bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valor nutritivo de silagens de capim-marandu submetidas aos efeitos de umidade, inoculação bacteriana e estação do ano
Authors: Ribeiro José Leonardo , Nussio Luiz Gustavo , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Mari Lucas José , Zopollatto Maity , Paziani Solidete de Fátima
Published: July 2008

O estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da estação do ano, do teor de matéria seca (MS) e da inoculação bacteriana sobre o valor nutritivo de silagens de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, disposto em arranjo fatorial (2 × 3 × 3), com duas estações do ano (verão e inverno), três teores de MS (com ou sem emurchecimento ou adição de polpa cítrica peletizada, PCP) e ausência ou presença de inoculante (Lactobacillus plantarum ou Lactobacillus buchneri), perfazendo 18 tratamentos, cada um com quatro repetições. As silagens foram confeccionadas em baldes de plástico de 20 L. Após 90 dias do fechamento, os silos foram abertos para as avaliações. O emurchecimento elevou os teores de matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e lignina (LIG) em ambas as estações, porém não alterou o coeficiente de digestibilidade verdadeira in vitro da MS (DVIVMS) das silagens. A adição de PCP aumentou os teores de proteína bruta (PB) e carboidratos solúveis (CHO) e reduziu os teores de FDN, o que resultou em silagens com maior DVIVMS em ambas as estações. A inoculação não alterou a fração fibrosa e não aumentou a DVIVMS das silagens. As silagens de verão apresentaram maiores teores de PB e menores constituintes da parede celular, com exceção da hemicelulose (HEMI), o que resultou no maior coeficiente médio de DVIVMS dessas silagens. O baixo valor nutritivo das silagens de inverno contraria os resultados descritos na literatura, principalmente em virtude da maior idade de rebrotação do capim-marandu nesta estação. Desta forma, silagens de verão podem ser recomendadas como volumoso suplementar, principalmente quando acrescidas de PCP.
Valor nutritivo de silagens de milho colhido em diversos estádios de maturação
Authors: Vilela Hélio Henrique , Rezende Adauton Vilela de , Vieira Paulo de Figueiredo , Andrade Gustavo Augusto , Evangelista Antônio Ricardo , Almeida Geraldo Benedito de Souza
Published: July 2008

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar as características bromatológicas de silagens de milho produzidas com milho em diversos estádios de maturação. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Os cultivares Geneze 2004, Agroceres 1051, Pioneer 30S40 e Pioneer 30F90 foram ensilados nos seguintes estádios de maturação: grãos sem linha de leite (SLL); redução da linha de leite em 1/3 do grão (1/3 LL); 1/2 do grão (1/2 LL); 2/3 do grão (2/3 LL); e camada negra (CN) formada. A porcentagem de MS das silagens variou de 26,5 a 45,0%. As maiores perdas de efluente ocorreram nas silagens dos cultivares AG1051 e P30S40 no estádio sem linha de leite, que não apresentaram perdas a partir do estádio 1/2 LL. Com o avançar do estádio de maturação, observou-se aumento nos valores de pH. Os estádios de maturação influenciaram a porcentagem de PB das silagens, que variou de 10,7 a 8,1%. Os maiores valores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram observados nos estádios 2/3 LL e CN. A porcentagem de lignina foi influenciada pelos cultivares e foi maior nas silagens do cultivar P30S40. A digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) foi influenciada pelos cultivares e pelos estádios de maturidade, variando de 51,1 a 69,8%, e foi maior no cultivar P30F90. A ensilagem do milho no estádio 1/2 LL promoveu melhor DIVMS, que reduziu após este estádio. Os cultivares GNZ 2004, AG1051 e P30F90 são mais indicados para ensilagem e o melhor estádio de maturidade para ensilagem desses cultivares é quando os grãos apresentam redução da linha de leite na metade do grão (1/2 LL).
Estimação de parâmetros genéticos em suínos usando Amostrador de Gibbs
Authors: Barbosa Leandro , Lopes Paulo Sávio , Regazzi Adair José , Torres Robledo de Almeida , Santana Junior Mário Luiz , Veroneze Renata
Published: July 2008

Um total de 38.865 registros de animais da raça Large White foi usado para estimar componentes de co-variância e parâmetros genéticos das características idade ao atingir 100 kg de peso vivo (IDA) e espessura de toucinho ajustada para 100 kg de peso vivo (ET), em análises bicaracterísticas. Para obtenção dos componentes de co-variância, foi utilizado o Amostrador de Gibbs por meio do programa MTGSAM. O modelo misto utilizado continha efeito fixo de grupo contemporâneo e os seguintes efeitos aleatórios: efeito genético aditivo direto, efeito genético aditivo materno, efeito comum de leitegada e efeito residual. As médias das estimativas de herdabilidade aditivas diretas foram 0,33 e 0,44 para IDA e ET, respectivamente. As médias das estimativas do efeito comum de leitegada foram 0,09 e 0,02 para IDA e ET, respectivamente. A estimativa de correlação genética aditiva entre as características foi próxima de zero (-0,015). As herdabilidades obtidas para as características de desempenho avaliadas indicam que ganhos genéticos satisfatórios podem ser obtidos no melhoramento de suínos da raça Large White para essas características e que a seleção simultânea para ambas as características pode ser realizada, uma vez que é baixa a correlação genética aditiva direta.
Inclusão de ovo desidratado em rações para frangos de corte nas fases pré-inicial e de crescimento
Authors: Teixeira Elisanie Neiva Magalhães , Silva José Humberto Vilar da , Ribeiro Marcelo Luís Gomes , Costa Fernando Guilherme Perazzo , Jordão Filho José , Araujo Daniel de Magalhães
Published: July 2008

O experimento foi conduzido para determinar o nível ótimo de inclusão de ovo desidratado (OD) em raçõespara frangos de corte nas fases pré-inicial e de crescimento. Utilizou-se um lote de 1.152 pintos de corte machos, linhagem Cobb-500, com peso vivo inicial de 43,46 ± 0,23 g, alojados em boxes de 1,0 × 1,5 m. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 4 tratamentos (0; 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% de ovo desidratado), cada um com 18 repetições de 16 aves. As dietas utlilizadas foram isoprotéicas e isocalóricas, com 21,9% PB e 2.950 kcal EMAn na fase de 1 a 7 dias e 20,9% PB e 3.000 kcal EMAn na fase de 8 a 21 dias de idade. O conteúdo dos ovos foi mantido em estufa a 55ºC durante 72 horas e apresentava resultado negativo para a presença de Salmonella spp. Os níveis de ovo desidratado nas rações tiveram efeito quadrático sobre o consumo de ração, o peso vivo, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. O melhor ganho de peso na fase pré-inicial foi obtido com a utilização de 0,53% de ovo desidratado na ração e, na fase inicial de crescimento, com o nível de 0,73%.
Características de carcaça e rendimento de buchada de caprinos alimentados com farelo grosso de trigo em substituição ao milho
Authors: Dias Argélia Maria Araújo , Batista Ângela Maria Vieira , Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos de , Guim Adriana , Silva Gilvan , Silva Aline Candido da
Published: July 2008

Objetivou-se determinar as características de carcaça e rendimento de buchada de caprinos alimentados com dietas com 0,0; 8,9; 19,8 ou 31,7% de farelo grosso de trigo (FGT) em substituição ao milho. Foram utilizados 24 cabritos mestiços, machos não-castrados, com peso inicial de 20 kg, em gaiolas individuais, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro dietas e seis repetições, durante 74 dias. Houve efeito linear decrescente nos pesos e rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria, enquanto o peso vivo ao abate (27,85 kg), as perdas por jejum (4,02%), as perdas por resfriamento (4,15%) e a área de olho-de-lombo (7,2 cm²) não foram influenciados pelo aumento do FGT na ração. Os pesos de lombo, perna e baixo e o percentual do baixo reduziram linearmente, enquanto o peso de buchada foi influenciado de forma quadrática (ponto de máximo 14,22%) pela inclusão do FGT. Os melhores resultados de rendimentos de carcaça e buchada foram obtidos com a inclusão, em média, de 14% de farelo grosso de trigo em substituição ao milho.
Características de carcaça, componentes não-carcaça e composição tecidual e química da 12ª costela de cordeiros Santa Inês terminados em pasto com três gramíneas no período seco
Authors: Menezes Luizângele Figueiredo de Oliveira , Louvandini Helder , Martha Júnior Geraldo Bueno , McManus Concepta , Garcia José Américo Soares , Murata Luci Sayori
Published: July 2008

Foram avaliadas as características de carcaça, os componentes não-carcaça e o rendimento da 12ª costela de cordeiros Santa Inês terminados em pastejo rotacionado com três forrageiras tropicais (A. gayanus Kunth, cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq., cv. Aruana e P. maximum Jacq., cv. Tanzânia), no período seco do ano. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 11 ovinos (3 meses de idade e 18,8 ± 2,88 kg PV) em cada tratamento. Os animais receberam suplementação com concentrado em níveis crescentes, conforme o avançar do período seco, além de sal mineral à vontade. Ao final de 82 dias de experimento, os animais foram abatidos; no dia anterior ao abate, a área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) foi mensurada com ultra-som (AOLUS). Avaliaram-se o peso ao abate (PA), o peso de carcaça quente (PCQ), o rendimento de carcaça quente (RCQ), o comprimento da carcaça (CC), o escore de gordura subcutânea (EGS), o peso da meia-carcaça quente (PMCQ), os cortes da meia-carcaça (costela/fralda, costeleta, lombo, paleta, pernil, e pescoço) e os pesos da pele (PELE), das vísceras torácicas (VT) e abdominais (VA) e dos testículos (TE). A 12ª costela foi avaliada quanto ao peso total (PT), AOL, aos pesos e às porcentagens de músculo (MUSC), osso (OSSO) e gordura (GORD) e os constituintes químicos. As características PA, PCQ, RCQ, PELE e GORD não diferiram entre os animais terminados em pastos de capim-aruana e capim-tanzânia, mas foram superiores nos animais terminados em pasto de capim-andropogon. Os rendimentos de pescoço, costela/fralda e costeleta dos animais terminados em capim-tanzânia foram superiores aos obtidos nos animais terminados em capim-andropogon e aruana, que não diferiram entre si. As demais características de carcaça, dos componentes não-carcaça e da 12ª costela não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os ovinos mantidos em pastagem de capim-aruana e capim-tanzânia apresentaram melhores características de carcaça e desempenho mais satisfatório em comparação aos terminados em pasto de capim-andropogon.
Grau de percepção e incômodo quanto à condição facial em indivíduos com paralisia facial periférica na fase de seqüelas
Authors: Freitas Kátia Cristina Silva de , Gómez Maria Valéria Goffi
Published: July 2008

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a auto-avaliação da condição facial do paciente, o grau de incômodo quanto às seqüelas e de prejuízo em atitudes diárias com os dados encontrados na avaliação fonoaudiológica. MÉTODOS: Participaram da pesquisa 29 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, média de idade de 46 anos, com média de 5,9 sessões de fonoterapia. Realizou-se avaliação fonoaudiológica da simetria e da movimentação da face e verificou-se a presença de sincinesias e contraturas por meio de instrumento publicado e padronizado. Além disso, realizou-se uma entrevista por meio de perguntas fechadas que permitiram a graduação da opinião do paciente quanto à sua própria face e influência desse problema em suas atividades sociais e profissionais. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se concordância quanto à auto-avaliação do paciente e a avaliação fonoaudiológica (p=0,0029), porém essa correlação não esteve presente em pacientes com menos de três sessões de fonoterapia. Não houve correlação significante entre o grau de sincinesia/contratura e o grau de incômodo referido pelo paciente, assim como o prejuízo em atividades sociais e profissionais não foi associado ao grau de paralisia, sincinesia, ou contratura. No entanto, houve correlação fraca com tendência à significação (r=-0,3250/p=0,085) quando comparou-se a auto-avaliação do paciente com o grau de prejuízo referido. CONCLUSÕES: A autopercepção da condição facial nem sempre é concordante entre o profissional e o paciente, sendo que essa concordância aumenta em pacientes com maior tempo de terapia. Por outro lado, o impacto da condição facial na vida do paciente parece não depender do grau das seqüelas.
Treinamento muscular na face: a prática dos fonoaudiólogos de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Coutrin Grazielle Costa , Guedes Luciana Ulhôa , Motta Andréa Rodrigues
Published: July 2008

OBJETIVO: Verificar a prática do fonoaudiólogo que atua em motricidade orofacial em Belo Horizonte, acerca de treinamento muscular na face e comparar a conduta de profissionais com e sem especialização na área. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com aplicação de questionário a 60 fonoaudiólogos de Belo Horizonte, atuantes em motricidade orofacial, sendo 30 sem especialização e 30 com especialização na área. O instrumento apresentou a descrição de um caso clínico e 12 perguntas acerca de condutas em mioterapia. Para análise dos dados foram empregados os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher, sendo considerado um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Na amostra pesquisada, 88,3% citaram exercícios isométricos, 63,3% indicaram freqüência de treinamento de três vezes ao dia e 81,7% sete dias por semana. A variação do tempo de contração muscular foi citada por 61,7%, sendo que 40,0% orientam aumento do tempo. Indicaram necessidade de variar o número de séries dos exercícios ao longo da terapia 50,0%, sendo que 26,7% destes citaram a diminuição. Quanto à freqüência, 43,3% consideraram necessário realizar variação ao longo da terapia, tendo 20,0% informado diminuir o número de vezes por dia e 23,3% diminuir o número de dias por semana. O tempo médio de quatro a seis meses para fonoterapia foi citado por 56,7% dos fonoaudiólogos. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos fonoaudiólogos citou empregar exercício isométrico, três vezes ao dia, sete dias por semana, com tempo médio de terapia entre quatro e seis meses. A conduta dos fonoaudiólogos com e sem especialização não apresentou diferença significante.
Dificuldades e benefícios com o uso de prótese auditiva: percepção do idoso e sua família
Authors: Miranda Elisiane Crestani de , Calais Lucila Leal , Vieira Eliara Pinto , Carvalho Laura Maria Araújo de , Borges Alda Christina Lopes de Carvalho , Iorio Maria Cecília Martinelli
Published: July 2008

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a percepção do idoso e do familiar sobre as dificuldades e os benefícios vivenciados pelo idoso, no processo inicial de adaptação ao uso de prótese auditiva. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 31 idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau leve a moderadamente severo bilateral, no início do processo de adaptação às próteses auditivas. Foi aplicado um questionário para o idoso e outro para o familiar, contendo perguntas sobre os benefícios e as dificuldades encontradas com o uso da amplificação. RESULTADOS: Com relação às dificuldades, verificou-se que houve concordância estatisticamente significante entre a resposta do paciente e do seu familiar, apenas para a opção "conversar em ambiente ruidoso". Com relação aos benefícios, não houve concordância em nenhuma das opções de resposta. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve concordância entre a percepção do idoso e do familiar sobre as dificuldades e benefícios com o uso das próteses auditivas, na etapa inicial do processo de adaptação. É necessário, portanto, orientação adequada para o usuário de próteses auditivas e, também, para os familiares que poderão auxiliar o idoso neste processo.
Examinando o desenho infantil como recurso terapêutico para o desenvolvimento de linguagem de crianças surdas
Authors: Araújo Claudia Campos Machado , Lacerda Cristina Broglia Feitosa de
Published: July 2008

A vivência prática do desenho na Clínica Fonoaudiológica é abordada como o núcleo central e gerador deste trabalho. Procurou-se investigar as práticas dialógicas desencadeadoras de processos de construção de conhecimentos, que relacionassem o desenho à apropriação de sentidos e significados, que pudessem interferir no desenvolvimento da linguagem da criança surda. A partir do referencial de análise qualitativa, utilizou-se os construtos teóricos e metodológicos da perspectiva Histórico-Cultural. Os sujeitos deste relato de caso foram duas crianças surdas bilíngües, ambas do sexo masculino; faixa etária de nove e dez anos; diagnóstico audiológico de surdez profunda bilateral e queixa de atraso do desenvolvimento de linguagem. Os dados coletados ao longo de um ano contêm 30 horas de filmagem e relatórios das sessões semanais de 60 minutos destinados ao atendimento clínico-terapêutico. Reconhecendo o desenvolvimento - da criança, da linguagem e do desenho - como um processo em constante movimento, o foco das análises recaiu sobre a emergência das ações em mudança e na dinâmica das interações entre os sujeitos. Os resultados mostraram que o uso prioritário da língua de sinais associado ao trabalho com atividades sígnicas, além da consideração das particularidades lingüísticas e das mediações semióticas, foram fundamentais para que o desenvolvimento e aquisição da linguagem favorecessem as práticas sociais da criança surda.
Comparative effects of estradiol, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole, raloxifene, and ICI 182 780 on gene expression in the murine uterus
Authors: Davis Angela M , Mao Jiude , Naz Bushra , Kohl Jessica A , Rosenfeld Cheryl S
Published: July 2008

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are potentially useful in treating various endometrial disorders, including endometrial cancer, as they block some of the detrimental effects of estrogen. It remains unclear whether each SERM regulates a unique subset of genes and, if so, whether the combination of a SERM and 17β-estradiol has an additive or synergistic effect on gene expression. We performed microarray analysis with Affymetrix Mouse Genome 430 2.0 short oligomer arrays to determine gene expression changes in uteri of ovariectomized mice treated with estradiol (low and high dose), methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP), ICI 182 780, raloxifene, and combinations of high dose of estradiol with one of the SERM and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vehicle control. The nine treatments clustered into two groups, with MPP, raloxifene, and high dose of estradiol in one, and low dose of estradiol, ICI + estradiol, ICI, MPP + estradiol, and raloxifene + estradiol in the second group. Surprisingly, combining a high dose of estradiol with a SERM markedly increased (P<0.02) the number of regulated genes compared with each individual treatment. Analysis of expression for selected genes in uteri of estradiol and SERM-treated mice by quantitative (Q)RT-PCR generally supported the microarray results. For some cancer-associated genes, including Klk1, Ihh, Cdc45l, and Cdca8, administration of MPP or raloxifene with estradiol resulted in greater expression than estradiol alone (P<0.05). By contrast, ICI 182 780 suppressed more genes governing DNA replication compared with MPP and raloxifene treatments. Therefore, ICI 182 780 might be superior to MPP and raloxifene to treat estrogen-induced endometrial cancer in women.
The Lead Industry and Lead Water Pipes “A MODEST CAMPAIGN”
Authors: Rabin Richard
Published: July 2008

Lead pipes for carrying drinking water were well recognized as a cause of lead poisoning by the late 1800s in the United States. By the 1920s, many cities and towns were prohibiting or restricting their use. To combat this trend, the lead industry carried out a prolonged and effective campaign to promote the use of lead pipes. Led by the Lead Industries Association (LIA), representatives were sent to speak with plumbers’ organizations, local water authorities, architects, and federal officials. The LIA also published numerous articles and books that extolled the advantages of lead over other materials and gave practical advice on the installation and repair of lead pipes. The LIA’s activities over several decades therefore contributed to the present-day public health and economic cost of lead water pipes.
From Mosques to Classrooms: Mobilizing the Community to Enhance Case Detection of Tuberculosis
Authors: Rifat Mahfuza , Rusen I. D. , Mahmud Mohammad Hasan , Nayer Israt , Islam Akramul , Ahmed Faruque
Published: July 2008

In response to the global challenge of inadequate case detection of tuberculosis (TB), the Fund for Innovative DOTS Expansion through Local Initiatives to Stop Tuberculosis (FIDELIS) was developed in 2003 to rapidly assess and implement innovative approaches to increase the detection of new smear-positive TB cases. As previously reported, a wide range of target populations and interventions has been incorporated into successful FIDELIS projects.
The Changing Pattern of Doctoral Education in Public Health From 1985 to 2006 and the Challenge of Doctoral Training for Practice and Leadership
Authors: Declercq Eugene , Caldwell Karen , Hobbs Suzanne Havala , Guyer Bernard
Published: July 2008

We examined trends in doctoral education in public health and the challenges facing practice-oriented doctor of public health (DrPH) programs. We found a rapid rise in the numbers of doctoral programs and students. Most of the increase was in PhD students who in 2006 composed 73% of the total 5247 current public health doctoral students, compared with 53% in 1985. There has also been a substantial increase (40%) in students in DrPH programs since 2002.

Challenges raised by the increased demand for DrPH practice-oriented education relate to admissions, curriculum, assessment processes, and faculty hiring and promotion. We describe approaches to practice-based doctoral education taken by three schools of public health.
US Child Labor Violations in the Retail and Service Industries: Findings From a National Survey of Working Adolescents
Authors: Rauscher Kimberly J. , Runyan Carol W. , Schulman Michael D. , Bowling J. Michael
Published: July 2008

Objectives. We investigated child labor violations among US adolescents working in the retail and service industries.

Methods. We used interview data from a nationally representative sample of working adolescents, and investigated reports of select child labor violations (e.g., hours, equipment, and work permits). We computed weighted percentages of respondents reporting each type of discrete (and aggregated) violation.

Results. Nearly 37% of respondents reported a violation of the hazardous occupations orders (i.e., prohibited jobs or use of equipment), and 40% reported a work permit violation. Fewer than 2% reported working more than the maximum weekly hours allowed during the school year, but 11% reported working past the latest hour allowed on a school night, and 15% reported working off the clock.

Conclusions. Significant numbers of US adolescents are employed in violation of the child labor laws and as a result are exposed to safety risks. Although our data did not allow for an analysis of enforcement, our findings demonstrate gaps in employer compliance with the law. We suggest that closer attention to enforcement policy and practice is needed.
Competencies: From Deconstruction to Reconstruction and Back Again, Lessons Learned
Authors: Leach David C.
Published: July 2008

I address the potential impact of the Association of Schools of Public Health’s development of a competency model for the graduate Master of Public Health. I reflect on the model in relation to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s adoption of a competency-based model for medical education.

Six lessons learned by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education that the Association of Schools of Public Health might consider in moving forward are how learning outcomes can be enhanced by using competency models, the effect of competency development processes in “creating a common language” among educators, the benefits and challenges of numerous competencies within a model, the usefulness of the Dreyfus model for progressive competency development, the need for multiple assessment tools used over time, and the value of learning portfolios.
Psychosocial Antecedents and Adverse Health Consequences Related to Substance Use
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Saar Naomi S. , Zhang Chenshu , Brook David W.
Published: July 2008

Objectives. We examined the relationship between psychosocial antecedents in earlier adolescence and problems related to substance use and related adverse health consequence (e.g., respiratory diseases, neurocognitive symptoms, and general malaise) in adulthood. We specifically focused on parent–child bonding in earlier adolescence and internalizing behaviors in later adolescence and their effects on problems related to substance use in the mid-20s and health problems in the mid-30s.

Methods. Our team interviewed a community-based sample of 502 participants over a 30-year period (1975, 1983, 1985–1986, 1997, 2002, and 2005).

Results. We found a strong relationship between internalizing behaviors in later adolescence and adverse health consequences in the mid-30s. Internalizing behaviors in later adolescence served as a mediator between low parent–child bonding in earlier adolescence and later adverse health consequences. Problems related to substance use in the late 20s and early 30s were related directly to later adverse health consequences and indirectly as mediators between earlier psychosocial difficulties (i.e., internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, poor ego integration, and maladaptive coping) and later adverse health consequences.

Conclusions. Policies and programs that address parent–child bonding and internalizing behaviors should be created to reduce problems related to substance use and, ultimately, later health problems.
Project Cerberus: Tobacco Industry Strategy to Create an Alternative to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Mamudu Hadii M. , Hammond Ross , Glantz Stanton A.
Published: July 2008

Between 1999 and 2001, British American Tobacco, Philip Morris, and Japan Tobacco International executed Project Cerberus to develop a global voluntary regulatory regime as an alternative to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). They aimed to develop a global voluntary regulatory code to be overseen by an independent audit body and to focus attention on youth smoking prevention. The International Tobacco Products Marketing Standards announced in September 2001, however, did not have the independent audit body. Although the companies did not stop the FCTC, they continue to promote the International Tobacco Products Marketing Standards youth smoking prevention as an alternative to the FCTC. Public health civil society groups should help policymakers and governments understand the importance of not working with the tobacco industry.
From Student Work to Exemplary Educational Resources: The Case of the CTER White Papers
Authors: Levin James A. , Burbules Nicholas C. , Bruce Bertram C.
Published: July 2008

Within the existing system of education, student work rarely has any value beyond the particular course that it is created for. The work is graded and then usually discarded. The authors describe in this article a way that student work can be systematically made available for use by others beyond the immediate learning context within which it is created. They provide a case study in which this mechanism worked. They describe the benefits and costs of doing this, along with the broader implications this systematic publication of exemplary student work might have for the changing relationship between learning and doing, between education and the rest of society. This publication mechanism, called OPEER (open publishing of exemplary educational resources), can enable education to have an additional major positive impact on the rest of society, creating and maintaining quality-assured resources at a minimal additional cost.
Digikids: Cool Dudes and the New Writing
Authors: Merchant Guy
Published: July 2008

Research into the uses of digital literacy in the classroom is still in its infancy. Despite the proliferation of theoretical literature on ‘new literacies’, ‘multiliteracies’, and ‘technoliteracies’ and their impact on education there are fewer studies based on a systematic analysis of the new literacy practices that are beginning to emerge. The work of Werry, Shortis and Merchant has begun to investigate the new, hybridized language of digital texts seen in synchronous online communication, emails and text messages. These digital texts have been described by Ferrara as Interactive Written Discourse (IWD). This article builds on this work, drawing on an analysis of the on-screen writing of 9 and 10 year-old children involved in an interactive writing project. It shows how these young writers use and share their existing knowledge of popular electronic communication, developing sophisticated insights into the characteristics and possibilities of digital writing.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Dimeric Ionic Liquids by Conventional Approaches
Authors: Ganesan Kilivelu , Alias Yatimah
Published: July 2008

The 1H-NMR shifts of the imidazolium protons of some novel dimeric ionic liquids were examined in various deuterated solvents. Interactions between the solvent and the imidazolium salt of butyl substituted ionic liquids were observed to give higher chemical shifts than methyl substitution.
Key Labeling Technologies to Tackle Sizeable Problems in RNA Structural Biology
Authors: Dayie Kwaku T.
Published: July 2008

The ability to adopt complex three-dimensional (3D) structures that can rapidly interconvert between multiple functional states (folding and dynamics) is vital for the proper functioning of RNAs. Consequently, RNA structure and dynamics necessarily determine their biological function. In the post-genomic era, it is clear that RNAs comprise a larger proportion (>50%) of the transcribed genome compared to proteins (≤ 2%). Yet the determination of the 3D structures of RNAs lags considerably behind those of proteins and to date there are even fewer investigations of dynamics in RNAs compared to proteins. Site specific incorporation of various structural and dynamic probes into nucleic acids would likely transform RNA structural biology. Therefore, various methods for introducing probes for structural, functional, and biotechnological applications are critically assessed here. These probes include stable isotopes such as 2H, 13C, 15N, and 19F. Incorporation of these probes using improved RNA ligation strategies promises to change the landscape of structural biology of supramacromolecules probed by biophysical tools such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, some of the structural and dynamic problems that can be addressed using these technological advances are outlined.
Cultivation and Characterization of Cynara Cardunculus for Solid Biofuels Production in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Grammelis Panagiotis , Malliopoulou Anastasia , Basinas Panagiotis , Danalatos Nicholas G.
Published: July 2008

Technical specifications of solid biofuels are continuously improved towards the development and promotion of their market. Efforts in the Greek market are limited, mainly due to the climate particularity of the region, which hinders the growth of suitable biofuels. Taking also into account the increased oil prices and the high inputs required to grow most annual crops in Greece, cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is now considered the most important and promising sources for solid biofuel production in Greece in the immediate future. The reason is that cardoon is a perennial crop of Mediterranean origin, well adapted to the xerothermic conditions of southern Europe, which can be utilized particularly for solid biofuel production. This is due to its minimum production cost, as this perennial weed may perform high biomass productivity on most soils with modest or without any inputs of irrigation and agrochemicals. Within this framework, the present research work is focused on the planning and analysis of different land use scenarios involving this specific energy crop and the combustion behaviour characterization for the solid products. Such land use scenarios are based on quantitative estimates of the crop’s production potential under specific soil-climatic conditions as well as the inputs required for its realization in comparison to existing conventional crops. Concerning its decomposition behaviour, devolatilisation and char combustion tests were performed in a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analyser (TA Q600). A kinetic analysis was applied and accrued results were compared with data already available for other lignocellulosic materials. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the decomposition process of cardoon follows the degradation of other lignocellulosic fuels, meeting high burnout rates. This research work concludes that Cynara cardunculus, under certain circumstances, can be used as a solid biofuel of acceptable quality.
Recent Developments in Peptide-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery
Authors: Veldhoen Sandra , Laufer Sandra D. , Restle Tobias
Published: July 2008

Despite the fact that non-viral nucleic acid delivery systems are generally considered to be less efficient than viral vectors, they have gained much interest in recent years due to their superior safety profile compared to their viral counterpart. Among these synthetic vectors are cationic polymers, branched dendrimers, cationic liposomes and cellpenetrating peptides (CPPs). The latter represent an assortment of fairly unrelated sequences essentially characterised by a high content of basic amino acids and a length of 10-30 residues. CPPs are capable of mediating the cellular uptake of hydrophilic macromolecules like peptides and nucleic acids (e.g. siRNAs, aptamers and antisenseoligonucleotides), which are internalised by cells at a very low rate when applied alone. Up to now, numerous sequences have been reported to show cell-penetrating properties and many of them have been used to successfully transport a variety of different cargos into mammalian cells. In recent years, it has become apparent that endocytosis is a major route of internalisation even though the mechanisms underlying the cellular translocation of CPPs are poorly understood and still subject to controversial discussions. In this review, we will summarise the latest developments in peptide-based cellular delivery of nucleic acid cargos. We will discuss different mechanisms of entry, the intracellular fate of the cargo, correlation studies of uptake versus biological activity of the cargo as well as technical problems and pitfalls.
Blue‐Emitting Cationic Iridium Complexes with 2‐(1H‐Pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine as the Ancillary Ligand for Efficient Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: He Lei , Duan Lian , Qiao Juan , Wang Ruji , Wei Peng , Wang Liduo , Qiu Yong
Published: July 2008

Two blue‐emitting cationic iridium complexes with 2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (pzpy) as the ancillary ligands, namely, [Ir(ppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 and [Ir(dfppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 (ppy is 2‐phenylpyridine, dfppy is 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl) pyridine, and PF6− is hexafluorophosphate), have been prepared, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties have been investigated. In CH3CN solutions, [Ir(ppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 emits blue‐green light (475 nm), which is blue‐shifted by more than 100 nm with respect to the typical cationic iridium complex [Ir(ppy)2(dtb‐bpy)]PF6 (dtb‐bpy is 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine); [Ir(dfppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 with fluorine‐substituted cyclometalated ligands shows further blue‐shifted light emission (451 nm). Quantum chemical calculations reveal that the emissions are mainly from the ligand‐centered 3π–π* states of the cyclometalated ligands (ppy or dfppy). Light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on [Ir(ppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 gave green‐blue electroluminescence (486 nm) and had a relatively high efficiency of 4.3 cd A−1 when an ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was added into the light‐emitting layer. LECs based on [Ir(dfppy)2(pzpy)]PF6 gave blue electroluminescence (460 nm) with CIE (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage) coordinates of (0.20, 0.28), which is the bluest light emission for iTMCs‐based LECs reported so far. Our work suggests that using diimine ancillary ligands involving electron‐donating nitrogen atoms (like pzpy) is an efficient strategy to turn the light emission of cationic iridium complexes to the blue region.
Ceric ammonium sulfate/sodium disulfite initiated grafting of acrylamide on to Cassia reticulata seed gum
Authors: Singh Vandana , Tiwari Ashutosh , Singh Shailendra Pratap , Kumari Premlata , Tiwari Stuti
Published: July 2008

Ceric ammonium sulfate/sodium disulfite redox system was evaluated for the poly(acrylamide) (PAM) grafting on to Cassia reticulata (CR) seed gum. Grafting conditions were optimized and the maximum %Grafting (%G) and %Efficiency (%E) achieved were 152 and 97.2%, respectively, using [disulfite] 0.005M; [ceric ammonium sulfate] 0.026M; [acrylamide] 0.11M; [gum] 0.125 g/25mL at 40 ± 0.2°C. Representative CR‐grafted gum (CRPAM) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Under identical conditions, the redox initiator could result 142.6 %G and 91.2 %E on to guar gum (GG). Various physical properties of the CR gum/grafted CR gum, such as viscosity, water retention, and saline retention, were studied and compared with GG/grafted GG to find out the potential industrial use of CR gum and PAM‐grafted‐CR gum. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Foam sandwich composites with cyanate ester based syntactic foam as core and carbon‐cyanate ester as skin: Processing and properties
Authors: John Bibin , Reghunadhan Nair C. P. , Mathew Dona , Ninan K. N.
Published: July 2008

Foam sandwich composites were processed using cyanate ester‐based syntactic foam as core and carbon fabric‐cyanate ester composite as skin. They were processed by a one‐step compression‐molding technique. The mechanical performance of the sandwich composites was evaluated in terms of flatwise tensile strength (FTS), flatwise compressive strength, and edgewise compressive strength. The dependency of these properties on the core composition was investigated. FTS initially increased with the increase in resin content of the syntactic foam core. However, higher resin content in the core led to a diminution in FTS due to high void content. The flatwise compressive strength and edgewise compressive strength and the corresponding moduli values showed an increasing trend with increase in resin content of the core despite the presence of voids at high resin content. The failure modes of the composites under different loading conditions have been examined. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Tribological properties of bismaleimide composites with surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yan Hongxia , Li Pengbo , Ning Rongchang , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhang Zengping
Published: July 2008

In this article, the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles was modified by silane coupling agent N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐γ‐aminopropylmethyl dimethoxy silane. The bismaleimide nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles or unmodified SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by the same casting method. The tribological performance of the nanocomposites was studied on an M‐200 friction and wear tester. The results indicated that the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles could decrease the frictional coefficient and the wear rate of the composites. The nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles showed better wear resistance and lower frictional coefficient than that with the unmodified nanoparticles SiO2. The specific wear rate and the steady frictional coefficient of the composite with 1.0 wt % surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles are only 1.8 × 10−6 mm3/N m and 0.21, respectively. The dispersion of surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles in resin matrix was observed with transmission electron microscope, and the worn surfaces of pure resin matrix and the nanocomposites were observed with scanning electron microscope. The different tribological behavior of the resin matrix and the filled composites should be dependent on their different mechanical properties and wear mechanism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Coronary Vasospasm Produces Reversible Perfusion Defects Observed During Adenosine Triphosphate Stress Myocardial Single‐photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Teragawa Hiroki , Ueda Kentaro , Okuhara Koichiro , Kuwashima Rieko , Fukuda Yukihiro , Kiguchi Masao , Taniguchi Kingo , Higashi Yukihito , Oshima Tetsuya , Yoshizumi Masao , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2008

Background

Adenosine triphosphate stress thallium‐201 single‐photon emission computed tomography (ATP‐SPECT) is useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), although sometimes false positive results are observed. It has not been established whether a coronary spasm is responsible for the false positive findings during ATP‐SPECT.

Hypothesis

We investigated whether coronary spasm is one of the factors which produces reversible defects on ATP‐SPECT.

Methods

Eighty‐six patients (mean age: 62 y; 58 men) who underwent both spasm‐provocation testing by coronary angiography and ATP‐SPECT, were selected for the study. Patients with coronary narrowing (>30%), myocardial infarction, or heart failure were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the spasm‐provocation test result was positive (vasospastic angina [VSA] group, n = 46) or negative (non‐VSA group, n = 39).

Results

The body mass index was lower in the VSA group than in the non‐VSA group (p = 0.005). On ATP‐SPECT imaging, any type of reversible defect was observed more frequently in the VSA group (68%) than in the non‐VSA group (36%, p = 0.0027). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of reversible defects was one of the factors accounting for the presence of coronary vasospasm (p = 0.0022, R2 = 0.172).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that reversible defects on ATP‐SPECT imaging are frequently present in patients with coronary vasospasm. Coronary spasm may be considered as 1 of the factors, which produce reversible defects on ATP‐SPECT, observed in patients with chest symptoms and angiographically normal coronary arteries. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy for analyzing human sperm DNA fragmentation by TUNEL labeling
Authors: Muratori Monica , Forti Gianni , Baldi Elisabetta
Published: July 2008

Conflicting results are reported by recent studies comparing flow cytometry (FCM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) for detecting sperm DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay. Each of the two technologies has specific peculiarities and limitations, but whereas the limitations of FM observation are well known, the biases due to the inability of FCM to recognize morphologically analyzed cells are less explored. In particular, so far, FCM analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation have included in the analyses M540 bodies, round semen structures exhibiting FSC/SSC properties similar to sperm. Semen M540 bodies, altogether with the occurrence of two sperm populations with different nuclear staining, concur to an underestimation of values of sperm DNA fragmentation by FCM. However, even considering such bias, the observed discrepancies between the performance of FM and FCM are not fully explained. We discuss here the possible variables that may affect the results of each of the two technologies and the necessary efforts to be taken to address this issue. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Monotherapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha‐2a in Hemodialyzed Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Zoppoli Gabriele , Di Maio Giovanni , Artioli Stefania , Robaudo Cristina , Basso Monica , Torre Francesco , Cannella Giuseppe , Picciotto Antonino
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND

In our pilot study, we aimed to treat a group of HCV‐infected HD patients with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) alpha‐2a, a new and potentially efficacious therapeutic possibility.

METHODS

We treated 10 consecutively enrolled chronic hepatitis C hemodialysis (HD) patients (5 men, 5 women; ages 31‐70 years; 7 with genotypes 1‐4, 3 with genotypes 2‐3) with PEG‐IFN alpha‐2a (135 μg/week) for 24 weeks (genotypes 2‐3) or for 48 weeks (genotypes 1‐4). Primary end points were sustained viral response (SVR) rate and safety and tolerability profiles. Secondary end points were rapid response (after 12 weeks of treatment), and response at the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Viral load reduction was observed in all the patients after 12 weeks of treatment. Seven were HCV‐RNA negative and continued therapy. Five patients dropped out before the completion of therapy because of significant adverse events (pancytopenia, severe weight loss). PEG‐IFN alpha‐2a was reduced to 90 μg/week in 5 patients within the first 4 weeks of therapy. Overall, SVR was 20% at the end of follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

PEG‐IFN alpha‐2a is efficacious in inducing a fast virological response (12 weeks of therapy) in 70% of HCV‐infected HD patients and a considerable fall in liver cytolysis enzymes blood values. The use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor for neutropenia, starting with lower initial doses of PEG‐IFN alpha‐2a (e.g., 90 μg/week) or in combination with ribavirin, after appropriate dose adjustment studies, should be evaluated in randomized prospective studies.
Medication Side Effects: Barriers to the Management of Fluid Intake
Authors: Iacono Steven A.
Published: July 2008

Managing fluid intake can be complicated and stressful for hemodialysis patients. It is known that excessive interdialytic weight gain greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and death. Research has tried to identify individual characteristics and motives to explain why certain patients fail to adhere to their fluid restrictions. In addition to intrinsic causes, external barriers also may impede compliance. Numerous medications frequently prescribed to the hemodialysis population are known to have negative side effects, such as dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Homeostasis can be difficult to achieve when a patient has to constantly deal with these symptoms. This article reviews medications commonly used in hemodialysis and the side effects they have that may affect fluid management.
Homer proteins shape Xenopus optic tectal cell dendritic arbor development in vivo
Authors: Van Keuren‐Jensen Kendall R. , Cline Hollis T.
Published: July 2008

Considerable evidence suggests that the Homer family of scaffolding proteins contributes to synaptic organization and function. We investigated the role of both Homer 1b, the constitutively expressed, and developmentally regulated form of Homer, and Homer 1a, the activity‐induced immediate early gene, in dendritic arbor elaboration and synaptic function of developing Xenopus optic tectal neurons. We expressed exogenous Homer 1a or Homer 1b in developing Xenopus tectal neurons. By collecting in vivo time lapse images of individual, EGFP‐labeled and Homer‐expressing neurons over 3 days, we found that Homer 1b leads to a significant decrease in dendritic arbor growth rate and arbor size. Synaptic transmission was also altered in developing neurons transfected with Homer 1b. Cells expressing exogenous Homer 1b over 3 days had a significantly greater AMPA to NMDA ratios, and increased AMPA mEPSC frequency. These data suggest that increasing Homer 1b expression increases excitatory synaptic inputs, increases synaptic maturation, and slows dendritic arbor growth rate. Exogenous Homer 1a expression increases AMPA mEPSC frequency, but did not significantly affect tectal cell dendritic arbor development. Changes in the ratio of Homer 1a to Homer 1b may signal the neuron that overall activity levels in the cell have changed, and this in turn could affect protein interactions at the synapse, synaptic transmission, and structural development of the dendritic arbor. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.