bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Pricing and Inventory Control: Uncertainty and Competition
Authors: Adida Elodie , Perakis Georgia
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we study a make-to-stock manufacturing system where two firms compete through dynamic pricing and inventory control. Our goal is to address competition (in particular a duopoly setting) together with the presence of demand uncertainty. We consider a dynamic setting where multiple products share production capacity. We introduce a demand-based fluid model where the demand is a linear function of the price of the supplier and of her competitor, the inventory and production costs are quadratic, and all coefficients are time dependent. A key part of the model is that no backorders are allowed and the strategy of a supplier depends on her competitor's strategy. First, we reformulate the robust problem as a fluid model of similar form to the deterministic one and show existence of a Nash equilibrium in continuous time. We then discuss issues of uniqueness and address how to compute a particular Nash equilibrium, i.e., the normalized Nash equilibrium.
Comparing Generic and Innovator Drugs: A Review of 12 Years of Bioequivalence Data from the United States Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Davit Barbara M , Nwakama Patrick E , Buehler Gary J , Conner Dale P , Haidar Sam H , Patel Dewrat T , Yang Yongsheng , Yu Lawrence X , Woodcock Janet
Published: September 2009

Background:

In the US, manufacturers seeking approval to market a generic drug product must submit data demonstrating that the generic formulation provides the same rate and extent of absorption as (ie, is bioequivalent to) the innovator drug product. Thus, most orally administered generic drug products in the US are approved based on results of one or more clinical bioequivalence studies.

Objective:

To evaluate how well the bioequivalence measures of generic drugs approved in the US over a 12-year period compare with those of their corresponding innovator counterparts.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis compared the generic and innovator bioequivalence measures from 2070 single-dose clinical bioequivalence studies of orally administered generic drug products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1996 to 2007 (12 y). Bioequivalence measures evaluated were drug peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration versus time curve (AUC), representing drug rate and extent of absorption, respectively. The generic/innovator Cmax and AUC geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were determined from each of the bioequivalence studies, which used from 12 to 170 subjects. The GMRs from the 2070 studies were averaged. In addition, the distribution of differences between generic means and innovator means was determined for both Cmax and AUC.

Results:

The mean ± SD of the GMRs from the 2070 studies was 1.00 ± 0.06 for Cmax and 1.00 ± 0.04 for AUC. The average difference in Cmax and AUC between generic and innovator products was 4.35% and 3.56%, respectively. In addition, in nearly 98% of the bioequivalence studies conducted during this period, the generic product AUC differed from that of the innovator product by less than 10%.

Conclusions:

The criteria used to evaluate generic drug bioequivalence studies support the FDA's objective of approving generic drug formulations that are therapeutically equivalent to their innovator counterparts.
Efficacy of Fluconazole for the Treatment of Onychomycosis
Authors: Brown Sherrill J
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis.

Data Sources:

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–May 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 2009) were performed. Key search terms included fluconazole and onychomycosis. In addition, reference citations from identified publications were reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. All studies evaluating oral fluconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis were included in the review.

Data Synthesis:

Seven studies evaluating fluconazole treatment for onychomycosis were identified. One study used daily dosing and the rest used once-weekly dosing. Treatment doses ranged from 100 mg to 450 mg weekly and 150 mg daily, and durations ranged from 12 weeks to 12 months. Most of the studies evaluated the efficacy of fluconazole in patients with toenail onychomycosis due to dermatophyte infection. Fluconazole was superior to placebo, with mycologic eradication rates ranging from 36% to 100% in placebo-controlled studies. In one of the comparative studies, the mycologic cure rate was lower with fluconazole (31.2%) compared with terbinafine (75%) and itraconazole (61.1%). Common adverse events reported with fluconazole use were headache, gastrointestinal pain, and diarrhea.

Conclusions:

Fluconazole is less effective than terbinafine and itraconazole in the treatment of onychomycosis. However, fluconazole may be preferred in patients unable to tolerate other oral antifungal agents due to the dosing regimen, adverse effect profile, and drug interactions.
Impact of a Renal Drug Dosing Service on Dose Adjustment in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hassan Yahaya , Al-Ramahi Rowa' J , Aziz Noorizan Abd , Ghazali Rozina
Published: September 2009

Background:

Appropriate drug selection and dosing for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important to avoid unwanted drug effects and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Objective:

To assess the rate of inappropriate dosing in patients with CKD in a nephrology unit and to evaluate the impact on dose adjustment, adverse drug events (ADEs), and drug cost of having a pharmacist accompany a team of physicians on their rounds.

Methods:

This was a comparative study with a preintervention and postintervention design. The preintervention phase served as the control; it was prospective and observational only and was conducted from the beginning of February to the end of May 2007. The second phase (intervention phase) was conducted from the beginning of March to the end of June 2008. Two random samples of 300 patients with an estimated creatinine clearance less than or equal to 50 mL/min were included. During the intervention phase, a clinical pharmacist made rounds with the nephrology unit team and gave dosing adjustment recommendations when needed. A collection of reliable and up-to-date drug information references that are commonly used globally were used during the intervention.

Results:

In the preintervention group, drug dosage adjustment or avoidance, based on renal function, was necessary in 607 of 2814 (21.6%) prescriptions. Of these, 322 (53.0%) did not comply with guidelines. In the intervention group, adjustment was necessary for 640 of 2981 (21.5%) prescriptions. The pharmacist made 388 recommendations related to dosing adjustment, 212 (54.6%) of which were accepted by physicians. Clinicians' noncompliance with dosing guidelines decreased to 176 (27.5%) (p < 0.001). In the preintervention group, 64 (21.3%) patients had a suspected ADE, with a total of 73 events. In the intervention group, this number was significantly lower with 49 events in 48 (16.0%) patients (p < 0.05). The intervention resulted in drug cost savings of $2250 US.

Conclusions:

A renal drug dosing service for patients hospitalized with CKD can increase the proportion of drug dosing that is adjusted to take into account renal function. This can save drug costs and may prevent ADEs.
Analysis of Medications Returned to Community Pharmacies
Authors: James Tess H , Helms Margaret L , Braund Rhiannon
Published: September 2009

Background:

There are many causes of medication waste, including excess supply, treatment changes, and patient nonadherence to therapy. Investigating medication returns may indicate areas for targeting interventions to reduce waste.

Objective:

To identify and quantify the types and amounts of medications returned to community pharmacies and, specifically, to quantify the percentage of medication returned from the original dispensing, its therapeutic category, and reasons for not being used.

Methods:

Unsolicited medication returned for disposal to the 24 community pharmacies in the Taranaki region (~ 37,000 households) of New Zealand over a 6-week period was analyzed. The results were entered into a database, recording medication, amount originally issued (if known), date of issue, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification, and reason for nonuse. Cross-tabulation of ATC category versus percentage returned as well as ATC category versus reason for returns was performed. Adjusted standardized residuals were investigated to determine specific cells that were in excess of the expected counts.

Results:

Complete information was available for 2704 items. The majority (51%) of returns contained 75–100% of the original dispensed amount of medication. For the respiratory category, 77% of the returns were in the 75–100% group, significantly more than for any other therapeutic group. Reasons for returns were recorded as bereavement (22%), surplus to requirements (17%), expired (8%), medication change (11%), dose change (3%), and unknown (39%). The cardiovascular group and respiratory groups had a higher rate of returned drugs due to medication changes and surplus to requirements, respectively.

Conclusions:

The majority of returned medications contained greater than 75% of the original amount issued. Identification of therapeutic groups having higher rates of returns due to medication changes or surplus to requirements may suggest areas to target to reduce medication waste.
Predicting children's word‐reading accuracy for common English words: The effect of word transparency and complexity
Authors: Spencer Ken
Published: September 2009

The effects of printed word frequency and transparency measures on single word reading accuracy were examined in 105 six‐year‐old children. The results indicated that it may be necessary to re‐appraise notions of orthography‐to‐phonology correspondences for children of this age. The influence of orthographic neighbourhood size appeared to derive from word frequency and graphemic complexity. The results also indicated that sonograph frequency was more predictive of reading accuracy than the GPC rules and weighted correspondences currently embodied in dual route and connectionist models of skilled reading.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels modulate the acute-phase response associated with the first nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate infusion
Authors: Bertoldo Francesco , Pancheri Serena , Zenari Sonia , Boldini Stefania , Giovanazzi Benedetta , Zanatta Mirko , Valenti Maria Teresa , Carbonare Luca Dalle , Cascio Vincenzo Lo
Published: September 2009

The acute-phase response (APR) is the most frequent side effect after the first dose of intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs). It has been demonstrated in vitro that N-BPs stimulate γδ T-cell proliferation and production of cytokines and that vitamin D is able to modulate them. Therefore, we have studied the relationship between bone metabolism parameters, particularly for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and APR in patients treated with 5 mg zoledronic acid intravenously. Ninety N-BP-naive osteoporotic women (63.7 ± 10.6 years of age) were stratified for the occurrence of APR (APR+) or not (APR–) and quantified by body temperature and C-reactive protein (CRP). The APR+ women had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than the APR– women. Levels of 25(OH)D were normal (>30 ng/mL) in 31% of APR+ women and in 76% of APR– women. The odds ratio (OR) to have APR in 25(OH)D-depleted women was 5.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.30–6.29; p < .0002] unadjusted and 2.38 (95% CI 1.85–2.81; p < .028) after multiple adjustments (for age, body mass index, CRP, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and C-telopeptide of type I collagen). Levels of 25(OH)D were negatively correlated with postdose body temperature (r = −0.64, p < .0001) and CRP (r = −0.79, p < .001). An exponential increase in fever and CRP has been found with 25(OH)D levels lower than 30 ng/mL and body temperature less than 37 °C, whereas normal CRP was associated with 25(OH)D levels above 40 ng/mL. The association between post-N-BPs APR and 25(OH)D suggests an interesting interplay among N-BPs, 25(OH)D, and the immune system, but a causal role of 25(OH)D in APR has to be proven by a randomized, controlled trial. However, if confirmed, it should have some practical implications in preventing APR. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dogmatic Shakespeare: a recognition of ghostly presences in Thomas Vinterberg's Festen and Kristian Levring's The King is Alive
Authors: Griggs Yvonne
Published: September 2009

This article explores the relationship between a number of film products of the Dogme New Wave and the various intertexts at play in their creation; it poses questions about the very nature of adaptation and the interplay between so-called precursory texts and their seemingly adapted
offspring. In particular, it interrogates the ways in which Vinterberg's Festen (1998) and Levring's The King is Alive (2000) echo, at a conscious or a subconscious level, performative and ideological facets of Shakespeare's Hamlet (1601) and King Lear (1608) respectively.
KILL ME SENTIMENT: V For Vendetta and comic-to-film adaptation
Authors: Reynolds James
Published: September 2009

This article historicizes the emergence of the super-hero film genre, placing the recent surge in numbers of comic-to-film adaptations in the context of commercial strategy, and in relation to perceptions of comics' artistic validity. It argues that significant differences in production
and reception between the media of comic book art and film need to be addressed in processes of adaptation, and that adaptations that do not address these features can be reductive of complexity, and even censorious. A survey of the phenomena establishes the terms of investigation, which are
subsequently applied to Alan Moore and David Lloyd's V For Vendetta (1990). Analysis problematizes the model of comic-to-film adaptation which the film presents, on the basis that it rehearses and supports the limiting cultural perspectives which comic book artists have worked to escape.
Reviews
Authors: Collard Christophe , O'Thomas Mark , Poore Ben , Sant Toni
Published: September 2009

Authorship in Film Adaptation. Jack Boozer (ed.) (2008) Austin: University of Texas Press, 341 pp., ISBN 978-0-292-71853-1, Paperback, $27.95.

The Production Notebooks: Volume 1, Mark Bly (1997) New York: Theatre Communications Group, 238 pp., ISBN
978-1-5593-6110-1, Paperback, 18.99

Screen Adaptations: Charles Dickens' Great Expectations: The Relationship between Text and Film, Brian McFarlane, (2008), First edition London: Methuen, 188 pp., ISBN 978-0-7136-7909-0, Paperback, 12.99

Intermediality in Theatre
and Performance, Freda Chapple and Chiel Kattenbelt eds., (2007), 3rd Edition Amsterdam / New York: Rodopi, 266 pp., ISBN 978-90-4201-6293, Paperback, 54.00 / 38.57 / US $73.00
Scanning Electron Microscope Characterization of the Surfaces of ASTM C 109 Standard Ottawa Sand Grains
Authors: Barnes BD , Diamond S , Dolch WL
Published: September 2009

Surface microstructural features of Ottawa sand prescribed for mortar strength tests of portland cements in ASTM C 109 have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The observed features include large areas of rounded grain surface that appear etched or frosted at low magnification and are seen to consist of sharp hills and valleys on a scale of a few micrometres; some areas of smooth planar surfaces representing cleavage planes; a number of large dish-shaped concavities thought to arise through conchoidal fractures associated with violent grain-to-grain contact; and incised lines separating some of the frosted surface into roughly polygonal blocks about 50 μm across. The frosted areas probably represent the results of repeated local dissolution and reprecipitation of silica.
Low-Void Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Rahal AS , Havens JH
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to modify concrete mix design formulas so that all water over and above that needed for hydration could be replaced with a nonevaporable liquid material or a super water-reducer or superplasticizer, thus producing a low-void concrete. A water cement ratio of 0.244 to 0.30 was presumed minimal for hydration of the cement. Several polymeric materials, asphalts, oils, and superplasticizers were used. Success was achieved with two latexes, one epoxy, and several superplasticizers. The use of these materials in concrete resulted in improved strength, reduction of air voids and permeability, and improved resistance to corrosive chloride salts.
The Electrical Resistivity of Concrete with Emphasis on the Use of Electrical Resistance for Measuring Moisture Content
Authors: Woelfl GA , Lauer K
Published: September 2009

The paper describes an investigation of the electrical resistivity of concrete. In particular, electrical resistance of concrete was found to increase with decreasing water-cement ratio and increasing aggregate-cement ratio and entrained air content. The results show that calculating a water-concrete ratio by volume provides a convenient way of comparing the electrical resistivity of concretes of different mix proportions. The study also demonstrates that electrical resistance can be used to measure the moisture content of concrete. Electrical resistance increases as moisture content decreases with the least rate of change within the highest range of moisture contents. Although other techniques for measuring moisture content of concrete are more accurate, the use of electrical resistance has the advantage of being a relatively simple procedure that uses inexpensive equipment.
The Analysis of Interlaboratory Test Data
Authors: Mandel J
Published: September 2009

In designing an interlaboratory study for the determination of the precision and accuracy of a test method, detailed attention must be given to a number of items. Foremost among these is the selection of laboratories and materials. The materials should cover the range of levels to which the test is intended to apply. The laboratories should have acquired thorough familiarity with the method, obtained if necessary in the course of a preliminary round-robin test. It is good practice to analyze the data level by level and to subsequently examine the within- and between-laboratory components of variance as functions of the level. The paper includes a comparison of this method of analysis with one based on two-way analysis of variance.
Ruggedness Evaluation of Test Procedures
Authors: Wernimont G
Published: September 2009

W. J. Youden was the first to suggest that a test method be evaluated for ruggedness in a single laboratory before we subject it to an interlaboratory performance study. This review explains the logic behind this simple and efficient experimental design and includes a completely worked out example, from one of Youden's papers, for the commonly used scheme of 7 factors in 8 experiments. Experimental plans for studying the effects of 11 factors in 12 experiments and 15 factors in 16 experiments are layed out along with many references.
Establishing Specification Limits for Materials
Authors: Philleo RE
Published: September 2009

Materials specification limits should minimize materials and testing costs while providing adequate protection for both producer and consumer. The publication of precision statements in ASTM test methods makes possible a rational method for establishing the number of determinations to be averaged for a reported test result for a given test method and is useful in establishing specification limits for mutually dependent properties and for comparisons between treated and untreated materials. Detailed procedures are given for establishing specification limits for the heat of hydration of portland cement and the contribution to durability of concrete admixtures.
Precision Statements Without an Interlaboratory Test Program
Authors: Arni HT
Published: September 2009

The accepted and best way to acquire data as a basis for writing a precision statement for a test method is to conduct an interlaboratory study designed for that purpose. However, it is sometimes possible to develop a usable precision statement with data from other sources, such as historical data or data from a recognized reference sample program. This paper gives examples of such statements developed for two ASTM methods and describes how they were developed.
God′s Body: Epistemic and Ritual Conceptions from Sanskrit Texts of Logic
Authors: Colas Gérard
Published: September 2009

Discussions on the nature of the relationship between a god, his body and his material representation are almost non-existent in the Hindu devotional perspective, where such concerns are superfluous. Hindu theological and ritual Sanskrit texts, on the other hand, applied procedures of reasoning with regard to that relationship. This rationalization however accommodated rather than conflicted with the devotional attitude. Their attempt to clarify their stand vis-à-vis god′s body and material image followed from ideological or technical requirements. This was done sometimes systematically, as in the Viśiṣṭādvaita school of philosophy where the ritual image is declared to be a divine descent (of God) for the purpose of worship; sometimes incidentally, as in ritual manuals, where the process of changing statues into divine bodies is described.

But why should gods have a body at all? While some contend that they do not possess any body, others assert that they possess several at the same time, yet others infer the necessity of a body for God to create the universe, to reveal sacred texts, etc. These are some arguments and counter-arguments found in theological texts. The nature of the hierarchy between divine descents and images (which may or may not be considered as real bodies of gods) is another aspect of the discussion.

Another question is the various ways in which ritual texts consider the relation between a god and his image. While immediacy characterizes the relation between the devotee and the image of god, the relation between ritual and image is far from being spontaneous. Rituals insure the presence of a god in an image through a technico-mystical process consisting of successive stages and involving patrons, astrologers, artists, priests and others. The final product, namely a concrete god-cum-image, is fit for devotion, but remains for ever fragile, dependent on the continuity of rites and on the material preservation of the image. Behind the ritual perspective also lies the notion that this process of creating a body for a god is in keeping with natural laws. Hindu ritual prescriptions are applicable only to the religious images which, though man-made, are considered as natural. Supra-natural divine images, known as self-manifested images, must be worshiped, but are beyond the range of these prescriptions.
Yogic Rays: The Self-Externalization of the Yogi in Ritual, Narrative and Philosophy
Authors: White David Gordon
Published: September 2009

In the late Upanishads and the Mahabharata, one begins to encounter descriptions of Yogis who are possessed of the power to exit their bodiesvia rays (raśmi) that radiate outward from their eyes, heart, or fontanelas a means to rising up to the sun or to entering the bodies of other creatures. In the centuries that follow, this power becomes a commonplace of yogic theory and yogic lore, with ritual, narrative, and philosophical texts describing the Yogi′s appropriation of other creatures′ bodies in both symbiotic and predatory modes. In the former case, the yogic fusing of the channels is the means by which a Tantric teacher initiates his disciple: exiting his own body, his mindstuff travels along a ray to enter his disciple′s body, which he transforms from within. In the latter, the practice of subtle yoga, as described in the ninth-century Netra Tantra, becomes a means by which a Yogi may take over another person′s body, either to inhabit it or to draw its energy back into his own body, thereby increasing his own power. Through these techniques, the Yogi is said to possess the power to enter multiple bodies simultaneously, creating armies of himself in the process. These practices, which are attested in hundreds of documents, fly in the face of received notions of so-called classical yoga, in which the emphasis is placed on turning the senses inward to isolate the mind-body complex from the distractions of the outside world. In the light of these practices of yogic self-externalization, a re-evaluation of classical yoga itself is in order.
Body, Breath and Representation in Śaiva Tantrism
Authors: Flood Gavin
Published: September 2009

This paper examines the idea of the subtle body as described in chapter 7 of the Netra Tantra. It shows how the body is understood as a symbolic system for mapping the cosmos and human beings place within it and examines the relationship between symbolic system and lived body.
Telling Bodies
Authors: Baldissera Fabrizia
Published: September 2009

An analysis of what the physical description of bodies tells us about the hypocritical characters of government officials, bawds, drunkards and dishonest gurus in Sanskrit satirical works. This paper presents selected portrayals of the physical female and male bodies from both satires and comic monologue plays. These satires make fun of hypocritical people in power, while the plays comment on life in the red light district. Bodies in these works are seen as mirrors and metaphors of the personalities and types who inhabit them, revealed both through their shape and their body language.
Open Bodies
Authors: Böhler Arno
Published: September 2009

On the basis of Patañjali′s classic definition of yoga in Yogasūtra 1.2 yoga usually has been interpreted as a practice to calm down the restless agitations of our embodied minds during their entanglement with the material world. A yoginī thus has to turn her senses away from the outside world in order to unite herself with the absolute that dwells in all of us. In line with David G. White one could call such a classic view of the Indian body a closed model of the same. It is the aim of this text to offer an alternative reading of the Indian body as an open system, in which a body is understood as an entity, always already ex-posed, substantially, toward the world it is surrounded by, so that it is impossible for it to hide itself from the environment it is embedded in and affected by. In the final part of my text I will compare this ancient Indian concept of an open model of bodies with contemporary efforts of Jean-Luc NANCY to induce such an idea in the West by interpreting bodies as a space of a world-wide being-with.
Untouchable Bodies of Knowledge in the Spirit Possession of Malabar
Authors: Freeman John Richardson
Published: September 2009

This article treats the liturgical narratives that bring on spirit possession in the Teyyam worship of northern Kerala for a deity named Poṭṭan, the apotheosis of an Untouchable who is celebrated as having openly contended with the great Śaṅkarācārya over the issue of caste. By tracing the history and stratigraphy of these liturgical materials from their later Sanskritized framing back into their earlier textual antecedents in Malayalam and Tamil, we find evidence for formalized bodies of knowledge among the lower castes which had fused indigenous cults of spirit possession with Tantric doctrines of embodied liberation to argue for the baselessness of caste discrimination.
Performing God′s Body
Authors: Sax William S.
Published: September 2009

Bhairav is the central deity in a cult of ritual healing in the Central Himalayas that is closely associated with the lowest castes. This article discusses his embodied form, arguing that it is intimately related to the bodies of low-caste people, whose oppression and suffering it both reflects and ameliorates. This history of Bhairav´s body is captured by in local memory and oral history; and its iconography is revealed in songs and rituals. Ultimately, Bhairav´s appearance in the body of a "possessed" devotee is his most important mode of embodiment, and one that tells us a great deal about what it means to be a Harijan.
Ritual Competence as Embodied Knowledge
Authors: Hüsken Ute
Published: September 2009

The essay Ritual Competence as Embodied Knowledge by Ute Hüsken points at the importance of questions concerning the body-mind distinction in a ritual tradition which is usually seen as text-dominated, and strictly rule-governed. The underlying case study is the initiation into priesthood in South Indian Vaiṣṇava traditions, on the basis of both field research among the priests and the analysis of the relevant mediaeval Sanskrit texts. Ritual knowledge, it is argued, is above all embodied knowledge. Even in largely textual traditions the bearers ritual specialists have the authority not only to perform the ritual, but also to adapt it to contextual needs.
Human Body, Folk Narratives and Rituals
Authors: John S. Simon
Published: September 2009

The socio-cultural construction of human body differs from the biological construction, and the body is seen as an existential basis of human interaction within given social, cultural, political and environmental conditions. Human body is not only an organic object but also a cultural object and it is constantly being altered by natural and cultural process. Every folk society has its own traditional understanding of the concepts of 'body′, 'self′, 'soul′ and 'agency′ and several rituals are performed in order to heal, purify and transform the body. Rituals are one mode of cultural praxis through which bodies, knowledge, powers, agency and selves have been repositioned through practice. This study is an effort to understand the socio- cultural construction of human body with special reference to 'rituals′ that are performed in folk religious practices in Tamil Nadu, South India. How human body is culturally professed, purified, transformed and healed through rituals is the important subject matter of this paper.
The reverse cholesterol transport system as a potential mediator of luteolysis in the primate corpus luteum
Authors: Bogan Randy L , Hennebold Jon D
Published: September 2009

The cessation of progesterone (P4) production (i.e. functional regression), arguably the key event in luteolysis of the primate corpus luteum (CL), is poorly understood. Previously, we found that genes encoding proteins involved in cholesterol uptake decreased, while those involved in cholesterol efflux (reverse cholesterol transport, RCT) increased in expression during spontaneous functional regression of the rhesus macaque CL, thereby potentially depleting the cholesterol reserves needed for steroidogenesis. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the components necessary for RCT was performed. RCT components were expressed (mRNA and/or protein) in the macaque CL including cholesterol sensors (liver X receptors α or NR1H3; and β or NR1H2), efflux proteins (ATP-binding cassette subfamilies A1 (ABCA1) and G1), acceptors (apolipoproteins A1 or APOA1; and E or APOE), and plasma proteins facilitating high-density lipoprotein formation (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase or LCAT; phospholipid transfer protein or PLTP). ABCA1, APOE, PLTP, and NR1H3 increased, while lipoprotein receptors decreased, in expression (mRNA and/or protein) through the period of functional regression. The expression ofAPOA1andAPOE, as well asNR1H3, was greatest in the CL and tissues involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Immunolocalization studies revealed that RCT proteins and lipoprotein receptors were expressed in large luteal cells, which possess intracellular cholesterol reserves during periods of P4synthesis. Lipid staining revealed changes in luteal cholesterol ester/lipid distribution that occurred following functional regression. These results indicate that decreased cholesterol uptake and increased RCT may be critical for the initiation of primate luteolysis by limiting intracellular cholesterol pools required for steroidogenesis.
Unravelling the genetics of spermatogenic failure
Authors: Visser Liesbeth , Repping Sjoerd
Published: September 2009

Subfertility, defined as the inability to conceive within 1 year of unprotected intercourse, affects 10–15% of couples. In up to 55% of couples, the male partner is diagnosed with spermatogenic failure, i.e. one or more semen parameters fall below the WHO criteria for normozoospermia. In these cases, assisted reproductive technology is usually used to achieve pregnancy. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to underlie spermatogenic failure. Despite years of research, only few genetic factors have clearly been shown to cause spermatogenic failure, and the identification of additional genetic causes or risk factors has proven to be extremely difficult. In this review, we will present an overview of established genetic causes of spermatogenic failure, describe pitfalls in searching for novel genetic factors and discuss research opportunities for the future.
The reversible developmental unipotency of germ cells in chicken
Authors: Jung Jin Gyoung , Lee Young Mok , Kim Jin Nam , Kim Tae Min , Shin Ji Hye , Kim Tae Hyun , Lim Jeong Mook , Han Jae Yong
Published: September 2009

We recently developed bimodal germline chimera production approaches by transfer of primordial germ cells (PGCs) or embryonic germ cells (EGCs) into embryos and by transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) or germline stem cells (GSCs) into adult testes. This study was undertaken to investigate the reversible developmental unipotency of chicken germ cells using our established germline chimera production systems. First, we transferred freshly isolated SSCs from adult testis or in vitro cultured GSCs into stage X and stage 14–16 embryos, and we found that these transferred SSCs/GSCs could migrate to the recipient embryonic gonads. Of the 527 embryos that received SSCs or GSCs, 135 yielded hatchlings. Of 17 sexually mature males (35.3%), six were confirmed as germline chimeras through testcross analysis resulting in an average germline transmission efficiency of 1.3%. Second, PGCs/EGCs, germ cells isolated from embryonic gonads were transplanted into adult testes. The EGC transplantation induced germline transmission, whereas the PGC transplantation did not. The germline transmission efficiency was 12.5 fold higher (16.3 vs 1.3%) in EGC transplantation into testis (EGCs to adult testis) than that in SSC/GSC transfer into embryos (testicular germ cells to embryo stage). In conclusion, chicken germ cells from different developmental stages can (de)differentiate into gametes even after the germ cell developmental clock is set back or ahead. Use of germ cell reversible unipotency might improve the efficiency of germ cell-mediated germline transmission.
Consumo de frutas e hortaliças por idosos de baixa renda na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Viebig Renata Furlan , Pastor-Valero Maria , Scazufca Marcia , Menezes Paulo Rossi
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar os fatores socioeconômicos e sociodemográficos associados ao consumo diário de cinco porções de frutas e hortaliças por idosos residentes em áreas de baixa renda, identificando as principais frutas e hortaliças que compõem a dieta desta população. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com 2.066 idosos (>60 anos) de baixa renda residentes na cidade de São Paulo, SP, em 2003-2005. Para a avaliação do consumo de frutas e hortaliças foi aplicado questionário de freqüência alimentar. As respostas foram transformadas em consumo diário e comparadas às recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (consumo de cinco ou mais porções diárias). A relação entre consumo recomendado de frutas e hortaliças e variáveis socioeconômicas foi avaliada mediante modelos de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Dos participantes, 60,5% eram mulheres e 39,5% homens. Cerca de um terço dos idosos (n=723; 35,0%) não consumia diariamente nenhum tipo de fruta ou hortaliça e 19,8% relataram consumo diário de cinco ou mais porções de frutas e hortaliças. Este consumo esteve positivamente associado à renda e à escolaridade. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de frutas e hortaliças de idosos de baixa renda do município de São Paulo mostrou-se insuficiente em relação às recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde e está associado a condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis.
Padrões de violência domiciliar associada ao uso de álcool no Brasil
Authors: Fonseca Arilton Martins , Galduróz José Carlos Fernandes , Tondowski Cláudia Silveira , Noto Ana Regina
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar as situações de violência domiciliar ocorridas com o agressor sob efeito do álcool. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um levantamento domiciliar que incluiu as 108 cidades brasileiras com mais de 200 mil habitantes em 2005. A amostragem foi por conglomerados, estratificada, probabilística e autoponderada, obtida em três estágios de seleção: setores censitários, domicílios e respondentes (população entre 12-65 anos de idade). O instrumento utilizado para obtenção dos dados foi o Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, com perguntas sobre dados sociodemográficos e uso de drogas psicotrópicas. RESULTADOS: Foram pesquisados 7.939 domicílios. Em 33,5% foi relatado histórico de violência domiciliar, sendo 17,1% com agressores alcoolizados. Os tipos de violência em associação com uso de álcool mais freqüentes foram: discussões direcionadas a pessoas do domicílio (81,8%), escândalos não direcionados a alguém específico (70,9%), ameaça de agressão física (39,5%) e de quebra de objetos (38,7%), agressões físicas (27,8%), com armas (5,5%) e abuso sexual (3,2%). Mais da metade dos agressores era morador do domicílio, 88,8% deles do sexo masculino. A maioria das vítimas era do sexo feminino (63,9%); 33,9% eram esposas e 18,2% filhos. Quanto às reincidências, 14,1% dos casos perduraram por período entre um a cinco anos e em 14,3% ultrapassaram uma década. A maior parte das vítimas (86%) e dos agressores (77,9%) não procurou por ajuda em serviço de saúde e/ou delegacia. CONCLUSÕES: Além da alta proporção de domicílios brasileiros com histórico de violência com agressores alcoolizados, as agressões apresentaram várias especificidades. A baixa procura por ajuda em serviços de saúde/segurança indica a importância da detecção ativa de casos de violência domiciliar.
Acurácia em métodos de relacionamento probabilístico de bases de dados em saúde: revisão sistemática
Authors: Silveira Daniele Pinto da , Artmann Elizabeth
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar a literatura nacional e internacional sobre validade de métodos de relacionamentos nominais de base de dados em saúde, com ênfase nas medidas de aferição da qualidade dos resultados. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática de estudos de coorte, caso-controles e seccionais que avaliaram a qualidade dos métodos de relacionamento probabilístico de base de dados em saúde. Foi utilizada metodologia Cochrane para revisões sistemáticas. As bases consultadas foram as mais amplamente utilizadas: Medline, LILACS, Scopus, SciELO e Scirus. Não foi utilizado filtro temporal e os idiomas considerados foram: português, espanhol, francês e inglês. RESULTADOS: As medidas sumárias da qualidade dos relacionamentos probabilísticos foram a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o valor preditivo positivo. Dos 202 estudos identificados, após critérios de inclusão, foram analisados 33 artigos. Apenas seis apresentaram dados completos sobre as medidas-sumárias de interesse. Observam-se como principais limitações a ausência de revisor na avaliação dos títulos e dos resumos dos artigos e o não-mascaramento da autoria dos artigos no processo de revisão. Estados Unidos, Reino Unido e Nova Zelândia concentraram as publicações científicas neste campo. Em geral, a acurácia dos métodos de relacionamento probabilístico de bases de dados variou de 74% a 98% de sensibilidade e 99% a 100% de especificidade. CONCLUSÕES: A aplicação do relacionamento probabilístico a bases de dados em saúde tem primado pela alta sensibilidade e uma maior flexibilização da sensibilidade do método, mostrando preocupação com a precisão dos dados a serem obtidos. O valor preditivo positivo nos estudos aponta alta proporção de pares de registros verdadeiramente positivos. A avaliação da qualidade dos métodos empregados tem se mostrado indispensável para validar os resultados obtidos nestes tipos de estudos, podendo ainda contribuir para a qualificação das grandes bases de dados em saúde disponíveis no País.
O tubo abdominal do macho de Agylla argentea Wlk: (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae)
Authors: Barth Rudolf
Published: September 2009

O autor descreve a glândula odorífera, situada no abdômen do macho de Agylla argentea, do ponto de vista anatômico e histológico. A glândula encontra-se no fundo da cãmara genital de uma grande área glandular da hipoderme de um pincel irradiador. Cada célular possui uma comprida cerda odorífera. O aparêlho copulador é aberto por meio de um acréscimo da pressão no interior da cavidade abdominal. Atrás da parte ventral da câmara genital está situado um grande saco traqueal, que em virtude da pressão aumentada, se enche de ar e se dilata para trás, de modo que a região ventral da câmara genital é expulsa, formando um tubo que se projeta ao ar livre. Êste movimento é facilitado por uma grande dobra anular da parede membranosa da câmara genital. Pela mesma pressão um "corpo piriforme", situado na cavidade genital e possuindo uma cutícula elástica, é dilatado e deformado, dando, em seguida, ao tubo citado a sua forma. Encontramos na extremidade do tubo a glândula e o pincel irradiador, cujas cerdas estão divergindo. O retôrno para o estado de repouso verifica-se como processo automático que se inicia quando a pressão interna diminui e o corpo piriforme volta à sua forma original. É muito provável que a secreção da glândula da asa do macho, já descrita em outro trabalho, evite a reação de fuga da fêmea, enquanto a glândula abdominal estimula a fêmea para a própria cópula.
Ueber die beziehungen zwischen rhagiokrinen und lipokrinen epithelien einiger arthropoden
Authors: Barth Rudolf
Published: September 2009

Es wird an Hand von Studien ueber die Speicheldruesen einiger haematophager Insekten und die Giftdruese einer Spinne, sowie die Mandibeldruese einer Hymenoptere, das Wechselspiel zwischen rhagiokrinen und lipokrinen Epithelien betrachtet. Die Druesen besitzen zwei verschiedene Komponenten, von denen die eine als rhagiokriner Teil albumoides Sekret produziert, waehrend die andere als lipokriner Teil lipoidhaltige Fluessigkeit abscheidet. Es ergibt sich, dass das albumoide Sekret des einen Druesenteils in der lipoidhaltigen Fluessigkeit des anderen geloest oder emulgiert wird. Durch die Lage der Mischstellen laesst sich schliessen, dass bei einigen Arten die beiden Sekrete nicht in Mischung gespeichert werden koennen (Triatoma, Forcipomyia), bei anderen (tabanidae, Aedes und Latrodectus) ist das gemischte Endsekret stabiler Natur. Durch die relative Groesse der Druesenelemente und die Form des Hilus wird bei einigen Vertretern (Triatoma, Forcipomyia und teilweise auch bei Aedes) das Verhaeltnis der Zusammensetzung des Endsekrets festgelegt, waehrend bei Tobanidae und Latrodectus eine mehr oder weniger konzentrierte Loesung des albumoiden Sekrets im lipoiden vorliegt. Weitere Einzelheiten ergeben sich aus den Schemata.
Maximização da produção e da receita agrícola com limitações de água e nitrogênio utilizando método de pontos interiores
Authors: Carvalho Daniel F. de , Delgado Angel R. Sanchez , Oliveira Rosane F. de , Silva Wilson A. da , Forte Vinicius L. do
Published: September 2009

Com este trabalho, teve-se o objetivo de pesquisar o desempenho do método de pontos interiores (MPI), tipo trajetória central, na maximização de funções-objetivo associadas à produção e à receita agrícolas, com restrições de água e de nitrogênio. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um procedimento matemático que maximiza a produção e a receita líquida separadamente, em função da água e do nitrogênio aplicados à cultura numa matriz bidimensional de restrições, a partir de funções de produtividade para as culturas da aveia e da laranja-pera. O modelo foi caracterizado e, a partir dele, foram gerados resultados numéricos para diferentes cenários agrícolas. Foi possível concluir que a metodologia utilizada (MPI) foi capaz de maximizar as funções de produtividade e de receita, resultando na obtenção de valores semelhantes aos publicados na literatura, utilizando-se de programação separável.
Características espectrais da soja ao longo do ciclo vegetativo com imagens landsat 5/TM em área agrícola no oeste do Paraná
Authors: Mercante Erivelto , Lamparelli Rubens A. C. , Uribe-Opazo Miguel A. , Rocha Jansle V.
Published: September 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as mudanças no comportamento espectral da cultura da soja, por meio dos perfis espectrais temporais dos índices de vegetação NDVI e GVI, expressos em diferentes valores físicos: fator de reflectância bidirecional (FRB) aparente, de superfície e normalizado derivados de imagens Landsat 5/TM. Foi monitorada área de cultura de soja localizada próxima ao município de Cascavel - PR, utilizando cinco imagens da safra de 2004/2005, sendo realizados nessas imagens os procedimentos de transformação radiométrica, correção atmosférica e normalização, determinando valores físicos dos fatores de reflectância bidirecional aparente, de superfície e normalizado, respectivamente. Com o intuito de caracterizar a resposta espectral da biomassa da soja, geraram-se imagens referentes aos índices de vegetação NDVI e GVI. Como resultado, a cultura mostrou-se diferente para os tratamentos dos fatores de reflectância bidirecional aparente, de superfície e de normalização. Por meio dos perfis médios espectrais do NDVI e GVI, foi possível acompanhar todo o ciclo da cultura da soja, caracterizando o seu desenvolvimento. Observou-se, ainda, que os dados provenientes do fator de reflectância bidirecional normalizado descaracterizaram a curva espectral da cultura da soja, principalmente em meio à fase de crescimento vegetativo, na data de 9-12-2004.
Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)
Authors: Nakazato Gerson , Campos Tatiana Amabile de , Stehling Eliana Guedes , Brocchi Marcelo , Silveira Wanderley Dias da
Published: September 2009

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains cause a great diversity of diseases in birds and are responsible for great economic losses in the avian industry. To date, several studies have been carried out to better understand the APEC pathogenesis for a possible development of tools which could prevent the economics losses caused by these strains. This review discusses the virulence factors described do date to be expressed by these strains and the advances made to understand and identify virulence determinants present in APEC.