bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agregação de um argissolo sob pomar de goiabeiras após aplicação de resíduos da indústria processadora de goiaba
Authors: Seben Junior Getulio de Freitas , Kuhnen Fernando , Sylvestre Thiago de Barros , Almeida Cinara Xavier de , Centurion José Frederico
Published: February 2012

A utilização de resíduos da indústria de processamento de frutas na agricultura pode proporcionar melhorias à qualidade do solo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de resíduos de sementes de goiaba na agregação e no estoque de carbono orgânico do solo (EC). O experimento esteve inserido em um pomar comercial irrigado de goiabeiras (cv. Paluma), com sete anos de idade, sobre um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico típico. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados e parcelas subdivididas, sendo cinco tratamentos (doses de: 0;9;18;27 e 36 Mg ha-1 de resíduo) e duas camadas de solo (0-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m). Foi avaliado o mesmo tipo de solo sobre mata nativa adjacente à área experimental. As análises realizadas foram a distribuição do tamanho dos agregados estáveis em água, o diâmetro médio ponderado, o diâmetro médio geométrico, os agregados maiores que 2 mm e o EC. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (Teste F), seguindo o delineamento em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas (5 doses x 2 camadas). As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade, e as médias das camadas foram comparadas pelo teste F, a 5% de probabilidade. Os dados coletados no solo sob mata foram utilizados apenas como referência de um solo em estado natural e, portanto, não foram considerados como fator de variação nas análises de variância. Os valores dos índices de agregação com o estoque de carbono orgânico do solo foram submetidos à correlação de Pearson (p < 0,05). O efeito das doses de resíduo de sementes de goiaba sobre o estoque de carbono orgânico, na camada de 0-0,20 m do solo, foi avaliado por análise de regressão. Os tratamentos não diferiram em relação à agregação do solo, contudo EC foi diretamente relacionado à quantidade de resíduo aplicado ao solo. Houve correlação positiva e significativa entre os índices de agregação e o EC. A aplicação de resíduos de sementes de goiaba proporcionou melhoria da qualidade do solo.
Alternativas para adubação de porta-enxertos de abacateiro 'quintal' e seu efeito no pegamento de enxertia
Authors: Costa Ana Claudia , Decarlos Neto Antônio , Ramos José Darlan , Borges Daniella Ines
Published: February 2012

O abacate é uma fruta de alta expressividade no cenário frutícola brasileiro. Dos fatores limitantes na expansão racional dessa frutífera, destaca-se a dificuldade de obtenção de mudas de alta qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a obtenção de porta-enxertos de abacateiro 'Quintal', em condições de telado, com o uso de fertilizante de liberação lenta e solução nutritiva, com diferentes doses de N, P e K. O experimento foi instalado e conduzido no Setor de Fruticultura do Departamento de Agricultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras-MG, de maio a outubro de 2009. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2X4 (duas fontes de fertilizantes e quatro doses) com um tratamento adicional (controle), com quatro repetições, sendo a parcela experimental composta de dez plantas. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro doses de fertilizante de liberação lenta 15-10-10 (N-P2O5-K2O), nas dosagens 4; 8; 16 e 24 kg m-3 de solo usado como substrato e quatro doses de solução nutritiva, sendo o NPK aplicado numa mistura de ureia, nitrato de potássio e monoamônio fosfato, na mesma proporção do outro fertilizante. As plantas foram enxertadas, utilizando-se como copa da cultivar Fortuna. As características do porta-enxerto avaliadas foram: altura (cm), diâmetro (mm), matéria seca das folhas, raízes e caule (g), teor de N, P e K nas folhas (mg kg-1) e porcentagem de pegamento da enxertia (%). Houve interação significativa entre os fatores para a altura, diâmetro, matéria seca das folhas, raízes, caule e porcentagem de pegamento da enxertia. O uso de fertilizante de liberação lenta propiciou maior crescimento e desenvolvimento dos porta-enxertos de abacateiro cultivar Quintal comparado à solução nutritiva. Doses acima de 4 kg m-3 de fertilizante de liberação lenta e solução nutritiva não produziram efeito positivo na formação de porta-enxertos de abacateiro 'Quintal'.
Produção de mudas de caramboleiras 'B-10' e 'Golden Star': II - marcha de absorção e acúmulo de nutrientes
Authors: Rozane Danilo Eduardo , Prado Renato de Mello , Natale William , Romualdo Liliane Maria , Souza Henrique Antunes de , Silva Silvia Helena Modenese Gorla da
Published: February 2012

A participação do Brasil no mercado externo de frutas tem aumentado consideravelmente e com potencial para crescer ainda mais. A constante ascensão dos dados de exportação brasileira é resultado da combinação de avanços tecnológicos do setor produtivo e de acesso a novos mercados consumidores. A caramboleira apresenta-se como uma excelente opção de cultivo de frutas exóticas, com grande potencial para atender ao mercado interno e às exportações. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a marcha de absorção e de acúmulo de nutrientes em mudas de caramboleiras cultivadas em solução nutritiva. O experimento foi realizado em parcelas subdivididas, sendo utilizadas como parcela as duas cultivares de caramboleira ('B-10' e 'Golden Star') e, como subparcelas, cinco épocas de coleta de plantas, realizadas aos 208; 233; 258; 283 e 308 dias após o transplantio para a solução nutritiva. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. As mudas foram cultivadas em vasos (8L) com solução nutritiva (pH=5,5 ± 0,5), com aeração. O experimento iniciou-se em 24-08-2005. Nos diferentes órgãos das mudas (folhas, caule e raízes), determinaram-se a marcha de absorção, o acúmulo de nutrientes e os índices nutricionais. Não houve diferenças no acúmulo de nutrientes entre as mudas de caramboleira de ambas as cultivares, sendo a ordem decrescente dos nutrientes em cada muda de 'B-10', no final do período experimental: N > K > Ca > Mg > S > P > Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Zn. Para a 'Golden Star', a ordem foi: N > K > Ca > Mg > P > S > Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Zn. Para as duas cultivares, o acúmulo médio foi maior nas folhas > caule > raízes. O período de maior exigência para 'B-10' foi entre 208 - 233 e, para 'Golden Star', entre 233 - 283 dias após o transplantio. As diferentes taxas de acumulação líquida dos nutrientes, nos diferentes órgãos da caramboleira, nem sempre acompanharam a taxa de acumulação de nutrientes do respectivo órgão.
Predição de ganhos, com diferentes índices de seleção, para características de frutos do maracujazeiro- amarelo
Authors: Neves Leonarda Grillo , Bruckner Claudio Horst , Cruz Cosme Damião , Viana Alexandre Pio , Barelli Marco Antonio Aparecido
Published: February 2012

O maracujazeiro-amarelo tem despertado grande interesse entre os fruticultores, pela rápida produção em relação a outras espécies frutíferas e por sua excelente aceitação no mercado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar os ganhos preditos obtidos com a seleção simultânea de caracteres utilizando vários índices de seleção nas diferentes características do fruto do maracujazeiro-amarelo. Para a realização deste trabalho, 113 famílias provenientes de cruzamentos que seguiram o Delineamento I foram utilizados. Verificou-se que a seleção praticada nas características que expressam o tamanho do fruto proporcionou resposta correlacionada ao aumento da quantidade de polpa. Ficou evidente, tanto para a análise genotípica quanto para a fenotípica, que os maiores ganhos são observados, para todos os cinco índices em estudos, quando foi aplicado o coeficiente de variação genético de fêmea como peso econômico. Foram satisfatórios os índices Smith e Hazel, Pesek e Baker, Williams, e Mulamba e Mock, pois proporcionaram ganhos totais satisfatórios a partir das análises genotípica e fenotípica.
Interação das lesões causadas pela sarna-da-macieira (Venturia inaequalis) na capacidade de infestação dos frutos por lagartas de Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Neto e Silva Oscar Arnaldo Batista , Botton Marcos , Garcia Mauro Silveira , Bisognin Maicon
Published: February 2012

Em monitoramentos de pragas realizados na cultura da macieira foram observadas maiores infestações da mariposa oriental (Grapholita molesta) em frutos provenientes de pomares com maior incidência de lesões causadas pela sarna-da-macieira (Venturia inaequalis). Para validar esta observação, conduziu-se um experimento em laboratório com o objetivo de verificar a influência de lesões da sarna da macieira em frutos, na capacidade de infestação por G. molesta. Foram utilizados frutos (n=200) de macieira da variedade Gala com sintomas da sarna (n=100) e frutos sadios (n=100). Uma lagarta recém-eclodida foi inoculada em cada fruto e a avaliação foi realizada 10 dias após a infestação, determinando-se o número de lagartas que conseguiram penetrar nos frutos. Houve diferença significativa na capacidade de penetração das lagartas associado a presença de lesões da sarna (87%) quando comparado com frutos sadios (61%). Conclui-se que frutos de maçã da cv. Gala atacados por Venturia inaequalis são mais infestados por lagartas de primeiro ínstar de Grapholita molesta.
Ocorrência de Badnavirus em frutos de bananeira no estado do Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: Brioso Paulo Sergio Torres , Pereira José Clério Rezende , Gasparotto Luadir
Published: February 2012

A produção brasileira de bananas atende principalmente ao mercado interno, no entanto, em função de problemas fitossanitários, a produtividade dos bananais, principalmente no Estado do Amazonas é extremamente baixa. Recentemente, foi constatada no Estado do Amazonas a ocorrência de lesões necróticas de formato irregular, nos frutos de plantas híbridas tetraploides 'FHIA 01', 'FHIA 18', 'BRS Caprichosa', 'BRS Garantida', 'Preciosa' e 'Pacovan Ken' depreciando-os completamente para a comercialização. Através de PCR, utilizando-se dos primers BADNA 1A e BADNA 4 foi detectada a presença de Badnavirus correlacionada com a estirpe BSV-BR1, e com o Banana streak Uganda B vírus. Esta é a primeira vez em que se relatam tais sintomas em frutos associados à Badnavirus, no País.
Tipos de enxertia em diferentes idades de plantas de maracujazeiro
Authors: Santos Verônica Andrade dos , Ramos José Darlan , Oliveira Marcelo Caetano de , Silva Elisângela Aparecida da
Published: February 2012

A propagação vegetativa do maracujazeiro pode propiciar a obtenção de mudas e pomares uniformes, com uso de porta-enxertos com boas características, como tolerância às doenças do solo. O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar métodos de enxertia nas diferentes idades das plantas de maracujazeiro após emergência. O Experimento foi conduzido no Setor de Fruticultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), em Lavras-MG, sob telado com 50% de sombreamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 2x4, dois métodos de enxertia (fenda cheia e inglês simples) e quatro épocas de enxertia (15; 25; 35 e 45 dias após a emergência). Foram avaliadas: porcentagem de pegamento, número de folhas, altura e diâmetro das plantas. Conclui-se que, na enxertia do maracujazeiro-azedo sobre o doce, tanto no método de garfagem fenda cheia quanto para inglês simples, a melhor época para realização é aos 15 dias após a emergência, apresentando um índice de pegamento de 98% em ambos os métodos.
O Prouni e a conclusão do ensino superior: novas trajetórias pessoais e profissionais dos egressos
Authors: Amaral Daniela Patti do , Oliveira Fátima Bayma de
Published: February 2012

Iniciamos, em 2010, a pesquisa O ProUni e o acesso ao Ensino Superior: estudo introdutório sobre os usuários do programa na zona oeste do município Rio de Janeiro, que tem por objetivo geral avaliar os impactos de uma política pública em educação voltada à inclusão no Ensino Superior privado de populações com baixas chances de acesso ao mesmo. A pesquisa, realizada entre julho de 2010 e abril de 2011, investigou dados acerca dos alunos que ingressaram no Ensino Superior em 2005 e 2006, primeiros anos do ProUni, em duas IES privadas situadas no bairro de Campo Grande, zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro. Nossa hipótese inicial foi que, após pelo menos dois anos de conclusão do curso, esses egressos já teriam construído novas trajetórias profissionais e de vida. Os dados iniciais, apesar das suas limitações, indicam que, como política pública, o ProUni tem demonstrado eficácia pela baixa taxa de evasão e que os egressos experimentaram novas trajetórias profissionais e pessoais.
História do uso do livro didático universitário: o caso do Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Souza Karina Aparecida de Freitas Dias de , Mate Cecília Hanna , Porto Paulo Alves
Published: February 2012

Os livros didáticos, ao promoverem a circulação de ideias, valores e comportamentos desejados em determinados períodos, constituem importante ferramenta no levantamento da história de uma disciplina. Propõe-se investigar, nesse contexto, qual foi e qual é o papel dos livros didáticos na formação profissional em química, e que lugar eles vêm ocupando na dinâmica das salas de aula, tomando como locus de pesquisa uma importante universidade pública brasileira. Considerando-se fundamentos da história oral, foram entrevistados seis professores, cuja formação e atuação docente ocorreram em diferentes períodos da história da instituição. Os depoimentos sobre o papel do livro didático em suas vidas acadêmicas, como alunos e docentes, permitiram observar diferentes tendências desde o período em que o ensino de química permaneceu centrado na figura do professor até a recente opção pela adoção de um único livro didático como guia para o desenvolvimento de uma disciplina.
Spatial and temporal changes in group dynamics and range use enable anti‐predator responses in African buffalo
Authors: Tambling Craig J. , Druce Dave J. , Hayward Matt W. , Castley J. Guy , Adendorff John , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: February 2012

The reintroduction of large predators provides a framework to investigate responses by prey species to predators. Considerable research has been directed at the impact that reintroduced wolves (Canis lupus) have on cervids, and to a lesser degree, bovids, in northern temperate regions. Generally, these impacts alter feeding, activity, and ranging behavior, or combinations of these. However, there are few studies on the response of African bovids to reintroduced predators, and thus, there is limited data to compare responses by tropical and temperate ungulates to predator reintroductions. Using the reintroduction of lion (Panthera leo) into the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) Main Camp Section, South Africa, we show that Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) responses differ from northern temperate ungulates. Following lion reintroduction, buffalo herds amalgamated into larger, more defendable units; this corresponded with an increase in the survival of juvenile buffalo. Current habitat preference of buffalo breeding herds is for open habitats, especially during the night and morning, when lion are active. The increase in group size and habitat preference countered initial high levels of predation on juvenile buffalo, resulting in a return in the proportion of juveniles in breeding herds to pre‐lion levels. Our results show that buffalo responses to reintroduced large predators in southern Africa differ to those of northern temperate bovids or cervids in the face of wolf predation. We predict that the nature of the prey response to predator reintroduction is likely to reflect the trade‐off between the predator selection and hunting strategy of predators against the life history and foraging strategies of each prey species.
Relationships among Preservice Teachers' Technology-Related Abilities, Beliefs, and Intentions to Use Technology in Their Future Classrooms
Authors: Anderson Susan E. , Groulx Judith G. , Maninger Robert M.
Published: February 2012

This study investigated relationships among students' technology-related abilities, beliefs, and intentions. Participants were 217 preservice teachers who responded to post-course surveys. Value beliefs were the best predictor of their intentions to use a variety of software and their intentions regarding frequency of technology use with students in their future classrooms. Self-efficacy for technology integration also contributed to the prediction of intentions to use a variety of software, and technological abilities contributed to the prediction of intentions regarding frequency of future technology use. Constructivist beliefs were moderately correlated with self-efficacy and value beliefs, as well as with both types of intentions. The results highlight the importance of relationships between preservice teachers' beliefs and their potential integration of technology in their future classrooms.
Tourist activity: international and domestic diversification and the problem of social exclusion
Authors: Alejziak Wiesław
Published: February 2012

This article presents the international and domestic diversification of tourist activity. In the former case, it focuses on analyses of the general level of tourist activity, expressed in the ‘tourist activity rate’, while with regards to the inhabitants of Poland, analyses were conducted on the diversification of tourist activity across various socio-demographic categories. For international comparisons, the wide-ranging research conducted by EUROSTAT in 2011 on representative samples of the inhabitants of 32 European countries was used. The diversification of Polish tourist activity in the context of social exclusion, on the other hand, is presented on the basis of the author's research and calculations. Statistical analyses were employed: Kendall's Tau-b rank correlation coefficient and cluster analysis.
The role of environmental knowledge, attitudes and initiatives in the development of a tourism product
Authors: Niezgoda Agnieszka
Published: February 2012

The article looks at environmental activities undertaken by the various stakeholders engaged in the development of a tourism product. Special attention is given to the impact of tourists' behaviour on tourist destination products and on future ecology-related actions of service providers. The meaning of environmental awareness is explained as well as its relationship with the concepts of sustainable tourism and eco-tourism. Some problems arising from demand for eco-products are discussed.
The sanctuary as a means of organizing urban space: a case study of selected sanctuaries in Poland
Authors: Sołjan Izabela
Published: February 2012

This paper attempts to show that a sanctuary can alter urban space. A sanctuary is a very special place because of its religious nature and attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The spatial structure of a sanctuary is determined largely by changes in the volume and nature of pilgrim ‘traffic’. Modern pilgrimage centres are becoming more open to visitors who wish to take part in the life of a sanctuary, even if this involves non-religious activities. The sanctuary's religious offering is supplemented with typical tourism attractions. The establishment of a sanctuary affects the development and spatial organization of a city in a variety of ways. Large sanctuaries favour the development of sanctuary service zones that cater for pilgrims. This is also true in Poland. There are, however, some large and midsize sanctuaries that have no additional facilities designed for pilgrims and this is almost always true of regional and national sanctuaries in Poland.
Processes of tourism space formation
Authors: Włodarczyk Bogdan
Published: February 2012

The article is an attempt to name and define the processes which transform geographical space and result in the appearance or disappearance of tourism space as broadly understood. The processes include restructurization (modernization and revitalization) and degradation. All of them have been discussed in the context of their actual stage of tourism space development. More attention is devoted to degradation, which has only recently been seen as a process which may lead to the creation of spaces attractive to tourists.
Studies of Archaeological Bone Structure by Different Analytical Methods
Authors: Rudovica V. , Viksna A. , Katkevich J. , Zarina G. , Bitenieks J. , Zicans J. , Leito I. , Vahur S.
Published: February 2012

Studies of Archaeological Bone Structure by Different Analytical Methods

Preservation of the structure of archaeological bones was studied by examining their physicochemical properties. The mechanical properties, and conductivity porosity, crystallinity and content of organic material were evaluated. These parameters were established to be suitable for characterizing changes in the course of time of archaeological bone structure. The obtained results revealed that the elastic modulus and conductivity changes depended on the porosity of bones; and the increase in crystallinity was correlated with a loss of organic matter.
Academic Dishonesty among Physical Therapy Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Montuno Eli , Davidson Alex , Iwasaki Karen , Jones Susan , Martin Jay , Brooks Dina , Gibson Barbara E. , Mori Brenda
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To examine academically dishonest behaviours based on physical therapy (PT) students' current practices and educators' prior behaviours as PT students. Method: A Web-based questionnaire was sent to 174 students and 250 educators from the PT programme at the University of Toronto. The questionnaire gathered data on demographics as well as on the prevalence of, seriousness of, and contributing factors to academic dishonesty (AD). Results: In all, 52.4% of educators and 44.3% of students responded to the questionnaire over a 6-week data-collection period. Scenarios rated the most serious were the least frequently performed by educators and students. The impact of generation on attitudes and prevalence of AD was not significant. The factors most commonly reported as contributing to AD were school-related pressure, disagreement with evaluation methods, and the perception that “everyone else does it.” Conclusion: This study parallels the findings of similar research conducted in other health care programmes: AD does occur within the PT curriculum. AD was more prevalent in situations associated with helping peers than in those associated with personal gain. The consistency in behaviours reported across generations suggests that some forms of cheating are accepted as the social norm and may be a function of the environment.
Posterior fossa epidural hematomas in children: clinical experience with 40 cases
Authors: Sencer Altay , Aras Yavuz , Akcakaya Mehmet Osman , Goker Burcu , Kırıs Talat , Canbolat Ali Tuncay
Published: February 2012

Object

Traumatic posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH) is rare, but among children it may have a slightly higher incidence. With the widespread use of CT scanning, the diagnosis of PFEDH can be established more accurately, leading to an increased incidence of the lesion and possibly to a better patient prognosis. This study presents 40 pediatric cases with PFEDH.

Methods

The authors assessed the type of trauma, clinical findings on admission, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, CT findings (thickness of the hematoma, bone fracture, compression of the fourth ventricle, and ventricle enlargement), type of treatment, clinical course, and prognosis. Early postoperative CT scans (within the first 6 hours) were obtained and reviewed in all surgical cases.

Results

Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery and 11 patients received conservative therapy and close follow-up. All patients fared well, and there was no surgical mortality or morbidity.

Conclusions

Based on the data in this large series, the authors conclude that PFEDH in children can be treated in experienced centers with excellent outcome, and there is no need to avoid surgery when it is indicated.
Metastasis of soft-tissue myoepithelial carcinoma to clivus
Authors: Bohnstedt Bradley N. , Tomcik Matthew , Eads Todd , Hagen Matthew C. , Shah Mitesh
Published: February 2012

The differential diagnosis for masses involving the clivus is broad. The authors present a case of myoepithelial carcinoma metastatic to the clivus, a lesion that has not been reported to their knowledge. This 14-year-old girl with a history of myoepithelial carcinoma originating in the soft tissues of the left hip and metastatic to the lung presented with left lateral gaze palsy. Imaging demonstrated a 3 × 3–cm osteolytic mass in the clivus. Microscopic transsphenoidal resection with endoscopic assistance was performed. Pathological findings were consistent with the previously diagnosed myoepithelial carcinoma. Within 4 weeks postoperatively and 2 weeks into a chemotherapeutic regimen, the tumor exhibited progression. Radiation therapy was started and growth of the tumor was halted.

Myoepithelial carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for clival masses, especially in patients with previously diagnosed myoepithelial carcinoma. The primary management of this tumor should be with chemotherapy and radiation, with surgery serving only for decompression.
Colloid cyst of velum interpositum: a rare finding
Authors: Morris Tom C. , Santoreneos Stephen
Published: February 2012

The authors present the case of a child with a colloid cyst of the velum interpositum. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case in the pediatric literature and only the second reported case to date. The patient was of an 11-year-old boy in whom this lesion was found after a minor head injury. He had a 6-month history of memory deficits. A lesion consistent with a colloid cyst was seen in the region of the velum interpositum, in the roof of the third ventricle. This lesion was excised successfully via a transcallosal interfornical approach. There were no new postoperative deficits and the child made a full recovery of time.
Histological analysis of the third ventricle floor in hydrocephalic and nonhydrocephalic brains: application to neuroendocrine complications following third ventriculostomy procedures
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Hattab Eyas M. , Loukas Marios , Chern Joshua J. , Wellons Melissa , Wellons John C. , Iskandar Bermans J. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: February 2012

Object

Endocrine dysfunction following endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is rare, but it has been reported. In the present study the authors sought to determine the histological nature of the floor of the third ventricle in hydrocephalic brains to better elucidate this potential association.

Methods

Five adult cadaveric brains with hydrocephalus were examined. Specifically, the floors of the third ventricle of these specimens were studied histologically. Age-matched controls without hydrocephalus were used for comparison.

Results

Although it was thinned in the hydrocephalic brains, the floor of the third ventricle had no significant difference between the numbers of neuronal cell bodies versus nonhydrocephalic brains.

Conclusions

Although uncommon following ETV, endocrine dysfunction has been reported. Based on the present study, this is most likely to be due to the injury of normal neuronal cell bodies found in this location, even in very thinned-out tissue.
Natural history and imaging prevalence of cavernous malformations in children and young adults
Authors: Al-Holou Wajd N. , O'Lynnger Thomas M. , Pandey Aditya S. , Gemmete Joseph J. , Thompson B. Gregory , Muraszko Karin M. , Garton Hugh J. L. , Maher Cormac O.
Published: February 2012

Object

This study was undertaken to define the age-related prevalence of cavernous malformations (CMs) in children and young adults undergoing intracranial imaging. In addition, the authors aim to clarify the natural history of CMs in young people, especially in those with incidentally discovered lesions.

Methods

To identify those patients with CMs, the authors retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 14,936 consecutive patients 25 years of age or younger who had undergone brain MR imaging. In patients with a CM, clinical and imaging data were collected. Patients with untreated cavernomas who had more than 6 months of clinical and MR imaging follow-up were included in a natural history analysis. The natural history analysis included 110 CMs in 56 patients with a 3.5-year mean clinical follow-up interval (199 patient-years and 361 cavernoma-years).

Results

In 92 patients (0.6%), 164 CMs were identified. The imaging prevalence of cavernomas increased with advancing age (p = 0.002). Multiple CMs occurred in 28 patients (30%), and 8 patients (9%) had a family history of multiple CMs. Fifty patients (54%) presented with symptoms related to the cavernoma, of whom 30 presented with hemorrhage (33%). Of the 164 cavernomas identified, 103 (63%) were considered incidental, asymptomatic lesions. Larger size was associated with acute symptomatic presentation (p = 0.0001). During the follow-up interval, 6 patients with 8 cavernomas developed 11 symptomatic hemorrhages after initial identification. Five of the patients who had a hemorrhage during the follow-up interval had initially presented with hemorrhage, while only 1 had presented incidentally. The hemorrhage rate for all patients in the natural history group was 1.6% per patient-year and 0.9% per cavernoma-year. The hemorrhage rate was 8.0% per patient-year in the symptomatic group versus 0.2% in the incidental group. Symptomatic hemorrhage after long-term follow-up was associated with initial acute presentation (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The imaging prevalence of CM increases with advancing age during childhood. Patients presenting without hemorrhage have a significantly lower risk of bleeding compared with those who present with acute neurological symptoms. Comparing this series of children to prior analyses of CM natural history in adults, the authors' data do not suggest a higher bleeding risk in younger patients.
Pediatric orbital schwannoma originating from the oculomotor nerve
Authors: Nagashima Hiroaki , Yamamoto Kazuki , Kawamura Atsufumi , Nagashima Tatsuya , Nomura Koji , Yoshida Makiko
Published: February 2012

Intraorbital schwannoma is a rare tumor that constitutes approximately 1%–8% of all orbital tumors. The authors report a case of orbital schwannoma in a 5-year-old boy who was admitted to their institute with exophthalmos and ptosis of the right eye. Computed tomography scanning and MR imaging revealed a retroocular mass in the right orbit. The tumor was successfully removed via a transcranial approach. The pathological diagnosis was schwannoma that appeared to originate from the superior branch of the oculomotor nerve. Despite the rarity of these intraorbital extraocular tumors in children, schwannomas should be differentiated from other intraorbital tumors.
Use of a minimally invasive tubular retraction system for deep-seated tumors in pediatric patients
Authors: Recinos Pablo F. , Raza Shaan M. , Jallo George I. , Recinos Violette Renard
Published: February 2012

Object

Microsurgical removal is the preferred treatment for most deep-seated, intraaxial tumors in the pediatric population. The feasibility of surgery as an option has improved with advances in surgical technology and technique. Tubular retractors disperse retraction forces over a greater surface area than do conventional retractors, which can lower the risk of ischemic complications. The authors describe their experience utilizing a new tubular retractor system specifically designed for cranial applications in conjunction with frameless neuronavigation.

Methods

The Vycor ViewSite retractor was used in 4 pediatric patients (ages 15 months and 9, 10, and 16 years) with deep-seated intraaxial tumors. The lesions included a papillary tumor of the pineal region, a low-grade astrocytoma in the occipital lobe, a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor arising from the basal ganglia, and an intraventricular low-grade glioma. The extent of white matter damage along the surgical trajectory (based on T2 or FLAIR and diffusion restriction/apparent diffusion coefficient signals) and the extent of resection were assessed on postoperative imaging.

Results

Satisfactory resection or biopsy was achieved in all patients. A comparison of pre- and postoperative MR imaging studies revealed evidence of white matter damage along the surgical trajectory in 1 patient. None of the patients demonstrated new neurological deficits postoperatively.

Conclusions

Obtaining surgical access to deep-seated, intraaxial tumors is challenging. In this small series of pediatric patients, the combination of the ViewSite tubular retractor and frameless neuronavigation facilitated the surgical approach. The combination of these technologies adds to the armamentarium to safely approach tumors in deep locations.
Novel Fluorinated Indanone, Tetralone and Naphthone Derivatives: Synthesis and Unique Structural Features
Authors: Sloop Joseph C. , Boyle Paul D. , Fountain Augustus W. , Gomez Cristina , Jackson James L. , Pearman William F. , Schmidt Robert D. , Weyand Jonathan
Published: February 2012

Several fluorinated and trifluoromethylated indanone, tetralone and naphthone derivatives have been prepared via Claisen condensations and selective fluorinations in yields ranging from 22–60%. In addition, we report the synthesis of new, selectively fluorinated bindones in yields ranging from 72–92%. Of particular interest is the fluorination and trifluoroacetylation regiochemistry observed in these fluorinated products. We also note unusual transformations including a novel one pot, dual trifluoroacetylation, trifluoroacetylnaphthone synthesis via a deacetylation as well as an acetyl-trifluoroacetyl group exchange. Solid-state structural features exhibited by these compounds were investigated using crystallographic methods. Crystallographic results, supported by spectroscopic data, show that trifluoroacetylated ketones prefer a chelated cis-enol form whereas fluorinated bindone products exist primarily as the cross-conjugated triketo form.
Transformation of Cyclaneusma minus with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to Enable Screening of Fungi for Biocontrol Activity
Authors: McDougal Rebecca , Stewart Alison , Bradshaw Rosie
Published: February 2012

Cyclaneusma needle-cast has a major impact on the New Zealand forest industry. The causal agent, Cyclaneusma minus, causes most severe damage to 11–20 year-old trees and currently there are no economically viable procedures for control of the disease in New Zealand. Here we present a method for genetic transformation of C. minus using protoplasts generated by incubation with Glucanex™ enzyme. C. minus was transformed with a gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expression was stable after successive sub-culturing of the strain in the absence of selective pressure. Expression of the gfp gene allowed us to utilize an in vitro GFP-based screening method to identify strains of Trichoderma with potential for biocontrol of this disease. The strain that showed the most promise as a potential biocontrol candidate exhibited a low level of inhibition by uncharacterized metabolite(s) that C. minus secretes into the medium, and consistently caused a loss of GFP expression from the GFP-labeled C. minus strain. The interaction between C. minus and the biocontrol strain, in the interaction zone where GFP expression was lost, was determined to be fungicidal. The utility of such biocontrol strains is discussed. This study represents the first genetic manipulation of C. minus and will pave the way for further studies of the life cycle and infection biology of this organism.
Microtubules as a Critical Target for Arsenic Toxicity in Lung Cells in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhao Yinzhi , Toselli Paul , Li Wande
Published: February 2012

To understand mechanisms for arsenic toxicity in the lung, we examined effects of sodium m-arsenite (As3+) on microtubule (MT) assembly in vitro (0–40 µM), in cultured rat lung fibroblasts (RFL6, 0–20 µM for 24 h) and in the rat animal model (intratracheal instillation of 2.02 mg As/kg body weight, once a week for 5 weeks). As3+ induced a dose-dependent disassembly of cellular MTs and enhancement of the free tubulin pool, initiating an autoregulation of tubulin synthesis manifest as inhibition of steady-state mRNA levels of βI-tubulin in dosed lung cells and tissues. Spindle MT injuries by As3+ were concomitant with chromosomal disorientations. As3+ reduced the binding to tubulin of [3H]N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), an -SH group reagent, resulting in inhibition of MT polymerization in vitro with bovine brain tubulins which was abolished by addition of dithiothreitol (DTT) suggesting As3+ action upon tubulin through -SH groups. In response to As3+, cells elevated cellular thiols such as metallothionein. Taxol, a tubulin polymerization agent, antagonized both As3+ and NEM induced MT depolymerization. MT–associated proteins (MAPs) essential for the MT stability were markedly suppressed in As3+-treated cells. Thus, tubulin sulfhydryls and MAPs are major molecular targets for As3+ damage to the lung triggering MT disassembly cascades.
Design of an Angle Detector for Laser Beams Based on Grating Coupling
Authors: Saha Tapas Kumar , Lu Mingyu , Ma Zhenqiang , Zhou Weidong
Published: February 2012

A novel angle detector for laser beams is designed in this paper. It takes advantage of grating coupling to couple the incident light into a slab waveguide; and, the incident light’s angle can be determined by reading the outputs of light detectors within the waveguide. This device offers fast-responding on-chip detection of laser beam’s angle. Compared to techniques based on quadrant photodiodes or lateral effect photodiodes, the device in this paper has far greater detectable range (up to a few degrees, to be specific). Performance of the laser angle detector in this paper is demonstrated by finite-difference-time-domain simulations. Numerical results show that, the detectable angle range can be adjusted by several design parameters and can reach [−4°, 4°]. The laser beam angle detector in this paper is expected to find various applications such as ultra-fast optical interconnects.
Inter-Sensor Comparison between THEOS and Landsat 5 TM Data in a Study of Two Crops Related to Biofuel in Thailand
Authors: Phongaksorn Naruemon , Tripathi Nitin K. , Kumar Sivanappan , Soni Peeyush
Published: February 2012

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of biofuel crops is an important criterion to determine the sustainability of biofuel energy production. Remotely sensed image analysis is a proven and effective tool for describing the spatial distribution of crops using vegetation characteristics. Increases in the number of options and availability of satellite sensors have expanded the horizon of choices of imagery sources for appropriate image acquisitions. The Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS) satellite is one of the newest satellite sensors. The growing number of satellite sensors warrants their comparative evaluation and the standardization of data obtained from various sensors. This study conducted an inter-sensor comparison of the visible/near-infrared surface reflectance and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data collected from the Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and THEOS. The surface reflectance and the derived NDVI of the sensors were randomly obtained for two biofuel crops, namely, cassava and sugarcane. These crops had low values of visible surface reflectance, which were not significantly (p < 0.05) different. In contrast, the crops had high values of near-infrared surface reflectance that differed significantly (p > 0.05) between the crops. Strong linear relationships between the remote sensing products for the examined sensors were obtained for both cassava and sugarcane. The regression models that were developed can be used to compute the NDVI for THEOS using those determined from Landsat 5 TM and vice versa for the given biofuel crops.
Accuracy and Resolution of Kinect Depth Data for Indoor Mapping Applications
Authors: Khoshelham Kourosh , Elberink Sander Oude
Published: February 2012

Consumer-grade range cameras such as the Kinect sensor have the potential to be used in mapping applications where accuracy requirements are less strict. To realize this potential insight into the geometric quality of the data acquired by the sensor is essential. In this paper we discuss the calibration of the Kinect sensor, and provide an analysis of the accuracy and resolution of its depth data. Based on a mathematical model of depth measurement from disparity a theoretical error analysis is presented, which provides an insight into the factors influencing the accuracy of the data. Experimental results show that the random error of depth measurement increases with increasing distance to the sensor, and ranges from a few millimeters up to about 4 cm at the maximum range of the sensor. The quality of the data is also found to be influenced by the low resolution of the depth measurements.
Biocontrol of Penicillium nordicum Growth and Ochratoxin A Production by Native Yeasts of Dry Cured Ham
Authors: Virgili Roberta , Simoncini Nicoletta , Toscani Tania , Camardo Leggieri Marco , Formenti Silvia , Battilani Paola
Published: February 2012

Twelve yeast strains isolated from the surface of Italian typical dry-cured hams, belonging to D. hansenii, D. maramus, C. famata, C. zeylanoides and H. burtonii species, and previously selected for their ability to grow in dry-cured ham-like substrates, were screened for antagonistic activity against a toxigenic strain of P. nordicum and inhibition of ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis. On average, yeast inhibitory activity was lowered by increasing fungal inoculum and enhanced by NaCl presence. In the assay conditions, H. burtonii and C. zeylanoides were the most effective, both in inhibiting P. nordicum growth and OTA production. D. hansenii was the species with the lowest inhibitory activity, especially in the absence of salt. OTA production dropped from the range < LOD − 5000 ppb in P. nordicum control plates to the range < LOD − 200 ppb in yeast-added plates. OTA production increased in the presence of NaCl in P. nordicum control plates, while salt enhanced inhibition against OTA production in yeast-added plates.
Radioiodine remnant ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer after combined endogenous and exogenous TSH stimulation
Authors: Schober O. , Riemann B. , Vrachimis A.
Published: February 2012

Aim: Radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) after (near-)total thyroidectomy (TE) is a key element in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The use of exogenous TSH stimulation (rhTSH) prior to RRA has shown promising results as compared to conventional thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW). As yet, the efficacy of RRA after brief THW and single rhTSH administration has not been assessed. Patients, methods: The study sample comprised 147 patients with DTC referred to our center between May 2008 and September 2010. All patients received TE with subsequent RRA. None of these 147 patients had evidence of distant metastasis. 93 patients had endogenous TSH stimulation 4–5 weeks after surgery (group I) and twenty-six received two rhTSH injections (group II). 28 patients were treated with a single rhTSH injection after a brief THW (group III). RRA-Efficacy was assessed three months after therapy by diagnostic whole-body scan and measurement of the tumour marker thyroglobulin (Tg) under TSH stimulation. Results: Three categories of success were defined for remnant ablation. Based on the definition of successful remnant ablation no visible uptake and a Tg ≤ 2.0 ng/ ml (category 1) was seen in 62/93 patients in group I, in 17/26 patients in group II (p = n.s.) and in 12/28 patients in group III (p < 0.05). Visible radioiodine uptake and a Tg ≤ 2.0 ng/ml (category 2) was seen in 16/28 patients of group III and thus significantly more frequent than in group I (28/93 patients) (p < 0.01). However, patients in group III (16/28 patients) and group II (8/26 patients) showed no significant difference in this category (p = n.s.). Visible radioiodine uptake and a Tg > 2.0 ng/ml (category 3) was found in 3/93 patients in group I and 1/26 patients in group II but in no patient in group III. Conclusion: The third strategy of remnant ablation using a single injection of rhTSH after a brief THW period resulted in a significant higher rate of patients with residual uptake in the thyroid bed and a Tg level below 2 ng/ml three months after remnant ablation in comparison to THW. However, the overall efficacy of the third protocol was not significantly different as compared to two rhTSH injections. Under the aspect of the supply shortage of rhTSH the combined endogenous and exogenous TSH stimulation may be an attractive alternative for remnant ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer.
GRAPPA Trainees Symposium 2010: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: RITCHLIN CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: February 2012

At the 2010 annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis), 24 trainees (rheumatology fellows and dermatology residents) engaged in research in psoriatic disease were invited to present their work at the Trainees Symposium, which preceded the GRAPPA meeting and was also attended by GRAPPA members and invited guests. Nineteen posters and 6 oral presentations were presented by the trainees, all of which are summarized here.
Inflammatory Spinal Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting
Authors: GLADMAN DAFNA D.
Published: February 2012

Diagnosing axial disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been largely dependent on identifying inflammatory back pain (IBP), which itself has been difficult to define. We review the criteria used to identify IBP in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other forms of spondyloarthritis. Recently, the Ankylosing SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) developed a list of clinical and radiographic criteria for identifying IBP in patients with AS. However, it is more difficult to identify IBP in patients with PsA because generally they have less pain than patients with rheumatoid arthritis or AS. Further, PsA patients may have clinical symptoms of pain but negative radiographs. It may be more useful to identify sacroiliitis or syndesmophytes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), since MRI identifies lesions in the sacroiliac joints and the spine much earlier than can be detected on radiographs. In summary, all patients with PsA should be assessed for axial involvement with history, physical examination, and imaging. Patients with psoriasis whose history includes onset of back pain before age 40 years, the presence of night pain, and improvement with exercise but not with rest, or who have limited neck or back mobility, should be referred to a rheumatologist.