bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da qualidade de vida geral de agentes comunitários de saúde: a contribuição relativa das variáveis sociodemográficas e dos domínios da qualidade de vida
Authors: Kluthcovsky Ana Cláudia G. C. , Takayanagui Angela Maria Magosso , Santos Claudia Benedita dos , Kluthcovsky Fábio Aragão
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a contribuição relativa de cada domínio da qualidade de vida (físico, psicológico, relações sociais e meio ambiente) e das variáveis sociodemográficas para a qualidade de vida geral de agentes comunitários de saúde de um município do interior do Paraná, Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo, de corte transversal e com abordagem quantitativa. O grupo de estudo foi composto por 169 agentes (86,2% do total), que responderam o World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref, instrumento genérico para avaliar qualidade de vida, proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Foram utilizados testes de correlação e regressão linear multivariada. O nível de significância adotado para as análises foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Das variáveis sociodemográficas analisadas, nenhuma contribuiu de modo significativo para o domínio geral da qualidade de vida. Para os quatro domínios, o que mais contribuiu para a qualidade de vida geral foi o físico, seguido do psicológico e do meio ambiente, os três explicando 47,9% da variância. O domínio das relações sociais não contribuiu significativamente para a qualidade de vida geral. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que a variância da qualidade de vida geral não foi completamente explicada pelas variáveis sociodemográficas e pelos domínios da qualidade de vida. Assim, maior atenção deve ser dada pelos pesquisadores aos diferentes modos de entender qualidade de vida, em especial valorizando métodos de pesquisa e avaliação interdisciplinar.
Síndrome de Clérambault: desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico
Authors: Sampaio Thais de Moraes , Andrade Arthur Guerra de , Baltieri Danilo Antônio
Published: December 2007

A síndrome de Clérambault, ou erotomania, é descrita como uma convicção delirante, apresentada, geralmente, por uma mulher que acredita que um homem, mais velho e de posição social mais elevada, ama-a. O paciente persegue o objeto de amor e, por isso, eventualmente, envolve-se em retaliações e ameaças em resposta às repetidas rejeições. Relata-se o caso de uma mulher de 42 anos que iniciou quadro delirante há 19 anos, após primeira gestação. Foi admitida em nosso serviço há 3 meses. No início do tratamento, quando o antipsicótico foi introduzido, apresentou remissão do delírio. Essa síndrome é incomum, mas não significa que seja rara em nossa prática. Um bom entendimento da extensão psicopatológica pode aumentar o reconhecimento dessa condição psiquiátrica.
Persistência na água e influência de herbicidas utilizados na lavoura arrozeira sobre a comunidade zooplanctônica de Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera
Authors: Reimche Geovane Boschmann , Machado Sérgio Luiz de Oliveira , Golombieski Jaqueline Ineu , Baumart Joele Schmitt , Braun Neiva , Marchesan Enio , Zanella Renato
Published: December 2007

Em lavoura de arroz irrigado, é utilizada uma grande quantidade de agroquímicos que, dependendo da sua persistência a campo e toxicidade, podem contaminar corpos d’água e afetar organismos vivos. Com o objetivo de determinar o efeito de concentrações de campo dos herbicidas Clomazone, Quinclorac, Metsulfuron-methyl e Propanil na comunidade zooplanctônica (Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera), conduziu-se um experimento em viveiros de aqüicultura, de março a maio de 2005, na estação do outono. Nos dias 1°, 2°, 3°, 7°, 10°, 18°, 31° e 51° após a aplicação dos herbicidas, foram coletadas amostras de água para se determinarem parâmetros físico-químicos da água, concentração dos herbicidas e comunidade zooplanctônica. Os parâmetros médios da qualidade da água foram: oxigênio dissolvido (3,5mg L-1), temperatura (20,1°C), pH (6,0), dureza total (18mg L-1 de CaCO3) e alcalinidade total (9mg L-1 de CaCO3). A ordem decrescente de persistência dos herbicidas na água foi Clomazone = Quinclorac > Propanil > Metsulfuron-methyl, com média de 31, 31, 10 e 7 dias, respectivamente. Os resultados indicaram que os herbicidas provocaram poucas alterações na densidade de organismos dos grupos Rotifera e Copepoda (Adulto e Nauplio). A densidade do grupo Cladocera permaneceu baixa para todo o período experimental.
Metodologia para estimar a estabilidade do conjunto muda x substrato de cafeeiro
Authors: Favarin José Laércio , Favarin Junior José Laércio , Reis André Rodrigues dos , Camargo Fabiana Taveira
Published: December 2007

A utilização de substrato em tubetes para a formação de mudas de café aumentou em substituição à mistura de solo argiloso com resíduo orgânico, resistente à deformação da muda no plantio, devido à coesão e aderência às raízes. Por sua vez, o substrato em tubetes esboroa com facilidade, em razão da granulometria do material. Do exposto, avaliou-se uma metodologia para estimar a estabilidade ao manuseio do conjunto muda x substrato, com base na variação granulométrica (G1: 30,86 %; G2: 62,26% e G3: 49,83% de partículas nas peneiras 0,50 a 0,05mm) e do volume de material (V1: 50, V2: 120 e V3: 200cm³), em mudas de café Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 com quatro pares de folhas. A estabilidade do conjunto muda x substrato foi estimada pela quantidade de substrato desagregado e partes de raízes, após submetê-lo a cinco ciclos de 60 segundos de rotação (1.750rpm) em mesa vibratória. A estabilidade foi maior nos tubetes de 50 e 120cm³ de substrato. A redução parcial da granulometria (50% substrato na granulometria original e 50% substrato moído) aumentou a aderência das partículas às raízes e a estabilidade do conjunto nos recipientes menores.
Concentrações de citocinina e carvão ativado na micropropagação de pimenta-do-reino
Authors: Moura Elisa Ferreira , Menezes Ilmarina Campos de , Lemos Oriel Filgueira de
Published: December 2007

A pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum) tem grande importância para a economia do Norte do Brasil. A pimenta-do-reino é propagada principalmente por estaquia que, além de ser pouco eficiente, pode possibilitar a propagação da doença fusariose. Dessa forma, testes para verificar a eficiência da micropropagação são pertinentes. O objetivo do trabalho foi testar concentrações de BAP - 6-benzilaminopurina (0,5, 1,5, 3,0 e 4,5mg L-1) e a adição de carvão ativado a 0,2% ao meio de cultura na micropropagação de pimenta-do-reino. O meio de cultura foi composto de sais e vitaminas de Murashige & Skoog, 3% de sacarose e 8g L-1 de ágar. Foram utilizados como explantes ápices caulinares de plântulas da cultivar "Bragantina" germinadas in vitro. Os tratamentos foram avaliados em esquema fatorial 4x2, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 45 dias no estabelecimento, foi avaliado o número de brotos, mas não foi observada diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, considerando-se os dois fatores e a interação entre eles. Após 45 dias no primeiro subcultivo, foram avaliados o número de brotos e de explantes (segmentos nodais). A interação entre BAP e carvão ativado teve efeito significativo para número de brotos e de explantes, sendo que o carvão influenciou o efeito das concentrações de BAP. A concentração de 0,5mg L-1 de BAP na ausência de carvão ativado gerou maior número de brotos e de explantes. O carvão ativado não é necessário na fase de proliferação de gemas de pimenta-do-reino da cultivar "Bragantina".
Determinação da densidade mineral óssea da extremidade distal do rádio-ulna em gatos: correlação entre peso, sexo e idade
Authors: Vulcano Luiz Carlos , Santos Flávio Augusto Marques dos , Godoy Carmen Lice Buchmann de
Published: December 2007

Os valores de normalidade da densidade mineral óssea (DMO) da extremidade distal de rádio-ulna em 120 gatos clinicamente saudáveis foram determinados usando-se a técnica de densitometria óptica em imagens radiográficas. Para a padronização da técnica e interpretação da DMO, foi utilizado um programa computacional especialmente desenvolvido para a medida de densidade óptica em imagens radiográficas, que contém a imagem radiográfica da extremidade distal de rádio-ulna, e uma escala de alumínio (penetrômetro), usada como referencial densitométrico, permitindo a medida da densidade mineral óssea do rádio-ulna correspondente ao valor em milímetros da escala. Os valores médios da densidade mineral óssea da extremidade distal do rádio-ulna foram de 1,98 ± 0,52mmAl para os machos e de 1,76 ± 0,41mmAl para as fêmeas. Foram observadas correlações estatisticamente significativas entre a DMO, o peso e a idade dos animais estudados (P<0,0005).
Substituição da farinha de peixe por farelo de soja em dietas práticas para o camarão-rosa (Farfantepenaeus paulensis)
Authors: Abe Marcos Paulo , Fróes Charles Nunes , Prentice-Hernández Carlos , Wasielesky Júnior Wilson , Cavalli Ronaldo Olivera
Published: December 2007

Foi avaliada a substituição da farinha de peixe (FP) por farelo de soja (FS) em dietas práticas na sobrevivência e crescimento do camarão-rosa Farfantepenaeus paulensis. Seis dietas isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas, contendo diferentes proporções de FP e FS, foram fornecidas aos camarões durante 28 dias. Os níveis de substituição da FP por FS foram 0 (controle), 12, 24, 36, 48 e 60%. Pós-larvas com peso inicial de 1,22mg (± 0,44) foram distribuídas ao acaso em tanques com 40L de água. A sobrevivência variou entre 70 e 80%, não apresentando diferenças (P>0,05). O peso final variou (P<0,05) de 20,84 a 27,37mg, e a taxa de crescimento específico (TCE) ficou entre 9,1 e 10,7% dia-1. A dieta com 60% de substituição da FP resultou no maior ganho de peso, enquanto a dieta controle resultou em menor ganho de peso. De forma similar, a TCE também foi maior para a dieta 60% e menor para a dieta 0%. A substituição de 60% da FP por FS é recomendada por proporcionar um maior crescimento em pós-larvas do camarão-rosa F. paulensis.
Reavaliação genética do modelo do Vulcão de Nova Iguaçu, RJ: origem eruptiva ou intrusão subvulcânica?
Authors: Motoki Akihisa , Soares Rodrigo , Netto Ana Maria , Sichel Susanna Eleonora , Aires José Ribeiro , Lobato Marcela
Published: December 2007

O presente trabalho reexamina as estruturas geológicas que foram consideradas como de origem eruptiva do Complexo Alcalino de Mendanha, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O vale interpretado como cratera não é constituído por aglomerado piroclástico, mas por traquito maciço. O depósito aluvionar presente no referido vale é composto de materiais regolíticos de espessura de poucos metros. Não foi encontrado o tálus composto de grandes blocos sugestivo de colapso da cratera. Não ocorre a saliência morfológica correspondente ao cone vulcânico. Os afloramentos em torno da suposta cratera não apresentam a estratificação vulcânica. Desta forma, considera-se que esse vale não corresponde à cratera vulcânica, mas a uma morfologia originada de erosão. O traquito mais abundante é intrudido pelo álcali sienito e, portanto, não pode ser derrame de lava que cobre o sienito. O traquito ocorre até o topo do maciço, 600 m acima da suposta cratera. A disjunção colunar é originada de diques e a estrutura parecida à crosta-de-pão é atribuída a intemperismo. As observações anteriores indicam que esse traquito não é constituinte de derrames de lava, mas de corpos subvulcânicos. Os autores concluem que as rochas vulcânicas em questão não são constituintes de edifício vulcânico, mas de preenchimento de condutos e fissuras subvulcânicos, e a hipótese do Vulcão de Nova Iguaçu é inviável.
Educação em saúde em moradia universitária: abordagem integral da vulnerabilidade dos sujeitos
Authors: Miranda Érique José Peixoto de , Amorim Magdaeli Costa , Stancato Kátia
Published: December 2007

Voltado a atender estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação de baixa renda da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), o Programa de Moradia Estudantil (PME) abriga cerca de 1.000 moradores que apresentam vulnerabilidade a problemas de saúde relevantes do ponto de vista da atenção pública primária. Objetiva-se com esta pesquisa uma proposta de educação em saúde calcada na participação que partirá da realização de um censo sobre saúde dos moradores por meio de um questionário estruturado que engloba assuntos abordados no nível primário do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os dados serão trabalhados de forma descritiva a fim de guiar a intervenção. Caso necessário, encaminhamentos a outros serviços de saúde serão realizados. Espera-se, ao final do trabalho, encontrar um perfil socioeconômico condizente com a SUS-dependência e uma prevalência de agravos e doenças semelhantes aos números do Brasil.
Gerenciamento de impressão e produção de subjetividade em entrevista de seleção
Authors: Carvalho Maria Luisa , Grisci Carmem Ligia Iochins
Published: December 2007

Este artigo resulta de uma pesquisa sobre relações entre o gerenciamento de impressão e os comportamentos de candidatos a cargos de gerência intermediária em entrevista de seleção. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória realizada em duas empresas de consultoria de Recursos Humanos, tendo como sujeitos trinta candidatos a cargos de gerência intermediária e quatro selecionadoras. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas individuais, observações diretas e fontes documentais. A análise dos dados se deu à luz do referencial teórico de autores como Leary, Jones e Pittman, Ralston e Kirkwood, Guattari e Rolnik. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam uma homogeneização das orientações oferecidas aos candidatos, bem como do comportamento destes durante a entrevista de seleção. Tal homogeneização resulta de modos de subjetivação ou modos de produção de estilos de vida contemporâneos ou modos de existência que, diante do medo da exclusão fomentada pelos altos índices de desemprego, constroem sujeitos camaleônicos que se apresentam ao sabor das exigências do mercado.
Inelastic behaviour of exterior wide beam–column connections with U-shaped precast shell beam stressed by post-tensioning
Authors: Choi Y.-C. , Lim J.-H. , Moon J.-H. , Kwon K.-H. , Lee L.-H.
Published: December 2007

The post-tensioned precast concrete system (PPS) consists of U-shaped precast wide beams and a concrete column. The continuity of the beam–column joint is provided with the topping concrete on the precast concrete shell beam and post-tensioning. The purpose of the current paper is to evaluate the response of a PPS exterior beam–column joint subjected to cyclic lateral loading. To this end, the experimental investigation was performed with three half-scale specimens of the exterior connection. The design parameters are the beam-width-to-column-width ratio and the amount of beam reinforcement placed inside the column core. The test results showed that specimen cracks were distributed well and plastic hinges spread towards midspan without any significant degradation of strength and ductility. Furthermore, the specimens sufficiently resist up to a limiting drift ratio of 0·035 in accordance with the the provisions given by the American Concrete Institute in their ‘Acceptance criteria for moment frames based on structural testing’.
Shrinkage cracking properties of slag concretes with one-day curing
Authors: Aly T. , Sanjayan J. G.
Published: December 2007

The current paper presents the results of a restrained shrinkage test that captures the shrinkage, tensile creep and tensile stress plotted against strain behaviour of early-age concretes. Four types of concrete mixes were studied: concretes made with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and slag-blended cements with 35%, 50% and 65% replacement of OPC. Two identical specimens of each mix were tested: one subjected to fully restrained conditions and the other allowed to shrink freely, both under the drying conditions of 23°C and 50% relative humidity at the age of 24 h. Indirect tensile tests were also performed in the same concretes to monitor the tensile strength development. With increasing slag contents, the tensile strength decreased, which is detrimental to crack resistance. However, with increasing slag contents, the elastic modulus also decreased, which is beneficial to crack resistance. The slag content levels did not significantly influence the shrinkage and creep characteristics. Increasing slag levels did not significantly alter the time to cracking behaviours owing to the compensating effects of decreasing tensile strength and elastic modulus.
3D Fiber‐Deposited Electrospun Integrated Scaffolds Enhance Cartilage Tissue Formation
Authors: Moroni L. , Schotel R. , Hamann D. , de Wijn J. R. , van Blitterswijk C. A.
Published: December 2007

Despite the periodical and completely interconnected pore network that characterizes rapid prototyped scaffolds, cell seeding efficiency remains still a critical factor for optimal tissue regeneration. This can be mainly attributed to the current resolution limits in pore size. We present here novel three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds fabricated by combining 3D fiber deposition (3DF) and electrospinning (ESP). Scaffolds consisted of integrated 3DF periodical macrofiber and random ESP microfiber networks (3DFESP). The 3DF scaffold provides structural integrity and mechanical properties, while the ESP network works as a “sieving” and cell entrapment system and offers?at the same time?cues at the extracellular matrix (ECM) scale. Primary bovine articular chondrocytes were isolated, seeded, and cultured for four weeks on 3DF and 3DFESP scaffolds to evaluate the influence of the integrated ESP network on cell entrapment and on cartilage tissue formation. 3DFESP scaffolds enhanced cell entrapment as compared to 3DF scaffolds. This was accompanied by a higher amount of ECM (expressed in terms of sulphated glycosaminoglycans or GAG) and a significantly higher GAG/DNA ratio after 28 days. SEM analysis revealed rounded cell morphology on 3DFESP scaffolds. Spread morphology was observed on 3DF scaffolds, suggesting a direct influence of fiber dimensions on cell differentiation. Furthermore, the ESP surface topology also influenced cell morphology. Thus, the integration of 3DF and ESP techniques provide a new set of “smart” scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
The Chemistry of Fluorescent Bodipy Dyes: Versatility Unsurpassed
Authors: Ulrich Gilles , Ziessel Raymond , Harriman Anthony
Published: December 2007

The world of organic luminophores has been confined for a long time to fairly standard biological labeling applications and to certain analytical tests. Recently, however, the field has undergone a major change of direction, driven by the dual needs to develop novel organic electronic materials and to fuel the rapidly emerging nanotechnologies. Among the many diverse fluorescent molecules, the Bodipy family, first developed as luminescent tags and laser dyes, has become a cornerstone for these new applications. The near future looks extremely bright for “porphyrin's little sister”.
The application of preparative batch HPLC, supercritical fluid chromatography, steady‐state recycling, and simulated moving bed for the resolution of a racemic pharmaceutical intermediate
Authors: Yan Tony Q. , Orihuela Carlos , Swanson David
Published: December 2007

This article discusses the chromatographic resolution of a racemic pharmaceutical intermediate. Preparative batch high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), steady‐state recycling (SSR), and simulated moving bed (SMB) were used to resolve a total of 12.2 kg of a racemic pharmaceutical intermediate. In this study, a first batch of 0.8 kg of racemate was separated on the preparative batch HPLC and SFC, and subsequently another 5.9 kg of racemate was separated on the SSR. Lastly, a third batch of 5.5 kg was separated on the SMB. The separation conditions and results of these techniques are discussed. The productivities and solvent costs of SFC versus HPLC are compared. The productivities and solvent costs of SMB, SSR, and HPLC are also compared. The analytical method development and process optimization of these processes are also discussed in this article. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantioseparation of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dicarbonyl analogues by high performance liquid chromatography using polysaccharide type chiral stationary phase
Authors: Xu Zhe , Ding Zuoding , Xu Xu , Xie Xiaoan
Published: December 2007

The HPLC chiral separation of 21 kinds of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dicarbonyl analogues was investigated in normal phase mode with amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate), amylose tris((S)‐1‐phenylethylcarbamate), cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate), and cellulose tris(4‐methylbenzoate) chiral stationary phases, respectively. The whole set of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dicarbonyl analogues shows better enantioselectivity and enantioseparation on amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate) (Chiralpak AD‐H). The temperature dependence of enantioselectivity was studied to improve the enantioseparation. In addition, efforts are made to relate analyte structure with the quality of the achieved chiral separation. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of novel chiral ionic liquids and investigation of their enantiomeric recognition properties
Authors: Bwambok David K. , Marwani Hadi M. , Fernand Vivian E. , Fakayode Sayo O. , Lowry Mark , Negulescu Ioan , Strongin Robert M. , Warner Isiah M.
Published: December 2007

We report the synthesis and characterization of amino acid ester based chiral ionic liquids, derived from L‐ and D‐alanine tert butyl ester chloride. The synthesis was accomplished via an anion metathesis reaction between commercially available L‐ and D‐alanine tert butyl ester chloride using a variety of counterions such as lithium bis (trifluoromethane) sulfonimide, silver nitrate, silver lactate, and silver tetrafluoroborate. Both enantiomeric forms were obtained as confirmed by bands of opposite sign in the circular dichroism spectra. The L‐ and D‐alanine tert butyl ester bis (trifluoromethane) sulfonimide were obtained as liquids at room temperature and intriguingly exhibited the highest thermal stability (up to 263°C). In addition, the ionic liquids demonstrated enantiomeric recognition ability as evidenced by splitting of racemic Mosher's sodium salt signal using a liquid state 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The L‐ and D‐alanine tert butyl ester chloride resulted in solid salts with nitrate, lactate, and tetrafluoroborate anions. This illustrates the previously observed tunability of ionic liquid synthesis, resulting in ionic liquids of varying properties as a function of varying the anion. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonic Solvent Extraction of Persistent Organic Pollutants from Airborne Particles
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Emin , Ozcan Senar , Tor Ali
Published: December 2007

Ultrasonic solvent extraction of persistent organic pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from airborne particles is reported. The extraction was optimized as functions of type and amount of solvent, sonication time, and number of extraction steps. Determination of PAHs and PCBs carried out by GC/MSD, while OCPs were determined using GC/μ‐ECD. The optimum extraction procedure was determined as three times consecutive extraction using a 25 mL mixture of n‐hexane:petroleum ether (1/1, v/v) for 15 min of sonication. Recoveries were obtained between 91 ± 2 and 96 ± 1% with Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) ⪇ ± 4% for PCBs, for PAHs recoveries (except for naphthalene, < 31%) were between 66 ± 6 and 90 ± 4% with RSD ⪇ ± 8% while OCPs compounds recoveries were between 67 ± 5 and 120 ± 7% with RSD ⪇ ± 7%. When comparing the Soxhlet extraction method with optimized ultrasonic solvent extraction method, extraction time and solvent volume were reduced considerably with the ultrasonic solvent extraction method without reducing extraction efficiency. In addition, a simultaneous analysis of PCBs, PAHs, and OCPs in one sampling by the optimized method is quite advantageous in terms of analysis time and cost.
Development of a Model Support System for Watershed Modeling: A Case Study from Turkey
Authors: Yuceil Kiziltan , Baloch Mansoor Ahmed , Gonenc Ethem , Tanik Aysegul
Published: December 2007

Non‐point source (NPS) modeling requires a vast amount of diverse data for simulation of watershed processes. The data gathering process in developing countries is a challenging task because of data scarcity and reliability, gaps in available data, and data suitability as model input together with temporal and spatial availability of data. A Model Support System (MSS) encompasses the entirety of the processes which precede the simulations. This study documents the concepts of MSS and modeling project management cycle, and defines a pathway on how the modeling efforts should be organized towards an integrated watershed management goal. It emphasizes that in the developing countries, establishing an MSS for rural NPS modeling is almost as challenging as developing a calibrated and validated model. An MSS based on difficulties, and workarounds bound to local conditions for the Koycegiz‐Dalyan watershed located in Turkey is presented as a case study. Moreover, Hydrological Simulation Program‐Fortran (HSPF) is executed by the gathered and derived data, which produced acceptably positive results. A stepwise documentation on how to initiate and proceed with a project for “non‐point source modeling” is made available for use of decision‐makers, researchers and modelers to replicate these studies on other sensitive watersheds of Turkey or to expand these efforts by filling necessary research/resource gaps highlighted by this study.
Groundwater Protection: A Comparative Study of Four Vulnerability Mapping Methods
Authors: Yıldırım Mustafa , Topkaya Bülent
Published: December 2007

The catchment area of the groundwater resources supplying Antalya City consists of travertine rock formations. As a result of the extreme permeability of this formation, the groundwater resources are highly susceptible to pollution. In recent years this resource has been subject to severe human impact. Especially the newly constructed residential centers in this area constitute a severe threat, as the produced wastewater in these areas is mainly disposed via percolating septic tanks. The main task for future development is to protect these karst aquifers from pollution originating from humans. The mapping of groundwater vulnerability to pollution is widely used as a tool for the protection of groundwater resources all over the world. These kinds of maps can also be used by decision makers in the framework of environmental management and in developing land use plans. On the other hand reliability and accuracy of these vulnerability maps are the key issue for their usage. For the determination of the groundwater vulnerability, different methods can be used. In this study, DRASTIC, SINTACS, PI and COP methods are evaluated for their effectiveness in assessing the vulnerability of the groundwater resources to pollution. While PI and COP methods respond the karst characteristics in Antalya better than DRASTIC and SINTACS, the combined use of different methods evaluates the region at a good and acceptable level, as well.
Failure of concrete canal lining on fine sandy soils: a case study for the Saveh Project
Authors: Rahimi Hassan , Abbasi Nader
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the results of an investigation conducted on the causes of failure of concrete linings in the Saveh Irrigation Project. Firstly, a detailed field survey was performed and all previous technical reports on this subject were studied. Then, several test pits were dug at 500 m intervals along the canal embankment as well as its centre line and soil samples were taken from different depths at 50 cm intervals. All samples were tested for their chemical, physical and mechanical properties. The results of the tests showed that most samples were sandy and classified as chemically non‐dispersive. However, the results of pinhole tests showed that some samples are physically medium to highly dispersive. Based on the overall results of the field and laboratory investigations, the main causes of the damage to the lining were related to three groups, i.e. design parameters, construction quality, and geotechnical properties of the foundation soil. Among these, the latter was mainly responsible for the damage. Based on the nature of damage, few remedial measures have been suggested. The canal was monitored for the last four years and no further indication of damage has been observed since then. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term effect of varicocele repair on intratesticular arterial resistance index
Authors: Balci Ali , Karazincir Sinem , Gorur Sadik , Sumbas Haldun , Egilmez Ertugrul , Inandi Tacettin
Published: December 2007

Purpose

To investigate the long‐term effect of varicocele repair on ipsilateral intratesticular arterial resistance index (RI) using color Doppler sonography (CDS).

Methods

A total of 26 infertile patients with left varicocele who underwent a testicular artery and lymphatic‐sparing subinguinal varicocelectomy were examined with CDS for intratesticular flow parameters before and at least 6 months after surgery. We also evaluated preoperative and postoperative semen parameters.

Results

The mean values of RI, end‐diastolic velocity and pulsatility index decreased significantly after surgery, whereas no significant change was observed in peak systolic velocity. Repair of the varicocele resulted in a statistically significant increase in the total sperm count, motility, morphology, and total motile sperm count. However, no significant correlation was found between sperm parameters and RI values (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data show that a significant improvement occurs in testicular blood supply and sperm parameters after surgical varicocele repair, without significant correlation between these 2 changes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Sulfated polymannuroguluronate, a novel anti‐acquired immune deficiency syndrome drug candidate, decreased vulnerability of PC12 cells to human immunodeficiency virus tat protein through attenuating calcium overload
Authors: Hui Bin , Li Jing , Geng Mei Yu
Published: December 2007

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection of the central nervous system occurs in the vast majority of HIV‐infected patients. HIV‐associated dementia (HAD) represents the most severe form of HIV‐related neuropsychiatric impairment. The pathogenesis of HAD is mediated by disruption of neuronal cell signal pathways, which ultimately triggers neuronal apoptosis. Evidence indicates that a viral gene product, the transactivator of transcription protein (Tat), takes a responsive role to these events. We herein report that sulfated polymannuroguluronate (SPMG), a novel anti‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome drug candidate now in phase II clinical trial, significantly decreased vulnerability of PC12 cells to HIV Tat protein by protecting cells from apoptosis. Furthermore, SPMG potently arrested Tat‐triggered PKCδ and PKCθ activation and blocked the downstream apoptosis signaling pathways mediated by both ERK1/2 and caspase‐3. These molecular mechanisms were attributed to the fact that SPMG reduced Tat‐evoked calcium overload. These data demonstrate that SPMG might serve as a valuable therapeutic intervention for Tat‐induced neuronal cell death and the subsequent pathologic events of HAD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rigorous stochastic bounds for the error in large covariance matrices
Authors: Böttcher Albrecht , Wenzel David
Published: December 2007

This paper is motivated by recent studies of Huang et al. on distributed PCA and network anomaly detection and contains a rigorous derivation of bounds for the expected value and the variance of the spectral norm of the error in large covariance matrices. This derivation is based on a deep result by Yin et al. (Probab. Theor. Relat. Fields 1988; 78:509–521), which gives the asymptotics of the maximal eigenvalue of a random matrix as the matrix dimension goes to infinity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of sensation‐related voiding patterns between continent and incontinent women: A study with a 3‐day sensation‐related bladder diary (SR‐BD)
Authors: Naoemova Irina , De Wachter Stefan , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2007

Aim

To describe and compare voiding patterns on a 3‐day sensation‐related bladder diary (SR‐BD) in women with urinary incontinence (UI) and healthy volunteers.

Methods

A total of 251 women (224 incontinent patients and 27 healthy volunteers) who recorded a 3‐day SR‐BD and underwent standard cystometry participated in the study. Parameters from the 3‐day SR‐BD were compared between incontinent patients and healthy volunteers.

Results

Compared to continent women, all groups of incontinent women noted a significantly higher 24 hr voiding frequency, a greater voiding frequency per liter diuresis, a smaller mean voided volume for different degrees of bladder sensation with more voids made with higher intensity of desire to void. The smallest mean voided volumes for different degrees of desire to void and the highest voiding frequency per liter diuresis were observed in the urge incontinence group.

Conclusions

There were different sensation‐related voiding patterns on the 3‐day SR‐BD from incontinent women and healthy volunteers. All incontinence groups had increased bladder sensation compared to healthy volunteers. The most severe increase of bladder sensation was observed in the patients with urgency incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:511–514, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sudden death due to pulmonary embolism as presenting symptom of renal tumors
Authors: van den Heuvel‐Eibrink M. M. , Lankhorst B. , Egeler R. M. , Corel L. J. A. , Kollen W. J. W.
Published: December 2007

In 4–6% of patients with renal tumors in children intravascular infiltration is found. Tumor emboli are even rarer, and sudden death as presenting symptom has only been described at presentation in Wilms tumor (WT) in six cases so far. This report describes two recent cases of sudden death in patients with renal tumors in which a fatal pulmonary embolus was the first presentation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1062–1064. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Hepatitis B vaccination and multiple sclerosis: a data mining perspective
Authors: Hauben Manfred , Sakaguchi Motonobu , Patadia Vaishali , M Gerrits Charles
Published: December 2007

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 2007; 16: 943–945

DOI: 10.1002/pds.1420

If has come to our attention that page 945 of this Letter to the Editor contained an error in the text. The published sentence currently reads from line 3:

For example12 reported “impressively large” observed/expected ratios for the association of leukotriene receptor modifiers with Churg‐Strauss syndrome when they applied a data mining methodology to the US FDA AERS database, while13 failed to find any association using a nested case‐control study in US managed care organization databases.

It should read:

For example DuMouchel et al.12 reported “impressively large” observed/expected ratios for the association of leukotriene receptor modifiers with Churg‐Strauss syndrome when they applied a data mining methodology to the US FDA AERS database, while Harrold et al.13 failed to find any association using a nested case‐control study in US managed care organization databases.

We apologise for this anomaly.
Molekulare Motoren und künstliche Nanomaschinen. Energiewandlung in Polymeren
Authors: Mickler Moritz , Hugel Thorsten
Published: December 2007

An biologischen molekularen Motoren können heute Einzelmolekül‐Experimente unter physiologischen Bedingungen durchgeführt werden. Das Beispiel des DNS‐packenden Motors des Bakteriophagen Φ29 zeigt, wie sich damit Einblicke in ihre Funktionweise gewinnen lassen. Dieser Motor wandelt chemische Energie in mechanische Arbeit um. Damit schiebt er die vom Wirtsbakterium vervielfältigte virale DNS in die Proteinkapsel des neuen Bakteriophagen. Die Imitation solcher komplexer molekularer Motoren liegt noch in weiter Ferne. Das Beispiel des Azobenzol‐Polymers zeigt jedoch, wie ein synthetischer molekularer Motor funktionieren kann. Es lässt sich mit Lichtpulsen zwischen einem langen und einem kurzen Zustand hin und her schalten. Der Hebelarm eines Rasterkraft‐Mikroskops kann das wie ein Kolben in mechanische Bewegung übersetzen. Das optomechanische Verhalten dieses molekularen Motors ist bereits gut verstanden.
Vom horror vacui zur Vakuumenergie
Authors: Heering Peter
Published: December 2007

Bis ins 17. Jahrhundert hinein existierte die Vorstellung, dass ein leerer Raum naturwidrig sei. Erst mit der Etablierung der experimentellen Methode und insbesondere durch die Arbeiten Otto von Guerickes und Robert Boyles wurde das Vakuum etabliert. Neue Pumpentechniken ermöglichten im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert das Herstellen immer niedrigerer Teilchenkonzentrationen in einem Raum. Schließlich führte die Quantenphysik zu veränderten konzeptionellen Überlegungen, die die Existenz eines absoluten Vakuums erneut in Frage stellen.
Schätzen, rechnen, Größenordnungen erschließen
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: December 2007

Denken in Größen und Größenordnungen ist eine der wichtigsten Komponenten naturwissenschaftlichen Arbeitens. So wichtig, dass es in der Ausbildung von Naturwissenschaftlern und Lehrern von Naturwissenschaften eine besondere Rolle spielt. Der italienische Physiker Enrico Fermi war berühmt für seine Fähigkeit, eine komplexe Fragestellung auf das Wesentliche zu reduzieren und größenordnungsmäßig zu lösen. Mit der neuen Serie Fermis Corner wollen wir diese Kunst fortführen.
Glucocorticoid receptor disruption delays structural maturation in the lungs of newborn mice
Authors: Nemati Baharak , Atmodjo Wayhuni , Gagnon Stéphane , Humes Daryl , McKerlie Colin , Kaplan Feige , Sweezey Neil B.
Published: December 2007

In order to better understand the regulation of lung maturation by glucocorticoid–glucocorticoid receptor signaling, we studied glucocorticoid receptor (GR) hypomorphic mice with a mixed C57Bl6/129 sv background, in which disruption of exon 2 of the GR gene produces an N‐terminal truncated GR protein. Four groups of mice were compared: homozygous mice that die at birth (non‐survivors), homozygous mice that survive the neonatal period (survivors), heterozygotes and wild‐type mice. Newborn non‐survivors had 50% thicker airspace walls and a 46% decrease in the formation of secondary crests (the beginning of alveolar secondary septation) compared to either survivor or wild‐type littermates (n = 9 mice in each group). The lung tissue to airspace ratio in homozygous mice not expressing wild‐type GR (non‐survivor and survivor) was increased compared to heterozygotes and wild‐type mice that do express wild‐type GR (0.91 ± 0.08 vs. 0.49 ± 0.02, n = 4 in each of the four subgroups), suggesting that complete morphological maturation of the lung is dependent on effective glucocorticoid signaling through a fully functional GR. Moreover, the relatively mature lung morphology of survivor versus non‐survivor newborns suggests that a partial reduction in mesenchymal thickness is compatible with capillary remodeling, alveolar septation, and viable respiratory function after birth. Our findings suggest that in mice homozygous for disrupted GR, the severity of newborn respiratory insufficiency correlates with the degree of lung structural immaturity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:125–133. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of AlH···HO dihydrogen bond on the reaction between diphenylmethanol and pyrazolate‐bridged dialuminum complex. An ONIOM DFT/AM1 study
Authors: Shi Fu‐Qiang , Song Bao‐An
Published: December 2007

To elucidate the nature of the AlH···HO dihydrogen bond and its effect on the reaction between diphenylmethanol and pyrazolate‐bridged dialuminum complex, a theoretical study was carried out using the ONIOM(B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p):AM1) method. Calculations indicate that this reaction is a two‐step process. The first step is nucleophilic addition and the resulting intermediate is stabilized by an AlH···HO dihydrogen bond. Topology analyses based on the “atoms‐in‐molecules” theory show that the AlH···HO dihydrogen bond in dialuminum intermediate is stronger than normal hydrogen bond. This step is not barrierless, which is contrary to the result predicted by using simplified model. The second step, eliminating a molecule of dihydrogen, requires an activation free energy of 9.9 kcal/mol in gas phase, which implies the simplified model underestimates the energy barrier of this elimination step. ONIOM calculations also show that, using the simplified model without zero‐point energy correction, the dihydrogen bonding strength has been underestimated and unreliable results have been obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Postmortem fetal organ volumetry using magnetic resonance imaging and comparison to organ weights at conventional autopsy
Authors: Breeze A. C. G. , Gallagher F. A. , Lomas D. J. , Smith G. C. S. , Lees C. C.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

Following perinatal death, organ weights at autopsy may provide evidence of growth restriction and pulmonary hypoplasia. Whilst postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide comparable information to autopsy about structural abnormalities, its ability to provide reproducible data about organ size has yet to be determined. We examined the feasibility of using postmortem MRI to provide estimates of organ size and weight.

Methods

Twenty‐five fetuses of gestational age from 16 to 40 weeks underwent postmortem MRI prior to autopsy. Fetal lung, brain and liver volume estimations were performed by two observers using the stereology technique on postmortem MRI slices. Fetal lung, brain and liver weights were recorded at autopsy. Organ volume estimates and autopsy organ weights were compared using regression analysis, and estimates of fetal organ densities made. Interobserver variability was assessed using a Bland–Altman plot. Receiver–operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis compared MRI brain : liver volume ratios to autopsy brain : liver weight ratios.

Results

A linear relationship between organ volume estimates and organ weight was observed. Estimated densities for the fetal brain, liver and lung were 1.08 g/cm3, 1.15 g/cm3 and 1.15 g/cm3, respectively. Interobserver 5th and 95th percentile limits of agreement for fetal brain, liver and lung were − 5.4% to + 7.9%, − 11.8% to + 8.3% and − 14.3% to + 8.7%, respectively. For MRI organ volumes to detect a brain weight : liver weight ratio ≥ 4, ROC analysis demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.61, with an optimal cut‐off of 4.1.

Conclusion

Postmortem MRI organ volumetry can be used to estimate weights of major fetal organs. This may increase the information obtained from a minimally‐invasive perinatal autopsy, particularly in the context of pulmonary hypoplasia and intrauterine growth restriction, where differential organ growth plays a major part in assessment of the underlying pathology. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ketamine as an Adjunct to Postoperative Pain Management in Opioid Tolerant Patients after Spinal Fusions: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Urban Michael K. , Ya Deau Jacques T. , Wukovits Barbara , Lipnitsky Jane Y.
Published: December 2007

Management of acute postoperative pain is challenging, particularly in patients with preexisting narcotic dependency. Ketamine has been used at subanesthetic doses as a N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist to block the processing of nociceptive input in chronic pain syndromes. This prospective randomized study was designed to assess the use of ketamine as an adjunct to acute pain management in narcotic tolerant patients after spinal fusions. Twenty-six patients for 1–2 level posterior lumbar fusions with segmental instrumentation were randomly assigned to receive ketamine or act as a control. Patients in the ketamine group received 0.2 mg/kg on induction of general anesthesia and then 2 mcg kg−1 hour−1 for the next 24 hours. Patients were extubated in the operating room and within 15 minutes of arriving in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) were started on intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) hydromorphone without a basal infusion. Patients were assessed for pain (numerical rating scale [NRS]), narcotic use, level of sedation, delirium, and physical therapy milestones until discharge. The ketamine group had significantly less pain during their first postoperative hour in the PACU (NRS 4.8 vs 8.7) and continued to have less pain during the first postoperative day at rest (3.6 vs 5.5) and with physical therapy (5.6 vs 8.0). Three patients in the control group failed PCA pain management and were converted to intravenous ketamine infusions when their pain scores improved. Patients in the ketamine group required less hydromorphone than the control group, but the differences were not significant. Subanesthetic doses of ketamine reduced postoperative pain in narcotic tolerant patients undergoing posterior spine fusions.
COMPARISON OF DEPENDENCE IN FACTOR MODELS WITH APPLICATION TO CREDIT RISK PORTFOLIOS
Authors: Denuit Michel , Frostig Esther
Published: December 2007

This article considers portfolio credit risk models of factor type. The dependence between the individual defaults is driven by a small number of systematic factors. The present work aims to investigate the effect of increasing the strength of the dependence between systematic factors on the default indicators in standard credit risk models. The intensity of the dependence is measured by means of appropriate multivariate stochastic orderings, based on the comparison of supermodular and ultramodular functions.
Blogging: Lessons and Challenges
Authors: Mills Andrew
Published: December 2007

Andrew Mills, of Freeth Cartwright LLP, gave a paper at the 38th Annual BIALL Study Conference in Sheffield in June 2007 on blogging. He describes how he set up IMPACT(R), his blog, which covers intellectual property and IT issues. He describes the software he used and the potential pitfalls involved when starting out. He emphasises the importance of using RSS feeds and considers whether blogs will present a threat to traditional hard copy publishing because of the speed with which they can communicate information.
What's the Point? Next-Generation Legal Information Systems and Microsoft Sharepoint: Contender or Pretender?
Authors: Wallis Chris
Published: December 2007

In this article Chris Wallis examines some of the recent and impending developments in technology for managing legal information – in all its various guises. He looks in some detail at the facilities offered by Microsoft Sharepoint and tries to identify its USPs.
Resources Loved, Resources Shunned: LPC and BVC Students at the Inns of Court School of Law and their Library Use
Authors: Batts Sara
Published: December 2007

This article by Sarah Batts discusses findings from a dissertation research project investigating LPC and BVC students' use of resources in supporting their legal research. Although there are many similarities between the two cohorts in the tasks they find difficult, or their use of a virtual learning environment, there are also key differences in the sources of help they would turn to first to look for answers to problems. This understanding of the different emphasis that students place on different resources provokes a number of questions which, if addressed, could help promote a positive library experience for students.