bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint subcarrier and power allocation for physical layer security in cooperative OFDMA networks
Authors: Wang An , Chen Jin , Cai Yueming , Cai Chunxiao , Yang Wendong , Cheng Yunpeng
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a joint subcarrier and power allocation algorithm is proposed to improve the physical layer security in cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) networks, where several source-destination pairs and one untrusted relay are involved. The relay is friendly and intends to help these pairs to enhance their communications. However, it may be overheard by a malicious eavesdropper at the same time. To optimize the joint subcarrier and power allocation with low complexity, we divide the optimization problem into two simpler subproblems. Firstly, the subcarriers are assigned to the source-destination pairs by employing the dual approach under the assumption that the relay power is equally allocated to all the subcarriers. Then, the relay power is allocated to the subcarriers based on the alternative ascending clock auction mechanism. In addition, we prove that the two subproblems can converge after a finite number of iterations. We also find that the proposed auction is cheat-proof and, thus, can avoid the cheating behaviors in the auction process. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can effectively improve the system sum secrecy rate, and the convergence performance is also desirable.
Intracerebroventricular administration of lipopolysaccharide induces indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-dependent depression-like behaviors
Authors: Lawson Marcus A , Parrott Jennifer M , McCusker Robert H , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W , O’Connor Jason C
Published: July 2013

Background

Activation of the tryptophan degrading enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is associated with the development of behavioral signs of depression. Systemic immune challenge induces IDO1 in both the periphery and the brain, leading to increased circulating and brain concentrations of kynurenines. However, whether IDO1 activity within the brain is necessary for the manifestation of depression-like behavior of mice following a central immune challenge remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We investigated the role of brain IDO1 in mediating depression-like behavior of mice in response to intracerebroventricular injection of saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng).

Results

LPS increased the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test and decreased preference for a sucrose solution. These effects were associated with an activation of central but not peripheral IDO1, as LPS increased brain kynurenine but had no effect on plasma concentrations of kynurenine. Interestingly, genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of IDO1, using 1-methyl-tryptophan, abrogated the reduction in sucrose preference induced by intracerebroventricular LPS. 1-Methyl-tryptophan also blocked the LPS-induced increase in duration of immobility during the tail suspension test.

Conclusions

These data indicate that activation of brain IDO1 is sufficient to induce depression-like behaviors of mice in response to central LPS.
Effect of berberine on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized multicenter controlled trial
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Hongli , Zhang Yuehui , Kuang Hongying , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Hou Lihui , Wu Xiaoke
Published: July 2013

Background

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play a key role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and presence of polycystic ovaries on pelvic scanning. Insulin resistance is significantly associated with the long-term risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Berberine has effects on insulin resistance but its use in women with PCOS has not been fully investigated. In this paper, we present a research design evaluating the effects of berberine on insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

Methods/design

This is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind trial. A total of 120 patients will be enrolled in this study and will be randomized into two groups. Berberine or placebo will be taken orally for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the whole body insulin action assessed with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

Discussion

We postulate that women with PCOS will have improved insulin resistance following berberine administration.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01138930.
Potential biomarkers for predicting outcomes in CABG cardiothoracic surgeries
Authors: Preeshagul Isabel , Gharbaran Rajendra , Jeong Kyung Hwa , Abdel-Razek Ahmed , Lee Leonard Y , Elman Elie , Suh K Stephen
Published: July 2013

The variations in recovery time, complications, and survival among cardiac patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures are vast. Many formulas and theories are used to predict clinical outcome and recovery time, and current prognostic predictions are based on medical and family history, lifestyle, co-morbidities, and performance status. The identification of biomarkers that provide concrete evidence supporting clinical outcome has greatly affected the field of medicine, helping clinicians in many medicine sub-specialties to forecast clinical course. Recent studies have discovered biomarkers that may be used as predictors of cardiac patients’ status post-cardiothoracic surgery, and the applications are numerous. In this review, we assess currently available cardiac biomarkers as predictors of clinical outcome for post-operative CABG patients. Data were collected from various studies in which cardiac biomarkers were measured in pre-operative and post-operative CABG patients.
Effect of potassium deficiency on antioxidant status and cadmium toxicity in rice seedlings
Authors: Liu Chun-Hsin , Chao Yun-Yang , Kao Ching Huei
Published: July 2013

Background

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and inhibits physiological processes of plants. Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient in plants. K deficiency and Cd stress represent two different abiotic stress conditions that occur in the field simultaneously. In this study, effects of K deficiency on antioxidant status and Cd toxicity in rice seedlings were investigated.

Results

K deficiency significantly decreased K concentration in shoots and roots. However, fresh weight and dry weight of rice seedlings were not affected by K deficiency. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase) in K-deficient leaves were higher than respective control leaves. However, K deficiency had no effect on the content of antioxidants (ascorbate and glutathione). Cd toxicity was judged by the decrease in biomass production, chlorosis, and induction of oxidative stress. Based on these criteria, we demonstrated that K deficiency protected rice seedling from Cd stress. Moreover, chlorophyll concentration was higher in K-deficient shoots and roots than their respective control shoots and roots.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that K deficiency protects rice seedlings from Cd toxicity. This protective effect of K deficiency is mainly due to enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities but not inhibition of Cd uptake.
The emerging roles of Notch signaling in leukemia and stem cells
Authors: Liu Na , Zhang Jingru , Ji Chunyan
Published: July 2013

The Notch signaling pathway plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates normal development in a context- and dose-dependent manner. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been suggested to be key events in a variety of hematological malignancies. Notch1 signaling appears to be the central oncogenic trigger in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), in which the majority of human malignancies have acquired mutations that lead to constitutive activation of Notch1 signaling. However, emerging evidence unexpectedly demonstrates that Notch signaling can function as a potent tumor suppressor in other forms of leukemia. This minireview will summarize recent advances related to the roles of activated Notch signaling in human lymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia, stem cells and stromal microenvironment, and we will discuss the perspectives of Notch signaling as a potential therapeutic target as well.
Computational modeling of the p7 monomer from HCV and its interaction with small molecule drugs
Authors: Wang Yi-Ting , Hsu Hao-Jen , Fischer Wolfgang B
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis C virus p7 protein is a 63 amino acid polytopic protein with two transmembrane domains (TMDs) and one of the prime targets for anti HCV drug development. A bio-inspired modeling pathway is used to generate plausible computational models of the two TMDs forming the monomeric protein model. A flexible region between Leu-13 and Gly-15 is identified for TMD11-32 and a region around Gly-46 to Trp-48 for TMD236-58. Mutations of the tyrosine residues in TMD236-58 into phenylalanine and serine are simulated to identify their role in shaping TMD2. Lowest energy structures of the two TMDs connected with the loop residues are used for a posing study in which small molecule drugs BIT225, amantadine, rimantadine and N N-DNJ, are identified to bind to the loop region. BIT225 is identified to interact with the backbone of the functionally important residues Arg-35 and Trp-36.
Reasons of not having breast reconstruction: a historical cohort of 1937 breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy
Authors: Héquet Delphine , Zarca Kevin , Dolbeault Sylvie , Couturaud Benoît , Ngô Charlotte , Fourchotte Virgine , De La Rochefordière Anne , Féron Jean-Guillaume , Fitoussi Alfred , Bélichard Catherine , Reyal Fabien , Laki Fatima , Hajage David , Sigal Brigitte , Asselain Bernard , Alran Séverine ,   Institut Curie Breast Cancer Group, Roman Rouzier
Published: July 2013

Background

The aims of the study were to investigate the factors associated with not having breast reconstruction following mastectomy and to assess patient satisfaction with information on reconstruction.

Patients and methods

We analysed a historical cohort of 1937 consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy at Institut Curie between January 2004 and February 2007. Their sociodemographic and clinicobiological characteristics were recorded in a prospective database. A questionnaire was sent to 10% of nonreconstructed patients.

Results

The proportion of patients with invasive cancer was 82.7%. The rate of nonreconstruction in patients with in situ and invasive cancer was 34.6% and 74.9%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only employment outside the home was associated with reconstruction in patients with in situ cancer (p < 0.001). In patients with invasive cancer, employment status (p < 0.001) and smoking (p = 0.045) were associated with reconstruction, while age > 50, ASA score >1, radiotherapy (p < 0.0001) and metastatic status (p = 0.018) were associated with nonreconstruction. For 80% of questionnaire responders, nonreconstruction was a personal choice, mainly for the following reasons: refusal of further surgery, acceptance of body asymmetry, risk of complications and advanced age. Information on reconstruction was entirely unsatisfactory or inadequate for 62% of patients.

Conclusion

Better understanding the factors that influence decision of nonreconstruction can help us adapt the information to serve the patient’s personal needs.
High-resolution 3D shallow crustal structure in Long Beach, California: Application of ambient noise tomography on a dense seismic array
Authors: Lin Fan-Chi , Li Dunzhu , Clayton Robert W. , Hollis Dan
Published: July 2013

Ambient noise tomography has proven to be effective in resolving shallow earth structure. We applied ambient noise tomography on a dense seismic array in Long Beach, California. The array was composed of more than 5200 stations with an average spacing close to 100 m. Three weeks of passive ambient noise were crosscorrelated between each station pair, which resulted in more than 13.5 million crosscorrelations within the area. Clear fundamental-mode Rayleigh waves were observed between 0.5 and 4 Hz, which were most sensitive to structure above 1-km depth. For each station pair, we applied frequency-time analysis to determine the phase traveltime dispersion, and, for each frequency, we applied eikonal tomography to determine the Rayleigh wave phase velocity map. The eikonal tomography accounted for ray bending by tracking the wavefront and allowed uncertainties to be estimated through statistical analysis. The compilation of phase velocity maps was then used to invert for 3D shear velocity structure. The inverted model showed clear correlation with the known geologic features such as the shallow south–north velocity dichotomy and a deeper fast anomaly associated with the Newport-Inglewood fault zone. Our results can potentially be used to complement traditional active source studies.
Evaluating Use Characteristics for the Oncotype Dx 21-Gene Recurrence Score and Concordance With Chemotherapy Use in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Clara , Dhanda Rahul , Tseng Wan-Yu , Forsyth Michael , Patt Debra A.
Published: July 2013

Patients who are younger, have better ECOG performance status, or have higher grade tumors are more likely to undergo recurrence score testing.
Comparison of Pegfilgrastim Prescribing Practice to National Guidelines at a University Hospital Outpatient Oncology Clinic
Authors: Waters Geralyn E. , Corrigan Patricia , Gatesman Mandy , Smith Thomas J.
Published: July 2013

At one institution, approximately one half of primary prophylaxis pegfilgrastim was not indicated per published guidelines, highlighting a need to change prescribing practices, to reduce costs without harming patients.
Efficiency of Colorectal Cancer Care Among Veterans: Analysis of Treatment Wait Times at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Merkow Ryan P. , Bilimoria Karl Y. , Sherman Karen L. , McCarter Martin D. , Gordon Howard S. , Bentrem David J.
Published: July 2013

Time to first treatment has increased for those with colon and rectal cancers at VA Medical Centers. Patient, tumor, and hospital factors are associated with prolonged time to treatment.
Developing a Performance Data Suite to Facilitate Lean Improvement in a Chemotherapy Day Unit
Authors: Lingaratnam Senthil , Murray Danielle , Carle Amber , Kirsa Sue W. , Paterson Rebecca , Rischin Danny
Published: July 2013

Lean improvement methodology provided a framework for improved understanding and management of system constraints within a CDU, resulting in improved access to treatment and reduced waiting times.
Measuring Clinical Trial–Associated Workload in a Community Clinical Oncology Program
Authors: Good Marjorie J. , Lubejko Barbara , Humphries Keisha , Medders Andrea
Published: July 2013

Clinical trial workload has been successfully measured and used to guide staffing by the Wichita Community Clinical Oncology Program. Further research is needed regarding its applicability to other research programs.
Oncologists' Strategies and Barriers to Effective Communication About the End of Life
Authors: Granek Leeat , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Tozer Richard , Mazzotta Paolo
Published: July 2013

Further research and intervention are necessary to aid oncologists in achieving effective communication about end-of-life issues.
Not Just Color: Whiteness, Nation, and Status in Latin America
Authors: Telles Edward , Flores René
Published: July 2013

In this study we use statistical analysis of nationally representative surveys from the 2010 AmericasBarometer to examine how color, nationality, and several individual characteristics are related to white identification in 17 Latin American countries. Unlike the common treatment of racial identification as a fixed and self-evident determinant of social status or behavior, we treat it as a flexible social outcome. We find that though white identification is largely shaped by skin color, it is also shaped by national context, social status, and age.

We discover that white identification is more common among persons of a brown skin color in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Costa Rica than in the rest of Latin America, where such persons would generally identify as mestizo. This suggests that the whitening ideologies of these four countries have made whiteness a more capacious category. We find that younger Latin Americans are less likely to identify as white compared to their older conationals, suggesting a changing valorization of whiteness. Furthermore, college-educated persons are less likely to identify as white than their lower-educated counterparts, challenging ideas that “money whitens.” Findings for age and education may reflect a recent shift to multiculturalism. In addition, we find that white identification is predicted to change in response to the survey interviewer’s color, suggesting that choices about racial identification are relational.

The work of historians has been critical to understanding our findings for the contemporary period, and we suggest ways that sociological work like ours might inform historical work on race and ethnicity.
Specification of dopaminergic subsets involves interplay of En1 and Pitx3
Authors: Veenvliet Jesse V. , dos Santos Maria T. M. Alves , Kouwenhoven Willemieke M. , von Oerthel Lars , Lim Jamie L. , van der Linden Annemarie J. A. , Koerkamp Marian J. A. Groot , Holstege Frank C. P. , Smidt Marten P.
Published: July 2013

Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons control locomotion and emotion and are affected in multiple psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). The homeodomain transcription factor Pitx3 is pivotal in mdDA neuron development and loss of Pitx3 results in programming deficits in a rostrolateral subpopulation of mdDA neurons destined to form the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reminiscent of the specific cell loss observed in PD. We show here that in adult mice in which the gene encoding a second homeoprotein, engrailed 1 (En1), has been deleted, dramatic loss of mdDA neurons and striatal innervation defects were observed, partially reminiscent of defects observed in Pitx3-/- mice. We then continue to reveal developmental crosstalk between En1 and Pitx3 through genome-wide expression analysis. During development, both En1 and Pitx3 are required to induce expression of mdDA genes in the rostrolateral subset destined to form the SNc. By contrast, Pitx3 and En1 reciprocally regulate a separate gene cluster, which includes Cck, demarcating a caudal mdDA subset in wild-type embryos. Whereas En1 is crucial for induction of this caudal phenotype, Pitx3 antagonizes it rostrolaterally. The combinatorial action of En1 and Pitx3 is potentially realized through at least three levels of molecular interaction: (1) influencing each other’s expression level, (2) releasing histone deacetylase-mediated repression of Nurr1 target genes and (3) modulating En1 activity through Pitx3-driven activation of En1 modulatory proteins. These findings show how two crucial mediators of mdDA neuronal development, En1 and Pitx3, interact in dopaminergic subset specification, the importance of which is exemplified by the specific vulnerability of the SNc found in PD.
Notch3 signaling gates cell cycle entry and limits neural stem cell amplification in the adult pallium
Authors: Alunni Alessandro , Krecsmarik Monika , Bosco Adriana , Galant Sonya , Pan Luyuan , Moens Cecilia B. , Bally-Cuif Laure
Published: July 2013

Maintaining the homeostasis of germinal zones in adult organs is a fundamental but mechanistically poorly understood process. In particular, what controls stem cell activation remains unclear. We have previously shown that Notch signaling limits neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation in the adult zebrafish pallium. Combining pharmacological and genetic manipulations, we demonstrate here that long-term Notch invalidation primarily induces NSC amplification through their activation from quiescence and increased occurrence of symmetric divisions. Expression analyses, morpholino-mediated invalidation and the generation of a notch3-null mutant directly implicate Notch3 in these effects. By contrast, abrogation of notch1b function results in the generation of neurons at the expense of the activated NSC state. Together, our results support a differential involvement of Notch receptors along the successive steps of NSC recruitment. They implicate Notch3 at the top of this hierarchy to gate NSC activation and amplification, protecting the homeostasis of adult NSC reservoirs under physiological conditions.
Gene transcription is coordinated with, but not dependent on, cell divisions during C. elegans embryonic fate specification
Authors: Nair Gautham , Walton Travis , Murray John Isaac , Raj Arjun
Published: July 2013

Cell differentiation and proliferation are coordinated during animal development, but the link between them remains uncharacterized. To examine this relationship, we combined single-molecule RNA imaging with time-lapse microscopy to generate high-resolution measurements of transcriptional dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. We found that globally slowing the overall development rate of the embryo by altering temperature or by mutation resulted in cell proliferation and transcription slowing, but maintaining, their relative timings, suggesting that cell division may directly control transcription. However, using mutants with specific defects in cell cycle pathways that lead to abnormal lineages, we found that the order between cell divisions and expression onset can switch, showing that expression of developmental regulators is not strictly dependent on cell division. Delaying cell divisions resulted in only slight changes in absolute expression time, suggesting that expression and proliferation are independently entrained to a separate clock-like process. These changes in relative timing can change the number of cells expressing a gene at a given time, suggesting that timing may help determine which cells adopt particular transcriptional patterns. Our results place limits on the types of mechanisms that are used during normal development to ensure that division timing and fate specification occur at appropriate times.
β1 integrin is a crucial regulator of pancreatic β-cell expansion
Authors: Diaferia Giuseppe R. , Jimenez-Caliani Antonio J. , Ranjitkar Prerana , Yang Wendy , Hardiman Gary , Rhodes Christopher J. , Crisa Laura , Cirulli Vincenzo
Published: July 2013

Development of the endocrine compartment of the pancreas, as represented by the islets of Langerhans, occurs through a series of highly regulated events encompassing branching of the pancreatic epithelium, delamination and differentiation of islet progenitors from ductal domains, followed by expansion and three-dimensional organization into islet clusters. Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) mediated by receptors of the integrin family are postulated to regulate key functions in these processes. Yet, specific events regulated by these receptors in the developing pancreas remain unknown. Here, we show that ablation of the β1 integrin gene in developing pancreatic β-cells reduces their ability to expand during embryonic life, during the first week of postnatal life, and thereafter. Mice lacking β1 integrin in insulin-producing cells exhibit a dramatic reduction of the number of β-cells to only ∼18% of wild-type levels. Despite the significant reduction in β-cell mass, these mutant mice are not diabetic. A thorough phenotypic analysis of β-cells lacking β1 integrin revealed a normal expression repertoire of β-cell markers, normal architectural organization within islet clusters, and a normal ultrastructure. Global gene expression analysis revealed that ablation of this ECM receptor in β-cells inhibits the expression of genes regulating cell cycle progression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that β1 integrin receptors function as crucial positive regulators of β-cell expansion.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Dithienostiboles
Authors: Ohshita Joji , Fujita Risa , Tanaka Daiki , Ooyama Yousuke , Kobayashi Norifumi , Higashimura Hideyuki , Yamamoto Yohsuke
Published: July 2013

Dithienostiboles having a stibole ring fused with a bithiophene system were prepared by the reactions of β,β′-dilithiobithiophene derivatives with aryldichlorostibines. Their optical properties were examined with respect to the UV absorption and emission spectra. DFT calculations on a model were also carried out to understand the electronic states.
Effect of Surface Modification with Layered Double Hydroxide on Reduction of Nitrate to Nitrogen over BaLa4Ti4O15 Photocatalyst
Authors: Adachi Mariko , Kudo Akihiko
Published: July 2013

BaLa4Ti4O15 photocatalyst, one of the most active UV light responsive photocatalyst for water splitting, was modified with MgAl–LDH (layered double hydroxide) of an anion adsorbent to improve photocatalytic activity for reduction of nitrate to nitrogen. The activity of the Ni/BaLa4Ti4O15 photocatalyst was significantly improved by this surface modification with MgAl–LDH deposited by homogeneous precipitation using urea hydrolysis.
Electrochemical Deposition of Silver on Gold Electrodes in the Presence of Halogen Ions
Authors: Hamasaki Yuki , Nakashima Naotoshi , Niidome Yasuro
Published: July 2013

Electrochemical reactions of silver in the presence of chloride and bromide ions were examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance measurements. In the presence of chloride ions, repeated CV cycles caused AgCl to deposit on the electrode. In contrast, reduction of silver ions in the presence of bromide ions to form metallic silver was very slow, and AgBr was not deposited on the gold electrode.
One-step Synthesis of Conducting Polymer–Palladium Nanocomposite Fibers by Aqueous Chemical Oxidative Polymerization
Authors: Hamasaki Hiroyuki , Kanadani Hodaka , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Fujii Syuji
Published: July 2013

Aqueous chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole using PdCl2 oxidant was conducted in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in order to synthesize polypyrrole–palladium (PPy–Pd) nanocomposite in one step. Interestingly, the PPy–Pd nanocomposite was synthesized with fibrous morphology. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that Pd and PPy components formed composite in nanometer dimensions.
Mechanism of activation of elongation factor Tu by ribosome: Catalytic histidine activates GTP by protonation
Authors: Aleksandrov Alexey , Field Martin
Published: July 2013

Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) is central to prokaryotic protein synthesis as it has the role of delivering amino-acylated tRNAs to the ribosome. Release of EF-Tu, after correct binding of the EF-Tu:aa-tRNA complex to the ribosome, is initiated by GTP hydrolysis. This reaction, whose mechanism is uncertain, is catalyzed by EF-Tu, but requires activation by the ribosome. There have been a number of mechanistic proposals, including those spurred by a recent X-ray crystallographic analysis of a ribosome:EF-Tu:aa-tRNA:GTP-analog complex. In this work, we have investigated these and alternative hypotheses, using high-level quantum chemical/molecular mechanical simulations for the wild-type protein and its His85Gln mutant. For both proteins, we find previously unsuggested mechanisms as being preferred, in which residue 85, either His or Gln, directly assists in the reaction. Analysis shows that the RNA has a minor catalytic effect in the wild-type reaction, but plays a significant role in the mutant by greatly stabilizing the reaction’s transition state. Given the similarity between EF-Tu and other members of the translational G-protein family, it is likely that these mechanisms of ribosome-activated GTP hydrolysis are pertinent to all of these proteins.
Análise dos acidentes de trânsito ocorridos em uma Capital do Nordeste Brasileiro, em 2006.
Authors: De Paula Júnior Francisco José , Lima Araújo Emerson Luiz
Published: July 2013

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever os acidentes de trânsito ocorridos na cidade de Fortaleza, capital do Ceará, no ano de 2006. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, a partir de dados do Sistema de Informação de Acidentes de Trânsito de Fortaleza, que agrega todas as informações pertinentes aos acidentes de trânsito ocorridos na capital cearense, além de informações do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. Esses dados foram analisados utilizando o software EPI INFO®. Em 2006, foram registrados 23.443 acidentes de trânsito. Desses, houve uma proporção de 2:1, entre homens e mulheres e os óbitos ocorreram principalmente na faixa etária de 30 a 59 anos, liderados por pedestres 141 (41,34%) e motociclistas com 76 (22,28%). Entre os tipos de acidentes 14.267 (60,85%) registraram-se colisões, tendo o mês de dezembro e o intervalo de 18 às 20 horas apresentado o maior número de registros. Em relação aos ferimentos, os motociclistas foram os mais lesionados, atingindo 5.634 (40,57%) pessoas. Parte significativa dos acidentes e óbitos envolveu adolescentes e adultos jovens, resultando em 341 (0,71%) vitimas que evoluíram para óbito. É fundamental estimular políticas públicas para melhoria nas condições de trânsito e um maior investimento para os sistemas que coletam informações sobre os acidentes.
Adequação do ponto de corte do Ensaio Imunoenzimático para Leishmaniose Visceral à imunofluorescência indireta
Authors: Medeiros Alexander Amaral
Published: July 2013

Introdução: A Leishmaniose Visceral (LV) está presente na maioria dos países tropicais e subtropicais. Estima-se que milhares de cães infectados são assintomáticos, mas constituem uma fonte de infecção para o vetor, fazendo-se necessário o emprego de testes sorológicos para a detecção da doença. Entretanto, a Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFI), considerada padrão ouro, só confirma cerca de 10% das mostras classificadas como reagente pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (EIE) utilizado para triagem. Objetivo: observar a correspondência entre o teste de triagem e o confirmatório para LVC e realizar possíveis ajustes no ponto de corte do teste de triagem, otimizando recursos doslaboratórios. Métodos: Foram analisadas 1.336 amostras de sangue dessecado em papel de filtro, utilizando os kits de EIE e IFI distribuídos pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, seguindo as instruções do fabricante. O ponto de cortedo EIE foi calculado por uma curva ROC, tendo IFI como padrão. Resultados: Utilizando o ponto de corte do fabricante, o EIE classificou como reagentes 886 das 1.336 amostras (66,3%). Entretanto, apenas 142 (10%) foram confirmadas por IFI. Após a aplicação do ponto de corte proposto, 507 (38%) amostras submetidas à EIE apresentaram-se como reagentes. O teste apresentou sensibilidade de 98,59%, especificidade de 69,01% e precisão de 72,16%. Conclusão: A grande quantidade de amostras soro reagentes por EIE não confirmadas por IFI pode apresentar um custo extra aos laboratórios. A modificação do ponto de corte do teste de triagem pode ser uma boa estratégia para a diminuição dos custos de operação dos laboratórios públicos do País.
O Portador de transtorno esquizofrênico na Atenção Básica: caminhos e descaminhos na busca do cuidado
Authors: Almeida Gilson Holanda
Published: July 2013

Introdução: Há três décadas iniciou-se a implementação de políticas visando a desconstrução de um modelo de atenção em saúde mental centrado no hospital e que permitisse gradativamente à Atenção Básica romper a dicotomia entre ações de saúde coletiva e atenção individual. Permanece campo de interesse avaliar o trabalho das equipes da Estratégia da Saúde da Família na Atenção Básica focado nas demandas dos doentes mentais graves e de seus familiares. Objetivos: Configurar histórias da doença de portadores de esquizofrenia e seu percurso na busca do atendimento na Atenção Básica. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo realizado em três Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Fortaleza-Ceará que haviam passado pelo Matriciamento, com dados coletados em visitas domiciliares com portadores de esquizofrenia utilizando-se entrevistas em profundidade para configurar histórias de vida. Resultados: Os achados refletem a desorganização e incomunicabilidade de instâncias prestadoras de serviços de saúde, a demora na identificação dos casos emergentes, a falta de agenda nos atendimentos, ausência de individualização do sujeito e necessidade de maior preparo dos profissionais no desafio de tratar portadores de esquizofrenia na Atenção Básica. Conclusão: As práticas de Saúde Mental, numa perspectiva mais compreensiva, ainda estão à espera de uma inserção mais nítida e operante dentro da Atenção Básica.
Molecular Phylogeny of the Ant Subfamily Formicinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from China Based on Mitochondrial Genes
Authors: Chen Zhilin , Zhou Shan Yi , Ye DuoDuo , Chen Yuan , Lu Chunwen
Published: July 2013

To resolve long-standing discrepancies in the relationships among genera within the ant subfamily Formicinae, a phylogenetic study of Chinese Formicine ants based on three mitochondria genes (Cyt b, COI, COII) was conducted. Phylogenetic trees obtained in the current study are consistent with several previously reported trees based on morphology, and specifically confirm and reinforce the classifications made by Bolton (1994). The tribes Lasiini, Formicini, Plagiolepidini and Camponotini are strongly supported, while Oecophyllini has moderate support despite being consistent across all analyses. We have also established that the genus Camponotus and Polyrhachis are indeed not monophyletic. Additionally, we found strong evidence for Polyrhachis paracamponota, as described by Wu and Wang in 1991, to be corrected as Camponotus based on molecular, morphological and behavioral data.
Post-embryonic Development of Intramandibular Glands in Pachycondyla verenae (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers
Authors: Martins Luiza CB , Delabie Jacques HC , Zanuncio Jose C , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: July 2013

The current knowledge of intramandibular glands in Hymenoptera is focused on occurrence and morphology in adult insects. This is the first report regarding the post-embryonic development of intramandibular glands in a “primitive” ant, Pachycondyla verenae. In this study, we analyzed mandibles of prepupae, white-eyed, pink-eyed and black-eyed pupae, pupa of pigmented body pupae, and adults. Adult workers of P. verenae have intramandibular glands with epidermal secretory cells of class I and isolated glands of class III, and both glands have onset differentiation in pink-eyed pupae. Some histological sections were submitted to histochemical test for total proteins and neutral polysaccharides. Histochemical tests showed occurrence of polysaccharides and proteins in epidermal secretory cells of class I from the white-eyed pupae, polysaccharides and proteins in pink-eyed pupae to black-eyed pupae in both glands classes I and III and presence of polysaccharides in adult ants also in both gland classes I and III. Intramandibular glands of classes I and III in P. verenae workers differentiate during pupation, with onset occurring in pink-eyed pupae, and completion occurring in black-eyed pupae.
Differences of the Daily Flight Activity Rhythm in two Neotropical Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: Gouw Monique Sian , Gimenes Miriam
Published: July 2013

Stingless bees are mainly tropical and subtropical, eusocial bees and perform activities that are both internal and external to the nest. This study aims to investigate and compare the daily flight activities of Melipona scutellaris Latreille and Frieseomelitta doederleini (Friese). The daily flight activities of the two Meliponini species was regular for both initial and final activities and for preferential time of activity throughout the months, which may indicate the presence of a biological rhythm synchronized by the daily light-dark cycle. Temperature, light intensity and relative humidity probably influenced the rhythms of activity during the day, in a way that may act as a modulator of bee rhythms. M. scutellaris was the larger and darker bees and showed earlier activities and in lower temperatures when compared to F. doederleini, which were smaller bees.
Species Composition of Termites (Isoptera) in Different Cerrado Vegetation Physiognomies
Authors: Oliveira Danilo Elias , Carrijo Tiago Fernandes , Brandão Divino
Published: July 2013

Little is known about the termite fauna of the different vegetation physiognomies in the Cerrado biome. It is suggested that the species compositions in grassland and savanna areas are closely related to each other, and quite distinct from those of forests. This study compared the species composition from five different physiognomies of Cerrado, and tested the hypothesis that the termite faunas of savannas and grasslands form a distinct group from that of forests. The study was conducted in the Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá, state of Goiás, Brazil. Termites were sampled from two physiognomies of savanna, one natural grassland, one pasture, and one gallery forest. A transect with 10 parcels of 5x2 m was established in each physiognomy. The relative abundance was inferred by the number of encounters, termites were classified in feeding guilds, and the dissimilarity in the species composition between the physiognomies was calculated. A total of 219 encounters, of 42 species of two families were recorded. The most abundant feeding guilds were the humivores (98) and xylophages (55). The physiognomies with the largest number of species were rupestrian cerrado (23 species) and cerrado sensu stricto (21). The physiognomies had a similar species composition (less than 55% dissimilarity), mainly the natural open areas. The hypothesis of a distinct fauna of termites in forest vegetation was refuted. The termite fauna of gallery forest is very different from that of pasture, but most species also occur in natural open areas. The impact of pasture on the diversity and composition of termites seems to be significant, but the impact is even greater on the proportion of the feeding guilds, reducing the proportion of xylophages and intermediates.
Observation of Trigona recursa Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Feeding on Crotalaria micans Link (Fabaceae: Faboideae) in a Brazilian Savanna Fragment
Authors: Dos Santos Thiago Mateus Rocha , Shapiro Julie Teresa , Shibuya Patricia S. , Aoki Camila
Published: July 2013

In this paper we present observations of individuals of the bee species Trigona recursa feeding on the fruits of Crotalaria micans. This plant, which contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, is known to be toxic to humans, mammals and poultry. Over the course of three days, we observed a large number of bees feeding on many individual Crotalaria micans plants in an urban fragment of Brazilian Savanna. The bees preferred greener fruits, which are the softest and most toxic. Consumption of the plant had no immediately apparent fatal effect on the bees, since we did not find any dead individuals near the observation site. Some insect species are known to use pyrrolizidine and alkaloids for defense by incorporating them into their body or using them as precursors to pheromones. Trigona recursa and other bee species have not been previously recorded consuming Crotalaria micans and it is unclear what their motivation may be. We present these observations as a novel finding of the feeding behavior of Trigona recursa.
The Disclosure Sanctions Review: Another Missed Opportunity?
Authors: Taylor Chris
Published: July 2013

The reviews of sanctions for defective disclosure in criminal cases in England and Wales in 2011 and 2012 represent a squandered opportunity to redress the inequality in terms of sanctions between prosecution and defence and, in particular, to strengthen sanctions for failings in investigative and prosecutorial disclosure. The continuing structural weaknesses in the disclosure regime in England and Wales require a more robust approach to both accidental and deliberate subversion of the provisions and this is impeded by an enduring adherence to the ‘rebalancing’ agenda of the original legislation.
Linkage politics and the persistence of national policy autonomy in emerging powers: patents, profits, and patients in the context of TRIPS compliance
Authors: Olsen Tricia D. , Sinha Aseema
Published: July 2013

The Trade Related Intellectual Property Agreement (TRIPS) has had a profound effect on industrialization and innovation, as well as access to medicines in cases of public health crisis such as HIV/AIDS. However, compliance with TRIPS has varied in developing countries, despite heightened international pressure. For instance, Brazil has pursued a coherent approach to its HIV/AIDS health crisis, while India has failed to take care of its HIV patients despite late compliance with the TRIPS agreement and the presence of business firms that produce the generic medicines for HIV/AIDS. This article suggests that divergence in TRIPS compliance is the result of a linkage politics, in which global variables (global rules, global supply chains and global networks) reach into the domestic political economy to alter the interests and capabilities of domestic actors. Indian pharmaceutical firms have developed external and export interests that lower incentives for the Indian state to design a nationally relevant public health policy, while the Brazilian health movement with its societal and external linkages puts pressure on the Brazilian state to defend the interests of its HIV patients even at the cost of patents. We conclude by suggesting that linkage politics is better at helping us understand compliance with international agreements than existing explanations, with important consequences for the effectiveness of international institutions.
The network of global corporate control: implications for public policy
Authors: Compston Hugh
Published: July 2013

To what extent do transnational companies (TNCs) have the capacity to influence public policy? This article uses the results of a major new study of TNC ownership to shed light on this issue. It is found that TNC ownership and control is extremely concentrated and that there is an inner core of firms with strong co-ownership links that is overrepresented in the membership of major business organizations. It is concluded that these factors enhance the potential for TNCs in general, and core TNCs in particular, to influence public policy.
Cell division in Azadinium spinosum (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Tillmann Urban , Elbrächter Malte
Published: July 2013

Azadinium spinosum is a planktonic dinoflagellate, and a source of azaspiracids, a group of lipophilic toxins of human health concern. Little is known about the biology of this genus, and its phylogenetic position within the Dinophyceae is not yet fully resolved. Here, we present detailed observations regarding its vegetative cell division. As a first sign of cell division, the round interphase nucleus enlarges and becomes elongate in a slightly oblique orientation. The nucleus then divides along its longitudinal axis. Cytokinesis of A. spinosum occurs in motile cells and is of the desmoschisis type, i.e., the parental theca is shared between the two sister cells. Divided cells completely separate before the thecal plates are fully replaced. The anterosinistral daughter cell keeps the parent cell’s apex, including the apical pore complex and all the apical and epithecal intercalary plates, whereas the posterodextral daughter cell keeps, among others, both antapical plates. In general, the course of the fission line follows the plate overlap pattern and is, with a few exceptions, similar to other species of the Gonyaulacales. A literature survey shows that both desmoschisis and eleuteroschisis have been described for Gonyaulacales and Peridiniales, which suggests that mode of division may not be a good ordinal criterion for classification.
Does the physician density affect suicide rates among adolescents and young adults?
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: July 2013

Higher physician-per-population ratio may improve access to medical care, decrease waiting times, increase the opportunity for contact between the patient and physician, and has been associated with earlier stage of diagnosis and better prognosis in patients with some medical conditions. It appears that an increase in the physician density generally improves the quality of healthcare and should prevent suicides. However, several research reports suggest that of those people who committed suicide, many saw a physician shortly before their suicide completion. Besides, studies show that many physicians do not have adequate training in suicide evaluation techniques and treatment approaches to suicidal patients, especially young people. Therefore, we hypothesized that the physician density does not affect suicide rates among adolescents and young adults. Correlations were computed to examine relationships between suicide rates in 15–24-year-old and 25–34-year-old males and females and the physician density in European countries. Countries were also divided into two groups, according to the median split of the physician density. Suicide rates among 15–24-year-old and 25–34-year-old males and females in these two groups were compared using the t-test. We found no relationships between suicide rates and the physician density. The results of our study suggest that either physicians do not take an appropriate care of suicidal patients, or suicide is not preventable, or both. The results of this study should be treated with caution because many confounding variables are not taken into account.
Resveratrol for prenatal-stress-induced oxidative damage in growing brain and its consequences on survival of neurons
Authors: Madhyastha Sampath , Sahu Sudhanshu Sekhar , Rao Gayathri
Published: July 2013

Background: Prenatal-stress-induced neuronal damage in offspring is multifactorial, including oxidative damage in the developing brain. Resveratrol is known to exert its neuroprotective potentials by upregulating several antioxidant systems. Hence, the study was undertaken to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against prenatal-stress-induced hippocampal damage and oxidative damage in neonate rat brains.

Methods: Pregnant rats were subjected to restraint stress during early or late gestational period. Another set of rats received resveratrol during the entire gestational period along with early or late gestational stress. The study parameters included several antioxidant studies directly from rat brain homogenate on the 40th postnatal day and hippocampal neuronal assay on the 21st postnatal day.

Results: Early as well as late gestational stress resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products and decrease in total antioxidant activity and nitric oxide levels in rat brain homogenate. The neurons of the dentate gyrus were severely affected in early and late gestational stress, and only the neurons of the CA3 region were adversely affected in late gestational stress. Administration of resveratrol reversed the prenatal-stress-induced oxidative damage and neurons of dentate gyrus but not the CA3 hippocampal neurons.

Conclusions: These results show the neuroprotective abilities of resveratrol against prenatal-stress-induced oxidative damage in neonatal rat brain.