bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain‐Sensitive Temperament and Postoperative Pain
Authors: Kleiber Charmaine , Suwanraj Marisa , Dolan Lori A. , Berg Mary , Kleese Amanda
Published: June 2007

PURPOSE.  To describe the relationship between pain‐sensitive temperament and self‐report of pain intensity following surgery.

DESIGN AND METHODS.  Fifty‐nine adolescents and young adults (average age 14 years) undergoing spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis completed the Sensitivity Temperament Inventory for Pain–Child version (STIP‐C). The Pearson correlation between STIP‐C scores and the highest pain intensity for each of the first three postoperative days was investigated.

RESULTS.  There was a small but significant correlation between the Perceptual Sensitivity and Symptom Reporting subscales of the STIP‐C and pain intensity measured on the third postoperative day.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Aspects of the pain‐sensitive temperament may be important in understanding the variability in postoperative pain. This is the first investigation of the relationship between pain‐sensitive temperament and surgical pain. More research is needed in this area.
Heating Hot Atmospheres with Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: McNamara B.R. , Nulsen P.E.J.
Published: June 2007

High resolution X-ray spectroscopy of the hot gas in galaxy clusters has shown that the gas is not cooling to low temperatures at the predicted rates of hundreds to thousands of solar masses per year. X-ray images have revealed giant cavities and shock fronts in the hot gas that provide a direct and relatively reliable means of measuring the energy injected into hot atmospheres by active galactic nuclei (AGN). Average radio jet powers are near those required to offset radiative losses and to suppress cooling in isolated giant elliptical galaxies, and in larger systems up to the richest galaxy clusters. This coincidence suggests that heating and cooling are coupled by feedback, which suppresses star formation and the growth of luminous galaxies. How jet energy is converted to heat and the degree to which other heating mechanisms are contributing, e.g., thermal conduction, are not well understood. Outburst energies require substantial late growth of supermassive black holes. Unless all of the ∼1062 erg required to suppress star formation is deposited in the cooling regions of clusters, AGN outbursts must alter large-scale properties of the intracluster medium.
Structure and Mechanism of Cadherins and Catenins in Cell-Cell Contacts
Authors: Pokutta Sabine , Weis William I.
Published: June 2007

Cadherins are Ca2+-dependent cell adhesion molecules found in several kinds of cell-cell contact, including adherens junctions and desmosomes. In the presence of Ca2+, cells expressing the same type of cadherin form stable contacts with one another, a phenomenon designated homophilic, or homotypic, adhesion. Most cadherins are single-pass transmembrane proteins whose extracellular regions mediate specific cell-cell interactions. The intracellular faces of these contacts are associated with the actin cytoskeleton in adherens junctions or the intermediate-filament system in desmosomes. The close coordination of the transmembrane adhesion molecules with the cytoskeleton is believed to be essential in coordinating morphogenetic movements of tissues during development and in conferring the appropriate mechanical properties to cell-cell contacts. Structural, biochemical, and biophysical analysis of the molecules that comprise these contacts has provided unique mechanistic insights into the specificity of homophilic adhesion, the functional connection to the underlying cytoskeleton, and the dynamics of junction formation.
Roles of Cyclic Diguanylate in the Regulation of Bacterial Pathogenesis
Authors: Tamayo Rita , Pratt Jason T. , Camilli Andrew
Published: June 2007

Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger of growing recognition involved in the regulation of a number of complex physiological processes. This review describes the biosynthesis and hydrolysis of c-di-GMP and several mechanisms of regulation of c-di-GMP metabolism. The contribution of c-di-GMP to regulating biofilm formation and motility, processes that affect pathogenesis of many bacteria, is described, as is c-di-GMP regulation of virulence gene expression. Finally, ways in which c-di-GMP may mediate these regulatory effects are proposed.
Systematic Errors
Authors: Heinrich Joel , Lyons Louis
Published: June 2007

To introduce the ideas of statistical and systematic errors, this review first describes a simple pendulum experiment. We follow with a brief discussion of the Bayesian and frequentist approaches. Two widely used applications of statistical techniques in particle physics data include extracting ranges for parameters of interest (e.g., mass of the W boson, cross section for top production, neutrino mixing angles, etc.) and assessing the significance of possible signals (e.g., is there evidence for Higgs boson production?). These two topics are first discussed in the absence of systematics, and then methods of incorporating systematic effects are described. We give a detailed discussion of a Bayesian approach to setting upper limits on a Poisson process in the presence of background and/or acceptance uncertainties. The relevance of the choice of priors and how this affects the coverage properties of the method are described.
Taste Receptor Genes
Authors: Bachmanov Alexander A. , Beauchamp Gary K.
Published: June 2007

In the past several years, tremendous progress has been achieved with the discovery and characterization of vertebrate taste receptors from the T1R and T2R families, which are involved in recognition of bitter, sweet, and umami taste stimuli. Individual differences in taste, at least in some cases, can be attributed to allelic variants of the T1R and T2R genes. Progress with understanding how T1R and T2R receptors interact with taste stimuli and with identifying their patterns of expression in taste cells sheds light on coding of taste information by the nervous system. Candidate mechanisms for detection of salts, acids, fat, complex carbohydrates, and water have also been proposed, but further studies are needed to prove their identity.
Transnational Migration Studies: Past Developments and Future Trends
Authors: Levitt Peggy , Jaworsky B. Nadya
Published: June 2007

The past two decades have witnessed a sea change in migration scholarship. Most scholars now recognize that many contemporary migrants and their predecessors maintain various kinds of ties to their homelands at the same time that they are incorporated into the countries that receive them. Increasingly, social life takes place across borders, even as the political and cultural salience of nation-state boundaries remains strong. Transnational migration studies has emerged as an inherently interdisciplinary field, made up of scholars around the world, seeking to describe and analyze these dynamics and invent new methodological tools with which to do so. In this review, we offer a short history of theoretical developments, outlining the different ways in which scholars have defined and approached transnational migration. We then summarize what is known about migrant transnationalism in different arenas—economics, politics, the social, the cultural, and the religious. Finally, we discuss methodological implications for the study of international migration, present promising new scholarship, and highlight future research directions.
European Aid: Human Rights Versus Bureaucratic Inertia?
Authors: Carey Sabine C.
Published: June 2007

Most studies on foreign aid and human rights have ignored the role of bureaucratic inertia in the allocation process. By not controlling for which developing countries have received aid in the past and how much aid they have received, continuity of aid flows remains unaccounted for. Additionally, previous studies have not allowed for a possible non-linear relationship between human rights and aid. This study investigates aid commitments from the European Commission, Germany, France, and the UK, paying attention to non-linear effects of human rights on aid commitments and the role of bureaucratic inertia. Using data from 1978 to 2003, the study investigates how past aid commitments, the level of human rights violations, and substantial changes in the respect for human rights influence the decision of European donors on whom to give aid to, how to choose a new recipient country that did not receive aid previously, and how much aid to give to countries that made it past the gatekeeping stage. Controlling for various donor interests and recipient needs, the results show that, despite donors' emphasis on human rights in official documents, the human rights situation in developing countries does not consistently shape European aid commitments. Only Germany commits less aid to more repressive countries. However, recent substantial improvements of the human rights records are rewarded by both Germany and France when deciding whom to give aid to. Bureaucratic inertia seems to be a major obstacle to the consistent implementation of human rights consideration in European aid allocation.
Kalman filter as a virtual sensor: applied to automotive stability systems
Authors: Wenzel T.A. , Burnham K.J. , Blundell M.V. , Williams R.A.
Published: June 2007

This paper demonstrates the use of an extended Kalman filter (KF) as a virtual sensor for non-measurable vehicle states and unknown vehicle parameters. The purpose of obtaining these values is to make them available within the control algorithms of the various automotive stability systems. Based on an extensive four-wheel vehicle model, an estimator is implemented on data from a test vehicle. Using available reference data, the suitability of the extended KF technique as a virtual sensor is demonstrated.
Changes in potassium concentration and haematocrit associated with cardiopulmonary bypass in paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Vohra Hunaid A. , Adluri Krishna , Willets Robert , Horsburgh Angela , Barron David J. , Brawn William J.
Published: June 2007

Introduction: A blood prime is frequently required for paediatric bypass surgery to maintain adequate haematocrit (Hct). However, stored blood can have high extracellular potassium levels and this study aims to investigate the effect of stored blood on the potassium concentration, both in the prime and subsequently in the patient after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been established. In neonatal surgery, the stored blood may be irradiated if there is a question of impaired immunity. Irradiation may cause a further increase in potassium levels.

Methods: Blood-primed circuits prepared for 320 consecutive paediatric bypass cases were analysed for electrolyte levels, Hct and acid-base status before and immediately after establishment of CPB. Patients were divided into three groups according to body weight (<5kg, 5—10 kg and > 10 kg) and both stored blood and irradiated blood primes were compared.

Results: The potassium concentration was above the physiological range in all bypass primes pre-CPB and was significantly higher when using irradiated blood (8.12 ± 2.54 mmol/L versus 4.94 ± 3.35 mmol/L, p < 0.0001).

Despite this, on commencing CPB, the potassium level remained within the physiological range in the majority of patients (4.16 ± 2.72 mmol/L for stored blood prime and 4.55 ± 1.01 mmol/L for irradiated blood, p = 0.02). However, in smaller patients (< 5 kg) who had irradiated blood prime potassium level > 7.0 mmol/L, there was resultant hyperkalaemia (5.60 ± 0.90 mmol/L) on commencing CPB, that returned to normal later. No adverse clinical events were associated with the hyperkalaemia. Hct was well maintained on CPB (22—25%) in all groups and was not related to patient weight.

Conclusion: Blood primes result in high potassium concentrations in the prime fluid that is more severe if irradiated blood is used. The concentration is not sufficient to cause hyperkalaemia in the patients on commencing CPB except when irradiated blood prime is used in infants < 5 kg. Hct is well maintained in all patient groups with the use of blood prime. Perfusion (2007) 22, 87—92.
Does cold blood cardioplegia solution cause deterioration in clinical pulmonary function following coronary artery bypass graft surgery?
Authors: McFarlane Tamra , Kleinloog Robert
Published: June 2007

Objective: Deterioration in pulmonary function is a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft surgery and there is still speculation to the precise causative factors thereof. Cardioplegia solution not drained by the atriocaval cannula enters the lung parenchyma unless removed by a pulmonary artery (PA) vent. The hypothesis of the present study was that cold blood cardioplegia solution damages the lung parenchyma, resulting in an observed deterioration of clinical lung function.

Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomised trial was conducted on 142 patients. The study group of 71 patients had a PA vent inserted at the time of cannulation, preventing cardioplegia from going through the lungs. In addition, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was applied and low-volume lung ventilation carried out during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The control group (n = 71) had cardioplegia enter the lung parenchyma during cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinical parameters of arterial blood gases, including estimated shunt fraction, spirometry tests and radiographic analysis was made preoperatively and at set times through the postoperative period.

Results: Baseline demographics and intraoperative and postoperative management was the same in both groups, thus, yielding a homogenous sample for analysis. Significant changes were noted in arterial blood gases, spirometry, and radiographic analysis of effusion and atelectasis over the time periods studied (p < 0.001). There was, however, no significant difference between the study and control groups at any point (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The data, therefore, suggest that allowing cold blood cardioplegia solution to circulate the lungs during cardiopulmonary bypass does not have any (beneficial or detrimental) effect on clinical lung function postoperatively. Perfusion (2007) 22, 103—113.
Do NMDA receptor antagonist models of schizophrenia predict the clinical efficacy of antipsychotic drugs?
Authors: Large Charles H.
Published: June 2007

N-methyL-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine and phencyclidine, induce perceptual abnormalities, psychosis-like symptoms, and mood changes in healthy humans and patients with schizophrenia. The similarity between NMDA receptor antagonist-induced psychosis and schizophrenia has led to the widespread use of the drugs to provide models to aid the development of novel treatments for the disorder. This review investigates the predictive validity of NMDA receptor antagonist models based on a range of novel treatments that have now reached clinical trials. Furthermore, it considers the extent to which the different hypotheses that have been proposed to account for the psychotomimetic effects of NMDA receptor antagonist have been validated by the results of these trials. Finally, the review discusses some of the caveats associated with use of the models and some suggestions as to how a greater use of translational markers might ensure progress in understanding the relationship between the models and schizophrenia.
Perceptual organization in ketamine users: preliminary evidence of deficits on night of drug use but not 3 days later
Authors: Uhlhaas Peter J. , Millard Isobel , Muetzelfeldt Leslie , Curran H. Valerie , Morgan CeLia J.A.
Published: June 2007

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists such as ketamine can induce transient schizophrenia-like symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions in healthy voLunteers similar to those observed in patients with schizophrenia. Perceptual organization deficits have been documented in schizophrenia and are thought to be related to some symptoms associated with the illness. The current study was designed to determine whether people who repeatedly self-administer ketamine would also show deficits in perceptual organization. Using a psychophysically well-controlled measure of contour integration, we compared a group of recreational users ( n = 16) to a group of poly-drug using controls ( n = 16). Contour integration performance was measured on the night of drug use and 3 days later when drug free. The results showed that on the night of drug use, ketamine produced a dysfunction in contour integration however, this was not present 3 days Later when drug free. Levels of dissociation were also higher in ketamine users ony on the night of drug use. These preliminary data provide some support for the role of NMDA-receptor hypofunctioning in dysfunctional coordination of cognitive activity.
The oncology impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Schlichemeyer Richard , Chambers Carole , Gill M. John
Published: June 2007

Objective. To examine the impact of using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected population on the chemotherapy related costs of treating acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS)-related cancers. Methods. We used the Southern Alberta Clinic (SAC) database to define the incidence and prevalence of AIDS-related cancers in a geographically defined HIV population in both the pre- HAART and HAART eras, and subsequently, the Alberta Cancer Board Pharmacy database to determine the chemotherapy associated costs of the cancer treatment. Results. During both eras, 60% of AIDS-related cancer patients received chemotherapy. The absolute number of patients treated in the pre-HAART era was 70, but during the HAART era, due to the decreased incidence of these cancers, only 13 patients received chemotherapy. The number of distinct regimens used for AIDS cancer treatment standardised, and decreased from 29 to six between eras. The average per patient cost of chemotherapy in the pre-HAART era was $6111, while in the HAART era it rose to $8817. However, the cost avoidance in chemotherapy costs, due to HAART use in the ‘at risk’ population, averaged $123 439/year or $471 per ‘at risk’ patient. Conclusion. The introduction of HAART has dramatically reduced the amount spent on chemotherapy due to a decreased incidence of AIDSrelated cancers, even though the individual patient treatments have become more effective and expensive. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2007) 13: 17-25.
Gastrointestinal chronic graft-versus-host disease: management options
Authors: Awan Farrukh , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: June 2007

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common and debilitating condition afflicting a number of allogeneic stem cell recipients more than 100 days after their transplant. Limited options are available for the acute management of patients with severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including gastric bleeding. Along with increased immunosuppression and aggressive supportive care, we report here the use of aminocaproic acid in the management of patients with GI bleeding resulting from severe GVHD. The use of aminocaproic acid enabled us to reduce the frequency and number of blood product transfusions required to manage our patient. Anti-fibrinolytic agents may therefore serve as useful adjunctive but underutilized therapy in the management of patients with severe GI chronic GVHD. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2007) 13: 49–51.
Stability of a heparin-free 50% ethanol lock solution for central venous catheters
Authors: Pomplun Marcia , Johnson Jeremy J. , Johnston Susan , Kolesar Jill M
Published: June 2007

Objectives. To determine the stability of a compounded 50% ethanol solution (v/v) in syringes used for ethanol locks for central venous catheters. Design. Syringes were compounded with 50% ethanol solution (v/v) and were tested for ethanol concentration over a 28 day period. Syringes were stored at room temperature not protected from light and assayed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 21, and 28. Ethanolic content was determined using gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/ FID) Varian CP-WAX58 (FFAP) CB capillary column. Setting. University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center. Results. The mean value for all samples over 28 days was found to be 47.08% with a standard deviation of 2.72. Mean ethanol concentrations ranged from 43 to 52% over the 28 day period and did not vary with time. Conclusions. Ethanol is an effective disinfectant against a broad range of micro-organisms, including bacteria and fungi. Retrospective trials have suggested that the efficacy of an ethanol lock solution is superior to systemic antibiotics to treat and/or prevent central line venous infections; however, there is not a commercially available pharmaceutical product and ethanol 50% solutions are currently compounded. These findings suggest that a 50% (v/v) ethanol solution stored in a syringe at room temperature, not protected from light is stable over a 28 day period. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2007) 13: 33–37.
Determination of the optimal combination chemotherapy regimen for treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in nude mouse model
Authors: Saucier Jenifer M. , Yu Jiang , Gaikwad Anjali , Coleman Robert L. , Wolf Judith K. , Smith Judith A.
Published: June 2007

Objective. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential to increase the in vivo activity of liposomal doxorubicin when administered in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents such as topotecan, docetaxel, gemcitabine, capecitabine, or celecoxib in an ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model to identify new treatment options for recurrent platinum-sensitive/resistant ovarian cancer. Methods. This was a five-arm study in two xenograft ovarian cancer mouse models, ES-2 (platinum-sensitive), and OVCAR3 (platinumresistant), to evaluate the combination of liposomal doxorubicin with the common chemotherapeutic agents. Each cell line had five mice for each treatment arm, five vehicle control mice, and five liposomal doxorubicin alone control mice. Experiments were done in duplicate. Results. The percentage tumor reduction ranged from 52% to 74.1% for the single-agent treatment arms. Tumor growth inhibition and regression (response) was improved on the combination treatment arms ranging from 76.1% to 100%.We observed increased activity in the liposomal doxorubicin plus topotecan arm, with a 27.3% improvement in response, compared with either agent alone. Conclusions. The addition of liposomal doxorubicin demonstrated increased antitumor activity compared with either agent used alone. The most active combination treatment arm was liposomal doxorubicin with topotecan which is consistent with recent clinical study reports of enhanced activity with the combination of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II agents. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety to optimize the combination of liposomal doxorubicin and topotecan for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer.
Prevalence of tobacco use in individuals with severe mental illnesses, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ratto Lilian R C , Menezes Paulo R , Gulinelli André
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of cigarette smoking in individuals with severe mental illnesses in a large urban centre of a middle income country. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in São Paulo. The sample (N=192) comprised individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses who had contact with public psychiatric care services from September to November 1997 and were aged between 18 and 65 years. Prevalence of daily tobacco smoking in the 12 months previous to the interview and characteristics associated were studied. RESULTS: Out of 192 subjects with severe mental illnesses interviewed, 115 (59.9%; 95% CI: 52.6%; 66.9%) reported smoking cigarettes on a daily basis. Male gender, marital status separated or widowed, irregular use of neuroleptic drugs and history of ten or more psychiatric admissions were independently associated with cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cigarette smoking in the present sample was higher than that found in the general Brazilian population. Mental care services should implement non-smoking policies and mental health providers need to help patients with severe mental illness who want to quit smoking.
Pesquisa de compra de bebidas alcoólicas por adolescentes em duas cidades do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Romano Marcos , Duailibi Sérgio , Pinsky Ilana , Laranjeira Ronaldo
Published: June 2007

OBJETIVO: O consumo de álcool é um problema de saúde pública. A disponibilidade comercial é um importante fator no estímulo ao consumo de álcool por adolescentes. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar com que freqüência menores de 18 anos conseguem comprar bebidas alcoólicas em estabelecimentos comerciais. MÉTODOS: Adolescentes com idades entre 13 e 17 anos tentaram comprar bebidas alcoólicas em uma amostra aleatória de estabelecimentos comerciais em Paulínia (N=108) e Diadema (N=426), no Estado de São Paulo. O estudo foi realizado em novembro e dezembro de 2003 em Paulínia e de julho de 2004 a agosto de 2005 em Diadema. Eles foram orientados a não mentir sobre sua idade quando questionados e a dizer que a bebida era para consumo próprio. Os testes estatísticos realizados foram bi-caudais e o nível de significância considerado foi de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Adolescentes abaixo da idade mínima legal conseguiram comprar bebidas alcoólicas em uma primeira tentativa em 85,2% dos locais testados em Paulínia e em 82,4% em Diadema. Os adolescentes compraram bebidas alcoólicas com a mesma facilidade em todos os estabelecimentos pesquisados. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados mostraram uma quase unânime facilidade de obtenção de bebidas alcoólicas, sugerindo a relevância do problema nestas cidades (e provavelmente no Brasil). Ressalta-se a importância da adoção de políticas específicas para esta faixa etária, no sentido de reduzir o consumo de álcool.
Fatores associados ao sedentarismo no lazer em idosos, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Zaitune Maria Paula do Amaral , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , César Chester Luiz Galvão , Carandina Luana , Goldbaum Moisés
Published: June 2007

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a prevalência de sedentários no lazer (que referem não praticar nenhum exercício físico no lazer ao menos uma vez por semana) em idosos de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, segundo fatores demográficos e sócio-econômicos, outros comportamentos relacionados à saúde e à presença de morbidades. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, com amostragem em múltiplos estágios. A análise dos dados levou em conta o desenho amostral. A prevalência de sedentários foi 70,9%, sendo que as razões de prevalências foram significativamente maiores que um para os idosos de menor renda (1,31: 1,11-1,55), tabagistas (1,39: 1,23-1,57), com transtorno mental comum (1,20: 1,04-1,39) e do sexo feminino (1,16: 1,00-1,35). A prevalência de caminhada foi 23,5%, seguida por ginástica ou musculação (3,8%) e por natação ou hidroginástica (3,6%). Os resultados apontam para a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ações globais com respeito aos comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Atenção especial deve ser dada aos idosos do sexo feminino, àqueles com transtorno mental comum e aos de menor nível sócio-econômico a fim de garantir eqüidade em relação às práticas de promoção da saúde.
Projeto Integrar: avaliação da implantação de serviços integrados de saúde no Município de Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
Authors: Costa-e-Silva Vanessa , Rivera Francisco Javier Uribe , Hortale Virginia Alonso
Published: June 2007

Este artigo descreve uma experiência de integração entre serviços de saúde, Projeto Integrar, em Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil, e analisa sua contribuição para o desenvolvimento de práticas de cuidado integral. O estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa, realizado no período de 2000 a 2003, identificou potencialidades desse projeto referentes ao cuidado materno infantil, à educação permanente em saúde e à estratégia de saúde da família, mas também identificou dificuldades de instituir projetos terapêuticos de forma integrada entre os profissionais do Programa Saúde da Família e profissionais do centro de especialidades. Verificou-se que grande parte da proposta de trabalho não se viabilizou, evidenciando a necessidade de revisão da estratégia adotada, incluindo novas formas de comunicação e o desenvolvimento de uma maior cooperação formal para além da coordenação informal existente hoje entre indivíduos, equipes ou serviços, com base na lógica de contratualização nos serviços públicos de saúde. As normas dialogicamente negociadas em um contrato de gestão possibilitariam o envolvimento dos profissionais no compartilhamento de metas comuns e mudança nos processos de trabalho. Mudança através de ferramentas gerenciais e também de novos valores que tragam responsabilização.
The Erotic and the Pornographic in Chicana Rap
Authors: Bragg Beauty , McFarland Pancho
Published: June 2007

The discourse on gender and sexuality in rap music is dominated by the pornographic. Women of color contending with demeaning pornographic images have entered the discourse though many routes. JV and Ms. Sancha exemplify the two predominant approaches to discussing gender, sexuality, and power by female rappers of Mexican descent. The concepts of “the erotic” and “porn” are used to describe and examine the work of these two artists. Like feminists of color before her, JV invokes the power of the erotic to challenge male-centered discussions of sexuality. Comparison of the works of each artist helps clarify the difficulties women encounter when attempting to intervene in male-dominated cultural spaces. Each artist contends with the misogyny of the dominant culture that largely sanctions pornography and denies the erotic.
New experimental design method for highly nonlinear and dimensional processes
Authors: Zhang Guiying , Olsen Matthew M. , Block David E.
Published: June 2007

A novel nonlinear experimental design scheme to identify the optimum of a multidimensional system was computationally evaluated. The method, a hybrid neural network‐genetic algorithm coupled with a fuzzy clustering technique, was developed to accumulate former experimental knowledge and suggest optimal operating conditions for future experimentation. Because of the uncertainty associated with complex systems, several response surfaces with various degrees of complexity and dimensionality were used as case studies for evaluating the new methodology to gain insight into the challenges that may be presented by arbitrary experimental optimization problems in practice. The long‐term objective of this work is to develop an experimental design scheme that will discover the best process operating conditions for any difficult process optimization problem in as few experiments as possible. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm performance is not significantly affected by parameters such as the number of experiments in a batch of experimentation and convergence criteria for the genetic algorithm as well as for various noise levels below 15%. However, higher noise levels, complexity, and dimensionality decrease its performance. Even at higher levels of noise, complexity, and dimensionality, though, the new approach finds significantly better solutions than those found with traditional statistical experimental design methods, with similar or only slightly more experiments. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Tuning the Electronic Properties of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Leuthäußer Steffen , Schwarz Daniela , Plenio Herbert
Published: June 2007

The electron‐donating properties of N‐heterocyclic carbenes ([N,N′‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imidazol]‐2‐ylidene and the respective dihydro ligands) with 4,4′‐R‐substituted aryl rings (4,4′‐R=NEt2, OC12H25, Me, H, Br, S(4‐tolyl), SO(4‐tolyl), SO2(4‐tolyl)) were studied. Twelve new N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were synthesized as well as the respective iridium complexes [IrCl(cod)(NHC)] and [IrCl(CO)2(NHC)]. Cyclic voltammetry (ΔE1/2) and IR ($\tilde \nu $(CO)) can be used to measure the electron‐donating properties of the carbene ligands. Modifying the 4‐positions with electron‐withdrawing substituents (4‐R=−SO2Ar, ΔE1/2=+0.92 V) results in NHC ligands with virtually the same electron‐donating capacity as a trialkylphosphine in [IrCl(cod)(PCy3)] (ΔE1/2 =+0.95 V), while [IrCl(cod)(NHC)] complexes with 4‐R=NEt2 (ΔE1/2= +0.59 V) show drastically more cathodic redox potentials and significantly enhanced donating properties.
Analysis of Physical and Chemical Parameters for Discrimination of Water Origin in a Hydroelectric Reservoir
Authors: Barreto Wagner José , Scarminio Ieda , Solci Maria Cristina , Ishikawa Dílson Norio , Tiemi Ogasawara Melissa , Nomi Sônia Naomi , Giancoli Barreto Sônia Regina
Published: June 2007

Seventeen physical and chemical parameters were obtained from a hydroelectric reservoir located in a tropical region in the south of Brazil. Multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Group Analysis (HGA) were used to identify the parameters discriminating the origin of water from the Tibagi and the Primeiro de Maio River, after it has passed the mixing region. The study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons in July 2002 and February 2003 at three depths and three sampling sites located 0, 5, and 10 km away from the mixing region. The statistical methods showed to be appropriate for identifying the contribution of each tributary in the water mixing site of a complex water system. The most important discriminating parameter was the absorbance relation A(253 nm)/A(203 nm), followed by the concentrations of Fe(III), Mn(III), and Ni(II). An anthropogenic interference was found in the reservoir due to high Ni(II) and orthophosphate concentrations caused by a nearby town sewage discharge. The interference was more important during the dry periods due to the lower dispersion of the pollutants. Urgent initiatives should be taken from the state government to build treatment stations for the wastewater of the small cities around the Capivara hydroelectric reservoir to prevent the drinking water quality from deteriorating.
Reductive Degradation of Polychlorinated Phenols by Pd/C‐Formate: An Ecoefficient Remediation Method for Aqueous Chlorinated Phenols
Authors: Hartung Rainer , Lenoir Dieter , Henkelmann Bernhard , Schulte‐Hostede Sigurd , Schramm Karl‐Werner
Published: June 2007

A new catalytic dehydrohalogenation method for chlorinated phenols is described, which can be used to break down chlorinated pollutants in wastewater. It uses a system of Pd‐C as catalyst with sodium formate as reducing agent. This economic method is easy to perform with a complete degradation of the pollutant within 12 to 30 h at room temperature. The ecoefficieny of the procedure is compared with eleven alternative methods showing the special advantages of the method.
Determination of the Optimal Location of the Air Hole in Venturi Aerators
Authors: Baylar Ahmet , Unsal Mehmet , Ozkan Fahri
Published: June 2007

Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important water quality parameters. Aeration improves the water quality by maintaining good dissolved oxygen levels in water. Dissolved oxygen enters water by entrainment of air bubbles. A method of aeration that has become popular in recent years is the venturi aeration. In the present paper, experimental studies were conducted to investigate the effect of the location of the air hole in venturi tubes upon air injection. It was observed from the results that the location of the air hole playes a significant role for the air injection. The optimal air hole location that maximized the air injection in venturi aerators was determined.
Synthesis, Stability Constant Determination, and Structural Study of Some Complexes of a Zinc Triad Containing Pyridyl‐amine‐quinoline and Pyridyl‐thio‐quinoline
Authors: Canovese Luciano , Visentin Fabiano , Chessa Gavino , Levi Carlo , Dolmella Alessandro
Published: June 2007

The potentially fluorescent and terdentate ligands containing nitrogen or sulfur as coordinating atom were synthesized and used in the formation of perchlorate or chloride complexes of the metals of the Zn triad. The reaction of the ligands with metal perchlorate salts yields the corresponding bis‐chelate derivatives, whereas the same ligands react with metal chloride salts to give monochelate complexes. All of these complexes undergo NMR‐scale fast fluxional rearrangement in solution. Some structural X‐ray diffractometric studies were also performed and the ensuing data confirm the surmised structures and the solution rearrangement in the case of monochelate substrates and of one Hg derivative, respectively. The equilibrium constants of formation in the case of monochelate derivatives were also determined in water by means of spectrophotometric titration of the studied ligand with the metal ions. The values of the equilibrium constants were confirmed by supplementary determination taking into account the exchange between two different metals and/or dissociation equilibria. The fluorescence activity of ligands and complexes was eventually studied and notably onefluorescent silent ligand gives rise to fluorescent zinc derivatives. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Reaction of Isocyanate‐Functionalised Silicon Wafers with Complex Amino Compounds
Authors: Perzyna Aurore , Zotto Christophe Dal , Durand Jean‐Olivier , Granier Michel , Smietana Michael , Melnyk Oleg , Stará Irena G. , Starý Ivo , Klepetářová Blanka , Šaman David
Published: June 2007

A feasible method of grafting complex amine structures (methyl ester of glycine, Rho‐Lys‐Arg‐NH2, amine‐terminated oligonucleotide and 7,8,11,12‐tetrahydro‐5‐hexahelicenamine) onto a silicon wafer surface is described. The two step process comprises (1) anchoring 10‐isocyanatodecyltrichlorosilane to a 1.8–2‐nm thin silica layer on a single silicon wafer crystal (100) and (2) the attachment of amine substrates through a urea linkage by reacting those with isocyanate groups on the wafer surface. Both steps can be monitored by ATR FTIR showing the appearance/disappearance of the isocyanate band. Measuring the contact angles along with the AFM imaging of the surfaces indicated the formation of the monolayers.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Enantioselective separation of the novel antidepressant mirtazapine and its main metabolites by CEC
Authors: Aturki Zeineb , Scotti Valentina , D'Orazio Giovanni , Rocco Anna , Raggi Maria Augusta , Fanali Salvatore
Published: June 2007

In this work, the simultaneous enantioseparation of the second‐generation antidepressant drug mirtazapine and its main metabolites 8‐hydroxymirtazapine and N‐desmethylmirtazapine by chiral CEC is reported. The separation of all enantiomers under study was achieved employing a capillary column packed with a vancomycin‐modified diol stationary phase. With the aim to optimize the separation of the three pairs of enantiomers in the same run, different experimental parameters were studied including the mobile phase composition (buffer concentration and pH, organic modifier type and ratio, and water content), stationary phase composition, and capillary temperature. A capillary column packed with vancomycin mixed with silica particles in the ratio (3:1) and a mobile phase composed of 100 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 6)/H2O/MeOH/ACN (5:15:30:50, by vol.) allowed the complete enantioresolution of each pair of enantiomers but not the simultaneous separation of all the studied compounds. For this purpose, a packing bed composed of vancomycin‐CSP only was tested and the baseline resolution of the three couples of enantiomers was achieved in a single run in less than 30 min, setting the applied voltage and temperature at 25 kV and 20°C, respectively. In order to show the potential applicability of the developed CEC method to biomedical analysis, a study concerning precision, sensitivity, and linearity was performed. The method was then applied to the separation of the enantiomers in a human urine sample spiked with the studied compounds after suitable SPE procedure with strong cation‐exchange (SCX) cartridges.
The pentapeptide KTTKS promoting the expressions of type I collagen and transforming growth factor‐β of tendon cells
Authors: Tsai Wen‐Chung , Hsu Chih‐Chin , Chung Chia‐Ying , Lin Miao‐Sui , Li Sung‐Lung , Pang Jong‐Hwei S.
Published: June 2007

Pentapeptide KTTKS, a subfragment of type I collagen propeptide, has been demonstrated to promote the extracellular release of collagen in fibroblasts. The present study was designed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of KTTKS on type I collagen expression of rat Achilles tendon cells. Genes related to the upregulation of collagen expression such as transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and mRNA‐binding proteins (mRBP) E1 and K were also examined. MTT assay revealed cell viability was not affected by KTTKS treatment. Protein expression of type I collagen was determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results showed that KTTKS induced type I collagen expression of tendon cells. The mRNA expressions of α1(I) procollagen, TGF‐β, mRBP K, as determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), were also enhanced after KTTKS treatment. The stability of preexisting α1(I) procollagen mRNA after the addition of α‐amanitin was analyzed by RT‐PCR at 24 and 48 h. Results showed that KTTKS slowed down the degradation of α1(I) procollagen mRNA (p = 0.021). Furthermore, the concentration of TGF‐β in conditioned medium, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, increased dose dependently in cells treated with KTTKS (p = 0.001). In conclusion, KTTKS promotes the expression of type I collagen and maintains its mRNA stability in a process associated with the upregulation of TGF‐β. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1629–1634, 2007
Computer‐aided surgery using 3D rendering of maxillofacial pathology and trauma
Authors: Fernandes Rui , DiPasquale Juliana
Published: June 2007

Background Technological advances in the field of robotics and computer‐assisted surgery continue to revolutionize medicine and surgery. The specialty of maxillofacial surgery has benefited from this advancement. One of the areas of the specialty where this advancement has made significant contributions is in the management of complex soft tissue and bony pathological conditions. Equally significant benefits have also been seen in the reconstruction of traumatic facial defects.

Methods Reviews of the literature and retrospective cases from the University of Florida College of Medicine at Jacksonville were undertaken.

Results An update on the current use of three‐dimensional (3D) imaging of maxillofacial pathology and a report of a case example are presented.

Conclusion The use of computer‐aided rendering of 3D images of the disease process or defects allows for the surgeon to manipulate the information in the preoperative setting to aid in the planning of the surgery. This preoperative planning is, in effect, a simulation of the planned surgery. This paper reviews one of the commonly used methods of integrating computer‐aided surgery in the daily practice of maxillofacial surgery. The advantages as well as the drawbacks of this technique are reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic Coupling Between Azurin and Gold at Different Protein/Substrate Orientations
Authors: Venkat Anurag Setty , Corni Stefano , Di Felice Rosa
Published: June 2007

By means of constrained classical molecular dynamics simulations, we have computed the structure of azurin deposited on a Au(111) surface at different possible orientations and the azimuthal forces acting on the protein at each sampled conformation. We have then evaluated the effect of the angular variation on the speed of electron tunneling between the protein redox site and the metal surface. We find that the azurin/gold electronic coupling has a strong dependence on the molecular orientation and is greatly enhanced by inclining the protein to lie as flat as possible on the surface. We discuss the implications of our results for scanning probe microscopy experiments in which tunneling currents are measured while the protein is subjected to mechanical forces exerted by the tip of the instrument.
Crystal Structure Determination of Thallium Carbodiimide, Tl2NCN
Authors: Stork Ludwig , Liu Xiaohui , Fokwa Boniface P. T. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: June 2007

Orange‐red single crystals of thallium carbodiimide, Tl2NCN, have been grown from an aqueous solution of cyanamide and thallium carbonate under strongly basic conditions. Tl2NCN crystallizes in space group with a = 5.338(1), b = 6.626(2), c = 9.645(3) Å, α = 98.765(4)°, β = 98.685(4)°, γ = 113.178(4)°, and Z = 3; the structure can be considered a strongly distorted anti‐CdI2 type. One finds two crystallographically different and irregular [NCN]Tl6 octahedra in which the Tl–N distances of the three‐coordinate monovalent thallium ions lie between 2.52 and 2.72Å. The two symmetry‐inequivalent NCN2− units adopt the carbodiimide shape, and the course of its molar volume as a function of the monovalent counter cation is analyzed.
The Monomerization of a Binuclear Molybdenum(VI) Dioxo Complex by an Unusual Silylation Reaction
Authors: Ma Xiaoli , Yang Zhi , Schulzke Carola , Ringe Arne , Magull Jörg
Published: June 2007

The formation of a mononuclear molybdenum(VI) complex [MoO2{O(CH2)2S(CH2)2OH}(OSiButPh2)] (2) derived from its binuclear precursor [MoO2{O(CH2)2S(CH2)2O}]2 (1) by a silylation reaction accompanied by the conversion of methanol to chloromethane is reported.
On the Search of Metallated Sulfonamides: Synthesis and X‐ray Characterization of the New Sulfathiazolato Nickel(II)‐Chelate Complex [Ni(STZ)2(Py)2]·2Py (STZ = Sulfathiazolato Anion; Sulfathiazole = N1‐2‐thiazolyl‐sulfanilamide; Py = Pyridine)
Authors: de Oliveira Gelson Manzoni , Soccol Gris Lara Regina , de Lourenço Marques Lenice , Schulz Lang Ernesto
Published: June 2007

Sulfathiazole (HSTZ) reacts with triethylamine and Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O in methanol and further with pyridine to give the sulfathiazolato complex [Ni(STZ)2(Py)2]·2Py. In the new chelate complex the deprotonated sulfonamidic nitrogen atom does not take part in the coordination process, apparently retaining the negative charge. Two (STZ)− moieties are symmetrically bonded to the Ni2+ ion through a thiazolyl nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom of the S(O)2 group. Two pyridine molecules accomplish the fairly distorted octahedral coordination at the metal centre.
ECOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL PRESSURE ON MARRIAGE SEASONALITY IN THE PRINCIPALITY OF ANDORRA
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍN A.
Published: June 2007

The Principality of Andorra is a small European state located in the central Pyrenees. Since the Middle Ages, it has retained political independence from its two neighbouring countries, France and Spain. Until recently, Andorra maintained a relative stable population and was dependent upon agriculture and livestock. Since 1940, however, a marked change in these conditions has given rise to an explosive increase in the size of the population and traditional systems of production have been replaced by tourism, commerce and service industries. These changes have influenced the model of nuptial seasonality. Based on data from 10,188 marriage certificates covering a period from 1606 to 1960, nuptial seasonality was assessed by estimating Henry’s seasonality coefficient. Temporal and geographic changes in the seasonality model were assessed using linear regression analysis and analysis of variance. In addition, the Ũhindex – an estimate of the intensity of the seasonality model – is proposed to assess changes in the different seasonality models. The results indicate a relaxation of seasonality over time and in those parishes in which substantial demographic and socioeconomic change has occurred in recent years, suggesting a strong dependence of seasonality on the system of production.