited. To expand our knowledge about the C. elegans regulatory network, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the C. elegans, Caenorhabditis briggsae, and Caenorhabditis remanei genomes to identify regulatory elements that are conserved in all genomes. Our analysis identified 4959 elements that are significantly conserved across the genomes and that each occur multiple times within each genome, both hallmarks of functional regulatory sites. Our motifs show significant matches to known core promoter elements, TF binding sites, splice sites, and poly-A signals as well as many putative regulatory sites. Many of the motifs are significantly correlated with various types of experimental data, including gene expression patterns, tissue-specific expression patterns, and binding site location analysis as well as enrichment in specific functional classes of genes. Many can also be significantly associated with specific TFs. Combinations of motif occurrences allow us to predict the location of cis-regulatory modules and we show that many of them significantly overlap experimentally determined enhancers. We provide access to the predicted binding sites, their associated motifs, and the predicted cis-regulatory modules across the whole genome through a web-accessible database and as tracks for genome browsers.
Simulated Data for Genomic Selection and Genome-Wide Association Studies Using a Combination of Coalescent and Gene Drop Methods
Authors: Hickey John M , Gorjanc Gregor
Published: April 2012

An approach is described for simulating data sequence, genotype, and phenotype data to study genomic selection and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The simulation method, implemented in a software package called AlphaDrop, can be used to simulate genomic data and phenotypes with flexibility in terms of the historical population structure, recent pedigree structure, distribution of quantitative trait loci effects, and with sequence and single nucleotide polymorphism-phased alleles and genotypes. Ten replicates of a representative scenario used to study genomic selection in livestock were generated and have been made publically available. The simulated data sets were structured to encompass a spectrum of additive quantitative trait loci effect distributions, relationship structures, and single nucleotide polymorphism chip densities.
Surveillance of 3′ Noncoding Transcripts Requires FIERY1 and XRN3 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kurihara Yukio , Schmitz Robert J , Nery Joseph R , Schultz Matthew D , Okubo-Kurihara Emiko , Morosawa Taeko , Tanaka Maho , Toyoda Tetsuro , Seki Motoaki , Ecker Joseph R
Published: April 2012

Eukaryotes possess several RNA surveillance mechanisms that prevent undesirable aberrant RNAs from accumulating. Arabidopsis XRN2, XRN3, and XRN4 are three orthologs of the yeast 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease, Rat1/Xrn2, that function in multiple RNA decay pathways. XRN activity is maintained by FIERY1 (FRY1), which converts the XRN inhibitor, adenosine 3′, 5′-bisphosphate (PAP), into 5′AMP. To identify the roles of XRNs and FRY1 in suppression of non-coding RNAs, strand-specific genome-wide tiling arrays and deep strand-specific RNA-Seq analyses were carried out in fry1 and xrn single and double mutants. In fry1-6, about 2000 new transcripts were identified that extended the 3′ end of specific mRNAs; many of these were also observed in genotypes that possess the xrn3-3 mutation, a partial loss-of-function allele. Mutations in XRN2 and XRN4 in combination with xrn3-3 revealed only a minor effect on 3′ extensions, indicating that these genes may be partially redundant with XRN3. We also observed the accumulation of 3′ remnants of many DCL1-processed microRNA (miRNA) precursors in fry1-6 and xrn3-3. These findings suggest that XRN3, in combination with FRY1, is required to prevent the accumulation of 3′ extensions that arise from thousands of mRNA and miRNA precursor transcripts.
A Common Dataset for Genomic Analysis of Livestock Populations
Authors: Cleveland Matthew A , Hickey John M , Forni Selma
Published: April 2012

Although common datasets are an important resource for the scientific community and can be used to address important questions, genomic datasets of a meaningful size have not generally been available in livestock species. We describe a pig dataset that PIC (a Genus company) has made available for comparing genomic prediction methods. We also describe genomic evaluation of the data using methods that PIC considers best practice for predicting and validating genomic breeding values, and we discuss the impact of data structure on accuracy. The dataset contains 3534 individuals with high-density genotypes, phenotypes, and estimated breeding values for five traits. Genomic breeding values were calculated using BayesB, with phenotypes and de-regressed breeding values, and using a single-step genomic BLUP approach that combines information from genotyped and un-genotyped animals. The genomic breeding value accuracy increased with increased trait heritability and with increased relationship between training and validation. In nearly all cases, BayesB using de-regressed breeding values outperformed the other approaches, but the single-step evaluation performed only slightly worse. This dataset was useful for comparing methods for genomic prediction using real data. Our results indicate that validation approaches accounting for relatedness between populations can correct for potential overestimation of genomic breeding value accuracies, with implications for genotyping strategies to carry out genomic selection programs.
Predicting the Fission Yeast Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Pancaldi Vera , Saraç Ömer S , Rallis Charalampos , McLean Janel R , Převorovský Martin , Gould Kathleen , Beyer Andreas , Bähler Jürg
Published: April 2012

A systems-level understanding of biological processes and information flow requires the mapping of cellular component interactions, among which protein–protein interactions are particularly important. Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) is a valuable model organism for which no systematic protein-interaction data are available. We exploited gene and protein properties, global genome regulation datasets, and conservation of interactions between budding and fission yeast to predict fission yeast protein interactions in silico. We have extensively tested our method in three ways: first, by predicting with 70–80% accuracy a selected high-confidence test set; second, by recapitulating interactions between members of the well-characterized SAGA co-activator complex; and third, by verifying predicted interactions of the Cbf11 transcription factor using mass spectrometry of TAP-purified protein complexes. Given the importance of the pathway in cell physiology and human disease, we explore the predicted sub-networks centered on the Tor1/2 kinases. Moreover, we predict the histidine kinases Mak1/2/3 to be vital hubs in the fission yeast stress response network, and we suggest interactors of argonaute 1, the principal component of the siRNA-mediated gene silencing pathway, lost in budding yeast but preserved in S. pombe. Of the new high-quality interactions that were discovered after we started this work, 73% were found in our predictions. Even though any predicted interactome is imperfect, the protein network presented here can provide a valuable basis to explore biological processes and to guide wet-lab experiments in fission yeast and beyond. Our predicted protein interactions are freely available through PInt, an online resource on our website (www.bahlerlab.info/PInt).
FASTER MT: Isolation of Pure Populations ofaand α Ascospores fromSaccharomycescerevisiae
Authors: Chin Brian L , Frizzell Margaret A , Timberlake William E , Fink Gerald R
Published: April 2012

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has many traits that make it useful for studies of quantitative inheritance. Genome-wide association studies and bulk segregant analyses often serve as first steps toward the identification of quantitative trait loci. These approaches benefit from having large numbers of ascospores pooled by mating type without contamination by vegetative cells. To this end, we inserted a gene encoding red fluorescent protein into the MATa locus. Red fluorescent protein expression caused MATa and a/α diploid vegetative cells and MATa ascospores to fluoresce; MATα cells without the gene did not fluoresce. Heterozygous diploids segregated fluorescent and nonfluorescent ascospores 2:2 in tetrads and bulk populations. The two populations of spores were separable by fluorescence-activated cell sorting with little cross contamination or contamination with diploid vegetative cells. This approach, which we call Fluorescent Ascospore Technique for Efficient Recovery of Mating Type (FASTER MT), should be applicable to laboratory, industrial, and undomesticated, strains.
Contrasting Mutation Rates from Specific-Locus and Long-Term Mutation-Accumulation Procedures
Authors: Drake John W
Published: April 2012

Until recently, the two predominant ways to estimate mutation rates were the specific-locus method and the mutation-accumulation (Bateman-Mukai) method. Both involve seeding a number of parallel lines from a small, genetically uniform population, growing as long as is feasible but not so long as to allow selection to perturb mutant frequencies, and sometimes using extreme bottlenecks to facilitate the retention of deleterious mutations. In the specific-locus method, mutations are selected according to their specific phenotypes and are confirmed by sequencing. In older versions of the mutation-accumulation method, the increase in variance of a quantitative fitness trait is measured and converted into a mutation rate. More recently, a variation on the mutation-accumulation method has become possible based on phenotype-blind genomic sequencing, which might (or might not) provide improved sampling breadth, usually at the expense of sample size. In a recent study, genomic sequencing was applied to Escherichia coli lines propagated for 40,000 generations and passaged daily via 5,000,000 cells. To mitigate the impact of selection, the only targets employed for rate calculations were putatively neutral synonymous mutations. The mutation rate estimate was about 6-fold lower than obtained previously with a robust specific-locus method. Here I argue that purifying selection acting to shape the strong codon preferences of E. coli is the probable cause of the lower estimate, rather than, for instance, a lower mutation rate in nature than in the laboratory.
A Systematic Genetic Screen to Dissect the MicroRNA Pathway inDrosophila
Authors: Pressman Sigal , Reinke Catherine A , Wang Xiaohong , Carthew Richard W
Published: April 2012

A central goal of microRNA biology is to elucidate the genetic program of miRNA function and regulation. However, relatively few of the effectors that execute miRNA repression have been identified. Because such genes may function in many developmental processes, mutations in them are expected to be pleiotropic and thus are discarded in most standard genetic screens. Here, we describe a systematic screen designed to identify all Drosophila genes in ∼40% of the genome that function in the miRNA pathway. To identify potentially pleiotropic genes, the screen analyzed clones of homozygous mutant cells in heterozygous animals. We identified 45 mutations representing 24 genes, and we molecularly characterized 9 genes. These include 4 previously known genes that encode core components of the miRNA pathway, including Drosha, Pasha, Dicer-1, and Ago1. The rest are new genes that function through chromatin remodeling, signaling, and mRNA decapping. The results suggest genetic screens that use clonal analysis can elucidate the miRNA program and that ∼100 genes are required to execute the miRNA program.
Hypopigmentation and Maternal-Zygotic Embryonic Lethality Caused by a Hypomorphic Mbtps1 Mutation in Mice
Authors: Rutschmann Sophie , Crozat Karine , Li Xiaohong , Du Xin , Hanselman Jeffrey C , Shigeoka Alana A , Brandl Katharina , Popkin Daniel L , McKay Dianne B , Xia Yu , Moresco Eva Marie Y , Beutler Bruce
Published: April 2012

The site 1 protease, encoded by Mbtps1, mediates the initial cleavage of site 2 protease substrates, including sterol regulatory element binding proteins and CREB/ATF transcription factors. We demonstrate that a hypomorphic mutation of Mbtps1 called woodrat (wrt) caused hypocholesterolemia, as well as progressive hypopigmentation of the coat, that appears to be mechanistically unrelated. Hypopigmentation was rescued by transgenic expression of wild-type Mbtps1, and reciprocal grafting studies showed that normal pigmentation depended upon both cell-intrinsic or paracrine factors, as well as factors that act systemically, both of which are lacking in wrt homozygotes. Mbtps1 exhibited a maternal-zygotic effect characterized by fully penetrant embryonic lethality of maternal-zygotic wrt mutant offspring and partial embryonic lethality (~40%) of zygotic wrt mutant offspring. Mbtps1 is one of two maternal-zygotic effect genes identified in mammals to date. It functions nonredundantly in pigmentation and embryogenesis.
Effects of Description of Options on Parental Perinatal Decision-Making
Authors: Haward Marlyse F. , John Leslie K. , Lorenz John M. , Fischhoff Baruch
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine whether parents’ delivery room management decisions for extremely preterm infants are influenced by (1) the degree of detail with which options (comfort care [CC] or intensive care [IC]) are presented or (2) their order of presentation.

METHODS:

A total of 309 volunteers, 18 to 55 years old, were each randomized to 1 of 4 groups: (1) detailed descriptions, CC presented first; (2) detailed descriptions, IC presented first; (3) brief descriptions, CC presented first; or (4) brief descriptions, IC presented first. Each received the description of a hypothetical delivery of a 23-week gestation infant and chose either IC or CC. Open-ended and structured questions elicited reasoning. Data were analyzed by χ2 and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:

Neither degree of detail, comparing groups 1+2 with 3+4 (37% vs 41%, odds ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–1.34, P = .48), nor order, comparing groups 1+3 with 2+4 (40% vs 37%, odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.56–1.39; P = .59), influenced the likelihood of choosing IC. Participants choosing IC were more likely to invoke sanctity of life and religiosity as personal values. Additional reasons for choosing IC were experiences with infants born at later gestational ages, giving the infant a chance, not watching their infant die, and equating CC with euthanasia. Some choosing CC wanted to avoid infant suffering.

CONCLUSIONS:

The degree of detail and order of presentation had no effect on treatment decisions, suggesting that individuals bring well-articulated preexisting preferences to such decisions. Understanding beliefs and attitudes motivating these preferences can assist physicians in helping parents make informed decisions consistent with their values.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Adherence With Pediatric Asthma Treatment
Authors: Philp Julie C. , Maselli Judy , Pachter Lee M. , Cabana Michael D.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for pediatric asthma is increasing. The authors of previous studies linked CAM use with decreased adherence to conventional asthma medicines; however, these studies were limited by cross-sectional design. Our objective was to assess the effect of starting CAM on pediatric adherence with daily asthma medications.

METHODS:

We used a retrospective cohort study design. Telephone surveys were administered to caregivers of patients with asthma annually from 2004 to 2007. Dependent variables were percent missed doses per week and a previously validated “Medication Adherence Scale score.” Independent variables included demographic factors, caregiver perception of asthma control, and initiation of CAM for asthma. We used multivariate linear regression to assess the relationship between medication adherence and previous initiation of CAM.

RESULTS:

From our longitudinal data set of 1322 patients, we focused on 187 children prescribed daily medications for all 3 years of our study. Patients had high rates of adherence. The mean percent missed asthma daily controller medication doses per week was 7.7% (SD = 14.2%). Medication Adherence Scale scores (range: 4–20, with lower scores reflecting higher adherence) had an overall mean of 7.5 (SD = 2.9). In multivariate analyses, controlling for demographic factors and asthma severity, initiation of CAM use was not associated with subsequent adherence (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The data from this study suggest that CAM use is not necessarily “competitive” with conventional asthma therapies; families may incorporate different health belief systems simultaneously in their asthma management. As CAM use becomes more prevalent, it is important for physicians to ask about CAM use in a nonjudgmental fashion.
Parental Separation and Pediatric Cancer: A Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Grant Sally , Carlsen Kathrine , Bidstrup Pernille Envold , Bastian Gro Samsø , Lund Lasse Wegener , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Johansen Christoffer
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk for separation (ending cohabitation) of the parents of a child with a diagnosis of cancer.

METHODS:

In a nationwide cohort, we compared the risk for ending cohabitation of the parents of 2450 children (aged 0–20 years) given a diagnosis of cancer with the risk of parents of 44 853 randomly selected, gender- and age-matched cancer-free children. We adjusted for socioeconomic position and demographic factors. Rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for separation were estimated in a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS:

The parents of children with cancer did not have a higher risk for separation than the general population (rate ratio: 1.00 [95% confidence interval: 0.91–1.10]). Separate analyses according to type of cancer and survival of the child similarly yielded null results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Experiencing cancer in a child does not seem to be a risk factor for separation. Our study will allow clinicians to reassure parents and to support them in facing the trauma of cancer in their child.
The Dance Between Attending Physicians and Senior Residents as Teachers and Supervisors
Authors: Balmer Dorene F. , Giardino Angelo P. , Richards Boyd F.
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine how attending physicians and senior residents negotiated shared responsibilities for teaching and supervising on clinical work rounds.

METHODS:

As part of a larger ethnographic field study, we observed clinical work rounds on a General Pediatrics ward over 8 months, and interviewed 14 of 18 attending physicians and 9 of 11 senior residents whom we observed. Struck by the frequency of 2 codes in that data set (“stand back” and “step up”), we used the metaphor of a dance as an analytic strategy for understanding the dynamic relationship between attending physicians and senior residents.

RESULTS:

Like a traditional dance with a priori choreography, and consistent with the traditional premise in graduate medical education, attending physicians frequently “stood back” and senior residents, accordingly, “stepped up” and took on teaching and supervising responsibilities. Less often, both attending physicians and senior residents assumed the lead, or attending physicians stepped up rather than entrust senior residents. The complex clinical context sometimes changed the choreography. Attending physicians and senior residents understood their mutual responsibilities but were not bound by them; they improvised to maintain high-quality patient care.

CONCLUSIONS:

The metaphor of a dance enabled us to better understand not only how attending physicians and senior residents negotiate shared responsibilities for teaching and supervision on clinical work rounds, but also how the clinical context impacts this negotiation. A better understanding of this negotiated relationship may help to clarify assumptions and set realistic expectations for what it might take for senior residents to assume progressive responsibility for these responsibilities in today’s clinical context.
Evolução, mudanças de uso e apropriação de espaços públicos em áreas centrais urbanas
Authors: Silva Guilhermina Castro , Lopes Wilza Gomes Reis , Lopes João Batista
Published: April 2012

As praças são locais de convívio social e de encontro com a natureza, que podem contribuir para a formação e agregação da sociedade, representando espaços importantes para manifestações culturais, sociais e políticas. O presente trabalho analia as mudanças de uso ocorridas em praças centrais urbanas, tendo como enfoque a Praça João Luis Ferreira, em Teresina, Piauí, bem como avaliar os benefícios e problemas causados pelas atividades exercidas no local, na perspectiva de que as informações geradas possam contribuir para definição de políticas públicas para ocupação desses espaços públicos. Na pesquisa, utilizou-se abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, envolvendo análise de documentos históricos, registro fotográfico, entrevista e aplicação de questionários, visando a identificar diferentes tipos de usuários, as atividades desenvolvidas e os horários mais utilizados. Também, foi realizado um diagnóstico da situação geral da praça, a partir de observação direta, com identificação, descrição e análise dos equipamentos existentes, para avaliar se o ambiente atendia aos requisitos de conforto do usuário e de sua conservação. Com a reforma ocorrida 2000, que pretendia revitalizar o uso da praça pela população, inseriu-se um ponto de ônibus que atraiu o comércio informal, resultando em novos tipos de apropriação do espaço. Concluiu-se que os equipamentos do espaço estão medianamente conservados e a ocupação da praça está caracterizada, principalmente, pelas atividades de circulação de pedestres, lazer passivo e comércio informal.
Viabilidade do emprego de agentes retardadores em substituição aos desmoldantes convencionais na moldagem de concreto para aplicação de argamassas de revestimento
Authors: Assali Mirella Pennacchi , Loh Kai
Published: April 2012

N presença do desmoldante na superfície estruturas de concreto armado pode dificultar a adesão da argamassa quando fresca, com posterior descolamento no estado endurecido. Este estudo tem por objetivo explorar o potencial de uso de agentes retardadores em substituição aos desmoldantes convencionais na moldagem de concreto para a obtenção de superfícies com maior capacidade de ancoragem das argamassas. A viabilidade do uso de agentes retardadores foi verificada determinando-se de modo comparativo a resistência de aderência à tração da argamassa e do chapisco aplicados sobre placas de concreto moldadas com formas de madeira plastificada tratadas com agente retardador e com desmoldante convencional. O ensaio de aderência mostrou que a utilização de produtos retardadores possibilitou maior facilidade para a remoção da camada superficial do concreto, resultando em um aumento de rugosidade e absorção superficial. Posteriormente, foram avaliados produtos retardadores existentes no mercado para os quais foram observados desempenho na aplicação sobre as formas, impacto dos produtos na saúde do trabalhador e no meio ambiente. O estudo mostrou que o uso de desmoldante retardador pode ser uma técnica viável para evitar os problemas de descolamento do revestimento aplicado sobre superfícies de concreto.
Sensación térmica percibida en vivienda económica y auto-producida, en periodo cálido, para clima cálido húmedo
Authors: Garcia Gomez Carmen , Bojórquez Morales Gonzalo , Ruiz Torres Pavel
Published: April 2012

El estudio de la sensación térmica percibida en la vivienda, permite establecer lineamientos de diseño para la habitabilidad térmica, con base en la percepción de los sujetos. En trabajos anteriores, se plantea que la adaptación de las personas en climas cálidos, está definida por preferencias según el estrato socioeconómico y cultural, basado en su tipología de vivienda. Se presenta la comparación entre dos investigaciones sobre confort térmico desarrolladas en Mérida, Yucatán, México, con clima cálido húmedo. Los sujetos de estudio fueron habitantes de vivienda de tipo económico y auto-producida. Se utilizó el enfoque de adaptación, se trabajó con base en la norma ISO 10551 (1995) y se registraron temperatura de bulbo seco, temperatura de globo negro, humedad relativa y velocidad de viento. Se estimó la temperatura neutral con el método de medias por intervalo de sensación térmica, y se compararon preferencia, aceptación y tolerancia del ambiente térmico. Los resultados de ambas investigaciones muestran variaciones en la temperatura neutral y rangos de confort térmico, además se presentan diferencias significativas en el nivel de adaptación, experiencia y expectativa, aún cuando las condiciones del ambiente térmico presentan similitudes.
Análise de dados de reclamações em empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social: estudo no Programa de Arrendamento Residencial
Authors: Brito Juliana Nunes de Sá , Formoso Carlos Torres , Echeveste Márcia Elisa Soares
Published: April 2012

O gerenciamento de reclamações é uma prática difundida em muitas emmpresas do setor de manufatura, a fim de proporcionar a melhoria da ualidade de produtos e serviços. No que tange à construção civil, bservam-se poucos estudos sobre a utilização desse tipo de gestão de empreendimentos, sendo poucas as empresas que percebem a utilidade das informações sobre reclamações. O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise de dados de reclamações de usuários de uma amostra de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, com o objetivo de investigar sua utilidade para a retroalimentação do processo de desenvolvimento do produto nesse segmento. Foram analisadas 6.956 reclamações de usuários de 42 empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social do Programa de Arrendamento Residencial, localizados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O trabalho envolveu um tratamento inicial dos dados de reclamações para a montagem de um banco de dados, seguido da aplicação de diversos testes estatísticos. As principais contribuições estão relacionadas com a utilidade dos dados de reclamações, incluindo a geração de indicadores que podem apoiar a tomada de decisão por parte de diferentes agentes envolvidos na produção habitacional, tais como projetistas, construtoras, agentes financiadores e empresas envolvidas na gestão da operação e manutenção. Os indicadores, se bem utilizados, podem contribuir para a melhoria de produtos e serviços que compreendem os empreendimentos habitacionais, possibilitando um aumento na satisfação dos usuários finais.
Estética urbana: uma análise através das ideias de ordem, estímulo visual, valor histórico e familiaridade
Authors: Reis Antônio Tarcísio da Luz , Biavatti Camila Damiani , Pereira Maria Lourdes
Published: April 2012

Este artigo examina a dicotomia entre a abordagem da estética filosófica e a da estética empírica, assim como os impactos da estética formal e da estética simbólica, a partir das respostas de usuários do espaço urbano de Porto Alegre. São investigados os impactos estéticos causados por cenas urbanas com diferentes níveis de ordem e estímulo visual, com e sem valor histórico, e com diferentes níveis de familiaridade. É também examinada a existência ou não de diferenças entre as respostas estéticas de arquitetos, não arquitetos com curso superior e pessoas com o primeiro ou segundo grau. Ainda, são identificadas as razões para as avaliações realizadas por esses três grupos. Os principais resultados evidenciam o potencial da estética empírica em explicar as avaliações estéticas e revelam o impacto positivo e preponderante da ideia de ordem e estímulo visual em tais avaliações.
Working as a Hospice Volunteer
Authors: Watts Jacqueline H.
Published: April 2012

Drawing on recent qualitative research undertaken in a large English hospice, this article discusses the experience of being a hospice volunteer. The research explored a range of issues connected to the process and experience of voluntary work in this setting including who volunteers, what roles volunteers take up, how they are trained and supported, and the ways in which role boundaries are established and maintained. The research revealed that hospice volunteering is rewarding but often emotionally challenging, and is now highly routinized and closely monitored in ways paralleling practices in the paid labor market. Although volunteers freely give their time to the work of hospice, their activities are subject to significant management prescription, with hospices increasingly adopting sophisticated business models to underpin their operation and, in many cases, their expansion (Watts, 2010).
Diversity in Death: Body Disposition and Memorialization
Authors: Dickinson George E.
Published: April 2012

The place and method of final disposition of dead human remains is important to many individuals. Traditionally, earth burials have been the most common way of disposing of dead human remains in the United States. Cremation, however, is growing rapidly in popularity, perhaps suggesting that the whole body for the resurrection is losing significance. With cremation, the place of final disposition of the body loses some of its significance. This article will explore the numerous options available today in the United States to dispose of dead human remains and to memorialize the dead. Data analysis will be from media sources and the Internet. Among recent “trends” in body disposition are numerous cremation options, varied casket choices, theme funerals, environmentally-correct disposition, and cemetery options. Other recent occurrences related to death include roadside memorials, automobile memorializations, and the changes brought on by the internet. Some of the questions addressed for the above shifts in the diversity in death include: (1) What sense can we make of today's personalized death trends? (2) Is the trend occurring toward individualization? (3) What are the social and cultural changes contributing to these dying and death shifts? (4) What impact does sheer cost have on today's involvement with dying, death, and bereavement? (5) Why is final body disposition being deinstitutionalized, if indeed it is? (6) Is death today being resurrected, following a period called the dying of death?
Changing Metabolic Signatures of Amino Acids and Lipids During the Prediabetic Period in a Pig Model With Impaired Incretin Function and Reduced β-Cell Mass
Authors: Renner Simone , Römisch-Margl Werner , Prehn Cornelia , Krebs Stefan , Adamski Jerzy , Göke Burkhard , Blum Helmut , Suhre Karsten , Roscher Adelbert A. , Wolf Eckhard
Published: April 2012

Diabetes is generally diagnosed too late. Therefore, biomarkers indicating early stages of β-cell dysfunction and mass reduction would facilitate timely counteraction. Transgenic pigs expressing a dominant-negative glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPRdn) reveal progressive deterioration of glucose control and reduction of β-cell mass, providing a unique opportunity to study metabolic changes during the prediabetic period. Plasma samples from intravenous glucose tolerance tests of 2.5- and 5-month-old GIPRdn transgenic and control animals were analyzed for 163 metabolites by targeted mass spectrometry. Analysis of variance revealed that 26 of 163 parameters were influenced by the interaction Genotype × Age (P ≤ 0.0001) and thus are potential markers for progression within the prediabetic state. Among them, the concentrations of seven amino acids (Phe, Orn, Val, xLeu, His, Arg, and Tyr) were increased in 2.5-month-old but decreased in 5-month-old GIPRdn transgenic pigs versus controls. Furthermore, specific sphingomyelins, diacylglycerols, and ether phospholipids were decreased in plasma of 5-month-old GIPRdn transgenic pigs. Alterations in plasma metabolite concentrations were associated with liver transcriptome changes in relevant pathways. The concentrations of a number of plasma amino acids and lipids correlated significantly with β-cell mass of 5-month-old pigs. These metabolites represent candidate biomarkers of early phases of β-cell dysfunction and mass reduction.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Prevent the Aversive Effects of Obesity on Locomotion, Brain Activity, and Sleep Behavior
Authors: Sartorius Tina , Ketterer Caroline , Kullmann Stephanie , Balzer Michelle , Rotermund Carola , Binder Sonja , Hallschmid Manfred , Machann Jürgen , Schick Fritz , Somoza Veronika , Preissl Hubert , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Hennige Anita M.
Published: April 2012

Fat and physical inactivity are the most evident factors in the pathogenesis of obesity, and fat quality seems to play a crucial role for measures of glucose homeostasis. However, the impact of dietary fat quality on brain function, behavior, and sleep is basically unknown. In this study, mice were fed a diet supplemented with either monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and their impact on glucose homeostasis, locomotion, brain activity, and sleep behavior was evaluated. MUFAs and SFAs led to a significant increase in fat mass but only feeding of SFAs was accompanied by glucose intolerance in mice. Radiotelemetry revealed a significant decrease in cortical activity in SFA-mice whereas MUFAs even improved activity. SFAs decreased wakefulness and increased non–rapid eye movement sleep. An intracerebroventricular application of insulin promoted locomotor activity in MUFA-fed mice, whereas SFA-mice were resistant. In humans, SFA-enriched diet led to a decrease in hippocampal and cortical activity determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Together, dietary intake of MUFAs promoted insulin action in the brain with its beneficial effects for cortical activity, locomotion, and sleep, whereas a comparable intake of SFAs acted as a negative modulator of brain activity in mice and humans.
Metabolic Effects of Replacing Sucrose by Isomaltulose in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brunner Stefanie , Holub Ines , Theis Stephan , Gostner Andrea , Melcher Ralph , Wolf Petra , Amann-Gassner Ulrike , Scheppach Wolfgang , Hauner Hans
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that replacement of sucrose with isomaltulose in sweet foods and beverages improves metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred ten patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive sweet foods containing either 50 g/day isomaltulose or sucrose for 12 weeks as part of their habitual diet under free-living conditions. HbA1c at 12 weeks was the primary outcome parameter.

RESULTS

In the final analysis comprising 101 patients, isomaltulose did not significantly affect HbA1c at 12 weeks (sucrose: 7.39 ± 0.78%; isomaltulose: 7.24 ± 0.76%; regression coefficient [b]: 0.02 [95% CI: −0.21 to 0.25], P = 0.844). Triglycerides at 12 weeks were significantly lower in the isomaltulose versus the sucrose group (b: 34.01 [6.59–61.44], P = 0.016). Other secondary parameters did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Isomaltulose did not influence glycemic control assessed as HbA1c in type 2 diabetes under free-living conditions but was associated with lower triglyceride levels.
Spring-block approach for crack patterns in glass
Authors: Horvát Emőke-Ágnes , Járai-Szabó Ferenc , Brechet Yves , Néda Zoltán
Published: April 2012

Fracture patterns resulting from point-like impact acting perpendicularly on the plane of a commercial sodalime glass plate is modelled by a spring-block system. The characteristic patterns consist of crack lines that are spreading radially from the impact point and concentric arcs intersecting these radial lines. Experimental results suggest that the number of radial crack lines is scaling linearly with the energy dissipated during the crack formation process. The elaborated spring-block model reproduces with success the observed fracture patterns and scaling law.
The Carter constant for inclined orbits about a massive Kerr black hole: near-circular, near-polar orbits
Authors: Komorowski Peter , Valluri Sree , Houde Martin
Published: April 2012

In an extreme mass-ratio binary black hole system, a non-equatorial orbit will list (i.e. increase its angle of inclination, i) as it evolves in Kerr spacetime. The abutment, a set of evolving, near-polar, retrograde orbits, for which the instantaneous Carter constant (Q) is at its maximum value (Q
X) for given values of latus rectum (l̃) and eccentricity (e), has been introduced as a laboratory in which the consistency of dQ/dt with corresponding evolution equations for d
l̃/dt and de/dt might be tested independently of a specific radiation back-reaction model. To demonstrate the use of the abutment as such a laboratory, a derivation of dQ/dt, based only on published formulae for d
l̃/dt and de/dt, was performed for elliptical orbits on the abutment. The resulting expression for dQ/dt matched the published result to the second order in e. We believe the abutment is a potentially useful tool for improving the accuracy of evolution equations to higher orders of e and l̃−.
Measurements of heavy flavor and di-electron production at STAR
Authors: Wang Gang
Published: April 2012

Heavy quarks are produced early in the relativistic heavy ion collisions, and provide an excellent probe into the hot and dense nuclear matter created at RHIC. In these proceedings, we will discuss recent STAR measurements of heavy flavor production, to investigate the heavy quark interaction with the medium. Electromagnetic probes, such as electrons, provide information on the various stages of the medium evolution without modification by final stage interactions. Di-electron production measurements by STAR will also be discussed.
Statins and hemoperfusion improve 28-day survival in septic shock patients
Authors: Nakamura Tsukasa , Sato Eiichi , Fujiwara Nobuharu , Kawagoe Yasuhiro , Maeda Sayaka , Inoue Hiroyoshi , Yamagishi Sho-ichi
Published: April 2012

Uncontrolled inflammation and endotoxin play a central role in septic shock. Statins may possess anti-inflammatory properties, and removal of endotoxin by hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) could have favorable effects on sepsis. We examined retrospectively whether pre-existing statin and hemoperfusion with PMX-F at the time of admission were separately and independently associated with decreased overall 28-day mortality in septic shock patients. Consecutive 173 patients with septic shock (71.2±10.7 years old, 115 male and 58 female) were included in the present study. All patients underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of blood chemistries. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that albumin, creatinine (inversely), statin use, hemoperfusion with PMX-F and HDL-cholesterol were independently correlated to 28-day survival in septic shock patients (R2=0.464). Our present study suggests that pre-existing statin use and hemoperfusion with PMX-F may separately and independently contribute to blunt the process of septic shock.
Synovial sarcoma of carotid space
Authors: Krstic Viktor , Milosavljevic Milos , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Azanjac Goran , Knezevic Milan , Konstantinovic Vitomir , Nedovic Jasmina
Published: April 2012

Synovial sarcomas are malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, extremely rarely located in the area of the head and neck. Histologically they can be monophasic, biphasic or poorly differentiated with numerous differential diagnostic dilemmas. A 54-year-old male with synovial sarcoma of the carotid space is presented. The patient refused suggested postoperative radiotherapy and, nine months after the primary surgery, local relapse was verified. Following surgical resection of the local relapse, postoperative radiotherapy treatment was utilized. Ten months after the second surgery, secondary deposits in the lungs were radiographically confirmed, and local recurrence was noticed again. Treatment was continued with symptomatic therapy and eleven months later patient died. Synovial sarcomas of the carotid space are extremely rare, with complex surgical approaches and pathohistological differential diagnostic dilemmas. Diagnosis requires determination of the immunophenotype of the tumor cells, whereas therapy requires an aggressive surgical approach and postoperative radiotherapy.
Sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, fails to bypass the block of neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells imposed by a dominant negative Ras protein
Authors: Bátor Judit , Varga Judit , Berta Gergely , Barbakadze Tamar , Mikeladze David , Ramsden Jeremy , Szeberényi József
Published: April 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) is a mediator of a diverse array of inter- and intracellular signal transduction processes. The aim of the present study was to analyze its possible role as a second messenger in the process of neuronal differentiation of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Upon NGF treatment wildtype PC12 cells stop dividing and develop neurites. In contrast, a PC12 subclone (designated M-M17-26) expressing a dominant-negative mutant Ras protein keeps proliferating and fails to grow neurites after NGF treatment. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, was found to induce the p53 protein and to inhibit proliferation of both PC12 and M-M17-26 cells, but failed to induce neuronal differentiation in these cell lines. Key signaling pathways (the ERK and Akt pathways) were also not affected by SNP treatment, and the phosphorylation of CREB transcription factor was only slightly stimulated. It is thus concluded from the results presented in this paper that NO is unable to activate signaling proteins acting downstream or independent of Ras that are required for neuronal differentiation.
Stabilization of erythrocytes against oxidative and hypotonic stress by tannins isolated from sumac leaves (Rhus typhina L.) and grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Olchowik Ewa , Lotkowski Karol , Mavlyanov Saidmukhtar , Abdullajanova Nodira , Ionov Maksim , Bryszewska Maria , Zamaraeva Maria
Published: April 2012

Erythrocytes are constantly exposed to ROS due to their function in the organism. High tension of oxygen, presence of hemoglobin iron and high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids in membrane make erythrocytes especially susceptible to oxidative stress. A comparison of the antioxidant activities of polyphenol-rich plant extracts containing hydrolysable tannins from sumac leaves (Rhus typhina L.) and condensed tannins from grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) showed that at the 5–50 μg/ml concentration range they reduced to the same extent hemolysis and glutathione, lipid and hemoglobin oxidation induced by erythrocyte treatment with 400 μM ONOO− or 1 mM HClO. However, extract (condensed tannins) from grape seeds in comparison with extract (hydrolysable tannins) from sumac leaves stabilized erythrocytes in hypotonic NaCl solutions weakly. Our data indicate that both hydrolysable and condensed tannins significantly decrease the fluidity of the surface of erythrocyte membranes but the effect of hydrolysable ones was more profound. In conclusion, our results indicate that extracts from sumac leaves (hydrolysable tannins) and grape seeds (condensed tannins) are very effective protectors against oxidative damage in erythrocytes.
Nematicidal effect of chestnut tannin solutions on the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis (Woll.) Barhens
Authors: Renčo M. , Sasanelli N. , Papajová I. , Maistrello L.
Published: April 2012

Recently, tannins have been reported for their nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica both in vitro and in pot experiments in addition to a biocidal effect on a wide range of fungi, bacteria and yeasts. However, no information is available on the effect of these polyphenols on plant parasitic cyst nematodes. Therefore, an in vitro and a pot experiments on potato were undertaken to investigate the nematicidal activity of tannin aqueous solutions at different concentrations on the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. In the in vitro experiment different tannin concentrations in a geometric scale (from 0.32 to 20.48 g/l) were tested for their effect on the egg hatch of the nematode. All tested tannin concentrations were effective to reduce egg viability from 56 to 87%, in comparison to the untreated control. In the pot experiment, tannins, as aqueous solutions at rates of 100, 250 and 450 g/m2, were applied to soil at two different application times (at sowing and at sowing and two weeks later). All tested doses were effective to reduce the number of cyst/100 g soil, eggs and juveniles/g soil and reproduction rate in comparison to untreated control. The number of eggs and juveniles/cyst was not influenced by the different applied rates of tannins.