bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulsivity and the Sexes
Authors: Cyders Melissa A.
Published: November 2011

Before it is possible to test whether men and women differ in impulsivity, it is necessary to evaluate whether impulsivity measures are invariant across sex. The UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking, with added subscale of positive urgency) is one measure of five dispositions toward rash action that has shown to have robust and clinically useful relationships among risk-taking outcomes. In the current research, the author examined (a) the psychometric measurement invariance of the UPPS-P across sex, (b) the scale’s structural invariance across sex, and (c) whether the five impulsivity traits differentially relate to risk outcomes as a function of sex. In a sample of 1,372 undergraduates, the author found evidence for measurement and invariance across sex: Thus, comparisons of men and women on the UPPS-P can be considered valid. Additionally, although males tend to report higher levels of sensation seeking and positive urgency (and possibly lack of perseverance), the relationships between the UPPS-P traits and risk outcomes were generally invariant across sex. The UPPS-P appears to function comparably across males and females, and mean differences on this scale between the sexes can be thought to reflect trait-level differences.
Healthy People
Authors: Koh Howard K. , Piotrowski Julie J. , Kumanyika Shiriki , Fielding Jonathan E.
Published: November 2011

For the past three decades, the Healthy People initiative has represented an ambitious yet achievable health promotion and disease prevention agenda for the nation. The recently released fourth version— Healthy People 2020—builds on the foundations of prior iterations while newly embracing and elevating a comprehensive “social determinants” perspective. By clearly articulating a new overarching goal to “create social and physical environments that promote good health for all” and a new topic area dedicated to defining the social determinants of health approach, it breaks new ground. Specifically, the 2020 plan emphasizes the need to consider factors such as poverty, education, and numerous aspects of the social structure that not only influence the health of populations but also limit the ability of many to achieve health equity. Improving health is too multifaceted to be left to those working in the health sector alone. Using a social determinants approach can reframe the way the public, policy makers, and the private sector think about achieving and sustaining health. This article describes why such a social determinants approach can enhance our collective efforts to improve population health. This is achieved by defining the context for this new perspective, the process by which the Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives were developed, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Adding this broad, social determinants perspective and vision for shared societal responsibility for change leaves Healthy People 2020 poised to promote a stronger legacy for a healthier nation and reaffirm a unity of purpose for the future.
In de Quervain’s with a separate EPB compartment, ultrasound-guided steroid injection is more effective than a clinical injection technique: a prospective open-label study
Authors: Kume K. , Amano K. , Yamada S. , Amano K. , Kuwaba N. , Ohta H.
Published: November 2011

We compared ultrasonography (US)-guided injection, targeting the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) in de Quervain’s disease (dQD) with septation, to clinical injection. Forty-four wrists were randomly allocated to US-guided or manual (non-US-guided) injection. At 4 weeks, pain was significantly reduced in both groups. Pain on the 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for the US group was 80.3 (SD 19.6) mm at baseline and 25.6 (SD 15.1) mm at 4 weeks after injection ( p = 0.004). Values for the manual group were 78.0 (SD 18.5) mm at baseline and 58.2 (SD 21.9) mm at 4 weeks after injection ( p = 0.04). Pain on the VAS showed a more significant decrease in the US-guided than in the manual injection group ( p = 0.0007) from baseline to 4 weeks after injection. The results of this study suggest US-guided injection targeting the EPB in dQD patients with septation is more effective than manual injection.
Wrist extension strength required for power grip: a study using a radial nerve block model
Authors: Suzuki T. , Kunishi T. , Kakizaki J. , Iwakura N. , Takahashi J. , Kuniyoshi K.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of wrist extension strength (WES) and grip strength (GS) using a radial nerve block, and to determine the WES required to prevent the “wrist flexion phenomenon” (antagonistic WES) when making a fist. We tested 14 arms in seven healthy males. WES and GS were measured before blocking as standard WES and standard GS. All participants then had radial nerve blocks with mepivacaine hydrochloride. During the recovery process from radial nerve blockade, WES and GS were recorded every 5 minutes. There was a very strong correlation between WES and GS ( p < 0.0001). The mean antagonistic WES was 51% of standard WES, and the mean GS, recorded at the same time, was 66% of standard GS.
Asthma and Sleep
Authors: Kier Catherine , Hom Stephanie , Qureshi Faiza
Published: November 2011

Asthma significantly affects quality of sleep. Asthma physiology follows a diurnal pattern with peak flow at its lowest during early morning hours. The type and timing of release of inflammatory mediators also varies during the day and nighttime. Nocturnal symptoms are common in poorly controlled asthma. Hence, these nighttime symptoms play a significant role in the assessment of asthmatic patients as demonstrated in validated asthma control and quality of life questionnaires. Comorbid conditions may include allergic rhinitis, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux, all of which may worsen asthma symptoms, especially during sleep. In addition, exposure to greater loads of allergens in susceptible individuals during sleep is a significant problem and must be addressed to break the cycle of poor asthma control. Thus, asthma education for better symptom control should address these particular issues surrounding sleep.
Microstructural analysis of edge cracking in magnesium alloy sheet under rolling
Authors: Dai Q W , Zhang D F , Fang L , Xu X X , Chen X
Published: November 2011

Magnesium alloy sheet is prone to edge cracking during rolling. We carry out a microstructural analysis for edge cracks in Mg sheet under multiple rolling passes and different temperatures, where the microstructure, hardness and crystal orientation are explored and compared at the edge and middle of the specimen. The results indicate that the cracks are likely initiated from the edge due to coarsened grains, less basal texture and severe damage. A grain band with very fine grains is developed along the crack propagation path owing to the recrystallisation that takes place at the plastic zone in front of the crack tip. A rolling map is also obtained, which may help to guide the edge crack free rolling of Mg sheet.
Analysis of electrochemical noise and physical model of corrosion process of Al–Zn–In series alloys in NaCl solutions
Authors: Wen J B , Ma J L
Published: November 2011

The corrosion process of Al–5Zn–0·02In–1Mg–0·05Ti (wt-) alloy was investigated by electrochemical noise. The corroded surfaces of the alloy were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical noise data obtained from the corrosion process were analysed using shot noise theory. The pitting and uniform corrosions were confirmed by cumulative probability F [ F = ( fn)] versus the frequency of events fn. The Weibull probability plots show the three corrosion stages for the alloy: pitting, pitting and dissolution–precipitation and uniform corrosion. The physical model for the corrosion process has been developed.
P-selectin glycoprotein ligand regulates the interaction of multiple myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Azab Abdel Kareem , Quang Phong , Azab Feda , Pitsillides Costas , Thompson Brian , Chonghaile Triona , Patton John T. , Maiso Patricia , Monrose Val , Sacco Antonio , Ngo Hai T. , Flores Ludmila M. , Lin Charles P. , Magnani John L. , Kung Andrew L. , Letai Anthony , Carrasco Ruben , Roccaro Aldo M. , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: November 2011

Interactions between multiple myeloma (MM) cells and the BM microenvironment play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MM and in the development of drug resistance by MM cells. Selectins are involved in extravasation and homing of leukocytes to target organs. In the present study, we focused on adhesion dynamics that involve P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) on MM cells and its interaction with selectins in the BM microenvironment. We show that PSGL-1 is highly expressed on MM cells and regulates the adhesion and homing of MM cells to cells in the BM microenvironment in vitro and in vivo. This interaction involves both endothelial cells and BM stromal cells. Using loss-of-function studies and the small-molecule pan-selectin inhibitor GMI-1070, we show that PSGL-1 regulates the activation of integrins and downstream signaling. We also document that this interaction regulates MM-cell proliferation in coculture with BM microenvironmental cells and the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, inhibiting this interaction with GMI-1070 enhances the sensitization of MM cells to bortezomib in vitro and in vivo. These data highlight the critical contribution of PSGL-1 to the regulation of growth, dissemination, and drug resistance in MM in the context of the BM microenvironment.
The TLR-mediated response of plasmacytoid dendritic cells is positively regulated by estradiol in vivo through cell-intrinsic estrogen receptor α signaling
Authors: Seillet Cyril , Laffont Sophie , Trémollières Florence , Rouquié Nelly , Ribot Claude , Arnal Jean-François , Douin-Echinard Victorine , Gourdy Pierre , Guéry Jean-Charles
Published: November 2011

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce large amounts of type I interferons (IFN-α/β) in response to viral or endogenous nucleic acids through activation of their endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR-7 and TLR-9). Enhanced TLR-7–mediated IFN-α production by pDCs in women, compared with men, has been reported, but whether sex hormones, such as estrogens, are involved in this sex-based difference is unknown. Here we show, in humanized mice, that the TLR-7–mediated response of human pDCs is increased in female host mice relative to male. In a clinical trial, we establish that treatment of postmenopausal women with 17β-estradiol markedly enhances TLR-7– and TLR-9–dependent production of IFN-α by pDCs stimulated by synthetic ligands or by nucleic acid-containing immune complexes. In mice, we found exogenous and endogenous estrogens to promote the TLR-mediated cytokine secretion by pDCs through hematopoietic expression of estrogen receptor (ER) α. Genetic ablation of ERα gene in the DC lineage abrogated the enhancing effect of 17β-estradiol on their TLR-mediated production of IFN-α, showing that estrogens directly target pDCs in vivo. Our results uncover a previously unappreciated role for estrogens in regulating the innate functions of pDCs, which may account for sex-based differences in autoimmune and infectious diseases.
EBV-associated T/NK–cell lymphoproliferative diseases in nonimmunocompromised hosts: prospective analysis of 108 cases
Authors: Kimura Hiroshi , Ito Yoshinori , Kawabe Shinji , Gotoh Kensei , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kojima Seiji , Naoe Tomoki , Esaki Shinichi , Kikuta Atsushi , Sawada Akihisa , Kawa Keisei , Ohshima Koichi , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: November 2011

EBV-associated T/NK–cell lymphoproliferative disease (T/NK-LPD) is defined as a systemic illness characterized by clonal proliferation of EBV-infected T or NK cells. We prospectively enrolled 108 nonimmunocompromised patients with this disease (50 men and 58 women; median onset age, 8 years; age range, 1-50 years) evidenced by expansion of EBV+ T/NK cells in the peripheral blood; these were of the T-cell type in 64 cases and of the NK-cell type in 44, and were clinically categorized into 4 groups: 80 cases of chronic active EBV disease, 15 of EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 9 of severe mosquito bite allergy, and 4 of hydroa vacciniforme. These clinical profiles were closely linked with the EBV+ cell immunophenotypes. In a median follow-up period of 46 months, 47 patients (44%) died of severe organ complications. During the follow-up, 13 patients developed overt lymphoma or leukemia characterized by extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and aggressive NK-cell leukemia. Fifty-nine received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 66% of whom survived. Age at onset of disease (≥ 8 years) and liver dysfunction were risk factors for mortality, whereas patients who received transplantation had a better prognosis. These data depict clinical characteristics of systemic EBV+ T/NK-LPD and provide insight into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for distinct disease.
RNA-Seq improves annotation of protein-coding genes in the cucumber genome
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Zhonghua , Yan Pengcheng , Huang Sanwen , Fei Zhangjun , Lin Kui
Published: November 2011

Background

As more and more genomes are sequenced, genome annotation becomes increasingly important in bridging the gap between sequence and biology. Gene prediction, which is at the center of genome annotation, usually integrates various resources to compute consensus gene structures. However, many newly sequenced genomes have limited resources for gene predictions. In an effort to create high-quality gene models of the cucumber genome (Cucumis sativus var. sativus), based on the EVidenceModeler gene prediction pipeline, we incorporated the massively parallel complementary DNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) reads of 10 cucumber tissues into EVidenceModeler. We applied the new pipeline to the reassembled cucumber genome and included a comparison between our predicted protein-coding gene sets and a published set.

Results

The reassembled cucumber genome, annotated with RNA-Seq reads from 10 tissues, has 23, 248 identified protein-coding genes. Compared with the published prediction in 2009, approximately 8, 700 genes reveal structural modifications and 5, 285 genes only appear in the reassembled cucumber genome. All the related results, including genome sequence and annotations, are available at http://cmb.bnu.edu.cn/Cucumis_sativus_v20/.

Conclusions

We conclude that RNA-Seq greatly improves the accuracy of prediction of protein-coding genes in the reassembled cucumber genome. The comparison between the two gene sets also suggests that it is feasible to use RNA-Seq reads to annotate newly sequenced or less-studied genomes.
Adjunctive long-acting risperidone in patients with bipolar disorder who relapse frequently and have active mood symptoms
Authors: Macfadden Wayne , Adler Caleb M , Turkoz Ibrahim , Haskins John T , Turner Norris , Alphs Larry
Published: November 2011

Background

The objective of this exploratory analysis was to characterize efficacy and onset of action of a 3-month treatment period with risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI), adjunctive to an individual's treatment regimen, in subjects with symptomatic bipolar disorder who relapsed frequently and had significant symptoms of mania and/or depression.

Methods

Subjects with bipolar disorder with ≥4 mood episodes in the past 12 months entered the open-label stabilization phase preceding a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects with significant depressive or manic/mixed symptoms at baseline were analyzed. Significant depressive symptoms were defined as Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) ≥16 and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) < 16; manic/mixed symptoms were YMRS ≥16 with any MADRS score. Subjects received open-label RLAI (25-50 mg every 2 weeks) for 16 weeks, adjunctive to a subject's individualized treatment for bipolar disorder (mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and/or anxiolytics). Clinical status was evaluated with the Clinical Global Impressions of Bipolar Disorder-Severity (CGI-BP-S) scale and changes on the MADRS and YMRS scales. Within-group changes were evaluated using paired t tests; categorical differences were assessed using Fisher exact test. No adjustment was made for multiplicity.

Results

162 subjects who relapsed frequently met criteria for significant mood symptoms at open-label baseline; 59/162 (36.4%) had depressive symptoms, 103/162 (63.6%) had manic/mixed symptoms. Most subjects (89.5%) were receiving ≥1 medication for bipolar disorder before enrollment. Significant improvements were observed for the total population on the CGI-BP-S, MADRS, and YMRS scales (p < .001 vs. baseline, all variables). Eighty-two (53.3%) subjects achieved remission at the week 16 LOCF end point. The subpopulation with depressive symptoms at open-label baseline experienced significant improvement on the CGI-BP-S and MADRS scales (p < .001 vs. baseline, all variables). Subjects with manic/mixed symptoms at baseline had significant improvements on the CGI-BP-S and YMRS scales (p < .001 vs. baseline, all variables). No unexpected tolerability findings were observed.

Conclusions

Exploratory analysis of changes in overall clinical status and depression/mania symptoms in subjects with symptomatic bipolar disorder who relapse frequently showed improvements in each of these areas after treatment with RLAI, adjunctive to a subject's individualized treatment. Prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Interventions to improve work outcomes in work-related PTSD: a systematic review
Authors: Stergiopoulos Erene , Cimo Adriana , Cheng Chiachen , Bonato Sarah , Dewa Carolyn S
Published: November 2011

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder acquired at work can be debilitating both for workers and their employers. The disorder can result in increased sick leave, reduced productivity, and even unemployment. Furthermore, workers are especially unlikely to return to their previous place of employment after a traumatic incident at work because of the traumatic memories and symptoms of avoidance that typically accompany the disorder. Therefore, intervening in work-related PTSD becomes especially important in order to get workers back to the workplace.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science. The articles were independently screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a quality assessment of all included articles.

Results

The systematic search identified seven articles for inclusion in the review. These consisted of six research articles and one systematic review. The review focused specifically on interventions using real exposure techniques for anxiety disorders in the workplace. In the research articles addressed in the current review, study populations included police officers, public transportation workers, and employees injured at work. The studies examined the effectiveness of EMDR, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and an integrative therapy approach called brief eclectic psychotherapy. Interestingly, 2 of the 6 research articles addressed add-on treatments for workplace PTSD, which were designed to treat workers with PTSD who failed to respond to traditional evidence-based psychotherapy.

Conclusions

Results of the current review suggest that work-related interventions show promise as effective strategies for promoting return to work in employees who acquired PTSD in the workplace. Further research is needed in this area to determine how different occupational groups with specific types of traumatic exposure might respond differently to work-tailored treatments.
Projection to latent pathways (PLP): a constrained projection to latent variables (PLS) method for elementary flux modes discrimination
Authors: Ferreira Ana R , Dias João ML , Teixeira Ana P , Carinhas Nuno , Portela Rui MC , Isidro Inês A , von Stosch Moritz , Oliveira Rui
Published: November 2011

Background

Elementary flux modes (EFM) are unique and non-decomposable sets of metabolic reactions able to operate coherently in steady-state. A metabolic network has in general a very high number of EFM reflecting the typical functional redundancy of biological systems. However, most of these EFM are either thermodynamically unfeasible or inactive at pre-set environmental conditions.

Results

Here we present a new algorithm that discriminates the "active" set of EFM on the basis of dynamic envirome data. The algorithm merges together two well-known methods: projection to latent structures (PLS) and EFM analysis, and is therefore termed projection to latent pathways (PLP). PLP has two concomitant goals: (1) maximisation of correlation between EFM weighting factors and measured envirome data and (2) minimisation of redundancy by eliminating EFM with low correlation with the envirome.

Conclusions

Overall, our results demonstrate that PLP slightly outperforms PLS in terms of predictive power. But more importantly, PLP is able to discriminate the subset of EFM with highest correlation with the envirome, thus providing in-depth knowledge of how the environment controls core cellular functions. This offers a significant advantage over PLS since its abstract structure cannot be associated with the underlying biological structure.
Effects of paraoxonase activity and gene polymorphism on coronary vasomotion
Authors: Dunet Vincent , Ruiz Juan , Allenbach Gilles , Izzo Paola , James Richard W , Prior John O
Published: November 2011

Background

Paraoxonase 1 [PON1] is recognized as a protective enzyme against LDL oxidation, and PON1 polymorphism has been described as a factor influencing coronary heart disease [CHD] free survival. As coronary vasoreactivity is a surrogate of future cardiovascular events, we aimed at assessing the respective effect of the PON1 genotype and activity on coronary vasoreactivity in a population of type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

Nineteen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent 82Rb cardiac PET/CT to quantify myocardial blood flow [MBF] at rest, during cold pressor testing [CPT], and during adenosine-induced hyperaemia to compute myocardial flow reserve [MFR]. They were allocated according to Q192R and L55M polymorphisms into three groups (wild-type and LM/QR heterozygotes, MM homozygotes, and RR homozygotes) and underwent a measurement of plasmatic PON1 activity. Relations between rest-MBF, stress-MBF, MFR, and MBF response to CPT and PON1 genotypes and PON1 activity were assessed using Spearman's correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Although PON1 activity was significantly associated with PON1 polymorphism (p < 0.0001), there was no significant relation between the PON1 genotypes and the rest-MBF, stress-MBF, or MBF response to CPT (p ≥ 0.33). The PON1 activity significantly correlated with the HDL plasma level (ρ = 0.63, p = 0.005), age (ρ = -0.52, p = 0.027), and MFR (ρ = 0.48, p = 0.044). Moreover, on multivariate analysis, PON1 activity was independently associated with MFR (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Our study supports an independent association between PON1 activity and MFR. Whether PON1 contributes to promote coronary vasoreactivity through its antioxidant activity remains to be elucidated. This putative mechanism could be the basis of the increased risk of CHD in patients with low PON1 activity.
Sox2-mediated differential activation of Six3.2 contributes to forebrain patterning
Authors: Beccari Leonardo , Conte Ivan , Cisneros Elsa , Bovolenta Paola
Published: November 2011

The vertebrate forebrain is patterned during gastrulation into telencephalic, retinal, hypothalamic and diencephalic primordia. Specification of each of these domains requires the concerted activity of combinations of transcription factors (TFs). Paradoxically, some of these factors are widely expressed in the forebrain, which raises the question of how they can mediate regional differences. To address this issue, we focused on the homeobox TF Six3.2. With genomic and functional approaches we demonstrate that, in medaka fish, Six3.2 regulates, in a concentration-dependent manner, telencephalic and retinal specification under the direct control of Sox2. Six3.2 and Sox2 have antagonistic functions in hypothalamic development. These activities are, in part, executed by Foxg1 and Rx3, which seem to be differentially and directly regulated by Six3.2 and Sox2. Together, these data delineate the mechanisms by which Six3.2 diversifies its activity in the forebrain and highlight a novel function for Sox2 as one of the main regulators of anterior forebrain development. They also demonstrate that graded levels of the same TF, probably operating in partially independent transcriptional networks, pattern the vertebrate forebrain along the anterior-posterior axis.
Differential plasticity of epiblast and primitive endoderm precursors within the ICM of the early mouse embryo
Authors: Grabarek Joanna B. , Żyżyńska Krystyna , Saiz Néstor , Piliszek Anna , Frankenberg Stephen , Nichols Jennifer , Hadjantonakis Anna-Katerina , Plusa Berenika
Published: November 2011

Cell differentiation during pre-implantation mammalian development involves the formation of two extra-embryonic lineages: trophoblast and primitive endoderm (PrE). A subset of cells within the inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst does not respond to differentiation signals and forms the pluripotent epiblast, which gives rise to all of the tissues in the adult body. How this group of cells is set aside remains unknown. Recent studies documented distinct sequential phases of marker expression during the segregation of epiblast and PrE within the ICM. However, the connection between marker expression and lineage commitment remains unclear. Using a fluorescent reporter for PrE, we investigated the plasticity of epiblast and PrE precursors. Our observations reveal that loss of plasticity does not coincide directly with lineage restriction of epiblast and PrE markers, but rather with exclusion of the pluripotency marker Oct4 from the PrE. We note that individual ICM cells can contribute to all three lineages of the blastocyst until peri-implantation. However, epiblast precursors exhibit less plasticity than precursors of PrE, probably owing to differences in responsiveness to extracellular signalling. We therefore propose that the early embryo environment restricts the fate choice of epiblast but not PrE precursors, thus ensuring the formation and preservation of the pluripotent foetal lineage.
Further Improvement in Quantifying Male Fetal DNA in Maternal Plasma
Authors: Jin Shengnan , Lin Xueqin Michelle , Law Haiyang , Kwek Kenneth Y C , Yeo George S H , Ding Chunming
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma can be clinically useful for detecting prenatal disorders and pregnancy monitoring. More sensitive, specific, and quantitative detection of cffDNA in maternal plasma may expand the clinical utility of such measurements.

METHODS

We developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay [Y chromosome repetitive sequence (YRS) assay] based on a highly repetitive short sequence specific for the Y chromosome. Both standard qPCR and digital qPCR were performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of this new assay against already established male DNA–specific assays.

RESULTS

The YRS assay was at least 10-fold more sensitive than the currently most sensitive DYS14 assay. The YRS assay was able to detect 0.5 genome equivalents (GE) per PCR reaction when fetal DNA was present at 0.2% of the total DNA. The background noise for the YRS assay was much lower than for the DYS14 assay in analyses of plasma samples from pregnancies with female fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS

The YRS assay is a substantial improvement for quantifying rare male fetal DNA in maternal plasma. The higher sensitivity and specificity may expand the clinical and research utility of cffDNA.
Theatres for Hire
Authors: Slater William J.
Published: November 2011

The Piraeus were certainly leased out to private individuals in classical antiquity. It has been suggested that this was common and was true even for the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, and that this model was true for impermanent wooden theatres. This article argues a contrary position: that there is only one certain example of a leased theatre, which may for all we know have been unique. The other alleged parallel, the deme theatre in Acharnae, is argued to be wrongly supplemented and explained. Some other epigraphical examples of theatres are cited for different funding mechanisms, and it is also argued that wooden theatres were neither leased nor necessarily impermanent. We have especially no reason to think that the Theatre of Dionysus was leased in the time of Theophrastus.
L’eccidio degli uomini a Lemno. Il modello delle Argonautiche di Apollonio Rodio e la sua rifunzionalizzazione in Quinto Smirneo Posthomerica 9, 338–352
Authors: Ozbek Leyla
Published: November 2011

Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica 9, 338–352 deals with the most famous Λήμνιον κακόν of the ancient myths: the women of Lemnos, jealous of the relationships between their husbands and some Thracian slaves, killed all the male population of the island. Quintus’ story uses as an intertextual model Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica 1, 609–632, dealing with the same episode (which is partly repeated, with some differences, in 1, 793–826). The aim of this paper is not only to show the intertextual relationship between Quintus’ and Apollonius’ texts, but also to show how Quintus changes the innovative point of view of Apollonius (who reduces the women’s guilt, blaming the husbands) in order to come back to the traditional “masculinist” point of view. In doing so Quintus inserts in his text some fundamental details (both lexical and narrative) of Apollonius’ version, but he ingeniously modifies their functions or meanings in order to remind the readers both of Apollonius’ version and of the changes he made to it.
Pyrrha oder Der versteckte Achilles. Ein horazisches Motiv im Licht sequenzieller Lektüre
Authors: Felgentreu Fritz
Published: November 2011

A sequential reading of Horace’s Odes shows that the Pyrrha poem (1. 5) is connected with various others by means of subject matter, structure, choice of words, and metre. In the centre of this complex of allusions we find the figure of Achilles in the transvestite disguise he used to hide on the island of Scyrus, where, according to Hyginus, he was known by the name of Pyrrha. In the epic tradition, Scyrus seems to have been counted among the Cycladic Isles, while at the same time, that particular episode in the hero’s life belongs to the period narrated in the epic cycle. Through this connection, the Scyrian Achilles may shed light on the meaning of Horace’s warning against travelling the sea that extends between the Cyclades in ode 1. 14, the first ode written in the same metre as 1. 5. In the final part of the article, Horace’s allusive technique, described by him in metaphors of weaving and spinning, is compared to the modern concept of the leitmotif.
High-Temperature Measurements of the Rate Constants for Reactions of OH with a Series of Large Normal Alkanes: n-Pentane, n-Heptane, and n-Nonane
Authors: Pang Genny A. , Hanson Ronald K. , Golden David M. , Bowman Craig T.
Published: November 2011

Rate constants for the overall reactions of OH with n-pentane, n-heptane, and n-nonane were measured in shock tube experiments behind reflected shock waves. Narrow-linewidth laser absorption by OH at 306.7 nm was used in pseudo first-order experiments with temperatures between 869 to 1364 K. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used as the OH precursor. Experiments were also performed to study the kinetics of the TBHP decomposition and resulting product chemistry, and an accurate mechanism describing OH precursor chemistry effects was developed to model OH concentration time-history in the n-alkane + OH experiments. The experimental results for the n-alkane + OH rate constant measurements can be expressed as rate constants in Arrhenius form as

k

n-pentane + OH = 2.10 × 10-10 exp(-2038/T[K]) (869–1364 K),

k

n-heptane + OH = 2.43 × 10-10 exp(-1804/T[K]) (869–1364 K),

k

n-nonane + OH = 3.17 × 10-10 exp(-1801/T[K]) (884–1352 K),

each in units of cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The present rate constants measured for OH with n-pentane and n-heptane show agreement within 20% with recent work by Sivaramakrishnan and Michael [J. Phys. Chem. A, 113 (2009) 5047]. The measurements of the rate constant for n-nonane + OH presented here represent the first in the literature to depict the temperature dependence of the rate constant above 800 K. The measurements of each n-alkane + OH rate constant studied were compared with two models in the literature used to estimate the rate constants of n-alkane + OH reactions. The Structure-Activity Relationship of Kwok and Atkinson [Atmos. Environ., 29 (1995) 1685] shows the best agreement with the current data for all three n-alkanes over the entire temperature range studied, demonstrating that this model is capable of predicting the overall rate constants for reactions of OH with n-pentane, n-heptane, and n-nonane for temperatures up to 1364 K.
Competing Channels in the Propene + OH Reaction: Experiment and Validated Modeling over a Broad Temperature and Pressure Range
Authors: Kappler Claudia , Zádor Judit , Welz Oliver , Fernandez Ravi X. , Olzmann Matthias , Taatjes Craig A.
Published: November 2011

Although the propene + OH reaction has been in the center of interest of numerous experimental and theoretical studies, rate coefficients have never been determined experimentally between∼600 and∼750 K, where the reaction is governed by the complex interaction of addition, back-dissociation and abstraction. In this work OH time-profiles are measured in two independent laboratories over a wide temperature region (200–950 K) and are analyzed incorporating recent theoretical results. The datasets are consistent both with each other and with the calculated rate coefficients. We present a simplified set of reactions validated over a broad temperature and pressure range, that can be used in smaller combustion models for propene + OH. In addition, the experimentally observed kinetic isotope effect for the abstraction is rationalized using ab initio calculations and variational transition-state theory. We recommend the following approximate description of the OH + C3H6reaction

C3H6+ OH ⇆ C3H6OH (R1a,R-1a)

C3H6+ OH → C3H5+ H2O (R1b)

k1a(200 K ≤T≤ 950 K; 1 bar ≤P) = 1.45 × 10-11(T/K)-0.18e460 K/Tcm3molecule-1s-1

k-1a(200 K ≤T≤ 950 K; 1 bar ≤P) = 5.74 × 1012e-12690 K/Ts-1

k1b(200 K ≤T≤ 950 K) = 1.63 × 10-18(T/K)2.36e-725 K/Tcm3molecule-1s-1
Simplistic Partially Limiting Surgical Guide for Flapless Implant Placement: A Case Report
Authors: Nanda Aditi , Jain Veen
Published: November 2011

The accurate positioning of implant in bone is important in order to meet the biological, esthetic, and biomechanical requirements of the prosthesis. This becomes crucial in flapless implant placement. The combination of bone sounding and use of a surgical guide will allow precise placement of a dental implant, abutment, and provisional restoration in a minimally invasive manner. A technique to transfer the diagnostic information to the surgical guide is described in this report. The chief advantage of the procedure is the ability to apply flapless implant placement surgery and immediate loading.
Molecular analysis and dimorphism of azole-susceptible and resistant Candida albicans isolates
Authors: Costa Carolina Rodrigues , Souza Lúcia Kioko Hasimoto e , Ataídes Fábio Silvestre , Ferri Pedro Henrique , Costa Maysa Paula da , Fernanades Orionalda de Fátima Lisboa , Silva Maria do Rosário Rodrigues
Published: November 2011

INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans is responsible for superficial or systemic infections known as candidiasis, which may be found in infected tissue as unicellular budding yeasts, hyphae, or pseudohyphae. In this study, the effects of both fluconazole and itraconazole antifungal agents on the hyphal formation and genotypic characterization of C. albicans isolates classified as either susceptible or resistant were investigated. METHODS: The hyphal production of five C. albicans isolates under the action of antifungal agents was investigated by culturing yeast on growth medium and on hyphal induction medium. The genotypic characterization was carried out for 13 isolates of C. albicans using the random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method. RESULTS: The dimorphism analysis showed that the hyphal formation was higher in resistant than in the susceptible isolates to both azoles. The RAPD-PCR method identified the formation of two different groups. In group A, four resistant and two susceptible isolates were clustered, and in group B, one resistant and six susceptible isolates were clustered. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that hyphal formation was higher in resistant isolates in the presence of azole drugs, we confirmed that the hyphal production is closely related to susceptibility to azoles. These drugs may affect the morphogenesis of C. albicans depending on their susceptibility to these drugs. In relation to RAPD-PCR, most resistant isolates classified in group A and susceptible isolates in group B demonstrated that this method presented a similar standard between the two groups, suggesting that by this technique, a strong correlation between genotypes and fluconazole-resistant samples may be found.
Enteric parasites in HIV-1/AIDS-infected patients from a Northwestern São Paulo reference unit in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era
Authors: Cardoso Luciana Ventura , Galisteu Katia Jaira , Schiesari Júnior Arlindo , Chahla Luana Aparecida Oliveira Abou , Canille Rafaela Moreira da Silva , Belloto Marcus Vinicius Tereza , Franco Célia , Maia Irineu Luiz , Rossit Andréa Regina Baptista , Machado Ricardo Luiz Dantas
Published: November 2011

INTRODUCTION: We describe the epidemiology of intestinal parasites in patients from an AIDS reference service in Northeastern São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation was done for all HIV-1/AIDS-positive patients whose Hospital de Base/São José do Rio Preto laboratorial analysis was positive for enteroparasites after diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, from January 1998 to December 2008. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software version 2.4.1. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The most frequent protozoan was Isospora belli (4.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (3.5%), Entamoeba coli (2.8%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (0.3%). Ancylostoma duodenale (1.4%) was the most frequently detected helminth, while Taenia saginata and Strongiloides stercoralis were found in 0.7% of the samples. The results showed that diarrhea was significantly associated with giardiasis and isosporiasis. However, no association was observed between CD4+ cell counts, viral load, and the characteristics of any particular parasite. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may be useful for further comparisons with other Brazilian regions and other developing countries. The data may also provide important clues toward improving the understanding, prevention, and control of enteric parasites around the world.
Mapping of Chagas disease research: analysis of publications in the period between 1940 and 2009
Authors: Ramos José Manuel , González-Alcaide Gregorio , Gascón Joaquín , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: November 2011

INTRODUCTION: Publications are often used as a measure of success in research work. Chagas disease occurs in Central and Southern America. However, during the past years, the disease has been occurring outside Latin America due to migration from endemic zones. This article describes a bibliometric review of the literature on Chagas disease research indexed in PubMed during a 70-year period. METHODS: Medline was used via the PubMed online service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine from 1940 to 2009. The search strategy was: Chagas disease [MeSH] OR Trypanosoma cruzi [MeSH]. RESULTS: A total of 13,989 references were retrieved. The number of publications increased steadily over time from 1,361 (1940-1969) to 5,430 (2000-2009) (coefficient of determination for linear fit, R²=0.910). Eight journals contained 25% of the Chagas disease literature. Of the publications, 64.2% came from endemic countries. Brazil was the predominant country (37%), followed by the United States (17.6%) and Argentina (14%). The ranking in production changed when the number of publications was normalized by estimated cases of Chagas disease (Panama and Uruguay), population (Argentina and Uruguay), and gross domestic product (Bolivia and Brazil). CONCLUSIONS: Several Latin American countries, where the prevalence of T. cruzi infection was not very high, were the main producers of the Chagas disease literature, after adjusting for economic and population indexes. The countries with more estimated cases of Chagas disease produced less research on Chagas disease than some developed countries.
Estrutura genética em microescala espacial de Myrcia splendens (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Brandão Murilo Malveira , Vieira Fábio de Almeida , Carvalho Dulcinéia de
Published: November 2011

Em ecossistemas fragmentados, comuns no sul de Minas Gerais, os corredores de vegetação são elementos de grande importância ecológica para o fluxo gênico. Os corredores de vegetação na região de Lavras, MG, são estreitos (entre 3 e 6m), de vegetação secundária formada pela colonização de valas e interligam fragmentos remanescentes de vegetação primária. Nestes dois ambientes, é comum a ocorrência da espécie Myrcia splendens, que produz frutos de dispersão zoocórica. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, a avaliação da estrutura genética espacial em microescala de M. splendens nos ambientes de fragmentos e nas suas conexões. Dez primers ISSR foram utilizados em 168 árvores distribuídas nos cinco fragmentos e em 104 árvores nos quatro corredores de vegetação, gerando um total de 70 locos polimórficos. A AMOVA mostrou que a maior parte da diversidade genética ocorre dentro das populações (96,49% nos fragmentos e 91,15% nos corredores). Nas formações primárias (F1 a F5) e nos corredores C1 e C2 os genótipos estão distribuídos de maneira aleatória. Nos corredores C3 e C4 observou-se estruturação genética espacial, com valores de coancestria positiva e significativa na primeira classe de distância, sendo os valores de Sp de 0,012 (P = 0,009) e 0,014 (P = 0,029), respectivamente.
Perfomance evaluation of a direct injection engine using different blends of soybean (Glycine max) methyl biodiesel
Authors: Nietiedt Gustavo H. , Schlosser José F. , Russini Alexandre , Frantz Ulisses G. , Ribas Rodrigo L.
Published: November 2011

Diesel fuel is used widely in Brazil and worldwide. On the other hand, the growing environmental awareness leads to a greater demand for renewable energy resources. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the use of different blends of soybean (Glycine max) methyl biodiesel and diesel in an ignition compression engine with direct injection fuel. The tests were performed on an electric eddy current dynamometer, using the blends B10, B50 and B100, with 10; 50 e 100% of biodiesel, respectively, in comparison to the commercial diesel B5, with 5% of biodiesel added to the fossil diesel. The engine performance was analyzed trough the tractor power take off (PTO) for each fuel, and the best results obtained for the power and the specific fuel consumption, respectively, were: B5 (44.62 kW; 234.87 g kW-1 h-1); B10 (44.73 kW; 233.78 g kW-1 h-1); B50 (44.11 kW; 250.40 g kW-1 h-1) e B100 (43.40 kW; 263.63 g kW-1 h-1). The best performance occurred with the use of B5 and B10 fuel, without significant differences between these blends. The B100 fuel showed significant differences compared to the other fuels.
Influence of stiffness in bolted connections in wooden plane structure of truss type
Authors: Christoforo André L. , Romanholo Giuliano A. , Panzera Túlio H. , Borges Paulo H. R. , Lahr Francisco A. R.
Published: November 2011

Trusses are structural systems commonly used in projects, being employed mainly in roof structures, present in most rural buildings. The design of trusses, as well as other structural systems, requires the determination of displacements, strains and stresses. However, the project is developed from an ideal model of calculation, considering free rotation between the elements of a connection. This paper presents a computer program for the analysis of bidimensional wooden trusses with connections formed with two screws per node. The formulation is based on the flexibility method, taking into account the influence of the effect of semi-rigid connections formed by two screws. An example of a structure is presented and analyzed by the program developed here, highlighting the importance of behavior analysis on semi-rigid connections.
Soil seed bank of plant species as a function of long-term soil management and sampled depth
Authors: Concenço G , Salton J.C , Brevilieri R.C , Mendes P.B , Secretti M.L
Published: November 2011

This study aimed at assessing the level of weed infestation indifferent areas that were submitted to different soil management for 16 years. Four management systems were studied: (1) agriculture only under conventional tillage system; (2) agriculture only under no-till system; (3) crop-livestock integrationcrop-livestock integration; (4) livestock only. These areas were sampled at three soil depths (0-5, 5-10 and 10-15 cm), and soil was stored in plastic pots and taken to a greenhouse, where soil moisture and weight were standardized. Soil was kept near 70% moisture field capacity, being revolved every 20 days when all seedling emerged from soil were counted, identified and collected for dry mass assessment. The soil coverage by weeds, number of weed seedlings and dry mass of the weedy community were assessed. A phytoecological analysis was conducted. Weed composition is differentdifferent among management systems after 16 years. Areas with livestock showed much smaller number of weed species in comparison to systems where only grain crops are grown. The presence of livestock affects the potential of germination of soil seed bank. Agriculture systems are similar in terms of weed composition along soil profile, while systems involving livestock show little relation in what regards such sampled depths. Conservationist models of land exploration contribute to reduce severity of weed species occurrence in the long term.
Potencial de espécies vegetais na remediação de solo contaminado com sulfentrazone
Authors: Belo A.F , Coelho A.T.C.P , Ferreira L.R , Silva A.A , Santos J.B
Published: November 2011

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a eficiência de espécies vegetais na remediação de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo contaminado com sulfentrazone. O trabalho foi conduzido em duas etapas. Na primeira, avaliou-se o crescimento de Helianthus annus, Canavalia ensiformis, Dolichos lab lab e Arachis hypogaea em solo contaminado com sulfentrazone; na segunda, cultivou-se, no mesmo solo, uma espécie (sorgo) indicadora de resíduo de sulfentrazone no solo, para avaliar a capacidade remediadora dessas espécies. Na primeira etapa, foram utilizados vasos contendo 6,0 kg do substrato. Após a irrigação dos vasos, aplicou-se na superfície do solo o herbicida. Um dia após essa aplicação, procedeu-se à semeadura das espécies vegetais, as quais foram colhidas 100 dias depois e secas em estufa, determinando-se a matéria seca da parte aérea. Na segunda etapa, foram coletadas amostras de 3,0 kg de solo de cada vaso, onde foi cultivada a planta indicadora. Aos 20 e 50 dias após a emergência, foi avaliada, visualmente, a intoxicação das plantas de sorgo, sendo determinada a matéria seca da parte aérea dessas plantas aos 50 dias após a emergência e aos 50 dias após o primeiro corte. A produção de matéria seca da parte aérea de H. annus, C. ensiformis, D. lab lab e A. hypogaea não foi alterada, indicando que essas espécies foram tolerantes ao sulfentrazone; entretanto, H. annus apresentou melhor capacidade para remediação de solo contaminado com esse herbicida.