bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Chemoprevention: Successes and Failures
Authors: Patterson Sherri L , Colbert Maresso Karen , Hawk Ernest
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Cancer has traditionally been considered a single disease, but it is now known to be far more complex, with an unfolding etiology. In less than 2 centuries, hundreds—if not thousands—of drugs for the treatment of cancer and for palliative care have been developed and tested, with 143 having achieved approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (MediLexicon International; “Cancer Drugs & Oncology Drugs,” http://www.medilexicon.com/drugs-list/cancer.php). Just 13 agents have been approved, however, for treating precancerous lesions or for reducing risk.

CONTENT

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, vitamins, food constituents and spice components, antidiabetic drugs, ω-3 fatty acids, and fiber are just a few of the many classes of compounds that have been tested for their cancer-preventive potential. We highlight some of the agents that have been scrutinized by way of randomized clinical trials in humans for their cancer prevention potential. We summarize the major definitive cancer chemoprevention studies that (a) were successful in demonstrating efficacy and ultimately received regulatory approval; (b) were not successful in demonstrating efficacy or had unacceptable toxicities, but from which the field has learned important lessons; and (c) showed compelling efficacy against surrogate end points but failed to achieve regulatory approval because of a lack of consensus regarding the relevance of those end points to clinical benefit.

Chemopreventive studies have provided new insights into early disease pathogenesis, stimulated new risk assessments and models, fostered important research in end point biomarkers, and led to 13 approved agents. The development of safe and effective chemopreventive agents holds tremendous potential for reducing the burden of cancer.
Is a self-catering holiday with the family really a holiday for mothers? Examining the balance of household responsibilities while on holiday from a female perspective
Authors: Mottiar Ziene , Quinn Deirdre
Published: November 2012

The commonly cited definition of what constitutes a holiday is that it is a change from the norm, or an escape from everyday life. But is this the case if tourists are going on a self-catering holiday where many of the tasks from everyday life such as cleaning, minding children and
cooking must still be undertaken? This research is specifically interested in the role of mothers, from their own perspective, on such holidays. It explores how household responsibilities are divided between partners when on holiday and questions does this differ from the situation when at
home? In so doing this article adds to our understanding about the holiday experience from a gendered perspective. This study has found that actual experience while on holiday does differ according to gender. It is clear that while self-catering holidays are an ‘escape’ from the
everyday, women and mothers’ genderized roles are often maintained.A mixed-method approach involving two surveys and focus groups was employed. The field work for the study was undertaken in the Greater Dublin Area.
A matter of perspective: The impact of first- and third-person perspective on the perception of virtual group discussions
Authors: Hoffmann Laura , Haferkamp Nina , Klatt Jennifer , Lam-Chi Anh , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: November 2012

The usage of virtual environments (VEs) in organizational settings has become increasingly important. Virtual group meetings, for instance, enable discussions between people who work far away from each other without requiring travel. However, what remains open is the question of whether the technology itself impacts decision making within the group. The present study used a (quasi-)experimental design to test whether manipulating the mediated perspective on a virtual meeting influences decision making in virtual groups. A total of 78 participants engaged in virtual group discussion, each comprising four people, who were visualized by avatars. During the virtual meeting participants either looked through the eyes of their avatars (first-person perspective) or viewed the back of their avatars (third-person perspective) in the VEs. Results indicated that participants who were visualized in the first-person perspective reported a higher involvement in the group discussion and also more satisfaction with the group decision than participants in the third-person perspective.
‘No one-handed typing’: An exploration of gameness, rules and spoilsports in an erotic role play community in World of Warcraft
Authors: Brown Ashley
Published: November 2012

This article merges classic and contemporary texts in the study of games as tools to explore how endogenous and exogenous rules are created and maintained in a community of North and Central American erotic role players in the massive multiplayer online role playing game World of Warcraft. The data for this article comes from nine months of immersive fieldwork on a role-playing server in which participant observation, case studies and in-depth interviews were used to generally explore the topic of erotic play within the game. The data of relevance to this article comes from two in-game interviews as well as observations on the guild’s forum. The first interview excerpt comes from a discussion in which the leaders of the guild were asked to recount their experiences enforcing the guild’s rules, whilst the second excerpt comes from an interview with a player who discussed the endogenous and exogenous rules she has created to ensure that her erotic play contributes to the narrative of her character. Within the guild forum, observations came from a message board dedicated to erotic role play (ERP), which includes rules that outline acceptable erotic behaviour. Through an analysis of the two player interviews, as well as the guild’s forum rules, an argument develops for viewing ERP as a game in and of itself with its own rules and goals separate to those of the World of Warcraft. In viewing ERP as a game, we also view the processes used by its players to define and create their own goals for play. The article will conclude with a discussion on the functionality of rules like ‘no one-handed typing’ situated within the larger context of World of Warcraft.
Kontingente Konnektionen. Walter Benjamins Kritik der Schuld
Authors: Loick Daniel
Published: November 2012

This essay explores Walter Benjamin’s critique of the concept of guilt as it underlies the occidental notion of “connective justice”. It describes both the political-moral and the psychological-ethical effects of guilt and reconstructs Benjamin’s idea of ‘Entsühnung’, understood as a rigorous termination of the circle between act and consequence. Finally, possible political, ethical and historical alternatives are discussed.
Form und Inhalt. Möglichkeiten der Briefform für die Philosophie
Authors: Vendrell Ferran Íngrid , Wille Katrin
Published: November 2012

Taking as a point of departure the thesis that philosophical content and stylistic form are internally related to each other, we explore in our text the possibilities enabled by the literary form of the letter. We begin with a brief description of the current situation of the academic philosophy around the world characterized by international migrations of thinkers and thoughts. In the second section, we highlight the importance of the literary form of the letter in the current background dominated by the canonical format of the paper. In the third and fourth sections we focus on the main features and current use of this literary form and examine its possibilities for philosophy. In the final section, we render plausible our thesis examining with different examples how is possible to write letters about philosophy and to do philosophy in and through letters.
Der schwierige Umgang mit der Geschichte. Ein Brief aus Spanien
Authors: Rühle Volker
Published: November 2012

The essay condenses experiences of my work in Spanish universities in a constellation of five topics: 1. The actual situation of philosophy in Spain, 2. Her historical dimension, 3. The corresponding style of philosophical writing by the example of Ortega y Gasset, 4. Beyond the tension of traditionalism and modernity: the underestimated philosophy of Javier Zubiri, 5. Perspectives.
Mapping the Genetic Basis of Symbiotic Variation in Legume-Rhizobium Interactions inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Gorton Amanda J , Heath Katy D , Pilet-Nayel Marie-Laure , Baranger Alain , Stinchcombe John R
Published: November 2012

Mutualisms are known to be genetically variable, where the genotypes differ in the fitness benefits they gain from the interaction. To date, little is known about the loci that underlie such genetic variation in fitness or whether the loci influencing fitness are partner specific, and depend on the genotype of the interaction partner. In the legume-rhizobium mutualism, one set of potential candidate genes that may influence the fitness benefits of the symbiosis are the plant genes involved in the initiation of the signaling pathway between the two partners. Here we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in Medicago truncatula in two different rhizobium strain treatments to locate regions of the genome influencing plant traits, assess whether such regions are dependent on the genotype of the rhizobial mutualist (QTL × rhizobium strain), and evaluate the contribution of sequence variation at known symbiosis signaling genes. Two of the symbiotic signaling genes, NFP and DMI3, colocalized with two QTL affecting average fruit weight and leaf number, suggesting that natural variation in nodulation genes may potentially influence plant fitness. In both rhizobium strain treatments, there were QTL that influenced multiple traits, indicative of either tight linkage between loci or pleiotropy, including one QTL with opposing effects on growth and reproduction. There was no evidence for QTL × rhizobium strain or genotype × genotype interactions, suggesting either that such interactions are due to small-effect loci or that more genotype-genotype combinations need to be tested in future mapping studies.
A Window into Domain Amplification Through Piccolo in Teleost Fish
Authors: Nonet Michael L
Published: November 2012

I describe and characterize the extensive amplification of the zinc finger domain of Piccolo selectively in teleost fish. Piccolo and Bassoon are partially functionally redundant and play roles in regulating the pool of neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles present at synapses. In mice, each protein contains two N-terminal zinc finger domains that have been implicated in interacting with synaptic vesicles. In all teleosts examined, both the Bassoon and Piccolo genes are duplicated. Both teleost bassoon genes and one piccolo gene show very similar domain structure and intron-exon organization to their mouse homologs. In contrast, in piccolo b a single exon that encodes a zinc finger domain is amplified 8 to 16 times in different teleost species. Analysis of the amplified exons suggests they were added and/or deleted from the gene as individual exons in rare events that are likely the result of unequal crossovers between homologous sequences. Surprisingly, the structure of the repeats from cod and zebrafish suggest that amplification of this exon has occurred independently multiple times in the teleost lineage. Based on the structure of the exons, I propose a model in which selection for high sequence similarity at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the exon drives amplification of the repeats and diversity in repeat length likely promotes the stability of the repeated exons by minimizing the likelihood of mispairing of adjacent repeat sequences. Further analysis of piccolo b in teleosts should provide a window through which to examine the process of domain amplification.
Effectiveness of Genomic Prediction of Maize Hybrid Performance in Different Breeding Populations and Environments
Authors: Windhausen Vanessa S , Atlin Gary N , Hickey John M , Crossa Jose , Jannink Jean-Luc , Sorrells Mark E , Raman Babu , Cairns Jill E , Tarekegne Amsal , Semagn Kassa , Beyene Yoseph , Grudloyma Pichet , Technow Frank , Riedelsheimer Christian , Melchinger Albrecht E
Published: November 2012

Genomic prediction is expected to considerably increase genetic gains by increasing selection intensity and accelerating the breeding cycle. In this study, marker effects estimated in 255 diverse maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were used to predict grain yield, anthesis date, and anthesis-silking interval within the diversity panel and testcross progenies of 30 F2-derived lines from each of five populations. Although up to 25% of the genetic variance could be explained by cross validation within the diversity panel, the prediction of testcross performance of F2-derived lines using marker effects estimated in the diversity panel was on average zero. Hybrids in the diversity panel could be grouped into eight breeding populations differing in mean performance. When performance was predicted separately for each breeding population on the basis of marker effects estimated in the other populations, predictive ability was low (i.e., 0.12 for grain yield). These results suggest that prediction resulted mostly from differences in mean performance of the breeding populations and less from the relationship between the training and validation sets or linkage disequilibrium with causal variants underlying the predicted traits. Potential uses for genomic prediction in maize hybrid breeding are discussed emphasizing the need of (1) a clear definition of the breeding scenario in which genomic prediction should be applied (i.e., prediction among or within populations), (2) a detailed analysis of the population structure before performing cross validation, and (3) larger training sets with strong genetic relationship to the validation set.
Escherichia coli Lacking RpoS Are Rare in Natural Populations of Non-Pathogens
Authors: Snyder Emily , Gordon David M , Stoebel Daniel M
Published: November 2012

The alternative sigma factor RpoS controls a large regulon that allows E. coli to respond to a variety of stresses. Mutations in rpoS can increase rates of nutrient acquisition at the cost of a decrease in stress resistance. These kinds of mutations evolve rapidly under certain laboratory conditions where nutrient acquisition is especially challenging. The frequency of strains lacking RpoS in natural populations of E. coli is less clear. Such strains have been found at frequencies over 20% in some collections of wild isolates. However, laboratory handling can select for RpoS-null strains and may have affected some of these strain collections. Other studies have included an unknown diversity of strains or only used a phenotypic proxy as a measure of RpoS levels. We directly measured RpoS levels in a collection of E. coli that includes the full diversity of the species and that was handled in a manner to minimize the potential for laboratory evolution. We found that only 2% of strains produce no functional RpoS. Comparison of these strains in multiple labs shows that these rpoS mutations occurred in the laboratory. Earlier studies reporting much higher levels of RpoS polymorphism may reflect the storage history of the strains in laboratories rather than true frequency of such strains in natural populations.
On the Role of PDZ Domain-Encoding Genes in Drosophila Border Cell Migration
Authors: Aranjuez George , Kudlaty Elizabeth , Longworth Michelle S , McDonald Jocelyn A
Published: November 2012

Cells often move as collective groups during normal embryonic development and wound healing, although the mechanisms governing this type of migration are poorly understood. The Drosophila melanogaster border cells migrate as a cluster during late oogenesis and serve as a powerful in vivo genetic model for collective cell migration. To discover new genes that participate in border cell migration, 64 out of 66 genes that encode PDZ domain-containing proteins were systematically targeted by in vivo RNAi knockdown. The PDZ domain is one of the largest families of protein-protein interaction domains found in eukaryotes. Proteins that contain PDZ domains participate in a variety of biological processes, including signal transduction and establishment of epithelial apical-basal polarity. Targeting PDZ proteins effectively assesses a larger number of genes via the protein complexes and pathways through which these proteins function. par-6, a known regulator of border cell migration, was a positive hit and thus validated the approach. Knockdown of 14 PDZ domain genes disrupted migration with multiple RNAi lines. The candidate genes have diverse predicted cellular functions and are anticipated to provide new insights into the mechanisms that control border cell movement. As a test of this concept, two genes that disrupted migration were characterized in more detail: big bang and the Dlg5 homolog CG6509. We present evidence that Big bang regulates JAK/STAT signaling, whereas Dlg5/CG6509 maintains cluster cohesion. Moreover, these results demonstrate that targeting a selected class of genes by RNAi can uncover novel regulators of collective cell migration.
Identification of Gene Expression Changes Associated With Long-Term Memory of Courtship Rejection in Drosophila Males
Authors: Winbush Ari , Reed Danielle , Chang Peter L , Nuzhdin Sergey V , Lyons Lisa C , Arbeitman Michelle N
Published: November 2012

Long-term memory formation in Drosophila melanogaster is an important neuronal function shaping the insect’s behavioral repertoire by allowing an individual to modify behaviors on the basis of previous experiences. In conditioned courtship or courtship suppression, male flies that have been repeatedly rejected by mated females during courtship advances are less likely than naïve males to subsequently court another mated female. This long-term courtship suppression can last for several days after the initial rejection period. Although genes with known functions in many associative learning paradigms, including those that function in cyclic AMP signaling and RNA translocation, have been identified as playing critical roles in long-term conditioned courtship, it is clear that additional mechanisms also contribute. We have used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and transcript isoforms between naïve males and males subjected to courtship-conditioning regimens that are sufficient for inducing long-term courtship suppression. Transcriptome analyses 24 hours after the training regimens revealed differentially expressed genes and transcript isoforms with predicted and known functions in nervous system development, chromatin biology, translation, cytoskeletal dynamics, and transcriptional regulation. A much larger number of differentially expressed transcript isoforms were identified, including genes previously implicated in associative memory and neuronal development, including fruitless, that may play functional roles in learning during courtship conditioning. Our results shed light on the complexity of the genetics that underlies this behavioral plasticity and reveal several new potential areas of inquiry for future studies.
Identification of Genes Required for Alternative Oxidase Production in the Neurospora crassa Gene Knockout Library
Authors: Nargang Frank E , Adames Kelly , Rüb Cornelia , Cheung Serena , Easton Nancy , Nargang Cheryl E , Chae Michael S
Published: November 2012

The alternative oxidase (AOX) of Neurospora crassa transfers electrons from ubiquinol to oxygen. The enzyme is not expressed under normal conditions. However, when the function of the standard electron transport chain is compromised, AOX is induced, providing cells with a means to continue respiration and growth. Induction of the enzyme represents a form of retrograde regulation because AOX is encoded by a nuclear gene that responds to signals produced from inefficiently functioning mitochondria. To identify genes required for AOX expression, we have screened the N. crassa gene knockout library for strains that are unable to grow in the presence of antimycin A, an inhibitor of complex III of the standard electron transport chain. From the 7800 strains containing knockouts of different genes, we identified 62 strains that have reduced levels of AOX when grown under conditions known to induce the enzyme. Some strains have virtually no AOX, whereas others have only a slight reduction of the protein. A broad range of seemingly unrelated functions are represented in the knockouts. For example, we identified transcription factors, kinases, the mitochondrial import receptor Tom70, three subunits of the COP9 signalosome, a monothiol glutaredoxin, and several hypothetical proteins as being required for wild-type levels of AOX production. Our results suggest that defects in many signaling or metabolic pathways have a negative effect on AOX expression and imply that complex systems control production of the enzyme.
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Massage Therapy on the Immune System of Preterm Infants
Authors: Ang Jocelyn Y. , Lua Jorge L. , Mathur Ambika , Thomas Ronald , Asmar Basim I. , Savasan Sureyya , Buck Steven , Long Michael , Shankaran Seetha
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of massage therapy (MT) on the immune system of preterm infants. The primary hypothesis was that MT compared with sham therapy (control) will enhance the immune system of stable premature infants by increasing the proportion of their natural killer (NK) cell numbers.

METHODS:

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of MT versus sham therapy (control) was conducted among stable premature infants in the NICU. Study intervention was provided 5 days per week until hospital discharge for a maximum of 4 weeks. Immunologic evaluations (absolute NK cells, T and B cells, T cell subsets, and NK cytotoxicity), weight, number of infections, and length of hospital stay were also evaluated.

RESULTS:

The study enrolled 120 infants (58 massage; 62 control). At the end of the study, absolute NK cells were not different between the 2 groups; however, NK cytotoxicity was higher in the massage group, particularly among those who received ≥5 consecutive days of study intervention compared with control (13.79 vs 10 lytic units, respectively; P = .04). Infants in the massage group were heavier at end of study and had greater daily weight gain compared with those in the control group; other immunologic parameters, number of infections, and length of stay were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, MT administered to stable preterm infants was associated with higher NK cytotoxicity and more daily weight gain. MT may improve the overall outcome of these infants. Larger studies are needed.
Cost-Effectiveness of an Injury and Drowning Prevention Program in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Fazlur , Bose Saideep , Linnan Michael , Rahman Aminur , Mashreky Saidur , Haaland Benjamin , Finkelstein Eric
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Interventions that mitigate drowning risk in developing countries are needed. This study presents the cost-effectiveness of a low-cost, scalable injury and drowning prevention program called Prevention of Child Injuries through Social-Intervention and Education (PRECISE) in Bangladesh.

METHODS:

Between 2006 and 2010, the 2 components of PRECISE (Anchal, which sequestered children in crèches [n = 18 596 participants], and SwimSafe, which taught children how to swim [n = 79421 participants]) were implemented in rural Bangladesh. Mortality rates for participants were compared against a matched sample of nonparticipants in a retrospective cohort analysis. Effectiveness was calculated via Cox proportional hazard analysis. Cost-effectiveness was estimated according to World Health Organization–CHOosing Interventions that are Cost Effective guidelines.

RESULTS:

Anchal costs between $50.74 and $60.50 per child per year. SwimSafe costs $13.46 per child. For Anchal participants, the relative risk of a drowning death was 0.181 (P = .004). The relative risk of all-cause mortality was 0.56 (P = .001). For SwimSafe, the relative risk of a drowning death was 0.072 (P < .0001). The relative risk of all-cause mortality was 0.750 (P = .024). For Anchal, the cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted is $812 (95% confidence interval: $589\x{2013}$1777). For SwimSafe, the cost per DALY averted is $85 ($51\x{2013}$561). Combined, the cost per DALY averted is $362 ($232\x{2013}$1364).

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on World Health Organization criteria, PRECISE is very cost-effective and should be considered for implementation in other areas where drowning is a significant problem.
Fish Consumption in Infancy and Asthma-like Symptoms at Preschool Age
Authors: Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C. , de Vries Jeanne H. , Franco Oscar H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Hofman Albert , Raat Hein , de Jongste Johan C. , Moll Henriette A.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether timing of introduction of fish and the amount of fish consumption in infancy were associated with asthmalike symptoms at preschool age.

METHODS:

This study was embedded in the Generation R study (a population-based birth cohort in Rotterdam, Netherlands). At the age of 12 and 14 months, timing of introduction of fish into the infant’s diet was assessed. The amount of fish consumption at 14 months was assessed by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Presence of asthmalike symptoms in the past year was assessed at the child’s age of 36 and 48 months.

RESULTS:

Relative to no introduction in the first year of life, introduction between age 6 and 12 months was significantly associated with a lower risk of wheezing at 48 months (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43–0.94). When compared with introduction between 6 and 12 months, no introduction in the first year and introduction between 0 and 6 months were associated with an increased risk of wheezing at 48 months (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.07–2.31 and OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07–2.19, respectively). The amount of fish at age 14 months was not associated with asthmalike symptoms (P > .15).

CONCLUSIONS:

Introduction of fish between 6 and 12 months but not fish consumption afterward is associated with a lower prevalence of wheezing. A window of exposure between the age of 6 and 12 months might exist in which fish might be associated with a reduced risk of asthma.
Management of Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia: Improving Timeliness of Care Using a Clinical Pathway
Authors: Wolff Margaret , Schinasi Dana Aronson , Lavelle Jane , Boorstein Naomi , Zorc Joseph John
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common reason for neonates to present to the emergency department (ED). Although clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations for evaluation and therapy, few studies have evaluated ways to apply them effectively in the ED setting. The primary objective of this study was to compare time to phototherapy in neonates presenting to the ED with jaundice before and after implementation of a nursing-initiated clinical pathway. Secondary outcomes included time to bilirubin result and ED length of stay in neonates.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective historical control study comparing neonates presenting to the ED with jaundice during 9-month periods before and after initiation of the pathway. Charts were abstracted for times of assessment and treatment and final disposition.

RESULTS:

Three hundred neonates were included in this study: 149 before and 151 after pathway implementation. Median time to phototherapy (historical control: 128 minutes vs postintervention group: 52 minutes; P < .001), median time to bilirubin result (157 vs 99; P < .001), and median ED length of stay (268 minutes vs 195 minutes; P < .001) were shorter for neonates treated after the implementation of the clinical pathway. No complications were reported during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

After implementation of a clinical pathway for the management of neonates with jaundice in the ED, we observed a reduction in time to phototherapy, time to bilirubin measurement, and overall length of stay.
Self-Report of Child Care Directors Regarding Return-to-Care
Authors: Hashikawa Andrew N. , Stevens Martha W. , Juhn Young J. , Nimmer Mark , Copeland Kristen , Simpson Pippa , Brousseau David C.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) introduced revised return-to-care recommendations for mildly ill children in 2009 that were added to national standards in 2011. Child care directors' practices in a state without clear emphasis on return-to-care guidelines are unknown. We investigated director return-to-care practices just before the release of recently revised AAP guidelines.

METHODS:

A telephone survey with 5 vignettes of mild illness (cold symptoms, conjunctivitis, vomiting/diarrhea, fever, and ringworm) was administered to randomly sampled directors in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Directors were asked about return-to-care criteria for each illness. Questions for return-to-care criteria were open-ended; multiple responses were allowed. Answers were compared with AAP return-to-care recommendations.

RESULTS:

A total of 305 directors participated. Based on director responses to vignettes, the percentage of correct responses regarding return-to-child care management compared with AAP return-to-care recommendations was low: fever (0%); conjunctivitis (0%); diarrhea (1.6%); cold symptoms (12%); ringworm (21%); and vomiting (80%). Two illnesses (conjunctivitis and cold symptoms) would require the child to have an urgent medical evaluation or treatment not recommended by the AAP, as follows: Conjunctivitis—antibiotics for 24 hours (62%), physician visit (49%), any antibiotic treatment (6%), and symptom resolution (4%); and Cold Symptoms—physician visit (45.6%), antibiotics (10%), and symptom resolution (25%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Directors’ self-reported return-to-child care practices differed substantially before the release of revised AAP return-to-care recommendations. Active adoption of AAP return-to-child care guidelines would decrease the need for unnecessary urgent medical evaluation and treatment as well as unnecessary exclusion of a child from child care.
Successful Tocilizumab Treatment in a Child With Refractory Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Bravo Mancheño Beatriz , Perin Francesca , guez Vázquez del Rey María del Mar Rodrí , García Sánchez Antonio , Alcázar Romero Pedro Pablo
Published: November 2012

Takayasu arteritis (TA) in the child remains a therapeutic challenge because corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive agents are not always safe or efficacious. The complex formed by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor appears to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of TA. We describe a favorable response to the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) in a child with aggressive and refractory TA including an assessment of the proinflammatory cytokine profile. A 3-year-old girl with TA consisting of thickening of the aortic arch wall, severe obstruction of the supra-aortic branches, and complete occlusion of both common carotid arteries failed to respond to corticosteroids, methotrexate, tumor necrosis factor α blockade, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil, and 3 years later, the disease remained active with severe manifestations (brain ischemia). The patient underwent percutaneous angioplasty, although significant restenosis was soon documented. After a severe relapse, the patient started TCZ infusions (8 mg/kg for 2 weeks), and a rapid clinical remission was observed, associated with a drastic reduction of inflammatory markers and IL-6 levels. Corticosteroids were withdrawn, the patient’s weight and height improved, and bone mineral density values returned to normal. Two years later, TCZ infusions were extended, with no significant side effects. Cerebral ischemia resolved, and recanalization of the previously occluded supra-aortic branches was performed.
Pediatric Providers’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes About Concussion
Authors: Zonfrillo Mark R. , Master Christina L. , Grady Matthew F. , Winston Flaura K. , Callahan James M. , Arbogast Kristy B.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the self-reported practices and attitudes surrounding concussion diagnosis and management in a single, large pediatric care network.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatric primary care and emergency medicine providers in a single, large pediatric care network. For all survey participants, practices and attitudes about concussion diagnosis and treatment were queried.

RESULTS:

There were 145 responses from 276 eligible providers, resulting in a 53% response rate, of which 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86%–95%) had cared for at least 1 concussion patient in the previous 3 months. A Likert scale from 1 “not a barrier” to 5 “significant barrier” was used to assess providers’ barriers to educating families about the diagnosis of concussion. Providers selected 4 or 5 on the scale for the following barriers and frequencies: inadequate training to educate 16% (95% CI: 11%–23%), inadequate time to educate 15% (95% CI: 12%–24%), and not my role to educate 1% (95% CI: 0.4%–5%). Ninety-six percent (95% CI: 91%–98%) of providers without a provider decision support tool (such as a clinical pathway or protocol) specific to concussion, and 100% (95% CI: 94%–100%) of providers without discharge instructions specific to concussion believed these resources would be helpful.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although pediatric primary care and emergency medicine providers regularly care for concussion patients, they may not have adequate training or infrastructure to systematically diagnose and manage these patients. Specific provider education, decision support tools, and patient information could help enhance and standardize concussion management.
Preserved xenogenic amniotic membrane as a patch on the repair of superficial corneal ulcers in rabbits
Authors: Pontes Kelly Cristine de Sousa , Borges Andréa Pacheco Batista , Eleotério Renato Barros , Reis Emily Correna Carlo , Duarte Tatiana Schmitz
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of canine amniotic membrane, previously preserved in glycerin, used as a patch on the repair of experimentally-made superficial corneal ulcers and to compare corneal epithelization between the treated and non-treated groups. Xenogeneic amniotic membranes were collected aseptically and preserved in 99% glycerin at room temperature. Each animal was anesthetized and submitted to superficial corneal keratectomy of the left eye. The treated group received a fragment of canine amniotic membrane as a patch, while the control group had no treatment. The treated group showed blepharospasm, ocular discharge and conjunctival congestion. The membrane accelerated corneal repair in the beginning of the process, however, it delayed its conclusion (p<0.05). Treated eyes showed greater vessel formation and decreased corneal transparency (p<0.05). The stroma of the control group was thicker than that of the treated group (p<0.05). We suggest that amniotic membrane used in this manner can be applied as a therapy for superficial corneal ulcers in the beginning phases of the repair process.
Efeito dos fatores de merchandising nas vendas do varejo
Authors: Feijó Fabrício Rodrigues , Botelho Delane
Published: November 2012

Os estudos de Mehrabian e Russel (1974) foram fundamentais para a disseminação da ideia de que os elementos ambientais do ponto de venda causam reações emocionais que resultam em comportamentos pouco explicáveis sob o ponto de vista cognitivo. Nesse sentido, assume papel importante a implementação do merchandising, que objetiva a adequada apresentação do ambiente de loja e exposição de produtos de modo a favorecer a atividade de compra. Este artigo investiga o efeito dos fatores de merchandising nas vendas de varejo. Foi realizado um estudo com dois grupos de lojas: o experimental - em que se aplicaram fatores de merchandising, e o de controle - em que tais fatores permaneceram inalterados.A análise dos resultados confirmou o efeito na receita. O incremento na receita pode ser um indicador de que fatores de merchandising exercem influência nos critérios de escolha da loja e no comportamento do consumidor sob determinado ambiente de venda.
Sponsoring, brand value and social media
Authors: Zauner Alexander , Koller Monika , Fink Matthias
Published: November 2012

The increasing involvement of individuals in social media over the past decade has enabled firms to pursue new avenues in communication and sponsoring activities. Besides general research on either social media or sponsoring, questions regarding the consequences of a joint activity (sponsoring activities in social media) remain unexplored. Hence, the present study analyses whether the perceived image of the brand and the celebrity endorser credibility of a top sports team influence the perceived brand value of the sponsoring firm in a social media setting. Moreover, these effects are compared between existing customers and non-customers of the sponsoring firm. Interestingly, perceived celebrity endorser credibility plays no role in forming brand value perceptions in the case of the existing customers. Implications for marketing theory and practice are derived.
Detection of soybean planted areas through orbital images based on culture spectral dynamics
Authors: Mercante Erivelto , Lima Luiz E. P. de , Justina Diego D. D. , Uribe-Opazo Miguel A. , Lamparelli Rubens A. C.
Published: November 2012

The soybean is important to the economy of Brazil, so the estimation of the planted area and the production with higher antecedence and reliability becomes essential. Techniques related to Remote Sensing may help to obtain this information at lower cost and less subjectivity in relation to traditional surveys. The aim of this study is to estimate the planted area with soybean culture in the crop of 2008/2009 in cities in the west of the state of Paraná, in Brazil, based on the spectral dynamics of the culture and through the use of the specific system of analysis for images of Landsat 5/TM satellite. The obtained results were satisfactory, because the classification supervised by Maximum Verisimilitude - MaxVer along with the techniques of the specific system of analysis for satellite images has allowed an estimate of soybean planted area (soybean mask), obtaining values of the metrics of Global Accuracy with an average of 79.05% and Kappa Index over 63.50% in all cities. The monitoring of a reference area was of great importance for determining the vegetative phase in which the culture is more different from the other targets, facilitating the choice of training samples (ROIs) and avoiding misclassifications.
Tabular cusum control charts of chemical variables applied to the control of surface water quality
Authors: Follador Franciele A. C. , Boas Márcio A. Vilas , Schoenhals Marlise , Hermes Eliane , Rech Clovis
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application possibility of tabular CUSUM control charts in the quality control of chemical variables in surface water. It was performed bibliographic and field research to collect water samples from 2003 to 2009, totaling 30 samples, some monthly and others semi-annual in order to observe the variables that regulate water quality. It was found that these charts may be applied to control the quality of river water; showing to be effective in the perception of changes during the process, especially for small samples (n=1) which there is no repetition as in this research. It was also concluded that the Mandurim River does not presents significant levels of pollution.
Efeito do nível nutricional antes e após a ovulação sobre a taxa de gestação e a prolificidade em ovelhas Santa Inês
Authors: Saunders G.A. , Alves N.G. , Pérez J.R.O. , Souza J.C. , Moura A.M. , Muniz J.A. , Lima R.R. , Lazarin G.B.
Published: November 2012

Quarenta e três ovelhas foram distribuídas em quatro tratamentos em um delineamento de blocos casualizados. Os tratamentos consistiram no fornecimento de dietas de flushing, formuladas com farelo de soja (FFS) ou com glúten de milho e farelo de algodão (FGM+FA) por 28 dias antes da ovulação, seguido pelo fornecimento de dietas de flushing ou de uma dieta de mantença (DM) durante 28 dias após a ovulação: T1 - FFS antes e após a ovulação (n=12); T2 - FFS antes da ovulação e DM após (n=11); T3 - FGM+FA antes e após a ovulação (n=10); T4 - FGM+FA antes da ovulação e DM após (n=10). O ganho de peso e o peso final não diferiram (P>0,05) entre os animais dos tratamentos. O ECC final foi maior (P<0,05) nas ovelhas do tratamento T3 do que nas do tratamento T2. A concentração de N-ureico foi maior (P<0,05) nas ovelhas dos tratamentos T1 e T3 do que naquelas dos tratamentos T2 e T4. A taxa de gestação e a prolificidade não diferiram (P>0,05) entre os animais. As dietas de flushing antes da ovulação, seguidas pelo fornecimento destas mesmas dietas ou de uma dieta de mantença após a ovulação, não alteraram a taxa de gestação e a prolificidade.
Silagem de híbridos de sorgo associado a percentagens de concentrado no desempenho de novilhos
Authors: Restle J. , Missio R.L. , Resende P.L.P. , Silva N.L.Q. , Vaz F.N. , Brondani I.L. , Alves Filho D.C. , Kuss F.
Published: November 2012

Avaliou-se o desempenho de novilhos alimentados em confinamento com silagem de híbridos de sorgo forrageiro e de duplo propósito associado a níveis de concentrado. Foram utilizados 60 novilhos, com idade inicial de 20 meses e peso corporal inicial de 322,45±5,58kg, distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso, nos seguintes tratamentos: três porcentagens de concentrado e dois tipos de silagem de sorgo. Foi verificada interação tipo de silagem versus porcentagem concentrado para consumo de matéria seca e ganho de peso médio diário, os quais aumentaram com o aumento de concentrado na dieta com silagem de sorgo forrageiro, mas não com silagem de sorgo duplo propósito. Os novilhos alimentados com silagem de sorgo forrageiro consumiram menos energia digestível (27,89Mcal/dia-1) que aqueles alimentados com silagem de sorgo duplo propósito (31,42Mcal/dia-1). A conversão alimentar média não foi alterada pelo tipo de silagem utilizada. O aumento da porcentagem de concentrado em dietas com volumoso de menor qualidade aumenta a eficiência biológica de bovinos confinados.
Bioestimulante no vigor de sementes e plântulas de faveiro (Dimorphandra mollis Benth.)
Authors: Canesin Ângela , Martins Jaqueline Maria Della Torre , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , Masetto Tathiana Elisa
Published: November 2012

Este experimento foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de determinar os efeitos de doses de bioestimulante, aplicado via sementes, sobre o vigor de sementes e plântulas de faveiro (Dimorphandra mollis Benth.). Foram utilizadas sementes previamente escarificadas com ácido sulfúrico em experimentos realizados nos anos de 2006 e 2007. Sementes de Dimorphandra mollis, colhidas em agosto de 2006 (primeiro experimento), foram tratadas com as seguintes doses do bioestimulante Stimulate®: 0; 3,5; 7,0; 10,5 e 14 mL.0,5 Kg-1 de sementes; e, sementes colhidas em agosto de 2007 (segundo experimento), foram tratadas com doses de 0; 15; 20 e 25 mL.0,5Kg-1 de sementes. Após o tratamento com o bioestimulante, as sementes foram semeadas em bandejas de células contendo latossolo vermelho distroférrico + plantmax® na proporção de 1:1 (v:v). O efeito de diferentes doses de Stimulate® em sementes de Dimorphandra mollis colhidas em diferentes anos foi avaliado por meio de porcentagem de emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento de raiz, altura da parte aérea e massa seca de plântulas. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 sementes para cada tratamento. As doses de 14 (lote 2006) e 15 mL.0,5Kg-1 de sementes (lote 2007) proporcionaram maiores porcentagem de emergência (50% e 66%, respectivamente) e índices de velocidade de emergência (0,67 e 0,9 respectivamente). O tratamento das sementes com a dose de 20 mL.0,5Kg-1 de sementes do bioestimulante favoreceu o comprimento da parte aérea, mas não influenciou os demais índices de vigor de plântulas de Dimorphandra mollis.
Métodos empíricos em pesquisa do envelhecimento entre minorias: um caso para triangulação sociológica
Authors: Prickett Kate C. , Angel Jacqueline L.
Published: November 2012

A triangulação, há muito, vem sendo empregada para validar estudos cujos resultados são alvo de críticas por basearem-se em amostras muito pequenas ou por não permitirem generalização. Com um foco especial no uso de múltiplas fontes de dados quantitativos, expandimos o uso da triangulação em um contexto sociológico, argumentando que não só a sociologia é um campo apto ao uso da combinação de diferentes bases de dados, mas que esta é uma ferramenta útil ao se analisarem populações de difícil acesso e menos favorecidas. Destacando exemplos de múltiplas bases de dados empregadas usualmente para explorar questões sobre o envelhecimento de pessoas de origem latino-americana nos Estados Unidos, discutimos como estas distintas fontes podem ser aplicadas para fortalecer os resultados. Concluímos, discutindo a aplicação da triangulação como um meio de tornar as análises sociológicas acessíveis e relevantes para o campo das políticas, o que acreditamos ser um esforço necessário para assegurar uma perspectiva sociológica no âmbito mais amplo da discussão de políticas.
Ultrasound-stimulated drug release from polymer micro and nanoparticles
Authors: Enayati Marjan , Mohazey Dana al , Edirisinghe Mohan , Stride Eleanor
Published: November 2012

Ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems have great potential for applications requiring stimulated release in vivo with a high degree of control over spatial and temporal location. In this study, systematic investigations were carried out to determine the effect of various ultrasound exposure parameters, in particular, output power, duty cycle and exposure time, on the release rate of a model drug (estradiol), encapsulated in poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide particles of different sizes prepared using electrohydrodynamic processing. The effect of ultrasound exposure on the degradation and surface morphology of the particles was also studied through optical and electron microscopy. There was found to be a positive correlation between drug release and each of the ultrasound parameters investigated, with output power having the most significant effect on both release rate and the morphology of the particles. The increase in surface porosity observed indicates that degradation may be attributed to cavitation phenomena.
Bushfire-enhanced wind load on structures
Authors: Kwok Kenny , He Yaping , Douglas Grahame
Published: November 2012

The association of bushfires with wind has long been recognised, but the mechanism of this interaction has not received due attention. In the current study, a computational fluid dynamics approach was used to reveal the impact of fire-enhanced wind on low-rise building structures. This paper presents the results of a numerical study on bushfire, wind and structure interactions. The fire-enhanced wind was found to significantly distort the wind velocity profile and enhance turbulence properties, and alter the pressure coefficient distributions around a simple building structure represented by a 6 m cube. In particular, the simulated results revealed a significant increase in windward wall pressure coefficient due to the presence of a fire source upstream compared to that without fire. These findings are expected to have a significant impact on the development of improved design practice for the protection of buildings from fire-induced wind storms.