bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of rare X-linked neuroligin variants by massively parallel sequencing in males with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Ramachandran Dhanya , Patel Viren C , Shetty Amol C , Cutler David J , Zwick Michael E
Published: September 2012

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heritable, but the genetic risk factors for it remain largely unknown. Although structural variants with large effect sizes may explain up to 15% ASD, genome-wide association studies have failed to uncover common single nucleotide variants with large effects on phenotype. The focus within ASD genetics is now shifting to the examination of rare sequence variants of modest effect, which is most often achieved via exome selection and sequencing. This strategy has indeed identified some rare candidate variants; however, the approach does not capture the full spectrum of genetic variation that might contribute to the phenotype.

Methods

We surveyed two loci with known rare variants that contribute to ASD, the X-linked neuroligin genes by performing massively parallel Illumina sequencing of the coding and noncoding regions from these genes in males from families with multiplex autism. We annotated all variant sites and functionally tested a subset to identify other rare mutations contributing to ASD susceptibility.

Results

We found seven rare variants at evolutionary conserved sites in our study population. Functional analyses of the three 3’ UTR variants did not show statistically significant effects on the expression ofNLGN3andNLGN4X.In addition, we identified twoNLGN3intronic variants located within conserved transcription factor binding sites that could potentially affect gene regulation.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the power of massively parallel, targeted sequencing studies of affected individuals for identifying rare, potentially disease-contributing variation. However, they also point out the challenges and limitations of current methods of direct functional testing of rare variants and the difficulties of identifying alleles with modest effects.
Lessons on the relationship between livestock husbandry and biodiversity from the Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE)
Authors: Riginos Corinna , Porensky Lauren M , Veblen Kari E , Odadi Wilfred O , Sensenig Ryan L , Kimuyu Duncan , Keesing Felicia , Wilkerson Marit L , Young Truman P
Published: September 2012

Although livestock and wildlife share most of their ranges worldwide, little controlled experimental research has been done on their interactions. Since 1995 we have been manipulating the presence of cattle and large wild ungulates in a Kenyan savanna rangeland in order to better understand the nature of competition and coexistence between these two guilds of herbivores and how they affect biodiversity. In a replicated experiment in which different combinations of cattle and wild herbivores are allowed access to large-scale plots, we have been monitoring the impacts of these herbivores on vegetation, on the wild herbivores, and cattle themselves, and on a variety of other taxa. We have also been conducting experimental research to examine other ways in which livestock management in eastern Africa might affect biodiversity. These include studies on the impacts of fire, livestock corrals, and changes in tree density. This research has revealed the following patterns. (1) Cattle suppress many species of wild herbivores, presumably through competition for their shared resources. The nature of this competition, however, is contingent on rainfall and the presence of other herbivores. (2) Wild herbivores both compete with and facilitate cattle, depending on rainfall. (3) The pastoral practice of housing livestock nightly in protective corral enclosures (“bomas”) over time produces long-lived nutrient hotspots preferred by both livestock and wild herbivores. (4) Fire, frequently used by pastoralists in the past, is valuable for improving grass quality, with benefits for many species of wild herbivores. (5) Pastoral practices that reduce woody cover, including burning and boma construction, create local habitat patches that are preferred by wild herbivores, apparently for their greater anti-predator visibility. (6) Despite competition between livestock and wild herbivores, coexistence between these two guilds can be managed, and there are several positive (facilitative) pathways between livestock husbandry and wild herbivores and other biodiversity.
Users or producers of ecosystem services? A scenario exercise for integrating conservation and reindeer herding in northeast Finland
Authors: Heikkinen Hannu I , Sarkki Simo , Nuttall Mark
Published: September 2012

Nature conservation is often seen as incompatible with pastoralism: conserved predators can cause significant harm to livestock, or livestock may conquer space from natural species. Currently, nature conservation and related policies are increasingly framed through the notion of ecosystem services, which form basis for human well-being. What are the implications of this framing in the relationships between pastoralism and conservation? To answer this question, we draw from our previous research to build four scenarios on the relationships between reindeer herding and nature conservation in northeast Finland. In the two ecosystem service, ‘user’ scenarios reindeer herders are seen to degrade nature, and thus should be controlled. In the first scenarios, reindeer herding is still compensated for its losses to predation, but in the second scenario, ‘reindeer farming’ and free grazing practises are eroded for achieving conservation objectives. If herding is viewed as a producer of ecosystem services, the herders' incentivised function would be to sustain predator populations and resemble natural species (wild forest reindeer). In our two ‘producer’ scenarios, new professions as ecosystem stewards or as ecotourism entrepreneurs emerge and herding changes from meat production priority to supporting the production of other ecosystem services. Novel solutions to conservation-pastoralism dilemmas might emerge if pastoral communities are seen as potential producers of ecosystem services. However, ‘producer-based’ conservation practises also include various uncertainties and might have negative impacts on pastoral communities' well-being, especially on the continuity of social and cultural traditions.
Expected climate change impacts on land and natural resource use in Namibia: exploring economically efficient responses
Authors: Barnes Jon I , MacGregor James , Alberts Moira
Published: September 2012

This paper informs policy over the efficiency of investments on Namibia's rangelands both now and under future expected climate change. It is in this setting that Namibia's pastoralist communities, communal conservancies and increasing numbers of wildlife reside, and their economic activity dominates. We bring the principles of economics to decision-making. We analyse primary land uses, livestock production and wildlife viewing tourism in three ecologically different biomes - the southern Karoo Biome, the central Savanna Biome and the northeastern Woodland Biome. We analyse how expected climate change will impact these investments to 2080. From an economic perspective, pastoralism and wildlife-based tourism developed within common property management systems can be sound investments across Namibia's communal lands. Furthermore, as climate changes, the existing economic benefits to the Namibian economy associated with pastoralism and wildlife-based tourism should be magnified, as capital-intensive commercial fenced ranching systems become less economic. Recent research indicates that adoption of good rangeland management principles involving flexible herding, economies of scale and commercially viable utilisation of invasive bush can significantly increase profits and economic returns on investment for livestock systems in Namibia. Furthermore, under conditions of expected climate change, our results indicate that income from natural resource use will be more resilient than livestock and other agricultural investments. Estimated losses in economic contribution will be highest in the agricultural sector, and in particular with commercial fenced ranching, and rainfed cropping. Climate change poses considerable challenges for pastoralists and other economic activity on Namibia's rangelands. Global climate modelling suggests that by 2080, Namibia's temperatures will have increased by some 3°C and rainfall decreased by 5% to 20%. Our results suggest that gradual change in climate over the next 70 years will see the potential national value of livestock income halved and that of tourism income reduced by one quarter. Active interventions should include shifts in livestock and rangeland policy, encouraging the adoption of more flexible and resilient systems and including efforts to make rangeland use less rigid and more able to change and adapt. Adaptation to climate change should include promotion of natural resource-based land uses such as continued expansion of the Community Based Natural Resource Management programme. Furthermore, national policy now recognises this, and implementation of the Namibia Rangeland Management Policy will provide incentives to invest in sound rangeland management.
Low rates of hepatotoxicity among Asian patients with paracetamol overdose: a review of 1024 cases
Authors: Marzilawati Abd-Rahman , Ngau Yen-Yew , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: September 2012

Background

The metabolism of paracetamol in Asians is thought to differ from Westerners. Detailed clinical features of paracetamol -induced hepatotoxicity among Asians remains largely unreported.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult cases with paracetamol overdose over a five-year duration was performed in two of the largest public institutions in this country. Prevalence and predictive factors for hepatotoxicity were determined.

Results

Data on 1024 patients (median age 23 years, 82.0% female, ethnic groups: Malays 40.8%, Chinese 20.9% , Indian 33.2%) were obtained from January 2005 to December 2009. The median amount of paracetamol ingestion was 10.0 (IQR 5.0 - 15.0) g and the median serum paracetamol level was 274.80 (IQR 70.0 - 640.0) μmol/L at presentation. 75 (7.3%) patients developed hepatotoxicity. 23/ 55 (41.8%) patients who had ingested > 10 g of paracetamol and had a delayed (> 24 hour) administration of N-acetyl cystine (NAC) developed hepatotoxicity. No patients developed acute liver failure nor suffered any mortality (0%). Independent predictors for hepatotoxicity were identified as Malay (OR 2.22, 95% CI = 1.13-4.37) and Chinese (OR 3.26, 95% CI = 1.55-6.84) ethnicity, paracetamol dose > 10 g (OR 2.61, 95% CI = 1.53-4.46), prolonged duration of time from paracetamol ingestion to hospital presentation (> 24 hours OR 10.71, 95% CI = 3.46-33.15) and prolonged duration of time from paracetamol ingestion to NAC administration (> 24 hours OR 9.02, 95% CI = 2.97-27.45).

Conclusions

Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity rates in a multi-ethnic Asian population was low at 7.3%. Mortality and morbidity were non-existent despite high doses of paracetamol ingestion and delayed presentations to hospital.
Can dexmedetomidine be a safe and efficacious sedative agent in post-cardiac surgery patients? a meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yi Yun , He Bin , Chen Jian , Wang Zhi Nong
Published: September 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the use of dexmedetomidine as a safe and efficacious sedative agent in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index until January 2012 and review of studies was conducted. Eligible studies were of randomized controlled trials or cohort studies, comparing dexmedetomidine with a placebo or an alternative sedative agent in elective cardiac surgery, using dexmedetomidine for postoperative sedation and available in full text. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction.

Results

The search identified 530 potentially relevant publications; 11 met selection criteria in this meta-analysis. Our results revealed that dexmedetomidine was associated with a shorter length of mechanical ventilation (mean difference -2.70 [-5.05, -0.35]), a lower risk of delirium (risk ratio 0.36 [0.21, 0.64]), ventricular tachycardia (risk ratio 0.27 [0.08, 0.97]) and hyperglycemia (risk ratio 0.78 [0.61, 0.99]), but may increase the risk of bradycardia (risk ratio 2.08 [1.16, 3.74]). But there was no significant difference in ICU stay, hospital stay, and morphine equivalents between the included studies. Dexmedetomidine may not increase the risk of hypotension, atrial fibrillation, postoperative nausea and vomiting, reintubation within 5 days, cardiovascular complications, postoperative infection or hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine was associated with shorter length of mechanical ventilation and lower risk of delirium following cardiac surgery. Although the risk of bradycardia was significantly higher compared with traditional sedatives, it may not increase length of hospital stay and hospital mortality. Moreover, dexmedetomidine may decrease the risk of ventricular tachycardia and hyperglycemia. Thus, dexmedetomidine could be a safe and efficacious sedative agent in cardiac surgical patients.
Regulation of Adipose Differentiation by Fructose and GluT5
Authors: Du Li , Heaney Anthony P.
Published: September 2012

Adipose tissue is an important metabolic organ that is crucial for whole-body insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis. Highly refined fructose intake increases visceral adiposity although the mechanism(s) remain unclear. Differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes is a highly regulated process that is associated with characteristic sequential changes in adipocyte gene expression. We demonstrate that fructose treatment of murine 3T3-L1 cells incubated in standard differentiation medium increases adipogenesis and adipocyte-related gene expression. We further show that the key fructose transporter, GluT5, is expressed in early-stage adipocyte differentiation but is not expressed in mature adipocytes. GluT5 overexpression or knockdown increased and decreased adipocyte differentiation, respectively, and treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with a specific GluT5 inhibitor decreased adipocyte differentiation. Epidymal white adipose tissue was reduced in GluT5−/− mice compared with wild-type mice, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from GluT5−/− mice exhibited impaired adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fructose and GluT5 play an important role in regulating adipose differentiation.
Characterizing Diffusion and Transport in Microfluidics Channels: A Combined Raman Microscopy and Band-Target Entropy Minimization Study
Authors: Widjaja Effendi , Teh Siew Yen , Garland Marc
Published: October 2012

With the increasing use of microfluidics, there is a need for a rather general experimental approach in order to monitor and characterize transport effects. Indeed, micro-fabrication methods have allowed the inclusion of numerous new structures and devices within microfluidics channels, and such alterations in flow patterns should impact solute transport characteristics. In the present contribution, Raman microscopy is combined with band-target entropy minimization analysis (BTEM) in order to rapidly assess and map concentration profiles in various regions of a microfluidics device. Two isotopomers, CHCl3 and CDCl3, are contacted under laminar conditions. Special consideration is given to the point of contact between the two liquids, transport in straight sections, transport in curved sections, and wall effects. Break-through curves confirmed that stagnation of fluid at the wall is not occurring, despite substantial wall roughness. Since the methods used in the present study are quite general, they should be useful in rapidly accessing transport effects when fluids (also in conjunction with colloids, suspensions, and solids) are contacted in the presence of both simple as well as complex geometries.
Crossings: A Transnational Cinematic Text
Authors: Williams Tony
Published: October 2012

Crossings is ostensibly a fictional narrative set in New York involving motifs familiar to many viewers of Hong Kong's prolific generic cinema, namely the broken romance set in a foreign surrounding and drug smuggling. Like other exilic narratives such as An Autumn's Tale, Farewell
China, Floating Weeds and Comrades: A Love Story, Crossings focuses upon certain aspects of the immigrant experience such as dislocation and loss that threaten the secure identities of its main characters. Like Farewell China and Comrades, it involves the theme of a love relationship affected
by alienating experiences encountered by both participants within a new cultural and geographical landscape.
On Lipschitz maps and dimension
Authors: Herburt Irmina , Pol Roman
Published: October 2012

Maria Moszyńska and the first author suggested some natural axioms for fractal dimension functions. We discuss the independence of these axioms. In particular, using the Continuum Hypothesis, we associate to each nonempty separable metric space X a non-negative integer d(X) so that the function d is Lipschitz subinvariant, stable under finite unions, d([0; 1]n) = n, but still, for some E ⊂ [0; 1]3 we have d(E) < dimE, where dimE is the topological dimension of E.
A family of rules for the choice of the regularization parameter
in the Lavrentiev method in the case of rough estimate of the noise level of
the data
Authors: Hämarik Uno , Palm Reimo , Raus Toomas
Published: October 2012

We consider the Lavrentiev method for the regularization of
linear ill-posed problems with noisy data. Classical rules for the
choice of the regularization parameter that use the noise level work
well for almost exact noise level information, they fail in the case of
the underestimated noise level and give a much larger error than the error by
the optimal parameter in the case of the overestimated noise level.
Heuristic rules that do not use the noise level give often good results
but can not guarantee the convergence. We propose a general family of
parameter choice rules, which give good results also in the case of
many times under- or overestimated noise level. This family combines
heuristic rules and quasi-optimal rules that use the noise level. The
quasi-optimality is proved for a sub-family of rules. The advantages of the
new rules are demonstrated in extensive numerical experiments.
Deliberative Democracy and Punishment
Authors: Greiff Pablo de
Published: September 2012

This paper contests the traditional division of labor that confines theories of punishment to the domain of moral, or at the most, legal, theories, as if punishment did not pose a challenge to political theories as well. It is thus also an attempt to clarify the relationship between moral and political theory. After pointing out that despite the recent surge in interest in different aspects of deliberative democracy, its theorists have been silent on the question of punishment, the paper argues, concretely, that this is a silence that does not serve them well, and that can be made up by establishing links between a deliberative theory of democracy and a modified expressionist theory of punishment.
Background Television in the Homes of US Children
Authors: Lapierre Matthew A. , Piotrowski Jessica Taylor , Linebarger Deborah L.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:

US parents were surveyed to determine the amount of background television that their children are exposed to as well as to isolate demographic factors associated with increased exposure to background television. After this, we ask how certain home media practices are linked to children’s background television exposure.

METHODS:

US parents/caregivers (N = 1454) with 1 child between the ages of 8 months and 8 years participated in this study. A nationally representative telephone survey was conducted. Parents were asked to report on their child’s exposure to background television via a 24-hour time diary. Parents were also asked to report relevant home media behaviors related to their child: bedroom television ownership, number of televisions in the home, and how often a television was on in the home.

RESULTS:

The average US child was exposed to 232.2 minutes of background television on a typical day. With the use of multiple regression analysis, we found that younger children and African American children were exposed to more background television. Leaving the television on while no one is viewing and children’s bedroom television ownership were associated with increased background television exposure.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although recent research has shown the negative consequences associated with background television, this study provides the first nationally representative estimates of that exposure. The amount of exposure for the average child is startling. This study offers practitioners potential pathways to reduce exposure.
Evaluation of polymethylmethacrylate as ocular implant in rabbits subjected to evisceration
Authors: Oriá Arianne Pontes , Dórea Neto Francisco de Assis , Santos Luís Alberto dos , Piza Evandro de Toledo , Brunelli Adriana Torrecilhas Jorge , Nishimori Celina Tie , Souza Ana Letícia Groszewicz de , Gomes Junior Deusdete Conceição , Laus José Luiz
Published: September 2012

Spheres of different types of material are used for the replacement of lost volume after removal of the eye bulb or its content to prevent contraction of the orbital cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scope of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) used as intraocular implant in eviscerated rabbit eye. Twelve New Zealand rabbits underwent unilateral evisceration of the left eye, with subsequent implantation of PMMA sphere 12 mm in diameter. Clinical evaluation was performed daily during the first 15 days after surgery and every 15 days until the end of the study period (180 days). For the histopathological analysis, three animals per trial underwent enucleation at 15, 45, 90 and 180 days after evisceration. There was no wound dehiscence, signs of infection or implant extrusion in any animal throughout the study period. Histological examination revealed the formation of fibrovascular tissue around the implants. The PMMA behaved as inert and non-integrable.
Determinação da dissimilaridade genética entre acessos de Capsicum chinense com base em características de flores
Authors: Vasconcelos Carla Sigales de , Barbieri Rosa Lía , Neitzke Raquel Silviana , Priori Daniela , Fischer Síntia Zitzke , Mistura Claudete Clarice
Published: September 2012

As pimentas do gênero Capsicum apresentam grande importância para o mercado de condimentos e para o uso ornamental no Brasil. A estimativa da diversidade genética é importante na escolha de progenitores de programa de melhoramento genético. Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar a eficiência de descritores multicategóricos de flores para estimar a dissimilaridade genética entre acessos de Capsicum chinense, do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma Capsicum, da Embrapa Clima Temperado. O experimento foi realizado no período de agosto de 2009 a março de 2010, no campo experimental da Embrapa Clima Temperado, em blocos ao acaso, utilizando-se 22 acessos, com dez plantas por parcela. Para a caracterização morfológica das flores, foram avaliadas cinco flores de cada planta, de dez plantas por acesso. Foram utilizados 15 descritores, sendo cinco quantitativos e dez qualitativos multicategóricos. Foram realizadas análises de comparação de médias, utilizando-se agrupamento pelos métodos UPGMA e de Tocher, para os dados quantitativos, e agrupamento pelo método de Tocher, para os dados qualitativos. Os acessos estudados apresentam ampla diversidade genética em relação a descritores de flores, existindo grande variabilidade entre os acessos avaliados, o que recomenda seu uso em programas de melhoramento genético. O uso de descritores multicategóricos de flores é eficiente para estimar a dissimilaridade genética entre acessos de Capsicum chinense.
Fontes, doses e formas de aplicação de fósforo para o algodoeiro no Cerrado da Bahia
Authors: Santos Flávia Cristina dos , Albuquerque Filho Manoel Ricardo de , Novais Roberto Ferreira de , Ferreira Gilvan Barbosa , Carvalho Maria da Conceição Santana , Silva Filho João Luís da
Published: September 2012

Ainda são insuficientes, nas condições do Cerrado baiano, as informações sobre fontes, doses e formas de aplicação de P para o algodoeiro, importantes para o aumento da produtividade e qualidade da fibra. Em vista disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi definir fontes, doses e formas de aplicação de P para a cultura do algodoeiro em solo de textura média do Cerrado da Bahia. Para tanto, foi conduzido um experimento, em plantio convencional, utilizando-se o fatorial 2 x 4 x 2 + 7 (fontes P x doses x formas de aplicação + sete tratamentos adicionais (combinações de proporções das fontes e mais o tratamento controle (sem P)), com quatro repetições. As fontes avaliadas foram superfosfato triplo (ST), fosfato de Arad (FA) nas doses de 60, 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-1 de P2O5 aplicadas a lanço ou no sulco de semeadura. Os tratamentos adicionais foram constituídos de proporções de ST e FA para a dose de 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Foram avaliadas características de produção (altura de plantas, estande, produtividade, percentagem de fibra, peso médio do capulho), teor de P foliar e P disponível no solo e características de qualidade da fibra. Não houve efeito significativo de fontes, doses e formas de aplicação sobre a produtividade do algodão em caroço. Quanto s características de qualidade da fibra, o uso de fosfato de Arad melhorou a percentagem de fibra e o micronaire, enquanto o superfosfato triplo aumentou o comprimento da fibra. A combinação das duas fontes resultou em maior peso médio do capulho para as proporções 25+75 e 75+25 (ST+FA) em relação 50+50 (ST+FA).
Using data mining to identify factors that influence the degree of leg injuries in broilers
Authors: Cordeiro Alexandra F. da S. , Baracho Marta dos S. , Nääs Irenilza de A. , Nascimento Guilherme R. do
Published: September 2012

Locomotor problems prevent the bird to move freely, jeopardizing the welfare and productivity, besides generating injuries on the legs of chickens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of age, use of vitamin D, the asymmetry of limbs and gait score, the degree of leg injuries in broilers, using data mining. The analysis was performed on a data set obtained from a field experiment in which it was used two groups of birds with 30 birds each, a control group and one treated with vitamin D. It was evaluated the gait score, the asymmetry between the right and left toes, and the degree of leg injuries. The Weka ® software was used in data mining. In particular, C4.5 algorithm (also known as J48 in Weka environment) was used for the generation of a decision tree. The results showed that age is the factor that most influences the degree of leg injuries and that the data from assessments of gait score were not reliable to estimate leg weakness in broilers.
Technical and economic analysis of replacing artificial lighting system to induction of photoperiod effect in begonia's seedlings in greenhouse
Authors: David Eduardo , Rossi Luiz Antonio , Pagliardi Odail
Published: September 2012

The type of artificial light used for inducing photoperiod effect in begonia's seedlings at greenhouse has fundamental importance in the growth and development of these plants and directly reflects in the electrical energy consumption used in this production process. The objective of this research was to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of replacing the current technology of artificial lighting used by the producers (incandescent lamps), by the technology of discharge lamps with the purpose of inducing photoperiod in a greenhouse. The analysis results indicate that the discharge lamp of 32 W Tubular Fluorescent discharge lamp was the one that presented the lower peak demand and lower average energy consumption of 85.01% compared to incandescent filament lamp of 100 W that is the technology of bigger consumption and currently used by the producer.
Caracterização dos acidentes escorpiônicos em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2005 a 2009
Authors: Barbosa Amanda Duarte , Magalhães Danielle Ferreira de , Silva José Ailton da , Silva Marcos Xavier , Cardoso Maria de Fátima Eyer Cabral , Meneses José Newton Coelho , Cunha Maria da Consolação Magalhães
Published: September 2012

Realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico observacional retrospectivo para caracterizar os acidentes escorpiônicos em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2005 e 2009. Foram coletados dados do Sistema Nacional de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica (SISVE) e das fichas de atendimento do Hospital João XXIII. Observou-se um total de 2.769 casos no período (114,7/100 mil habitantes), tendência decrescente e maior ocorrência entre agosto e janeiro. A espécie Tityus serrulatus foi responsável pela maioria das picadas. Não houve diferença estatística entre os gêneros dos indivíduos acometidos e a faixa etária entre 55 e 64 anos foi a que apresentou maior risco para escorpionismo. Noventa e seis por cento dos quadros clínicos evoluíram para a cura, tendo sido observados dois óbitos. Alerta-se para necessidade de melhorias no processo de notificação de acidentes por escorpião e sugere-se considerar seus determinantes para o planejamento e direcionamento de intervenções por parte do serviço público de saúde.
Effects of angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in cutaneous wound healing in rats
Authors: Pessoa Wagner Soares , Estevão Lígia Reis de Moura , Simões Ricardo Santos , Barros Maria Edna Gomes de , Mendonça Fábio de Souza , Baratella-Evêncio Liriane , Evêncio-Neto Joaquim
Published: September 2012

PURPOSE: To study the effects of the angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) on the healing of rat skin. METHODS: Twenty adult rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, the G4, G7, G14 and G21, which corresponds to the respective postoperative days. Each group received two incisions on skin and subcutaneous tissue in the right and left antimere of the thoracic region, separated by a distance of 2 cm. The right lesion was treated daily with saline and the left with the angico alcoholic extract (5%). At the end of each experimental period, animals were euthanized and fragments of the wound area, together with the edges were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and processed for paraffin embedding. In the histological sections with 5 µm of thickness, were carried out immunohistochemical methods for detection of blood vessels (VEGF) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphological analysis. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed larger fibroblasts and a higher concentration of collagen fibers in days 7 and 14 in wounds treated with the angico extract. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of blood vessels in both the seventh and 14th days (p<0.01) in wounds treated with the angico extract. CONCLUSION: The angico alcoholic extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) induces the acceleration of wound healing in skin wounds of rats.
La regulación de los servicios de electricidad en Argentina y Brasil (1890-1962)
Authors: Saes Alexandre Macchione , Lanciotti Norma Silvana
Published: September 2012

El artículo analiza la evolución de la regulación del sector eléctrico en Argentina y Brasil entre 1890 y 1960. Desde la instalación de las primeras usinas eléctricas a fines del siglo diecinueve hasta los años treinta, el control de las empresas concesionarias estuvo a cargo de las autoridades municipales en ambos países. No obstante, la similar estructura de los sistemas eléctricos en Argentina y en Brasil, la participación del estado en la regulación de este sector estratégico para el desarrollo económico, se produjo en diferentes coyunturas. Como resultado de la crisis de 1930, el gobierno brasileño transformó los principios jurídicos que reglamentaban la gestión de la electricidad aplicando un criterio de regulación discrecional; mientras que el estado argentino intervino una década más tarde, nacionalizando las empresas. Mediante la comparación de las trayectorias regulatorias en ambos países, se identifican las divergencias en las políticas eléctricas y su impacto en los sistemas eléctricos en los años de la segunda posguerra.
Processo de resiliência nas mulheres vítimas de violência doméstica: um olhar fenomenológico
Authors: Labronici Liliana Maria
Published: September 2012

Pesquisa fenomenológica desenvolvida no Centro de referência e atendimento à mulher em situação de violência doméstica de Curitiba e região metropolitana, de abril a agosto de 2010, com cinco mulheres. Teve como objetivo desvelar a manifestação do processo de resiliência nas mulheres vítimas de violência doméstica. As descrições foram obtidas mediante entrevistas abertas gravadas e analisadas de acordo os seguintes momentos: descrição, redução e compreensão do fenômeno. Constatou-se que o processo de resiliência iniciou quando o agressor concretamente tentou matá-las, agredir e/ou matar os filhos. A ameaça à vida as fez saírem do estado de imobilidade, e a mobilização interna as colocou em movimento existencial, em busca de ajuda nas redes de apoio social que são fundamentais para o enfrentamento, pois possibilitam narrar o trauma vivido. A narrativa fez com que atribuíssem um novo significado ao sofrimento vivido e, desta forma, houve a superação e estímulo ao processo de resiliência.
A incontinência urinária em mulheres e os aspectos raciais: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Leroy Lígia da Silva , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes , Shimo Antonieta Keiko Kakuda
Published: September 2012

Revisão bibliográfica que objetivou identificar as associações entre a incontinência urinária feminina e os aspectos raciais. Utilizaram-se as bases de dados MEDLINE e LILACS para pesquisa dos artigos publicados nos anos de 2003 a 2010. Analisou-se 30 publicações que apontaram diversas relações entre incontinência e raça. A prevalência de incontinência foi maior entre brancas. A incontinência urinária de esforço foi mais frequente entre brancas e a de urgência, entre negras. Brancas e asiáticas apresentam perda urinária em menor quantidade comparado a negras e hispânicas. O impacto na qualidade de vida esteve mais relacionado à severidade da perda urinária e outros fatores, do que especificamente à questão racial. Brancas apresentaram melhor conhecimento sobre incontinência e se submeteram mais frequentemente a tratamento cirúrgico para incontinência urinária de esforço. Brancas e latinas apresentam maior risco de incontinência urinária que negras e asiáticas. Ressalta-se a necessidade de estudos brasileiros para que os dados possam ser adequados à nossa realidade.
Sensors for quality control in welding
Authors: Alfaro Sadek Crisóstomo Absi
Published: September 2012

The classical inspection methods used for detecting and finding disturbances in welding process are based on direct measurement of its parameters as arc voltage, welding current, wire feed speed, etc. Using these inspection methods implies sensors insertion around the welding process and its presence could alter the metallic transference behavior and consequently an uneven quality as well as it can increase the production cost. For reducing these implications is necessary using a non intrusive inspection method. In this paper we will show nonintrusive methods to the weld quality inspection. These methods are based on sensor fusion, the extraction of global information coming from the interrelation data given by each sensor that, for example, sensing the spectroscopy radiation emission, the acoustic sensing of the electrical arc, the infrared emissions indicating the heat content of the weld. Finally, the fusion data will be applied to a statistical control for detecting and finding welding disturbances. The results will show that sensor fusion could be used as a tool to measure indirectly the weld quality in the GMAW process.
A Lei Antimonopólio da China e o seu regime de controle de concentração
Authors: Dan Wei
Published: September 2012

Como a maior economia emergente e uma grande potência económica do mundo, a China é um tardio, mas um importante participante do clube do Direito da Concorrência, com a entrada em vigor de uma nova Lei Antimonopólio (LAM), em 1º de agosto de 2008. O presente trabalho focaliza o regime de controle das operações de concentração através da averiguação de uma série de regulamentos de execução promulgados depois da LAM. À luz das normas substantivas e processuais do regime do controle de concentração, o estudo faz uma comparação entre o regime chinês e os regimes dos Estados Unidos e da Uunião Europeia. Alguns resultados empíricos ilustram que a China está fazendo esforços para realizar uma convergência suave com as normas internacionais, enquanto a abordagem gradual de convergência dá à china a flexibilidade para parar, ajustar e fazer uma excepção sempre que necessário.
A legitimidade de normas de direito internacional: um diálogo com Thomas Franck
Authors: Moreira Felipe Kern
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste artigo é debater a noção de legitimidade de normas de direito internacional público proposta pelo jurista e professor da universidade de Nova York, Thomas Franck. Esta contribuição consiste na proposta teórica e multidisciplinar de descrever de que forma a legitimidade de normas jurídicas internacionais pode ser avaliada a partir de critérios de pedigree específicos. Além de tratar da legitimidade como determinação, validação simbólica, coerência e aderência, procura responder por que a justiça não seria um critério de qualificação de legitimidade de normas internacionais.
Residência multiprofissional em saúde e pós-graduação lato sensu no Brasil: apontamentos históricos
Authors: Rosa Soraya Diniz , Lopes Roseli Esquerdo
Published: September 2012

Trata-se da discussão da educação superior brasileira, tomando-se como parâmetro a especialização no conjunto da pós-graduação, a partir da análise do Programa da Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde, reconhecido como pós-graduação lato sensu. Utilizou-se a pesquisa histórica e documental como instrumento para análise dos problemas enfrentados no modelo de formação proposto no referido programa e apresentado pelos ministérios da Educação e da Saúde como base para a consolidação da política nacional de educação em saúde. Os resultados alcançados nos permitem afirmar a importância da pós-graduação lato sensu no âmbito da educação em saúde. Contudo, sua oferta descontínua e, na maioria dos casos, não acadêmica, tem caracterizado um modelo limitado pela lógica mercantil, evidenciando a falta de políticas públicas que assegurem a devida qualificação profissional. A Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde pretende ser uma nova estratégia para políticas de educação permanente que, enfocando categorias profissionais não médicas da área, favoreça a produção das condições necessárias para mudanças no modelo médico-assistencial restritivo, ainda hegemônico, de atenção em saúde. Resta saber se essa interferência no modelo educacional vai contribuir para uma melhor ação profissional ou se restringe à estruturação da rede de serviços públicos, através da oferta de um campo de trabalho precarizado.
Qualidade de vida no trabalho num cenário de precarização: a panaceia delirante
Authors: Padilha Valquíria
Published: September 2012

Este texto analisa os fatores de precarização do trabalho em relação com a qualidade de vida do trabalhador. Desenvolve uma linha de raciocínio crítico que começa entendendo os contornos do trabalho precário na ordem do capital, passa pela compreensão do que é Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho (QVT) para chegar à análise dos desafios encontrados hoje pelos trabalhadores em relação às possibilidades de viver tanto o trabalho quanto a vida cheios de sentido, em direção a um projeto de emancipação humana. A ideia principal defendida é a de que políticas de QVT adotadas em empresas podem aliviar momentaneamente alguns sintomas, mas não ferem as causas estruturais dos problemas. A humanização da gestão da força de trabalho pode ser uma encenação necessária no interior das organizações, mas não deve ser vista como solução para os males do trabalho.
Measurement of stresses around closed-ended displacement piles in sand
Authors: JARDINE R.J. , ZHU B.T. , FORAY P. , YANG Z.X.
Published: September 2012

Calibration chamber experiments are reported that investigate the evolution of stresses around closed-ended, highly instrumented, model displacement piles during simulated driving into a heavily instrumented sand mass. The soil stresses are shown to vary spatially relative to the pile tip location. As well as showing considerable radial variation, the stresses developed at any given depth build sharply as the tip approaches, and reduce rapidly as it passes. Clear differences are evident between the behaviours seen close to the shaft during alternate penetration and pause periods. Load-cycling effects are most significant close to the shaft, where the local stress paths indicate a tendency for constrained ‘dilatant' behaviour, with radial stresses increasing, during loading. In contrast, markedly ‘contractant' radial stress reductions are evident on unloading.
Priority setting for invasive species management: risk assessment of Ponto‐Caspian invasive species into Great Britain
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Aldridge David C.
Published: October 2012

Invasive species drive important ecological and economic losses across wide geographies, with some regions supporting especially large numbers of nonnative species and consequently suffering relatively high impacts. For this reason, integrated risk assessments able to screen a suite of multiple invaders over large geographic areas are needed for prioritizing the allocation of limited resources. A total of 16 Ponto‐Caspian aquatic species (10 gammarids, one isopod, two mysids, and three fishes) have been short‐listed as recent or potential future invaders of British waters, whose introduction and spread is of high concern. In this study, we use multiple modeling techniques to assess their risk of establishment and spread into Great Britain. Climate suitability maps for these 16 species differed depending on the eastern and western distribution of species in continental Europe, which was related to their respective migration corridor: southern (Danube–Rhine rivers), and northern (Don and Volga rivers and Baltic lakes). Species whose suitability was high across large parts of Great Britain included four gammarids (Cheliorophium robustum,Dikerogammarus bispinosus,D. villosus, andEchinogammarus trichiatus) and a mysid (Hemimysis anomala). A climatic “heat map” combining the results of all 16 species together pointed to the southeast of England as the area most vulnerable to multiple invasions, particularly the Thames, Anglian, Severn, and Humber river basin districts. Regression models further suggested that alkalinity concentration >120 mg/L in southeast England may favor the establishment of Ponto‐Caspian invaders. The production of integrated risk maps for future invaders provides a means for the scientifically informed prioritization of resources toward particular species and geographic regions. Such tools have great utility in helping environmental managers focus efforts on the most effective prevention, management, and monitoring programs.
HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Among Late Adolescents in Nepal
Authors: Mahat Ganga , Pradhan Geeta
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy for limiting sexual risk behavior in Nepalese late adolescents attending college. A convenience sample of 229 baccalaureate college students completed three instruments: demographic, HIV/AIDS knowledge questions and the self-efficacy for limiting sexual risk behavior questions. The findings of this study showed that Nepalese youth had moderate HIV/AIDS knowledge and a moderate level of self-efficacy. However, they lacked knowledge in certain aspects of HIV transmission. HIV/AIDS knowledge was strongly correlated with self-efficacy for limiting sexual risk behavior. There was no statistical difference in HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy by gender. However, when each self-efficacy item was analyzed by gender, there were significant differences in a few items by gender. ANOVA analysis showed no significant differences on HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy by the level of education. The findings of this study indicate that there is a need for developing school-based and/or community-based programs that will increase HIV/AIDS awareness among youth and help them develop decision making and communication skills. It is also important to look at the school and college curricula and integrate more HIV/AIDS information in the curriculum.
The “Cloak of Competence”: So Who Are We Saying Is Stupid?
Authors: Lemay Raymond
Published: October 2012

The cloak of competence, a term that has resurfaced recently, is yet another clever way of using demeaning language to devalue people with disabilities. The implications and impact of this specific expression and the more general transaction of devaluation will be explored. The language we use and the images we associate to individuals create expectancies that then limit or expand opportunities for competency development. What we call people matters.
Educating Graduate Students
Authors: Karon Bertram P. , Widener Anmarie J.
Published: October 2012

Excitement, the strong positive affect engendered by new information, plays a key role in creative learning. The department chair noted as problematic for all programs that very few of our graduate students became faculty at major universities. But many of the students of Karon did become faculty at major universities, one index of quality of graduate training, as well as becoming competent psychotherapists. This was not because of any direct encouragement to become faculty members. The difference in his approach to graduate education from that of his colleagues can be summarized in four principles. First, remember that graduate students are just like the faculty, except that they are younger. Consequently, they have done less and read less. Second, teach what you know. Particularly if you have done original work, teach that. Your excitement will communicate itself. Third, encourage them to take their own work seriously, including their own research and clinical observations. Their own ideas are as valuable and as worth exploring and developing as any in the literature. Finally, if they are bright, get out of their way. This is related to Tomkins’ theory of the role of affects, especially interest-excitement, in learning and intellectual creativity.