bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical pleurodesis for Vanderschueren's stage III primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Rena O. , Massera F. , Papalia E. , Della Pona C. , Robustellini M. , Casadio C.
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of various pleurodesis procedures on post-operative morbidity and late recurrence rate after surgical treatment of Vanderschueren’s stage III primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Between January 2001 and June 2004, 208 consecutive patients (169 male and 39 female; mean (range) age 25 (12–39) yrs) were submitted to 220 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedures for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. All patients underwent apical lung resection; 112 were assigned at random to mechanical pleural abrasion (group A) and 108 to apical pleurectomy (group B).

The two groups of patients showed similar characteristics. No intra- or post-operative deaths occurred. Post-operative morbidity was 6.25% for group A and 12.9% for group B; the two groups exhibited a similar persistent post-operative air leak rate (5.3% in group A and 5.5% in group B), whereas haemothorax was significantly more frequent after apical pleurectomy (eight (7.4%) cases) than after pleural abrasion (one (0.9%) case). The mean duration of follow-up was 46 (24–66) months. Late recurrence occurred in five cases (4.6%) after apical pleurectomy, and in seven (6.2%) after mechanical pleural abrasion.

Mechanical pleural abrasion by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safer than apical pleurectomy in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. No differences in late recurrence rate were observed between the two procedures.
Programmed cell death of primordial germ cells inDrosophilais regulated by p53 and the Outsiders monocarboxylate transporter
Authors: Yamada Yukiko , Davis Keri D. , Coffman Clark R.
Published: December 2007

Primordial germ cell development uses programmed cell death to remove abnormal, misplaced or excess cells. Precise control of this process is essential to maintain the continuity and integrity of the germline, and to prevent germ cells from colonizing locations other than the gonads. Through careful analyses of primordial germ cell distribution in developing Drosophila melanogaster embryos, we show that normal germ cell development involves extensive programmed cell death during stages 10-12 of embryogenesis. This germ cell death is mediated by Drosophila p53(p53). Mutations in p53 result in excess primordial germ cells that are ectopic to the gonads. Initial movements of the germ cells appear normal, and wild-type numbers of germ cells populate the gonads,indicating that p53 is required for germ cell death, but not migration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a loss-of-function phenotype for Drosophila p53 in a non-sensitized background. The p53 phenotype is remarkably similar to that of outsiders(out) mutants. Here, we show that the out gene encodes a putative monocarboxylate transporter. Mutations in p53 and out show nonallelic noncomplementation. Interestingly, overexpression of p53 in primordial germ cells of out mutant embryos partially suppresses the out germ cell death phenotype, suggesting that p53 functions in germ cells either downstream of out or in a closely linked pathway. These findings inform models in which signaling between p53 and cellular metabolism are integrated to regulate programmed cell death decisions.
An investigation of customer delight during product evaluation: Implications for the development of desirable products
Authors: Evans S , Burns A D
Published: December 2007

This paper reports findings from three research methods used to study customer delight during product evaluation. The results are framed in terms of existing models, high-lighting inadequacies in the assumptions these models make. Implications for product development are proposed in the form of practical strategies for understanding and delighting customers.
Automated configuration of gripper systems for assembly tasks
Authors: Pham D T , Gourashi N S , Eldukhri E E
Published: December 2007

Until now, many design and manufacturing tasks have only seen partial computerization. One such task is that of assembly planning. This paper presents a system for use in a subarea of assembly planning, the configuration of grippers for robotic assembly. The system is fully automated and thus represents a departure from current practice. The paper gives an example of the application of the system to simple gripper design problems.
On the effects of lifting on interpolating wavelets for combustion simulations
Authors: Prosser R
Published: December 2007

The use of wavelets - and more generally multi-resolution analysis (MRA) - for the solution of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) is an active area of research, with many schemes currently available. Recently, a scheme has been developed, which employs biorthogonal interpolating wavelets, and which has been applied to problems in combustion [31]. Of central importance to this method is the discretization of the derivatives appearing in the governing equations. In reference [31], the derivative approximations are expressed in terms of an assembly of submatrices, each of which describes the interactions of wavelets and their derivatives across a range of scales and spatial locations. In the current paper, the accuracy and stability of derivative approximations based on interpolating wavelets are also found. Scaling functions with a large polynomial span are constrained to provide numerical approximations with a formal accuracy less than the maximum attainable for a given computational stencil. It is also found that approximations based on wavelets with a large polynomial span are unstable for non-periodic discretizations. In addition, lifting the MRA does little to improve the situation. The influence of lifting on the numerical implementation and behaviour of our numerical scheme is examined, and found to be comparatively minor.
Dynamic response of a thick functionally graded material tube under a moving load
Authors: Hasheminejad S M , Komeili M
Published: December 2007

An analysis for axisymmetric steady-state response of an arbitrarily thick, isotropic, and functionally graded circular cylindrical shell of infinite length subjected to an axially moving normal ring load is presented. The mechanical properties of the graded shell are assumed to vary smoothly and continuously with the change of volume concentrations of the constituting materials across the thickness of the shell according to a power law distribution. The problem solution is derived by using Fourier transformation with respect to a moving reference frame in conjunction with the T-matrix solution technique that involves a system global transfer matrix, formed by applying continuity of the displacement and stress components at the interfaces of neighbouring layers. The analytical results are illustrated with numerical examples in which a metal-ceramic functionally graded material (FGM) pipe, composed of aluminium and zirconia, is subjected to a normal ring load travelling along the tube at constant speed. Four types of pipes are configured, i.e. a ceramic-rich composition with the ceramic at the inner (or outer) interface, and also a metal-rich composition with the metal at the inner (or outer) interface of the pipe. The presented model is used to determine the critical velocity of the moving load as a function of shell thickness for the selected material compositional gradient profiles. The effects of load velocity and shell thickness on the basic dynamic field quantities such as the mid-plane radial displacement and hoop stress amplitude along the pipe axis are also evaluated and discussed. Moreover, the response curves for the FGM shells are compared with those of equivalent bi-laminate shells containing comparable total volume fractions of constituent materials. Limiting cases are considered and good agreements with the solutions available in the literature are obtained.
Frequency analysis of functionally graded material cylindrical shells with various volume fraction laws
Authors: Arshad S H , Naeem M N , Sultana N
Published: December 2007

In the current paper a frequency analysis is performed for functionally graded material (FGM) circular cylindrical shells. A comparative study of shell frequencies is given for algebraic polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric volume fraction laws. An FGM shell considered here is structured from two materials. Love's thin shell theory is utilized for strain-displacement and curvature-displacement relations. The Rayleigh-Ritz method is employed to derive the frequency equation in the form of eigenvalue problem. Natural frequencies are evaluated for a shell with simply supported edge conditions. The axial modal dependence is approximated by circular trigonometric functions. Theoretical results are compared with those available in the literature for the validity of the present methodology.
A comparative study of turbulent velocity fields in an internal combustion engine with shrouded valve and flat/bowl piston configurations
Authors: Erdil A , Kodal A
Published: December 2007

In the current study, the phase averaging and the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) methods are used to decompose experimentally measured turbulent velocity fields in an internal combustion engine. Radial and circumferential turbulent velocity fields were measured using hot wire anemometer under motoring conditions for both flat and bowl piston configurations. Decomposed results of the phase average and POD methods are compared with each other. The effects of piston configuration on the engine performance have been discussed. Also, obtained organized and turbulence motions and their energy spectra are examined. Finally, coherent structures of velocity fields and their activities are investigated.
Optical strain monitoring techniques for life assessment of components in power generation plants
Authors: Morris A , Kourmpetis M , Dear I. D. , Sjödahl M , Dear J. P.
Published: December 2007

The current paper presents the ongoing development of a combination of two methods for monitoring creep strain in mechanical components of electrical power generation plants. This is to obtain, during plant shut-down maintenance periods, needed data to assess the remaining life of installed steam pipes and other components. Related to this research, but not reported on in the current paper, is the development of monitoring for detection of the onset of fatigue and other failure processes in wind turbine generator blades. The auto-reference creep management and control (ARCMAC) system uses precision optics and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera for uniaxial and biaxial strain measurement. Digital image correlation (DIC) is employed to obtain strain distribution data about the ARCMAC point-to-point monitored sites. These and other systems are being developed to obtain a more comprehensive range of life assessment data. This is mostly for assessing longevity of steam pipes and other components in power stations that are subject to demanding and hostile operational environments. These permanently installed monitoring systems need to be rugged to withstand the demanding heat and mechanical forces to which they are subjected and of a compact design so they can be sited in difficult-to-access locations. This is one of the advantages of the combined ARCMAC and DIC system that is further being developed. These systems are essential for cost-effective management of power plant operation and maintenance and for achieving reliable continuity of service.
NOx emission performance of triple flames
Authors: Kamal M. M.
Published: December 2007

A numerical study was performed to address the NOx characteristics of both normal and inverse triple flames in comparison with non-premixed and partially premixed flames. The cross-flow was found to shorten the triple flames and to raise the combustion efficiency of normal and inverse triple flames by about 12.1 and 7.2 per cent, respectively. With a cross-flow, the inverse triple flames experienced shorter flame lengths and subsequent lower NOx concentrations than those produced by either partially premixed or non-premixed flames. For inverse triple flames, increasing the lean mixture momentum and decreasing the rich mixture jet velocity together with increasing its premixing degree led to a reduction in the flame length and in both thermal and prompt NOx emissions. The increase in the lean equivalence ratio or its diffusive area split the flame high NOx concentration region and reduced the peak concentration, while increasing the radial inward entrainment reduced the NOx concentrations further. The results were experimentally verified using a slot burner, whereby the flame lengths and NOx emissions were fairly reproduced. The results indicated that triple flames can be widely used in industrial burners at various operating conditions.
Methodology to perform a non-conventional evaluation of cooling, heating, and power systems
Authors: Mago P. J. , Fumo N , Chamra L. M.
Published: December 2007

Cooling, heating, and power (CHP) is a distributed generation technology that can provide electricity and heat while improving the overall thermal energy efficiency of a building. The evaluation and comparison of this technology versus conventional technologies cannot be limited to economical considerations only. Therefore, a non-conventional evaluation, based on non-economical aspects, is necessary to show the additional benefits that can be obtained from the CHP technology. A non-conventional evaluation includes aspects such as: environmental quality, energy-efficient buildings, power reliability, power quality, fuel source flexibility, etc. Some benefits of these non-conventional evaluations can be factored into an economic evaluation but others give intangible potential to the technology. The current paper presents a methodology to evaluate CHP systems based on two non-conventional aspects: energy-efficient buildings and emission of pollutants. Using the methodology described in the current paper it can be demonstrated that the use of CHP systems could improve the Energy Star rating of a building in more than 50 points. The improvement on the Energy Star rating is significant on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating as a building can score up to ten points of the 23 available in the energy and atmosphere category on energy efficiency alone. As much as eight points can be obtained in this category due to the Energy Star rating increment from the use of CHP systems. Also, using the proposed methodology it can be demonstrated that CHP systems have the ability to significantly reduce emission of pollutants. For carbon dioxide a reduction around 50 per cent can be reached, for nitrogen oxides the reduction can be in the order of 75 per cent, while for sulphur dioxide the reduction is higher than 90 per cent.
Recirculation casing treatment by using a vaned passage for a transonic axial-flow compressor
Authors: Khaleghi H , Tousi A. M. , Boroomand M , Teixeira J. A.
Published: December 2007

The tip leakage flow has an important influence on compressor performance particularly for the case of transonic compressors. Recirculation casing treatment is an effective approach to control the tip clearance flow which results in stability enhancement. Numerical simulations for a high-speed axial-flow compressor rotor with endwall recirculation, applying a state of the art design for the recirculation passageway are presented in the current study. Anti-swirl vanes are placed in the recirculation passageway. The effects of recirculation casing treatment on the compressor overall characteristics, stability, blade loading, and flow field are presented and discussed. Results show a significant range extension with a very small penalty in efficiency. Besides, the recirculated mass flow is only a few per cent of the main flowrate.
An investigation into micro wind energy systems for their utilization in urban areas and their life cycle assessment
Authors: Celik A. N. , Muneer T , Clarke P
Published: December 2007

Micro wind energy systems are evaluated in the current article for their potential utilization in urban areas. The techno-economic analysis of such energy systems is undertaken, as well as their life cycle assessment. The energy system consists of wind turbine generator as the main power source, lead-acid batteries as the medium of electricity storage, and other essential devices such as an inverter. Electrical needs for a family living under normal conditions of comfort are modelled and used within simulation of the system performance, with an average daily load of approximately 9.0 kW h. To demonstrate the use of the present model, the system's performance simulations are carried out with typical yearly wind speed data from five different sites in Turkey. The typical years are selected from a total of 6 years data for each site. A life cycle cost analysis is also carried out for a wind energy system with a 25-year life span. The system performance is analysed as a function of various parameters such as wind power density and energy production. The environmental life cycle assessment of the energy system described is also carried out to determine the impact of the energy system under evaluation. It is shown that, with the conservative European average electricity mix, the energy pay back time is 1.4 years and the CO2 pay back time is 0.7 years for the given system. The CO2 emission per kW he generated is 20.5 g.
Hybrid (hydrodynamic + permanent magnetic) journal bearings
Authors: Hirani H , Samanta P
Published: December 2007

Survey of patents on bearings indicates the maturity of hydrodynamic and rapid development of magnetic bearings. Active magnetic bearings are costlier compared with permanent magnetic bearings. To understand the performance characteristics of permanent magnetic bearings, an experimental setup has been developed. Experimental studies on radial permanent magnetic bearings demonstrated the drawbacks, such as high axial thrust and low load capacity. This has led the authors to hybridize the permanent magnet with hydrodynamic technology and to explore the possibility of achieving the low starting torque of a permanent magnetic bearing and the medium to high load carrying capacity of a hydrodynamic bearing in a single bearing arrangement.

Simulation is carried out in order to reduce axial force-effect and enhance the radial force supported by the permanent magnetic bearing. Results of simulation on permanent magnetic bearing have been compared with that of published research papers. Finally an algorithm has been developed to investigate the coupling of forces generated by permanent magnets and hydrodynamic actions. Results of load sharing have been reported. The experimentally measured displacements of the shaft running at 500, 2000, and 3000 r/min have been plotted. The effect of hydrodynamics on shaft orbit has been illustrated.
Analysis of three-dimensional non-axisymmetric elastic effects of the lip on the thermoelastohydrodynamic radial lip seal behaviour
Authors: Maoui A , Hajjam M , Bonneau D
Published: December 2007

Numerical models, proposed to analyse the elastohydrodynamic and thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) behaviour of radial lip seals, have been considered in terms of an axisymmetrical approach to elastic seal deformation. However, the results obtained using a non-axisymmetrical elastic approach to investigating the tip of the lip differed from the axisymmetrical approach results in relation to the deformation distribution of the lip surface. The main objective of the present work is to show through numerical analysis the three-dimensional nonaxisymmetric effect of the lip deformations on the TEHD behaviour of radial lip seals. Hence, a comparison between both elastic approaches is presented in order to analyse the influence of the lip's non-axisymmetric behaviour on all of the operating characteristics of the lip seal. In addition, different forms of the lip surface roughness are investigated.
Mobile phone short message service messaging for behaviour modification in a community-based weight control programme in Korea
Authors: Joo Nam-Seok , Kim Bom-Taeck
Published: December 2007

We conducted a community-based anti-obesity programme using mobile phone short message service (SMS) messaging. A total of 927 participants were recruited and visited a public health centre for initial assessment. Mobile phones were used to deliver short messages about diet, exercise and behaviour modification once a week. After a 12-week anti-obesity programme they visited the public health centre again. Four hundred and thirty-three subjects (47%) successfully completed their weight control programme. There were mean reductions of weight, waist circumference and body mass index of 1.6 kg ( P < 0.001), 4.3 cm ( P < 0.001) and 0.6 kg/m2 ( P < 0.001), respectively. Over two-thirds of the subjects had a reduction in waist circumference of 5–7.5 cm. A post-intervention survey showed that the majority of participants were satisfied with the weekly SMS messages and information brochures delivered by post. SMS messaging may be an effective method of behaviour modification in weight control and anti-obesity health education programmes when promoted by community health centres.
Remote measurement via the Internet of upper limb range of motion in people who have had a stroke
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Russell Trevor , Cooke Hana
Published: December 2007

An Internet-based goniometer has recently been developed which can be used for the remote quantification of joint range of motion (ROM). We evaluated the validity and intra- and inter-rater reliability of this goniometer for the measurement of upper limb ROM in 10 people who had had a stroke. The movements on which the device was evaluated were shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, forearm supination and forearm pronation. Measurements performed using the Internet-based goniometer were compared with measurements made using the most widely accepted clinical joint ROM measurement tool, the universal goniometer. The Internet-based goniometer was found to be a valid tool for the measurement of upper limb ROM, with the disagreement between the two measurement tools ranging from 1.1–2.4°. The Internet-based goniometer was also shown to possess a high level of intra- and inter-rater reliability (all intra class correlation coefficients>0.93). The results suggest that therapists can confidently use the Internet-based goniometer to measure the upper limb ROM in people who have had a stroke.
Providing basic hearing tests using remote computing technology
Authors: Krumm Mark , Ribera John , Klich Richard
Published: December 2007

We administered pure tone and otoacoustic emissions testing to subjects in a distant community using remote computing technology. Fifteen men and 15 women ranging in age from 18–30 years were tested. An audiometer was used to measure subject pure tone thresholds. In addition, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) data were recorded using a portable system. Both systems were interfaced to a PC which was connected to the local area network at Minot State University (MSU). An examiner at Utah State University, 1100 km away, could control both the DPOAE and the audiometer equipment at MSU. Overall, the pure tone means for the face-to-face and telemedicine trials were equivalent at each frequency. Moreover, DPOAE recordings exhibited equivalent results at each frequency for telemedicine and face-to-face trials. These results support the use of remote computing as a telemedicine method for providing pure tone audiometry and DPOAE testing to distant communities.
Adoption of telemedicine in Scottish remote and rural general practices: a qualitative study
Authors: King Gerry , Richards Helen , Godden David
Published: December 2007

We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore the factors that have facilitated and prevented the adoption of telemedicine in general practice in remote and rural Scotland. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in 26 of Scotland's most remote practices and five of the seven most rural health boards. The interview study found that GPs were more positive about the use of computers and telemedicine than nurses. Although electronic access to simple data, such as laboratory results, had become widely accepted, most respondents had very little experience of more sophisticated telemedicine applications, such as videoconferencing. There was widespread scepticism about the potential usefulness of clinical applications of telemedicine, although it was perceived to have potential benefit in facilitating access to educational resources. A number of barriers to the adoption of telemedicine were reported, including concerns that videoconferencing could diminish the quality of communication in educational and clinical settings, and that telemedicine would not fit easily with the organizational routines of the practices. Policy-makers should prioritize strategies to develop educational programmes, as these are more likely to succeed than clinical initiatives. It may then follow that clinicians will see opportunities for use in their clinical work.
Screening and Brief Intervention Enter Their 5th Decade
Authors: Saitz Richard
Published: December 2007

About 40 years since the first controlled study, screening and brief intervention (SBI) are being disseminated into practice. But many unanswered questions remain. Studies in this special issue address what we know and don't know about alcohol and drug SBI, cost-effectiveness, patient preferences, education for clinicians, quality performance measures, “no-contact” SBI, predictors of behavior change, and methodological concerns with the SBI literature. The best evidence for efficacy of SBI is that it can lead to decreased consumption in primary care patients with non-dependent unhealthy alcohol use. But further research is needed on brief drug screening tools, efficacy of SBI for drugs, effectiveness in real world settings, integration of SBI for alcohol and drugs with other health behaviors, effects of SBI on alcohol and drug consequences, effects on dependence among those not seeking help, and on how to best disseminate the efficacious elements of SBI into practice.
Sex Discrimination and Private Insurance: should sex differences make a difference?
Authors: Keithley Jane
Published: December 2007

This paper argues that UK insurance companies should abandon their policy of charging differential premiums and offering differential benefits to women and men on the basis of gender specific morbidity and mortality tables. The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) permits such practices, although subsequent legal judgements, particularly in the European Court, have challenged aspects of them. However, the spirit of the SDA, as of recent European Community legislation, is to outlaw unequal treatment which arguably reflects unfair, culturally-based or outdated stereotypes about the capabilities and the needs of either sex.

Firstly, this paper considers the contemporary legal and statutory context, as regards differential treatment of women and men, in which British insurance companies operate. Secondly, it discusses certain conflicting views as to whether such differentiation is either ‘fair’ to the insured or commercially necessary for the continued viability of the insurance industry, drawing on debates in this country and the United States. The paper concludes with some suggestions as to how changes might be introduced, on a legislative or voluntary basis.
Quasi-Markets in Health and Social Care in Britain: can the public sector respond?
Authors: Hudson Bob
Published: December 2007

The concept of the ‘quasi-market’ in Britain developed in the 1980s as Conservative governments sought a way to reconcile market principles with publicly funded services. This article considers the nature of quasi-markets with particular reference to current policy changes in the fields of health and social care. It examines the tensions inherent in the concept, the feasibility of implementation and the likely outcomes for the two policy areas. It suggests that the political sensitivity of the health and social care fields is such that a high degree of regulation will be required, and that any resemblance to a genuine market is unlikely.
Chemical evolution toward the origin of life
Authors: Fitz Daniel , Reiner Hannes , Rode Bernd Michael
Published: December 2007

Numerous hypotheses about how life on earth could have started can be found in the literature. In this article, we give an overview about the most widespread ones and try to point out which of them might have occurred on the primordial earth with highest probability from a chemical point of view. The idea that a very early stage of life was the "RNA world" encounters crucial problems concerning the formation of its building blocks and their stability in a prebiotic environment. Instead, it seems much more likely that a "peptide world" originated first and that RNA and DNA took up their part at a much later stage. It is shown that amino acids and peptides can be easily formed in a realistic primordial scenario and that these biomolecules can start chemical evolution without the help of RNA. The origin of biohomochirality seems strongly related to the most probable formation of the first peptides via the salt-induced peptide formation (SIPF) reaction.
Recent advances in the synthesis of carbohydrate analogs
Authors: Sydnes Leiv K. , Valdersnes Stig
Published: December 2007

With 3,3,4,4-tetraethoxy-1-butyne as starting material, we are investigating the preparation of a range of alkylated, partially deoxygenated carbohydrate derivatives. In the lecture, an overview of recent results was given, with particular emphasis on progress in the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl-substituted deoxygenated analogs. Since many of the results discussed in the lecture have recently been or are in the process of being published, this paper focuses on our recent advances in preparing fluorinated analogs.
Chemistry of porous coordination polymers
Authors: Maji Tapas Kumar , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: December 2007

Remarkable advances in the recent development of porous compounds based upon coordination polymers have paved the way toward functional chemistry having potential applications such as gas storage, separation, and catalysis. From the synthetic point of view, the advantage is a designable framework, which can readily be constructed from building blocks, the so-called bottom-up assembly. Compared with conventional porous materials such as zeolites and activated carbons, porous inorganic-organic hybrid frameworks have higher potential for adsorption of small molecules because of their designability with respect to the coordination geometry around the central metal ion as well as size and probable multifunctionality of bridging organic ligands. Although rigidity and robustness of porous framework with different degree of adsorption are the most studied properties of metal-organic coordination frameworks, there are few studies on dynamic porous frameworks, which could open up a new dimension in materials chemistry.
Characterization of a protein S assay measuring the APC cofactor activity / Charakterisierung eines APC-Kofaktor basierten Protein S-Aktivitätstests
Authors: Patzke Jürgen , Merz Mechthild , Siegemund Annelie
Published: December 2007

The Protein S Ac activity assay is based on the role of protein S as a cofactor to activated protein C (APC). Tests performed on three coagulation analyzers were studied to determine assay performance characteristics. The overall mean imprecision was 5.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% for within-run coefficient of variation (CV), run-to-run CV and total CV, respectively. A total of 239 sample results yielded a correlation to the STA Protein S Clotting assay of r=0.92 (slope=0.96). A group of patients with APC resistance and additional underlying conditions, such as oral contraception, oral anticoagulation, pregnancy and recurrent thrombosis showed pathologically low protein S values with activity assays as well as with free antigen assays. To differentiate between the effects of APC resistance and other influencing factors, samples from healthy blood donors with APC resistance were measured with both assay types. Based on comparison of antigen and activity results, it can be concluded that APC resistance lowers protein S activity values by approximately 15% (rel.). No interference was observed from physiologically relevant concentration of factor V, factor VIII, triglycerides, hemoglobin, bilirubin and heparin (low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin). When samples are to be frozen, double centrifugation is the best procedure to reduce the platelet count. The stability of the sample was at least 4 h at room temperature, regardless of whether fresh or frozen samples were tested. Freezing had no observable effect on samples stored for up to 12 months at −70°C.
Streptokokkenschnelltests / Rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests
Authors: Reinert Ralf René
Published: December 2007

Die konsequente antibiotische Behandlung von durch Streptococcus pyogenes hervorgerufener Tonsillo-Pharyngitis ist nach wie vor aufgrund der Folgeerkrankungen erforderlich. Die Diagnose der Streptokokken-Pharyngitis basierend allein auf klinischen Symptomen ist nicht zuverlässig möglich. Die klassische mikrobiologische Kultur erfordert ein bis drei Tage und wird den Anforderungen des klinischen Alltags aufgrund des Zeitbedarfes nicht gerecht. Daher haben einfach durchzuführende Streptokokkenschnelltests in den letzten Jahren zunehmend Verbreitung gefunden. Fast alle modernen Streptokokkenschnelltests besitzen eine hohe Spezifität (>95%), auch die Sensitivität wurde in den letzten Jahren aufgrund technischer Verbesserungen deutlich gesteigert (>85%). Große Sorgfalt muss auf bei der Auswahl des geeigneten Streptokokkenschnelltests für die entsprechende medizinische Einrichtung aufgewandt werden. Überlegungen zum Einsatz von Streptokokkenschnelltests sollten folgende Aspekte berücksichtigen: Art der Einrichtung (Krankenhaus, niedergelassene Praxis), Kosten und schnelle Verfügbarkeit eines mikrobiologischen Labors. Niedergelassenen Kinderärzten ist anzuraten, für die Zeit der Einführung eines neuen Tests, Schnelltest und klassische mikrobiologische Kultur parallel durchzuführen, bis man sich von hoher Spezifität und Sensitivität der neuen Testmethode im Rahmen der eigenen Einrichtung überzeugt hat. Der Einfluss, den Ausbildung und Training des technischen Personals auf die diagnostische Qualität des Tests haben, darf nicht unterschätzt werden. In besonderen Fällen sollte auf eine Empfindlichkeitsprüfung nicht verzichtet werden, da auch in Deutschland die Makrolidresistenz von Streptococcus pyogenes in den letzten Jahren deutlich zugenommen hat.
Administration route-dependent effects of estrogens on IGF-I levels during fixed GH replacement in women with hypopituitarism
Authors: van der Klaauw Agatha A , Biermasz Nienke R , Zelissen Pierre M J , Pereira Alberto M , Lentjes Eef G W M , Smit Johannes W A , van Thiel Sjoerd W , Romijn Johannes A , Roelfsema Ferdinand
Published: December 2007

Objective

GH-deficient women using oral estradiol treatment require higher doses of recombinant human GH (rhGH) to achieve similar IGF-I levels when compared with men and women on transdermal estradiol replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral versus transdermal estrogen administration at similar plasma estradiol levels on IGF-I, IGF-binding protein-3, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations.

Design

Parallel crossover study in which two groups of hypogonadal and GH-deficient women with fixed and stable rhGH replacement passed through four different estradiol treatment schemes (2 and 4 mg oral, and 50 and 100 μg transdermal estradiol) with a duration of four cycles each to ensure a new steady state. Group I (18 patients using oral estradiol prior to the study) was treated with oral followed by transdermal estradiol and group II (five patients with transdermal estradiol prior to inclusion) with transdermal followed by oral estradiol.

Results

Estradiol concentrations were lowest during 50 μg transdermal and highest during 4 mg oral estradiol treatment. Estradiol concentrations did not differ during 100 μg transdermal and 2 mg oral treatment. Nevertheless, IGF-I levels were significantly higher during 100 μg transdermal when compared with 2 mg oral treatment (P=0.005 in group I and 0.02 in group II), while SHBG levels were significantly lower (P=0.002 in group I and P=0.004 in group II). SHBG and IGF-I concentrations were negatively correlated (R=−0.41, P=0.0001).

Conclusion

During fixed GH replacement, the route of estrogen administration is a determinant of IGF-I levels in hypogonadal GH-deficient women.
Microcirculation in obesity: an unexplored domain
Authors: Wiernsperger Nicolas , Nivoit Pierre , Bouskela Eliete
Published: December 2007

Obesity is traditionally linked to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Very recent experimental, clinical and epidemiological, sometimes provocative, data challenge this automaticity by showing that not the amount but the distribution of fat is the important determinant. Moderate abdominal fat accumulation may thus be more harmful than even consequent overweight. In view of the worldwide burden of obesity, factors leading to it in children and young adults must urgently be identified. Since obesity is a very complex cardiometabolic situation, this will require to focus investigations on uncomplicated obese subjects and adequate animal models. The recent discovery of intergenerational transmissions of obesity risk factors and also the key role played by gestational and perinatal events (epigenetic factors) give rise to completely new concepts and research avenues. Considering the potential close relationship between microcirculation and tissue metabolism, demonstrations of structural and/or functional abnormalities in microvascular physiology very early in life of subjects at risk for obesity might provide a solid basis for further investigations of such links. Microcirculation(arterioles, capillaries and venules) is conceivably a key compartment determining over one or several decades the translation of genetic and epigenetic factors into fat accumulation. Available animal models should serve to answer this cardinal question.
The contribution of heavy metal pollution derived from highway runoff to Guanabara Bay sediments: Rio de Janeiro / Brazil
Authors: Pereira Edisio , Baptista-Neto José A. , Smith Bernard J. , Mcallister John J.
Published: December 2007

In this study, geochemical and particle size analyses of thirty-four street sediment samples collected from an urban environment around Guanabara Bay, shows highway run-off to be a potential source of heavy metals for the pollution of near-shore sedimentary deposits. Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr and Ni were found to be higher in these sediments when compared to concentrations found in samples from the natural environment, where an Enrichment Factor (EF) index was used to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources. Particle size analysis shows these sediments to be predominantly composed of sand and no distribution pattern was observed between the sand, silt and clay fractions. High levels of organic matter and heavy metals would indicate that these street run-off materials are a potential source of pollution for the near-shore sediments of Guanabara Bay.
Deficiência hídrica simulada nos diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento de um cultivar precoce de soja
Authors: Nogueira Sandra dos Santos Seva , Nagai Violeta
Published: December 2007

Estudou-se o efeito da deficiência hídrica em diferentes estádios do cultivar precoce de soja Paraná. As plantas foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação, em solução nutritiva de Hoagland. A deficiência hídrica foi simulada pela adição de polietilenoglicol (PEG) 6% na solução nutritiva, nos seguintes estádios: vegetativo, florescimento e enchimento do grão. Os resultados mostraram que: (1) a deficiência hídrica nos três estádios diminuiu a produção e o número de vagens e de grãos em relação à testemunha; (2) no período do enchimento do grão diminuiu o peso do grão e a produção, com relação ao estádio vegetativo. Concluiu-se que a deficiência foi mais prejudicial nos estádios reprodutivos, devido à diminuição da produção de grãos.
Arroz e trigo: tolerância à salinidade em solução nutritiva
Authors: Freitas José Guilherme de , Camargo Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira
Published: December 2007

O estresse hídrico é uma das principais causas da baixa produtividade de grãos nas culturas de arroz e trigo-de-sequeiro no Brasil. Um programa de melhoramento genético usando um método para selecionar plantas tolerantes ao estresse hídrico diminuiria bastante esses efeitos negativos: por isso, tentou-se verificar os comportamentos de cultivares de arroz (sequeiro e irrigado) e trigo sob estresse salino considerando que estes se correlacionassem. Realizaram-se dois experimentos no laboratório da Seção de Arroz e Cereais de Inverno do Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, empregando soluções nutritivas. Os cultivares estudados foram os seguintes: arroz-de-sequeiro: IAC-25, IAC-47, IAC-164, IAC-165, IAC-1246, Batatais, Pérola, Pratão Precoce e Dourado Precoce; de arroz irrigado: IAC-120, IAC-435, IAC-899, IR-841, IAC-1278 e IAC-4440; de trigo: IAC-5, IAS-55, Siete Cerros e Paraguay-281. Tanto o arejamento das soluções como a iluminação das plântulas foram contínuos. Usaram-se as concentrações de cloreto de sódio: 0,0; 0,1; 0,2; 0,3; 0,4; e 0,8 molal (p/m) ou potenciais osmóticos de 0,00; -0,47; -0,93; -1,39; -1,85 e -3,75 MPa. As plântulas de arroz cresceram doze dias em solução-tratamento contendo diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio em pH 6,0 e com temperatura de raízes 30 ± 1°C. As plântulas de trigo cresceram em dez dias em solução-tratamento em pH 6,0 e temperatura de raízes 25 ± 1°C. Mediu-se o comprimento da maior raiz seminal, comprimento da parte aérea (bainha da terceira folha madura) e pesou-se a matéria seca das partes aéreas e raízes, das plantas dos diferentes cultivares estudados. A avaliação da diminuição do diâmetro das raízes e da cor verde foi visual, tanto para o arroz como para o trigo. Os resultados mostraram que o parâmetro da raiz seminal variou mais do que os outros, sendo, portanto, melhor para avaliar a tolerância à salinidade, visando ao melhoramento genético. Assim, com base nas variações das porcentagens diárias médias do comprimento das raízes seminais ao cloreto de sódio, os cultivares de arroz foram classificados em tolerantes: IAC-165, Pratão Precoce, Dourado Precoce, IAC-1 64 e IAC-1 20; moderadamente tolerantes: IAC-1246, Pérola, IAC-25, Batatais e IAC-47; moderadamente sensíveis: IAC-899, IAC-435, IAC-4440 e IR-841, e sensível: IAC-1278. Para o trigo foram considerados como os mais tolerantes os cultivares IAS-55 e Siete Cerros.
Zinco nas folhas de soja em função da calagem
Authors: Mascarenhas Hipólito Assunção Antonio , Bataglia Ondino Cleante , Quaggio José Antonio , Gallo Paulo Boller
Published: December 2007

Em experimento conduzido na Estação Experimental de Mococa, num latossolo vermelho-escuro álico, A moderado, textura argilosa, com quatro níveis de calagem (1, 4, 7 e 10 t/ha de calcário dolomítico), procurou-se avaliar o efeito dessa prática sobre a concentração de zinco nas folhas de soja em três plantios sucessivos a partir de 1980. Observou-se, através dos anos, um decréscimo nos teores de Zn nas folhas. Nos três anos, a calagem deprimiu a concentração de Zn nas folhas. Mesmo nos níveis mais altos de calcário, porém, não foram atingidos teores considerados deficientes.
Escolhas públicas no Brasil
Authors: Monteiro Jorge Vianna
Published: December 2007

As principais dimensões das escolhas públicas na economia brasileira, estabelecidas a partir do modelo da public choice. Esse foco, quando aplicado a uma economia que opera sob regras instáveis, como é o caso do Brasil, permite que melhor se entenda o funcionamento dos mecanismos da intermediação política, em sua relação com as propriedades dos resultados de política pública. Atenção especial é dada à opção do governo em produzir tais resultados, seja por políticas convencionais que preservam as instituições, seja pelo caminho de alterar as próprias regras constitucionais.
Percepção da educação permanente, continuada e em serviço para enfermeiros de um hospital de ensino
Authors: Paschoal Amarílis Schiavon , Mantovani Maria de Fátima , Méier Marineli Joaquim
Published: December 2007

Este estudo tem como objetivo discutir a concepção de educação permanente, continuada e em serviço junto a enfermeiros de um hospital de ensino. É uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, na qual a coleta dos dados foi realizada pela técnica do grupo focal, durante seis sessões gravadas em áudio e vídeo. Participaram deste estudo nove enfermeiros de um hospital de ensino. Para analisar os dados, utilizou-se a técnica do discurso do sujeito coletivo, que consiste na organização e tabulação de dados qualitativos de natureza verbal obtidos por meio de depoimentos, da qual resultou um único discurso. A pesquisa demonstrou que os enfermeiros diferenciaram os termos educação permanente, continuada e em serviço, construindo conceitos próprios, ressaltando a importância da diferenciação para definir o tipo de ação a ser tomada diante da necessidade educativa apresentada.
Acerca da interdisciplinaridade: aspectos epistemológicos e implicações para a enfermagem
Authors: Carvalho Vilma de
Published: December 2007

Trata-se da interdisciplinaridade como fenômeno e assunto emergente da ciência (re)partida em várias especialidades ou disciplinas do saber/conhecimento e da formação profissional, principalmente na área da saúde e da enfermagem. A abordagem é de natureza crítica e filosófica e o propósito principal visa a expor dificuldades e problemas com intuito de favorecer e ampliar a discussão. Conceitos gerais, mais correntes, são apresentados de permeio com idéias epistemológicas subjacentes às repercussões do trabalho em grupo e transcendentes à consciência para além da filosofia do sujeito. A autora advoga sua opinião e postura em face do tema com exemplos de sua prática acadêmica e experiências da Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery/UFRJ.
Pharmacological immunomodulation enhances peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Inoe Ana Paula , Pereira Francisco Carlos , Stopiglia Angelo João , Da-Silva Ciro Ferreira
Published: December 2007

To assess the effect of N-Acetylmuramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Isoglutamine MDP topically administrated on the regenerating peripheral neurons, twelve male C57BL/6J adult mice were equally distributed into three groups. Four mice underwent unilateral sciatic nerve transection and polyethylene tubulization, with a 4mm gap between the proximal and distal nerve stumps and were implanted with collagen + PBS (COL). Other four animals underwent the same surgical procedure but received collagen + MDP (COL/MDP) inside the prosthesis. Four animals were not operated and served as control group (NOR). After 4 weeks, the regenerated nerve cables were processed for total myelinated axon counting and myelinated fiber diameter measurement. The L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was also removed and sectioned for sensory neurons counting and measurement. The results revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in axonal counting among the groups NOR (4,355±32), COL (1,869±289) and COL/MDP (2,430±223). There was a significant reduction in the axonal diameter in the operated groups (COL=3.38µm±1.16 and COL/MDP=3.54µm±1.16) compared to NOR (6.19µm±2.45). No difference was found in the number of DRG neurons between the experimental groups (COL=564±51; COL/MDP=514±56), which presented fewer sensory neurons compared to NOR (1,097±142). Data obtained indicate that locally applied MDP stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration in mice.