bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear compliance and self-weight effects on traction belt mechanics
Authors: Sorge F
Published: December 2007

The transverse elastic deflection of a traction belt along the free span depends mainly on the flexural stiffness, but may be significantly influenced by the distributed weight and the shear compliance, which affect together the width of the arc of contact. In particular, the shear compliance yields a virtual decrease of the flexural stiffness, flattens the free span and increases the wound regions, to the advantage of the transmissible torque. Moreover, the tensioning of a given belt may be somewhat larger, in comparison with the ideal circular-straight path with the same centre distance, because of the increased length of the deflected belt trajectory due to gravity. The present paper addresses all these effects, solving for the span deflection line by a second-order approach based on the approximation called WKB by the mathematicians, after Wentzel, Kramers, and Brillouin. A first-order analysis, very useful for practical calculations, is also presented. The results point out the different geometry of the belt wrapping on the smaller and larger pulleys.
Designing an energy-saving pneumatic vacuum pad using computational fluid dynamics for automated manufacturing system
Authors: Renn J-C , Jan D-Y
Published: December 2007

The current paper is concerned with the development of a new energy-saving vacuum pad using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-technique. CFD which is a powerful tool to provide an effective insight into the flow field numerically. Nowadays, application of pneumatic vacuum pads may be found in many different real industries, especially in the field of automated manufacturing system, like the automatic conveyer system, automatic assembly line, semiconductor industry as well as wafer factory, etc. Traditional vacuum pads generally utilize nozzles to create the effect of vacuum. In the current paper, however, a new idea to generate the effect of vacuum is proposed by designing a structure similar to that of an aerostatic bearing. In details, the air is guided to flow through a well-designed restrictor inside the vacuum pad and flow out through the outlet between the vacuum pad and the sucked workpiece. Therefore, according to Bernoulli's equation, the air pressure near the centre-line of the vacuum pad decreases because of the increased airflow velocity. Consequently, the effect of vacuum is generated.

To achieve two preset requirements, that is, large suction-force output and low air consumption, the commercial CFD-RC software is utilized to simulate the airflow field and design the optimal geometry inside the vacuum pad. Experimental results further prove that the new vacuum pad with two significant features is successfully developed and implemented in the current study.
Alternative method to evaluate discharge coefficients. Part 1: Feasibility study
Authors: Gault R I , Thornhill D J , Fleck R
Published: December 2007

The purpose of the current paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new technique whereby mass flowrates, and hence discharge coefficients can be estimated for a range of pipe discontinuities such as poppet valves, throttles, cylinder ports, and orifices. The requirement to directly measure the mass flowrates using a standard conventional steady flow apparatus has been eliminated. As such, flow characteristics were examined during the transient charging or inflow of air, from atmosphere, through a sharp-edged orifice into a partially evacuated cylinder of known volume. In particular, the current study focused on measuring the transient mass flowrates, pressures, and temperatures of air during an inflow test. Comparison between measured gas pressures and temperatures were made with predicted values from an adiabatic and non-adiabatic zero-dimensional inflow model. Mass flowrates calculated from measured cylinder gas pressure data, without heat transfer correction, were shown to be approximately 20 per cent lower, across the full pressure ratio range, than those measured using the mass flow meter. Iterative trial and error techniques were employed to determine the constant and time varying convective heat transfer coefficients needed to correlate the cumulative mass during inflow with the total mass of air, from initial and final cylinder conditions. Heating the cylinder wall to ensure isothermal conditions resulted in an improved correlation between the measured and estimated mass flowrates.
Heat transfer effect on optimal performance of two-stage thermoelectric heat pumps
Authors: Chen L , Li J , Sun F
Published: December 2007

A model of two-stage semiconductor thermoelectric heat pumps with external heat transfer and internal irreversibility is built. Performance of the heat pump with Newton's heat transfer law is analysed and optimized using the combination of finite-time thermodynamics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The analytical formula about heating load versus working electrical current, and the coefficient of performance (COP) versus working electrical current are derived. For the fixed total number of thermoelectric elements, the ratio of number of thermo-electric elements of top stage to the total number of thermoelectric elements is also optimized for maximizing the heating load and the COP of the thermoelectric heat pump. The effects of design factors on the performance are analysed.
An inverse solution for winding stresses in wound coils of non-linear orthotropic material
Authors: de Hoog F R , Yuen W Y D , Cozijnsen M
Published: December 2007

Extensive study of stresses induced during and after winding of coils has led to significant improvements to the processing of web-like materials for the packaging industries and consumer goods. The current paper presents an inverse solution for the prediction of the winding tension profile required to satisfy a specified residual stress distribution in the coil, for non-linear material properties (in the radial direction), with allowance for large strain and large deformation in the coil. The inverse solution approach has advantage over the forward solution approach by directly determining the winding tension profile, which can be readily controlled in a processing line, once the desired residual stresses in the coil are known. The current paper, together with several recently published ones, completes the study of stresses in the winding of coils using the inverse solution approach.
Numerical study of the use of photovoltaic-Trombe wall in residential buildings in Tibet
Authors: Ji J , Yi H , Pei G , He H. F. , Han C. W. , Luo C. L.
Published: December 2007

In the current paper, the thermal and electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV)- Trombe wall (PV-TW) used in Tibetan residential buildings is investigated, and two performance influencing factors are analysed. Based on the original model, the PV-TW's model for residential buildings is updated, and then a simple design is performed for a given residential building in Tibet. The results show that the indoor temperature increases linearly, whereas the electrical efficiency remains almost constant, when the PV-TW's width increases. In addition, thermal insulation is found to be quite effective to improve the thermal performance, whereas it decreases the electrical performance only a little. After choosing a width of 1.70 m, the average indoor temperatures are 10.2 °C and 24.0 °C for PV-TW system with and without thermal insulation, respectively. Besides, the average electrical power can satisfy the requirement of 100W, with an electrical efficiency of 10–11 per cent.
Flow friction theorem of Pelton turbine hydraulics
Authors: Zhang Zh
Published: December 2007

The flow friction in the rotating buckets of a Pelton turbine influences the system efficiency in both the direct and indirect ways. The direct influence is determined by the friction, which directly drives or retards the bucket motion and thus determines the power output. The indirect way is determined by the changes of relative flow and the pressure distribution in the bucket. The flow friction theorem derived in the current paper points out that the total reduction of the system efficiency is equal to the total efficiency reductions by two different ways. In the total efficiency reduction, the effect from the indirect way dominates. In addition, frictions in the bucket, whether at the bucket entrance or at the exit, always cause a reduction in the system efficiency.

The efficiency drop resulting from the flow frictions represents the greatest part in the total loss in the system efficiency of a Pelton turbine and should in no case be neglected.
Evaporative system for water and beverage refrigeration in hot countries
Authors: Saleh A , Al-Nimr M. A.
Published: December 2007

The present study proposes an evaporative refrigerating system used to keep water or other beverages cool in hot arid regions. The system uses a flow of air that flows around a water container, which is wrapped in a wet fabric. The air before being introduced could be dehumidified and cooled to capture more quantity of water vapour. A mathematical model has been developed to describe the system behaviour and the model has been solved numerically. The effects of many parameters on the system performance have been investigated. Results showed that the suurounding pressure around the tank has a significant effect. A cross-over value of mass flowrate at which the effect of ambient temperature changes is found. The results obtained are found to be consistent with the available literature data.
Energy and carbon audit of an offshore wave energy converter
Authors: Parker R. P M. , Harrison G. P. , Chick J. P.
Published: December 2007

The world's first commercial wave farm will feature the ‘Pelamis’ wave energy converter developed by Ocean Power Delivery. With potential for the manufacture of significant numbers of such devices, there is a need to assess their environmental impact and, in particular, their life cycle energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) performance.

The current paper presents an analysis of the life cycle energy use and CO2 emissions associated with the first generation of Pelamis converters. With relatively conservative assumptions, the study shows that at 293 kJ/kWh and 22.8 gCO2/kWh the respective energy and carbon intensities are comparable with large wind turbines and very low relative to fossil-fuelled generation. The energy payback period is approximately 20 months and the CO2 payback is around 13 months.

Material use is identified as the primary contributor to the embodied energy and carbon with shipping (including maintenance) accounting for 42 per cent. Improving the Pelamis' environmental performance could be achieved by increasing structural efficiency, partial replacement of the steel structure with alternative materials, particularly concrete, and the use of fuel-efficient shipping.
Application of the Hopf bifurcation theory to limit cycle prediction of short journal bearings with isotropic roughness effects
Authors: Lin J-R
Published: December 2007

On the basis of the Christensen stochastic theory, the effects of isotropic surface roughness upon the bifurcation behaviour of a short journal-bearing system are investigated. By applying the Hopf bifurcation theorem to the non-linear equations of motion of rough journal bearings, the steady-state performance, the linear characteristics, and the weakly non-linear bifurcationphenomenaarepresented. For the short bearing with length-to-diameter ratio l = 0. 5, the onset of oil-whirl rough bearing system can manifest a bifurcation behaviour exhibiting subcritical limit cycles or super-critical limit cycles for running speeds near the bifurcation point. For a particular system parameter, the effects of isotropic surface roughness are found to enlarge the size of sub-critical limit cycles and super-critical limit cycles when the Hopf bifurcation occurs. On the whole, the roughness effects of isotropic surface patterns upon the Hopf bifurcation phenomena of the short-bearing system are more pronounced for a smaller system parameter ( p = 0. 4 in the sub-critical region and Sp = 0. 05 in the super-critical region) and a higher roughness parameter (Λ = 0. 4).
Wireless live streaming video of surgical operations: an evaluation of communication quality
Authors: Schneider Armin , Wilhelm Dirk , Doll Dietrich , Rauschenbach Uwe , Finkenzeller Michael , Wirnhier Helga , Illgner Klaus , Feussner Hubertus
Published: December 2007

We evaluated a mobile video system for surgical teleconsultation. A video streaming server in the operating room transmitted video and audio to a hand-held computer (personal digital assistant [PDA]) over a wireless local area network. Two groups of 20 surgeons (each with 12 qualified surgeons and eight surgeons between the 2nd and the 4th year of training) participated in the tests. For voice transmission, correct understanding of numbers was achieved in 100% of the cases ( n = 1000) and 98% of medical terms ( n = 400). The quality of the video displayed on the PDA was assessed by the recognition of different operating room scenarios. Only 62% (SD 17) of the structures were identified clearly on the hand-held device ( n = 400). The accuracy improved to 78% (SD 15) ( n = 400) if the same scenario was observed on a larger (50 cm) video screen ( p < 0.001). Accuracy was significantly better if audio conversation was possible. The quality evaluation by the consultants showed that the PDA display size and quality were sufficient for clinical use.
The Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit of Screening and Brief Intervention for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Medical Settings
Authors: Kraemer Kevin L.
Published: December 2007

Economic evaluation can be a valuable tool for assessing the efficiency and value of health care programs. To examine the literature on the economic evaluation of alcohol screening and brief intervention in medical settings, relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE database (1966 through November 2006) and by hand-searching the references of identified articles and relevant journals. The 15 identified studies used a range of economic evaluation methods, including cost analysis, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility. Nearly all of the studies supported the use of alcohol screening and brief intervention. The studies that prospectively collected cost and effect data and/or conformed closely to methodological guidelines demonstrated a strong economic benefit of alcohol screening and brief intervention when compared to usual care. Overall, the reviewed studies support alcohol SBI in medical settings as a wise use of health care resources and illustrate the usefulness of economic evaluation for assessing alcohol prevention and treatment programs.
Brief Alcohol Interventions and Multiple Risk Factors in Primary Care
Authors: Funderburk Jennifer S. , Maisto Stephen A. , Sugarman Dawn E.
Published: December 2007

Early identification and intervention of harmful/hazardous drinking in primary care are U.S. healthcare priorities. Traditionally, research has focused on designing interventions for patients in primary care who report hazardous/harmful alcohol use, even though it is likely for a patient to be at risk for multiple problems. This article has three major goals: (1) to present data highlighting the prevalence and co-variation of other risk factors with hazardous/harmful drinking, including data from a small descriptive study; (2) to review the literature on brief alcohol interventions designed to address multiple risk factors; and (3) to provide recommendations for future research. Despite data indicating primary care patients present with multiple risk factors, only a limited number of studies in the literature have investigated brief interventions addressing alcohol use and other risk factors. It is important for future research to expand brief alcohol interventions to include other risk factors as well.
Adolescents’ Preferences for Substance Abuse Screening in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Knight John R. , Harris Sion K. , Sherritt Lon , Van Hook Shari , Lawrence Nohelani , Brooks Traci , Carey Peggy , Kossack Robert , Kulig John
Published: December 2007

Objective

To assess adolescents’ preferences for substance abuse screening in primary medical care settings.

Design/Methods

Twelve- to 18-year-old patients (N = 2133) arriving for routine care at a network of primary care sites completed an interview that included demographic items, the CRAFFT screen, and a questionnaire assessing preferences for screening method (paper questionnaire, computer, oral interview by nurse or doctor). A subgroup (n = 222) completed the CRAFFT directly on the computer.

Results

Across the entire sample, paper was the screening administration method most preferred (mean rank (MR) = 2.92, 95%CI 2.87–2.96) vs. computer (MR = 2.38, 2.33–2.43), nurse (MR = 2.43, 2.39–2.47), and doctor (MR = 2.30, 2.25–2.35). Among the participants who received the screening on the computer, however, computer (MR = 3.08, 95%CI 2.42–2.52) was statistically tied with paper (MR = 2.88, 2.75–3.02) and both were ranked significantly higher than nurse (MR = 2.06, 1.94–2.17) and doctor (MR = 1.98, 1.82–2.14). The findings were similar for participants’ reports of being “very likely” to be honest when answering substance abuse screening questions.

Conclusions

Adolescents should ideally be screened for substance abuse using paper or computer questionnaires.
The Polish Experience of Local Democracy: is Progress being made?
Authors: Swianiewicz Pawel
Published: December 2007

The aim of this paper is to review the Polish experience of local democracy less than a year after the first free local election (27 May, 1990). But it is impossible to understand the present situation without looking back at the previous system of local authorities and so the article begins by describing this system. Next I discuss the introduction and the main features of the new system. In the third section I try to give a brief description of local leaders’ consciousness at the beginning of the transition process and its implications for present reforms. The aim of the next section is to discuss to what extent the changes in Poland are similar to those occurring in the rest of Eastern Europe and the hypothesis is forwarded that comparisons with Hungary may be the most interesting. Finally, I present a critical description of the first experiences of new councils. I concentrate on their problems, conflicts and obvious mistakes, not on success, but it is necessary to remember that Polish communes are differentiated and the problems described do not always concern all of them. In the final chapter I try to sum up and evaluate the present situation. I argue that despite all the problems and misunderstandings some progress has been made.
Women at the Top in Higher Education: equal opportunities policies in action?
Authors: Heward Christine , Taylor Paul
Published: December 2007

An increasing number of institutions of higher education in Britain advertise themselves as ‘Equal Opportunities Employers’. A variety of evidence is presented from reports from the Commission for Racial Equality and the Hansard Society, case studies from a polytechnic and a university and published evidence from Oxford. Queen’s University, Belfast and University College, London. It shows that progress in the implementation of equal opportunities policies in British higher education is unimpressive, foundering at the stage of monitoring recruitment practices. Managements believe the criterion of academic merit is a guarantee against discrimination and are resistant to the introduction of effective equal opportunities policies. The CVCP Guidance on Good Practice for Equal Opportunities in Employment in Universities, emphasising positive action, is a significant step forward at a timely moment. It highlights fundamental and much neglected issues in the management of higher education.
The Purchaser/Provider Split in English Health Care: towards explicit rationing?
Authors: Harrison Stephen , Wistow Gerald
Published: December 2007

An important feature of the post-Working for Patients National Health Service is the introduction of quasi-markets in health care, to be created by separating the ‘purchaser’ and ‘provider’ functions formerly conflated in the role of District Health Authorities. This paper presents data from a study of the first few months of operation of the new system, focusing upon the role of purchasing authorities in rationing health care and in legitimising their decisions about how to do this.
Biomolecular approach to the design of potential drugs
Authors: Pandit Upendra K.
Published: December 2007

The approach to drug design on the basis of molecular-level information on biological processes is being driven by the expanding knowledge of the details of molecular events in biological systems. We have directed attention to the design of potentially active compounds based on the aforementioned "biomolecular" concepts. Selected examples from our studies are discussed. This paper presents three case studies of approaches to the development of potential medicinal agents whose design has evolved from considerations ofmolecular mechanismsof processes in selected biological systems.
Fenton chemistry in biology and medicine
Authors: Prousek Josef
Published: December 2007

Various aspects of the participation of Fenton chemistry in biology and medicine are reviewed. Accumulated evidence shows that both hydroxyl radical and ferryl [Fe(IV)=O]2+ can be formed under a variety of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions. Some examples of metal-independent hydroxyl radical production are included. Extracellular Fenton reaction is illustrated by the white rot and brown rot wood-decaying fungi. The natural and practical utilization of catechol-driven Fenton reaction is also presented.
Diagnostische Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Thrombelastographie/-metrie / Diagnostic potential and limitations of thrombelastography/-metry
Authors: Lang Thomas , von Depka Mario
Published: December 2007

Im Gegensatz zu den klassischen Gerinnungsparametern ermöglicht die Thrombelastographie/-metrie auch eine Beurteilung der Gerinnselfestigkeit und -stabilität. Durch die Verwendung von standardisierten Testansätzen ist in der Thrombelastometrie zudem sowohl eine Abschätzung des plasmatischen als auch des thrombozytären Anteils der Gerinnselfestigkeit möglich- mit entsprechenden therapeutischen Konsequenzen. Aufgrund der komplexen funktionellen Interaktion zwischen Thrombozyten und Fibrinogen (sowie des Einflusses von weiteren funktionellen Faktoren wie Faktor XIII, Dysfibrinogenämie u.ä.) ist eine Abschätzung der Gerinnselfestigkeit anhand der Thrombozytenzahl und der Fibrinogenkonzentration im Einzelfall nicht möglich. Ebenso wenig kann mittels der D-Dimer-Analyse in der perioperativen Situation eine Hyperfibrinolyse abgeleitet werden.

Nicht erfassen hingegen kann die Thrombelastographie/-metrie Störungen der primären Hämostase (z.B. von-Willebrand-Syndrom) und den Effekt von Thrombozytenaggregationshemmern (Ausnahme: „Thrombozytenmapping”). Demnach ist die Bedeutung der Thrombelastometrie/-grafie im präoperativen bzw. im, „internistischen” Bereich derzeit als eher untergeordnet zu betrachten.

Die Indikationen der Thrombelastometrie liegen in der Diagnostik der Hyperfibrinolyse und der Abklärung von unklaren intra- und postoperativen Blutungen. Zudem erlaubt die Thrombelastometrie ein gutes Monitoring einer Fibrinogensubstitution.

Mit der Rotationsthrombelastometrie (ROTEM®) steht ein System zur Verfügung welches auch als „Bedside-System” die Erstellung von validen thrombelastometrischen Kurven erlaubt.
Biomarker bei Sepsis und Entzündung / Biomarkers in Sepsis and Inflammation
Authors: Fraunberger Peter , Walli Autar K.
Published: December 2007

Schwere systemische Entzündungen wie die Sepsis und der septische Schock stellen die häufigste Todesursache auf der Intensivstation dar. Trotz der Entwicklung der modernen Intensivmedizin steigt die Inzidenz weiter an und die Mortalität liegt seit vielen Jahren bei 30–60%. Ursache hierfür ist unter anderem das Fehlen diagnostischer Marker der Sepsis zur Früherkennung, Risikobeurteilung und Verlaufsbeobachtung. Aus diesem Grund wurden in den vergangenen Jahren eine Vielzahl von Biomarkern untersucht, von denen allerdings nur einige Einzug in die klinische Routine gehalten haben. Zu den viel versprechenden Markern gehören Procalcitonin (PCT), einige Zytokine wie das Interleukin-6 und metabolische Marker. In der vorliegenden Übersicht sollen klinische Bedeutung zur Früherkennung und Therapiesteuerung von bereits etablierten und neueren Markern unter Berücksichtigung der Pathophysiologie dargestellt werden.
Traditionelle und innovative Methoden in der Diagnostik der hereditären Sphärozytose (Kugelzellanämie) / Hereditary spherocytosis: traditional and innovative diagnostic approaches
Authors: Krammer-Steiner Beate , Steiner Michael
Published: December 2007

Die hereditäre Sphärozytose (Kugelzellanämie) ist die häufigste angeborene hämolytische Anämie und zeigt deren typische labordiagnostische Befunde (Anämie, Retikulozytose, Hyperbilirubinämie, Haptoglobinverminderung, LDH-Erhöhung). Die Erythrozytenmorphologie stellt sich mit Mikrosphärozyten in der typischen Situation deutlich dar. Der Kugelzellnachweis sichert aber nicht die Diagnose einer hereditären Sphärozytose. Traditionell wird großer Wert auf die Untersuchung der osmotischen Resistenz bzw. Fragilität gelegt. Diese Untersuchung ist jedoch nicht standardisiert und vor allem in der Neonatologie nicht unproblematisch. Mit dem durchflusszytometrischen Nachweis der Kugelzellen gelingt anhand der reduzierten Bindung von Eosin-5-Maleimid (EMA) der sichere Nachweis der hereditären Sphärozytose. Mehrere Untersuchungen haben den Wert dieser einfachen Methode, die aufgrund des geringen Probenvolumens hervorragend für die Neonatologie und Pädiatrie geeignet ist, belegen können. Der EMA-Test wird als diagnostische Methode der Wahl empfohlen. Die molekulargenetische Abklärung des Verdachts einer hereditären Sphärozytose bleibt dagegen anspruchsvoll und speziellen sowie wissenschaftlichen Fragestellungen vorbehalten.
Insulin gene variable number of tandem repeats is not associated with weight from fetal life until infancy: the Generation R Study
Authors: Mook-Kanamori Dennis O , Miranda Geelhoed J J , Steegers Eric A P , Witteman Jacqueline C M , Hofman Albert , Moll Henriëtte A , van Duijn Cornelia M , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S , Jaddoe Vincent W V
Published: December 2007

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether the insulin gene variable number of tandem repeats (INS VNTR) is associated with growth patterns in fetal life and infancy.

Design and methods

This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood. Fetal growth was assessed by ultrasounds in early, mid-, and late pregnancy. Anthropometry in infancy was assessed at birth and at the ages of 6 weeks, 6 months, and 14 months. DNA for genotyping of the INS VNTR promoter region was available in 859 children.

Results

The genotype distribution was I/I 50.8%, I/III 40.0%, and III/III 9.2%. III/III individuals had a shorter gestational age (P<0.005 versus I/I) and a lower birth weight (P<0.05 versus I/I). There were no differences in birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Class III homozygotes had a smaller abdominal circumference/head circumference (HC) ratio (P<0.005 versus I/I) in mid-pregnancy, but not in late pregnancy. Also, III/III subjects had a relative decrease in HC (SDS) from mid-pregnancy to the age of 14 months (P<0.05 versus I/I). No other differences in pre- and postnatal growth characteristics and patterns were found.

Conclusions

Class III homozygotes were born at an earlier gestational age. No association was found between INS VNTR and birth weight adjusted for gestational age. Our data suggest that the III/III genotype may be associated with asymmetrical growth in mid-pregnancy, but not in late pregnancy.
Limitations of nocturnal salivary cortisol and urine free cortisol in the diagnosis of mild Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Kidambi Srividya , Raff Hershel , Findling James W
Published: December 2007

Objective

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific presentation. Diagnostic tests like 24-h urine free cortisol (UFC) and the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Measurement of nocturnal salivary cortisol (NSC) is an accurate and reproducible test with a high sensitivity for CS. However, its performance in mild CS has not been reported. We present 11 cases of CS with normal or mildly elevated UFC in whom NSC was helpful in making a diagnosis.

Design and methods

All patients had at least one collection of 24-h UFC and NSC and eight had an overnight 1 mg DST. The number of NSC measurements per patient was determined by the clinical index of suspicion and the results of initial testing. Imaging studies included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pituitary or computer tomography scan of abdomen.

Results

Only four out of eleven patients had elevations in UFC and none were >2 times the upper limit of normal. Seven out of eight had an abnormal DST. All patients had some elevated NSCs (14–100%). Out of eleven patients, six had an abnormality in the pituitary gland found by MRI and two out of eleven had adrenal masses. The remaining three had normal pituitary MRI but had inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) sampling indicating Cushing's disease. All patients had appropriate surgery, and histopathology of all except one was suggestive of either a cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma or an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Conclusion

Neither a normal UFC nor a normal NSC excludes mild CS. Multiple samples (urine/saliva) and DST are needed to make the diagnosis of mild CS.
Time course of echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters in myocardial infarct in rats
Authors: Miranda Amarildo , Costa-e-Sousa Ricardo H. , Werneck-de-Castro João P.S. , Mattos Elisabete C. , Olivares Emerson L. , Ribeiro Vanessa P. , Silva Márcia G. , Goldenberg Regina C.S. , Campos-de-Carvalho Antônio C.
Published: December 2007

In animal models the evaluation of myocardial infarct size in vivo and its relation to the actual lesion found post mortem is still a challenge. The purpose of the current study was to address if the conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or echocardiogram (ECHO) could be used to adequately predict the size of the infarct in rats. Wistar rats were infarcted by left coronary ligation and then ECG, ECHO and histopathology were performed at 1, 7 and 28 days after surgery. Correlation between infarct size by histology and Q wave amplitude in lead L1 was only found when ECGs were performed one day post-surgery. Left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions correlated with infarct size by ECHO on day 7 post-infarction. On days 7 and 28 post-infarction, ejection indexes estimated by M-mode also correlated with infarct size. In summary we show that conventional ECG and ECHO methods can be used to estimate infarct size in rats. Our data suggest that the 7-day interval is actually the most accurate for estimation of infarct size by ECHO.
The 15N isotope to evaluate fertilizer nitrogen absorption efficiency by the coffee plant
Authors: Fenilli Tatiele A.B. , Reichart Klaus , Bacchi Osny O.S. , Trivelin Paulo C.O. , Dourado-Neto Durval
Published: December 2007

The use of the 15N label for agronomic research involving nitrogen (N) cycling and the fate of fertilizer-N is well established, however, in the case of long term experimentation with perennial crops like citrus, coffee and rubber tree, there are still shortcomings mainly due to large plant size, sampling procedures, detection levels and interferences on the system. This report tries to contribute methodologically to the design and development of 15N labeled fertilizer experiments, using as an example a coffee crop fertilized with 15N labeled ammonium sulfate, which was followed for two years. The N of the plant derived from the fertilizer was studied in the different parts of the coffee plant in order to evaluate its distribution within the plant and the agronomic efficiency of the fertilizer application practice. An enrichment of the fertilizer-N of the order of 2% 15N abundance was sufficient to study N absorption rates and to establish fertilizer-N balances after one and two years of coffee cropping. The main source of errors in the estimated values lies in the inherent variability among field replicates and not in the measurements of N contents and 15N enrichments of plant material by mass-spectrometry.
Epilepsy perception amongst university students: a survey
Authors: Caixeta Juliana , Fernandes Paula T. , Bell Gail S. , Sander Josemir W. , Li Li M.
Published: December 2007

PURPOSE: To evaluate the information that university students have on epilepsy and to compare the differences in attitudes and perception among groups with different levels of information. METHODS: A questionnaire with 13 questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and perception about epilepsy was completed by first, third and sixth year medical students and to students from Arts and Science courses. RESULTS: First year medical students gave inadequate answers, especially with regard to information about epilepsy and actions to take during seizures. Answers of third and sixth year medical students were more adequate. Arts and Science students gave the poorest responses in relation to specialist information and attitudes regarding epilepsy. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that there is an inverse relationship between knowledge and stigma on epilepsy. Nevertheless, the best results did not reflect an ideal situation, revealing an urgent need for an improved level of overall health education programs. This can be achieved by implementing educational policies, training programs and the universal inclusion of these subjects in the global educational program.
Soja: queima das folhas como critério de seleção para resistência à acidez do solo
Authors: Miranda Manoel Albino Coelho de , Mascarenhas Hipólito Assunção Antonio , Bataglia Ondino Cleante , Bulisani Eduardo Antonio
Published: December 2007

Com o objetivo de testar critérios para a seleção de progênies resistentes à acidez do solo, conduziu-se um ensaio no Centro Experimental de Campinas (CEC), no período de novembro de 1980 a fevereiro de 1981, em delineamento "latice" simples 5 x 5, duplicado, constituído por 25 diferentes genótipos de soja, em solo glei húmico (hidromórfico orgânico friável) com teores elevados de alumínio, fósforo e potássio. Aos sessenta dias da semeadura, tomaram-se as medidas - peso de matéria seca, altura de planta, comprimento de raiz pivotante, nota de queima das folhas e de coloração de raiz. As parcelas eram constituídas de linhas de 2m, espaçadas de 0,60m, e o plantio, realizado em novembro, com a finalidade de obter o máximo crescimento vegetativo. Os resultados permitiram demonstrar a validade do delineamento utilizado para assegurar maior controle local. Houve significância para todos os parâmetros estudados. Os cultivares IAC-9 Biloxi, IAC-Santa Maria 702 e IAC-2 e a introdução PI 274.454 foram os que mais se destacaram em relação ao peso da matéria seca, altura de planta e nota de queima das folhas, e os que apresentaram os melhores índices e menores teores de alumínio e manganês na parte aérea. As notas de coloração de raiz e comprimento da raiz pivotante, apesar das diferenças, não discriminaram os tratamentos de maneira tão clara como os parâmetros anteriores. Dada a correlação alta e significativa entre o peso de matéria seca e a nota de queima das folhas, sugere-se a utilização desse critério no melhoramento genético de soja para resistência à acidez do solo, ressaltando a importância do método aplicado em condições naturais e que leva em consideração também o processo simbiótico de fixação de nitrogênio.
Revisitando os Clássicos da RAP
Authors: Martins Paulo Emílio Matos
Published: December 2007

Este artigo revisita uma investigação realizada pelo Programa de Estudos de Administração Brasileira (Abras) em 2002, sobre os Clássicos da Revista de Administração Pública (RAP). Originalmente divulgado no formato de CD-ROM, como parte dos eventos comemorativos dos 35 anos de publicação ininterrupta daquele periódico, o texto discorre sobre a metodologia daquela investigação e revela 10 trabalhos que podem ser considerados os clássicos da revista. O banco de dados gerado pela pesquisa analisou cerca de 4.500 artigos de 13 revistas acadêmicas, registrando 887 citações aos artigos publicados pela RAP (total: cerca de 1.440) ao longo dos primeiros 35 anos de sua existência.
Nursing Activities Score (NAS) como instrumento para medir carga de trabalho de enfermagem em UTI adulto
Authors: Conishi Regina Maria Yatsue , Gaidzinski Raquel Rapone
Published: December 2007

Pesquisa de campo, prospectiva, quantitativa, descritiva-exploratória, realizada na UTI geral/adulto de um hospital privado do município de São Paulo. Objetivos: avaliar o NAS - Nursing Activities Score - como medida de carga de trabalho de enfermagem; sua aplicabilidade por turnos e sua correspondência com o quantitativo de enfermagem efetivo. Classificados 33 pacientes: idade média: 70,4 anos (+/-16,5), 66,7% do sexo masculino; permanência média na UTI: 17 dias (+/- 20,4); SAPSII: 41,7 (+/-17,9); risco de morte: (RM) 33,5% (+/- 26,8); 63,6% transferidos para Unidades de Cuidados Semi-Intensivos, 18,2% evoluíram a óbito. Obtiveram-se 396 medidas por turnos (134-manhã; 132-tarde; 130-noturno), média de 55,4 (+/-12,3) e 147 medidas de NAS de 24h, média de 69,6 (+/-18,2). O instrumento mostrou-se mais adequado à aplicação em 24 horas que por turnos, tendendo a refletir o número de profissionais efetivo, revelando-se interessante instrumento de classificação de pacientes e carga de trabalho de enfermagem em terapia intensiva.
Número de horas de cuidados de enfermagem em unidade de terapia intensiva de adultos
Authors: Tranquitelli Ana Maria , Ciampone Maria Helena Trench
Published: December 2007

O adequado dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem nas Terapias Intensivas tem sido uma grande preocupação para os enfermeiros que nelas atuam a despeito dos diferentes modelos de classificação dos pacientes propostos, no âmbito nacional e internacional. No presente estudo de caso, os objetivos foram estabelecer o tempo médio despendido na assistência direta de enfermagem em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva geral e calcular o número médio de horas de assistência direta de enfermagem prestada a esses pacientes. Para tanto, primeiramente, classificaram-se os procedimentos de enfermagem desenvolvidos com pacientes da UTI, de acordo com a sua complexidade: baixa, média e alta. A seguir, cronometrou-se o tempo médio despendido na realização desses procedimentos, a fim de se encontrar o tempo médio de assistência direta de enfermagem prestada aos pacientes, durante um período de três meses consecutivos.
A educação em enfermagem à luz do paradigma da complexidade
Authors: Silva Ana Lúcia da , Camillo Simone de Oliveira
Published: December 2007

Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram reconhecer, interpretar e discutir temas oriundos dos discursos de docentes de um Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem, como fontes orientadoras para um ensino-aprendizagem humanizado, à luz da Teoria da Complexidade defendida por Edgar Morin. Tratase de pesquisa qualitativa, tipo exploratória e analítica. Buscou-se verificar princípios do paradigma da complexidade por meio da análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática , em discursos de onze docentes, obtidos no ano de 2004. Os temas encontrados foram: ensinar: responsabilidade do docente; unir saberes: ligações e interrelações para o enfrentamento da realidade; ensinar a complexidade humana; estimular a criatividade e a curiosidade; enfrentar as incertezas: construindo o conhecimento contínuo e dinâmico da vida; viver o processo ensino-aprendizagem por meio da transdisciplinaridade e ensinar a cidadania. Este estudo nos mostrou que é possível fazer acontecer um ensino superior pautado na condição humana, na solidariedade e na interligação dos saberes.
Assistência ao recém-nascido em um Programa de Saúde da Família
Authors: Slomp Fátima Martinez , Mello Débora Falleiros de , Scochi Carmem Gracinda Silvan , Leite Adriana Moraes
Published: December 2007

Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o atendimento neonatal implementado pelo PSF de uma unidade do município de Guarapuava-PR, com vistas a subsidiar a organização da atenção à saúde da criança no contexto da família. É um estudo descritivo, com base no levantamento de dados registrados em declarações de nascidos vivos e prontuários de famílias com bebês nascidos no período de 01/10/2003 a 30/09/2004, totalizando 90 recém-nascidos. Considerando a descrição da forma de captação da clientela e da verificação dos atendimentos realizados, foi possível construir um fluxograma de atendimento ao recém-nascido. Depreendeu-se que o fluxograma representa uma forma de identificar o tipo de demanda, o atendimento de cada profissional, os procedimentos, os encaminhamentos, os retornos, assim como as lacunas. Permitiu visualizar o atendimento esquematicamente, possibilitando contribuir para a organização da assistência ao recém-nascido em unidades de Programa de Saúde da Família.
A participação do homem na saúde reprodutiva: o que pensam os profissionais de saúde
Authors: Galastro Elizabeth Perez , Fonseca Rosa Maria Godoy Serpa da
Published: December 2007

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as concepções dos profissionais de saúde sobre a participação do homem nos diferentes aspectos do processo reprodutivo. Os dados foram coletados em um hospital filantrópico da periferia de Belo Horizonte-MG, mediante uma oficina de trabalho. Aqui é apresentado o tema O lugar dos homens no serviço de saúde reprodutiva, parte dos dados do estudo. Foi possível verificar que o homem acompanha sua mulher e o filho nos vários setores dos serviços, porém, mostra-se ausente nas situações de pós-aborto e doação do filho. A precária infra-estrutura física e material do serviço tem sido um dos maiores obstáculos para a assistência integral.
Dinâmica dos precursores celulares do epitélio olfatório de cães sem raça definida: um estudo imunohistoquímico e ultra-estrutural
Authors: Alves Flávio Ribeiro , Santos Tatiana Carlesso , Freiberger Sandra , Ambrósio Carlos Eduardo , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: December 2007

O epitélio olfatório apresenta um mecanismo de diferenciação em que células-tronco dão origem a células progenitoras amplificadoras, as quais expressam um gene pró-neural denominado Mammalian Achaete Scute Homolog 1 (Mash1). Estas células podem se diferenciar em receptores olfatórios. O epitélio olfatório de cães sem raça definida (3 machos de um ano e 2 fêmeas de três de idade) foi analisado por imunolocalização do antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular (PCNA) e por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Verificou-se marcação positiva para PCNA em células do epitélio olfatório, particularmente acima da linha da membrana basal. A ultra-estrutura do epitélio olfatório revelou células adjacentes à lâmina basal, cuja eletrodensidade assemelha-se àquelas presentes no epitélio de sustentação, reforçando a idéia da renovação das células de sustentação e dos neurônios olfatórios locais. O epitélio olfatório é composto células basais, comprometidas com sua renovação, caracterizadas através da intensa atividade mitótica, identificada pela reação positiva ao PCNA. Estes resultados sugerem que há reposição das células sustentaculares locais e do sistema através de mecanismos semelhantes.
Reactivation of latent bovine herpesvirus type 5 in cattle with polioencephalomalacia induced by ammonium sulphate
Authors: David Nadia , Hübner Sílvia O. , Riet-Correa Franklin , Halfen Danisa , Lemos Ricardo A.
Published: December 2007

In the state Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, outbreaks of meningoencephalitis by BoHV-5 and polioencephalomalacia (PEM) display similar epidemiological features, suggesting that meningoencephalitis may be associated with reactivation of a latent BoHV-5 infection, during the development of PEM. To test this hypothesis, four 7-8 months old steers negative for BoHV-5 antibodies were inoculated intranasally with BoHV-5 and received amprolium from day 35 to day 105 after inoculation. Because PEM was not produced during this period, ammonium sulphate was given from day 114 to day 180 after inoculation. Two uninfected control steers received amprolium and ammonium sulphate for the same periods. All inoculated cattle developed antibodies against BoHV-5 after inoculation and the virus was isolated from nasal swabs, indicating that they were infected. Two inoculated steers had clinical signs of PEM after 118 and 146 days after virus inoculation. One was euthanized after a clinical manifestation period of seven days and had severe lesions of PEM and meningoencephalitis. BoHV-5 was isolated from the central nervous system of this animal. The other animal recovered but continued to manifest chronic signs of PEM and was euthanatized. On histological examination, the cerebral cortex, caudate nucleus and thalamus had multifocal areas of malacia and mild meningoencephalitis of the cortex. BoHV-5 was not isolated from the brain. One uninfected control steer had signs of neurological disease on day 158 and had lesions of PEM without meningoencephalitis at necropsy. The simultaneous production of PEM and diffuse meningoencephalitis, with isolation of BoHV-5, in one steer treated with ammonium sulphate, 118 days after BoHV-5 inoculation, suggests that latent BoHV-5 was reactivated in this animal submitted to experimental induction of PEM.
Aspectos relevantes da anestesia na videocirurgia colorretal
Authors: Pedroso Adriane Maria Gori , Marubayashi Lauro , Gori Regina , Pedroso Miguel Ângelo , Lupinacci Renato Arione
Published: December 2007

Os procedimentos cirúrgicos incluindo a videolaparoscopia são realizados atualmente de forma cada vez mais freqüente, existindo fortes evidências de que sejam acompanhados de uma menor resposta dolorosa, inflamatória, endócrina e metabólica ao trauma operatório quando comparada à cirurgia convencional. Entretanto, algumas de suas características próprias obrigam à uma visão dos aspectos relacionados não apenas à prática cirúrgica, mas também aos procedimentos anestésicos envolvidos, os quais poderão, se inadequados, inviabilizar ou comprometer seriamente a realização da cirurgia pela via laparoscópica.Dentre essas características próprias, destacamos em especial a necessidade do uso prolongado do pneumoperitônio e as freqüentes alterações no posicionamento do paciente. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar uma breve revisão dos aspectos fisiológicos presentes, relacionados a cirurgia videolaparoscópica, assim como realizar uma discussão sobre sua influência nos procedimentos anestésicos a serem adotados nestes casos, visando reduzir eventuais efeitos inadequados para o paciente ou para a qualidade do ato operatório.