bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Força de membros inferiores como indicador de incapacidade funcional em idosos
Authors: Santos Rafaela G. dos , Tribess Sheilla , Meneguci Joilson , Bastos Letícia L. A. da G. , Damião Renata , Virtuoso Júnior Jair S.
Published: September 2013

O propósito deste estudo foi discriminar a quantidade de repetições no teste sentar e levantar da cadeira na estimativa da incapacidade funcional. Estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal com amostra probabilística de 622 indivíduos, idade > 60 anos. A capacidade funcional autopercebida foi analisada como variável dicotômica: ausência de dependência versus dependência na realização de atividade básicas (ABVD) e instrumentais da vida diária (AIVD). Aplicou-se o teste sentar e levantar da cadeira durante 30 segundos (número de repetições máximas) para avaliar a força de membros inferiores. O teste mostrou-se como discriminador da incapacidade funcional devido os valores apresentados pelas áreas sob as curvas ROC serem >0,60. O ponto de corte para determinar a incapacidade funcional nas ABVD foi < 10 repetições (homens) e < 9 repetições (mulheres); nas AIVD < 14 repetições (homens) e < 10 repetições (mulheres). A força de membros inferiores pode ser utilizada como preditor da incapacidade funcional nas ABVD e AIVD.
Desempenho motor em séries múltiplas até a falha concêntrica
Authors: Eches Erick Henrique Pereira , Ribeiro Alex Silva , Nascimento Matheus Amarante , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni
Published: September 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o número de repetições sustentadas até a falha concêntrica, em séries múltiplas de exercícios com pesos. Três séries a 70% de 1-RM foram executadas por 17 homens (28,0 ± 5,1 anos), nos exercícios supino em banco horizontal, agachamento, rosca direta, cadeira extensora e mesa flexora, com dois minutos de recuperação entre as séries e cinco minutos entre os exercícios. Um maior número total de repetições (p < 0,05) foi identificado nos exercícios multiarticulares (33 repetições) em relação aos exercícios monoarticulares (24 a 28 repetições). Uma redução significante no desempenho (p < 0,05) foi encontrada entre a primeira e a segunda série (28 a 35%) e entre a segunda e a terceira série (22 a 36%). Os resultados sugerem que o desempenho motor não é sustentado em séries múltiplas a 70% de 1-RM em exercícios monoarticulares e multiarticulares, com intervalos de recuperação de dois minutos.
Experiência subjetiva de idosas durante exercício em ambiente virtual
Authors: Nascimento Amanda Mayara do , Rodrigues Nara Heloisa , Andrade Eric Francelino , Rogatto Gustavo Puggina , Schwartz Gisele Maria , Valim-Rogatto Priscila Carneiro
Published: September 2013

Os objetivos desse estudo quali-quantitativo foram verificar as experiências subjetivas relacionadas ao exercício em idosas antes e depois da realização de atividade física em ambientes real e virtual, bem como a preferência pelo ambiente. A amostra foi composta por 20 idosas (71,1±6,5 anos) que executaram sessões de dança nos dois ambientes e responderam ao instrumento Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES) antes e depois da prática. Na situação virtual foi utilizado o jogo Just Dance I do console Wii® da Nintendo. Na situação real, cada participante reproduziu os mesmos movimentos demonstrados pela pesquisadora. Para a análise dos dados da SEES foram utilizados os testes Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Houve redução significativa na pontuação da subescala distress psicológico da SEES após ambas as situações experimentais e aumento no bem-estar positivo apenas em ambiente virtual. A maioria das idosas escolheu o ambiente real como o preferido.
Dores corporais em coristas eruditos
Authors: Vaiano Thays , Guerrieri Ana Cláudia , Behlau Mara
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Identificar e caracterizar dores corporais em coristas eruditos. MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado um questionário autoexplicativo a 50 coristas eruditos e 150 sujeitos da população geral, com questões de caracterização pessoal e sobre a presença e frequência de 13 tipos de dores corporais: cabeça, pescoço, nuca, ombros, costas, peito, mão, ouvido, língua, articulação temporomandibular, garganta e dor ao falar. RESULTADOS: Coristas eruditos relataram menos dores do que a população geral. Os tipos de dores mais relatados por coristas foram garganta, costas e ombros, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A baixa ocorrência de dores corporais em coristas eruditos sugere que o uso vocal saudável, aliado ao treino da musculatura respiratória e de produção vocal, pode oferecer uma maior resistência musculoesquelética, prevenindo o aparecimento de doenças associadas a ela.
Do body mass index and fat volume influence vocal quality, phonatory range, and aerodynamics in females?
Authors: Barsties Ben , Verfaillie Rudi , Roy Nelson , Maryn Youri
Published: September 2013

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of body weight and body fat volume on selected parameters of vocal quality, phonatory range, and aerodynamics in females. METHODS: Based on measurements of body mass index in combination with body fat volume, 29 normophonic female subjects were classified as normal weight, underweight, and obese. Voice quality was investigated via auditory-perceptual ratings of breathiness, roughness, and overall dysphonia severity, via various acoustic measures and a multiparametric index. Phonatory range performance was examined using selected measures of the voice range profile and speech range profile. Measures of vocally relevant aerodynamics included vital capacity (i.e., VC), expected VC, phonation quotient, and maximum phonation time (i.e., MPT). RESULTS: Significant differences between the three weight groups were found across several measures of intensity, VC, MPT, and shimmer. As compared to the other groups, significantly higher values of maximum and minimum intensity levels, as well as sound pressure level during habitual running speech were observed for the obese group (all p-values<0.05); whereas, the underweight group had significantly lower values for VC and ratio of expected to measured VC (p-values<0.01). Furthermore, underweight subjects differed significantly as compared to normal weight subjects with lower MPT (p=0.025) and higher lowest-F0 (p=0.035). Finally the obese group showed significantly lower shimmer values than the normal weight subjects (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Body weight and body fat volume appear to influence select objective measures of voice quality, vocal aerodynamics, and phonatory range performance.
Comunicação em adultos surdocegos com síndrome de Usher: estudo observacional retrospectivo
Authors: Figueiredo Marília Zannon de Andrade , Chiari Brasilia Maria , Goulart Bárbara Niegia Garcia de
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Conhecer as características e desafios enfrentados por surdocegos para comunicar-se e locomover-se; avaliar as repercussões da surdocegueira na vida dos sujeitos, especialmente em relação à comunicação e locomoção. MÉTODOS: Relato de série de casos realizado a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com questões relativas à funcionalidade da comunicação, com indivíduos com diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Usher que frequentaram um ambulatório especializado em um serviço universitário, durante o ano de 2007. A amostra foi composta por 11 sujeitos surdocegos portadores da síndrome de Usher, com idades entre 20 e 57 anos (média de 43 anos e DP=12,27), dos quais 7 (63,6%) eram do gênero feminino. As respostas foram analisadas qualiquantitativamente pela técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). RESULTADOS: Todos os entrevistados referiram que os sintomas visuais e auditivos tiveram início na infância. Dos 11 entrevistados, 6 sentiram que a doença afetou negativamente suas atividades cotidianas, 6 sentiram dificuldade no trabalho, 2 no lazer. Quatro relataram que houve mudança no relacionamento familiar e 5 relataram que não houve mudança na interação com a família e com os amigos. Na análise do discurso, quase 30% dos entrevistados relataram utilizar-se de formas alternativas de comunicação; 40% afirmaram deslocar-se sozinho se o trajeto for previamente conhecido. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos com síndrome de Usher enfrentam situações desafiadoras nas atividades cotidianas, nos relacionamentos pessoais, no trabalho e no lazer. Formas alternativas de comunicação são muito utilizadas quando a comunicação oral não é possível. A maioria dos entrevistados referiu independência de locomoção, ou procurava alcançá-la.
Tradução e adaptação transcultural do Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet para o português brasileiro
Authors: Magalhães Junior Hipólito Virgílio , Pernambuco Leandro de Araújo , Souza Lourdes Bernadete Rocha de , Ferreira Maria Angela Fernandes , Lima Kenio Costa de
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a tradução e adaptação transcultural do protocolo Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet (NDPCS) para o português brasileiro. MÉTODOS: A etapa de tradução foi realizada por dois fonoaudiólogos bilíngues, seguida da retrotradução por uma nativa bilíngue da língua materna e, posteriormente, pela comparação das três versões por um comitê formado por três fonoaudiólogos. A versão final do NDPCS foi inicialmente aplicada em 35 voluntários na faixa etária entre 62 e 92 anos (74,77±7,08), sem diagnóstico clínico de demência ou queixa de disfagia. Após os ajustes, foi aplicado em outros 27 voluntários na faixa etária entre 60 e 87 anos (76,56±7,07) com o mesmo perfil da etapa anterior. RESULTADOS: Houve discordância de equivalência semântica em relação a um item, modificado na versão traduzida. As tarefas solicitadas para observação durante a deglutição foram adaptadas em relação ao alimento oferecido na textura sólida e aos volumes utilizados nas consistências pastosa e líquida. O instrumento manteve a mesma estrutura da versão original, com cinco categorias incluindo 28 itens, três variáveis resumidas e quatro desfechos. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo NDPCS, traduzido e adaptado para o português brasileiro, manteve a equivalência entre o instrumento original e o traduzido. O processo de validação das propriedades psicométricas do instrumento está em andamento.
A prática do fonoaudiólogo nos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família em municípios paraibanos
Authors: Costa Lívia Sales da , Alcântara Lília de Medeiros , Alves Rayanne Santos , Lopes Ana Maria Cavalcante , Silva Antonia Oliveira , Sá Lenilde Duarte de
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar o discurso do fonoaudiólogo sobre a prática desenvolvida nos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF), secundada pelos conceitos de núcleo e campo em Saúde Coletiva. MÉTODOS: A investigação do tipo qualitativa foi realizada entre abril e junho de 2011 com 12 fonoaudiólogos atuantes nos NASF em municípios paraibanos. O material empírico foi produzido por meio de entrevista semidirigida e verificado mediante a análise de discurso de tendência francesa. RESULTADOS: Na atuação dos fonoaudiólogos prevalece o aspecto curativo, representado por ações individuais de reabilitação. As atividades de promoção da saúde estão centradas na educação voltada a mudanças de comportamentos individuais e de grupos específicos, representadas pela realização de palestras e grupos. Constataram-se dificuldades em desenvolver o trabalho em equipe e a interação entre os profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família e dos Núcleos de Apoio, dificuldades estas que contrariam as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde no que se refere à organização dos processos de trabalho. Os sujeitos referem incompreensão sobre o seu trabalho por parte dos gestores e silenciam-se sobre ações intersetoriais e de empoderamento da população. CONCLUSÃO: O trabalho do fonoaudiólogo no NASF, em municípios paraibanos, se revela numa perspectiva nuclear e, para ser efetivo na perspectiva da Saúde Coletiva, se faz necessária a superação de barreiras para que possa ser caracterizado pela interseção entre núcleo e campo.
La démarche de projet dans l’enseignement/apprentissage d’une langue étrangère
Authors: Haramboure Françoise
Published: September 2013

Bien que la compétence de communication soit depuis plusieurs années l’objectif majeur de l’enseignement/apprentissage d’une langue étrangère, la pratique montre qu’il existe un décalage important entre la compétence des étudiants et leur performance. La démarche de projet semble constituer une réponse adéquate à ce problème. Elle suppose que l’élève réalise des tâches d’apprentissage orientées vers la performance. Corollairement, elle implique que l’enseignant conçoive plusieurs catégories de tâches spécifiques et interdépendantes. Chacune de ces catégories vise l’acquisition de procédures transférables ; elle contribue à la performance globale des étudiants en langue cible et à leur autonomie.
La réussite d’un catalan émigré à Marseille
Authors: Richard Éliane , Caty Roland
Published: September 2013

Originaire de la Catalogne espagnole, Antoine Vidal s’impose dans le négoce maritime à Marseille dès la monarchie de Juillet et parvient ainsi à se hisser dans le groupe des grandes fortunes locales du Second Empire. Sa stratégie économique d’ascension se fonde sur un commerce diversifié et une large ouverture internationale, intégrant la Méditerranée dans un espace mondial et s’ouvrant notamment sur l’Asie. La carrière de cet homme n’ayant jamais rompu ses attaches catalanes symbolise le pouvoir d’attraction exercé par Marseille au XIXe siècle et le caractère souvent fugace de l’aventure phocéenne pour nombre de familles d’entrepreneurs étrangers.
La grande dépression immobilière de la fin du XIXe siècle en France
Authors: Lescure Michel
Published: September 2013

Cet article étudie le changement de régulation intervenu sur le marché immobilier parisien à l’occasion de la grande dépression que ce marché a connu à la fin du XIXe siècle et au début du XXe siècle. Il montre le rôle décisif joué par le secteur financier dans les nouvelles procédures d’ajustement du marché à la crise (visibles dans la résistance à la baisse du cours des immeubles malgré la baisse de rentabilité du placement immobilier, envolée du prix des terrains au creux de la crise, arrêt de la construction de logements populaires). Ce sont ces nouvelles procédures qui vont mettre fin au long cycle haussmannien et par là, à terme, provoquer la mise en place d’un nouveau mode d’organisation de la production immobilière.
Un investissement mouvementé : Solvay en Espagne, 1908-1942
Authors: Mioche Philippe
Published: September 2013

Cet article relate l’implantation du groupe Solvay à Torrelavega (Cantabrie) à partir de 1908. L’usine s’installe près des salines qui constituent la matière première de la fabrication de la soude avec le procédé Solvay ; à proximité aussi d’un port à la Requejada permettant d’exporter les productions. Ce travail repose sur des archives inédites et examine l’adaptation de l’entreprise belge à l’environnement économique, social et politique découvert en Espagne. Conformément à ses pratiques, Solvay met en place en peu d’années un dispositif social et diverses réalisations architecturales. Entamée par une soudière à l’ammoniac en 1908, la production est considérablement étendue avec l’électrolyse en 1935. L’organisation syndicale ouvrière s’implante précocement et la première grève a lieu en 1911. La crise majeure intervient avec la grève insurrectionnelle d’octobre 1934, « La révolte des Asturies ». Lors du pronunciamiento de juillet 1936, l’usine se retrouve dans la poche républicaine du Nord, tout près du front. Pour autant, la production n’a quasiment jamais cessé.
IL-21 Is a Double-Edged Sword in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–like Disease of BXSB.Yaa Mice
Authors: McPhee Caroline G. , Bubier Jason A. , Sproule Thomas J. , Park Giljun , Steinbuck Martin P. , Schott William H. , Christianson Gregory J. , Morse Herbert C. , Roopenian Derry C.
Published: September 2013

The pleiotropic cytokine IL-21 is implicated in the pathogenesis of human systemic lupus erythematosus by polymorphisms in the molecule and its receptor (IL-21R). The systemic lupus erythematosus-like autoimmune disease of BXSB.Yaa mice is critically dependent on IL-21 signaling, providing a model for understanding IL-21/IL-21R signaling in lupus pathogenesis. In this study, we generated BXSB.Yaa mice selectively deficient in IL-21R on B cells, on all T cells, or on CD8+ T cells alone and examined the effects on disease. We found that IL-21 signaling to B cells is essential for the development of all classical disease manifestations, but that IL-21 signaling also supports the expansion of central memory, CD8+ suppressor cells and broadly represses the cytokine activity of CD4+ T cells. These results indicate that IL-21 has both disease-promoting and disease-suppressive effects in the autoimmune disease of BXSB.Yaa mice.
Proapoptotic Chemotherapeutic Drugs Induce Noncanonical Processing and Release of IL-1β via Caspase-8 in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Antonopoulos Christina , El Sanadi Caroline , Kaiser William J. , Mocarski Edward S. , Dubyak George R.
Published: September 2013

The identification of noncanonical (caspase-1–independent) pathways for IL-1β production has unveiled an intricate interplay between inflammatory and death-inducing signaling platforms. We found a heretofore unappreciated role for caspase-8 as a major pathway for IL-1β processing and release in murine bone marrow–derived dendritic cells (BMDC) costimulated with TLR4 agonists and proapoptotic chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (Dox) or staurosporine (STS). The ability of Dox to stimulate release of mature (17-kDa) IL-1β was nearly equivalent in wild-type (WT) BMDC, Casp1−/−Casp11−/− BMDC, WT BMDC treated with the caspase-1 inhibitor YVAD, and BMDC lacking the inflammasome regulators ASC, NLRP3, or NLRC4. Notably, Dox-induced production of mature IL-1β was temporally correlated with caspase-8 activation in WT cells and greatly suppressed in Casp8−/−Rip3−/− or Trif−/− BMDC, as well as in WT BMDC treated with the caspase-8 inhibitor, IETD. Similarly, STS stimulated robust IL-1β processing and release in Casp1−/−Casp11−/− BMDC that was IETD sensitive. These data suggest that TLR4 induces assembly of caspase-8–based signaling complexes that become licensed as IL-1β–converting enzymes in response to Dox and STS. The responses were temporally correlated with downregulation of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1, suggesting suppressive roles for this and likely other inhibitor of apoptosis proteins on the stability and/or proteolytic activity of the caspase-8 platforms. Thus, proapoptotic chemotherapeutic agents stimulate the caspase-8–mediated processing and release of IL-1β, implicating direct effects of such drugs on a noncanonical inflammatory cascade that may modulate immune responses in tumor microenvironments.
Characterization of Human Afferent Lymph Dendritic Cells from Seroma Fluids
Authors: Morandi Barbara , Bonaccorsi Irene , Mesiti Mario , Conte Romana , Carrega Paolo , Costa Gregorio , Iemmo Raffaella , Martini Stefania , Ferrone Soldano , Cantoni Claudia , Mingari Maria Cristina , Moretta Lorenzo , Ferlazzo Guido
Published: September 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) migrate from peripheral tissues to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) through the afferent lymph. Owing to limitations in investigating human lymph, DCs flowing in afferent lymph have not been properly characterized in humans until now. In this study, DCs present in seroma, an accrual of human afferent lymph occurring after lymph node surgical dissection, were isolated and analyzed in detail. Two main DC subsets were identified in seroma that corresponded to the migratory DC subsets present in lymph nodes, that is, CD14+ and CD1a+. The latter also included CD1abright Langerhans cells. The two DC subsets appeared to share the same monocytic precursor and to be developmentally related; both of them spontaneously released high levels of TGF-β and displayed similar T cell–activating and –polarizing properties. In contrast, they differed in the expression of surface molecules, including TLRs; in their phagocytic activity; and in the expression of proteins involved in Ag processing and presentation. It is worth noting that although both subsets were detected in seroma in the postsurgical inflammatory phase, only CD1a+ DCs migrated via afferent lymph under steady-state conditions. In conclusion, the high numbers of DCs contained in seroma fluids allowed a proper characterization of human DCs migrating via afferent lymph, revealing a continuous stream of DCs from peripheral regions toward SLOs under normal conditions. Moreover, we showed that, in inflammatory conditions, distinct subsets of DCs can migrate to SLOs via afferent lymph.
Human CD4+CD3− Innate-Like T Cells Provide a Source of TNF and Lymphotoxin-αβ and Are Elevated in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bekiaris Vasileios , Šedý John R. , Rossetti Maura , Spreafico Roberto , Sharma Shilpi , Rhode-Kurnow Antje , Ware Brian C. , Huang Nini , Macauley Matthew G. , Norris Paula S. , Albani Salvatore , Ware Carl F.
Published: September 2013

Innate lymphoid cells encompass a diverse array of lymphocyte subsets with unique phenotype that initiate inflammation and provide host defenses in specific microenvironments. In this study, we identify a rare human CD4+CD3− innate-like lymphoid population with high TNF expression that is enriched in blood from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These CD4+CD3− cells belong to the T cell lineage, but the lack of AgR at the cell surface renders them nonresponsive to TCR-directed stimuli. By developing a culture system that sustains survival, we show that CD4+CD3− innate-like T cells display IL-7–dependent induction of surface lymphotoxin-αβ, demonstrating their potential to modify tissue microenvironments. Furthermore, expression of CCR6 on the CD4+CD3− population defines a CD127high subset that is highly responsive to IL-7. This CD4+CD3− population is enriched in the peripheral blood from rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting a link to their involvement in chronic inflammatory disease.
Selective Ablation of Lung Epithelial IKK2 Impairs Pulmonary Th17 Responses and Delays the Clearance of Pneumocystis
Authors: Perez-Nazario Nelissa , Rangel-Moreno Javier , O’Reilly Michael A. , Pasparakis Manolis , Gigliotti Francis , Wright Terry W.
Published: September 2013

Pneumocystis is an atypical fungal pathogen that causes severe, often fatal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Healthy humans and animals also encounter this pathogen, but they generate a protective CD4+ T cell–dependent immune response that clears the pathogen with little evidence of disease. Pneumocystis organisms attach tightly to respiratory epithelial cells, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this interaction triggers NF-κB–dependent epithelial cell responses. However, the contribution of respiratory epithelial cells to the normal host response to Pneumocystis remains unknown. IκB kinase 2 (IKK2) is the upstream kinase that is critical for inducible NF-κB activation. To determine whether IKK2-dependent lung epithelial cell (LEC) responses contribute to the anti-Pneumocystis immune response in vivo, transgenic mice with LEC-specific deletion of IKK2 (IKK2ΔLEC) were generated. Compared to wild-type mice, IKK2ΔLEC mice exhibited a delayed onset of Th17 and B cell responses in the lung and delayed fungal clearance. Importantly, delayed Pneumocystis clearance in IKK2ΔLEC mice was associated with an exacerbated immune response, impaired pulmonary function, and altered lung histology. These data demonstrate that IKK2-dependent LEC responses are important regulators of pulmonary adaptive immune responses and are required for optimal host defense against Pneumocystis infection. LECs likely set the threshold for initiation of the pulmonary immune response and serve to prevent exacerbated lung inflammation by promoting the rapid control of respiratory fungal infection.
TLR2-Induced IL-10 Production Impairs Neutrophil Recruitment to Infected Tissues during Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis
Authors: Andrade Elva B. , Alves Joana , Madureira Pedro , Oliveira Liliana , Ribeiro Adília , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela , Correia-Neves Margarida , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Ferreira Paula
Published: September 2013

Sepsis is the third most common cause of neonatal death, with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) being the leading bacterial agent. The pathogenesis of neonatal septicemia is still unsolved. We described previously that host susceptibility to GBS infection is due to early IL-10 production. In this study, we investigated whether triggering TLR2 to produce IL-10 is a risk factor for neonatal bacterial sepsis. We observed that, in contrast to wild-type (WT) pups, neonatal TLR2-deficient mice were resistant to GBS-induced sepsis. Moreover, if IL-10 signaling were blocked in WT mice, they also were resistant to sepsis. This increased survival rate was due to an efficient recruitment of neutrophils to infected tissues that leads to bacterial clearance, thus preventing the development of sepsis. To confirm that IL-10 produced through TLR2 activation prevents neutrophil recruitment, WT pups were treated with the TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 prior to nebulization with the neutrophil chemotactic agent LTB4. Neutrophil recruitment into the neonatal lungs was inhibited in pups treated with Pam3CSK4. However, the migration was restored in Pam3CSK4-treated pups when IL-10 signaling was blocked (either by anti–IL-10R mAb treatment or by using IL-10–deficient mice). Our findings highlight that TLR2-induced IL-10 production is a key event in neonatal susceptibility to bacterial sepsis.
Characterization of Distinct Immunophenotypes across Pediatric Brain Tumor Types
Authors: Griesinger Andrea M. , Birks Diane K. , Donson Andrew M. , Amani Vladimir , Hoffman Lindsey M. , Waziri Allen , Wang Michael , Handler Michael H. , Foreman Nicholas K.
Published: September 2013

Despite increasing evidence that antitumor immune control exists in the pediatric brain, these findings have yet to be exploited successfully in the clinic. A barrier to development of immunotherapeutic strategies in pediatric brain tumors is that the immunophenotype of these tumors’ microenvironment has not been defined. To address this, the current study used multicolor FACS of disaggregated tumor to systematically characterize the frequency and phenotype of infiltrating immune cells in the most common pediatric brain tumor types. The initial study cohort consisted of 7 pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), 19 ependymoma (EPN), 5 glioblastoma (GBM), 6 medulloblastoma (MED), and 5 nontumor brain (NT) control samples obtained from epilepsy surgery. Immune cell types analyzed included both myeloid and T cell lineages and respective markers of activated or suppressed functional phenotypes. Immune parameters that distinguished each of the tumor types were identified. PA and EPN demonstrated significantly higher infiltrating myeloid and lymphoid cells compared with GBM, MED, or NT. Additionally, PA and EPN conveyed a comparatively activated/classically activated myeloid cell–skewed functional phenotype denoted in particular by HLA-DR and CD64 expression. In contrast, GBM and MED contained progressively fewer infiltrating leukocytes and more muted functional phenotypes similar to that of NT. These findings were recapitulated using whole tumor expression of corresponding immune marker genes in a large gene expression microarray cohort of pediatric brain tumors. The results of this cross-tumor comparative analysis demonstrate that different pediatric brain tumor types exhibit distinct immunophenotypes, implying that specific immunotherapeutic approaches may be most effective for each tumor type.
Intercontinental transport and deposition patterns of atmospheric mercury from anthropogenic emissions
Authors: Chen L. , Wang H.-H. , Liu J.-F. , Zhang W. , Hu D. , Chen C. , Wang X.-J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Global policies that regulate anthropogenic mercury emissions to the environment require quantitative and comprehensive source–receptor relationships for mercury emissions, transport and deposition among major continental regions. In this study, we use the GEOS-Chem model to establish source–receptor relationships among eleven major continental regions worldwide. Source–receptor relationships for surface mercury concentrations (SMC) show that some regions (e.g. East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Europe) should be responsible for their local surface Hg(II) and Hg(P) concentrations because of near-field transport and deposition contributions from their local anthropogenic emissions (up to 64% and 71% for Hg(II) and Hg(P), respectively, over East Asia). We define region of primary influence (RPI) and region of secondary influence (RSI) to establish intercontinental influence patterns. Results indicate that East Asia is SMC RPI for almost all other regions, while Europe, Russia and the Indian subcontinent also make some contributions to SMC over some receptor regions because they are dominant RSI source regions. Source–receptor relationships for mercury deposition show that approximately 16% and 17% of dry and wet deposition, respectively, over North America originate from East Asia, indicating that trans-pacific transport of East Asian emissions is the major foreign source of mercury deposition in North America. Europe, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent are also important mercury deposition sources for some receptor regions because they are dominant RSI. We also quantify seasonal variation on mercury deposition contributions over other regions from East Asia. Results show that mercury deposition (including dry and wet) contributions from East Asia over the Northern Hemisphere receptor regions (e.g. North America, Europe, Russia, Middle East and Middle Asia) vary seasonally, with the maximum values in summer and minimum values in winter. The opposite seasonal pattern occurs on mercury dry deposition contributions over Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Sicker Patients for Liver Transplantation: Meld, Meld Sodium, and Integrated Meld’s Prognostic Accuracy in the Assessment of Posttransplantation Events at a Single Center from Argentina
Authors: Piñero Federico , Marciano Sebastián , Villamil Alejandra , Bandi Juan , Casciato Paola , Galdame Omar , Giannasi Sergio , de Santibañes Eduardo , Gadano Adrian
Published: September 2013

Background. MELD or MELD sodium promotes sicker patients for earlier liver transplantation (LT); the balance between pre- and post-LT outcomes is still controversial. Aim. To compare MELD and related scores’ risk assessment of short-term morbidity and mortality after LT. Methods. We included only transplanted cirrhotic patients from 6/2005 to 6/2010 (). Immediate pre-LT MELD, integrated MELD (iMELD), and two MELD sodium formulas “MELD Na1” and “MELDNa2” were calculated. Results. Pre-LT scores for nonsurvivors were higher than those for survivors: MELD (28 ± 8 versus 22 ± 7, ), MELD Na1 (33 ± 8 versus 27 ± 10, ), and iMELD (51 ± 6 versus 46 ± 8, ). Patient survival assessment was performed by AUROC analysis (95% CI): MELD 0.694 (0.56–0.82; ), MELD Na1 0.682 (0.56–0.79; ), MELD Na2 0.651 (0.54–0.76; ), and iMELD 0.698 (0.593–0.80; ). Patients with MELD ≥25 points had longer intensive care stay (mean 10 versus 7 days, ) and longer mechanical ventilatory support (5.4 versus 1.9 days, ). Conclusions. The addition of serum sodium to MELD does not improve assessment of mortality after LT. Patients with higher MELD may preclude higher morbidity after transplantation.
Phenotypic landscape inference reveals multiple evolutionary paths to C4 photosynthesis
Authors: Williams Ben P , Johnston Iain G , Covshoff Sarah , Hibberd Julian M
Published: September 2013

C4 photosynthesis has independently evolved from the ancestral C3 pathway in at least 60 plant lineages, but, as with other complex traits, how it evolved is unclear. Here we show that the polyphyletic appearance of C4 photosynthesis is associated with diverse and flexible evolutionary paths that group into four major trajectories. We conducted a meta-analysis of 18 lineages containing species that use C3, C4, or intermediate C3–C4 forms of photosynthesis to parameterise a 16-dimensional phenotypic landscape. We then developed and experimentally verified a novel Bayesian approach based on a hidden Markov model that predicts how the C4 phenotype evolved. The alternative evolutionary histories underlying the appearance of C4 photosynthesis were determined by ancestral lineage and initial phenotypic alterations unrelated to photosynthesis. We conclude that the order of C4 trait acquisition is flexible and driven by non-photosynthetic drivers. This flexibility will have facilitated the convergent evolution of this complex trait.
On-the-Job Training: Demand of Engineering Education Enrichment
Authors: Rialubin Aniceto R. , Basilio Rey M. , Ursulom Florida U.
Published: September 2013

On-the-job training provides the venue for developing special manipulative skills for engineering students. If it is integrated in the Engineering curriculum, the gap between theory and practice could be minimized or discarded. The competencies required for OJT are computer skills, technical skills, managerial skills, communication skills, and other skills like getting true design assignments; the preferred number of hours for engineering OJT is 240 hours and should be offered during the summer , and the preferred sequence of activities for engineering OJT are 1) one-day orientation on all the skills/competencies needed for engineering OJT; 2) deep orientation on communication and other skills for four days; 3) computer skills in one week; 4) technical skills in 1 week; 5) managerial skills in one week; and 6) integration of all the competencies in 2 weeks. All the above-mentioned competencies should be strictly observed and implemented. In effect, the students could be developed and become competitive and productive. Indeed, engineers are the key players in national development and global economy.Keywords: Engineering curriculum, on-the-job training , competencies and employment, Vigan City, Philippines
Current Climate in Higher Education: Perceptions of International Students in the Philippines
Authors: WA-MBALEKA SAFARY , GAIKWAD SAMUEL
Published: September 2013

One of the major effects of globalization is the heavy migration all over the world in the past two to three decades. For different purposes related to job, studies, security, religious freedom or other social reasons, millions of people are moving on a yearly basis from a country or continent to another. Students in need of better quality or maybe cheaper higher education are traveling to foreign lands and staying there for four, six, eight, or even more years. They learn from and with people of different cultures, religion, race, and worldviews. Given that globalization has pushed the phenomenon of diversity on most university campuses, it is important for higher education institutions to promote and guarantee equity, diversity, and inclusiveness for all students without distinction of culture, gender, religion, or race. The current study is a survey of the climate of higher education in several higher education institutions with considerable number of international students in the Luzon region of the Philippines. The study aimed at investigating the discriminatory practices that are common in schools that hosts international students. Results revealed that, even though there are areas where international students expressed feeling discriminated against, the climate in higher education institutions is positive for most international students.Keywords: Higher education, social studies, international students, discrimination,quantitative research, survey, Luzon, Philippines, Asia
Beliefs in Learning Theories, Differentiation of Self, and Teaching Style of Teachers of Private Secondary Schools in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines
Authors: ABORDO IAN C. , GAIKWAD PREMA
Published: September 2013

Actual pedagogical practices begin with beliefs on what constitutes effective teaching. This study examines the relationships between the beliefs in learning theories, differentiation of self, and teaching style (behavior and verbal) of teachers of private secondary schools in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Teachers (n = 301) responded to the My Teaching Style and Profile, Teacher Beliefs in Learning Theories, and Differentiation of Self Questionnaires. Results showed significant relationships between sensing/feeling and sensing/thinking teaching style behavior with to I-position, and emotional reactivity significantly related to sensing/thinking teaching style verbal behavior. Beliefs in some of the learning theories, namely, belief in Erickson’s psychosocial development significantly related to sensing thinking, and intuitive feeling was significantly associated with beliefs in behaviorism. The study concludes that sensing/feeling teachings style was significantly related to beliefs in Kohlberg’s moral development and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.Keywords: Education, Learning theories, teaching styles, descriptive research, Cavite,Philippines
Students’ Conceptions on Human Organ Systems: The Case of University New Entrants
Authors: MOLINO-MAGTOLIS JOYCE B.
Published: September 2013

The formal study of human organ systems is first introduced to learners in the 4th grade up to 6th grade. This is again taught as learners reach second year high school. This developmental study explored the conceptions of 138 university new entrants taking Biological Sciences. The respondents were asked to draw what they know their body is made up of. The drawings of the organs were analyzed according to their presence and interconnection to form an organ system. These were scored following an adopted seven-point scale. Individual interviews were conducted for verification and affirmation. Results showed that most of the respondents were able to identify two or more internal organs in appropriate positions however indicated no relationship between them. Furthermore, few respondents were able to identify 2 or 3 major organ systems. It can be noted that some respondents were rated level 2 where they were able to identify internal organs but were placed at random locations. It was observed that organs of some organ systems were almost never drawn. A variety of concepts has been found out in the study along with certain misspelled organ names, shapes and locations that need to be addressed too for a better understanding about scientific phenomena including human structure.Keywords: Biology, human organ systems, conceptions, drawing method, Leyte, Philippines
An Analysis of the Performance of the University of Northern Philippines in the Licensure Examination for Teachers
Authors: FIGUERRES OCARNA B.
Published: September 2013

In the Philippines, one gauge of educational quality is performance of graduates in the licensure examinations of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This study aimed to analyze the performance of the University of Northern Philippines in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), 2001 to 2010. It determined the following: profile of the examinees such as sex, specialization and year of graduated; performance along the components of LET; the institutional passing rates; the relationship between LET performance and examinee profile. Using the PRC-LET results, this study employed documentary analysis and correlation research designs. The mean, skewness, kurtosis and correlation analysis were used as statistical treatments. The findings showed negatively skewed distributions of LET scores in general education, professional education and specialization courses. This indicated that, relative to the mean score, there were more examinees who garnered higher scores compared with those who obtained lower scores. The examinees had extreme scores hence, they exhibited platykuric distributions. The institutional passing rates were consistently higher than the national passing rates for LET elementary. Specialization is significantly correlated with LET performance. By focusing on the PRC-LET competencies and DepEd-CHED-NCBTS requirements during the pre-service teaching and learning processes and revising specialization courses, LET performance will be improved. This study serves as exchange information along licensure examination of teachers in response to challenges for global competitiveness.Keywords: Teacher Education, Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), Philippines
Temporal feeding habits of the whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri in a shallow coastal lagoon (southwestern Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay)
Authors: Olsson Daniela , Forni Florencia , Saona Gustavo , Verocai José , Norbis Walter
Published: September 2013

We analyzed the stomach contents of 2915 individuals of the whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, ranging from 15.6 to 42.0 cm total length, collected from a coastal lagoon in Rocha, Uruguay, during 1997–1999. A total of 56% (n = 1646) of individuals were found with content in their stomachs. Six food items were identified and classified as crustaceans (49%), polychaetes (26%), vegetal debris (15%), molluscs, juvenile fishes, and unidentified contents, the latter three representing less than 5% of the total stomach contents. Fishes displayed a higher proportion of stomachs with food between February and August 1998, simultaneous with a low gonadosomatic index and a decrease in water temperature. Crustaceans were the dominant food item from November 1997 to March 1998 and from November to December 1998 (austral summer), whereas polychaetes were predominant from April to October 1998 and from January to February 1999. Availability of polychaetes and their higher frequency of occurrence in the stomachs before the reproductive period could play an important role in the reproduction of the species. Feeding frequency was correlated with length classes. Smaller fishes (<25 cm) preyed on polychaetes and vegetal debris, whereas larger fishes fed mainly on crustaceans and fishes. The temporal feeding habits of M. furnieri in this coastal lagoon showed selective and opportune utilization of prey items according to annual variability in reproductive status and water temperature.
Feeding habits of the speckled guitarfish Rhinobatos glaucostigma (Elasmobranchii, Batoidea) in the southeastern Gulf of California
Authors: De la Rosa-Meza Karina , Sosa-Nishizaki Oscar , De la Cueva-Salcedo Horacio
Published: September 2013

To assess the feeding habits of Rhinobatos glaucostigma (speckled guitarfish), the stomach contents of 176 individuals were examined. Specimens were obtained from the artisanal gillnet fisheries operating off Nayarit, Mexico, in the southeastern region of the Gulf of California, during January–August 2008 and January–May 2009. Relative measures of prey quantities and nonparametric multivariate methods were used to analyze diet differences between sex and maturity stages. The trophic relationship and feeding strategy were determined using Levin’s niche amplitude index, the Costello method modified by Amundsen, and Pianka’s diet overlap index. The overall diet was dominated by crustaceans, primarily decapods, brachyurans, and cumaceans. Diets were similar between sexes and maturity stages, except between mature females and males where only slight differences were found. Mature females and immature specimens of both sexes showed specialized diets, while mature males had a generalist diet. A significant overlap between sexes and maturity stage diets was found. Diet compositions allowed us to estimate a standardized trophic level of 3.57 for R. glaucostigma. The diet compositions between sexes and maturity stages suggest that all individuals consume similar prey items and have similar trophic roles in the benthic community of the southeastern region of the Gulf of California, where R. glaucostigma should be considered a secondary consumer.
Pervaporation
Authors: Jonquières Anne , Arnal‐Herault Carole , Babin Jérôme
Published: October 2013

With more than 250 plants in operation worldwide, pervaporation is now a mature membrane process for the separation of liquid mixtures. In a first part, this review describes the general principles of pervaporation and its main advantages compared to other common separation techniques such as distillation. The influence of operating conditions (e.g., feed flow rate, temperature, and pressure) is discussed and an introduction on mass‐transfer modeling in pervaporation is included.

The different types of pervaporation separations are reviewed for organic solvent dehydration, extraction of volatile organic compounds from water, and purely organic mixture separation. A focus is then placed on commercial pervaporation membranes and examples for key industrial applications of this technology. Although alcohol dehydration remains the first industrial application of pervaporation, important breakthroughs have recently been made for separating purely organic mixtures in the fine chemistry and petrochemical industries. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of pervaporation are pointed out. By offering cost‐effective alternatives to other separation processes and important energy savings, pervaporation is a sustainable membrane process that is currently finding new opportunities driven by major developments in the petrochemical and biorefinery industries.
Oxygen–Nitrogen Separation
Authors: Rana Dipak , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: October 2013

This article outlines briefly the current status of material design, module design, process and system design, and commercial applications of membrane air separation. In particular, efforts were made to collect the latest experimental data available in the scientific literature. As a result of the literature search, it was found that investigation of various polyimides has been dominating in the material design of polymers, while development of mixed‐matrix membranes has been attempted to combine advantageous features of inorganic and polymeric materials. Module designs are mostly based on hollow fiber and spiral‐wound modules. Economic optimization is the criteria for the process and system design. Applications are mainly in the production of oxygen‐enriched air and nitrogen gas. Production of high purity oxygen from air has not yet been achieved commercially.

This review is focused on polymeric and polymer‐related membranes for air separation. Therefore, only limited information is given on inorganic membrane materials that are based on oxygen ion transport mechanism, for example, perovskite.
Gas Transport in Dense Polymeric Membranes, Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Neyertz Sylvie
Published: October 2013

Classical simulations such as molecular dynamics (MD) are powerful tools to either complement experimental evidence or to predict gas transport properties in polymers. They can reproduce the gas uptake curves and characterize at the molecular level both the mechanisms of gas mobility and the structural and dynamical changes of the matrices. It is also possible to evaluate the gas diffusion and solubility coefficients, thus leading to model permeabilities. However, realistic fully atomistic simulations are currently restricted to the 10−9to 10−7 s timescale, which is hardly compatible with the longer relaxations of high molecular weight polymers and the establishment of the Fickian diffusion regime for slowly diffusing gases. Consequently, pure MD will often have to be coupled with other simulation techniques in order to overcome these shortcomings, both during the model preparation procedures and the analyses of gas transport.