bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Operative Mortality With Implantation of a Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device and Impact of Concurrent Cardiac Procedures
Authors: Pal Jay D. , Klodell Charles T. , John Ranjit , Pagani Francis D. , Rogers Joseph G. , Farrar David J. , Milano Carmelo A.
Published: September 2009

Background—

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of concurrent cardiac procedures (CCP) on patient outcomes after HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device implantation.

Methods and Results—

Two hundred eighty-one patients underwent implantation of a HMII as a bridge to transplantation from March 2005 to March 2007. One hundred seventy patients had an HMII implanted only, and 81 patients underwent concurrent cardiac procedures in conjunction with HMII implantation (HMII+CCP). Of these, 47 patients had concurrent valvular procedures, 15 patients had simultaneous closure of patent foramen ovale, and 19 patients had other various cardiac procedures. Patients requiring right ventricular assist device support or noncardiac procedures were excluded. Preoperative characteristics were similar for patients with and without concurrent cardiac procedures. Overall 30-day mortality was 5.8% for the HMII group and 11.3% for the HMII+CCP group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that simultaneous patent foramen ovale closure was not associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate, but concurrent valvular procedures increased the risk to 8.5%. Patients who underwent an aortic valve procedure had a 30-day mortality rate of 25%, higher than for isolated concurrent mitral (0%) or tricuspid repair (3.3%). Survival at 180 days was 87% for HMII alone and 80% for HMII+CCP. The hazard ratio for concurrent cardiac procedures adjusted for baseline parameters was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.07 to 3.10,
P
=0.026).

Conclusions—

There is a low 5.8% operative mortality rate for patients requiring uncomplicated HMII implantation, with no apparent increased risk for concurrent patent foramen ovale closure or mitral or tricuspid repair. However, concurrent aortic valve and other cardiac procedures are associated with significantly decreased perioperative and long-term survival.
Stem Cells for Myocardial Repair With Use of a Transarterial Catheter
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Jameel Mohammad Nurulqadr , Li Qinglu , Mansoor Abdul , Qiang Xiong , Swingen Cory , Panetta Carmelo , Zhang Jianyi
Published: September 2009

Background—

Using a swine model of postinfarction left ventricle (LV) remodeling, we investigated marrow-derived, multipotent progenitor cell (MPC) transplantation into hearts with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) via a novel transarterial catheter.

Methods and Results—

The left anterior descending coronary artery was balloon-occluded after percutaneous transluminal angiography to generate AMI (60-minute no-flow ischemia). The transarterial catheter was then placed in the same coronary artery, and either 50×10
6
MPCs (cell group, n=6) or saline (control, n=6) was injected into the border zone (BZ) myocardium. LV function was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging before AMI and at 1 and 4 weeks after AMI, whereas myocardial energy metabolism was assessed by
31
P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy at week 4. One week after AMI, the ejection fraction was significantly reduced in both groups from a baseline of ≈50% to 31.3±3.9% (cell group) and 33.3±3.1% (control). However, at week 4, the cell group had a significant recovery in ejection fraction. The functional improvements were accompanied by a significant improvement in myocardial bioenergetics. Histologic data demonstrated a 0.55% cell engraftment rate 4 weeks after MPC transplantation. Only 2% of engrafted cells were costaining positive for cardiogenic markers. Vascular density in the BZ was increased in the cell group. Conditioned medium from cultured MPCs contained high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, which was increased in response to hypoxia. MPCs cocultured with cardiomyocytes inhibited changes in cardiomyocyte mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome
c
release induced by tumor necrosis factor-α.

Conclusions—

Thus, a paracrine effect may contribute significantly to the observed therapeutic effects of MPC transplantation.
Numerical Investigation of Collision-Induced Breakup of Raindrops. Part I: Methodology and Dependencies on Collision Energy and Eccentricity
Authors: Schlottke Jan , Straub Winfried , Beheng Klaus Dieter , Gomaa Hassan , Weigand Bernhard
Published: September 2009

Binary collisions of large raindrops moving with terminal fall velocity are numerically investigated using FS3D, a direct numerical simulation (DNS) code based on the “volume of fluid” method. The result of this process can be a permanent coalescence or a temporal coalescence followed by a breakup of the coalesced system into smaller-sized remnants of the original raindrops and a number of fragment droplets of different sizes. In total, 32 drop pairs are studied with sizes chosen to cover nearly completely the entire size parameter range relevant to breakup. This is an important extension of investigations performed in 1982 by Low and List, who studied 10 drop pairs only. Moreover, eccentricity has been introduced as an additional parameter controlling the collision outcome. Eccentricity is defined as the horizontal distance of the initial drops’ centers with values equal to approximately 0 for centric and 1 for grazing collisions.

The main results include numerically calculated data of coalescence efficiencies and fragment size distributions with emphasis on eccentricity effects. It is shown that eccentricity largely determines the appearance of specific breakup modes and consequently the respective fragment size distributions. Comparisons are made with the main findings of Low and List. Coalescence efficiency values larger than those derived by Low and List show up for very small Weber numbers. Additionally, the existence of their definite limit value of collision kinetic energy necessary for coalescence could not be confirmed. The fragment size distributions are in some cases similar to those measured by Low and List but there are also major differences for other cases. The presented results are used for parameterizations of coalescence efficiencies and fragment size distributions as well as for calculations of stationary drop spectra shown in Part II of this study.
Diurnal Variations of Global Thunderstorms and Electrified Shower Clouds and Their Contribution to the Global Electrical Circuit
Authors: Liu Chuntao , Williams Earle R. , Zipser Edward J. , Burns Gary
Published: September 2009

The long-standing mainstay of support for C. T. R. Wilson’s global circuit hypothesis is the similarity between the diurnal variation of thunderstorm days in universal time and the Carnegie curve of electrical potential gradient. This rough agreement has sustained the widespread view that thunderstorms are the “batteries” for the global electrical circuit. This study utilizes 10 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations to quantify the global occurrence of thunderstorms with much better accuracy and to validate the comparison by F. J. W. Whipple 80 years ago. The results support Wilson’s original ideas that both thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds contribute to the DC global circuit by virtue of negative charge carried downward by precipitation. First, the precipitation features (PFs) are defined by grouping the pixels with rain using 10 years of TRMM observations. Thunderstorms are identified from these PFs with lightning flashes observed by the Lightning Imaging Sensor. PFs without lightning flashes but with a 30-dBZ radar echo-top temperature lower than −10°C over land and −17°C over ocean are selected as possibly electrified shower clouds. The universal diurnal variation of rainfall, the raining area from the thunderstorms, and possibly electrified shower clouds in different seasons are derived and compared with the diurnal variations of the electric field observed at Vostok, Antarctica. The result shows a substantially better match from the updated diurnal variations of the thunderstorm area to the Carnegie curve than Whipple showed. However, to fully understand and quantify the amount of negative charge carried downward by precipitation in electrified storms, more observations of precipitation current in different types of electrified shower clouds are required.
On the Relationships between the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Precipitation Variability in Southern Iran and the Arabian Peninsula: Atmospheric Circulation Analysis
Authors: Nazemosadat M. J. , Ghaedamini H.
Published: September 2009

The influence of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on daily, monthly, and seasonal precipitation was investigated for southern Iran and the Arabian Peninsula using November–April data for the period of 1979–2005. The positive MJO phase is considered to be the periods for which the enhanced convection center was placed over the south Indonesian–north Australian region. On the other hand, the convection center shifts over the western Indian Ocean tropics and most of the study area as the negative MJO phase prevails.

Seasonal precipitation and the frequency of wet events were significantly increased during the negative phase. The ratios of the precipitation amount during the negative phase to the corresponding values during the positive phase were about 1.75–2.75 and 2.75–4.00 for the southwestern and southeastern parts of Iran, respectively. This ratio reached to about 3.00 for Riyadh, 4.20 and 5.50 for Masqat and Doha, 2.10 for Kuwait, and 1.20 for Bahrain. The results of the seasonal and monthly analysis were generally found to be consistent, although because of the smaller sample size the outcomes of the monthly investigations were less statistically significant. While the negative MJO phase does not have a consistent effect on March precipitation over some parts of southern Iran, it has consistently enhanced precipitation over the eastern and southern coasts of the peninsula in Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

During the negative MJO phase, while enhanced low-level southerly winds transfer a substantial amount of moisture to the study area, upward motion increases in the middle layers of the atmosphere. Synchronized with the prevalence of these rain-bearing southerly winds, the existence of a strong horizontal wind speed gradient at the exit region of the North Africa–Arabian jet enhances precipitation. The jet exit, which was mostly located over Egypt in November, moved westward into the study area in Iran and Saudi Arabia during the rainy period of January–March. The direction of near-surface wind anomalies changed from mostly southeasterly in November to southwesterly in March and April, influencing precipitation pattern during various months of the rainy season. In contrast to the negative phase, an enhanced low-level dry northerly wind and suppressed horizontal wind speed gradient at the jet exits are the main characteristics of atmospheric circulation over the study area during the positive MJO phase. Furthermore, an increased downward air motion at the middle levels of the atmosphere and a significant shortage in precipitation are the other climatic components of the southwest Asian region during such a period.
Coherence between the Great Salt Lake Level and the Pacific Quasi-Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Wang Shih-Yu , Gillies Robert R. , Jin Jiming , Hipps Lawrence E.
Published: September 2009

The lake level elevation of the Great Salt Lake (GSL), a large closed basin lake in the arid western United States, is characterized by a pronounced quasi-decadal oscillation (QDO). The variation of the GSL elevation is very coherent with the QDO of sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical central Pacific (also known as the Pacific QDO). However, such coherence denies any direct association between the precipitation in the GSL watershed and the Pacific QDO because, in a given frequency, the precipitation variation always leads the GSL elevation variation. Therefore, the precipitation variation is phase shifted from the Pacific QDO. This study investigates the physical mechanism forming the coherence between the GSL elevation and the Pacific QDO. Pronounced and coherent quasi-decadal signals in precipitation, streamflow, water vapor flux, and drought conditions are found throughout the Great Basin. Recurrent atmospheric circulation patterns develop over the Gulf of Alaska during the warm-to-cool and cool-to-warm transition phases of the Pacific QDO. These circulation patterns modulate the water vapor flux associated with synoptic transient activities over the western United States and, in turn, lead to the QDO in the hydrological cycle of the Great Basin. As the GSL integrates the hydrological responses in the Great Basin, the hydrological QDO is then transferred to the GSL elevation. Because the GSL elevation consistently lags the precipitation by a quarter-phase (about 3 yr in the quasi-decadal time scale), these processes take an average of 6 yr for the GSL elevation to eventually respond to the Pacific QDO. This creates a half-phase delay of the GSL elevation from the Pacific QDO, thereby forming the inverse, yet coherent, relationship between them. Tree-ring reconstructed precipitation records confirm that the quasi-decadal signal in precipitation is a prominent feature in this region.
A 10-Year Climatology of Tropical Radiative Heating and Its Vertical Structure from TRMM Observations
Authors: L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , McGarragh Greg
Published: September 2009

This paper outlines recent advances in estimating atmospheric radiative heating rate profiles from the sensors aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). The approach employs a deterministic framework in which four distinct retrievals of clouds, precipitation, and other atmospheric and surface properties are combined to form input to a broadband radiative transfer model that simulates profiles of upwelling and downwelling longwave and shortwave radiative fluxes in the atmosphere. Monthly, 5° top of the atmosphere outgoing longwave and shortwave flux estimates agree with corresponding observations from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) to within 7 W m−2 and 3%, respectively, suggesting that the resulting products can be thought of as extending the eight-month CERES dataset to cover the full lifetime of TRMM.

The analysis of a decade of TRMM data provides a baseline climatology of the vertical structure of atmospheric radiative heating in today’s climate and an estimate of the magnitude of its response to environmental forcings on weekly to interannual time scales. In addition to illustrating the scope and properties of the dataset, the results highlight the strong influence of clouds, water vapor, and large-scale dynamics on regional radiation budgets and the vertical structure of radiative heating in the tropical and subtropical atmospheres. The combination of the radiative heating rate product described here, with profiles of latent heating that are now also being generated from TRMM sensors, provides a unique opportunity to develop large-scale estimates of vertically resolved atmospheric diabatic heating using satellite observations.
Why Does the North Brazil Current Regularly Shed Rings but the Brazil Current Does Not?
Authors: Zharkov Volodymyr , Nof Doron
Published: September 2009

Both the North Brazil Current (NBC) and the Brazil Current (BC) are western boundary currents (WBCs) that separate from the western Atlantic coast. The NBC retroflects and sheds several rings per year (at the retroflection region), whereas the BC rarely sheds rings near its separation point. Traditionally, the difference between these two WBCs has been attributed to the Malvinas Current (MC), whose momentum flux opposes the poleward momentum flux of the BC, thus preventing rings shedding at the point where the current leaves the coast. Even in the absence of the MC, rings from the separating BC would have never been regularly generated because of the relatively large slant of the coastline relative to the zonal direction.

Using the recently proposed theory of Zharkov and Nof, it is demonstrated that the large inclination of the coastline between 20° and 45°S (approximately 50°) lies within the regime that does not allow the BC a continuous shedding of rings. In contrast, the inclination of the coastline between 5° and 8°N is sufficiently small to allow the NBC a continuous and smooth shedding of rings. The importance of the coastline inclination comes about through a ring β-induced westward propagation rate. In the small inclination case, the alongshore migration is fast, allowing the newly formed rings to quickly escape from their generation zone (i.e., before they are recaptured by the newly born rings generated behind).

In contrast, in the high inclination case, the alongshore speed is so small that the rings spend a long time in the generation area and, consequently, are usually recaptured by the new rings generated just behind them. The authors argue, paradoxically, that the rings occasionally shed by the BC are probably due to the MC that advects the rings away from the generation area, preventing their recapture by the current behind them. Although no new analytical solutions are presented, the authors elaborate on the application of the recapturing condition to the NBC and BC and show new numerical simulations for both the NBC and the BC.
Satellite Microwave Surface Observations in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Quilfen Yves , Chapron Bertrand , Tournadre Jean
Published: September 2009

Sea surface estimates of local winds, waves, and rain-rate conditions are crucial to complement infrared/visible satellite images in estimating the strength of tropical cyclones (TCs). Satellite measurements at microwave frequencies are thus key elements of present and future observing systems. Available for more than 20 years, passive microwave measurements are very valuable but still suffer from insufficient resolution and poor wind vector retrievals in the rainy conditions encountered in and around tropical cyclones. Scatterometer and synthetic aperture radar active microwave measurements performed at the C and Ku band on board the European Remote Sensing (ERS), the Meteorological Operational (MetOp), the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), the Environmental Satellite (Envisat), and RadarSat satellites can also be used to map the surface wind field in storms. Their accuracy is limited in the case of heavy rain and possible saturation of the microwave signals is reported. Altimeter dual-frequency measurements have also been shown to provide along-track information related to surface wind speed, wave height, and vertically integrated rain rate at about 6-km resolution. Although limited for operational use by their dimensional sampling, the dual-frequency capability makes altimeters a unique satellite-borne sensor to perform measurements of key surface parameters in a consistent way. To illustrate this capability two Jason-1 altimeter passes over Hurricanes Isabel and Wilma are examined. The area of maximum TC intensity, as described by the National Hurricane Center and by the altimeter, is compared for these two cases. Altimeter surface wind speed and rainfall-rate observations are further compared with measurements performed by other remote sensors, namely, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission instruments and the airborne Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer.
Utility of serial urinary cytology in the initial evaluation of the patient with microscopic hematuria
Authors: Nakamura Kogenta , Kasraeian Ali , Iczkowski Kenneth A , Chang Myron , Pendleton John , Anai Satoshi , Rosser Charles J
Published: September 2009

Background

We determine the utility of serial urinary cytologies in patients presenting with microscopic hematuria who were evaluated with upper and lower urinary tract studies to rule out a malignancy.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-seven patients with the diagnosis of microscopic hematuria were evaluated at an inner-city tertiary care hospital. Of these 239 patients, 182 patients had 405 cytologies obtained as part of their evaluation for hematuria. In addition, all patients had their lower urinary tract and upper tract thoroughly evaluated.

Results

Two hundred and seventy four cytology samples were read as normal, 104 (26%) as atypia, 7 (2%) as suspicious/malignant, and 20 (5%) as unsatisfactory. Seventeen patients (9.3%) had biopsy confirmed bladder cancer. Of these 17 patients, 2 had normal cytology, 11 had atypia, and 5 had suspicious/malignant. No patient had a positive cytology and a negative biopsy. Overall the number of hematuric patients harboring bladder cancer was small (7%). Cytology #1 detected 4 cases of cancer, cytology #2 detected an additional case and cytology #3 did not detect any additional cancers.

Conclusion

Because of this low prevalence of bladder cancer in patients presenting with microscopic hematuria and the low sensitivity of detecting bladder cancers, the utility of urinary cytology in the initial evaluation of patients with hematuria may be minimal. The exact role of urinary cytology in the evaluation of hematuria is unknown.
Glucocorticoids with different chemical structures but similar glucocorticoid receptor potency regulate subsets of common and unique genes in human trabecular meshwork cells
Authors: Nehmé Alissar , Lobenhofer Edward K , Stamer W Daniel , Edelman Jeffrey L
Published: September 2009

Background

In addition to their well-documented ocular therapeutic effects, glucocorticoids (GCs) can cause sight-threatening side-effects including ocular hypertension presumably via morphological and biochemical changes in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. In the present study, we directly compared the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) potency for dexamethasone (DEX), fluocinolone acetonide (FA) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), examined the expression of known GRα and GRβ isoforms, and used gene expression microarrays to compare the effects of DEX, FA, and TA on the complete transcriptome in two primary human TM cell lines.

Methods

GR binding affinity for DEX, FA, and TA was measured by a cell-free competitive radio-labeled GR binding assay. GR-mediated transcriptional activity was assessed using the GeneBLAzer beta-lactamase reporter gene assay. Levels of GRα and GRβ isoforms were assessed by Western blot. Total RNA was extracted from TM 86 and TM 93 cells treated with 1 μM DEX, FA, or TA for 24 hr and used for microarray gene expression analysis. The microarray experiments were repeated three times. Differentially expressed genes were identified by Rosetta Resolver Gene Expression Analysis System.

Results

The GR binding affinity (IC50) for DEX, FA, and TA was 5.4, 2.0, and 1.5 nM, respectively. These values are similar to the GR transactivation EC50 of 3.0, 0.7, and 1.5 nM for DEX, FA, and TA, respectively. All four GRα translational isoforms (A-D) were expressed in TM 86 and TM 93 total cell lysates, however, the C and D isoforms were more highly expressed relative to A and B. All four GRβ isoforms (A-D) were also detected in TM cells, although GRβ-D isoform expression was lower compared to that of the A, B, or C isoforms. Microarray analysis revealed 1,968 and 1,150 genes commonly regulated by DEX, FA, and TA in TM 86 and TM 93, respectively. These genes included RGC32, OCA2, ANGPTL7, MYOC, FKBP5, SAA1 and ZBTB16. In addition, each GC specifically regulated a unique set of genes in both TM cell lines. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, analysis of the data from TM 86 cells showed that DEX significantly regulated transcripts associated with RNA post-transcriptional modifications, whereas FA and TA modulated genes involved in lipid metabolism and cell morphology, respectively. In TM 93 cells, DEX significantly regulated genes implicated in histone methylation, whereas FA and TA altered genes associated with cell cycle and cell adhesion, respectively.

Conclusion

Human trabecular meshwork cells in culture express all known GRα and GRβ translational isoforms, and GCs with similar potency but subtly different chemical structure are capable of regulating common and unique gene subsets and presumably biologic responses in these cells. These GC structure-dependent effects appear to be TM cell-lineage dependent.
Symposium on Some Approaches to Durability in Structures
Authors: ASTM Committee E-6
Published: September 2009

Description

Eight paper cover: Some Factors Affecting the Durability of Structural Clay Product Masonry; Laboratory Testing of the Durability of Concrete; Durability Tests of Structural Sandwich; plus four others
Strain-Rate Behavior of Clay and Organic Soils
Authors: Burmister Donald M.
Published: September 2009

An essential aspect of investigations of settlement of foundations and of stability of structures and earthworks is the experimental determination of the stress-strain-time responses and strength properties of clay and organic soils. These should not only be representative of the conditions that control and have significant direct applications to the solutions of the practical problems involved but also should be reliable and fully adequate for the purposes of these investigations. It should be recognized that clay and organic soils exhibit significant creep in their performances at ordinary working stress levels. The prerequisite to the attainment of these very practical engineering objectives are: first, to test and treat real soils under the influences of essentially real and representative conditions that control, and; second, to work consistently toward high conceptions of adequacy and standards of excellence in soil investigations.
Improved Determination of Preconsolidation Pressure of a Sensitive Clay
Authors: Hamilton J. J. , Crawford C. B.
Published: September 2009

Poor agreement between calculated and measured consolidation settlement in the Leda (Laurentian) clay of eastern Canada suggested that either the classical consolidation theory might not apply to this soil or that present testing techniques were not yielding the correct consolidation characteristics of the soil. An underestimation of the preconsolidation load was found to result from tests using normal procedures. An investigation of various techniques to improve the determination of the preconsolidation pressure are outlined in this paper.

Increment loading tests with various increment sizes and increment durations were investigated as well as continuous loading tests under various controlled rates of stress application and various controlled rates of strain. It was found that small increment tests best defined the pressure - void-ratio curve, but required much time. A method of determining the point of 100 per cent primary consolidation on the log time - deflection plot of small increment tests was developed. Constant rate of strain tests show promise as possible rapid testing techniques.
Effects of South Florida Weathering on Structural Adhesive Joints
Authors: Hause C. I. , Pagel W. C. , McKown A. G.
Published: September 2009

Physical strengths were obtained on several structural adhesive systems at temperatures ranging from −67 to 350 F. (−55 to 177 C) after exposure to one-, two-, or three-year weather aging periods in South Florida. Included were adhesive systems of various chemical types and different physical forms. Both room-temperature-curing and heat-curing classes were included. In general, it was concluded that overlap shear, honeycomb peel, and honeycomb beam flexure strengths were unaffected.
Seismic Evaluation of Low-Rise Reinforced Masonry Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms
Authors: Cohen Gregory L. , Klingner Richard E. , Hayes John R. , Sweeney Steven C.
Published: September 2009

This paper provides an integrated approach to the seismic evaluation of low-rise reinforced masonry buildings with flexible roof diaphragms. The paper is divided into four phases. In Phase 1 (Behavior), results from shaking-table testing, quasi-static testing, and analytical predictions are integrated to provide a coherent description of the seismic response of low-rise reinforced masonry buildings with flexible roof diaphragms. Two half-scale, low-rise reinforced masonry buildings with flexible roof diaphragms are subjected to earthquake ground motions on the Tri-axial Earthquake and Shock Simulator at the United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center. Following the shaking-table tests, diaphragms and top four courses of attached masonry walls are salvaged from the half-scale structures and tested quasi-statically in their own plane. A new index, the diaphragm drift ratio, is introduced to describe the potential for diaphragm damage. In Phase 2 (Analysis), coordinated analytical modeling is developed and implemented to corroborate and extend the results of that experimental work, and to examine the efficacy and accuracy of different analytical modeling approaches. Linear elastic finite-element models, simplified two-degree-of-freedom models, and nonlinear lumped-parameter models are developed; all agree well with measured responses. In Phase 3 (Seismic Evaluation), the first two phases are used to develop and verify a simple extension to FEMA 310, the predominant seismic evaluation methodology for low-rise reinforced masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms. In Phase 4 (Application and Verification), the proposed extension, applied to four existing buildings, is shown to be simple, useful, and necessary.
Greening of Mortars with Pozzolans
Authors: Bargaheiser Keith , Nordmeyer D. Herbert
Published: September 2009

Growing interest in sustainable building has created a strong interest in fly ash and other coal combustion products (CCPs). Emergence of agencies like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Coal Combustion Products Partnership (C2P2) of the USEPA has accelerated this trend. Their primary goal is sustainable development, focusing on environmental and social concerns. More than 30 % of the 100 million tons of coal combustion products produced in the U.S. annually are being beneficially used in such things as manufactured stone, ceramic tile, shingles, concrete, aerated cellular concrete blocks, concrete blocks, stuccos, and mortars. The use of CCPs positively impacts the environment. Specifiers, contractors, and industry need to recognize that environmental stewardship today affects our children tomorrow. The features and benefits recognized in pozzolanic mortars reach beyond the technical, environmental, social, and sustainable aspects of this mortar. They signal future generations to track, improve, and develop mortars beyond any of our current technology.
The social psychology of public thinking and feelings
Authors: Hunyady György
Published: September 2009

A szociálpszichológia amerikanizálásának európai bírálói felróják (mindenekelőtt Floyd Allportnak), hogy hiba volt a 20. század első harmadán feladni a kollektív pszichológia (néplélektan, nemzetkarakterológia, kollektív reprezentációk, tömeglélektan) hagyományát és az individualizmus szellemében az egyénre és társas interakcióira koncentrálni a kísérleti kutatásokban. A tudományág történetét áttekintve azonban megállapítható, hogy a kutatások nem tolódtak el végletesen és véglegesen az egyik irányba sem, az empirikus szociálpszichológiában az egyénre illetve a társadalom egészére változó és váltakozó figyelem esett. Valójában a „módszertani individualizmus” nem gátolta meg, sőt hozzájárult ahhoz, hogy egyfelől társadalomban zajló megismerési folyamatokról, másfelől a társadalom érzelmi dinamikájáról megalapozott szociálpszichológiai eredmények szülessenek, amint ezt a tanulmány 7-7 főbb témakör bemutatásával illusztrálja. A szerző prognózisa szerint az információfeldolgozás individuális folyamatainak korszaka után most a társadalmi csoportok és affektív viszonyaik tanulmányozása kerül a szociálpszichológiai kutatások előterébe.
Eficácia de herbicidas em diferentes quantidades de palha de cana-de-açúcar no controle de Ipomoea grandifolia
Authors: Monquero Patricia Andrea , Amaral Lucas Rios do , Silva Andréia Cristina da , Binha Denis Paquier , Silva Paulo Vinicius da
Published: September 2009

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estudar o efeito de diferentes quantidades de palha de cana-de-açúcar, colhida sem queima prévia do canavial, na eficácia de alguns herbicidas no controle de Ipomoea grandifolia. O experimento foi desenvolvido em campo no Centro de Ciências Agrárias/UFSCar, em Araras (SP). Os tratamentos consistiram dos herbicidas ametryn + trifloxysulfuron-sodium (1463 + 37 g ha-1), imazapic (84 g ha-1), imazapyr (200 g ha-1), ¹diuron + hexazinone (1170 + 330 g ha-1) e ²diuron + hexazinone (1330 + 160 g ha-1) aplicados em pré-emergência de I. grandifolia e de cinco quantidades de palha de cana-de-açúcar (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t ha-1). A eficácia de controle das plantas daninhas foi avaliada aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos (DAT). Com a adição de palha (15 e 20 t ha-1) ao solo foi reduzida a população de I. grandifolia. À medida que a quantidade de palha foi aumentada, reduziu-se a eficácia dos herbicidas; com 15 t ha-1 de palha, o controle foi considerado insatisfatório para todos os tratamentos utilizados. Com 20 t ha-1 nenhum herbicida foi eficaz, entretanto, a palha foi eficiente na supressão desta espécie, verificando-se que o número de plantas emergidas foi menor mesmo na testemunha.
Uso regular de serviços odontológicos entre adultos: padrões de utilização e tipos de serviços
Authors: Camargo Maria Beatriz J. , Dumith Samuel C. , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: September 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso regular de serviços odontológicos entre adultos, identificando grupos nos quais esse comportamento é mais freqüente. O estudo foi realizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com desenho transversal de base populacional, envolvendo 2.961 indivíduos, que responderam um questionário estruturado. A prevalência de uso regular encontrada foi de 32,8%. Estiveram positivamente associadas ao uso de forma regular as seguintes características: ser do sexo feminino, ter idade < 60 anos, não ter companheiro, ter alta escolaridade, ter maior nível econômico, usar serviços privados, ter autopercepção de saúde bucal boa/ótima, não ter autopercepção de necessidade de tratamento, ter recebido orientação sobre prevenção e ter manifestado opinião favorável ao profissional. O uso regular foi pouco freqüente, especialmente entre os menos favorecidos (15%). Restringindo a análise apenas para usuários do serviço público, observou-se maior utilização regular entre os mais escolarizados. Os serviços de saúde, em especial o público, devem trabalhar a fim de incrementar o uso regular e preventivo.
Fatores preditores da sobrecarga subjetiva de familiares de pacientes psiquiátricos atendidos na rede pública de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Barroso Sabrina Martins , Bandeira Marina , Nascimento Elizabeth do
Published: September 2009

Foram investigados os fatores preditores da sobrecarga subjetiva em familiares de pacientes psiquiátricos, sendo entrevistados 150 familiares de pacientes selecionados aleatoriamente em quatro serviços de saúde mental de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Utilizou-se a Escala de Sobrecarga dos Familiares de Pacientes Psiquiátricos (FBIS-BR) e um questionário sócio-demográfico para coleta dos dados. As variáveis foram agrupadas em categorias temáticas analisadas separadamente para determinar a importância relativa dos fatores preditores. Os resultados mostraram que a sobrecarga subjetiva associou-se à sobrecarga objetiva e a fatores relacionados às condições clínicas dos pacientes, às condições de vida, estado de saúde e condições financeiras do cuidador e do paciente e às informações sobre o transtorno mental. O grau de sobrecarga subjetiva era menor quando o cuidador tinha lazer, atividades religiosas, admitia cuidar e tinha sentimentos positivos pelo paciente. Constatou-se a necessidade de incluir o acompanhamento aos familiares no modelo comunitário de atendimento psiquiátrico.
Utilização de diretrizes clínicas e resultados na atenção básica à hipertensão arterial
Authors: Lima Sheyla Maria Lemos , Portela Margareth Crisóstomo , Koster Isabella , Escosteguy Claudia Caminha , Ferreira Vanja Maria Bessa , Brito Cláudia , Vasconcellos Maurício Teixeira Leite de
Published: September 2009

Este estudo objetivou identificar estratégias facilitadoras da implantação de diretrizes clínicas de hipertensão arterial em uma unidade de atenção básica, focalizando os efeitos do Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) e do Programa Remédio em Casa na adesão dos profissionais e nos resultados assistenciais. Partiu-se de um cadastro com 5.499 pacientes hipertensos, estratificados segundo inscrição no PSF e no Programa Remédio em Casa. O procedimento de seleção aleatória adotado resultou em amostras de 150 prontuários em três estratos e um estrato (sem PSF e sem PRC) com somente 22 prontuários. Estatísticas descritivas e modelos de regressão linear foram obtidos, incorporando-se as informações estruturais do desenho da amostra utilizado (estratos e peso amostrais). A adesão às diretrizes clínicas, segundo registros nos prontuários, foi muito baixa. Esperava-se um efeito positivo das estratégias PSF e Programa Remédio em Casa na adesão às diretrizes clínicas e resultados assistenciais. Observou-se a tendência de um efeito positivo do Programa Remédio em Casa nos resultados assistenciais e um desempenho levemente favorável do PSF na adesão às diretrizes clínicas.
Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services and their contribution to access to HIV diagnosis in Brazil
Authors: Grangeiro Alexandre , Escuder Maria Mercedes , Veras Maria Amélia , Barreira Draurio , Ferraz Dulce , Kayano Jorge
Published: September 2009

The Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Network was implemented in Brazil in the 1980s to promote anonymous and confidential access to HIV diagnosis. As a function of the population and dimensions of the local epidemic, the study assessed the network's coverage, using data from a self-applied questionnaire and data from the Information Technology Department of the Unified National Health System (SUS), UNDP, and National STD/AIDS Program. The Student t test was used for comparison of means and the chi-square test for proportions. Brazil has 383 VCT centers, covering 48.9% of the population and 69.2% of the AIDS cases. The network has been implemented predominantly in regions where the epidemic shows a relevant presence, but 85.3% of the cities with high HIV incidence lack VCT centers; absence of VCT was associated with more limited health infrastructure and worse social indicators. A slowdown in expansion of the network was observed, with VCT Centers implemented on average 16 years after the first AIDS case in the given municipality. The number of HIV tests performed under the SUS is 2.3 times higher in cities with VCT centers. The network's scope is limited, thus minimizing the contribution by these services to the supply of HIV diagnosis in Brazil.
Microbiological counting in lamb carcasses from an abattoir in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Martineli Thaís Mioto , Rossi Junior Oswaldo Durival , Cereser Natacha Deboni , Cardozo Marita Vedovelli , Fontoura Cristianne Lino , Perri Silvia Helena Venturoli
Published: September 2009

The consumption of lamb meat in Brazil has increased in the last years but little information about the microbiological quality of this product is available. To evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of lamb carcasses, the quantification of microorganism populations indicators (mesophiles and psychrotrophs; total and thermotolerant coliforms; Escherichia coli; moulds and yeasts) and the pathogenic microorganisms indentification (Salmonella sp. and Listeria spp.) were performed. A total of 60 lamb carcasses were sampled from one abattoir in São Paulo. Swab samples were collected from three points (forequarter, back and hindquarter) on the muscle surface after carcasses final washing. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive evaluation of the results whose counts were grouped by intervals of microorganism populations. Counts ranged from 1.0 x 10¹ to 8.0 x 10(4) colony-forming unit cm-2 (CFU cm-2) for mesophiles; 1.0 x 10(0) to 4.4 x 10(4)CFU cm-2 for psychrotrophs; < 1.0 x 10(0) to 4.4 x 10(4)CFU cm-2 for moulds and yeasts; < 0.3 to > 32.0 most probable number/cm² (MPN cm-2) for total and thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli. Salmonella sp. and Listeria spp. were not found in any of the carcasses. Most carcasses presented low counts for all microorganisms. Overall results may be explained by the small size of the industry where the study was taken. Results suggest that good microbiological quality lamb meat is possible to be obtained, but improvement in hygienic-sanitary conditions is still required.
Patogenicidade de um isolado de Trypanosoma evansi em ratos inoculados com o parasito em sangue in natura e criopreservado
Authors: Silva Aleksandro Schafer da , Wolkmer Patrícia , Gressler Lucas Trevisan , Otto Mateus Anderson , Bess Franciele , Tavares Kaio César Simiano , Zanette Régis Adriel , Monteiro Silvia Gonzalez
Published: September 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a patogenicidade do isolado de Trypanosoma evansi (LPV-2005), em ratos (Rattus norvergicus), sob influência da imunidade passiva, de diferentes concentrações e de meios de conservação. Para tanto, foram utilizados 36 Rattus norvergicus, fêmeas, separados em seis grupos homogêneos. Os roedores dos grupos A e B foram infectados com 10(5) T. evansi, e os animais dos grupos C e D foram infectados com 10(6) tripomastigotas/animal. Os grupos E e F foram utilizados como grupo controle negativo, isto é, inoculados com sangue in natura e criopreservado sem o parasito, respectivamente. O grupo A foi formado por ratos filhos de fêmeas infectadas com protozoário, mas curadas após tratamento. Os grupos B, C e D continham roedores que nunca tiveram contato com o isolado LPV-2005. Os grupos B e C diferiram quanto à dose inoculada do flagelado mantida em cultura viva (ratos Wistar). Já os ratos do grupo D foram infectados com sangue criopreservado em nitrogênio líquido. A patogenicidade do isolado foi avaliada a partir do período pré-patente, da evolução da parasitemia e da longevidade dos animais. O grupo D apresentou um período pré-patente superior aos demais grupos. Em relação à longevidade dos animais de cada grupo, foi verificada diferença estatística significativa (P<0,05). O grupo D apresentou um período de vida de 27,8 dias, e o grupo C, de apenas 4,8 dias. Os ratos de ambos os grupos controle mantiveram-se vivos por 50 dias, quando foram eutanasiados. Portanto, a preservação do inóculo testado e a dose infectante de T. evansi influenciam a patogenicidade do isolado LPV-2005 para ratos. A presença de anticorpos maternos em ratos não impede a infecção e mortalidade por T. evansi.
Avaliação do cuidado à saúde da gestante no contexto do Programa Saúde da Família
Authors: Costa Glauce Dias da , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Reis José Roberto , Siqueira-Batista Rodrigo , Gomes Andréia Patrícia , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Published: September 2009

A avaliação em sistemas e serviços de saúde vem sendo evidenciada em diversos momentos da discussão das políticas de saúde e práticas em serviços. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os cuidados primários em saúde prestados às gestantes pelo Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) no município de Teixeiras (MG). De acordo com as proposições de Donabedian (1990), que relaciona as dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado, utilizou-se um sistema de escores específicos para análise de tais dimensões e seus respectivos atributos, classificando o município nos cenários incipiente, intermediário e avançado se obtivesse entre 0,0 e 33,3%; 33,4 e 66,6%; 66,7 e 100,00%, respectivamente. As dimensões, na síntese, resultaram em um cenário intermediário (52,2%) para o PSF, caracterizado por uma atenção à saúde da gestante fragmentada, mas que possui alguns avanços na organização da atenção para este grupo. Apesar de tais avanços na implantação do PSF, o cenário encontrado revela que o programa ainda apresenta fortes marcas características do modelo hegemônico centrado nos procedimentos e na atenção biomédica.
Relações éticas na Atenção Básica em Saúde: a vivência dos estudantes de medicina
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo Corrêa , Silva Roseli Ferreira da , Zanolli Maurício Braz , Varga Cássia Regina Rodrigues
Published: September 2009

A formação ética dos médicos envolve as relações profissionais que fazem parte de seu cotidiano e, neste sentido, a Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema) propicia aos estudantes de medicina vivenciar desde o início do curso, na Unidade Educacional de Prática Profissional (UPP), a reflexão sobre a prática e sobre a ética das ações em saúde na Atenção Básica em Saúde (ABS) junto à comunidade. Analisou-se, nesta pesquisa, a percepção dos acadêmicos de medicina das 1ª e 2ª séries acerca das relações éticas envolvidas nas ações em saúde junto à comunidade. A abordagem qualitativa foi a opção de análise desta investigação que permitiu a construção de três categorias empíricas comuns às duas séries: A formação ética e profissional na realidade da ABS; Confidencialidade da informação no desenvolvimento do sigilo profissional médico; As relações interpessoais na formação ética do estudante de medicina, com maior predominância da segunda categoria entre os da 1ª série. Portanto, as relações éticas são mais significativas aos estudantes quando vivenciadas, desde o início, em práticas como estas.
Gerência de serviços de saúde: competências desenvolvidas e dificuldades encontradas na atenção básica
Authors: Fernandes Léia Cristiane Löeblein , Machado Rebel Zambrano , Anschau Geovana Oliveira
Published: September 2009

Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer o perfil e verificar as competências, atribuições e habilidades gerenciais, no nível de estrutura da atenção básica; identificar as dificuldades e facilidades em relação às suas atribuições e em relação à gestão de pessoas. A pesquisa é um estudo de caso. O instrumento de coleta utilizado foi um questionário semi-estruturado e uma escala de Likert, aplicada às gerências das unidades básicas de saúde de Caxias do Sul (RS), no mês de novembro de 2006. Constatou-se que todas as gerentes possuem habilidades gerenciais, que abrangem a comunicação, a organização de tarefas, o planejamento de ações e a negociação. Entretanto, algumas descreveram como dificuldade para a realização de suas atribuições não ter formação específica em gerenciamento. Os problemas com maior evidência se relacionaram ao excesso de burocracia, à sobrecarga de atividades, à pequena área física, às dificuldades em manipular e trabalhar com equipamentos e à gestão de pessoas. Nota-se que há grande necessidade de informatizar a rede pública e de capacitar os profissionais para trabalhar com programas, a fim de efetivar o novo modelo assistencial e de reconhecer situações de vulnerabilidade social e em saúde.
Reconhecer os alunos para reinventar a escola: da afirmação de uma necessidade aos equívocos de um desejo
Authors: Trindade Rui
Published: September 2009

O Movimento da Escola Moderna Portuguesa - MEM - constitui- se, neste artigo, como um objecto de reflexão teórica cuja pertinência deriva da necessidade de se reflectir, por meio desse movimento, os propósitos, as reivindicações e os sentidos dos projectos de mediação curricular e didáctica de todos aqueles que reivindicam, de forma explícita, o seu distanciamento conceptual e praxeológico face ao campo das pedagogias da instrução. É tendo em vista esse propósito que se começa por identificar os eixos estruturantes do campo das pedagogias da aprendizagem a partir da leitura das obras de alguns dos pedagogos mais emblemáticos do Movimento da Educação Nova, confrontando-os, posteriormente, com o legado pedagógico do MEM, de forma a poderem interpelar-se, num primeiro momento, as zonas de luz e de sombra que atravessam, hoje, os discursos pedagógicos, curriculares e didácticos que reivindicam a sua pertença ao campo atrás referenciado e, num segundo momento, a reflectir-se sobre as respostas que no seio do MEM se foram construindo, de forma a cumprirem-se os desígnios de um projecto educacional que se caracteriza por valorizar os alunos como interlocutores e produtores de cultura.