bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sindicato, crise econômica e estratégias regionais novas dimensões da participação política no ABC Paulista
Authors: Ramalho José Ricardo , Rodrigues Iram Jácome
Published: November 2010

A proposta do artigo é discutir, a partir do caso do ABC paulista, as estratégias sindicais criadas em contextos de crise econômica, e analisar os mecanismos de mobilização acionados para propor alternativas político-institucionais em âmbito regional, com o objetivo de proteger e estimular a criação de empregos e enfrentar os efeitos sociais das demissões de trabalhadores. A hipótese principal é a de que a ação de sindicatos com tradição de luta trabalhista, densidade institucional e acúmulo político regional e nacional, com canais de interlocução ativos com governos municipais, estaduais e nacionais e com poder de mobilização de suas categorias, acabam por desempenhar um papel decisivo e, de certa forma, inovador, na formulação de novos mecanismos institucionais para discutir estratégias políticas de enfrentamento das dificuldades impostas às regiões e localidades, passando a exercer influência nas novas concepções construídas em situações de crise econômica regional.
Índices de capacidade para processos multivariados independentes: extensões dos índices de Niverthi e Dey e Mingoti e Glória
Authors: Mingoti Sueli Aparecida , Oliveira Fernando Luiz Pereira de , Conceição Míriam Márcia Carvalho da
Published: November 2010

Neste artigo apresentamos dois novos índices de capacidade multivariados para processos independentes que são extensões do coeficiente de capacidade univariado Cpm. Esses novos índices foram formulados de acordo com as ideias de Niverthi e Dey (2000) e Mingoti e Glória (2008) e são sensíveis a diferenças entre as médias de especificação e de processo. Uma comparação entre os índices foi realizada considerando-se vários cenários diferentes e mostrou que o novo coeficiente construído com base na formulação de Mingoti e Glória teve um desempenho melhor que o fundamentado na formulação de Niverthi e Dey, embora ambos tenham se mostrado adequados para avaliar a capacidade de processos multivariados não centrados. Para construção de intervalos de confiança para o índice de capacidade real do processo foi empregada a metodologia Bootstrap. A qualidade dos estimadores dos coeficientes de capacidade foi avaliada por simulação de Monte Carlo.
Propriedades absorventes dos produtos da carbóxi-metilação de polpa etanol/água de medula de bagaço de cana-de-açucar
Authors: Martinez Cibele M. F. , Frollini Elisabete , Campana Filho Sérgio P.
Published: November 2010

RESUMO: Polpas etanol/água de medula de bagaço de cana de açúcar foram empregadas para a obtenção de carbóxi-metil-celulose insolúvel, aplicável como material absorvente. Tipicamente, a reação de carbóxi-metilação da polpa branqueada foi realizada em suspensão de isopropanol/água (1:8 / m:m) a 80 ºC por 4 horas, empregando-se relação molar 1 / 5,4 / 8,8 de celulose / NaOH / ClAcOH. O material com melhores características corresponde a um produto muito pouco solúvel (S W < 2%), com propriedades absorventes superiores às da polpa de partida.
Avaliação do comportamento térmico por DSC na região da pele e do núcleo de amostras injetadas de nanocompósitos de poliamida 6/argila organofílica
Authors: Paz Renê A. da , Leite Amanda M. D. , Araújo Edcleide M. , Melo Tomas J. A. , Pessan Luiz A.
Published: November 2010

Nanocompósitos de poliamida 6/argila organofílica foram preparados pelo método de intercalação por fusão. A argila foi tratada com o sal quaternário de amônio (Cetremide) visando-se à obtenção da argila organofílica (OMMT). Esta foi caracterizada por fluorescência de raio X (FRX), Espectroscopia no Infravermelho (FTIR) e Difração de Raio X (DRX). Os resultados dessas análises evidenciaram incorporação do sal entre as camadas da argila, tornando-a organofílica. Os nanocompósitos foram obtidos em extrusora de rosca dupla corrotacional, com 3% em peso de argila, e estes foram posteriormente injetados. A caracterização dos nanocompósitos por DRX mostrou uma estrutura esfoliada e/ou parcialmente esfoliada. As análises por Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC) foram realizadas nas regiões da pele (superfície) e do núcleo (centro) dos corpos de prova e, mostraram as fases cristalinas α e γ na pele e apenas a fase α no núcleo e que o grau de cristalinidade na pele foi menor do que no núcleo.
Cabo Verde e a importação do ideologema brasileiro da mestiçagem
Authors: Anjos José Carlos dos
Published: November 2010

Este artigo busca desvelar as relações entre a formação de intelectuais e as lutas em torno da definição da identidade nacional em Cabo Verde. Até as duas primeiras décadas do século XX a África aparecia para os intelectuais cabo-verdianos como potência adormecida, a colonização portuguesa era parcialmente contestada e uma identidade atlântica emergia concorrente à identidade lusitana. A racialização dessa identidade atlântica sob os pressupostos "brasileiros" da mestiçagem e a hegemonia dessa afirmação de identidade no arquipélago se dá na década de trinta sob o silêncio político imposto pelo regime de Salazar. Após a discussão sobre os efeitos dessa censura política para a autonomia da literatura cabo-verdiana o artigo conclui sugerindo que identidades (africanas, mestiças, crioulas, européias) disputadas em nível transcontinental e estratégias geopolíticas transatlânticas adquiriram sentidos inesperados nesse contexto e conjuntura determinada.
In vitro induction of callus from cotyledon and hypocotyl explants of Glycine wightii (Wight & Arn.) Verdc.
Authors: Silva André Luis Coelho da , Caruso Cecília Sulzbacher , Moreira Renato de Azevedo , Horta Ana Cecília Góes
Published: November 2010

With the objective to promote in vitro callus induction, cotyledon and hypocotyl segments of "perennial soybean" (Glycine wightii (Wight & Arn.) Verdc.) were inoculated in basal medium MS supplemented with sucrose (1.5 e 3%) and 0.8% agar and different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin). The explants were maintained in a dark growth room at 28ºC. The best callus induction was observed in explants (cotyledon and hypocotyl) maintained in medium containing the combination of 2,4-D (1 mg.L-1), kinetin (0.1 mg.L-1) and 3% sucrose. To promote callus subculture, the MS medium was supplemented with different combinations of 2,4-D (0.5 to 4.0 mg.L-1), with or without kinetin (0.1 mg.L-1) and sucrose (1.5 e 3%). The calli were maintained 35 days in a dark growth room at 28ºC. The results indicated that the use of 2,4-D 1.0 mg.L-1 + kinetin 0.1 mg.L-1 + sucrose 3% provided the highest average weight of cotyledons calli fresh matter, whereas the use of 2,4-D 2.0 mg.L-1 + kinetin 0.1 mg.L-1 + sucrose 3% provided the highest average weight of hypocotyl calli fresh matter. High concentrations of 2,4-D, independent of kinetin and sucrose concentrations, promoted oxidation and reduction in fresh weight from calli of cotyledon and hypocotyls.
Crescimento e anatomia foliar de plantas jovens de Mikania glomerata Sprengel (guaco) submetidas a diferentes fotoperíodos
Authors: Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Pinto José Eduardo Brasil Pereira , Alvarenga Amaury Alves , Lima Júnior Érico de Castro , Bertolucci Suzan Kelly Vilela , Silva Filho João Luis da , Vieira Carlos Vinicio
Published: November 2010

Mikania glomerata Sprengel é uma importante espécie medicinal popularmente conhecida como guaco, coração-de-jesus, guaco-liso, guaco-cheiroso, cipó-caatinga e erva-de-cobra. Foram estudados os fotoperíodos de 8, 12, 16 e 20 horas. Após 90 dias de tratamento, determinaram-se o peso de matéria seca total, particionada (entre folhas, ramos e raízes), área foliar, razão de área foliar, razão de peso foliar e área foliar específica. O crescimento das plantas variou em função do fotoperíodo, havendo um acréscimo na matéria seca total e particionada até 16 horas de fotoperíodo, seguido de uma queda, quando o fotoperíodo foi aumentado de 16 para 20 horas. A área foliar e o número de folhas foram crescendo até o fotoperíodo de 20 horas. Houve redução da área foliar específica e na razão de área foliar com o aumento do fotoperíodo. Quanto à razão de peso foliar, houve também um decréscimo nesse caráter quando o fotoperíodo aumentou de 8 para 16 horas; em contrapartida, quando o fotoperíodo aumentou de 16 para 20 horas, houve uma tendência de aumento. Foi verificado efeito dos tratamentos no espessamento dos tecidos foliares. O fotoperíodo influenciou positivamente as características associadas ao crescimento, anatomia foliar e fotossintética, como produção de biomassa total, área foliar, número de folhas, particionamento de biomassa para os diversos órgãos da planta.
Envolvimento materno e desempenho acadêmico: comparando crianças residindo com a mãe e com ambos os pais
Authors: Costa Carolina Severino Lopes da , Cia Fabiana , Barham Elizabeth Joan
Published: November 2010

Este estudo objetivou comparar o envolvimento materno de crianças que vivem com a mãe e com ambos os pais e o desempenho acadêmico de crianças que vivem nesses dois contextos e relacionar a freqüência de envolvimento materno com o desempenho acadêmico das crianças. Participaram 30 crianças com idades entre 9 e 11 anos, alunos de 3a e 4a séries, metade vivendo em famílias monoparentais e metade com ambos os pais. Para avaliar o desempenho escolar das crianças, utilizou-se o Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE). Para caracterizar o envolvimento materno, usou-se o Questionário da Qualidade da Interação Familiar na Visão dos Filhos. Os resultados mostraram que houve algumas diferenças significativas no envolvimento materno nos dois grupos. Além disso, o envolvimento materno no grupo monoparental apresentou uma relação muito maior com o desempenho escolar de seus filhos do que no grupo biparental.
Queixas auditivas de disc jockeys da cidade de Recife
Authors: Macedo Eliza Maia de Britto , Andrade Wagner Teobaldo Lopes de
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: investigar a ocorrência de queixas auditivas em disc jockeys da cidade de Recife/PE. MÉTODOS: foi realizada uma entrevista com 30 disc jockeys, com idade entre 19 e 28 anos, abordando informações ocupacionais, conhecimentos gerais sobre o ruído e queixas auditivas (diminuição da acuidade auditiva, desconforto a sons intensos, zumbido, sensação de ouvido abafado e otalgia). A análise foi realizada por meio de abordagem quantitativa, utilizando o teste estatístico t-student. RESULTADOS: dentre os dados mais relevantes, destacam-se: 46,7% dos disc jockeys apresentaram, espontaneamente, queixas auditivas, em especial, a diminuição da acuidade auditiva (relatada por todos os sujeitos); 14 disc jockeys (46,67%) referiram desconforto a sons intensos e 13 (43,33%) mencionaram zumbido. Todos afirmaram ter conhecimento sobre os riscos do ruído para a saúde auditiva, mas 76,7% não realizam qualquer medida preventiva de suas consequências. A perda auditiva foi referida pelos sujeitos como o principal risco da exposição a níveis intensos de pressão sonora. CONCLUSÃO: todos os disc jockeys apresentaram queixa de perda auditiva e, entre as demais queixas auditivas, destacaram-se o desconforto a sons intensos e o zumbido. Tendo em vista a irreversibilidade da perda auditiva induzida por elevados níveis de pressão sonora, os disc jockeys devem ser periodicamente avaliados a fim de que se confirme ou não a perda auditiva de que se queixaram e, caso ela exista, deve ser monitorada para que seja passível de intervenção pelo fonoaudiólogo. Desta forma, percebe-se a necessidade de atuação da Fonoaudiologia junto aos disc jockeys, uma vez que poder-se-á propiciar a otimização do exercício profissional com o mínimo de risco possível.
Fatores favoráveis à recuperação do quadro clínico de crianças anêmicas: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Santos Juliana Nunes , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar , Vieira Therezinha , Lamounier Joel Alves
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: investigar a existência de aspectos do ambiente familiar de crianças anêmicas que possam ser considerados favoráveis à recuperação do quadro de anemia e ao desenvolvimento da linguagem. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo de caso de crianças com anemia. As crianças (n = 11) foram submetidas anteriormente ao tratamento clínico e avaliação da linguagem. Após 12 meses, foram reavaliadas nos aspectos clínicos e da linguagem, acrescentando-se a investigação dos recursos do ambiente familiar. Deste grupo, foram selecionados três casos que refletem diferentes evoluções do quadro clínico da anemia e do desenvolvimento da linguagem, a fim de explorar as contribuições do ambiente familiar na melhora desses aspectos. RESULTADOS: a comparação das variáveis entre as crianças que obtiveram melhora ou não no tratamento medicamentoso mostra diferença estatisticamente nos valores de hemoglobina e tempo de aleitamento materno (p<0,05). A análise dos três casos revela que a situação ambiental pode ser agravante do quadro clínico da criança. CONCLUSÕES: a qualidade dos recursos domiciliares, o tempo de aleitamento materno e as práticas parentais em relação à criança podem ter contribuído para a adequada recuperação da criança nos aspectos focalizados.
Phenology of Lymantria monacha (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Laboratory Reared on Spruce Foliage or a Newly Developed Artificial Diet
Authors: Keena Melody A , Vandel Alice , Pultar Oldřich
Published: November 2010

Lymantria monacha (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is a Eurasian pest of conifers that has potential for accidental introduction into North America. The phenology over the entire life cycle for L. monacha individuals from the Czech Republic was compared on Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce) and a newly developed artificial diet. Individuals reared on the artificial diet had lower larval mortality, slightly higher pupal mortality, developed faster, the majority of females went through one less instar, and adults weighed slightly more than those reared on the spruce foliage. Individuals reared on the spruce foliage survived and developed at rates similar to those documented in previous studies on preferred hosts. The host-free rearing methods and artificial diet presented here will allow L. monacha to be mass reared year round to aid in the advance of bioassay-based research aimed at preventing introductions and eradicating this pest if it should become established in parts of the world outside its native range. The phenology documented here suggests that managers can expect the timing of peak second instars for L. monacha to occur later than that for gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar (L.), and the timing of male flight to occur earlier than that of gypsy moth, if both species hatch at the same time and develop under the same environmental conditions.
Traditional and operational modal testing of masonry vaults
Authors: Atamturktur S. , Fanning P. , Boothby T. E.
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses the practical and technical differences between the usual form of experimental modal analysis (EMA) and operational modal analysis (OMA), as applied to Gothic-style masonry vaulted structures. In situ vibration measurements were collected from the masonry fan vaults of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, USA. Instrumented impact hammer excitation was used during the experimental traditional modal analysis (TMA) tests, while excitation by peal bells, carillon bells, organ, an orchestra and chorus, and ambient noise were exploited for OMA. The acoustic inputs of the first four excitation types were measured using a microphone and were found to approximate a uniform acoustic excitation across the frequency bandwidth of interest during the carillon and the orchestra and chorus excitations. For both TMA and OMA, system identification was completed by the least-squares complex exponential method. The natural frequencies were found to be consistent for all excitation sources and modal test techniques. Certain natural frequencies found by TMA, however, were omitted from the sequence of frequencies as determined in the OMA. This paper illustrates that OMA is a suitable alternative to global vibration analysis of a masonry building, especially when there are concerns about the use of a hammer or shaker for this purpose.
The Use of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale to Assist in the Case Management of Patients Living With HIV/AIDS
Authors: Lombardi Deborah , Mizuno Lori T. , Thornberry Anya
Published: November 2010

Depression is a common comorbidity in people with HIV/AIDS, frequently impacting disease status by direct effects on immune function and adherence to antiretroviral treatment. For case managers, who are often the main contacts for patients, quick and simple identification of patients at high risk for depression can be both a challenge and a priority. These patients should be screened at the primary point of care and then referred to mental health providers for further evaluation or diagnosis. Here we report the experiences in three diverse case management settings using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale for patient self-reporting of depression symptoms. The three clinics—Broward House in Wilton Manors, Florida; BIENESTAR Human Services in Los Angeles, California; and the West Midtown Medical Group in New York City—serve diverse racial and ethnic populations with substantial HIV infection rates in urban and rural communities. Benefits of using this validated tool include increased patient self-awareness and acceptance by mental health providers, thereby facilitating a final diagnosis that leads to improved implementation of treatment for depression. Case management settings provide a unique point of contact to unite clients with mental health care, especially in disease settings where depression or other mental health conditions are prevalent.
Antidepressants and Alternative Approaches to Helping Children and Adolescents Struggling With Depression
Authors: Johnson Thomas B.
Published: November 2010

This article develops the thesis that feelings of unhappiness and depression are an inherent and unavoidable part of being alive. Depression should not necessarily be seen as a medical illness or as a type of mental illness. Of course, frequently occurring feelings of depression that create distress and dysfunction should be properly evaluated before developing potentially effective interventions. Mainstream perspectives offered by the National Institute of Mental Health and alternative perspectives on both the nature of depression and ways of supporting individuals struggling with depression are offered in this article. Antidepressants are now the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. Critical reviews of the value of antidepressants have found them lacking both in terms of efficacy and safety. Effective and safe interventions should be based on accurate assessments of what is contributing to disabling and recurrent feelings of depression. Appropriate evaluation of sleep patterns, exercise, nutrition, stress factors, cognitive factors, medical illnesses, and so on, need to be conducted as a foundation for developing appropriate interventions. Any effective intervention needs to be based on the well-established medical dictum, “first, do no harm.”
Influence of Antiplatelet Drugs in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Periodontitis and Periodontal Repair in Rats
Authors: Coimbra Leila S. , Rossa Carlos , Guimarães Morgana R. , Gerlach Raquel F. , Muscará Marcelo N. , Spolidorio Denise M.P. , Herrera Bruno S. , Spolidorio Luis C.
Published: November 2010

Background: Platelets contain an array of biologic mediators that can modulate inflammation and repair processes including proinflammatory mediators and growth factors. Previous studies have shown that periodontitis and periodontal repair are associated with platelet activation. We hypothesized that drug‐induced platelet inactivation may interfere in the processes of inflammation and repair in experimental periodontitis in rats by suppressing the release of biologic mediators from platelets to the site of injury.

Methods: To measure the effects on periodontitis, ligatures were placed around first molars, and aspirin (Asp, 30 mg/kg) or clopidogrel (Clo, 75 mg/kg) was given intragastrically once daily for 15 days. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and thromboxane A2 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate the effects of antiplatelet drugs on periodontal repair, ligatures were removed after 15 days of periodontitis induction, and Asp or Clo were administered beginning the following day for 15 days. Periodontal repair was assessed by microcomputed tomography.

Results: On periodontitis phase, Asp and Clo significantly reduced levels of TNF‐α and Il‐6 (P <0.05), but only Asp decreased thromboxane A2 (P <0.05). Asp and Clo decreased inflammatory infiltration; however, this reduction was more pronounced with Clo treatment (P <0.05). Histometric analysis showed that Asp and Clo impaired alveolar bone resorption. During the repair phase and after removal of the ligatures, microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated that treatment with Asp and Clo did not impair alveolar bone repair.

Conclusion: Systemic administration of Asp and Clo attenuates the inflammation associated with periodontitis without affecting the repair process when stimulus is removed.
Binding of Semenogelin I to Intact Human Spermatozoa Studied by Flow Cytometry and Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Jonsson Magnus , Frohm Birgitta , Malm Johan
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Approximately 1 in 10 couples is infertile. No definite cause can be found in about 25% of those cases. Studies have indicated that seminal vesicle secretion functions as an optimizer of fertilization. The Zn2+ binding protein semenogelin I (SgI) represents a major fraction of the proteins present in seminal vesicle fluid, and it serves as a structural component of the coagulum that is formed after ejaculation. Cleavage of SgI by prostate‐specific antigen results in liquefaction of the coagulum. Fragmented SgI has antibacterial effects and inhibits spermatozoa mobility. SgI has also been found complexed to eppin on spermatozoa, and this complex has been suggested to be of importance for fertility. Here, we used flow cytometry and surface plasmon resonance to study SgI regarding its association with spermatozoa and the interaction dependency on Zn2+. The concentration of Zn2+ in seminal plasma is approximately 100 times higher than in blood plasma, and the metal ion is known to change the structure of SgI. We found that SgI binds to spermatozoa in a concentration‐dependent and saturable manner. In solution, SgI bound to spermatozoa in a non‐Zn2+–dependent way, whereas immobilized SgI interacts with spermatozoa only in the presence of Zn2+. It indicates that SgI must exhibit a specific structure or free flexibility to be able to interact with that ligand. Our results indicate that the association of SgI to spermatozoa is conformation dependent and specific. These findings could constitute a basis for the development of a male contraceptive.
Androgen Receptor Gene CAG and GGN Repeat Polymorphisms in Chilean Men With Primary Severe Spermatogenic Failure
Authors: Castro‐Nallar Eduardo , Bacallao Ketty , Parada‐Bustamante Alexis , Lardone María C. , López Patricia V. , Madariaga Marcia , Valdevenito Raúl , Piottante Antonio , Ebensperger Mauricio , Castro Andrea
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: There is ample documentation supporting the fact that androgens are required for normal spermatogenesis. A minority of infertile men have abnormal testosterone blood levels or mild androgen receptor mutations. We investigated the androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat lengths in Chilean men with spermatogenic impairment. We studied 117 secretory azoospermic/oligozoospermic men (93 idiopathic and 24 excryptorchidic), without Y‐chromosome microdeletions, and 121 controls with normal spermatogenesis (42 obstructive and 79 normozoospermic men). Peripheral blood was drawn to obtain genomic DNA for polymerase chain reaction and automated sequencing of CAG and GGN repeats. Testicular characterization included hormonal studies, physical evaluation, and seminal and biopsy analysis. The CAG and GGN polymorphism distributions were similar among idiopathic men, excryptorchidic men, and controls and among the different types of spermatogenic impairment. However, the proportion of the CAG 21 allele was significantly increased in idiopathic cases compared to controls (P = .012 by Bonferroni test, odds ratio = 2.99, 95% confidence interval, 1.27–7.0) and the CAG 32 allele only was observed in excryptorchidic patients (P < .0002, Bonferroni test). Idiopathic cases with Sertoli cell–only syndrome showed the highest proportion of the CAG 21 allele (P = .024, χ2 test). On the other hand, in idiopathic cases and controls the most common GGN allele was 23, followed by 24, but an inverse relation was found among excryptorchidic cases. The joint distribution of CAG and GGN in control, idiopathic, and excryptorchidic groups did not show an association between the 2 allele repeat polymorphisms (P > 0.05, χ2 test). Our results suggest that the CAG 21 allele seems to increase the risk of idiopathic Sertoli cell–only syndrome. Moreover, the GGN 24 allele could be contributing to deranged androgen receptor function, associated with cryptorchidism and spermatogenic failure.
Spermatozoa Bound to Solid State Hyaluronic Acid Show Chromatin Structure With High DNA Chain Integrity: An Acridine Orange Fluorescence Study
Authors: Yagci Artay , Murk William , Stronk Jill , Huszar Gabor
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: During human spermiogenesis, the elongated spermatids undergo a plasma membrane remodeling step that facilitates formation of the zona pellucida and hyaluronic acid (HA) binding sites. Various biochemical sperm markers indicated that human sperm bound to HA exhibit attributes similar to that of zona pellucida–bound sperm, including minimal DNA fragmentation, normal shape, and low frequency of chromosomal aneuploidies. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that HA‐bound sperm would be enhanced in sperm of high DNA chain integrity and green acridine orange fluorescence (AOF) compared with the original sperm in semen. Sperm DNA integrity in semen and in their respective HA‐bound sperm fractions was studied in 50 men tested for fertility. In the semen samples, the proportions of sperm with green AOF (high DNA integrity) and red AOF (DNA breaks) were 54.9% ± 2.0% and 45.0% ± 1.9%, whereas in the HA‐bound sperm fraction, the respective proportions were 99% and 1.0%, respectively. The data indeed demonstrated that HA shows a high degree of selectivity for sperm with high DNA integrity. These findings are important from the points of view of human sperm DNA integrity, sperm function, and the potential efficacy of HA‐mediated sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Pharmacokinetics of 2 Novel Formulations of Modified‐Release Oral Testosterone Alone and With Finasteride in Normal Men With Experimental Hypogonadism
Authors: Snyder Christin N. , Clark Richard V. , Caricofe Ralph B. , Bush Mark A. , Roth Mara Y. , Page Stephanie T. , Bremner William J. , Amory John K.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Oral administration of testosterone might be useful for the treatment of testosterone deficiency. However, current “immediate‐release” formulations of oral testosterone exhibit suboptimal pharmacokinetics, with supraphysiologic peaks of testosterone and its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), immediately after dosing. To dampen these peaks, we have developed 2 novel modified‐release formulations of oral testosterone designed to slow absorption from the gut and improve hormone delivery. We studied these testosterone formulations in 16 normal young men enrolled in a 2‐arm, open‐label clinical trial. Three hundred‐mg and 600‐mg doses of immediate‐release and modified fast‐release or slow‐release formulations were administered sequentially to 8 normal men rendered hypogonadal by the administration of the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist acyline. Blood for measurement of serum testosterone, DHT, and estradiol was obtained before and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after each dose. A second group of 8 men was studied with the coadministration of 1 mg of the 5α‐reductase inhibitor finasteride daily throughout the treatment period. Serum testosterone was increased with all formulations of oral testosterone. The modified slow‐release formulation significantly delayed the postdose peaks of serum testosterone and reduced peak concentrations of serum DHT compared with the immediate‐release formulation. The addition of finasteride further increased serum testosterone and decreased serum DHT. We conclude that the oral modified slow‐release testosterone formulation exhibits superior pharmacokinetics compared with immediate‐release oral testosterone both alone and in combination with finasteride. This formulation might have efficacy for the treatment of testosterone deficiency.
A Scoping Review of the Use of Theory in Studies of Knowledge Translation
Authors: Colquhoun Heather L. , Letts Lori J. , Law Mary C. , MacDermid Joy C. , Missiuna Cheryl A.
Published: November 2010

Background. Advancing the science of knowledge translation (KT) in occupational therapy is critical. Explicit application of theory can advance this science; yet, how theory is applied and the degree to which it can guide research remain poorly defined.Purpose. To understand how theory is applied within KT research.Methods. A scoping review was conducted to examine and summarize the extent, range, and nature of the application of three specific KT theories: Diffusion of Innovations, Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, and Theory of Planned Behaviour.Findings. Theory use was seen most frequently in medicine and nursing. Only 3 of 90 articles were in rehabilitation. Five approaches to theory application were found, the most common being the use of to predict success of KT (57/90).Implications. In-depth study of the importance and methods of theory application in KT research is needed, in particular in occupational therapy.
Advice by an Informed Intermediary: Can You Trust Your Broker?
Authors: Suvorov Anton , Tsybuleva Natalia
Published: November 2010

The paper investigates the credibility of an intermediary's advice in a bilateral trade model. A seller and a buyer with private and independent valuations exchange a unit of good. Trade is mediated by an intermediary, who observes a coarse signal about the buyer's valuation and may reveal it to the seller before bargaining. We show that if the broker gets a fixed per-transaction fee, he can fully transmit information via cheap talk. This information transmission increases ex ante welfare of the seller and the broker but has an ambiguous impact on the buyer. We show that limits to informative communication may arise if the intermediary observes signals about valuations of both participants or because of competition between intermediaries. Finally, using mechanism design approach, we show that choosing an appropriate system of two-part tariffs allows the intermediary to secure the same expected profit as in the optimal direct mechanism.
Effect of Drugs on Renal Development
Authors: Schreuder Michiel F. , Bueters Ruud R. , Huigen Marleen C. , Russel Frans G.M. , Masereeuw Rosalinde , van den Heuvel Lambertus P.
Published: November 2010

Many nephrotoxic effects of drugs have been described, whereas the effect on renal development has received less attention. Nephrogenesis ceases at approximately 36 weeks of gestation, indicating that drugs administered to pregnant women and to preterm-born neonates may influence kidney development. Such an effect on renal development may lead to a wide spectrum of renal malformations (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract [CAKUT]), ranging from renal agenesis to a reduced nephron number. Any of these anomalies may have long-term sequelae, and CAKUT is the primary cause for renal replacement therapy in childhood. This review focuses on research into the effect of drug treatment during active nephrogenesis during pregnancy and in preterm-born infants. Because the effects of many widely used drugs have not been unraveled thus far, more research is needed to study the effect on renal development and long-term renal sequelae after drug treatment during nephrogenesis.
An approach to project planning employing software and systems engineering meta-model represented by an ontology
Authors: Líska Miroslav , Návrat Pavol
Published: November 2010

Currently, one can witness a growing mutual influence between the Model
Driven Architecture (MDA) and the Semantic Web. MDA is an approach that uses
models for system development, but its architecture limits usability of
these models for knowledge empowered solutions. A lot of research tackles
applicability of MDA standards in the technical space of the Semantic Web.
In this paper, we present an approach aimed at facilitating the use of
Software and Systems Engineering Meta-Model (SPEM) for improvements that are
rooted in knowledge engineering approaches. We show how SPEM can be used in
the Semantic Web technical space. We describe how following our approach a
project plan can be generated and verified. Finally, we present an example
of project planning that uses ontology of a software requirements activity.
Preliminary analysis of fatty acid chemistry of Kindbergia praelonga and Kindbergia stokesii (Brachytheciaceae)
Authors: Pejin Boris , Vujisic Ljubodrag , Sabovljevic Marko , Sabovljevic Aneta , Tesevic Vele , Vajs Vlatka
Published: November 2010

Moss species of the family Brachytheciaceae, Kindbergia praelonga (Hedw.)
Ochyra and Kindbergia stokesii (Turn.) Ochyra, were preliminary analysed for
their fatty acid composition with the aim of studying the chemical
relationship of these two entities. Fatty acid methyl esters were examined by
GC and GC-MS in their methanol extracts. Thirteen fatty acids were
identified. It is likely that the mosses are chemically distinguishable and
should be treated as separate entities. However, additional chemical
constituents of various moss samples, such as phenolic acids, their
derivatives and flavonoids, must be also analyzed in order to support the
re-examination of the relationship between these two species.
Polyphenolic compounds in seeds from some grape cultivars grown in Serbia
Authors: Godjevac Dejan , Tesevic Vele , Velickovic Milovan , Vujisic Ljubodrag , Vajs Vlatka , Milosavljevic Slobodan
Published: November 2010

Seed extracts from eight grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera) growing in Serbia
were screened for their polyphenolic composition by means of HPLC/PDA/ESI/MS
analysis. The study revealed 34 phenolic compounds belonging to the following
groups: flavan-3-ol monomers, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic
acids and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. The quantities of the main
constituents were determined using PDA/HPLC. Qualitative and quantitative
differences among the cultivars were observed.
The comparison of cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs doxorubicin and ellipticine to human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Poljaková Jitka , Eckschlager Tomáš , Hřebačková Jana , Hraběta Jan , Stiborová Marie
Published: November 2010

The comparison of cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs doxorubicin and ellipticine to human neuroblastoma cells

Ellipticine is an antineoplastic agent, whose mode of action is based mainly on DNA intercalation, inhibition of topoisomerase II and formation of covalent DNA adducts mediated by cytochromes P450 and peroxidases. Here, the cytotoxicity of ellipticine to human neuroblastoma derived cell lines IMR-32 and UKF-NB-4 was investigated. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with ellipticine was compared with that of these cancer cells with doxorubicin. The toxicity of ellipticine was essentially the same as that of doxorubicin to UKF-NB-4 cells, but doxorubicin is much more effective to inhibit the growth of the IMR-32 cell line than ellipticine. Hypoxic conditions used for the cell cultivation resulted in a decrease in ellipticine and/or doxorubicin toxicity to IMR-32 and UKF-NB-4 neuroblastoma cells.
Pyrometric Method of Temperature Measurement with Compensation for Solar Radiation
Authors: Madura Henryk , Kastek Mariusz , Sosnowski Tomasz , Orżanowski Tomasz
Published: November 2010

Pyrometric Method of Temperature Measurement with Compensation for Solar Radiation

Outdoor remote temperature measurements in the infrared range can be very inaccurate because of the influence of solar radiation reflected from a measured object. In case of strong directional reflection towards a measuring device, the error rate can easily reach hundreds per cent as the reflected signal adds to the thermal emission of an object. As a result, the measured temperature is much higher than the real one. Error rate depends mainly on the emissivity of an object and intensity of solar radiation. The position of the measuring device with reference to an object and the Sun is also important. The method of compensation of such undesirable influence of solar radiation will be presented. It is based on simultaneous measurements in two different spectral bands, shor-twavelength and long-wavelength ones. The temperature of an object is derived from long-wavelength data only, whereas the short-wavelength band, the corrective one, is used to estimate the solar radiation level. Both bands were selected to achieve proportional changes of the output signal due to solar radiation. Knowing the relation between emissivity and solar radiation levels in both spectral bands, it is possible to reduce the measurement error several times.
A Reconstruction Method of Generalized Sampling Based on Generalized Inverse
Authors: Zhaoxuan Zhu , Houjun Wang , Zhigang Wang , Hao Zhang
Published: November 2010

A Reconstruction Method of Generalized Sampling Based on Generalized Inverse

This paper considers the problem of reconstructing a class of generalized sampled signals of which a special case occurs in,e.g., a generalized sampling system due to non-ideal analysis basis functions. To this end, we propose an improved reconstruction system and a reconstruction algorithm based on generalized inverse, which can be viewed as a reconstruction method that reduces reconstruction error as well. The key idea is to add an additional channel into a generalized sampling system and apply the generalized inverse theory to the reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the approach is applied, respectively, to an oscilloscope, which shows the proposed method yields better performance as compared to the existing technique.
Casting Pore Characterization by X-Ray Computed Tomography and Metallography
Authors: Fintová Stanislava , Anzelotti Giancarlo , Konečná Radomila , Nicoletto Gianni
Published: November 2010

Casting Pore Characterization by X-Ray Computed Tomography and Metallography

Casting porosity is the main factor influencing the fatigue properties of Al-Si alloys. Due to the increasing use of aluminum castings, porosity characterization is useful for estimating their fatigue strength. In principle, a combination of metallographic techniques and statistical pore analysis is a suitable approach for predicting the largest defect size that is critical for the casting. Here, the influence of modifiers and casting technology on the largest pore size population in AlSi7Mg alloy specimens is obtained and discussed adopting the Murakami's approach. However, porosity evaluation is a challenge in the case of microshrinkage pores, which are frequently found in industrial castings. Their complicated morphology prevents a reliable definition of an equivalent defect size based on metallographic techniques. This contribution reports the application of X-ray tomography to the 3D reconstruction of real pores in cast Al-Si alloys and provides insight into the complication of microshrinkage pore sizing by metallography.
Meteorological and biometeorological conditions in the Hornsund area (Spitsbergen) during the warm season
Authors: Araźny Andrzej , Migała Krzysztof , Sikora Sebastian , Budzik Tomasz
Published: November 2010

Meteorological and biometeorological conditions in the Hornsund area (Spitsbergen) during the warm season

Meteorological and biometeorological conditions during the warm seasons (June-September) of 1979-2008 are described for the Hornsund area, Spitsbergen. The measurements were taken at four sites: at Hornsund, at the Hans Glacier (at its equilibrium line and in the firn section) and at the summit of Fugleberget. The variation of meteorological and biometeorological conditions was analysed in relation to altitude, distance from the sea and the ground type. In warm seasons, the air temperature at Hornsund was 2.2 °C higher on average than at the Hans Glacier (central section) and by 2.8 °C than at the Hans Glacier (firn section) and at Fugleberget. The average wind speed recorded at Hornsund was higher (0.6 m s-1) than at the Hans Glacier and lower (0.9 m s-1) than at Fugleberget. Four biometeorological indices were used: wind chill index (WCI), predicted insulation of clothing (Iclp), cooling power (H) and subjective temperature index (STI). The strongest thermal stimuli were observed on the Hans Glacier and in the upper mountain areas. The study has found a considerable degree of spatial variation between the meteorological elements investigated and the biometeorological indices in the Hornsund area. The impact of atmospheric circulation on meteorological elements and biometeorological indices is also presented. The mildest biometeorological conditions of the warm season found at Hornsund were associated with air masses arriving from the southwest and west.
Relationships between development of organic-rich shallow shelf facies and variation in isotopic composition of pyrite (Middle Triassic, Spitsbergen)
Authors: Karcz Przemysław
Published: November 2010

Relationships between development of organic-rich shallow shelf facies and variation in isotopic composition of pyrite (Middle Triassic, Spitsbergen)

51 samples from the Middle Triassic black shales (organic carbon-rich silt-stones; up to 4.9% TOC - Total Organic Carbon) from the stratotype section of the Bravaisberget Formation (western Spitsbergen) were analyzed with respect to isotopic composition of pyritic sulphur (Δ34S) and TOC. Isotopic composition of syngenetic pyrite-bound sulphur shows wide (Δ34S from -26‰ to +8‰ VCDT) and narrow (Δ34S from -4‰ to +17‰ VCDT) variation of the Δ34S in upper and lower part of the section, respectively. Range of the variation is associated with abrupt changes in dominant lithology. Wide Δ34S variation is found in lithological intervals characterized by alternation of black shales and phosphorite-bearing sandstones. The narrow Δ34S variation is associated with the lithological interval dominated by black shales only. Wide and narrow variation of the Δ34S values suggests interplay of various factors in sedimentary environment. These factors include oxygen concentration, clastic sedimentation rate, bottom currents and burrowing activity. Biological productivity and rate of dissimilatory sulphate reduction had important impact on the Δ34S variation as well. Wide variation of the Δ34S values in the studied section resulted from high biological productivity and high rate of dissimilatory sulphate reduction. Variable degree of clastic sedimentation rate and burrowing activity as well as the activity of poorly oxygenated bottom currents could also cause a co-occurrence of isotopically light and heavy pyrite in differentiated diagenetic micro-environments. Occurrence of organic matter depleted in hydrogen could also result in a wide variation of the Δ34S values. Narrow variation of the Δ34S values was due to a decrease of biological productivity and low rate of dissimilatory sulphate reduction. Low organic matter supply, low oxygen concentration and bottom currents and burrowing activity were also responsible for narrow variation of the Δ34S. The narrow range of the Δ34S variation was also due to occurrence of hydrogen-rich organic matter. In the studied section the major change in range of the Δ34S variation from wide to narrow appears to be abrupt and clearly associated with change in lithology. The change of lithology and isotopic values may suggest evolution of the sedimentary environment from high- to low-energy and also facies succession from shallow to deeper shelf. The evolution should be linked with the Late Anisian regional transgressive pulse in the Boreal Ocean.
Simulation of Crack Propagation in Concrete Beams with Cohesive Elements in ABAQUS
Authors: Aure Temesgen W. , Ioannides Anastasios M.
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses the simulation of crack propagation in concrete beam specimens with a finite element package, ABAQUS, version 6.7-1. Special-purpose cohesive elements are used to model the fracture process by means of the fictitious crack model. Two- as well as three-dimensional finite element discretizations are carried out. Parameters influencing the responses, such as mesh fineness, cohesive zone width, type of softening curve, and analysis technique, are studied. The responses are then compared with previous experimental and numerical investigations conducted by various independent researchers, and it is shown that cohesive elements can be used in modeling crack propagation as required in pavement engineering.
Microstructural and Mineralogical Characterization of Cement Kiln Dust–Activated Fly Ash Binder
Authors: Chaunsali Piyush , Peethamparan Sulapha
Published: November 2010

A clinker-free binder for making sustainable concrete was developed using cement kiln dust (CKD) and Class F fly ash. The CKD-activated fly ash binder developed a compressive strength of approximately 30 MPa after 48 h of elevated temperature curing. The mineralogical composition of the developed clinker-free binder was determined with the help of thermogravimetric and X-ray analysis. Microstructure of the hardened binder was examined to identify phases using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector. Various reaction products, such as calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H), ettringite (Aft), and calcium silicate hydrate, were identified in the hardened clinker-free binder. The major contribution to strength development is attributed to the C-A-S-H gel, which was found extensively as a ground mass in the hardened CKD-activated fly ash system.
Evaluation of Environmental Effectiveness of Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst Coating for Concrete Pavement
Authors: Dylla Heather , Hassan Marwa M. , Mohammad Louay N. , Rupnow Tyson , Wright Earle
Published: November 2010

Self-cleaning, air-purifying concrete pavement is a rapidly emerging technology that can be constructed with air-cleaning agents with a super-hydrophilic photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). Although this technology has the potential to support an environmentally friendly road infrastructure, several design and operational parameters may affect its effectiveness and need to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental and mix design parameters that may affect the effectiveness of the environmental performance of TiO2 coating. An experimental program was conducted: the effects of relative humidity level, flow rate of pollutants, and mix design parameters, including contents of TiO2 and aggregate sizes, were investigated. The environmental efficiency of the samples to remove nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere was measured by using a newly developed laboratory setup. Results of the experimental program showed that the mix designs without fines achieved the highest photodegradation rates. In addition, the increase from 3% to 5% TiO2 resulted in little improvement in the nitrogen oxide removal efficiency, which decreased with the increase in the humidity level and the pollutant flow rate.