bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone therapy and cardiovascular events among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials
Authors: Xu Lin , Freeman Guy , Cowling Benjamin J , Schooling C Mary
Published: April 2013

Background

Testosterone therapy is increasingly promoted. No randomized placebo-controlled trial has been implemented to assess the effect of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular events, although very high levels of androgens are thought to promote cardiovascular disease.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of placebo-controlled randomized trials of testosterone therapy among men lasting 12+ weeks reporting cardiovascular-related events. We searched PubMed through the end of 2012 using “(“testosterone” or “androgen”) and trial and (“random*”)” with the selection limited to studies of men in English, supplemented by a bibliographic search of the World Health Organization trial registry. Two reviewers independently searched, selected and assessed study quality with differences resolved by consensus. Two statisticians independently abstracted and analyzed data, using random or fixed effects models, as appropriate, with inverse variance weighting.

Results

Of 1,882 studies identified 27 trials were eligible including 2,994, mainly older, men who experienced 180 cardiovascular-related events. Testosterone therapy increased the risk of a cardiovascular-related event (odds ratio (OR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 to 2.18). The effect of testosterone therapy varied with source of funding (P-value for interaction 0.03), but not with baseline testosterone level (P-value for interaction 0.70). In trials not funded by the pharmaceutical industry the risk of a cardiovascular-related event on testosterone therapy was greater (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.17) than in pharmaceutical industry funded trials (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.60).

Conclusions

The effects of testosterone on cardiovascular-related events varied with source of funding. Nevertheless, overall and particularly in trials not funded by the pharmaceutical industry, exogenous testosterone increased the risk of cardiovascular-related events, with corresponding implications for the use of testosterone therapy.
Do viruses require the cytoskeleton?
Authors: Matthews Jason D , Morgan Rachel , Sleigher Christie , Frey Teryl K
Published: April 2013

Background

It is generally thought that viruses require the cytoskeleton during their replication cycle. However, recent experiments in our laboratory with rubella virus, a member of the family Togaviridae (genus rubivirus), revealed that replication proceeded in the presence of drugs that inhibit microtubules. This study was done to expand on this observation.

Findings

The replication of three diverse viruses, Sindbis virus (SINV; family Togaviridae family), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV; family Rhabdoviridae), and Herpes simplex virus (family Herpesviridae), was quantified by the titer (plaque forming units/ml; pfu/ml) produced in cells treated with one of three anti-microtubule drugs (colchicine, noscapine, or paclitaxel) or the anti-actin filament drug, cytochalasin D. None of these drugs affected the replication these viruses. Specific steps in the SINV infection cycle were examined during drug treatment to determine if alterations in specific steps in the virus replication cycle in the absence of a functional cytoskeletal system could be detected, i.e. redistribution of viral proteins and replication complexes or increases/decreases in their abundance. These investigations revealed that the observable impacts were a colchicine-mediated fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and concomitant intracellular redistribution of the virion structural proteins, along with a reduction in viral genome and sub-genome RNA levels, but not double-stranded RNA or protein levels.

Conclusions

The failure of poisons affecting the cytoskeleton to inhibit the replication of a diverse set of viruses strongly suggests that viruses do not require a functional cytoskeletal system for replication, either because they do not utilize it or are able to utilize alternate pathways when it is not available.
Factors associated with outcomes of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a 5-year cohort study
Authors: Aubron Cecile , Cheng Allen C , Pilcher David , Leong Tim , Magrin Geoff , Cooper D Jamie , Scheinkestel Carlos , Pellegrino Vince
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Mortality of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains high. The objectives of this study were to assess the factors associated with outcome of patients undergoing ECMO in a large ECMO referral centre and to compare veno-arterial ECMO (VA ECMO) with veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO).

Methods

We reviewed a prospectively obtained ECMO database and patients' medical records between January 2005 and June 2011. Demographic characteristics, illness severity at admission, ECMO indication, organ failure scores before ECMO and the ECMO mode and configuration were recorded. Bleeding, neurological, vascular and infectious complications that occurred on ECMO were also collected. Demographic, illness, ECMO support descriptors and complications associated with hospital mortality were analysed.

Results

ECMO was initiated 158 times in 151 patients. VA ECMO (66.5%) was twice as common as VV ECMO (33.5%) with a median duration significantly shorter than for VV ECMO (7 days (first and third quartiles: 5; 10 days) versus 10 days (first and third quartiles: 6; 16 days)). The most frequent complications during ECMO support were bleeding and bloodstream infections regardless of ECMO type. More than 70% of the ECMO episodes were successfully weaned in each ECMO group. The overall mortality was 37.3% (37.1% for the patients who underwent VA ECMO, and 37.7% for the patients who underwent VV ECMO). Haemorrhagic events, assessed by the total of red blood cell units received during ECMO, were associated with hospital mortality for both ECMO types.

Conclusions

Among neurologic, vascular, infectious and bleeding events that occurred on ECMO, bleeding was the most frequent and had a significant impact on mortality. Further studies are needed to better investigate bleeding and coagulopathy in these patients. Interventions that reduce these complications may improve outcome.
Decreasing severe pain and serious adverse events while moving intensive care unit patients: a prospective interventional study (the NURSE-DO project)
Authors: de Jong Audrey , Molinari Nicolas , de Lattre Sylvie , Gniadek Claudine , Carr Julie , Conseil Mathieu , Susbielles Marie-Pierre , Jung Boris , Jaber Samir , Chanques Gérald
Published: April 2013

Introduction

A quality-improvement project was conducted to reduce severe pain and stress-related events while moving ICU-patients.

Methods

The Plan-Do-Check-Adjust cycle was studied during four one-month phases, separated by five-month interphases. All consecutive patients staying more than 24 hours were evaluated every morning while being moved for nursing care (bathing, massage, sheet-change, repositioning). Phase 1 was considered as the baseline. Implemented and adjusted quality-interventions were assessed at phases 2 and 3, respectively. An independent post-intervention control-audit was performed at Phase 4. Primary-endpoints were the incidence of severe pain defined by a behavioral pain scale > 5 or a 0 to 10 visual numeric rating scale > 6, and the incidence of serious adverse events (SAE): cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, tachycardia, bradycardia, hypertension, hypotension, desaturation, bradypnea or ventilatory distress. Pain, SAE, patients' characteristics and analgesia were compared among the phases by a multivariate mixed-effects model for repeated-measurements, adjusted on severity index, age, admission type (medical/surgical), intubation and sedation status.

Results

During the four studied phases, 630 care procedures were analyzed in 53, 47, 43 and 50 patients, respectively. Incidence of severe pain decreased significantly from 16% (baseline) to 6% in Phase 3 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.33 (0.11; 0.98), P = 0.04) and 2% in Phase 4 (OR = 0.30 (0.12; 0.95), P = 0.02). Incidence of SAE decreased significantly from 37% (baseline) to 17% in Phase 3 and 21% in Phase 4. In multivariate analysis, SAE were independently associated with Phase 3 (OR = 0.40 (0.23; 0.72), P < 0.01), Phase 4 (OR = 0.53 (0.30; 0.92), P = 0.03), intubation status (OR = 1.91 (1.28; 2.85), P < 0.01) and severe pain (OR = 2.74 (1.54; 4.89), P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Severe pain and serious adverse events are common and strongly associated while moving ICU patients for nursing procedures. Quality improvement of pain management is associated with a decrease of serious adverse events. Careful documentation of pain management during mobilization for nursing procedures could be implemented as a health quality indicator in the ICU.
Restoration of Cardiac Tissue Thyroid Hormone Status in Experimental Hypothyroidism: A Dose-Response Study in Female Rats
Authors: Weltman Nathan Y. , Ojamaa Kaie , Savinova Olga V. , Chen Yue-Feng , Schlenker Evelyn H. , Zucchi Riccardo , Saba Alessandro , Colligiani Daria , Pol Christine J. , Gerdes A. Martin
Published: April 2013

Thyroid hormones (THs) play a pivotal role in regulating cardiovascular homeostasis. To provide a better understanding of the coordinated processes that govern cardiac TH bioavailability, this study investigated the influence of serum and cardiac TH status on the expression of TH transporters and cytosolic binding proteins in the myocardium. In addition, we sought to determine whether the administration of T3 (instead of T4) improves the relationship between THs in serum and cardiac tissue and cardiac function over a short-term treatment period. Adult female Sprague Dawley rats were made hypothyroid by 7 weeks treatment with the antithyroid drug 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). After establishing hypothyroidism, rats were assigned to 1 of 5 graded T3 dosages plus PTU for a 2-week dose-response experiment. Untreated, age-matched rats served as euthyroid controls. PTU was associated with depressed serum and cardiac tissue T3 and T4 levels, arteriolar atrophy, altered TH transporter and cytosolic TH binding protein expression, fetal gene reexpression, and cardiac dysfunction. Short-term administration of T3 led to a mismatch between serum and cardiac tissue TH levels. Normalization of serum T3 levels was not associated with restoration of cardiac tissue T3 levels or cardiac function. In fact, a 3-fold higher T3 dosage was necessary to normalize cardiac tissue T3 levels and cardiac function. Importantly, this study provides the first comprehensive data on the relationship between altered TH status (serum and cardiac tissue), cardiac function, and the coordinated in vivo changes in cardiac TH membrane transporters and cytosolic TH binding proteins in altered TH states.
Metabolic Inflexibility Is a Feature of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Is Associated With Both Insulin Resistance and Hyperandrogenism
Authors: Di Sarra Daniela , Tosi Flavia , Bonin Cecilia , Fiers Tom , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Signori Chiara , Zambotti Francesca , Dall'Alda Marlene , Caruso Beatrice , Zanolin Maria Elisabetta , Bonora Enzo , Moghetti Paolo
Published: April 2013

Context:

Metabolic inflexibility, ie, the impaired ability of the body to switch from fat to carbohydrate oxidation under insulin-stimulated conditions, is associated with insulin resistance. This alteration in metabolic plasticity can lead to organ dysfunction and is considered a key issue among the abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome. It is still unknown whether this phenomenon occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective:

Our objective was to examine whether metabolic inflexibility is a feature of PCOS women and whether hyperandrogenism may contribute to this phenomenon.

Design and Patients:

Eighty-nine Caucasian women with PCOS were submitted to hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Respiratory exchange ratios were evaluated at baseline and during hyperinsulinemia by indirect calorimetry to quantify substrate oxidative metabolism. Total testosterone was measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis.

Setting:

Outpatients were seen in a tertiary care academic center.

Main Outcome Measure:

Metabolic flexibility was assessed by the change in respiratory quotient upon insulin stimulation.

Results:

Sixty-five of the 89 PCOS women (73%) had increased serum free testosterone, 68 (76%) were insulin resistant, and 62 (70%) had an impaired metabolic flexibility. Comparison of hyperandrogenemic and normoandrogenemic women showed that the 2 subgroups were of similar age but differed in terms of several anthropometric and metabolic features. In particular, hyperandrogenemic women had greater body mass index (32.9 ± 1.0 vs 24.7 ± 0.9 kg/m2, P < .001) and lower glucose utilization during the clamp (9.2 ± 0.4 vs 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/kg fat-free mass · min, P = .023) and metabolic flexibility (0.09 ± 0.06 vs 0.12 ± 0.01, P = .014). In univariate analysis, metabolic flexibility was associated with several anthropometric, endocrine, and metabolic features. In multivariate analysis, this feature was directly associated with baseline respiratory quotient and insulin sensitivity and inversely with free testosterone and free fatty acids concentrations under insulin suppression (R2 = 0.634, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Metabolic inflexibility is a feature of PCOS women. Both insulin resistance and androgen excess might contribute to this abnormality.
Fourier Transform near Infrared Spectroscopy Prediction of trans and cis Fats in Ground Cereal Products at Different Resolutions
Authors: Kim Yookyung , Kays Sandra E.
Published: April 2013

In this study, Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was investigated for use as a tool to determine the trans and cis fat contents in ground cereal products without the need for further oil extraction. To compare the calibration results obtained at different resolutions, the near infrared (NIR) spectra of samples were obtained using an FT-NIR spectrometer at resolutions of 4 cm−1, 8 cm−1 and 16 cm−1. Fat contents of samples were determined using a gas chromatography method. Generally, higher resolution provides better predictions for all types of fats. Each type of fat had its own optimum resolution: 4 cm−1 for trans and 8 cm−1 for cis fat models. At optimal resolution, the models predicted trans and cis fat contents with a SEP and r2 of 0.75% and 0.96, and 0.70% and 0.96, respectively. The results indicated that the trans and cis fat content of cereal products could be determined in minutes without the need for oil extraction within the accuracy required for sample screening ( RPD=4.3 or 4.8).
Prediction of Wheat Yield and Protein Using Remote Sensors on Plots—Part I: Assessing near Infrared Model Robustness for Year and Site Variations
Authors: Øvergaard Stein I. , Isaksson Tomas , Korsaeth Audun
Published: April 2013

Validation of reflectance-based prediction models for plant properties is often performed on just one or two years of data. Hence, we aimed to perform a more comprehensive study regarding the validation of prediction models for grain yield and protein concentration. A FieldSpec3 portable field spectroradiometer was used to measure canopy reflectance in spring wheat. Spectral reflectance data were collected from three different experimental locations in up to four different years during the period 2007–2010, so that seven unique site years were included, comprising, altogether, 976 individual plots. Several datasets had moderate to severe lodging, which had a markedly negative influence on the prediction results. To correct for this problem, a classification model for the classes “lodging” and “standing crop” was calibrated from the spectral data. The model gave a total classification accuracy of 98.3%. Prediction models for grain yield and grain protein concentration were computed by means of the recent statistical method powered partial least squares (PPLS). Models were calibrated and validated on several combinations of the spectral datasets in order to reveal spatial and temporal effects on the prediction performance. The model performance generally increased with increasing variation in the calibration data, both in time (i.e. more years included) and space (i.e. more sites included). The best model for grain yield explained 94% [root mean square error of prediction ( RMSEP) = 156g m−2] of the variance and the predictions of grain protein concentration explained 67% [ RMSEP=1.51 g dry matter (DM)100g−1] of the variance. The performance of the grain yield PPLS models was compared with that of models based on some widely used vegetation indices [normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), red edge inflection point (REIP) and d-chl-ab]. The explained variance of the models based on vegetation indices did not exceed 55%, indicating that these models were inferior to full spectrum models. This study shows that one or two years of spectral measurement are insufficient for building fully operational models for cereal property predictions.
Prediction of Wheat Yield and Protein Using Remote Sensors on Plots—Part II: Improving Prediction Ability Using Data Fusion
Authors: Øvergaard Steen I. , Isaksson Tomas , Korsaeth Audun
Published: April 2013

Fusion of NIR spectra and weather data by means of canonical powered partial least-squares (CPPLS) was used to correct yield prediction models of spring wheat grain yields. The data comprised seven unique site years and 976 individual plots. In Part I of the study, in which models based on NIR spectra alone were used, we achieved a high degree of explained yield variance (up to 94%), but encountered large problems with bias and skewness in the computed regression models. We hypothesised that weather variation between seasons is the governing process behind this behaviour. In the present part of the study (Part II), the bias and skewness problems were significantly reduced by the inclusion of aggregated weather variables as additional predictors. Average bias and skewness of the final predictions corresponded to reductions of 38% and 23%, respectively. The weather data used are available about four weeks prior to harvest, which implies that the approach would allow early yield prediction. In conclusion, this study shows the potential for improving NIR spectra-based prediction models by including season-specific information, such as weather data, which is becoming more readily available through improvements in meteorological services.
Real-Time Monitoring of the Drying of Extruded Granules in a Fluidised Bed Using near Infrared Spectroscopy and Kinetic Evaluation of the Drying Process
Authors: Hayashi Yoshihiro , Sato Takaya , Otsuka Makoto
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the water content of granules drying in a fluidised bed by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in real time and estimate a constant drying rate. Riboflavin granules were prepared by extrusion based on a standard formulation. NIR spectra collected during drying and the water content of granules was correlated by partial least squares (PLS) regression. To consider variability among batches, the leave-one-batch-out cross-validation procedure was performed. The PLS analysis showed that the plots of predicted vs actual values were linearly correlated with a coefficient content which can be continuously predicted with small errors. The difference between batches was clarified by results of score plots. In each batch, water content was predicted accurately using the PLS model. Based on water content values predicted in real time, constant drying rate was estimated. This result suggested constant drying rate might increase as the granule size decreases. This technique provides a robust calibration model for a better understanding and control of the drying process.
HUMAN CAPITAL IS THE MAIN TOOL FOR ENSURING OF HIGH-QUALITY ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Май
Published: April 2013

Concept of the human capital and its place in the structure of national economy are revealed in this article. The role and value of human capital for economical growth are defi ned.
Doing the right things for the right reasons: Looking for authenticity in Punk and Stuckist practice
Authors: Harvey Paul
Published: April 2013

My practice-based doctoral project, researched between 2006 and 2011, asked if the rapidly expanding art movement known as Stuckism had an approach that could be related to Punk 'attitude' in the late 1970s. As an active member of the Stuckists, I have had to engage with the same sense
of iconoclastic hostility that played such an important role during my time as a Punk musician from 1977 to the present. Whilst Punk operated, first and foremost, in the context of popular music, Stuckism is a creature of the visual arts, a response to dominant trends amongst gallery and museum
directors rather than an appeal to radicalized, media-oriented youth. I therefore built my methodological approach on the hope that the 'narrative turn' in contemporary social studies and cultural anthropology offered me a persuasive mechanism for capturing the ongoing development of my practice
as a painter with Stuckist and Punk affiliations. As my creative activities have contributed to the idea of Stuckism, I explored how the narratives of identity that I associate with Punk attitude have helped form the identity of the group. I also believed, however, that my own personal experiences
had relevance within a wider context, as I felt there was an opportunity to explain Punk attitude through Stuckist practice and vice versa. I had read a number of, what I felt were, misrepresentations of Punk attitude and experience; mostly this was because the practitioners themselves were
often absent in these discussions. I wanted to put that right. As the conversations with these practitioners began to develop, the concept of authenticity became a major theme, and this ended up being a significant factor when investigating the link between Stuckism and Punk.
Long-Term Durability of Pressure-Treated Wood in a Severe Test Site
Authors: Lebow Stan , Woodward Bessie , Kirker Grant , Lebow Patricia
Published: April 2013

Improved estimates of the long-term durability of treated wood products are needed to guide choices about construction materials and allow estimates of design life. This report summarizes the long-term decay and insect resistance of treated wood post and lumber specimens placed in ground contact at a test site of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Product Laboratory in southern Mississippi. Posts treated with relatively low levels of creosote had an estimated durability of 54 years, and slightly less durability was observed in creosote-treated lumber. Pentachlorophenol-treated posts exhibited durability in excess of 60 years, whereas lumber specimens treated to standard ground-contact retentions had no failures after 39 or 45 years. Posts treated with low retentions of copper naphthenate had an estimated 65-year longevity, but lumber specimens treated to higher retentions of copper napththenate had lower average lives of 27 to 30 years. Low-retention ammoniacal copper arsenate (ACA) posts had an estimated durability of 60 years, whereas stakes treated to retentions of 8 kg/m3 (0.5 lb/ft3) or greater with ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA) or ACA have had no failures after 30 and 60 years, respectively. Posts treated with a range of retentions of chromated copper arsenate (CCA-C) have had no failures after 35 years, and stakes treated with CCA-A, CCA-B, or CCA-C to retentions above 7 0 kg/m3 (0.43 lb/ft3) have had no failures after 60, 61, and 40 years, respectively. As a whole, the post and lumber specimens indicate an expected durability of over 50 years for creosote-treated wood and over 60 years for wood treated with pentachlorophenol, copper naphthenate, ACZA, or CCA. Comparison of the results from this site to reports from other locations suggests that these results might underestimate the potential durability in more moderate exposures. In relating these findings to treated commodities, it should be noted that these test specimens have not been subjected to the same mechanical loads or wear and tear associated with in-service structures.
Analytical Solution of the Problem of Diffusional Transformation Under Continuous Cooling Condition Based on Isothermal Transformation Diagram Data
Authors: Mirzaev D. A. , Okishev K. Yu. , Mirzaeva K. D.
Published: April 2013

This paper is devoted to theoretical analysis of the critical cooling rate necessary to suppress the diffusional transformation of austenite. The transition from isothermal conditions to continuous cooling conditions was accomplished in two ways: by means of the traditional integral of Scheil and Steinberg (often called the additivity rule), and via direct integration of the Avrami equation. The resulting equations for both the cooling rate and a coefficient in Grange and Kiefer’s formula are presented. It was found that the theoretical value of the Grange–Kiefer coefficient almost never reached the value of 1.5 that they proposed. A method for determining the parameters in kinetic equations describing isothermal and continuous cooling transformations from an experimental time-temperature transformation diagram is also outlined.
Post-surgical thyroid ablation with low or high radioiodine activities results in similar outcomes in intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Castagna Maria Grazia , Cevenini Gabriele , Theodoropoulou Alexandra , Maino Fabio , Memmo Silvia , Claudia Cipri , Belardini Valentina , Brianzoni Ernesto , Pacini Furio
Published: April 2013

Background

In differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients at intermediate risk of recurrences, no evidences are provided regarding the optimal radioactive iodine (RAI) activity to be administered for post-surgical thyroid ablation.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of RAI activities on the outcome of 225 DTC patients classified as intermediate risk, treated with low (1110–1850 MBq) or high RAI activities (≥3700 MBq).

Results

Six to 18 months after ablation, remission was observed in 60.0% of patients treated with low and in 60.0% of those treated with high RAI activities, biochemical disease was found in 18.8% of patients treated with low and in 14.3% of patients treated with high RAI activities, metastatic disease was found in 21.2% of patients treated with low and in 25.7% of patients treated with high RAI activities (P=0.56). At the last follow-up (low activities, median 4.2 years; high activities, median 6.9 years), remission was observed in 76.5% of patients treated with low and in 72.1% of patients treated with high RAI activities, persistent disease was observed in 18.8% of patients treated with low and in 23.5% of patients treated with high RAI activities, recurrent disease was 2.4% in patients treated with low and 2.1% in patients treated with high RAI activities, deaths occurred in 2.4% of patients treated with low and in 2.1% of patients treated with high RAI activities (P=0.87).

Conclusion

Our study provides the first evidence that in DTC patients at intermediate risk, high RAI activities at ablation have no major advantage over low activities.
Controlling the Crystalline Quality and the Purity of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes Grown by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Navas Hugo , Picher Matthieu , Arenal Raul , Quesnel Etienne , Anglaret Eric , Jourdain Vincent
Published: April 2013

It is frequently observed that as-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) contain defects. Controlling the defect density is a key issue for the control of nanotube properties. However, little is known about the influence of the growth conditions on the formation of nanotube defects. In addition, SWCNT samples frequently contain carbonaceous by-products which affect their ensemble properties. Raman spectroscopy is commonly used to characterize both features from the measurement of the defect-induced D band. However, the contribution of each carbonaceous species to the D band is usually not known making it difficult to separately extract the defect density and relative abundance of each. Here, we report on the correlated evolution of the D and G’ bands of SWCNT samples with increasing growth temperature. In the general case, three to four Lorentzian components are required to fit them. Coupled with HRTEM characterization, the low frequency components of the D and G’ can be attributed to the contribution of SWCNTs while high frequency components are associated with defective carbonaceous by-products. The nature of these defective by-products varies with the type of catalysts and with the growth conditions.
Ecodesign concept case studies: Cu in electric motor and Ni in waste incinerator
Authors: Laitinen Tarja , Turunen Erja , Salmi Olli , Tammi Kari , Mroueh Ulla-Maija , Kivikytö-Reponen Päivi
Published: April 2013

VTT has implemented the demand of energy and resource efficiency in the framework of Ecodesign concept covering the whole material life cycle from material sources to material design and manufacturing, component life time optimisation and finally recycling concepts. The vision of the virtually supported Ecodesign concept is to create optimized and efficient machine and device components regarding their whole lifecycle by evolving multiscale modelling.

In this presentation we will introduce our development work within our Ecodesign concept by giving two case examples including Cu flow in electrical motor and Ni flow in waste incinerator. In the first case we will discuss raw material scarcity based design criteria, technological challenges and possibilities of Cu substitution and finally energy efficiency in system level. In the latter we will discuss multiscale modelling approach starting from raw materials and new design criteria regarding performance, life time, maintenance strategies and energy efficiency in system level operation.
Hierarchical Organisation in the Most Abundant Biopolymer –Cellulose
Authors: Khandelwal Mudrika , Windle Alan H.
Published: April 2013

The most abundant biopolymer, cellulose, occurs as a supra-molecular organisation of poly-glucan chains. The cellulose produced by bacteria has been characterised by various techniques including SEM, AFM, PXRD and SAXS, to elucidate the multi-level organisation. A model has been developed to relate this organisation to the cellulose biosynthetic machinery in bacteria.
Conducting Oxide Electrode to Mitigate Mechanical Instability (Bubble Formation) during Operation of La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) based RRAM
Authors: Nori Rajashree , Chandra Raju N. Ravi , Thomas Naijo , Panwar Neeraj , Kumbhare Pankaj , Rao Gurudatt , Srinivasan Senthil , Venkataramani N. , Ganguly U.
Published: April 2013

The role of field-induced electrochemical migration oxygen ions in switching behaviour of LSMO films is established through I-V measurements under various top electrode device configurations. We report observation of bubbling, mechanical damage and delamination of top electrode in LSMO-based large area RRAM devices. Polarity dependence of this phenomenon, as observed in-situ during electrical measurements, reveals O-evolution to be the likely cause for such electrode damage. The effect of this phenomenon on switching behaviour of devices with reactive as well as inert top electrodes is presented. To mitigate the electrode integrity issue, we explore the use of conducting oxide electrodes on the active LSMO film.
Silicon based core-shell silicon nanowires for broadband and wide angle antireflection
Authors: Pignalosa P. , Lee H. , Guo W. , Duan X. , Yi Y.
Published: April 2013

Antireflection with broadband and wide angle properties is important for a wide range of applications on photovoltaic cells and display. The SiOx shell layer provides a natural antireflection from air to the Si core absorption layer. In this work, we have demonstrated the random core-shell silicon nanowires with both broadband (from 400nm to 900nm) and wide angle (from normal incidence to 60°) antireflection characteristics within AM1.5 solar spectrum. The graded index structure from the randomly oriented core-shell (Air/SiOx/Si) nanowires may provide a potential avenue to realize a broadband and wide angle antireflection layer.
Structural Dynamics of Polycrystals under Shock Compression Observed via Nanosecond Time-resolved X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Nakamura Kazutaka G. , Hu Jianbo , Ichiyanagi Kouhei , Kawai Nobuaki , Adachi Shin-ichi
Published: April 2013

Dynamics of structural phase transition in polycrystalline samples (tetragonal stabilized zirconia and bismuth) under laser-shock compression has been studied using nanosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction technique based on synchrotron radiation. Tetragonal zirconia shows the structural phase transition to the monoclinic phase within 20 ns during shock compression without any intermediate and reverts back to the tetragonal phase during pressure release. Bismuth shows more complex phase transition dynamics. The Bi-I phase, which is the stable phase at ambient pressure and temperature, transfers to Bi-V phase within 4 ns under shock compression and gradually reverts back following the path of Bi-V →Bi-III → Bi-II → Bi-I within 30 ns during pressure release.
Relações anatômicas do seio emissário do forame oval e suas implicações clínico-cirúrgicas
Authors: Simões Sylvio
Published: April 2013

Após dissecar a fossa média da base do crânio de 50 cadáveres de indivíduos brasileiros, leuco e melanodermas, cujas idades variaram de 25 a 80 anos, o autor sistematizou as relações anatômicas do seio emissário do forame oval com os elementos nervosos e durais circunjacentes. Concluiu ser o referido seio emissário um elemento anatômico de considerável importância do ponto de vista clínico-cirúrgico, devendo ser lembrado sobretudo na terapêutica cirúrgica do gânglio trigeminal e do segmento intracraniano dos nervos maxilar e mandibular.
Estudo clínico do RO-5-4023 no tratamento de epilepsias
Authors: D'Onghia C. A. , Luccas F. J. C. , Marques-Assis L. , Lefèvre A. B.
Published: April 2013

Foram estudados 76 pacientes epilépticos (crianças e adultos) submetidos a tratamento com o RO-5-4023. Houve predomínio dos casos com menos de 19 anos, sendo 44 do sexo masculino e 32 do sexo feminino. A droga foi utilizada isoladamente (34 casos) ou em associação com outros anti-comiciais (42 casos). A dose foi variável, com média de 5 mg/dia. A duração do tratamento variou de 3 a 11 meses, com média de 7 meses. Em todos os casos foi feito estudo eletrencefalográficos e liquórico. Em 32 casos foi feito estudo comparativo de EEG antes e depois do tratamento. Levando em conta os resultados obtidos os autores chegaram às seguintes conclusões: 1) foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios em 61 casos (81%); 2) levando em conta as formas clínicas da epilepsia, os melhores resultados foram obtidos nas formas generalizadas (GM e PM) e focais não convulsivas; 3) os pacientes que utilizaram outros medicamentos anti-comiciais associados ao RO-5-4023, se beneficiaram mais que os que receberam a droga isoladamente; 4) nos pacientes em que foi feito o EEG de controle, foi observada normalização do traçado em 46,5% dos casos; 5) efeitos colaterais ocorreram em 32,8% dos casos, sendo mais freqüentemente observadas sonolência, ataxia, agitação, fadiga e agressividade; essas manifestações melhoraram ou desapareceram até o décimo dia do tratamento.
Tumor do glomo jugular
Authors: Borges Antonio Cesar G. , Coutinho Mario Ferreira , Anicet Adão , Castro Décio Lisboa
Published: April 2013

É relatado um caso de tumor de glomo jugular com 4 anos de evolução. Os exames neuro-radiológicos mostraram destruição da pirâmide petrosa direita, deslocamento da cisterna pontocerebelosa direita e dilatação da cisterna ambiens do mesmo lado. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia otológica, sendo o tumor removido parcialmente. Após radioterapia houve remissão parcial dos sintomas.
Meningencefalite a cândida
Authors: Wittig Ehrenfried O. , Lopes Reginaldo W. , Kasting Gilda
Published: April 2013

É relatado um caso de meningencefalite por fungos do gênero Cândida em paciente adulto, com evolução de 11 dias até o óbito. O diagnóstico foi feito mediante necrópsia, sendo verificada septicemia a Cândida, com comprometimento neurológico secundário.
Alterações da regulação central da temperatura nos traumatismos cranianos graves: seu significado quanto ao prognóstico e terapêutica
Authors: Lausberg G. , Kirchhoff D.
Published: April 2013

As alterações da regulação central da temperatura corpórea nos casos de traumatismos cranianos graves são classificada e analisadas, procurando os autores salientar suas características, visando ao prognóstico e à terapêutica. Com base nas várias modalidades de distúrbios térmicos, nas alterações de outras funções de caráter vegetativo e nos achados neurológicos, são expostas normas terapêuticas gerais.
Meningencefalite a aspergillus
Authors: Wittig Ehrenfried O. , Cat Izrail , Kasting Gilda
Published: April 2013

É relatado um caso de meningencefalite por Aspergillus em paciente com 39 dias de idade, sendo o diagnóstico feito mediante necrópsia. Aparentemente, este é o primeiro caso relatado no Brasil.
Índices para estimar o tempo transcorrido entre o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de líquido cefalorraqueano
Authors: Marlet José M.
Published: April 2013

O autor simulou, experimentalmente, acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico em cães injetando sangue do próprio animal no espaço subaracnóideo, colhendo amostras diárias de LCR durante 14 dias, sendo estudada a evolução das concentrações de oxiemoglobina e de bilirrubina, empregando métodos espectrofotométricos. Define um coeficiente hemoglobínico como a relação entre a concentração de oxiemoglobina e o total de pigmentos do LCR e um índice hemoglobina-bilirrubina como a relação entre as concentrações de oxiemoglobina e bilirrubina. Depois do tratamento estatístico, chega à conclusão de que ambos permitem estimar o tempo transcorrido desde o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de LCR. São apresentadas sugestões quanto à aplicabilidade prática destes indicadores em Neurologia e Medicina Preventiva.
Poliodistrofia cerebral infantil: estudo anátomo-clínico de um caso
Authors: Guidugli Neto João , França L. C. Mattosinho , Scarante Ozir , Melaragno Roberto
Published: April 2013

É relatado o caso de um menino de oito anos de idade com crises convulsivas generalizadas, sem alteração mental, evoluindo com déficit motor difuso e progressivo até o óbito. No exame anatomopatológico foi encontrada acentuada atrofia cortical cerebral, assim como lesões degenerativas também nas demais localizações da substância cinzenta, incluindo a medula espinhal. O achado de lesões disgenéticas associadas levou os autores a rotularem o caso como sendo o de moléstia de Alpers.
Síndrome de Garcin causada por aneurisma gigante da artéria carótida interna
Authors: Plese José Pindaro P. , Scaff Milberto , Pereira Walter Carlos , Zaclis José
Published: April 2013

É relatado caso de aneurisma gigante da artéria carótida interna esquerda, provocando síndrome de Garcin. O diagnóstico só pôde ser firmado mediante estudo angiográfico. A necropsia revelou aneurisma da artéria carótida interna com 5 cm por 4 cm, comprimindo todos os nervos cranianos esquerdos, exceto o primeiro, e aneurisma da região da artéria comunicante anterior.
Aneurisma gigante da artéria cerebral média
Authors: Facure J. Jorge , Facure Nubor O. , Castro Luiz F. , Cruz Joaquim N.
Published: April 2013

Relato de um caso de aneurisma gigante da artéria cerebral média esquerda operado com sucesso. O aneurisma que apresentava medidas de 35 x 27 x 23 mm determinou manifestações clínicas de hipertensão intracraniana. A sua exerese total resultou em pronto desaparecimento dos sintomas.
Divertículos meníngeos pós-cirúrgicos
Authors: Cademartori Mário S. , Prates Carlos Frederico
Published: April 2013

São relatados os casos de dois pacientes com divertículos meníngeos na região lombo-sacra. Ambos haviam sido submetidos, anteriormente, a intervenções cirúrgicas para extirpação de hérnias de disco intervertebral e, mais tarde, reoperados por complicações das primeiras intervenções cirúrgicas. Os autores chamam a atenção para a raridade da complicação e para a possibilidade de interpretação errônea dos sintomas, constituidos de dores lombares, sinais radiculares irritativos ou deficitários.
Oftalmoplegia dolorosa: relato de três casos
Authors: Perpétuo Francisco Otaviano Lima
Published: April 2013

Após revisão da literatura são relatados 3 casos de polineuropatia craniana. Os quadros clínicos se enquadram na síndrome de "oftalmoplegia dolorosa", relatada por Hunt e col. ³ e que fora anteriormente descrita por To- losa7. A causa parece ser um processo inflamatório crônico de etiologia não esclarecida situado na dura-mater da base do crânio notadamente do seio cavernoso. Os 3 casos aqui relatados foram vistos, todos, no período de 4 meses, sugerindo que a freqüência desta síndrome em nosso meio deva ser mais elevada do que geralmente se acredita. O prognóstico quanto à recuperação é excelente mas recurrências são freqüentes. O diagnóstico diferencial é discutido.
Aminoacidopatias de interesse neurológico
Authors: Diament Aron J.
Published: April 2013

As aminoácidopatias constituem o grupo mais numeroso dos erros inatos do metabolismo, sendo crescente seu número em vista das inúmeras cadeias metabólicas envolvendo os aminoácidos na economia humana. É apresentada uma classificação atualizada das principais aminoacidopatias que determinam sintomatologia neurológica e/ou mental. São revistos os principais métodos de diagnóstico, apontando-se as falhas de algumas metodologias. São abordadas algumas particularidades da fenilcetonúria, leucinose e acidemia propiônica, principalmente no que concerne à variação genética. Finalmente, são apresentadas duas aminoacidopatias recentemente descritas: a aciduria piroglutâmica e a deficiência da beta-metil-crotonil-CoA-carboxilase.
Traumatismos cranianos na idade avançada
Authors: Lausberg G. , Kirchhoff D. , Redondo J. A.
Published: April 2013

Relato dos aspectos clínicos apresentados por 299 pacientes com mais de 50 anos de idade, que sofreram traumatismos cranianos. Em especial são abordadas as dificuldades no diagnóstico diferencial que os hematomas intracranianos apresentam nesse grupo etário (total de 42 casos). Complicações cerebrais e extra-cerebrais, isto é, extra-cranianas são discutidas, tendo-se especial cuidado nos casos com inconsciência secundária e/ou sinais neurológicos secundários. Comparação com grupos mais jovens é feita. São salientadas as medidas terapêuticas gerais que podem diminuir a alta quota de mortalidade.
Ensaio clínico com sulpiride
Authors: Bruscky Sérgio Barbosa , Caldeira Márcio Versiani , Bueno J. Romildo
Published: April 2013

O tratamento com sulpiride foi efetuado por via oral ou intramuscular num grupo de 39 pacientes com variadas condições psiquiátricas. A duração do tratamento variou entre 20 e 90 dias de hospitalização, sendo ministrada 1200 mg/dia do medicamento. As reações secundárias foram mínimas, não sendo observados efeitos sobre a crase sangüínea. Os resultados clínicos demonstram efeito satisfatório deste medicamento na ansiedade, depressão reativa e certos tipos de atividade delirante e alucinatória.
Associação de miopatia com ataxia e piramidalismo: estudo de dois irmãos
Authors: Rotta Newra Tellechea , Brizolara Ana , Vallandro Cláudia , Farias Armênio dos Santos , Azambuja Ney Artur V. C. , Brodtmann Bernardo , Vilgas Judith
Published: April 2013

São estudados os casos de dois irmãos examinados em Serviço de Neurologia Infantil por apresentarem dificuldade para manter o equilíbrio estático e dinâmico. Ao exame foi assinalado déficit estrutural, deficiência mental, distrofia muscular, síndrome piramidal e síndrome cerebelar. Os casos foram estudados do ponto de vista clínico, laboratorial, radiológico, eletromiográfico, psicológico e genético. É feita a discussão diagnóstica considerando miopatia autossômica recessiva da cintura pélvica e miopatia ocular associada a ataxia.
Paralisia facial periférica e otite média tuberculosa
Authors: Lima José Geraldo Camargo , Cruz Nelson Alvares
Published: April 2013

Os autores apresentam um caso de paralisia facial periférica devido a uma otite média tuberculosa. Chamam atenção para a raridade atual da otite tuberculosa e para a freqüência com que esta afecção compromete o nervo facial. A regressão da paralisia após tratamento cirúrgico (mastoidectomia e descompressão do nervo facial) e medicamentoso específico foi assinalada.
Política das UPPs e espaços organizacionais precários: uma análise de discurso
Authors: Lacerda Daniel da S. , Brulon Vanessa
Published: April 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as finalidades encobertas do programa de Unidades de Polícia Pacificadora (UPPs) e as intenções últimas a que serve, revelando, assim, as relações de poder e dominação a que estão submetidas as populações moradoras de espaços organizacionais precários, por meio do uso teleológico da política de pacificação de favelas do governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de análise crítica do discurso na avaliação dos pronunciamentos realizados em um evento ocorrido na Câmara Municipal, em homenagem ao então coronel responsável pela coordenadoria de polícias pacificadoras. Os resultados desvelam a visão submissa com que os moradores de favela são tratados, orientando a política pública principalmente para a ocupação desses espaços e contenção dos problemas existentes nesse território, para que não sejam sentidos no restante da cidade.
Valoração do conhecimento: significação e identidade na ação organizacional
Authors: Cherman Andrea , Rocha-Pinto Sandra Regina da
Published: April 2013

A valoração do conhecimento representa uma lacuna na área do conhecimento organizacional. Esse artigo visa responder quais processos são adotados pelos indivíduos para a valoração dos conhecimentos nas organizações. A pesquisa, realizada com profissionais de RH, utilizou grounded theory method. Os resultados sugerem que o processo de identificação dos indivíduos com a identidade organizacional ocupa um lugar central na valoração do conhecimento. A organização, por intermédio da alta gestão ou das rotinas organizacionais, surgiu como "o outro" que parece conduzir as diretrizes a serem seguidas, assim como quais conhecimentos avaliar e valorar; aquela com quem os membros organizacionais buscam identificar-se. Os indivíduos expressaram mecanismos de afirmação, adequação ou reconstrução de suas identidades a fim de gerar, justificar ou negar identificação com a organização. É sugerido que o modelo de comando vertical ainda prevalece sobre a interação horizontal, tornando difícil o estabelecimento de conhecimento emergente entre os membros organizacionais.
Micropolíticas das práticas cotidianas: etnografando uma organização circense
Authors: Oliveira Josiane Silva de , Cavedon Neusa Rolita
Published: April 2013

Neste artigo, analisamos como as práticas cotidianas podem ser compreendidas com base na dimensão micropolítica dos processos organizacionais. As discussões teóricas articulam diálogos entre Michel de Certeau e Michel Foucault nos estudos sobre as práticas cotidianas, e a opinião de Theodore Schatzki sobre as organizações como espaços praticados. Baseadas em uma etnografia realizada em um circo, com 25 anos de existência, identificamos práticas de gestão que proporcionaram a emergência dos sujeitos produtores culturais e a formação de redes associativas do circo com empresas, em decorrência da existência de demanda de atividades artísticas por parte do mercado. Também observamos gestos políticos das artes circenses nas discussões sobre a recepção dos espetáculos pelo público e a formação do circo-escola e de projetos de cunho social realizados pelo circo. Por fim, consideramos o cotidiano organizacional como um espaço de práticas que constituem micropolíticas em meio à esfera normativa dos processos de gestão.